3
The job demanded his time, in truth there was no such thing as a quiet day in Dodge — in the cold of winter, when snow and slosh slowed down the most hardened of criminals; the mundane aspects of keeping the law took over. She saw little of him the next couple days. She kept busy as well, overseeing some carpentry work at the saloon. She loved the clean smell of fresh lumber and the rhythmic beat of the workman's hammer as he replaced the banisters and railings going to the upper level. She had a few projects in mind for the handyman, in her suite of rooms as well. She wanted a real bathroom. She was dollars ahead this year and figured it would be a good investment as well as a deserved convenience. Times were changing, Kitty always the progressive, was ready to change with them.
XOXO
"Well, hello stranger." She said looking up from her end of the day bookwork, in the near empty saloon.
"I can't stay long. I've got Jim and Henry Taylor locked up." He unbuttoned his coat and removed his hat, setting it on the chair next to him.
"Oh? What kind of trouble they get into this time?"
"They were causing a ruckus at the Bull's Head. Festus is keeping an eye on them, but he has to get back to stable, Hank can't do much with that broken arm of his."
"Well, sit down and join me. Coffee is fresh, unless you want something a little stronger."
"Coffee is fine." She made a move to serve him, but he waved her off, doing it himself.
He took a sip of the steaming brew and they made small talk and then he asked, "How are the nightmares?"
She looked up, a lie on her lips, but his eyes demanded truth from her. She gave it without elaborating. "About the same." she admitted.
"Maybe Doc can give you something to help you sleep."
"He did … it only made them worse."
"I was thinking", he admitted.
Her eyes brightened, her lips twitched in humor — it was that teasing look he loved so much, "That can be dangerous." She cooed.
He smiled back, but his voice remained firm, "I'm serious here Kitty."
She put her coffee mug down and gave him her complete attention, "I'm listening Matt, what were you thinking about."
"…those times you left town. Did it help?"
She looked down, fingering the design of the blue willow pattern, thinking, remembering the motivation to leave and the overpowering need to return. "Those times — I was always so hurt when I left, angry … angry at you, at the damn badge … I hated Dodge, wasn't thrilled with Doc, Festus and Newly … even before that, Thad, Quint and Chester. I even hated God for decreeing that I should care for a man with a badge — a man who had no interest in a permanent relationship and could be taken from me in the beat of a heart. Getting away helped put things in perspective. It certainly didn't solve the problem, because here I am and there you are and the circumstances of our life remain the same."
He nodded. His expression poignantly sad, he reached out to touch her wrist, sliding his fingers down until their hands were joined. His thumb caressed her knuckles. There were no words to say, but the simple caress expressed the truth of his heart.
XOXO
The next day, he received a telegram from the Federal Marshal's Office ordering him to head to south-west Texas to help bring law to a border town conflict. He invited Kitty to lunch at Delmonico's to break the news. He waited until Frank had served their mutton stew.
Her fork stopped halfway to her mouth, "I should have known this winter lull was too good to be true. When do you leave?" she lowered the eating utensil back to the plate. Her appetite gone.
"First thing tomorrow."
She shook her head, "Why you Matt? Surely they have lawmen closer to the trouble."
"I have border town experience. Beside's that, it's my job."
"Is that a fact?" She was upset. She tried not to show it but the softness had left her and she was all ice and nails, a striking counter balance to the burning fear in the pit of her belly that was forcing a savage cadence to beat in her heart.
She saw him off the next day, watching as he loaded the buckskin and a pack horse down with saddle bags and rifles. It was typical January weather, with north winds blasting arctic cold and ominous skies threatening snow.
Standing together in the street, she adjusted the wool scarf tighter around his neck making sure at least that area was warm and protected from the elements.
He had a rule about public displays of affection and only on rare occasions did they share anything more than a look where others, not in their family of friends could witness. This day was different, he pulled her into his arms, each buffered from the warmth of the other by heavy coats, He bent his head down and she raised hers up until their lips met. They kissed as if to seal a covenant. I will return and I will be waiting … truth of the deal was neither could promise they would hold up their end of the bargain.
He pulled away and swung into the saddle. "Try not to worry. I'll let you know where I am."
Despite the chill she stood in front of the jailhouse watching as he rode away and even after she could no longer see him, still she stood. It wasn't until Doc Adams came and took her by the arm that she left the spot. "Let's go down to Delmonico's and have coffee and pie." He urged, pulling her along. "My sweet tooth is acting up."