PT.15

His Heart Beating in Mine

Entering Jackson Hamilton's office, Matt approached a young deputy. "Hello, I'd like to speak with Jackson Hamilton, please. I'm Matt Dillon."

The deputy stared at Matt, looked down at his desk, then said, "Marshal Matt Dillon?"

"Yes, Son. Marshal Matt Dillon."

"Oh, then you're not dead?"

Grinning, "No, son. I'm not."

"Matt. Good morning." Jackson said, greeting him as he came from the back office. "Come in. How about some hot coffee?"

"Sounds good."

"How's Miss Kitty and little Grace?"

"They're just fine, considering."

"Matt, I've got to say this was quite an ordeal and I'm happy to say this Bonner character is dead. Matt, what do you plan to do about Marcy Foster?"

"Jackson, she did help Bonner with his plan."

"Did you know her, Matt?"

"Well, I know who she is or was. When I arrested Virgil Bonner, Jude's younger brother, over a year ago in some seedy little saloon, she was with him. When I found her here, I didn't recognize her at first. But when we started talking it came to me. However, from talking to Tess and Kitty, what I gather, Tess found her in the streets and took her in. She gave her a place to live and a job, cleaned her up and so on. Why she got tangled up with Bonner again, I don't know."

"Well, Matt, as constable I can file charges of kidnapping. Then I'll need statement's from you and Miss Kitty."

Matt finished filing out all the paperwork. This was one time, woman or not, he wasn't letting this go. Marcy was willing to put his daughter in the hands of Jude Bonner.

When he returned, Kitty and Grace were up and dressed, waiting for his return. Kitty had fixed a light lunch. "Well now, Poppa. Get everything done?"

"Yes, Ma'am. Oh, Jackson's going to need you to give him your statement."

"Alright. I made lunch. Come on, sit. You said you wanted to talk. What's on your mind, Cowboy?"

Kit, I want us to go home."

"Home?" She repeated. "But, Matt…"

"Now, Kit, I know what you're gonna say. A lot has changed."

"Yes, Cowboy. A lot has changed. For instance, there are now three of us."

"Yeah, that's right. Marshal and Mrs. Dillon have a daughter."

Now gasping, "But, Cowboy, no one knows we're Marshal and Mrs. Dillon." Tilting her head at him and smiling.

"Well, Kitty, I guess it's high time they do."

"Cowboy, you sure about this?"

"Sure as I can be. Look, we'll put Gracie in the stroller and while you give Jackson your statement, I'll go send off a wire to Doc and Let him know we're coming home."

"But, Matt, my job, the house…"

"Quit! Sell it!"

"Oh, just like that, huh?"

"That's what you did every time you left me… I mean left Dodge."

"Oh really?" Now smirking at him.

"Come on, Kit. Let's go home?"

Inhaling, then shaking her head. "Ok, Cowboy, let's go home."

Over the next few days, Kitty arranged to sell her house and she talked to Tess about leaving, which it was no surprise to Tess. Matt had sent a wire off to Doc.

Doctor Galen Adams, Dodge City, Kansas

Found what I was looking for with a bonus. We'll be on the noon train, Friday.

K,M and G

As soon as the wire came through, Barney saw Doc headed for the Long Branch. "Doc! Doc!"

"What in thunder are you yelling about?"

"Its a wire for you, from New Orleans."

Alright, alright!" As Doc began to read, a smile from ear to ear appeared across his face. "By Golly! By golly!"

"Good news, is it, Doc?" Festus asked as he walked up behind him."

"Festus, its the best dang news I've heard in ages!"

Friday Noon

Rumors had been flying that there was something coming in on the train Friday, but no one was sure just what that was. And, of course, with Burke helping the rumor along, everyone heard it. So when the whistle blew, many people stood around just to see what it was.

Doc made sure he made his way down to greet his friends, but said nothing to anyone.

Little by little, passengers disembarked from the train. Then everyone stopped as a very large man filled the doorway. A lot of "ooohhh's and aaahhhh's."

Then a few people yelled out, "Marshal Dillon!"

Matt just smiled and tipped his hat. Then he turned to help Kitty as she stepped down. Again, all the surprised sounds. Maggie also came along. She agreed to stay on to work for Kitty to help with Grace. Maggie was holding Grace. Matt helped her down.

Doc quickly hugged Kitty as did Festus and Newly.

"Oh, boys, how I've missed you all."

"Miz Kitty, yer sure a plum purty sight."

"Thank you, Festus."

"Miss Kitty, it's good to have you back."

"It's good to be back, Newly."

Then while everyone was watching, Kitty turned and took Grace from Maggie. Eyes popped.

"Newly, can you and Festus take Maggie's things down to Ma Smalley's? Maggie, why don't you go and get settled in and we'll see you over at the Long Branch in a bit. Ok?"

Festus was watchin' and wonderin' why Kitty still had the baby.

Doc had brought up his buggy. "Here, Kitty."

"Oh, Doc. Thank you."

Kitty handed Grace to Matt while Doc helped her in then Matt handed her back. Miss Pry and some of the ol' biddies were standing, watching, whispering.

Kitty caught it out of the corner of her eye. "Matt, we'll meet you down at the Long Branch." Then, just so they could see, she took Grace's hand, waving it. "Bye bye, Poppa. Bye Bye." Then she looked back at them with a smirk.

Matt just rolled his eyes, knowing full well what she was doing.

TBC