Kitty

Still feeling hung over, Kitty scrubbed her face and body, and put on a crisp white blouse and simple blue skirt. Her head still ached, but drinking lots of water and pulling herself together had worked wonders. She was ready to visit David in the Dodge House. He'd had the sense not to come by early to take her to breakfast, so she'd take him to lunch. She looked in the mirror and decided a little rouge and lipstick were in order. Matt enjoyed seeing her without make up, but she doubted David felt the same way. As she added color to her cheeks, she thought about David's sudden appearance in her life.

Less than 2 weeks before, he'd burst into the Long Branch brimming with energy and good cheer. Surprisingly his British accent and stylish clothes didn't put the locals off. Everyone loved his funny stories, and his laughter was contagious. The first time they had drinks together she'd laughed harder than she had in years. When he invited her to dinner, she thought, why not, and before long he was bringing her flowers and openly courting her. Things evolved, and when he proposed she knew the only possible answer was yes.

She took a final look in the mirror and went downstairs. Sam looked up as she descended, and she decided to directly address what had happened last night, "Good morning Sam, or rather good afternoon. Sam, I was in bad shape last night. To be blunt, I was drunk. That hasn't happened in many years and it won't happen again. I'm sorry. I put you in an awkward position."

A smile crossed Sam's craggy face, "Miss Kitty, I was only concerned for you, and I'm glad to see you're fine this morning. I also have good news. The marshal is doing much better. Doc says baring infections or set-backs he'll recover."

Relief washed over Kitty, "That's wonderful Sam. When you visit Matt, would you tell him that I - please tell him that I'm glad he's better."

Before Sam could answer, she pushed through the bat wing doors and stood blinking against the mid-day sun.

"Good afternoon Miss Russell."

She turned towards the voice and met the eyes of a muscular, dark haired man. He was one of the two strange men who'd been watching her. He kept his eyes on her as he pulled a match from his pocket and struck it against the side of the Long Branch to light it. He held the flaming match in the air as if deciding what to do with it, then lit his pipe.

Kitty nodded and continued walking. She could feel his eyes following. When she reached the hotel she went directly to David's room and knocked. David opened the door, one eyebrow cocked in amusement. "Well darling, you look beautiful as always, but how's your head?"

She blushed, "David, I don't know what to say. My behavior last night was inexcusable."

David laughed and pulled her into the room, "My love, I understand. This is a time of tremendous change for you. Your emotions just got a bit out of control. He kissed her gently, "Please, let's not speak of it. Come, I have a surprise."

He led her to an armchair. She sat and looked at him expectantly. With a dramatic gesture, he pulled a ring box from his pocket, "Your engagement ring has arrived." He held it up to the light so they could admire the beautiful diamond, and slipped it on her finger, "Ah, it fits perfectly."

His childlike pleasure made her smile. He sat down across from her and leaned forward, "I've been busy. I purchased a carriage and two horses. Fine ones, if I do say so myself. We'll leave for St. Louis tomorrow morning, and get married soon after we get there. My first idea was to travel by train, but a section of track is damaged and no one knows when it will be repaired."

Kitty's expression grew serious and David took her hand, "My love, we talked about getting married out of town, and agreed it's for the best. Yes, you have friends here, but they are the marshal's friends too. They'll be conflicted. The most considerate thing is to get married elsewhere."

Kitty nodded slowly, "You're right, but so soon? What about the Long Branch? I have to make arrangements."

"My love, we discussed that too. When we're married you won't need income from a saloon, and anyway we'll be living in London."

Kitty didn't answer. She felt her world spinning out of control. The enormity of leaving the place that had been home for 18 years hit her full force. Especially because it was unlikely she'd ever be back.

He stroked her cheek, "Are you all right my love? No regrets?"

She shook her head, "Of course not. I know what I want, and what's important to me. David, do you know you still haven't told me what kind of businesses you own?"

He pulled her onto his lap and kissed her forehead. "My love, I want you to see for yourself. Once we're married we'll go to London and you'll see it all. Now, you must be starving. Let's go have lunch."

That Night

After a busy day of shopping and packing followed by dinner, Kitty was in the Long Branch with David. She looked around knowing she'd be leaving soon, and recalled her pride at becoming a partner and then full owner. The saloon had been good to her, the saloon and some very special people. One person in particular came to mind.

David reached across the table and squeezed her hand, "My love, are you all right?"

She nodded, but tears welled up. "David, I know it's best to leave with no fuss, but I have say goodbye to Doc. I have to. I'll be right back."

David stood, "I'll go with you."

Kitty shook her head, "David, Doc's been a father to me and more. I need a few minutes alone with him."

"Darling, I won't intrude. I'll escort you and wait outside the door. I'm old fashioned my love. I don't want you out alone so late at night."

She started to say that she was a big girl and didn't need an escort but shrugged and accepted his arm. As promised, when they got up the stairs, he waited outside.

Doc was sitting at his desk under a dim lamp. His eyes were in a medical book, but he hadn't turned a page in an hour. He looked up when he heard the door, and his heart sank. He knew why she'd come.

Kitty glanced around and breathed a sign of relief that Matt wasn't on the bed. Doc had moved him to the back.

Smiling through tears she took Doc's hands, "David and I are leaving for St. Louis tomorrow morning to get married. I couldn't go without telling you how much you mean to me. You've been my father and more. You've helped me through more hard times than I can count. You've given me love, guidance and acceptance. You've never passed judgment, never tried to change me."

Doc swallowed hard, "Kitty, there's never been one thing about you that anyone but a dang fool would want to change."

He looked at her, but instead of seeing the beautiful, mature woman in her 30's who stood before him, he saw the sweet faced 19 year old girl/woman who'd stepped off the stage one rainy day 18 years before. He'd known from the first that inside her slight frame was a giant heart and unbeatable spirit.

"Kitty, I've always wanted you to be happy. Is this marriage really what you want?"

She spoke firmly, "Yes Doc. I know it's not the way you expected things to go, but it's what I want."

Doc nodded towards the back room, "Matt's in there. Maybe you should say goodbye."

A look crossed Kitty's face that he could not read – sorrow, determination, fear? He couldn't tell.

She shook her head, "Please let him know I'm glad he's going to be all right."

She hurried away and didn't hear Doc whisper, "I doubt he'll ever be all right again."

David was waiting patiently outside. He'd been listening as best he could through the door. He took her arm, "I'll walk you home so you can finish packing. We'll head off early tomorrow."

TBC