A week went by and everything seemed alright for the most part. Festus pretty much lost interest in tickling. Merry Florene, on the other hand, was still obsessed with tormenting poor Newly whenever she had the chance. Joey was hanging around Matt Dillon so much that Miss Kitty could hardly get any time alone with the Marshal.

It rained hard one gray afternoon, leaving everything wet and slippery. Matt was resting in a chair outside his office, looking out into the street. Horses and carriages were passing by. Joey had taken the liberty of joining Matt as he reclined.

Merry Florene was coming down the street, stepping carefully so she wouldn't get her new shoes too muddy. She grinned and waved to Matt as she approached the office.

"I thought you might like to see my new dress!" she said proudly, spinning around to show off the homemade creation. "What do you think of it?"

"Ridiculous," sneered Joey.

"I wasn't talking to you, Joey. I was talking to the Marshal!" she said, sticking her nose in the air.

"It's nice," Matt said, nodding.

Merry Florene smiled and ran up the few steps so Matt could get a closer look at it. "Is it really good? I made it myself!"

Matt half-smiled and glanced over at Joey who was looking quite unimpressed with his cousin.

"I'm going to show it to Mr. Newly!" And with that, Merry Florene turned and started to run. But then she slipped on the wet steps and shrieked as she fell.

"MERRY FLORENE!" Joey shouted as he ran to help his cousin. Matt jumped out of his chair and hurried to the girl's side.

"She won't wake up!" Joey cried, looking up at Matt for guidance.

"She hit her head. We have to get her to Doc," Matt declared, scooping the girl's limp body into his strong arms.

Joey stayed close to the office as he watched Matt carry away his injured cousin.

OoOoOo

"How is she, Doc?"

"She's got slight concussion but she'll make it," Doc said to the worried young man.

Joey sighed in relief.

Matt was standing by and a small smile came to his face when he saw how relieved Joey was. He strolled over to the younger man.

"Hey…I thought you didn't like your cousin."

"I don't," Joey said shortly. "But I'm still glad she's going to be alright." Then he turned and gazed up at Matt with adoring eyes. "You saved her life."

Matt nodded a bit. "Can you blame me?"

Joey stared straight into the Marshal's eyes and swallowed hard.

"Well, I guess I'll be heading off now," Matt said finally. He waved a brief goodbye to Doc and walked back to his own office.