Author notes below.

It was early daybreak: the sun was beginning to peak over the horizon, setting a fiery blaze across the sky with colors of pinks, purples, and oranges. The sun began to wake everything with her gentle light, along with bringing the warmth back to the land from the night's bitter cold chill.

A big old Buckskin horse walked through Dodge City with a very tired marshal on his back. The horse was as tired as the man that sat on his back. Marshal Matt Dillon had been on the trail for the past 48 hours because he wanted to get home before the snowstorm moved in.

Buck picked up his pace when he saw the old familiar hitching post. When he reached it, Buck stomped his feet a couple of times as he bobbed his head to let his rider know they made it home.

Matt shook his head, trying to shake off the sleep that had a tight grip on him. (He hadn't had much sleep in the last two days other than dozing from time to time when he could no longer shake off the tiredness that would settle in.)

The Marshal had bundled himself up in layers. He had taken his bedroll blanket and used it for an extra layer over his coat. While his hat, scarf, and gloves covered the rest. He may have looked like a bundle of clothes and things, but the looks didn't matter. The layers kept him warm from the winter's chill, which was important and all that mattered.

Matt peeked out of the snow-covered layers as he looked around with tired eyes to see the sign which read. "MARSHAL'S OFFICE." Matt smiled as he reached down and patted the horse's neck, "Good boy Old' Buck, you brought us back home."
The horse only let out a soft nicker in reply.
Matt then looked around to make sure no one was looking. Then once the coast was clear, he swung his right leg over Buck's neck. Matt might be too proud to admit it, but He didn't want anyone to know how his leg was bothering him. Doc, especially. Because if he found out, he'd never let Matt hear the end of it.
He shook off the snow from the blanket and the bedroll; he then tucked it under his arm. Matt pulled out the rifle then patted the horse once again.
"I'll be back to take care of you."
The horse only shifted his weight from one leg to the other and snorted as he bobbed his head as if he understood what the Marshal just said.

Inside the office, Festus was sitting behind the desk with his feet propped up while reclining back in the office chair as he waited for the coffee to boil. Newly was busy reading the Hays city newspaper. It was over a week old, and he had already read it three times, but it gave him something to do.
Both men turned their heads when the door opened. They were a little shocked when they saw the U.S. Marshal filling the doorway.
Festus stood up from the chair and rushed over to take Matt's things so he could get inside and warm himself by the fire.
"Matthew! We didn't expect you back heres until the day after tomorrow, and with this snowstorm coming, we thought it would be longer."
Matt only nodded as he pulled off his gloves and coat so he could feel the warmth of the fire,
"I know, I was out on the prairie when I saw those snow clouds in the distance, and so I just rode through. Well, Buck and I made it before the snowstorm hit."

Matt saw the look of disapproval in both of his deputies' eyes. But he didn't care right now. He just wanted to sleep in his bed. Newly cleared his throat as it cleared some of the tension in the room.
"We're glad your back, Marshal. I know Jessie Daniels told me that the telegram wires are out that way because of the snow. Glad your back safe,"
Matt only nodded, then he walked over to his chair and sat down. The coffee pot sounded that it was ready.
Newly was the first man to jump up and pour coffee,
"Would you like some, Matt? It would warm your insides."
Matt looked at the coffee that Newly offered him. then nodded, "Thanks."
As Newly handed the hot liquid to the Marshal, he could see how tired and heavy his eyes were. Matt looked like he could fall asleep just looking at the coffee mug.

"Matt, why don't you go over to Ma's and get some sleep? I'll go take care of Buck."
The Marshal smiled at his young deputy,
"Is it that obvious I'm tired?"
This time both men nodded their heads, "Matthew, we can watch the town for another day. You go rest. We won't let anyone disturb you unless it's an emergency."
Matt sighed as he rubbed his face. He couldn't deny the fact that every ounce of his being long for sleep. He downed the rest of his coffee then picked up his coat, hat, and gloves.
Newly followed him outside, once Matt grabbed his saddlebags, he took the back way to Ma's while Newly led the horse over to Moss's.

Ma was busy in the kitchen, making breakfast for her tenants. She was startled when she heard someone on the back porch and the back door opening. She grabbed the only thing handy to her, her cast iron skillet. Ma spun around to face the intruder, but instead there stood Matt Dillon. His hands raised in defense. Ma lowered her skillet and sighed in relief,
"Oh, Matt, I'm so glad it's you!"
She set the skillet back on the stove and put a hand over her heart, "I'm not used to someone coming in through the back way at this time of day."
Matt could only smile at the older woman,
"I'm sorry, Ma. I didn't mean to startle you."
"Well, now you know not to come into a woman's home when she has a skillet in her hand."
Matt only nodded his head. He would have hated to be on the other end of that skillet if Ma didn't know him.
The older woman looked at him, and before she could get out the question to ask him. Matt took off his hat as he looked at her,
"I-I uh just wanted to get home before the snowstorm."
Ma only nodded. She didn't give him a look, just a nod. That was enough for Matt. He felt like he had just disappointed his mother somehow. He sighed.
Ma looked at him one more time,
"I'm glad your back safe, but you need to stop worrying everyone. You're not as young as you used to be you know."
Matt could only nod. Those words stung a little like a knife, but they were true. He scratched at the back of his neck for a moment and pondered.
"Well, I think I'm going to get a bath and shave before I..."
The woman looked at him with a soft but stern look. No other woman give that look to him other than Kitty.
"Matt, I think you should get some sleep. Everything else can wait. I know how good everything else sounds. But you won't be any good to anyone until you get some sleep."
The man looked at Ma. She was a woman who only stood five feet tall, she was a short woman, but what she'd lacked in height, she made up for in spunk, sass, and everything else you can think of.
Matt thought about his words wisely, Ma walked over to him and rested her hand on his shoulder, "Would you like some breakfast?"
He gently shook his head; he didn't realize how tired he was until now.
Ma smiled, "Well, you go on up and get some sleep. I'll have something for you when you wake up."
Matt smiled as he bent over and kissed the woman on the cheek. She was so much like a mother to him.
The older woman smiled,
"Go on, get."
He could only chuckle. He felt like he was being shooed away like a young boy.
"Yes, Ma'am."

With that, he started up the stairs. Matt noticed each step he took, his legs felt as heavy as lead, and his feet felt like they had taken roots to his boots.

Matt walked to the end of the long hallway.

His room faced the alleyway, making it easier for him to leave if something was going on in town or if he needed to get away quietly.

Matt turned and looked at the room across from his that once belonged to Kitty.

Matt's mouth went dry as he looked at the number on the door.

He sighed, how he missed the woman that held his heart. Kitty had been gone for nine months, but it felt like a hundred years to Matt.

He shook his head as all the thoughts and memories flooded his mind. Now was not the time to think about that. With a rugged sigh, Matt unlocked his door and pushed it open.

There sat his room just as he left it.

It was a bachelor's home. A large pair of deer antlers hung over the doorway when you entered through the door, Matt's hunting rifle hung over the bed and at the foot of the bed was his mother's cedar chest. There was also a dresser next to the bed, a chair next to the potbelly stove, and a bookshelf. It definitely was not much to look at, but the room served its purpose. It was all that a U.S. Marshal needed, wasn't it?

Matt tossed his saddlebags on the cedar chest, then sat down on his bed and worked on getting his boots off. At first, the boots wouldn't budge at all; but after tapping and a few stomps the right boot came off, but the left was a struggle. But when he heard a pop, he sighed with relief, as did his feet, for they were now free after being stuck inside his boots for so long. Matt did the one thing his mind and body longed for him to do. He sank back into the middle of the bed. It was not long before sweet and peaceful sleep took over him, and a dream filled his mind.

It was a chilly late fall evening. Snow was falling outside. The fire was roaring inside the fireplace as the light casted a soft glow while Matt and Kitty's shadows danced throughout the room. Matt and Kitty were cuddling on the couch after the girls were in bed. Kitty's legs and skirt were tucked in close around her while Matt was sitting there with his one leg propped on the other, enjoying the sound of the fire and the company of his wife.

Matt smiled as Kitty rested her head on his shoulder, "I've missed you so much, Matt. I'm glad your home." She said as she turned and kissed him on the cheek. He let out a soft chuckle,

"I'm glad I'm back in your arms." He said as he kissed her on the lips.

Kitty could only smile as their kiss was soft, gentle, and sweet.

"The girls missed you too, you know."

He nodded as he laced his fingers with hers. Matt smiled at the thought of his two little girls.

"You and the girls were the only things that kept me going and brought me back home."

Matt said as he kissed her again, only this time on the jawline then back to her lips. This time deeper but soft and more delicate. Kitty moved back as she looked up at her husband with loving eyes. Their eyes locked on each other for a moment, neither of them said anything, only just taking in the beauty of each other's faces, since it had been a while since they saw each other. They both leaned in for a kiss again, but it was then a child's cry pierced the silents.

Both parents looked up toward the stairs, "Mama, I'm scared!" Maddie cried.

Without hesitation, Kitty started to get up, but Matt placed his hand on her shoulder, "No, let me."

A soft smile spread across her face, and she nodded.

Matt made his way up the stairs and down the hall to where the little girl was crying.

His heart ached as he heard his child crying. If he could chase the person that made her cry, he'd throw them in jail or shoot the animal that scared her. But he didn't know how to fix this. He was helpless.

When Maddie saw the shaft of light that entered her room, and when she saw the shadow of the big, tall man standing in the doorway, she jumped out of her bed and ran to her father.

"Daddy!" She cried in between her sobs, clinging to him for dear life.

Matt bent down to the child, who held so tightly to his leg.

"Hey pumpkin, what's wrong?"

The child didn't say anything but buried her head into his shoulder and held tightly to his neck as she would quietly sob and hiccup from time to time. Matt wrapped her up in his arms as he stood back up, he held her close and rubbed Maddie's back.

Then after a few more minutes, Matt set her down on the bed,

"Hey, can you tell me what's scared you so, my sweet girl?"

He said as he kissed her, then took out a handkerchief and wiped away her tears.

Matt couldn't see all of Maddie's face, but he could see she had inherited Kitty's blue eyes, for they were staring up at him.

"Oh Daddy, I-I..." Maddie hiccupped. Matt could only smile.

The child rubbed her tired eyes, "I need Lucy." She sniffed, "My dolly."

Matt nodded, "I'll find her for you." He winked at her as he stood up but had a lost look on his face.

It was then another little girl grasped his hand.

"Here, Daddy, I'll show you where they are."

Matt looked and smiled as an older child looked up at him with piercing blue eyes. He could see she had red hair, just like Kitty.

He only could smile those small hands touched his heart and wiggled their way to his soul.

"Here, Daddy, the dolls are up here." Bethany pointed up to a bookshelf. Matt looked but didn't see anything, then his daughter pointed up toward the ceiling. "Daddy, Amanda, and Lucy are up there, see." He followed the child's gaze. Matt reached up and took the first doll, Bethany called Amanda,

She had cream-colored skin, brownish-red hair, and blue eyes. The doll almost reminded him of Kitty, in some ways. Then he picked up Lucy, who had the same tone skin, but her hair was darker, she had curls and blue eyes too. Just like the child, he comforted.

Matt could only smile as he walked back to the two beds,

"Alright, here you go, Honey." He said as he handed Amanda to Maddie.

The child shook her head, "Amanda's not mine, Daddy! Lucy is."

He could only smile by the fact he had just been corrected by his young daughter,

"I'm sorry, I knew that. Here you go, sugar."

Matt handed her Lucy, "Okay, snuggle down in those covers."

the child did as her father asked, and Matt leaned over and kissed her.

He then walked over to Bethany and did the same thing. But when he went to stand up, Bethany grabbed his hand, "Daddy, please stay a while."

Matt could see Bethany's hopeful eyes as they danced in the moonlight,

"At least until we fall asleep. Then you can go back down to mama."

If he didn't know it before, Matt sure knew it now. The girls had a way of melting his heart and wrapping him around their fingers.

Matt nodded his head as he walked back to the chair that sat between their beds.

"Sure, thing sweetheart."

He said as he gave Bethany one more kiss goodnight.

Before the girls drifted off to sleep, they both looked over at him and said,

"We love you, Daddy!"

Matt looked between the girls; they had won him over. There were three women, who held his heart, and they all were under one roof. Matt never thought in all his years that he would have lost his heart like this but seeing the two little girls and having Kitty as his wife was worth it all. He smiled when he could hear both children had fallen asleep. Matt walked quietly out of the room and shut the door. Watching the two girls fall asleep was something he missed but loved to do. Matt made his way back downstairs to his wife.

Kitty was curled up on the couch with a blanket on her lap, and Snowball, the girls' kitten curled up at her feet purring.

It could have been the glow from the light of the fire, but Matt had forgotten how beautiful his wife was when she was sleeping. He gently leaned down and kissed her before pulling the covers up over her shoulders to keep away the chill.

Kitty began to stir as she felt the blankets move.

"Mm-Matt?"

"Hush, it's alright, go back to sleep."

Kitty only smiled at him as she pushed the covers away, "Why would I do that? I've only been waiting for you."

She smiled as she pulled him back down to the sofa.

Matt only smiled as he obliged his wife, Kitty snuggled back into his arms.

"Maddie had a bad dream and wanted Lucy. Then She and Bethany wanted me to stay with them until they fell asleep."

A soft smile spread across Kitty's face as she looked up at Matt. It was easy for her to lose herself in his eyes, she moved up and kissed him. Soft and tender, Matt moved his hand and cupped her head, deepening their kiss, when they pulled away, they both were breathless. They didn't say anything for the longest time, but they needn't say anything for they knew each other while enough that they could talk without words. They were content with each other's company. Matt pulled her up on his lap just holding her close to him, while Kitty rested her head on his chest listening to his heartbeat while he rested his head atop of hers. Neither of them wanted life to be any other way.

Matt's eyes flew open, and he was breathing heavily as his heart raced, "What did he just dream? it was just a dream after all wasn't it?"

He was too scared to move for the thought of it not being real was heartbreaking, but the thought of it being real was also terrifying to him.

I hope you guys liked this chapter, I will say I had something else planned, but Matt, Kitty, and the girls had something else in store.

Long story short I have been sick off and on over the last few months hence the almost three months hiatus from posting.

I will say I'm a little rusty with my writing since I haven't been doing much for the last few months, so I do apologize for the error that I normally get...and it's late at night when I'm posting this, too. lol

Thank you guys so much for being patient with me over the last few months, you guys have been so sweet in emailing me and asking about updating the story and everything. I admit if it wasn't for being so sick we would be further in the story, but life happens.

As far as updating goes I am planning on going back to once a week. Sometimes my schedule does get a little crazy and I don't always get the time to write as I want but it's better to have a set plan than none at all ;)