The big man gazed at the seven-foot-tall Leyland Cypress, taking in the strings of ribbon, bows, and handblown glass ornaments beautifying the branches. Days ago, he'd hoisted an overjoyed three-old-year old to put the star on the tree. He inhaled the warm spices wafting throughout the mansion and listened to the crackle of the fire, grinning at the auburn-haired beauty approaching him with a gift in her hands.

"It's from the children to Festus. They wouldn't let me see the present, but I know Doc helped."

Matt snickered, taking the wrapped present from her to place under the tree. He rose to his feet, stepping back to survey the gifts. He pulled her to him, pressing his lips to her temple. He'd truly felt like a member of the family when the Christmas Eve meal had doubled as a surprise retirement dinner for him. Sadie had prepared his favorite dishes along with the usual fare of the six-course feast.

"I thought the children were supposed to stay awake after the meal to open a few presents." He'd forgotten most of the Broussard Christmas traditions, but he'd remembered a few gifts were opened after réveillon.

She chuckled softly. "Usually, they do. I'm not gonna complain that they didn't," she yawned, rubbing his chest. "Matt, I should have done something sooner for your retirement."

"Kitty, I know why you didn't."

"You do?"

"How many times do I have to tell you that I'm stayin' here? I'm not going to wake up one morning and decide to go back to Dodge."

"You might," she sighed, drawing circles with her finger where he'd worn his badge. "You might decide to go back to that blonde with blue eyes," she half-teased. Festus had let it slip that Matt had stumbled across an old Texas flame while on the hunt for a man who had robbed a stage outside of Dodge. The retired U.S. Marshal had struggled with his explanation as he truthfully confessed that he'd taken her to dinner a time or two. "What was her name? Samantha? No, that's not right…"

Matt heaved a sigh, rolling his eyes as the redhead prattled on.

"Dolly? Nope…that was the blonde with blue eyes that got me a barrel of—" she yelped as his fingers roughly pinched her rear end. "Matt!"

"That's enough outta you," he grumbled, setting his lips on hers, passionately kissing her into silence. His hand cupped the side of her face as his tongue plunged into her mouth, gliding deep. She tasted of sweet red wine and chocolate, and he sought her hungrily. He smoothed his hand down her back, pressing her into him. He could barely think straight with her sensuous curves against him.

Her lips shook from the intensity of the kiss. She felt tremors along her nerves as her heart beat wildly in her chest. She gently nipped at his bottom lip, taking little sips of air. She withdrew her lips from his to catch her breath. She needed to gather herself.

She pressed her forehead into his shoulder. His palm drifted to the small of her back, kneading softly, remembering the promise he'd made to her. He'd promised that he would let her set the pace, but he'd stampeded all over that pledge. "Kitty," he whispered.

She deeply inhaled. The redhead didn't feel butterflies in her stomach. She didn't hear that voice screaming in the back of her head, telling her that she was still a married woman. She lifted her chin to meet his gaze. "I think…I'm ready."

He stared into her sapphire eyes, searching for certainty. He'd understood her hesitancy with him. After all, she'd been married for six years and had been faithful to the Frenchman. He comprehended her trepidation all too well, considering he hadn't been able to follow through with anyone else.

Kitty rose on her toes, cupping his face, using her thumbs to stroke his sun-kissed cheeks. She ran her tongue along his lip and slid her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss, groaning as he lifted her into his arms.

Matt carried her up the stairs, moving closer and closer to the door. Each step felt as if it had taken forever for him to climb. He swallowed hard and put her gently down on the floor. "Kitty, are you sure? The baby will be okay?"

"Mmhmm, it's fine." She sank her teeth into her lip, motioning for him to sit on the bed. She climbed onto his lap, her breath quickening as soon his lips brushed her neck. Her fingers fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, needing to touch his bare skin. She felt his fingers deftly unbuttoning her dress.

Matt groaned at her touch. He nudged the fabric off her shoulders, licking his lips as he stared at her bosom, threatening to spill out of the corset. He languidly kissed a trail along the swell of her breasts, smiling against her flushed skin as her fingers curled into his hair, arching into the strokes of his tongue.

"Mon beau," she breathlessly whispered, writhing against him.

He faltered in his ministrations, swearing he must have misheard her. Matt kissed the curve of her neck, gently biting at her collarbone. He groaned, grasping her hips and pulling her toward him.

"I want you, mon beau," she murmured in his ear, feeling his bulging erection against her thigh. She growled low in her throat at the sensation of his warm kisses along the column of her throat.

Matt stopped sucking on her neck and raised his head, puffing out a soft sigh. "Kitty," he whispered.

She jerked her head, eyes popping open as a sharp gasp escaped from her. She blinked rapidly, staring into his blue eyes. Matt. Not Henri. Matt. Kitty climbed off him with tears sliding down her cheeks. "Matt, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," she cried, slipping onto the floor with her back resting against the footboard.

He caught his breath, raking his hand through his hair, focusing on her. He'd pushed her, rushed her. He blew out a breath and lowered his body next to her. "Kitty, it's okay," he soothed. "It's alright. C'mere."

"No, it's not," she sobbed, covering her face with her hands while shaking her head. "I disappointed you."

"Honey, you didn't disappoint me. It's alright," he assured, drawing her into his comforting embrace.

"I was ready…I thought I was…"

"Kitty, I thought I was ready, too."

She sniffled and tilted her head, staring at him. "What?"

"I tried to sleep with Sarah, but I," he hesitated, glancing at her, "all I could imagine was you, Kitty. I called her by your name."

"You…"

Matt nodded his head while gently wiping the tears from her cheeks. "I understand that it's difficult to let go."

"But, Matt…" she startled at the noise of doors slamming and feet running in the hallway. Kitty heard her youngest son's excited shouts. She groaned softly as Matt pulled her off the floor and onto the bed. She wiped her hands over her cheeks, trying to compose herself while Matt attempted to fix her dress.

"Maman! C'est Noel!" Luc bounded into the room, jumping onto the bed while his brother and sister rushed through the door. "Marshal! C'est Noel!"

"Joyeux Noël," Kitty said to her children, glancing at Doc as he ambled into the bedroom.

The elderly man took in the scene, observing what was beyond the children's comprehension. He saw the giant's unbuttoned shirt and the disheveled state of the redhead's dress. He scrubbed his hand over his mouth as he cleared his throat. "You three, c'mon. Let's go downstairs."

Luc sprang off the bed and sprinted to his grandfather, taking his hand. He looked back at his mother and the retired lawman. "Maman…Marshal, you comin'?"

"Run along with Vivi and Alexandre," Doc directed, herding the child to the stairs.

Matt stood and lifted a dressing gown off the chaise lounge, setting it next to Kitty. He leaned down to tenderly kiss the top of her head.

"Matt, what if it…what if it happens again?" she looked into his eyes, thankful to see nothing but compassion in the pools of blue.

"If it does, it'll be just as alright as it was tonight. I'll wait for you in every way you need."

Matt whistled as he strolled down the sidewalk, relishing the perfection of the January day. He and Kitty had awakened early, wishing the twins a happy birthday. He couldn't believe his children were six-years-old. The twins had been allowed one gift before school. Alexandre had been thrilled with his boardgame, and Vivienne had been overjoyed with her porcelain doll. Matt was certain he'd been more delighted than his daughter when she asked him to walk her to school. He passed through the gate and jogged up the steps, entering the quiet house.

"Delia," he greeted the maid, unbuttoning his coat and handing it to her.

"Madame's upstairs. Luc's still sleepin'," she chuckled as she took his coat. The toddler had fallen asleep in the middle of breakfast.

Matt nodded and drifted up the stairs. He stepped into the bedroom and set his eyes on her, jaw dropping as his eyes roamed over her. Her fiery tresses tumbled over her freckled shoulders. He took in every inch of the sheer chemise, focusing on the soft curves of her voluptuous body. He subtly licked his lips as she swayed toward him. Her graceful beauty made his heart stumble in his chest.

"Welcome home, Cowboy," Kitty murmured, skirting her fingers under the collar of his shirt. She gripped the cotton, tugging him towards her. Her palms roamed over his chest and shoulders, feeling his strength underneath her hands. She rose into him, lips soft, warm, and eager against his. She sucked on his tongue, tugging his lips between her teeth.

He wrapped an arm around her, pressing her tighter to him. He stroked his tongue inside her mouth, unable to soak in enough of her flavor. He slowed himself, caressing deliberately, gentling the kiss. He broke his lips from hers. "Slow, Honey," he whispered, brushing his lips against hers.

She shook her head, drawing him into another kiss, fiery and fast. Kitty curled her fingers at his neck while her other hand traveled down his back, slipping into the waistband of his pants, brushing her fingertips along the curve of his butt. She rocked her body into him, desperate with desire. It had been too long.

He was overwhelmed by how she melted into him. He could taste her moan on his tongue. That sensual sound that he'd clung to on sleepless nights when he'd ached for her. He felt her fingers unfastening each button of his shirt, peeling the fabric off him. He felt lightheaded as she pressed her lips to his Adam's apple, smattering kisses and sucking with divine pleasure that made his knees go weak. He landed on the mattress as his head spun. He barely heard his boots thud on the hardwood floor. He sat up as her hands trailed up his long legs.

Kitty rested her hands on his thighs. Her eyes shimmered with arousal. "We can still go slow…if you want," she hummed huskily, dragging her index finger over his erection. "But I don't want to, Cowboy."

He groaned, fumbling to undo his belt and get his pants off. He lifted his hips off the bed, pushing his pants down. He hadn't even noticed that she'd pulled the chemise over her head. He stared at the ivory pooled around her feet. The sight of her set him on fire. He dragged his eyes up, savoring every mesmerizing inch of her. He remembered each sensitive spot that made her whimper and moan. "God, you're beautiful," he murmured, breath hitching in his throat as she pushed him back on the bed, crawling onto him.

The boy sat on bench in the nook at the landing, swinging his legs while impatiently waiting for his grandfather to get home. He heard the front door and jumped off the bench, running through the foyer. "Pépère!" Luc screeched, nearly colliding into him.

"Luc, what in thunder?"

"Pépère!" He tugged on his coat sleeve.

Doc fiddled with his ear, eyeing the toddler. "Luc, let me take my coat off first."

The child grumbled, tapping his small foot against the floor. His grandfather seemed to take forever, and his frustration grew with every passing second. "You're slow," he complained, folding his arms over his chest.

Doc chuckled. "It comes with age." He wondered what was so important, but he knew that everything seemed important to a three-year-old. Doc hung his coat up and slipped his hands in his pockets. "Alright, Luc. What is it?"

"C'mon," the boy beckoned, running off towards the stairs. He stopped once he realized his grandfather wasn't following him. "Pépère," he groaned, running back to him and pulling on his arm. "Hurry."

"Luc, I'm too old to run after you."

"Maman's hurt!"

"What?" the retired physician croaked. "Where is she?"

Luc pointed to the stairway.

Doc jogged up the stairs, panting as he reached the second-floor landing. He briefly rested on the newel post. His eyes widened, recognizing the unmistakable carnal sounds hitting his ears. "For heaven's sake," he muttered under his breath. "Luc! Come back here!" he shouted as the child bolted past him.

"Maman's hurt!" He put his hands on the doorknob.

In an instant, Doc latched onto the back of the boy's pants, yanking him back to him before he could open the door. "Luc, Maman is fine." He lifted Luc onto his hip.

He shook his head, gazing at his grandfather with skeptical brown eyes. "Non, Pépère."

"I promise you that she's fine. Luc, I haven't ever lied to you. Have I?"

"No, Sir."

Doc winced at the guttural sound that belonged to a retired U.S. Marshal.

Luc turned his head, gasping while pointing at the bedroom door. "Pépère! Marshal's hurt, too. You gotta help!"

His mind raced at how to explain the situation to a toddler. Doc puffed out a breath, ambling away from the door, struggling to keep Luc in his arms. "Son, calm down. I'm gonna drop you if you don't stop squirmin'. Henri Luc Galen Broussard," Doc warned.

The toddler stilled since his grandparent had taken a serious tone and used his full name. He mumbled to himself, keeping his eyes on his mother's bedroom door while being carried away. As soon as his feet hit the floor of the final landing, he started to take off, but he couldn't go anywhere. "Pépère," he whined, glancing over his shoulder.

Doc kept ahold of him by the beltloop of his pants. "Luc, come here," he patted the spot next to him on the cushioned bench. He waited for Luc to sit beside him. "Your Maman and the Marshal aren't hurt. They're playing a game. That's all there is to it, Luc." He hoped that explanation would satisfy Luc's mind, but he saw the wheels turning.

The toddler chewed his lip, tilting his head. "Who wins?"

"Well," Doc cleared his throat, "it's a game that has two winners."

"I wanna play!"

Doc felt his cheeks burn. He scrubbed his hand over his mouth, shaking his head. "You can't play, Luc. You're too young. It's a game that you can play when you're much, much older." Doc smirked, viewing the boy slump into the cushion. He knew what would take his grandson's mind off the morning's events. "Luc, let's go get some gelato."

The redhead thumbed through the stack of mail. She glanced at the poodle as he leapt onto the sofa, curling up next to her and resting his head on her belly. "Hi, Cadeau," she greeted, stroking her fingers through the tuft of hair on his elegant head. "Where've you been?"

"He's been with me and Luc," Doc answered from the doorway. He stepped further into the sunroom, plopping into one of the velvet armchairs. "We went for gelato."

Kitty suddenly craved Italian gelato and a cannoli from Brocato's ice cream parlor. She wondered if Matt would indulge her and go to the French Quarter to get her a vanilla cannoli dipped in pistachio nuts and topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

"Luc had a lot on his mind," he disclosed, glancing at her, hoping he'd piqued her curiosity.

"Oh?" Her brow arched as she read over a letter from Anne-Marie. The barn at The Oaks needed repairs, and Silas was too busy preparing for planting sugarcane next month. Kitty briefly wondered if she could put Festus to work repairing the barn. She glanced at Doc. "I'm sure the gelato eased his mind."

Doc heaved a sigh and rubbed his cheek since his approach failed. "You're absolutely glowing, Kitty."

"Thank you, Doc."

"Just absolutely glowing," he complimented again, clearing his throat while tugging on his ear. "In my lifetime, I've learned there are certain things that make a woman glow like you are now."

Kitty set the letter aside and stared at him. She recognized that distinct pull of his earlobe. The retired physician had something on his mind, and she suspected he somehow knew. "What's on your mind, Curly?"

"I can't tell you what to do with your life, but I'd like to make a suggestion, Kitty."

"Nothing's ever stopped you before," she chided, running her fingers through Cadeau's silver coat.

"It would save me a lot of trouble if you and Matt would schedule your playtime for when Luc's asleep."

"What?!"

"You heard me. I came home from taking Alexandre to school, and he met me at the door. That poor boy thought you were hurt! I knew what was going on when I heard –"

"Doc!" Her cheeks reddened as she thought about the noises she and Matt had made. "What…how did you explain it to Luc?"

"I told him that you and Matt were playing a game."

"A game," she snickered, shaking her head.

He scowled at her. "I admit it wasn't the best explanation, especially after he found out the game had two winners and wanted to play. I told him he couldn't play until he was much older. Kitty, I'm too damn old for a three-year-old's curiosity. You owe me, young lady," he grumbled, walking out of the sunroom.

"Doc! Come back here!"

He reappeared in the doorway, leaning against the frame.

"Do you…think Henri would approve? Of me and Matt getting back together?"

Doc sighed softly and walked into the room, sitting next to her on the sofa while taking her hands. "Kitty, I learned quite a bit about Henri Broussard. That man loved you and the children with all his heart. His convictions were clear. Every single one of them. You know that. He believed in second chances, and he wanted nothing more in the world than for you to be happy. Honey, are you happy?"

She nodded her head. "I am today."

"Kitty," he patted her hand. He understood her reservations about the retired overgrown civil servant. "You know what you need to do. Talk to him."