Chapter Fifteen: Before The Trip Home
Once they had left the main city, heading back to the estate, Matt glanced over to Kitty. He smiled seeing the look in her eyes and the happy smile on her face. He knew her well enough to know she was deep in thought. "Honey, what are you thinking so hard about?"
Laughing a bit, she looked at him, "You know me so well. Oh Matt, we have a ready-made family that we will bring home to Dodge. To our home. I am a bit scared I have to admit. What if I am not made out to be a mother?
Matt reached out and put his arm around her drawing her closer to him. "Kitty, you are already an awesome mother. You don't have anything to worry about. You know how to diffuse Johnny when his temper gets the better of him. You communicate with Matty better than most of us, and the girls, they want to be 'classy' like their mama." He rubbed her arm hoping that would also help her.
"I understand Matt, I do. I want this for us. To be a family. It is just happening really fast right now. We have so much to do. We can go home on tomorrow's train."
"Ummmm…Kitty, we cannot leave tomorrow."
"Why can't we?"
"The twins need to go to the city for several errands they claim to have. Also, they want to visit their mother's grave. They had asked me to go with them. And they wanted me to ask you to also go."
"I see." Kitty sat up straighter and stared out the carriage. Matt was not sure what to say next, so he decided to let her control the conversation. "Matt, going to the grave might make me uncomfortable, however if this is important to them, I will go."
"Thanks Kitty. I know it will mean a lot to them. I don't know what all they have to do in the city, might be a bit interesting. We could take them to their favorite restaurant for lunch. If they have one."
Kitty chuckled at bit, "Not sure if we could afford it. Have you noticed how much our eldest son eats." Matt always loved her sense of humor. "We will just tell him only three steaks then," he replied back to her.
Kitty leaned on his arm, wrapping her arms around his. He felt on top of the world right then. She was so beautiful, smart, and strong. Four children. He loved her and knew she loved him. So why didn't she talk about them getting married. Once he got his courage up, he approached her on the subject. "Kitty you never answered my question."
"I don't remember you asking me a question Matt." She sounded a bit confused.
"The one I asked you in our room, just before Doc knocked on the door."
"Oh," was her only response. Matt looked surprised at her response. Before he could reply, a gunshot rang out. In front of the buggy, Newly was riding point. When the gunshot happened, Newly's horse reared up and threw Newly off to the side of the road. Matt brought the buggy to a stop, jumped down and told Kitty to hold the reins and lay down.
Matt looked around using the buggy and horse for cover. Unable to see anyone and no more gunshots happened, Matt holstered his pistol. "Kitty, you can sit up, just be aware." He grabbed the reins of Newly's horse and secured her to the buggy. The horse sported a long cut along the chest. It did not look to bad to Matt, however, riding the horse right now would not be advised. Once the horse was secured, Matt went over to where Newly had landed. He found Newly in a patch of Catbrier, a thorny, woody perennial vine.
Newly heard the gunshot, however he did not have time to process it and the direction it came from. His horse reared up violently and since he was holding his rifle in one hand, he could not hang on. He flew through the air and landed on his back. Newly groaned loudly as pain in his neck and back occurred. When his hand holding the rifle hit the ground, his rifle left his hand and went somewhere. He attempted to get up and he stopped. He realized that whatever he fell into had thorns. Many, many thorns.
Matt found Newly laying there in the Catbrier. He knew this wasn't the worst thing, but it could be. Depending on the vines and the thorns and how deep and where those thorns had gone in. When he saw that Newly was conscious, he spoke to him. "How bad is it?"
"I tried to get up, but I feel like I am stuck. Thorns go from my neck down to my lower back, and in the back of my arms. Not sure what getting up will do, how bad it will rip my skin."
Matt looked around to see if their assailant was positively gone. He called out to Kitty to come and help. Kitty secured the reins and climbed down. Going over to where the men were, Kitty gasp seeing Newly in the vines. "How do you want me to help Matt."
"Newly, do you have a knife in your saddlebag? What about gloves?" Matt questioned the young man.
"In the left saddlebag when you're sitting in the saddle. Both are there." Newly moaned a bit. Kitty went immediately to Newly's horse, gasping a bit when she saw the wound the horse received. The blood streak that ran down the horse's chest contrasted greatly with the whiteness of the horse. Finding the knife and gloves, she returned and handed them to Matt. Matt took the knife and cut both on the top side. His hands were larger than Newly's, but he needed some protection from the thorns. Carefully he began to cut away the vines from Newly's neck. Once the neck was freed, Matt folded his jacket and placed it under Newly's head and neck.
Not overly sure what to do to help, Kitty decided to keep an outlook in case their intruder returned. From a distance she saw a rider on horseback heading their way. Even though the rider looked familiar, she was unsure. Moving quickly to the side of the road, she realized the rider picked up speed. "Matt, someone is coming," she stated pointing down the road.
Matt looked up and then stood up, coming in front of her. As the rider approached, he realized who it was and waved at him. Dakota Smith was heading back to the estate. His self-imposed mission failed, and he was tired. Not sleeping for the last few days got to him and all he wanted was hot food and a warm bed. In the road ahead was a stopped buggy, white horse, and a female with flaming red hair up ahead. "Ah oh. This does not look good," he thought to himself and spurred his horse into a quicker trot. When Matt waved for him to come there, he spurred his horse fast. Upon arrival at the scene, Dakota dismounted quickly and went over to where Newly was.
"Wow! What do we need to do Marshal?" Dakota whistled and moved his hat back on his head.
"Hate to say this Newly, but I think the direct approach would be the best." Matt stated to Newly.
"I hate to say it, but your right Marshal." Newly conceded.
Dakota nodded and went to the right side of Newly. Matt stood on the left side of him and grabbed Newly's hand and arm. Dakota did the same thing and both men steady themselves. Matt nodded to Dakota, and they pulled Newly straight up. Pain ripped through Newly's back. They got him out of the thorny bushel and onto the main road. The sight of his back and arms, bloody with the shirt and skin torn caused Matt and Dakota surprised looks. Kitty came over immediate as the men helped Newly to the buggy. They leaned him up against the buggy, she inspected his back. "It could be worst Matt. He can't ride on his horse, would not be good for either one of them."
"Dakota, after we get Newly into the buggy, I need you to take his horse and ride ahead. Let Doc know what has happened. The three of us will be along as quickly as possible."
"Do you want me to bring back a wagon?" Dakota inquired as he and Matt helped Newly up into the buggy. Newly leaned against the side of the buggy, not wanting to touch his back to the seat.
"Only if Doc really feels it's best." Matt replied helping Kitty up into the buggy. Dakota nodded, untied his and Newly's horse, mounted it and rode off. Kitty looked at Matt.
"How are we getting back?" She seemed worried. Matt handed her the end of the reins.
"I am going to ride the horse. I will manage the reins, so don't unless I have to bale off. If someone attacks us, I will jump off and you need to tighten the reins and go as fast as the horse can. Don't stop until you get on the property."
Kitty looked scared but nodded. "I understand Matt." She took the reins and wrapped them once around her hand. Her other hand she carefully placed on Newly, hoping that she could hold him steady. Matt climbed up on the horse and took the main part of the reins and urged the horse to move forward.
Johnny sat on the stairs of the house, whittling away on a stick. When he heard horse hooves pounding the ground, he looked up and saw Dakota riding hard towards the main house. Johnny stood up and put his knife away, tossing the stick. Dakota came up short, dismounted and started up the steps. "I need Doc. Know where he is?
"Last I saw him was in the dinning rolls having coffee." Johnny followed Dakota as he entered the house.
"Doc", Dakota shouted at the top of his lungs. "Doc!"
Doc Adams was reading the newsletter and having a cup of coffee when he heard Dakota yelling his name. "I'm coming, hold your horses," he shouted back.
Meeting Dakota in the hallway, Doc did not see any injuries to him. "So what is the emergency boy?"
Breathless, Dakota spoke quickly, "The marshal, Miss Kitty and Newly are heading this way. Newly fell into a thorn bush and is pretty torn up in the back."
"Do they need a wagon?" Doc headed to where his bag was.
"The marshal said it was up to you. They should be here in a few."
"Alright. Johnny, you, and Dakota go back outside and wait." Doc went to find Jessica and Maria, told them what was happening. Jessica paled a bit, but nodded and went to get a sheet to rip up into bandages. Maria went to get some hot water, bringing it into the room that Doc had set up an infirmary. Matty came in and asked Doc if he could help and Doc accepted. He set the boy to the task of the instruments, soaking them in the hot water and wiping them down.
Johnny and Dakota went outside to wait. Johnny started to pace when he realized that Dakota untied Newly's horse and was leading him towards the stable. Rolf met Dakota about halfway, and after a short conversation, Rolf took the horse into the stable. Dakota went back to the stairs.
"What was that about?" inquired Johnny.
"Newly's horse was shot. Across the chest, looks bad." Dakota sat down on the steps and then stood up.
No one bothered the trio as they made their way to the estate and main house. Newly groaned a few times and Kitty spoke to him quietly telling him to hang on.
When they arrived at the main house, Johnny and Dakota went immediately to the side that Newly was on. Matt dismounted and helped Kitty down. "Go inside and let Doc know we are here. The boys and I will get him inside." Matt placed a quick kiss on her forehead and went around to the other side.
Kitty hurried up the steps and Matt surveyed the situation. "Dakota, do you think you can handle him on your back if Johnny and I helped him there?"
"Sure thing Marshal." Dakota turned around while Matt and Johnny helped Newly to slide out and down onto Dakota's back. Swinging Newly's arms over Dakota's shoulders. Dakota began to walk towards the stairs, with Matt on one side and Johnny on the other. Jessica opened the door, waited for them to enter. Once they were all inside, Dakota continued down the hallway to the room Doc was waiting for them.
Doc looked over Newly, sighed and instructed them on how to lay Newly down on his stomach. Once settled, Doc motioned for everyone to leave, except for Jessica and Matty. Jessica looked down to Newly, "Hey" was all she would say. He replied "Hey" back and Doc began to take out any loose thorns and remove vines. After a while, when it was done, Newly drifted off and Jessica sat beside him. Doc nodded to her and motioned for Matty to follow him out of the room.
In the sitting room, Dakota poured himself a whiskey and down it. Johnny fidget in the chair he was sitting in. Matt and Kitty entered the room and Kitty poured her and Matt a whiskey. Sitting down, both boys asked what happened and Matt told them the events as they occurred. Johnny seemed to fume as the story went on. Under his breath he repeated 'Albert' several times. Kitty watched Johnny's actions as Matt laid out the story. Once done, Johnny paced back and forth. Matt then asked Dakota what happened with his trailing of the previous night shooter, and Dakota unfortunately told them that he lost the trail.
Not able to take much more, Johnny spoke louder than he meant to, "It was Albert, we all know it was Albert. He has to be stopped. Surprising the others, he stormed towards the door. Fearful of what he was going to do, Kitty was already up and heading towards him. It took Matt a second to realize what was happening and then he headed towards the door. Kitty stopped Johnny before he could leave the room. Matt came up behind Johnny and looked down at her hand on his son's arm.
"Johnny wait please. What do you think you are going to do" Kitty's voice was soft, calm, and reassuring. Her hand slowly gripped his arm.
"I don't know ma. Killing him has cross my mind. The man is evil, just pure evil."
"Do you think you can do it? Kill him?"
Johnny's face showed a sign of unsureness. He looked at her, then up to his father. "Yes, I can." He didn't feel as sure as he did earlier.
"Alright then. You have to look him in the eye, nowhere else, the eyes. That way you know he is dead. Ignore the cries of his wife. Don't think she won't be there. She will be, or she will come and find you. She is your aunt, right? Oh, and the blood that runs out of his body, the same blood as yours since your family. Be prepared to face either a lifetime in prison or the hangman's noose. And Jessica. How could you forget Jessica your Twin? Or Matty who looks up to you, or little Lilly who likes to ride your horse in the corral. Ah well, go on Johnny. Just look into his eyes when you kill him." Kitty's voice was strong and steady.
Johnny's mouth dropped open and then closed. Dakota had a smirk on his face, while Matt looked at him with sternness. Johnny looked into Kitty's eyes and began to crumble. He understood why his father fell for her, those eyes could melt the angriest of men. "I… I just…" he could not finish.
"It's alright Johnny. Stay strong. Our family needs to be together, not with one of us in prison." In seeing Doc and Matty standing there in the hallway, she continued. "Can you take Matty with you and check on Lilly.
"Yes ma'am." Johnny looked and sounded dejected. He turned to actually leave the room, Doc and Matty were standing there quietly. Doc was pulling on his ear and Matty was looking at his feet trying to keep busy. Johnny sighed and took Matty's hand, "Let's go and find Lilly. We will head out to the stables and look at the new foal." Matty nodded and left with Johnny.
Doc entered the room and looked from Matt to Kitty. "Well, that sure was interesting. He may look like you Matt, but that boy sure does have your temper Kitty." Doc chuckled at their faces as he went over and poured himself a whiskey.
"This whole thing is getting on everyone's nerves Doc. Be glad when it is over." Matt went and poured himself a second whiskey. "Kitty?" He pointed at his glass and then at hers.
"Please Matt." She went and sat down in her chair. Matt picked up her glass and poured whiskey into it, handing it back to her.
"How is Newly Doc? Will he be able to travel in a few days?" Kitty asked Doc.
"Oh, he is fine, sore right now, but fine. He might not be too happy when all the scabs start itching. Right now, he is being tended to by Jessica." Doc sat down with his whiskey and took a sip. He wondered how that bit of news would go over. Kitty just smiled and nodded. Matt looked a bit surprised and did not reply.
Maria knocked on the door and quietly stepped in. "Mrs. Dillion, dinner will be in an hour. Will Mr. O'Brien have dinner with the family, or should I prepare him a tray."
"No reason he can't eat with the family." Doc stated.
"Very good." Maria nodded and left.
At dinner that night, Matt cleared his voice drawing everyone's attention. "Kitty and I have some news to share with you." He took her hand in his, "Do you wish to tell them, or you want me to announce it?"
"I think they would like it if the man of the family told them." A smile crossed her face as she took a sip of her coffee.
Everyone turned to look at Matt. Anticipation could be felt in the room. Matt cracked a smile, "Alright, I will tell you the news." A sip of his coffee that he took slowly and replaced the cup back on the table sent a few groans in the room.
"For goodness sake, you overgrown public servant, what is the news, or I am going to put the stitches back in." Doc grumbled loudly.
Kitty giggled a bit, and then nodded at Matt. "He means it Matt. Besides everyone is waiting."
"Alright, alright" Matt conceded. "The judge has awarded Matty and Lilly to Kitty and I. Either tomorrow evening or the next morning we will be heading home to Dodge." Chatter escaped from everyone's lips. Matt looked to Kitty and smiled. "A lot needs to be done before then. When we go into town, we can pick up the train tickets."
Everybody took off in different directions, excitement could be heard throughout the house. Matt got up and looked down at Kitty. Taking her hands, he drew her up into his arms. A small kiss on the lips happened as well as his forehead laid on hers. "Happy" he quietly asked.
"I am….so happy Matt. This is almost like a dream right now. I asked Rolf to bring up hot water for a bath." She leaned back slightly to look at him. "I thought that you would like one."
Matt chuckled and quickly kissed her once more. "As my lady wishes." He turned and stopped at the door. "I will leave you some hot water. Or perhaps…" his words trailed off.
Kitty shook her head at him, and then began to pick up the napkins on the table. Maria entered and then fussed over the fact that Kitty was picking up anything from the table.
"Please Mrs. Dillion. This is not your responsibility. I can handle it." She started stacking dishes quickly.
"I was just picking up the napkins Maria."
"Yes, of course. I am sorry." Maria stood there for a while looking at Kitty. Kitty seeing this asked "Is there something I could do for you?
"May I have a word with you Mrs. Dillion?"
"Of course Maria. Let's have a cup of coffee and you can tell me what is on your mind." Kitty will sit down in her chair and pour herself another cup of coffee. Reaching over to one of the unused cups, she will pour Maria a cup. Maria tentatively sat down and seemed a bit nervous. "What's on your mind Maria?"
"You will be such a good mama Mrs. Dillion. Miss Penelope tried, but mothering was not in her blood." Taking a sip of the coffee, she continued. "And the marshal, he is good with the boys, and protective of the girls."
"And I take it, you pretty much raised the children."
Maria lower her eyes and folded her hands into her lap. "Yes. Since three of them were newborns. Matty was four when we got him."
Kitty licked her lips and thought about it. It did not occur to her that there would be pain in taking the children home. It was going to be hard on Maria. Sitting there for a while, neither one spoke a word until Kitty broke the ice. "You know Maria, that I own a business." Maria nodded and Kitty continued. "And Mr. Dillions job takes him out of town every so often, leaving me alone to take care of the children and run a business." Again Maria nodded. Kitty reached out and took her hand. "It would be a great help if you were to come and live with us in Dodge."
Maria looked up and into Kitty's eyes. "The marshal will be okay with this?"
"I really don't see him having a problem with it at all. So, room and food with a small salary for helping with the children?"
"Yes, yes. I wish to be with them. Rolf and Clara will not have a problem with this arrangement at all." Maria's voice sounded light and cheerful.
"We will be living above the bar. You will have your own room and washroom. Are you fine with that?"
"Before coming here, I lived in a one room dirty shack. Helping you, being with the children, is alright." Maria stood up and hugged Kitty. "I must get these dishes done." Maria started to stack the dishes once again. Kitty smiled and headed upstairs to an awaiting man, who most likely fell asleep.
After dinner, Newly and Jessica stepped outside in the cool air. She walked slowly measuring her steps to his, aware of the slight pain that he was in. "Are you doing alright? The pain bad?"
"It hurts some, but if I tell Doc, he just give me some laudanum and I would just pass out." Newly went to a chair and held it for her and took one himself.
"When Dakota came in and took us you were hurt, I became very worried. I have this memory that I told you to be careful." She cocked her head looking at him.
"I believe I have the same memory, Miss Jessica. Hey, in my defense, I didn't get shot, killed, broke a bone, knocked unconscious, just pricked."
Jessica laughed at that. Then looking seriously, "I am afraid that Uncle Albert will try anything to prevent me and Johnny from leaving. We are his money ticket."
"I am sure that the marshal will have a solid plan to get us out of here, before he knows you two are gone. And if he comes to Dodge City, I will just stick Festus on him."
Puzzled she tilted her head "Festus? Who is he?"
"Your fathers deputy. He is a hillman and you will understand once you get wrapped up in his stories. That should drive your Uncle Albert crazy. Drives Doc crazy." Newly laugh sightly.
"Newly, do you think we will fit in, with the people of Dodge?"
"The people of Dodge loves the marshal and Miss Kitty. They will love you." He reach out and patted her hand.
Doc was on his way to bed when he peeked into the family room. He had no real reason too, something turned him that way. The roar of the fireplace outlined someone sitting on the floor. Doc realized that it was Dakota, and also realized that he had the bottle of whiskey. He entered and coughed so that Dakota would know he wasn't alone. Dakota turned his head, "Oh evening Doc."
"Can I join you?"
"Sure, bring your own glass." Dakota raised the bottle to him
Doc Adams grabbed a glass and went to sit beside the young man. "Drinking alone?"
"Not since you sat down." Dakota grinned at him, pouring whiskey into the glasses.
"Something eating at you son?" Doc inquired, taking a long sip.
"Yeah Doc. I failed today. I lost the track of the man who shot at us. I half temped to hurt down Albert and shake it out of him, but I put on this damn badge and Matt trusted me to do right."
"And you came back, helped them with Newly. Not counting the rifle lesson you gave Johnny and the guard duty you pulled and everything else you will do."
"But Doc, I didn't find the man. I am a damn bounty hunter. I should have been able to find him." Dakota lowered his head down onto his arm that was resting on his knees.
Doc put his arm around the young man's shoulders. "And I don't always save my patients. Don't see it as failure Dakota, just sometimes it's not in the cards." Dakota and Doc sat there staring into the fires until the wee hours of the night.
Kitty entered their bedroom, the lights were low, and the bed was turned down. Matt was still in the tub, she figured. She took her clothes off and replaced them with a simple white short-sleeved chemise. She tiptoed to the door and peeked in. Matt was leaning back with a washcloth on his right shoulder, his eyes were closed. Quietly she entered the washroom and wondered if she should wake him up. She took the washcloth off and dipped it into the hot water, replacing it on his shoulder again. Carefully she smoothed back his wet hair, playing with the curls that could drive her insane if she let them. Suddenly a hand reached out and grabbed her arm. With a squeal Kitty found herself, chemise, and all in the tub on Matt's lap. He brought his other hand up and placed it on the back of her head, bringing her lips to his. He kissed her long and deep before either one of them came up for air.
"Now that you manage to get me soaking wet, what are you going to do about it?
Her words attempted to sound in control, she knew that she wasn't. So she waited for his next move. Slowly and deliberately he moved her chemise up her body and over her head. Each time his fingers touched her body, it sent shivers down her spine igniting a fire within her. Once the chemise was off, Kitty framed his face with her hands, caressing his cheeks. She felt his arousal and knew just what power they had over each other.
"The water is getting a bit cold. Let continue this conversation in our bed Miss Russell", a boyish grin spread across his face. His hands took both of hers and he kissed their palms. Kitty nodded slightly, pulled herself out of the water and grabbed both a towel for her and for him. Matt slowly stood up, stepped out, and took a towel from her. Wrapping a towel around him, he headed into the bedroom and plopped on to the bed on his back. Opening his arms to her, she slowly moved towards him. At the bed Matt sat up and grabbed her, pulling her on top of him. Kitty kissed him with all the passion that she had, her right hand playing with his hair, her left undid her towel. Matt moaned as she opened her mouth for him to explore. His hands moved up her ribs and over to her back. Rolling over with her now on the bottom, he felt her hands undoing his towel and then caressing him.
"I love you so much Kathleen," he whispered in her ear as his mouth explored her body with kisses. He moved her legs to each side of his body and entered her. Kitty sighed as he entered her. "I love you so much Matthew, so much." Their bodies started to move together, a rhythm that they knew well and enjoyed over the years.
Flipping them over so that she was on top of him, his hands went to her hips and urged her into a faster rhythm. It would not take long for him to feel her body tense on his as she climaxes, causing him to follow. She felt his release just after hers, she laid there for a long while, naked body upon naked body. Kitty felt so happy, so right. This was her man, no one could take him. They had a family, four children that would go home with them. Matt felt tears on his chest, worried that he had hurt her, lifted her face. "Kitty, did I hurt you?" She shook her head no, "These are happy tears Cowboy. Happy tears," she smiled at him. "We should get our night clothes on; in case we have a midnight visit." Matt laughed slightly, disengaged from her, and stood up. Extending his hands down to her, helped her up and went to put on his union suit. Dressed in their night clothes, Matt and Kitty snuggled down under the covers and drifted off to sleep.
TBC