Chapter 3 "The Other Lady" Matt has dinner with a beautiful young lady that isn't Kitty.

Matt felt the stares of the people on Front Street and saw them whispering to each other as he walked towards Delmonico's with a beautiful young lady. A lady that wasn't Kitty. Not only was he walking down Front Street with a lady that wasn't Kitty, he was also wearing his best string tie and his courting coat. A man did not wear his best tie and courting coat everyday. Those pieces of clothing were worn for special times. Obviously Matt felt that being with this lady was a special time.

Matt and his companion reached their destination and walked inside Delmonico's. They walked to an empty table. Matt pulled out the chair for his dinner companion and then pushed it in once she sat down. After she was situated, Matt sat down. Matt noticed the stares that took place outside, continued in Delmonico's. People were pointing at Matt and the lady he was with, and quietly talking to one another. Matt hoped his dinner date would not notice the staring and the pointing. He wanted her to have a good time and enjoy herself.

'Who cares what they think?' thought Matt. 'I'm here to enjoy myself and to make sure the lovely lady with me enjoys herself.'

It wasn't long after Matt and his companion sat down, when Joe came over to them. "Hello, Marshal. Hello, Miss. What can I get you?"

"What is your special for today?" asked Matt

"Our special for today is meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans," said Joe.

"That sounds delicious. Does that delicious to you?" Matt asked the lady sitting with him.

"Yes," she answered.

"Joe, we'll take two of the specials,"

"Alright, Marshal. I'll get those orders in for you," said Joe.

"Thank you, Joe," said Matt.

Once Joe had left, Matt had turned his attention back to the lady sitting with him. He couldn't help but smile at her. She was a beautiful lady, and he felt proud to be able to have this time with her.

It did not take long for Joe to return with their food. While they ate, Matt and his companion engaged in conversation. He asked her how her day was and she answered. She asked him how his day was and he answered.

Matt was so focused on the lady that was with him, that he did not notice that Kitty had walked by Delmonico's. He may not have noticed Kitty, but Kitty noticed him and his companion. She decided not to make a scene and continued on. She would talk to Matt some other time.

Dinner finished, Joe came back to the table to clear away their dishes. "Would the two of you be interested in dessert? We have fresh vanilla ice cream.""

"Daddy, I want some ice cream," said three year old Ruby.

Matt looked at his little girl. He couldn't deny her anything. With her red hair and sapphire eyes, she looked just like her mother. "Joe, we'll take two scoops of ice cream." Ruby smiled at her daddy.

Matt and Ruby finished their ice cream and left Delmonico's. Matt put Ruby on the wagon's seat and then climbed on himself. He pulled her close to him, picked up the reins, and headed home. When they got home Kitty was waiting for them.

"Did you enjoy your date with daddy?" Kitty asked Ruby.

"Oh yes! I had ice cream!" Ruby exclaimed.

Matt and Kitty both laughed at Ruby's enthusiasm. Being that it was Ruby's naptime, Kitty took Ruby to her bedroom and put her to bed. After closing the door, Kitty turned her attention to Matt.

"So tell me, Cowboy. Should I be jealous?" Kitty teased.

"As long as you're okay that there's another lady in my life, things should be fine," Matt said with a glint in his eyes.

"I've been okay with it for the last three years," answered Kitty as she pulled Matt to her for a long passionate kiss.

TBC