"Festus: The Babysitter" (Part 2)

"Mr. Dillon, I noticed that this trip to town is taking a little longer than normal," Kitty observed with a smile on her face.

"I just want to spend some alone time with my beautiful wife," Matt responded. "Don't get me wrong. I love our little girl with all my heart. I couldn't imagine life without her, but we need time to ourselves. Are you complaining, Mrs. Dillon?"

"Of course not, Cowboy," said Kitty. "I agree with you. I love Ruby too and couldn't imagine life without her, but we need some time together without her."

Matt gave Kitty a smile that he reserved only for her. Kitty moved closer to Matt and wrapped her arm around his. She put her head on his shoulder, and they continued on with their journey to town in a companionable silence. At that time talking was not necessary. Matt and Kitty were simply enjoying being with one another. There would be plenty of time for conversation while they ate dinner.

Ten minutes later Matt and Kitty arrived in town. Matt parked the buggy on a side street, got out, and then helped Kitty. He put his arm around Kitty's waist and escorted her to Delmonico's. Arriving at Delmonico's, they could see that antelope stew was the special for the evening.

"I know one thing for certain. I won't be getting the special tonight," Kitty commented.

"Me neither," Matt agreed. "I'm in the mood for a nice steak."

"Ooh," said Kitty. "That does sound delicious."

Matt and Kitty walked inside and looked for a table to sit at. They found one near the back. If you asked Matt or Kitty, it was the perfect spot. Matt pulled out Kitty's chair for her and then took his own seat. Shortly after they sat down, Joe came to take their order.

"Hello Marshal, Miss Kitty," Joe greeted them. "What can I get for you?"

Matt looked at Kitty. "Do you still want that steak?"

"Yes," Kitty answered. "Let's add some potatoes and green beans."

"Sounds good," Matt replied. He turned his attention to Joe. "Two steak dinners with potatoes and green beans, please."

"Yes, sir," said Joe as he took the order. "I'll have your food out to you as soon as it's ready."

After Joe walked away. Matt and Kitty started their conversation. They talked about anything and everything. Topics included Ruby and how well she was saying her L's, the weather, and what's been going on around town.

Back at the Dillon house, Festus and Ruby were having a wonderful time together. Festus felt bad that Miss Amy had gotten sick, but was glad it gave him the opportunity to spend this time with his godchild. He sometimes envied Matthew. He had a beautiful wife and an adorable little girl. Festus may have a bit of envy when it comes to Matt, but he was very happy for his friend.

Festus and Ruby were currently sitting on the floor playing with her blocks. They were trying to see how tall they could build their structures before the structures fell over. Each time the structures fell, Ruby would squeal with delight. The blocks were played with for another fifteen minutes, and then Ruby wanted to color. She and Festus picked up her blocks.

Once the blocks were picked up and put away, they started to color. Festus looked over at Ruby as she colored. He had to smile at the shape of Ruby's mouth as she colored. Festus couldn't quite describe the shape, but they looked just like her daddy's when he was concentrating on his paperwork.

"How does my picture look, Uncle Festus?" Ruby asked, breaking Festus out of his reverie.

"I think that there picture is one of the best I've seen," Festus complimented.

Ruby was pleased with Festus' response. "Yours looks nice too, Uncle Festus." Ruby yawned and Festus took notice.

"Missy Ruby, it looks like yer getting sleepy," said Festus. "Let's git ya ready for some shut eye."

Ruby was about to say she was not tired, but another yawn escaped. She was going to have a hard time convincing Uncle Festus she wasn't tired. However, she did want to finish her picture so she could give it to Uncle Festus. She only had a little bit left to color.

"Can I finish my picture?" she asked. "I just have a little bit left to color."

Looking at the picture, Festus could see that there wasn't much left for Ruby to color. "I reckon it'd be okay for ya ta finish. But as soon as yer done, it's bedtime."

"Okay," Ruby replied. She finished her coloring and handed the picture to Festus. "This is for you, Uncle Festus."

"Golly bill, Miss Ruby," said Festus as he took the picture. "This sure does make me as happy as a pig slopping in the mud. Let's git ya to bed."

Ruby explained how she got ready for bed. For being four years old, she did a pretty good job. Festus helped Ruby out of her dress and into her nightgown. Next Ruby showed him how she cleaned her teeth and washed her face. The last thing to do was to brush Ruby's hair. Ruby gave Festus the instructions, and he followed them as best as he could. He hit a few tangles with the brush, which caused Ruby to whimper, but for the most part, he did well.

Festus turned down Ruby's covers, and she climbed into bed. After Ruby was in bed, Festus made sure she was all tucked in. "There ya go, as snug as a bug in a rug."

"Uncle Festus, will you read me a story?" Ruby asked as Festus was about to turn out the lantern and leave the room. She sat up and took a book off of the small table next to her bed. "Goldilocks and the Three Bears is my favorite story." She handed the book to Festus.

Festus took the book and had a look of panic on his face. He hoped Ruby didn't notice his panic. There was no way he could read this story to Ruby. There was also no way he could let Ruby know he couldn't read. He just didn't want her to know that her uncle, her godfather couldn't read. What was he supposed to do?

TBC

*Author's Note: I realized that I have enough for a three part story. Part 3 will be the conclusion.