Chapter 9 A Family For Nathan
"Well, I best git goin'. Mizz Kitty, thank you for the vittles. They were mighty tasty. Mizz Ruby, thank you for readin' some of yer book ta me," said Festus.
"We enjoyed your company, Festus," said Kitty with a smile.
"Uncle Festus, tell my daddy to hurry up 'n get his work done," Ruby requested. "I miss him."
"Will do, Mizz Ruby," stated Festus. He placed his hat on his head and left the house. Once outside, he mounted Ruth and rode off back to town.
Kitty looked down at Ruby. She had her McGuffey reader in her hand. "Go 'n put that in your knapsack. I'd hate for you to forget it and not have it for school tomorrow. Speaking of which, tomorrow is a school day. We need to get you ready for bed. I don't want a sleepy little girl at school tomorrow."
"Oh Momma, I don't wanna go to bed," Ruby complained. "I wanna wait for Daddy to come home."
"First, you need to stop your whining," Kitty chastised. "Second, I don't know when Daddy will be home. It might be really late, way past your bedtime, when he does get home. I might even be in bed when he gets home." Kitty knew the last part probably wasn't true. She would wait for Matt to get home to see what information he discovered. Kitty knew without a doubt that's what was keeping Matt.
Ruby still didn't like the idea of going to bed without her daddy, but she knew better than to argue with her momma. "I wish Daddy had banker hours," she mumbled. Kitty silently agreed with her daughter.
Kitty tucked Ruby in her bed, making sure her beloved dolls were on each side of her. Once Ruby was all tucked in, Kitty excused herself, promising Ruby she would be right back. A minute later Kitty returned with a brown paper package in her hand. Looking at the shape and size of the package, Ruby's eyes lit up. Ruby waited for her momma to reveal what was inside. She had a strong suspicion of what it was.
Kitty sat down on Ruby's bed and took a book out of the paper bag. "We finished Heidi a while ago, and I thought since it's a new year, it would be a perfect time to start a new book."
"What book is it, Momma?" Ruby asked with anticipation.
"It's called The Light Princess by George MacDonald," Kitty replied. She began to read. "Chapter one 'What! No Children?' Once upon a time, so long ago that I have quite forgotten the date, there lived a king and queen who had no children." Kitty continued to read until she finished the first chapter. "That's the first chapter. I'll stop right there." Kitty closed the book and put it on Ruby's night stand. She turned and gave Ruby a kiss goodnight. "Sweet dreams, honey."
"Momma, tell Daddy to give me a kiss goodnight when he gets home," Ruby pleaded.
"I will," Kitty promised. "Now close your eyes and go to sleep." Kitty extinguished the lamp and left the room.
Kitty walked down the hall and into Matt's and her bedroom. She walked to the cradle and saw that Nathan was awake. Leaning over, Kitty picked him up and placed him against her shoulder. She gently rubbed his back. He was a very good baby, content just like Ruby was when she was a baby. "How about I change you, and then give you a little nightcap?" Nathan grunted in response. "I'll take that as a yes." Kitty went to the kitchen with the baby and expertly prepared the bottle one handed. When the bottle was ready, she went to the parlor, sat down on the couch, and began to feed Nathan.
Matt made the short trip from his office to the Dodge House, his long strides carrying determination. After finding out what room the Anteses were staying in, Matt climbed the stairs and walked down the balcony. He stopped at room twelve and knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" called Alfred from the other side.
"It's Marshal Dillon," Matt answered back. "Let me in." Matt waited to be let in.
Alfred unlocked the door and let Matt enter. One look at Matt's face told Alfred that Matt knew more about them than he did when they first arrived in Dodge City. "You know." It was more of a statement than a question.
"I do," Matt solemnly replied. "Did you think you could keep something like this from me? What I don't understand is why you didn't say anything."
Alfred and Mabel exchanged glances before Alfred responded. "Marshal, if you knew that Mabel's brother was Henry Stewart of the Yellow Henry Gang, would you have given us the baby?"
"Probably not," Matt replied. "I wanna hear your story."
Mabel knew it was her turn to speak. "Evie, that's what I call Evelyn, is my older sister. Henry Stewart is our older brother. He's the leader of the Yellow Henry Gang. It's a violent gang made up of thieves and murderers. Some man named Turpo was the leader, until his arrest in 1877. Henry took over after that. Charlie and Evelyn decided they wanted to get out of New Orleans. They didn't want Nathan growing up under the shadow of his uncle. They didn't want any connection to him. Alfred and I decided the same thing. We don't have any kids yet. But when we do start a family, we want to make sure nobody can link us to Henry Stewart. Charlie and Evie made up their minds to move west and settle in Denver, Colorado. I didn't want to be away from my sister. Alfred and I agreed to follow them. They decided to take a covered wagon, stopping at and enjoying different cities on the way. They wanted to make an adventure of it. We would get wires from them each time they reached a new town. In their wires, they would say what town they would be arriving at next. Dodge was next for them. When we didn't get a wire, we knew something was wrong. We packed up what we could and took the next train headed this way. Marshal, Evie was my big sister. After our parents passed away, she was all I had. Now with her gone, Nathan is all I have."
Matt took in Mabel's words. It was a lot to digest. "If your sister meant so much to you, why haven't you asked about her and Charlie's graves?"
Mabel bit her bottom lip and took a deep breath. "I guess I was in denial. I couldn't face the fact that my sister was dead. I didn't want to accept it. If I saw the graves, then I wouldn't be able to deny it. A grave is pemanent. No matter how much you want to, you can't change the events that led to the grave. Death is a person's end. I hate to think that Evie and Charlie have come to their end." By now Mabel had tears streaming down her cheeks. She wiped the tears off her cheek.
Alfred put his arm around his wife, pulling her close to him. "Marshal, my wife has been through a lot with the sudden death of her sister. All we ask is that we be given Nathan."
Matt looked Alfred in the eyes. "We'll meet with Judge Brooker tomorrow morning at ten." Matt left the hotel room and went straight to Breckenridge's office. The light in Breck's office was still on. He knocked on the door.
"Come on in, Marshal," Breck responded from the other side.
Matt opened the door and walked in the office. "How didja know it was me?"
"Lucky guess," Breck replied. "I take it you've received some information on the Anteses."
"Yeah," Matt sighed.
"Well, what did you find out?" Breck leaned back in his chair and waited for Matt to answer.
Matt sat down and told Breckenridge everything that Mabel had shared with him. "I have no reason to doubt her story. I'm just torn. I don't know what to do."
"You're not torn because you don't know what to do. You're torn because you know what you have to do. Matt, as a lawman, you know there's no law against being related to an outlaw or someone associated with a gang, as long as that person isn't involved. As a lawyer, I know the same thing. Do you think the Anteses will provide a good life for Nathan?"
"I do," Matt quietly admitted. "I don't wanna take up anymore of your time. I should get going." Matt stood up and left the office. Breck watched a defeated Matt leave his office. He wished the outcome was different.
Matt was on his way back to the office, when he saw Doc coming down the street in his buggy. Doc pulled up in front of his office. Matt changed his direction and strolled over to Doc. "Where are you coming from, Doc?"
"The Huhn farm," Doc answered as he climbed out of his buggy and grabbed his trusty medical bag. "Mrs. Huhn had her third baby, a boy."
"Babies," Matt said with a shake of his head. "Babies being born to couples, babies losing parents, babies being taken away from couples."
"Come to my office, Matt," Doc demanded. Matt heard the firmness in Doc's voice and didn't refuse. The duo climbed the steps and walked into the office. Doc put his medical bag on his desk. He opened the bottom draw and pulled out a bottle of whiskey and a shot glass. He filled the shot glass with the amber liquid and handed it to Matt. "Talk to me."
Matt took the shot glass and threw it back in one swig, letting the liquid burn his throat as it went down. "I found out that Mabel is the sister of Henry Stewart."
"I have no idea who that is," Doc remarked.
"He's the leader of the Yellow Henry gang down in New Orleans," Matt stated.
"Are you gonna use that against them?" Doc questioned. "Are you gonna convince Judge Brooker that being with them is not in Nathan's best interest?"
Matt shook his head no. "After hearing Mabel's story, I can't. I believe that Mabel is Evelyn's sister and that she and Alfred want to give Nathan a good life."
Doc swiped his hand over his mustache. "You know I saw Alfred and Mabel earlier today, and I must say that she does look a lot like Evelyn. I didn't want to say anything. I was hoping that if she was, that you would find incriminating evidence against them."
"You said there was a note in Nathan's basket telling his name and for him to be taken care of," Matt stated.
"Yes," Doc confirmed.
"I wonder why the note never mentioned Alfred and Mabel," Matt wondered.
Doc shrugged his shoulders. "I can't give a definite answer to that. People do things that can't be explained, especially when they're sick. How are you going to break the news to Kitty?"
Matt briefly closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and slowly let it out. "I'm trying to avoid that."
"You know that's not possible," Doc pointed out the obvious.
"I know," Matt quietly agreed. "I guess there's no point in putting it off. See ya, Doc." Matt left Doc's office and descended the steps. Doc walked to the window and watched Matt walk to his office. He was glad he didn't have to be in Matt's shoes. Matt had the task of breaking Kitty's heart. That's one thing that Doc never wanted to do.
Matt returned home shortly before midnight. He unlocked the door and walked into the house. Matt removed his hat and coat and put them on their hooks. He saw Kitty sitting on the couch. She wasn't even in her nightgown yet. "It's late, sweetheart, and yer not even in yer nightgown. Why not?"
"I wanted to stay awake until you got home. Staying in these clothes would help with that," Kitty replied as she stood up. "What did you find out? I know that's why yer late."
"Can we talk in the kitchen?" Matt asked. "I never ate supper, 'n I'm hungry."
"Sure," Kitty replied. "I saved a plate of ham and potatoes for you. I'll heat it up, while you go 'n give Ruby a kiss goodnight. She told me to tell you to give her a kiss when you got home."
"I'll do it right now," Matt declared. He walked down the hall and quietly entered Ruby's room. The little girl was in a deep sleep, clicking away. She was twisted in her blankets. Matt was able to rearrange her blankets without disturbing her. He kissed her cheek. "Daddy loves you, baby girl," he whispered. Matt stood up and with one final glance, he left the room. Next he went to their room and looked in the cradle. Nathan was sound asleep. Matt knew he couldn't avoid it any longer. He had to talk to Kitty.
Matt entered the kitchen just in time to see Kitty spoon the ham and potatoes on a plate. "Have a seat and tell me what you found out," said Kitty as she placed the plate on the table.
"This looks and smells delicious," Matt stated. He took his fork and stabbed several pieces of ham and potatoes and put them in his mouth. He swallowed. "Tastes delicious too."
Kitty could see that Matt was stalling. She had a feeling in the pit of her stomach that whatever Matt found out wasn't good news. "Matt, you're stalling. What did you find out?"
Matt shared his findings and Mabel's story with Kitty. He saw the tears in her eyes. "I wish I had better news."
"Judge Brooker is gonna grant them custody," said Kitty.
Matt nodded his head. "More than likely. He has no reason not to."
Kitty wanted to yell, to scream, but she knew she couldn't. There were two children fast asleep, one of who had quickly entered their life and would exit it just as quickly. "When do we have to give Nathan to them?"
"We have to meet with Judge Brooker tomorrow morning at ten," Matt replied. He walked over to Kitty. "Come here, sweetheart." Matt pulled Kitty into his arms and embraced her. They both let the tears fall.
The next morning Matt and Kitty did their best to explain to Ruby why Nathan would no longer be living with them. She seemed to be able to accept it. The Dillons took the wagon to town. All three sat on the seat, with Ruby sitting between her parents. Kitty held Nathan. They dropped Ruby off at school and then rode to the jail. Judge Brooker agreed to meet the Dillons and Anteses at the jail. Alfred and Mabel were at the jail waiting. Mabel's face lit up when she saw Nathan. Kitty couldn't deny the genuine smile on Mabel's face.
"You must be Mabel," said Kitty.
"I am," Mabel confirmed. "You know my name, but it would be nice to know yours."
"Kitty. Kitty Dillon," Kitty replied. She looked down at the baby in arms, oblivious of what was about to take place. Kitty ran her finger across the downy fluff on the top of Nathan's head and then down his soft cheek. She knew he would never remember his brief stay with them, but she would remember him.
Mabel watched Kitty with her nephew. She wanted to ask for the baby, but decided to give Kitty the time she needed. It was plain to see that Kitty cared deeply for Nathan. A few more minutes passed, and Kitty gave Nathan to Mabel, who greatly accepted him. "He's a spitting image of Charlie, but he has Evie's eyes. We want to thank you for taking such good care of him. We know that you had nothing but his best interest at heart. He couldn't have found better people."
Kitty gave Mabel a sad smile. "I don't think I have to tell you to take good care of him."
"You don't," said Mabel. "Nathan is a part of my sister. The only part I have left. We'll love and take him like he's our own."
"Why didn't you tell Matt who you were?" Kitty asked. She heard it from Matt, but wanted to hear it from Mabel.
"I'm sure you heard the story from the Marshal," said Mabel. Kitty nodded. "Well, Alfred 'n I also thought if we came to Dodge and said we were Nathan's family, that would be enough. We figured that whoever had him would be relieved that he had family to claim him. It didn't turn out that way."
"Judge Brooker, what do we need to do to take legal custody of Nathan?" asked Alfred.
Judge Brooker, along with Breck Taylor, had been silent observers. "We can walk over to Mr. Taylor's office and get some papers written up and signed."
"Sounds good," said Alfred. Goodbyes were exchanged and the Anteses, Breck, and Judge Taylor left the jail.
That evening the mood was somber at the Dillons. Supper was quiet and it was just as quiet in the parlor. Kitty was sitting at her desk writing in a book. She finished what she was writing and stood up. Matt had been watching her. Several times, as she wrote, she swiped at her eyes. He knew she was wiping tears away. Kitty was about to walk down the hall.
"Kitty." Matt's voice stopped her. "Honey, come here." Kitty turned around and walked to Matt. "You know I can't stand to see you so upset."
"Oh Matt, I feel like such a failure," Kitty sobbed.
"Kitty, I've told you before and I'll say it again. You are not a failure," Matt consoled. "I have no idea why you think that."
"Because I wanted to give you a son and Ruby a sibling," explained Kitty. "And I haven't been able to do that. I didn't want Ruby to be alone."
Matt was about to say something, but Ruby, who had quietly joined her parents, spoke first. She took Kitty's hand. "Momma, I don't need siblings. I'm not alone. I pretend Uncle Will and Aunt Bess's kids are my siblings. I pretend Mary and Rosie are my sisters. When I go over there, I get to be with my siblings. I like going over there, but I love coming home. It's too loud over there. I like my quiet house. I love my little family."
Matt picked Ruby up and put his other arm around Kitty. "Kitty, our daughter is absolutely right. I love our little family too. I love my girls. I thank the Lord everyday for the two of you. There are probably people who think Matt Dillon, the lawman, needs a son. I'm not one of those people. I was meant to be the daddy to a daughter." He gave Ruby a kiss on the cheek. "The three of us are a family, a complete family." Matt's voice was firm and convincing.
Kitty looked at the man who had their daughter in one of his arms and the other around her. She let her mind journey back fifteen years to when she was sitting in that cafe and saw the biggest man she had ever seen eating the biggest breakfast she had ever seen. At that time she never would've imagined she'd be in Dodge fifteen years later married to that man with a daughter produced by their love. Kitty knew Matt and Ruby were right. They were a wonderful family of three. Like them, she loved her little family.
"I love the two of you so much," Kitty declared.
"And we love you so much," Matt responded.
"Momma, if you still think I'm alone, we could always get a dog," said Ruby. Matt and Kitty couldn't help but laugh. Leave it to Ruby to lighten a subdued mood. The Dillons knew they wouldn't forget the baby boy that had been a part of their lives for a brief moment. They also knew how blessed and fortunate they were to have one another.
The End
Author's Notes
I've been trying to post this last chapter for several days now. Each time I'd get an error.
I know a lot of readers figured that Matt would find evidence against the Anteses and adopt Nathan. However, that was too predictable. I will be honest. I had different storylines in my notes to follow. After some deep thinking, I went with this one. Matt, Kitty, and Ruby Dillon were meant to be a family of three, maybe four if they get a furry addition.