The dust settled as the rest of the townsfolk emerged cautiously from their hiding places. Chester was already collecting weapons from the wounded gang members, his usual nervous chatter replaced by grim efficiency.
Doc arrived on the scene, his medical bag in hand. "Bring the injured to the clinic," he ordered. "Let's see who we can patch up."
Inside the saloon, Kitty stood by the bar, her shotgun still in hand. Her dress was smudged with soot, but her expression was calm. When Matt walked in, their eyes met.
"Everyone alright in here?" Matt asked, his gaze sweeping over the room.
"We're fine," Kitty replied, setting the shotgun down. "Thanks to you."
Matt stepped closer, his voice quieter. "You held your own."
Kitty raised an eyebrow. "Did you expect anything less?"
A faint smile tugged at Matt's lips. "No, I didn't."
Later that night, after the wounded were tended to and the saloon was cleaned up, Kitty found Matt sitting on the balcony of the Long Branch, staring out at the now-quiet town. She joined him, carrying two glasses of whiskey.
"You look like you could use this," she said, handing him a glass.
"Thanks," he said, taking a sip.
They sat in companionable silence for a moment, the tension of the night finally giving way to calm.
"I was pretty scared earlier. But not for me, for you.," Kitty said softly. "You ever stop to think what your job does to the people who care about you?"
Matt glanced at her, his blue eyes searching hers. "I think about it more than you know. But someone's gotta do it, Kitty. This town needs someone to stand between them and trouble."
Kitty leaned back, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "This town doesn't just need a marshal, Matt. It needs you. ...And so do I."
Matt looked at her for a long moment before reaching out, his hand brushing hers. "I don't say it often, but I hope you know… I care about you, Kitty."
Kitty's lips curved into a soft smile, and she clasped his hand. "Well, it's about time you admitted it."
They sat together under the Dodge City sky, holding hands.
Whiskey gone, Matt glanced over at Kitty and wiggled his eyebrows. "You wanna head inside?"
The next day, life in Dodge City returned to normal, but the events of the night lingered in the minds of the townsfolk. Doc treated the injured, Chester recounted the fight to anyone who would listen, and Bill Pence ensured the Long Branch was back in business.
As for Matt and Kitty, their bond had grown stronger, though their unspoken understanding remained. There would always be more trouble in Dodge City, but for now, they had found a moment of peace—and perhaps, the beginnings of something more.