Author's note below

It was a late rainy August night, as the rain came pouring down. Heavy rain was late for this time of year, but everyone was thankful for a break from the late summer heat and the rain since it had been a few months since the last rainfall.

Kitty laid restless in her bed, she tossed and turned, then turned and tossed, but try as she might, sleep would not come. She felt that her heart was longing for something, but for what she didn't know.

In a sigh of frustration, she pushed the covers back and swung her legs over the edge of the bed.

With her housecoat in hand, she made her way to the girls' room and checked on them first, making sure they were sleeping through the sound of the heavy downpour. Then she made her way down to the kitchen.

After lighting the lamp, she looked about the room.

"Maybe a cold glass of water would help me sleep."

Kitty thought as she reached up for a glass cup and pumped herself some water.

It was cool and refreshing, just as she thought it would be, but the only problem was she was now more awake than she had been.

With a sigh, she walked over to the table and sat down. There was a crinkling sound, something like a paper envelope, that came from her left pocket.

"What on earth?" she wondered, reaching into her pocket and pulling out Matt's letter. A smile graced her lips, she had forgotten about putting it in her pocket, what was it two, or maybe three weeks ago?

Shaking her head, she couldn't remember, oh well it didn't matter much anyways.

Kitty placed the wrinkled envelope on the table, and just stared at it.

She realized it's been four months since she seen, talked, or wrote to him. In all that time, she had missed his birthday, but not Bethany's. The girls kept her busy and it kept her mind off from missing Matt. But when the night fell, her heart would ache.

Kitty's heart quickened as she traced his handwriting, he used a special type of handwriting for her. She picked the letter up and slowly started to open it, but then she stopped.

"What if he doesn't want me anymore? Is he upset at me for leaving him?"

Doubtful questions filled her mind, she bit her lip and let the note fall to the table.

At that moment, the old hard wooden floor creaked under the weight of someone. Kitty looked up, to see Sarah standing in the kitchen doorway.

"I thought I heard someone down here. Kitty, is everything alright?'

Kitty nodded for Sarah to join her, "I uh couldn't sleep. I've been rather restless tonight, for some reason."

The older woman nodded as she got herself some water, she sat down, it was then she noticed the letter,

"Is that from Matt?"

The young redheaded woman only nodded.

"What does he have to say?"

Kitty only shrugged her shoulders,

"I have no clue. I didn't know about it, for three months because it was in my carpetbag, then when I found it, I put it in my housecoat so the girls wouldn't find it. I forgot about it until now, so it's been there for almost a month."

Sarah only nodded, "That's fair enough. I didn't interrupt you from reading the letter, did I?"

Kitty lowered her eyes and gently shook her head.

"No, Sarah, you didn't. Honestly, I've been putting it off reading the letter as long as possible..."

She let out a long sigh before continuing, "I guess I've just been too scared to read it. Not knowing what Matt wrote. What if he..."

Kitty let the last of her words drift off.

Sarah could understand without her saying anything more. She took a hold of Kitty's hand, "Kitty, knowing you, and Matt. He would not tuck tail and run at the truth. He loves you, Kitty. The proof of his love is upstairs sleeping. If you told him about the girls, he'd-"

Sarah stopped herself. There was no need to bring that up. She may not have agreed with Kitty keeping the girls a secret from their father. But rather than scold Kitty and look down her nose at her, she would preferably help her and pray that the truth would come out someday.

Kitty looked up at her old friend, she knew the unspoken words that Sarah didn't say. She only nodded, "I know, I-I just don't know where to even began, let alone were to start."

Sarah softly smiled.

"Why don't you start with the letter? Then go from there."

Sarah then looked at the younger woman, "Would you like me to stay down here with you, while you read it?"

Kitty bit her lip, then nodded. As she slowly opened the letter,

"My Beloved Kitty,

My heart grieves at the thought of you leaving. Sometimes I wonder if it was something I said or something I did? Was it because I put the badge back on? Because we never married or something else? Kit, I'm sorry for all of that if I'm the reason for your leaving. Please, my love, come back.

My mind wanders back to all the memories we've shared.

The late-night talks, early morning coffee, meals we've shared, the love that we shared and still share. How many times my mind goes back to the nights of coming home from a long ride to see you standing at the doors of the Long Branch, waiting to welcome me home.

Kit, we've had some good times, haven't we? some bad, and some downright dangerous ones too that I can remember.

Kitty, sweetheart, I know this letter isn't anything fancy. But I wanted to let you know how much I love you and will miss you.

I leave you with the words from the Red River Valley song.

'From this valley, they say you are going. I shall miss your bright eyes and sweet smile.

For you take with you all the sunshine That has brightened my pathway awhile.

Do you think of the town you're leaving, O how lonely and how dreary it will be.

Do you think of the kind heart you're breaking

and the pain you are causing to me?

Then come sit by my side if you love me, do not hasten to bid me adieu

Just remember the Dodge City And the cowboy that's loved you so true.'

With all my love, Your cowboy,

Matt."

Kitty sighed, "O Matt." she whispered. When he wanted to be he could be a poet, but only a few knew it. His words took her breath away as she swallowed back the tears that threatened to fall.

"Kitty?"

"I-I'm alright Sarah."

Sarah only patted Kitty's hand.

"Well, I don't know about you. But mornings come around here early, so I think I might go back to bed. But you're more than welcome to stay up as late as you need."

Kitty only nodded as the widow went back upstairs. Maybe Sarah was right. Sleeping on it would be a good idea. With that, Kitty followed her friend's lead and went back to bed, where she found sleep came easier this time around.

Just as I promised Kitty would read Matt's letter. Yes, I know Red river valley might not have been that popular a song/ been written just yet.

and yes I did change some of the lyrics to match the story better.

Sorry, this chapter is shorter than what you guys are used to. I had writer's block this past week and just couldn't shake it until tonight.

Thank you guys for all the kind reviews. I do appreciate them!

As to everyone wandering about my T rating, I will more than likely change it to K+ soon, but I just want to give myself some wiggle room when it comes to finishing up my story. Yes, it is tame. but I just like to be on the safe side.

Thank you guys so much!

the next chapter is in the works!