PT.12
“Grandpa Was a Hero”
Lil’ Adam, was still all wide eyed… Grandma…There wasn’t any more Dodge City????
Ahhh, Darling… After a week or so of resting up… First plan was to get to work…
Adam hush… Let Grandma tell us what happened next…. Kitty just smiled. Thinking to herself
No matter how many times ..I tell them these stories… They still want to hear them ..like it was the first time…? Ok, Boys … Well, Like I said,,, First order of business… Getting back to Dodge…
Matt had rode on into the nearest town.. and with the help of a few of the local businessmen and The town banker… They were able to get supplies delivered to Dodge… And Matt was able to make out his official report…Colonel Forbes , sent word to matt that they had apprehended the other escaped convicts…
And would be returning them to Leavenworth. With all the work that needed to be down ..it made for long days and nights… This was a time for all of Dodge citizen to pull together….
Over the next few months… things were looking up…. Dodge was starting to look like a real town again.
Most of the essential buildings and businesses were rebuilt. Matt’s Office, The Bank, The freight office and depot….They were the easiest.. They were Brick structures …Kitty did rebuild the Long Branch…
Mr. Jonas’ store, now had a larger layout ..to accommodate Doc’s office on the ground level…
Once Kitty had The New Long Branch, ready… she decided to make a family supper..
She knew Doc wanted to make his announcement … He was retiring ! Newly would now be The new Town Doctor… He and Amy had decided to move closer into town…
They were all gathered around the table… Matt, Kitty Beth ,Mary… Festus, Newly and Amy…
Conversation was buzzing in all directions… Kitty just sat back …Smiling….Dessert Anyone?
Why Yes Of Course…Matt answered first.. I know you will Cowboy! I’d be shocked if you didn’t?
You all stay put.. Mary made us a cake…for the occasion … Mary jumped up ..I’ll help!
While they were all waiting.. For Kitty and Mary to come back with cake and coffee… they had a visitor…
I hope I’m not interrupting ?…. Hey , Breck!… No not at all ..didn’t know you were back in town to stay?
Matt said. Yes Marshal… Oh, Please.. It’s Matt. Pull up a chair… to what do we owe this visit?
Well, I actually need to see Kitty. Kitty? Matt now giving him a inquisitive look. Doc in a teasing tone…
That’s right keep him on his toes…! Laughing Breck, looked at Matt… Oh, It’s business … Legal Business… Shaking his head, Oh, Ok… ! Daddy are you jealous? Beth said teasing. It’s bad enough I have to hear it from Doc,.. But , You Too? When Kitty and Mary returned with cake and coffee…
She was surprised to see Breck …. Breck Taylor!… Com’ere.. Give me a hug? Matt shot her a look. What are you doing here? Join us for cake and coffee? Please? Sure Kitty. Actually, I have some business to discuss with you. Now? It’s important. .he added. Can we talk in private for a minute?
Ok, everyone go on we’ll be right back. They walked to a table in the corner…. Ok, Breck what is it?
He reached in his coat pocket.. And pulled out two envelopes … Kitty, here one of these is sealed and addressed to you …Personally. And the other? It a legal document. Breck, who is this from and why are you giving this to me? Kitty, about 5-6 years ago, Maylee Bains came to see me here in Dodge
She ,explained the circumstance surrounding Custody and adoption of Mary. Breck what are you getting at? Kitty, she had me draw up a will, stating that being she was a single Mother.. Of the Child Mary Bains
That in the event of her untimely death … and Mary still being a minor child… she wanted “you” to be Mary’s Legal guardian! Oh, Breck… Kitty?… Now this is strickly up to you…? You don’t have to do this… Other arrangements can be made… No! Kitty shouted out before realizing.. She was that loud…
Matt turned quickly…Kitty what is it? Oh, Matt it alright… I’m alright. Kitty I’ll leave you to read your letter….. Breck rejoined the group…. Kitty sat for a Moment…sliding her finger across the seal …then…
She slowly open it.. And began to read:
Dear Miss Russell,
Well, in light of the nature of this letter… may I call you Miss Kitty?
Needless to say if you are reading this letter…, I have Passed on from this world and Join My “Eli”
And that mean that Our little Mary is not yet a grown Woman…. I have thought about this .. And , what I wanted to say to you… I want you to know,… I know that when you and Marshal Dillon came to bring me Mary, all those years ago… How difficult it was for you and the pain that was in your heart… even through you had only been her Mother a short time…. And That it why I was so sure that ..my decision to keep you
A part of Mary’s life as she grew up was a good one. And also, that is what made this decision… the right one. Mary was brought into both our lives for a reason… different as they may seem… still a reason.
That is why , I had ..Breckenridge Taylor.. Draw up the paper’s .. with My request.. That “You “
Miss Kitty, Now continue on as Mary’s mother. And I do hope you will accept … I know how much you have and still do Love her…and I know Mary loves you too! I can rest knowing that in your care she will be secure ,and safe… And most of all ….. Have “A Mother’s Love”
Thank You for the Most Precious and wonderful Gift you have given me, Now , let me ..Give you and Mary
The same Gift in return…?
Bless You ,
Maylee Bains
Now Holding the letter to her chest, Kitty ‘s eyes were filled with tears……
Matt, excused himself from the table… without saying a word, sat beside Kitty…. Honey..?
What is it? She looked at Matt, with tear-filled eyes… Cowboy, I can keep my promise….
Promise?… what do you mean?.. now confused, wrapping his arm around her shoulders….
A Home….. Kitty , what are you talking about? I made a Promise to Mary… you did?
I did… I promised her she’d always have a Home. Ahhh, I remember … so what’s that got to do with
You cryin’ and does it have to do anything with the letter? Shaking her head, she handed him the letter…
It’s from Maylee Bains. Matt read the letter, then… Kitty, Mary’s in good hands… I know how much over the year’s you’ve Loved her… and it’s easy to see she loves you too.
Kitty waited…she knew Doc wanted to make his announcement…. I’m sorry ..everyone… I believe
We were gonna have cake? Then, Doc stood up, I want to say something to everyone while your all here… Now, I’ve been the town Doctor here in Dodge for a Many year…. And , I’ve brought many babies into this world…, fix broken bones… dug more then a Man’s share of Bullets out of you Matt?
Doc, what you rattling on about?. .Festus ‘ ask. What I’m trying to say is ..if you’ll let me …Festus’
Is …I think it’s time for me …well to turn things over to Newly here!… what do you mean Doc?
He don’t get it…why am I not surprised…Oh, Doc ..Kitty said smiling. Festus’ I’m Retiring!
You leavin’ Doc?…. I said No such a thing… I’m Retiring… But , I’ll still be around.. Just to watch you
And torment you when I can….? Everyone started laughing.
Now if you will all, excuse me… I’m tired… I’m saying Goodnight… and I’ll see you in the Morning….
Kitty watched as Doc walked out … she leaned into Matt…. He’s lookin’ pretty tired … Well Kit,The last few Months.. They’ve been hard on him. Now , he can get in some fishing… and relax . I hope so, Matt?
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