AN – I want to thank every reader for sticking with this somewhat convoluted story, and I truly appreciate every comment and PM. To everyone who posted as a guest, please get an account so that I can thank you personally. Maybe we can even have a little PM conversation!

On with the finale.

18 Months Later

Matt rose from a chair in the marshal's office, and shook the hand being offered by a barrel chested, mustached man in his 30's. "Matt, wearing this marshal's badge isn't an easy thing. I don't know how you carried weight of it for so long. Without you to turn to, I don't think I would have made it through this year and a half. I'll admit, I almost didn't take your first piece of advice, but I sure am glad I did."

"What advice was that?"

"Keeping Festus on as deputy. He's got a kind of smarts that's rare, even though his coffee is awful. Please don't tell him I said either of those things."

"You can count on me for that Mike. I'll see you soon. If you need to talk, you know where to find me."

Matt opened the door. "Wait." The new marshal grabbed folded piece of paper. "Matt, I almost forgot. It's really strange, but there was a note with your name on it, in with my newest batch of wanted posters." Marshal Mike Barnes frowned and handed it over. "I hope it's not some kind of threat."

Matt looked at the note. "No, no Mike, it's just a message from a friend. I'll see you soon. " Matt stepped outside and read the note that Declan Murphy had slipped in with the posters:

Dear Matt, I figured this note would find you. I wanted to point out that these posters were printed by yours truly. I'm a head printer now, with plans to open my own shop some day. Tell Kitty that I'll always remember to be the man that you both showed me I could be. 'Tis a good thing. Blessings, Declan.

Wearing a smile, Matt slipped the message into his shirt pocket, next to an envelope he'd picked up at the post office. He got on his horse, eager to get home to Kitty.

When he got outside the large white house, he stomped the dirt off his boots and opened the door. The sun flooded into the foyer.

"Lordy Matt, what a bright and sunny afternoon it is."

"That's for sure Mary. Say, it sure smells good in here."

"I baked an apple pie for dinner, but you know better than to come looking for samples."

"I know the rules." He laughed, "Mary, have I told you how happy we are to have you with us?"

"You have, but I don't tire of hearing it. When I got the telegram last year saying that your household help left for family reasons, and Kitty was expecting twins – Lordy, wild horses couldn't a kept me away."

"We're glad of that." He leaned over and kissed her rosy cheek, "I should get up to Kitty and the girls."

He went upstairs to what had been Vivi's room, but was now the nursery. Kitty was inside with the twins. Matt didn't want to interrupt so he stood just outside the door, watching and listening. The 6-month-old girls were in their crib looking up at their mother, and she was standing over them holding a book, "The princess was as brave and strong as she was beautiful. She picked up the magic sword with two hands and vanquished the terrible dragon. The land was safe once again. The End."

She closed the book. Galena and Frankie drifted off into their afternoon nap with smiles on their lips. Matt crept in quietly. "Do you think they understand any of that?"

"On some level, yes. I'm sure they understood my tone of voice, and over time they'll comprehend more and more.

He walked over to the crib and gazed down at his sleeping daughters. One a redhead and the other dark-haired, the sight of them never failed to make his heart swell.

He looked over at Kitty. She was biting her lower lip in concentration and staring straight ahead. "Kitty, do you want to tell me what's going on in that brain of yours?"

She put her hands on her hips, "Matt Dillon, you know me too well." She gave a small smile, "I do have an idea. The next time you go to town, I'm going with you. I want to go to business owners, and see if I can find a space to use for some book shelves and a couple of tables with chairs. I was thinking it's a shame that we're the only ones who have access to all these wonderful books. I want to start a lending library, a free one so everyone can borrow books for themselves, or to read to their children. Maybe I can start a few classes for folks who never learned to read."

"Kitty, you never stop trying to change things for the better, and I love you for it." He took her by the shoulders and kissed her soft, full lips. "Would tomorrow be soon enough to start looking for space."

"Just about." They both laughed and Matt pulled Declan's note from his pocket, "Look what came in the marshal's wanted posters." She took the note and smiled as she read. "Leave it to Declan to find an unusual way to spent a message. I'll always have a place in my heart for him, and I know you will too." She shook her head, "I so regret that I hurt him, but luckily we all cared enough and loved enough to get us through it. I'm so pleased he's doing well."

Matt thought about all that had happened that year, and the pain he'd caused Vivi. With some trepidation he pulled the envelope from his pocket. It was postmarked: London, England. "Kitty, this was at the post office. It must be from Vivian. I hope she's all right."

"Read it out loud, Matt."

Dear Matt and Kitty,

It's hard to believe that 18 months have gone by since I left. I heard from my bank, so know that you already sent in the final payment for the Lucky C. I didn't expect it to be paid off this quickly. I hope that means you are thriving and the ranch is prosperous.

A few months ago, a banker who does business in Dodge, came into my London shop (I'll get to that), and we got to talking. From him I learned that you have twin daughters. I'm happy for you, and I know they will know they are loved and wanted.

Now, about the shop. After much traveling, I realized that I like to be in one place, and settled in London. I know it will make you smile to know that I work in a bookshop. The owner is a widower with a 5-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son. They are charming children who love to be read to. I adore them. Their father, David, dotes on me and has declared his love. David is a good man, and I know I can build a life with him, so we are marrying next month. Wish me well.

Please know that it brings me great joy to know that my old house is finally filled with love and laughter. I'd love to hear about your children. Please stay in touch.

Vivi Carter (soon to be Mrs. Collier.)

Matt slowly folded the letter, and Kitty whispered, "As a wise woman once told me, love is a tricky beast."

He nodded, "I wish her happiness, and I'm glad she has two children. David is a lucky man, and so are those kids."

"I agree Matt. She has a remarkably generous spirit. Kitty looked down at the twins, and pulled a blanket over them. "Matt we named Galena for Doc's first name, Galen. We named Francesca, who we call Frankie, for our friend Frank. If we have another girl I think we should name her Vivian in honor of that generous spirit."

Matt lifted an eyebrow, "Another?"

"Well yes, we are going to have at least one or two more, and maybe we should think about adopting children who need a home."

"Um Kitty, let's not get too carried away."

"Well - we'll see." She laughed and put her arms around his waist. He pulled her close. She put her head on his chest, and listened to the beat of his heart. They didn't speak. They didn't need to. They knew what they'd come close to losing, yet here they were, sharing a love that was stronger than ever, and building a life.

The End