Honey

	The wagon moved cautiously toward Dodge City, Kansas.  Matt tried very hard not to jostle Kitty around too much.  She’d been through enough already.  Doc sat perched on the side of the wagon keeping a steady eye on her.  She was awake and her fever was staying down which was a good sign.  He was saying something to her and it made her laugh.  Matt turned, “What was that?”
	“Just telling her she’ll have to stay in bed for a good week,” Doc repeated.  
	Kitty added with a giggle, “Undisturbed.”
	Dillon snorted, glanced back at Kitty, then at Doc, “Oh yeah?”
	“Yeah, she’s mighty lucky.  Don’t want to chance her getting worse,” Doc said seriously but with a wink he added, “But now I know one thing.”
	“What’s that Doc?” Matt asked concerned it might be something bad.  
	“Her head’s just as hard as yours is,” Doc said and made Kitty laugh harder.  She moaned, “Oh, don’t make me laugh.”
	“Appears to me that Doc is the one who needs to keep away from you Kitty.  He’s the one making you moan, not me,” Matt said and didn’t realize what it sounded like till Kitty nearly split her sides at the comment.  She laughed till she had to go back to sleep from the dizzy spells.  Dillon’s driving skills were good enough to not jostle her awake again until they pulled up in front of the Long Branch.  People were curious about the procession: a wagon with Marshal Dillon driving leading Buck, a mare with a side saddle, and Doc’s horse and buggy.  But as soon as they realized it was Kitty in the back nestled in the straw they didn’t have to ask why Dillon was driving.  
	Matt hopped off the wagon and went around to where Doc was climbing down from the side.  Matt had no trouble gathering Kitty into his arms to take her up to her room.  She groaned a little in his ear as they started up the stairs, “You okay?” 
	“Mmm-hmm,” she murmured and drew closer to him.  Things were just spinning in on her, but she knew that if she held onto Matt she’d be okay.  His grip was tight and gentle at the same time.  Getting to the top of the stairs, Matt stopped in front of number 6 and had to try to open the door with Kitty in his arms.  It was a little difficult, but he got the door open.  Doc was right on his heels and got the bed turned down so Dillon could lay her on the clean sheets.  “Polly, Ann,” Doc called to some of Kitty’s girls, “Will you get Kitty undressed for us?”
	Polly nodded concerned for her boss, “Sure Doc.  What happened?”
	“Her horse threw her,” Matt said honestly.  
	Doc and Matt exited to let Polly and Ann tend to Kitty.  Matt felt better now that she was safe at home where she belonged.  Doc could see the relief in the way the big man held his shoulders, “She’ll be all right Matt.” 
	“You’re sure of that Doc?” Matt asked wanting to be absolutely certain.  He wouldn’t normally question Doc’s skills, but when Kitty fell it scared him.  She could have died out in that cabin, and he’d had his hands tied.  Doc checked Dillon out, “How much sleep have you had?”
	“Well none, but I’m not the one you’re supposed to be concerned over,” he grouched.  
	Doc pointed at him, “Matt Dillon I’m gonna give you the same prescription I gave her.  Go to bed, get a good sleep, and come back tomorrow.  She’ll be here.”
	Matt could feel the weight of the last day start to hit him.  Doc was right.  “You’ll come for me if something changes?”
	“I promise,” Doc vowed and sent the marshal off.