Aw...I loved this story. I'm a huge fan of Gunsmoke so I'm trying to read all the fanfics. This was a good start. Thanks!

Beautifully and touchingly written. I haven't had the chance to see the movies so I didn't know the specific circumstances but I remembered Mike from the other episode. You handled the characterization beautifully.

Amanda, I loved this continuation of the M/K love story. It's timeless in that people loose their loved ones and move on.
I watched MLS objectively only one time. It was a well written story and well done on screen just as is Mulbery Bush.

char

Ah Amanda, yet another wonderful story! Let me count the ways in which I loved it... You write Matt Dillon so well, I can see him and hear him perfectly. Even though this is a Matt/Mike story, it is in its way a beautiful testament to Matt and Kitty's love, as you show just how affected he is by her loss, and how Mike understands that she can follow Kitty, but never replace her. And of course the intimacy is beautifully and tastefully done, as always. Hardcore M/K woman that I am, you were able to make me root for Matt to say 'yes' to 'sticking around for a while'! ;-)

you know i have this movie but i don't think i've watched it!very good story even though i don't particulary care for mike or the fact that they let matt have a kid with her, but such is life. can't wait to see another matt/kitty story from ya!

Amanda, what a touching portrait of life after Kitty for Matt. I was not a fan of MLS..just because I felt the PTB had the best love story right in front of them and never developed it! But you made this tender, touching and very much as I would imagine Matt's reaction (waiting for a long time and then only turn to a relationship that he had some familiarity with). And yes, even an older MD is a sexy MD!!

That was a great story.

Robin

What a poignant, beautiful story! If Matt can't spend the rest of his days with Kitty, then I'm glad he can be with Mike. As Dan he did have some feelings for her, and as Matt he can re-kindle them after all these years. In fact, sounds as if they've done a mighty good "spontaneous combustion" job already!

I'd rather see him find some peace and love with Mike than roaming the wilds forever and never finding either. And I think she loves him enough to allow him to roam when his heart and soul still need to do so.

Excellent idea from Teri for a continuation of this story.
Suzanne

Amanda wow what a story. I'am not a real big Mike and Beth fan but I think you did a great job with this story line I know it's a difficult one. Here where Kitty has passed on I feel Matt needs to go on and live and love and if Mike brings him the comfort he needs then I say since Kitty is gone that it's ok. After all when he found out who he was 22 years ago he did beat feet right back to Kitty where he stayed even though he should have married her but that's another story. I think it was a wonderful story and very well done my hats off to you. Thanks
Donna

Oh, Amanda, what a beautiful story! I was of course hesitant to let my heart approach a story of Matt with someone else, but with Kitty departed, I was genuinely happy that Matt had someone there to offer him some connection, some healing. I noticed that it lists this story as complete, but I would urge you to continue with it. I'd love to see how things develop with Matt, his daughter and Mike. I think it would be interesting to witness his growing relationship with Mike, but also to see how his memories of Kitty and his past life might play into things. Whether you chose to continue it or not, this is definitely a story that will be added to my favorites list. Thank you!