Boy, following doesn't leave one with a whole lot to say. So, I'll just sit here with a silly smile on my face and say "ditto!"

Oh yeahhhhh, it just keeps getting better and better! I'm right there with Syd - if I'd had Matt Dillon kissing me like that, for sure my thoughts would be all about the 'rugged lawman' with his tousled hair and manly stubble! And I love that she's started owning her femininity, choosing a dress with *roses* on it, and a form-fitting bodice even! Go Syd! ;-) And Matt does not disappoint - his gaze goes right to the womanly assets on display, natch!

But really, what a wonderful scene when he goes back to her room - love how she is feeling the attraction between them, and how he is so intent on confessing his feelings that he doesn't hear her admit to not signing until her third try! But when he finally does, and hears her say her feelings have changed too, Matt does not disappoint, at the same time showing what a caring man he is, because he is right, none of them can afford any more hurt - but then when he sees she really does want him too, 'staking his claim' like the alpha male he is! *swoon* And for that matter, Sydney is equal to the occasion as well, taking the leap of faith and trusting in the 'passion and promise' of this new union. And me - I'm just sitting here with a big ol' goofy grin on my face at the wonderfulness of love! :-D

Earlier I was listening to the radio and heard a choral arrangement of that famous Shaker Song - 'tis a gift to be simple, tis a gift to be free, tis a gift to come down where we ought to be, for when we find ourselves in a place just right, it will be in the valley of love and delight' - and it made me think of these scenes between Matt and Sydney. Finally, after so much heartbreak and sadness and suffering, finally they are finding themselves in the 'place just right', together as a loving family, just the way Kitty wanted it to come out. I guess it's true, our redhead always does get her way in the end! :-)

*GIANT HAPPY SIGH* A new chapter! And oh my gosh, SO many wonderful images in this chapter! Fun ones like Matt eyeing Sydney across the table while she revs up on women's suffrage, Sydney whacking Matt on the back when he chokes on his soup, and Grandpa Heitzer sitting alone at the table pondering the wisdom of asking for coffee (and making the right decision lol). And then of course the lovely scenes with Matt and Sydney, him so affected by the sight of her "tousled hair and dewy eyes" that he forgets what he wanted to say, but then warming her heart (and mine) with his declarations about women's true value. And then Sydney so affected by the intensity of his gaze, realizing the intimacy of their situation, and then the kiss - yee HAH! A real kiss, "true as the moment, testing, tasting, teasing" and Matt, being all man, pressing her back against the pillows, only to have her match his ardor, and then - BOOM, kiddus interruptus! LOLOL

Awesome, awesome chapter, filled with promise for the Dillon family, and yet, and yet, I have to believe that Matt's concerns are well-founded. Between the Sharlows, Mr. Prendergast, and the general chaos inherent in a holiday celebration, I see trouble afoot! And I know I'll love every minute of it all! Thanks again for sharing this brilliant tale with us!

Whew...please don't wait too long for the next chapter. I still hate that Kitty is dead, but I'm really beginning to like this Matt/Sydney dynamic.

Wonderful, H, just wonderful. I am so glad for Matt, Mattie, Sydney.
You are marvelous at evoking so many emotions.

I'm glad they admit their love for each other.

HOT DAMN! YES!

Words cannot express my delight at seeing this new chapter, first because of the quick posting, and second because of the WONDERFUL development. I was expecting more back-and-forth while we agonized over Matt and Sydney dancing around each other (which I would have followed along with faithfully), but instead we have a sudden, passionate, desperate display of the desire that has been building and building between them. Your timing is perfect, drawing us out just past the level of frustration and then BAM - rewarding both us and Matt & Sydney with this moment. Now, you know I CANNOT wait until the next chapter!

A few specific comments:

(1) Love the fact that Sydney is selecting more stylish clothes now.
(2) Love the fact that you have them both meeting at the door going to be with each other, but that you have Matt as the one who makes the real move.
(3) Love the conversation about the contract with Matt confessing he can't follow through and Sydney confessing she didn't sign it until Matt realizes what she is saying.
(4) And finally, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the rush of decisiveness and passion from Matt and the very willing, delighted response from Sydney. Such a telling final sentence, too, bringing in a whole lifetime for Sydney NOT to feel loved until now. Matt has found love again, and Sydney has found love for the first time.

Fabulous! Waiting on pins and needles for what happens next!

MAHC

Well, finally!

Matt and Sydney's relationship is evolving so believably...while it's hard for me to let Kitty go, I think Sydney is good for him.

You sneaked this one in on me - and let me say what a delight it was to read. :-) First, I was a bit puzzled by Matt's uncharacteristic comments on suffrage - but then you showed that most of his reaction actually came from concern for Sydney...a lovely development. And, of course, he redeemed himself later by noting that there are many things women do better than men. That's the Matt Dillon we know and love!

Now, as for Matilda's timing...sheesh! The girl needs a dose of castor oil or something. "His weight pushed her back against the pillows..." then...DANG it! BUT, we have gotten their first real kiss, thank you very much, and it elicits moans from BOTH of them. Yes!

And let me just mention that Sydney did NOT sign that contract...

Okay, GStales, you CAN'T stop there! Please!

MAHC

Now I love little Matilda, but, dang, did she have to wake up at that precise moment? Yeah, I guess so, it keeps the story going and keeps us wanting more.

There for a while you had me worried about Matt's attitude toward women, but it's nice to see he came around rapidly. And I love the way Sydney nailed him with, "Your own Kitty Russell..."

Matt and Sydney are both regretting that contract, I do believe...loved this addition as much as the others. Please update again soon!

It will be nice if they could allow themselves to admit they are in love with each other and have a real marriage.

I for one, love your long stories. You've certainly kept my interest in this one despite, like Singerme, my dislike of the premise. I have problems with Matt surviving Kitty, but you've pulled it off. Mattie is Matt's daughter. Nobody could doubt it, just as nobody could doubt who her mother is. You've created quite an interesting character in Sydney. I'm looking forward to more chapters as you gradually bring this story to a conclusion. If Guest took the time to reflect on the loving chore of writing, then perhaps that person wouldn't feel the need to carp and insult, but would instead read and enjoy the efforts of an excellent writer.

This Guest will continue to read your work always. Writing is a labor of love. Your commitment to the characters and to your readers is unwavering. Thank you for all your work.

This Guest is not afraid to sign her name. I will wait patiently for your stories because I know it will be worth the wait.

Dene