Zipitupcowboyhide bio
 Author has written 17 stories for Gunsmoke, and Lawman. I write a series of GUNSMOKE Matt and Kitty love stories. Theirs was the greatest love story CBS never fulfilled. If you wanted a different life for Matt and Kitty, you might like my work. My series, "There's Always Tomorrow," takes off in a new direction for our favorite couple after the Seven Hours To Dawn episode, and spans over a dozen years. While each story stands on its own, the series is best enjoyed in sequence. Time moves on. Old characters evolve, new characters arrive; some stay around, some don't. We don't live in a stagnant world, and neither do Matt and Kitty. I paused further publication of "There's Always Tomorrow" after writing "Incognito" in 2024, although a final story in the series is in the works for 2025. Sincere thanks to every member and guest for reading, re-reading, and reviewing my stories. I'm so very honored! Zip |
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The Collector by LilyMerrill reviews
Dan suffers a severe blow to the head when he's viciously attacked by a mysterious assailant: a deranged criminal, as it turns out, who has an insatiable fetish for stealing gleaming silver trinkets and who will stop at nothing, including murder, to collect them. Will the marshal recover in time to realize that something belonging to Lily could be next on the collector's list?
Lawman - Rated: K - English - Western/Mystery - Chapters: 15 - Words: 24,453 - Reviews: 35 - Favs: 2 - Follows: 1 - Updated: 9/14/2024 - Published: 8/31/2024 - Complete
Baby Steps - A Million Reasons Christmas by TreeofStars reviews
A little Christmas story set in the Million Reasons universe.
Gunsmoke - Rated: K - English - Family/Romance - Chapters: 1 - Words: 5,152 - Reviews: 9 - Favs: 6 - Follows: 2 - Published: 2/22/2021 - Matt D., Doc. A., Kitty R. - Complete
The Greatest Gift - A Million Reasons Christmas by TreeofStars reviews
A little holiday vignette. Set in the Million Reasons universe
Gunsmoke - Rated: K - English - Family - Chapters: 1 - Words: 970 - Reviews: 14 - Favs: 5 - Published: 1/6/2020 - Matt D., Doc. A., Kitty R. - Complete
A Million Reasons: The Presence of Absence by TreeofStars reviews
"The image of love reveals itself there, in a profoundly present absence." - M. Darwish
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Drama/Angst - Chapters: 7 - Words: 11,597 - Reviews: 35 - Favs: 14 - Follows: 9 - Updated: 11/14/2019 - Published: 8/5/2019 - Matt D., Kitty R. - Complete
A Million Reasons: A New Opportunity by TreeofStars reviews
Matt and Kitty discuss a new opportunity.
Gunsmoke - Rated: K - English - Drama/Romance - Chapters: 1 - Words: 1,322 - Reviews: 12 - Favs: 14 - Follows: 6 - Published: 7/31/2019 - Matt D., Kitty R. - Complete
A Million Reasons: Separation Anxiety by TreeofStars reviews
Kitty deals with two kinds of separation anxiety.
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Romance/Angst - Chapters: 2 - Words: 8,325 - Reviews: 21 - Favs: 15 - Follows: 4 - Published: 5/17/2018 - Matt D., Kitty R. - Complete
A Million Reasons: A Father's Touch by TreeofStars reviews
Set in the 'A Million Reasons' Universe. Won't make sense unless you have read that story. Summary - Sometimes, a girl just needs her daddy.
Gunsmoke - Rated: K - English - Family - Chapters: 1 - Words: 1,063 - Reviews: 20 - Favs: 9 - Follows: 4 - Published: 4/30/2018
A Million Reasons by TreeofStars reviews
Post Series - Three years after leaving Dodge, Kitty runs into Matt on a train.
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Romance/Angst - Chapters: 22 - Words: 38,216 - Reviews: 307 - Favs: 29 - Follows: 23 - Updated: 4/15/2018 - Published: 7/16/2017 - Matt D., Kitty R. - Complete
5 - The Flame Within The Storm - 5th in the FLAME Series by RBGirl reviews
Both humor and drama continue within the world of the Dillons, as portrayed in this 5th story of the 'FLAME' series. A dual, yet separate storm, impacts both Matt and Kitty, threatening their lives and the lives of those who love them.
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Romance/Hurt/Comfort - Chapters: 13 - Words: 26,541 - Reviews: 50 - Favs: 10 - Follows: 2 - Published: 11/1/2016 - Complete
4 - Burned By The Flame - 4th in the FLAME Series by RBGirl reviews
FOURTH IN THE FLAME SERIES: An innocent desire leads to charges of murder against someone in the Dillon Family. What's worse, an old grudge against Matt Dillon adds to the threat.
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Hurt/Comfort/Romance - Chapters: 17 - Words: 37,833 - Reviews: 26 - Favs: 9 - Follows: 1 - Updated: 9/7/2016 - Published: 9/6/2016 - Matt D., Kitty R., Newly O., OC - Complete
1 - A Flicker of Light In The Darkness - 1st in the FLAME Series by RBGirl reviews
First in the FLAME SERIES of Stories. (Re-edited, with 3 new chapters. This story is the foundation upon which the other FLAME SERIES tales are built, as it introduces the main, OC.) Will Matt's past affect Kitty's future-and his own?
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Romance/Hurt/Comfort - Chapters: 28 - Words: 79,555 - Reviews: 72 - Favs: 17 - Follows: 6 - Updated: 9/6/2016 - Published: 4/15/2016 - Matt D., Kitty R., Festus H., OC - Complete
3 - In The Shadow of The Flame - 3rd in the FLAME Series by RBGirl reviews
After finding an obsolete book, Matt and Calleigh are pursued by a family of gunslingers, out to gain fame and fortune by killing the famous Marshal and his daughter. Thanks to everyone for your tips and encouragement.
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Romance/Hurt/Comfort - Chapters: 15 - Words: 35,846 - Reviews: 38 - Favs: 13 - Follows: 6 - Published: 6/12/2016 - Matt D., Kitty R., Festus H., OC - Complete
Love Birds by LadyofDodge reviews
Kitty was lying face down on her bed, and she didn't bother to turn around when she heard Matt enter the room. He walked to the bed and sat down beside her. He waited a moment, trying to gauge her mood. An ATC for The Way It Is.
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Romance - Chapters: 1 - Words: 2,699 - Reviews: 18 - Favs: 16 - Follows: 4 - Published: 6/22/2015 - Matt D., Kitty R. - Complete
Decisions Made by LadyofDodge reviews
"What's the matter, honey?" Matt's voice was low and silky soft. The tender tone, the seldom used term of endearment were nearly her undoing. Reaching her arms toward him like a lost child, she whispered, "Hold me, Matt...please...just hold me." This story is an ATC for Kitty's Love Affair.
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Romance - Chapters: 1 - Words: 3,278 - Reviews: 24 - Favs: 18 - Follows: 4 - Published: 10/9/2014 - Complete
Of Nightmares and Daydreams by LadyofDodge reviews
Matt Dillon clasped his hands behind his head, his eyes growing heavy as he watched her. He had known Kitty Russell for about a year, and, in that time, they had become good friends. In fact, along with Doc and Chester, they formed a close little group, frequently sharing morning coffee and evening meals. He sometimes thought he'd like Kitty to be more than just a friend...
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Hurt/Comfort/Romance - Chapters: 2 - Words: 4,131 - Reviews: 35 - Favs: 17 - Follows: 6 - Updated: 9/3/2014 - Published: 9/2/2014 - Matt D., Kitty R. - Complete
Memories of Years Gone By by LadyofDodge reviews
"Thirty years have passed since that long ago summer when Matt Dillon first came into my life. My boyhood hero worship is gone now..." A long-time citizen of Dodge reminisces about the marshal.
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Chapters: 1 - Words: 2,932 - Reviews: 18 - Favs: 5 - Follows: 1 - Published: 3/12/2014 - Complete
Eighteen Years by LadyofDodge reviews
Bitter tears of frustration and doubt rolled down her pale cheeks as she choked out, "Oh, Doc…what…do you think…am I making a mistake?" This story is a Missing Moment for "Kitty's Love Affair."
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Friendship - Chapters: 1 - Words: 2,490 - Reviews: 15 - Favs: 6 - Published: 5/21/2012 - Kitty R., Doc. A. - Complete
Faithful Friends Who Are Dear To Us by LadyofDodge reviews
Can you believe this place? It's as civilized as New Orleans," Kitty commented, pulling her wool cloak closer, "only a lot colder." This story follows "Midnight Train to New Orleans" and "Anywhere You Are" in the "Return to Dodge" trilogy.
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Romance - Chapters: 1 - Words: 7,350 - Reviews: 5 - Favs: 7 - Published: 12/21/2009 - Kitty R., Matt D. - Complete
Choices by LadyofDodge reviews
This story takes place approximately two years after Season 19. "As the train pulled into Memphis, his worried mind bolted backward to the last time he had been there, the last time he had seen her...."
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Romance/Angst - Chapters: 1 - Words: 11,422 - Reviews: 13 - Favs: 13 - Follows: 2 - Published: 7/3/2009 - Complete
Haunted Heart by mahc reviews
He found his thoughts returning to another night three years earlier, a night he had lain almost in this very spot, a night he had thought would change his life. And it certainly had, but not at all the way he planned.
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Angst/Romance - Chapters: 23 - Words: 108,092 - Reviews: 126 - Favs: 54 - Follows: 13 - Updated: 6/24/2007 - Published: 6/24/2006 - Matt D., Kitty R. - Complete
Sort: Category . Published . Updated . Title . Words . Chapters . Reviews . Status .
The Promise (A Lawman Story) reviews
Alone and a long way from home, Dan Troop reflects on his future. Will it include Lily Merrill? Inspired by the Season 4 episode, TAROT.
Lawman - Rated: T - English - Romance/Western - Chapters: 1 - Words: 3,359 - Reviews: 6 - Favs: 1 - Follows: 1 - Published: 12/21/2024 - Complete
Jury Of One (A Lawman Story) reviews
Dan Troop was alive because Lily asked Johnny to look for him, and Johnny was alive because Lily wasn't about to let either one of them pay the ultimate price. A missing moment from "The Juror," Season 4.
Lawman - Rated: T - English - Romance/Drama - Chapters: 3 - Words: 5,688 - Reviews: 4 - Favs: 1 - Follows: 1 - Updated: 6/2/2024 - Published: 5/31/2024 - Complete
The Game (A Lawman Story) reviews
On a cold, snowy night up in Laramie, a poker game might be a lot more fun than solitaire. But with the Bird Cage closed and even her bartender gone home, will Lily be able to find someone to play with?
Lawman - Rated: T - English - Romance - Chapters: 1 - Words: 2,494 - Reviews: 4 - Favs: 1 - Follows: 2 - Published: 4/14/2024 - Complete
There's Always Tomorrow Part 13, Incognito reviews
"When a man comes from a background of taming a town single-handedly, he always remembers himself as that. His mind keeps carrying him back to the way he was, instead of letting him see what he's become today. A man can really be successful when he quits looking behind him." 13th in the "There's Always Tomorrow" series.
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Drama/Romance - Chapters: 25 - Words: 73,457 - Reviews: 248 - Favs: 10 - Follows: 10 - Updated: 11/25/2023 - Published: 11/1/2023 - Matt D., Doc. A., Kitty R., OC - Complete
There's Always Tomorrow Part 12, Playin' Rough reviews
Kitty has a vision for a new business venture at the Dillon's idyllic Spring Creek Ranch, determined to create a legacy for Sara, Jake and Luke, and an exciting new opportunity for Dodge. Maybe just a little bit TOO exciting! Will Matt get more than he bargained for? 12th in the "There's Always Tomorrow" series.
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Chapters: 20 - Words: 57,015 - Reviews: 167 - Favs: 8 - Follows: 7 - Updated: 6/15/2023 - Published: 5/27/2023 - Matt D., Doc. A., Kitty R., OC - Complete
There's Always Tomorrow Part 11, Full House reviews
In the continuing adventures of Matt and Kitty Dillon, Matt forges new alliances and enemies down in Indian territory. Doc faces unforeseen challenges and life choices, while Kitty races to secure her growing family's future against insurmountable odds. 11th in the "There's Always Tomorrow" series.
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Romance/Drama - Chapters: 21 - Words: 57,506 - Reviews: 186 - Favs: 8 - Follows: 11 - Updated: 1/29/2023 - Published: 1/11/2023 - Matt D., Doc. A., Kitty R., OC - Complete
There's Always Tomorrow Part 10, The Anniversary reviews
September has rolled around again and it's already time for Matt and Kitty's sixth anniversary! Matt has had to miss four out of five. Doc has a party planned. Will the sixth be just another one of Kitty's disappointments? 10th in the "There's Always Tomorrow" series.
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Romance/Adventure - Chapters: 14 - Words: 46,022 - Reviews: 122 - Favs: 4 - Follows: 6 - Updated: 9/23/2022 - Published: 9/10/2022 - Matt D., Doc. A., Kitty R., OC - Complete
There's Always Tomorrow, Part 9 Rescued reviews
Matt and Kitty grapple with challenges that threaten their future in this story of love and commitment, friendship and loyalty. 9th in the "There's Always Tomorrow" series.
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Romance/Drama - Chapters: 18 - Words: 62,771 - Reviews: 150 - Favs: 4 - Follows: 7 - Updated: 4/23/2022 - Published: 4/3/2022 - Matt D., Doc. A., Kitty R., Festus H. - Complete
There's Always Tomorrow, Part 8 The Legacy reviews
An unexpected inheritance wraps up money, family, and death in one seemingly impossible package for Matt and Kitty, all at the worst possible time. But it's a tale of intrigue served up with ample helpings of joy and tenderness, too. Our favorite couple wouldn't have it any other way. 8th in the "There's Always Tomorrow" series.
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Romance/Mystery - Chapters: 16 - Words: 62,149 - Reviews: 143 - Favs: 4 - Follows: 5 - Updated: 12/10/2021 - Published: 11/25/2021 - Matt D., Doc. A., Kitty R., OC - Complete
There's Always Tomorrow, Part 7 Derailed reviews
Bad things happen to all good people. What good people do about those bad things makes all the difference in their lives. 7th story in the "There's Always Tomorrow" series.
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Drama/Romance - Chapters: 14 - Words: 54,019 - Reviews: 96 - Favs: 6 - Follows: 5 - Updated: 8/14/2021 - Published: 8/1/2021 - Matt D., Doc. A., Kitty R., Festus H. - Complete
There's Always Tomorrow, Part 6 The Deputy reviews
Friendship and love abound for Matt and Kitty in this story about change coming to Dodge: Featuring Matt's new deputy, some plain ol' wonderful cowboys, more drama over that pesky railroad, and a glimpse of challenges yet to be faced! 6th in the "There's Always Tomorrow" series.
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Western/Drama - Chapters: 14 - Words: 45,474 - Reviews: 109 - Favs: 8 - Follows: 4 - Updated: 5/7/2021 - Published: 4/25/2021 - Matt D., Doc. A., Kitty R., OC - Complete
There's Always Tomorrow, Part 5 Double Duty reviews
A U.S. Marshal is brutally murdered. Is Matt Dillon the next man up? 5th in the "There's Always Tomorrow" series.
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Drama/Romance - Chapters: 15 - Words: 47,253 - Reviews: 98 - Favs: 8 - Follows: 6 - Updated: 2/13/2021 - Published: 1/31/2021 - Matt D., Doc. A., Kitty R., Festus H. - Complete
There's Always Tomorrow, Part 2 reviews
Matt and Kitty head for Denver for a few weeks of rest, recuperation, and laughter after the Mace Gore raid, and decide to make major changes in their lives. 2nd story in the "There's Always Tomorrow" series.
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Romance/Humor - Chapters: 14 - Words: 29,446 - Reviews: 55 - Favs: 8 - Follows: 8 - Updated: 1/28/2021 - Published: 9/17/2020 - Matt D., Kitty R., Festus H. - Complete
There's Always Tomorrow, Part 4 Belle reviews
Matt's job brings him both joy and tragedy, while Kitty provides the respite he needs to carry on. 4th in the "There's Always Tomorrow" series.
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Drama/Romance - Chapters: 10 - Words: 31,084 - Reviews: 36 - Favs: 5 - Follows: 3 - Updated: 12/12/2020 - Published: 12/9/2020 - Matt D., Doc. A., Kitty R., Festus H. - Complete
There's Always Tomorrow, Part 3 Home To Dodge reviews
Matt and Kitty come home to Dodge from their trip to Colorado, and face new challenges as a married couple. 3rd in the "There's Always Tomorrow" series.
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Drama/Romance - Chapters: 12 - Words: 21,148 - Reviews: 46 - Favs: 6 - Follows: 4 - Updated: 10/25/2020 - Published: 10/21/2020 - Matt D., Doc. A., Kitty R., Festus H. - Complete
There's Always Tomorrow, Part 1 reviews
The story that inspired the entire "There's Always Tomorrow" series, this first one is an ATC for "Seven Hours To Dawn." Matt and Kitty have earned some time to be together to heal. This is the dramatic account of their healing. Matt struggles with some new-found fears, his love for Kitty, and considers taking his life in a new direction.
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Drama/Romance - Chapters: 9 - Words: 14,056 - Reviews: 35 - Favs: 15 - Follows: 7 - Published: 9/5/2020 - Matt D., Doc. A., Sam N., Kitty R. - Complete
The First Time reviews
Twenty-year-old Kitty Russell had only been in Dodge for eight months. She was fascinated with the marshal, but did he feel any chemistry with her? He took Kitty to The Ford County Sociable, and now he's invited her to a picnic at Spring Creek. A steamy, drippy hot, romance-filled tale of what probably happened behind the scenes. Adults only, please!
Gunsmoke - Rated: T - English - Romance/Western - Chapters: 7 - Words: 12,601 - Reviews: 17 - Favs: 10 - Follows: 6 - Updated: 8/26/2020 - Published: 8/3/2020 - Matt D., Doc. A., Kitty R. - Complete