Abelia laughed as Festus chased their almost one year old twins on all fours though the grass just outside the gates of Dodge's cemetery.

It was close enough to be within walking distance to the town but far enough away for the couple to enjoy a brief respite from the stresses of daily life and a picnic lunch with the children.

Kathryn giggled as Festus caught and growled at the baby as she tried to toddle away.

"Oh no you don't, ya little varmint," he said snuggling that baby as she tried to squirm away.

Abelia went after Galen as the boy staggered though the gates of the cemetery.

Festus picked up his daughter and followed Abelia who finally caught up to the boy.

"I swear," she said putting her son on her hip. "These youngin's are getting to fast to keep up with."

"Wal, ya can handle it, ma," Festus teased. "We best be heading back, Johnny and Marianne will be outa school soon."

Abelia nodded and with a smile she took his hand and started back toward the gate but Festus stopped suddenly in front of a large granite tombstone.

"What is it?" Abelia said looking at the name and the freshly laid flowers.

"Nuthin," he said smiling. "Let's go."

While Abelia cleaned up their lunch, Festus settled the children into the pram and then took the picnic basket while Abelia pushed the carriage.

"I'm going to meet Kitty at the Long Branch," Abelia said looking at Festus. "We're planning a birthday party for Galen and Kathryn."

"So's long as yer makin the cake," Festus teased.

Abelia smiled as she swatted his arm. "Doc's right," she said with a grin. "All you think about is your stomach."

"That's not the only thing I think about darlin," Festus said grabbing her around the waist.

"Stop that," Abelia said playfully . "Someone might see."

"So what if in they do," Festus said mischievously. "It's not like we ain't married."

Abelia grinned as she stopped in front of the Long Branch. "I'll see you soon," she said leaning toward him.

Festus pulled her into an embrace and kissed her passionately on the lips before breaking the embrace. "Count on it," he said handing her the picnic basket before heading toward the jail.

Pushing the carriage though the double doors of the Long Branch, Abelia smiled at Kitty who came over to help.

"How was the picnic?" Kitty asked taking the basket.

"It was great," Abelia said pointing at the twins and placing a finger to her lips.

Kitty smiled at the sleeping babies as Abelia pushed them into Kitty's office so they could sleep without being disturbed.

"Now," Abelia said with a grin. "Let's plan that birthday party."

Festus entered the jail as Doc was on his way out.

"Where you been," the physician said as the deputy gave him a suspicious look.

"Why ya wantin ta know?" Festus said scrunching up one eye.

"Because, the tax payers of this town pay you a salary to be here everyday," Doc said angrily. "Not out galavanting around town."

"Wal, fer yer infermation," Festus replied pointing a finger at the older man. "I wasn't ta out galavanting around with nobody but ma wife."

"Oh well," Doc said swiping at his mustache, he laughed as he walked away. "That's even worse!"

"Dang ol scudder," Festus said stepping into the jail.

"Matthew," he said grabbing a cup from the wall, Festus poured himself a cup of coffee before walking over to Matt's desk. "What's a going on?"

"Not much," Matt said looking though the mail, opening one letter in particular, Matt sucked in a sharp breath before pursing his lips.

"What is it?" Festus said looking at Matt, knowing all to well that look of worry and frustration.

"It's from the Governor's office," Matt said folding the letter. "Judge Calvin Strom and his son Cal Jr. are being released due to good behavior."

"When?" Festus aske quietly.

"This letter is dated a week ago," Matt said meeting his deputy's eyes. "Why?"

"Kitty," Abelia said as Doc walked into the Long Branch and sat down at the table where the two women conversed.

"Hmmm," Kitty murmured absently.

"Who's Richard Strom?" Abelia asked as Kitty looked up sharply.

"Where'd you hear that name from," Kitty said quickly.

"I saw it on a tombstone in the cemetery earlier while Festus and I were there with the babies," Abelia replied stapling her fingers. "Festus got the most peculiar look on his face when he seen it."

"Why?" Doc asked swiping at his mustache.

"Well," Abelia replied slowly. "I really don't know, he didn't say anything and I didn't see the need to press him about it. It didn't look strange to me, just looked like it had recently been cleaned and had fresh flowers on it."

"Fresh flowers," Kitty said looking at Doc. "Who would be bringing him fresh flowers?"