The strange thing, was that something like it would catch his eye in the first place. He normally didn't notice fripperies and frillies unless his gal was wearing 'em. He'd been shopping for the usual supplies at his favorite gun shop while dirt side. He'd picked up two boxes of shells and a new tin of gun oil and was thinkin' on a mean looking knife for River when the gunsmith's wife came in asking for help setting up her mannequin. The old couple ran the gun shop as well as the thrift shop next door. Since the old man was temporarily sittin' in a wheel chair, Jayne kinda figured he'd be the one doing the helpin'. He'd known the couple for several years and they'd always done right by him and given him a good deal on whatever he'd needed so, if he had ta' spend a few minutes helping the old gal, and listenin' to her yap, no problem.
Jayne followed the old woman through the door that led into the thrift shop. The mannequin was partially assembled and only needed the legs attached then it could be mounted on it's stand and displayed in the window. He snapped the legs in place and was about to mount the mannequin on it's stand when the old gal stopped him. She wanted him to help her place a large dress onto the figure. The woman opened a large box to reveal a beautiful white shimmering satin and lace wedding gown. Jayne asked the woman if he could use the restroom first so he could wash his hands. The dress was so delicate and it's color was such a pure white that he wanted to make sure that since he'd just been tryin' out a few guns, his hands were free of any oil or gun powder residue before he touched it.
He'd never seen one up close, much less touched one before. He gently ran his rough, calloused hand over it and was amazed at the feel of the thing. He'd seen pictures of his Ma in her simple wedding dress, but this one was spectacular and earned it's title as a gown. It was the whitest, silkiest satin and was embellished with what must have been a gazillion beads and pearls on it's bodice. The skirt was covered in lace and flared out delicately from the waist, while the back was cut into a mid-length scalloping train.
The two of them worked for a few minutes and she told Jayne that the dress was brand new but couldn't be returned. Apparently the bride had found another dress she liked better. Jayne didn't understand that as this one was the cat's meow. He gazed up at it and couldn't help but picture his gal in it. He didn't know squat about women's clothing, but he instinctively knew it would fit her perfectly. The more he looked at it, the more his gut twisted. Finally, he pulled himself away and said goodbye to the old couple.
The stranger thing was that after tossin' and turnin' and dreamin' all night long about River wearing that dress, he went back the next morning and bought it.