They told Martha later that day. He and Polly had decided that it would be best for him to go to Lancer by himself in two days, and she, and Martha, would follow on the stage that left that same day – they should arrive in Green River, barring any breakdowns, two days after him. Him and Polly would take a trip to San Francisco in the late fall, just the two of them, after Martha had settled into life at Lancer, and hopefully the ranch was a bit quieter.
The little girl was quite excited by the wedding news, and Johnny decided to take her to buy a new dress for the ceremony to be held the next day, while Sue and Polly worked on the arrangements.
He was happy, walking the girl to the store. She skipped along holding his hand, asking questions about Lancer and his family, Green River and Morro Coyo, asking so quickly he barely had time to answer before she asked another.
When they arrived at the store, she took him straight to the back, obviously knowing where the dresses were. He remembered what Polly had said about Martin, and how he had spoiled her, and he wondered if this was something she had done with him. He watched her sort through the ready-made dresses on a rack, pausing when she came to a white dress with small purple violets embroidered around the bottom, the edge of the short sleeves and the scooped neckline. Her eyes got large with longing.
"Won't you be cold?" he asked, thinking of the cool temperatures of the season.
"I have a white sweater at home" she replied, her eyes riveted on the dress. "It's so pretty" she continued, reaching out to touch the fabric gently, and then stroking the embroidery around the neckline. He looked down at the girl and, feeling happy at being to spoil her with this present, took the dress to the counter to pay. The clerk looked up at him from the newspaper he was reading at the counter and pointed to a curtained area to his left. Momentarily surprised, Johnny motioned for Martha and when she came forward he directed her into the alcove, not quite sure what would happen next. When she emerged in a few minutes, she turned for him to do up the buttons on the back. He fussed with them, finally managing to get them done up. The girl then turned and looked down, smiling at the fact that the dress fit.
Johnny, looked her up and down and said "you look pretty as a picture" leading her over to a standing mirror which the clerk had put out. Martha looked at her reflection and smiled, meeting his eyes. "Well, I guess we better take it then" he said and she turned and suddenly hugged him, turning again and showing him her back after letting go. It took him a few seconds to realize that she needed him to undo her buttons and then reaching down he helped, after which she returned to the alcove, pulling the curtain behind her.
The clerk looked at Martha when she came to the counter, saying "we ain't seen you around for a while, Miz Martha. How's your mama doin'? She still make the best chocolate cake? I might have to come over and have myself a piece" he continued before the girl could say anything.
Martha looked at the clerk and smiled slightly saying "Mama and Johnny are gettin' married!"
Johnny felt the clerk's shock at the girl's statement, and saw the man's eyes narrow slightly, looking him over. Johnny looked back at the man, noting his young age and the way he had made casual conversation with Martha and felt a small sudden surge of jealousy – did this man have an interest in Polly?
After the dress was wrapped, Martha took the bag and skipped out of the store onto the sidewalk in front. Johnny turned to follow the girl, feeling the clerk's eyes piercing his back.