At eleven, Johnny went outside to hitch the horses to the wagon. He thought it would be best to take the wagon rather than the surrey – he wasn't sure how much luggage there would be, and wanted the extra space. He was surprised to see Murdoch siting in the surrey, with the horses hitched. He walked over and said "Murdoch? I thought I would take the wagon …."
His father looked at him "I thought I would come with you son and the wagon won't have enough room for us all to sit comfortably. We can get the things that won't fit sent from town."
Johnny nodded his head yes, surprised and climbed into the surrey, thinking 'what was this about'?
Murdoch called to the horses and started the surrey moving. The two of them rode in uncomfortable silence for a few miles before Murdoch spoke "Johnny" he started.
"Yeah …" Johnny cut in, immediately defensive.
"I'm sorry if I've not been around since you got home … I've just been thinking about your news" Murdoch continued as if he had not been interrupted.
Johnny cast his eyes sideways at his father "Listen Murdoch, I know it was a surprise and all, but …"
Murdoch cut in "I know I don't talk about your mother much, but …"
"Listen Murdoch, I know you and …" Johnny swallowed, "Maria married in a hurry" remembering one of the rare discussions he and Murdoch had had about his relationship with his mother, and the reason for their hasty marriage, "But Polly and I … we just got along … it was … almost like … comin' home."
Murdoch stopped the horses and looked at his son, staring deep into Johnny's blue eyes. Johnny didn't look away, hoping Murdoch would find whatever he was looking for right then. He was a bit surprised by how much his father's understanding and approval meant to his at this moment. Murdoch smiled suddenly and said, "Well, I guess I have to meet this girl that stole my son's heart" and got the surrey moving again. "You know son, I have to say one of the things that's upsetting me so much about this is that I didn't get to be at your wedding. As a father, I have not gotten to be present for many of your important events, and your wedding was one that I was hoping to be there for."
Johnny squirmed somewhat at the thought of having disappointed his father. "Well Murdoch," he said, attempting to joke "You did get to go to – and pay for - Theresa's, and maybe you'll get to attend Scott's. He's still seein' Rebecca the school teacher after all – and they seem pretty serious."
Murdoch's jaw tightened and he turned to look at Johnny. "Johnny, I don't want Scott to marry Rebecca. I don't know why he stays with that girl, she plays him like a violin."
Johnny was shocked for a moment – he had thought that only he did not like the schoolteacher. "Wow, Murdoch, what else're you thinkin' up there?" he said, teasingly.
Murdoch turned to look at his youngest son again. "Did you think you were the only one that saw it? That woman keeps pushing him away and pulling him back, and Scott can't seem to figure out what to do. And I don't know what it is, but for some reason, I just don't like her. And I know you try to hide it, but I can tell you feel the same way too." Johnny was surprised that his father had been able to read him so well. "But," Murdoch continued, "I also saw how happy you were when you told us your news. And …" he stopped for a few moments, and Johnny was surprised to see his father seemingly searching for words "I hope you are happy with Polly … and Martha … and that everything works out for you. And" he said, turning to look at Johnny with a sparkle in his eyes "That I start to get grandchildren soon – or should I say more grandchildren." And Johnny laughed, happy that things seemed to be more settled with his father.
When Johnny and Murdoch got to Green River, the stage had not arrived yet. "Johnny" said Murdoch, I'm going to Baldermero's to get some things. Would you like to come with me?"
Johnny shook his head, "No thanks Murdoch. I'll wait here - looks like the stage should be comin' soon" and he nodded at where they were setting up for the arrival at the station. He watched his father go into the store, and exit after a few minutes with a small bag. Sam Jenkins, the town doctor, then called out to Murdoch and Johnny saw his father walk over to the man, smiling and talking. He saw Murdoch then gesture to his youngest son, and Sam seem to get excited while looking and pointing at him as well. Johnny realized that Murdoch was probably telling him why they were in town. He suddenly wondered how others would react to the news, and realized that he would have to tell Val Crawford, the town sheriff. Scott had told him Val was out of town for a few days, covering for another sheriff, but would probably be back by the next weekend. Val would certainly be surprised he thought with a smile – but, he suspected that Val would also be understanding of his decision, maybe even more so than his family – so many things had passed between them over the years.
He noticed Sam and Murdoch coming towards him, and then the stage pulled in, stopping right in front of him and blocking his father and Sam from view. Johnny held his breath, excited but also nervous, momentarily seized by the immensity of what he and Polly had done by getting married so suddenly. And then he saw her look out of the stage window, looking around for him and he felt his heart stop. When she saw him, she smiled, and he noticed how the smile lit up her eyes and felt a surge of love run through him which overcame any doubt. He walked over to her and helped her down, and then said "allow me" and reached in to get Martha, setting the little girl on the ground beside her mother. He smiled when he saw she was wearing the dress they had bought together and had her doll, Sally, tucked under her arm. They moved out of the way of the other passengers and he asked her, "How was your trip?".
Polly looked at him and smiled "it was good - better than last time" and they laughed together, remembering her story of her trip with baby Martha.
Murdoch and Sam came over to them, both smiling. "Hello, Polly", Murdoch said, looking the woman over, "Welcome".
"Thank you, Mr Lancer", Polly started.
Murdoch interrupted her "Call me Murdoch. And this big girl can't be Martha!" he exclaimed, turning his attention to the little girl who was clinging to her mother's leg, staring up at the big man with large eyes. Murdoch knelt down in front of her. "You won't remember me," he said, "but I certainly remember you. And I am very happy that you are coming to live with us." The little girl smiled shyly back at him, giving him an even bigger smile when he pulled a stick of barley candy from the bag he was holding. She looked at her mother and after receiving a nod of approval, whispered a "thank you" and took the candy from his hand, immediately putting it in her mouth.
Sam then moved forward, introducing himself to Polly and Martha and shaking Johnny's hand, smiling. Johnny barely paid attention to the conversation going on around him, he was so captivated being in Polly's presence again.