A month after Polly and Martha had come to Lancer, Johnny approached Theresa when she appeared to be alone in the kitchen. "Querida", he asked, looking around to make sure no one really was around, "I was thinkin' of takin' Polly into Green River for lunch at the hotel tomorrow, as a surprise – could ya watch Martha for us?"
Theresa looked at him, smiling, "Sure Johnny – I'll ask Martha to make cookies with me. I think she'll like that. When will you two be back?"
"We'll be home for supper," he replied.
"You sure?" she asked, a teasing tone to her voice.
"I'm sure" he replied, smiling. "Just bein' alone for a bit'll be nice." He turned to go, and then turned his head back to his 'sister. "Thanks Theresa – I really appreciate this."
The girl smiled "No problem, Johnny. Martha is pretty sweet – and I must say, I really like Polly." He smiled, happy that everyone seemed to be getting along and went to head out the door again.
"Johnny," Theresa called, and he stopped and turned again. "Johnny", she repeated, "I know you want to get your own place with Martha and Polly, and I was wonderin' – would you like to live in … my and Peter's house for a bit" she said in a rush. "I know it wouldn't be your own place, but you could have some space until you can get somethin' built."
"Are you sure, querida?" he asked, knowing what the little house had meant to her, and touched by the offer.
"A house needs to be lived in" she replied. "I'll get my … our … things out over the next few days, and then you can move in."
"Thanks, Theresa," he replied, happy at the thought of setting up a home with Polly and Martha. "I'll tell Polly about it at lunch tomorrow."
"You better break it easy to Murdoch, Johnny" she advised "I think he has really liked having all of your around."
"I'll talk to him after Polly'" he said, touched by her generosity.
She smiled at him, "You better get on with your day – I imagine you have some work to get done to take tomorrow afternoon off." He turned then and headed outside, a smile on his face.