Johnny came out of the barn mid-morning the next day, having put Barranca away. He saw Polly backing out of the chicken coop, a basket of eggs in her hands. He smiled at the sight, sneaking up on her and grabbing the basket. He laughed at her yell of surprise.
She turned to him, anger on her face. He continued to laugh, and she mock slapped him on the arm saying "Johnny Lancer, ain't you got cattle to work?"
He continued to laugh at her, pulling her into his arms. "I thought I might take a pretty girl I know to lunch today … give the cattle a break."
Polly looked at him with surprise. "What does your family think about that?"
He smiled, "They're fine with it – and Theresa said she would watch Martha for us. We don't need to be back until supper."
Polly smiled "Ya sure she don't mind?" she asked.
"She said they would make cookies together. She seemed to think Martha would like that."
"Okay then," Polly said "Let me go get changed."
Johnny pulled her to him before she could walk away and kissed her, before saying "I'll go get the surrey ready, and be in to change my shirt."
They passed a pleasant ride to town, talking about the house, the personalities, the dinner the night before with Rebecca – and how Polly agreed that she could not understand Scott's relationship with her – how Martha seemed to be settling in well. Johnny mentioned may be getting her for a pony for her birthday, but Polly was hesitant, wanting the girl to improve her riding skills first. Johnny felt content with the conversation – enjoying the everyday nature of what they were discussing, the way they would banter back and forth, the sudden laughter that would erupt from Polly when they were teasing each other. He decided to save the news about Theresa's offer until they were having lunch, content with imagining her surprised reaction.
When they got to town, he put the surrey into the livery and started to walk with Polly to the store. Hearing his name called, Johnny turned around and recognized Val Crawford coming towards him. Realizing he had not yet talked to the man – probably his best friend outside of the family – since his wedding, he felt a bit ashamed. Polly looked at him and said "Is that Val?". Seeing Johnny's nod, she said "I'm going to go to the store to get a few things –why don't you talk to him for a bit." And leaving him, she walked down the block and crossed the street to enter Baldermero's.
Sensing Val behind him, Johnny turned and gave an apologetic smile. "Val" he started "Didn't know you were back yet."
"Really" Val said, cutting off Johnny's attempt to explain himself "It seems the whole town is talkin' about you – but not for the usual reasons. You got anythin' you want to say to me?"
Johnny squirmed somewhat, feeling like a naughty child. "Val …" he tried again, not sure what to say "Sometimes, somethin' just seems right, you know".
Val looked closely at his friend, then his face was overtaken with a big grin. "Don't suppose you could get away from her for a bit and come for a night out – hate to think of you missin' out."
Johnny smiled, happy that he didn't have to explain himself more to his friend. "Is that her?" Val asked Johnny, pointing to Polly coming out of the store, and turning her head to talk to someone behind her.
"Yes," replied Johnny, his heart swelling somewhat at how Polly looked in the sunshine. They turned their heads at the sounds of voices raised in anger and saw a fight spilling out of the saloon. "Bit early for that, ain't it" noted Johnny as Val scowled and headed off towards the scuffle. Polly's head was turned to the fight and growing crowd as she started to cross the street. Johnny's heart sank as he saw a driverless stagecoach barreling towards her and he started to run, yelling. She turned to face him, a quizzical look on her face as the horses ran her down.