OCTOBER 9, 1861

Ted was in the mercantile when Marta and Devany came in to do some shopping. She walked up to the counter and said, “Hi Ted.”

“Good morning, Marta, Devany, aren’t you suppose to be working?”

“Well, I’ve finished serving breakfast and cleaning up the tables, and there hadn’t been anybody in for over a half an hour, so Mr. Simmons said that we could quit serving breakfast, and Desiree and I could have a few hours off.” Marta explained.

“So what brings you here, Marta?” Simon inquired.

“I wanted to look at your selection of blankets.”

“What doesn’t Walter provide enough blankets at the hotel?” Simon was aghast that he would let his employees freeze to death.

“It hasn’t really been that cold yet, Marta.” Ted stated wondering why Marta wanted blankets.

Clearing up their confusion about the blankets, Marta said, “I know it hasn’t Ted, but soon it will be. You know we have long winters, and besides I’m not buying them for me. Devany and I want to get a few for Caly and Buck’s wedding. I’m sure they’ll need some for their new home come this winter.”

“Oh, well, that’s sounds wonderful. I’m sure they will need some blankets. I just got some new ones in.” Simon proclaimed.

“Wonderful!” Then Marta wondered why Ted was here at the store. “Ted why are you here?”

“I’m also here to buy a wedding present for Caly and Buck.”

“So what are you getting them?” Marta couldn’t resist asking.

“I couldn’t decide on what to get them, so I’m setting up thirty dollars worth of credit for them. That way they can buy whatever they want to.” Ted clarified.

“That’s wonderful.” Marta heard the bell rang and turned to see who had come in. It was Desiree.

“Well, it’s the three hotel musketeers,” Desiree said as she joined her co-workers. “What’s going on here?”

“We’re here to buy Caly and Buck wedding presents.” Marta answered as Desiree joined them. “Why are you here?”

“Well, sort of for the same reason. I’m here to pick up an oak frame that I ordered. A parchment that a friend of Caller Bob’s in Broken Bow is making for me is going to be put in it. The parchment will have the song written on it that I’ve wrote and going to sing for Caly and Buck at their wedding.

“That’s wonderful, Desiree!” Marta paused and continued, “I seem to be using that word a lot today. I’m sure Caly and Buck will just love it.”

“Desiree your frame has arrived. I’ve got it in the back. I’ll go get it.” Simon hurried to retrieve the oak frame.

“So what are you getting Buck and Caly?” Desiree asked Marta.

“Devany and I are going to get them some blankets. Do you want to help me?” Desiree nodded, and Marta headed for the blankets with Desiree and Devany following.

“Well ladies, I’ll be on my way. You have a wonderful time shopping.” Ted said with a smile and twinkle in his eye because he had used the word wonderful.

Marta grinned back. “See you later, Ted.”

“Bye Ted.” Desiree called.

“Alright Desiree here’s the frame you ordered.” Simon said as he held it out to her.

“Oh, it’s lovely,” She took the frame from Simon and admired it.

“Oh, it is lovely, Desiree. It will look wonderful with the song inside it and hanging on Caly’s wall.” Marta told her friend.

“Well then, I’ll just go wrap it up for you.” Simon said as Desiree handed the frame back to him.

Devany picked up a pretty pink blanket, and Marta could she that she admired it, so she exclaimed, “Oh that is a beautiful blanket. Hold on to that one Devany. We’ll get it.” Devany smiled she was glad that she was being of some help.

Marta purchased five blankets, a solid blue one, a solid pink one, a red and black checkered one, and two multi-colored blankets; one with diamond shapes and the other with square shapes, and Desiree purchased her frame. Then the two ladies and Devany walked out together and headed back to the hotel.