Chapter Twelve

Hunter glanced at his watch, then increased the speed of his automobile. If he didn't hurry, he'd be late picking up Luna, and they'd miss the train. Not that he'd mind, but Caterina had said Luna was so looking forward to going to La Grande today to eat at a newly opened Italian restaurant. None of the impending adventure made a lick of sense to him, but Hunter didn't want to be the reason Luna was disappointed.

Yesterday, he'd been shocked to look up from riding a bucking horse at the ranch to see Caterina leaning against the fence, watching him. When he'd finally settled the horse and swung off its back, she had presented her request for him to go to the new restaurant in La Grande with Luna, not giving him more than a moment to consider it.

However, the prospect of spending time with Luna wasn't exactly repulsive to Hunter. In truth, he was grateful for an excuse to be with her. Deny it as he might when his sister and Nik prodded him about his interest in Luna, Hunter held a tender place in his heart for the young woman.

He knew that, unlike Katherine, Luna had no devious plans to get her hands on his money. She'd liked him when she'd thought he was employed as one of Dally's ranch hands rather than an equal heir to their family's fortunes.

When Caterina had offered him the opportunity to spend time with the lovely young woman who entered his thoughts with increasing frequency, Hunter couldn't say no. Caterina had made it sound like he and Luna would be doing her a great favor by going to spy on her competition in the Italian restaurant industry. However, her reasoning seemed rather flawed to Hunter.

To begin with, La Grande was more than fifty miles away from Pendleton. Hunter couldn't see why there would be a question of competition between two restaurants that were so far apart. It wasn't like they were warring businesses a block away from each other. They would each have their own clientele in their respective cities.

Besides, Caterina was an astounding chef, and he had yet to eat anything she'd prepared that wasn't delicious. He might not be fond of some of the vegetables she served, but they were still good, if one enjoyed marinated artichokes.

Nevertheless, he couldn't understand how she could possibly feel her business was in danger by another Italian restaurant opening in the region. No matter who the new restaurant hired as a chef, they'd be hard-pressed to keep up with Caterina's skill in the kitchen.

Although Caterina made it sound urgent that he and Luna visit the restaurant, it still made no sense to him at all.

Hunter had a feeling Luna just needed an outing, and this was Caterina's way of making it happen. With growing certainty, he was thinking that was the real reason for her request.

Caterina had pleaded with him to accompany Luna because he'd been the one to help her so gently and patiently when she'd experienced her previous episodes of panic. Although he hadn't done much more than try to keep Luna calm, Caterina had emphasized how much she trusted him to keep Luna safe.

Based solely on his lack of time, he should have told Caterina he wasn't available. But part of him was pleased and excited that he'd agreed to go.

Dally had smirked at him when he'd mentioned the trip as they'd eaten dinner last night. Thankfully, she'd kept her opinions to herself. Nik had seemed distracted, likely by a patient, when he'd arrived home and hadn't done much more than wish Hunter safe travels before he returned to the hospital.

If Hunter cared to admit it, he welcomed the excuse for a day away from his responsibilities. He was exhausted from the work at the ranch as well as his own place. Due to a horse running through a fence and sustaining deep wounds, he'd had to cancel his meeting with Walker Williams. As of yet, he still hadn't been able to reschedule a time with Walker to walk through the house and see if the architect thought it was worth salvaging.

The more Hunter studied the house, though, the more inclined he was to keep it. It was a large house that had been well-built. It simply needed some care and updates. A few walls he wanted to knock out to enlarge rooms. Hunter wanted to add bathrooms as well as a laundry room and bedroom downstairs, but he thought the house could become a home to him with the right attention and care.

A horn tooting at him drew Hunter from his musings. He waved at Flynn Elliot and his driver as they drove in the opposite direction down the street, more than likely heading to a meeting of some sort.

Hunter turned onto Ilsa and Tony's street and was soon parking in front of their home. Before he could cut the engine, Luna raced out the door and down the front steps. He grinned as she got in, looking ruffled and lovely.

"Good morning," he said, putting the car in gear and heading toward the depot.

"Morning," she yelled to be heard above the noise of the car as she pressed a hand to her hat to keep it from flying off.

Hunter waited until he'd parked the auto and walked with Luna onto the train platform to allow himself the pleasure of studying her. She looked like she should be the subject of a painting entitled Sweet Anticipation.

It wasn't the cream-colored dress she wore, dotted with little purple and pale yellow flowers and trimmed in airy lace, that made him think of her gracing a painting. It wasn't her straw hat that featured a wide silk ribbon and a spray of purple flowers on the right side of the crown or the saucy angle at which it perched on her head. Nor was it her glossy dark brown hair fashioned in an elegant style with wispy tendrils that curled softly around her rosy cheeks.

The pure look of excitement in her expression and the sparkle of joy in her eyes were what made her seem exquisitely beautiful and the reasons why he could so easily envision her captured in oils or even sketched with a pencil.

A sudden breeze tugged at her hat and skirt. Luna placed a hand on the hat to keep the straw confection from blowing away. The action and the resulting pose completed the picture, especially when he envisioned flowers and branches waving in the wind in the background behind her.

The sight of her simply left him breathless.

Lest he do something rash and bold, like take her in his arms and kiss those entirely ripe lips of hers, he dragged his unraveling composure together.

Hunter tipped his head toward the train. "Looks like we got here just in time," he said as the conductor issued his first boarding call.

"Thank goodness. As urgent as Caterina made this trip sound, I'd hate to put it off." Luna turned and headed toward a passenger car. It didn't take long for them to board and find seats near the front.

Hunter had hoped Luna would have a basket full of treats for them to enjoy, but she only carried a beaded purse in her gloved hands. As she settled back in her seat by the window, Hunter studied her from the toes of her leather shoes barely visible beneath her skirt to her lacy gloves to the violet-hued brooch she wore pinned to the throat of her dress.

"Why purple?" Hunter asked, surprising himself as well as Luna with the question as the conductor made a last call to board.

"Why purple?" she repeated as she turned her gaze from the window to him. "Why do I like purple?"

"Yes? You seem exceptionally fond of the color. I just wondered why. It does look particularly nice on you, but that can't be the only reason you seem to prefer it."

Luna shrugged. "I guess there are many reasons, the least of which would be how it looks on me. I've been told dark red is my best color, but I feel garish wearing it. To me, purple is a happy color. It reminds me of my mother. She had a deep purple dress she wore on Sundays. It was my favorite day of the week. After church, we would often go visiting, or welcome friends to our home for a meal. In my memories, my mother is always wearing purple. Beyond that, I think purple is a regal color, one of creativity and wisdom, and goodness knows I can use all the wisdom I can get. Also, my favorite flowers are violets, which are also purple. Does that answer your question?"

"Indeed, it does, Luna." Hunter could picture her as a bright-eyed child sitting at a table surrounded by family and friends, secure in their love for her and her place in the world.

"What about you?" Luna asked, pointing to Hunter's blue and white striped silk shirt, which he wore with a dark blue tie. After getting up two hours early to see to his chores, he'd taken a bath, shaved, and dressed with care in a dark gray summer suit with his favorite blue shirt and tie. "If I had to guess, I'd say blue was your favorite color, followed by gray."

"You wouldn't be wrong," he said with a grin. He'd always loved the color blue, finding it both calming and pleasant. It was a color Dally had always said looked good on him. Gray was also a good color for him, matching his eyes and going well with his dark hair.

Luna offered him a pleased smile, then glanced out the window as the train chugged away from the depot. Although she'd traveled this stretch of track before when she'd arrived in Pendleton, Hunter knew it looked entirely different when seen from the opposite direction.

While the train traveled up into the Blue Mountains and down the other side to La Grande, Hunter pointed out things Luna might have missed, like two fawns hiding in the trees and a flock of turkeys in the distance.

When they arrived in La Grande, Luna produced an address Caterina had written on a piece of paper.

"Do you know where this is?" Luna asked, handing the address to Hunter.

"Nope, but we'll find it." He held out his arm to Luna, and they walked off the platform and down to the street. An elderly couple stood on the corner, apparently waiting for someone, most likely a ride, Hunter thought, as he walked over to them.

"Pardon me, sir and ma'am, but could you perhaps tell us where to find this address?"

The man took the paper from Hunter, read it, and handed it back. "It's not far from here. Just follow Depot Street down to Fourth, take a left, and you'll see Spring Street. I don't know the exact address, but if you're looking for the new restaurant, it's just a block further on Spring Street."

Hunter touched his fingers to the brim of his hat. "Thank you. That is indeed our destination."

The woman smiled. "Enjoy your meal. It's quite good, but the Italian restaurant in Pendleton is far better."

Hunter grinned and could almost feel the pride swelling in Luna at the woman's words. "We'll keep that in mind, ma'am. Thanks again."

He cupped Luna's elbow, and they started down Depot Street. It didn't take long to find the restaurant. The doors were open, although it was only a few minutes past eleven.

"Shall we?" Hunter asked, motioning for Luna to precede him inside.

"Yes, please," she said, stepping into a restaurant that was decorated with red velvet flocked wallpaper, gilded moldings, sparkling chandeliers, and chairs upholstered in rich red velvet pushed up to white linen-covered tables. "Oh, my."

Hunter leaned close to Luna. "I hope you'll remember all the details to share with Caterina because if she asks me, all I'll think to say is it was red."

"I will," she whispered and smiled as a woman with pinched features approached them.

"Table for two?" the woman asked, then spun around and walked away without waiting for their response.

Luna gave Hunter a look of amusement mingling with surprise as she followed the woman to a table placed by one of the few windows in the restaurant. Sunlight streamed into the otherwise dark building.

Hunter much preferred Caterina's light-filled space to this restaurant which was too dark and almost felt foreboding. At first glance, it might appear quite posh. However, something about it seemed off-putting to Hunter, and it wasn't just the sour-faced woman who'd seated them.

He recalled the word Luna had used earlier and thought it an appropriate description for the place.

Garish.

That was absolutely how he viewed the restaurant. A garish copy of the elegance and welcoming atmosphere Caterina had achieved.

Luna remained silent as a young woman rushed over to their table, deposited menus and water glasses, then hastened away before Hunter could even inquire about the lunch specials.

With a twinkle in her eyes, Luna held up her menu to hide her face from the view of anyone who might be looking at their table and spoke in a quiet tone.

"This is nothing like I expected. My cousin doesn't have a thing to worry about. The place is rather ostentatious, and the staff isn't the least bit friendly."

"I heartily agree," Hunter whispered. "Let's see how the food compares."

Luna nodded and began studying the menu.

When the waitress returned, Luna placed an order for the restaurant's self-proclaimed signature dish of lasagna.

Hunter, who intended to get a good sampling of the chef's talents, ordered ravioli, minestrone, eggplant parmigiana, pasta in cream sauce with bits of bacon, risotto, Bolognese, and meatballs. Luna's eyes were about to pop out of her head, but Hunter ignored her shock and asked the waitress to bring them beverages made from orange and lemon juice mixed with fresh berries and poured over ice.

"What are you doing?" Luna asked in a hushed voice once their waitress, who appeared to be stupefied by Hunter's order, went off toward the kitchen.

"We can't very well give your cousin a full report unless we sample a variety of the dishes." Hunter wouldn't tell Luna that he refused to accept the money Caterina had insisted he take to pay for travel expenses and their meals. She and Kade both worked incredibly hard for every penny they earned, and he was more than happy to pay for his expenses as well as Luna's. Hunter had more money than he needed, and he viewed the day as a wonderful opportunity to be with Luna.

In some ways, Caterina had presented him with a gift.

One that was priceless to him.

However, he didn't tell Caterina all that, nor would he impart that knowledge to Luna. Some things a man needed to keep to himself.

Their beverages arrived, and Hunter held up his glass in a toast. Luna touched hers to his, waiting to see what he would say.

"To new adventures." He lightly clanked their glasses together as Luna grinned.

Hunter waited as she took a sip of the beverage. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't hide a grimace. He took a hasty taste and wished he hadn't. The drink hadn't been sweetened and tasted like it had a heaping portion of vinegar stirred into it.

They both reached for their water glasses and drained them, then laughed.

"That was interesting," Luna said good-naturedly.

"It certainly was. How do you make fruit juice taste that bad?" he asked, causing Luna to laugh. The sound was music to his ears and a balm to his heart. He looked across the table at her joyful, sweet face and knew there was nowhere he'd rather be than with her in that moment.

The shock of it, the truth of it, left him a bit unsettled, but he pushed it aside, determined to enjoy the outing.

"Would you care for more water?" the waitress asked as she stopped at their table with a full pitcher.

"Yes, please, and if it isn't too much trouble, would you leave the pitcher?"

She filled their glasses and set the pitcher on the table between them before she turned back to the kitchen.

Luna motioned to the pitcher. "Think we'll need to wash down our food?"

"I think it's best to be prepared." Hunter grinned at her, then changed the subject. "Tell me about your family. Have you heard from your parents recently? Remind me how many siblings you have."

"Four siblings, at least so far, although I think Mama has her hands full as it is, and they aren't planning to expand our family. Dino is eleven. He thinks he is grown up and the boss of the rest of us. Elio turned nine in April and would be thrilled to live out in the country. His favorite place is the park and, once he's there, it is nearly impossible to get him to come home. He loves climbing trees, watching birds, soaking in the sunshine, and breathing in the fresh air. Our adorable Remi is six. He is such a caring boy. I could see him growing up to be a doctor or some profession that is based on helping others. Cara is two and a sassy, spunky little miss. She has apple cheeks and rosebud lips and eyes that dance with mischief." Luna sighed and sat back in her chair.

"Do you miss them terribly?" Hunter asked.

Luna nodded and glanced out the window. "I do. Constantly, I wonder how they are doing. How much they have grown since I left. What new words Cara has learned, or what new books Elio has discovered. He loves to read. Aunt Angelina keeps new books at the store for him to read before she adds them to the inventory. He's always so careful with them, treating them like precious treasures. Remi loves automobiles. I could see him having a job repairing them. If Papa would allow it, he'd tear apart our delivery auto just to see how it operates. Dino is musical and a poet at heart, although he tries to hide it by being rough and tumble."

Hunter reached across the table and placed his hand over Luna's as she twisted the napkin around and around her fingers. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you or make you sad."

Her eyes lifted to his, and Hunter felt like he could see all the way down to the depths of her sweet soul.

"You didn't make me sad, Hunter. It's good to think about our loved ones." She dropped her gaze to his hand, and he moved it into his lap, then she looked at him again. If he wasn't mistaken, she seemed almost bereft he'd moved his hand from hers.

Abruptly, Luna changed the subject. "It's none of my business, but everyone is talking about Dally's hesitancy to let your mother know about the special arrival due this autumn season. Does she not get along with your mother?"

"It's not that. She and Mama are so much alike. They adore each other, but they can also rub each other the wrong direction. I think Dally is afraid Mama will come and take over, and she'll feel like a little girl taking orders instead of the woman of the house."

"That makes perfect sense, in a roundabout way. I would think your mother's feelings will be terribly hurt if Dally doesn't tell her soon."

Hunter nodded in agreement. He'd heard Nik and Dally arguing about that very topic a few days ago. Nik was aware of the deadline Hunter had given Dally to write to their parents about the baby. Hunter had left before the argument grew any more heated, so he had no idea what was said, but he sided with Nik. Dally was only causing herself worry and stress by postponing the inevitable. Truthfully, Hunter was surprised someone in Pendleton hadn't written to his mother and spilled the proverbial beans. No doubt it would happen if Dally kept sidestepping around the topic.

"Mama will be angry and hurt once she finds out, but I think she'll understand. My grandmother loves us all more than anything, but when Mama was expecting my brother Jeff, Grandmama about drove her crazy with all her well-meaning advice and annoying hovering. I reckon Dally heard her complaining to Dad on more than one occasion about meddling mothers and took it to heart. It's a tough situation, but it's Dally's decision to make. Not mine. Not even Nik's."

Luna nodded. "I was so pleased to be involved the day she chose the nursery colors and the wallpaper she planned to order. I've been invited to come help in the nursery once the supplies arrive."

"That's good. Dally would try to do it all herself if Aundy and the rest of you didn't intervene. She's been so tired she can hardly stay awake at the supper table. Nik says it's normal, but it just seems so out of character for my sister." Hunter had to force himself not to nervously toy with his fork. He didn't know why he was sharing all this with Luna. For the most part, he kept his thoughts about his family to himself, but seeing Dally in a more … delicate light, had left him unsettled. Disconcerted. Worried.

He'd heard nightmarish stories, some of them from Nik, about women who died in childbirth or bled to death shortly thereafter. There were so many things that could go wrong, it was a wonder the human race continued. Hunter knew the only thing he could do was pray, which he did every time thoughts of Dally and the baby entered his thoughts.

He took a moment to send up another prayer for Dally's health and that of the babe she carried before he returned his attention to Luna.

"You haven't said, but how do you like Pendleton?" he asked, then leaned back as the waitress arrived with a cart full of dishes. She set a plate of steaming lasagna in front of Luna, then began placing the food Hunter had ordered on the table around him. She set the bowl of minestrone in front of him and stepped back.

"Will there be anything else, sir?" the waitress asked in a crisp tone.

"Not at the moment. Thank you." The waitress departed, and Hunter reached across the table, lifting Luna's hand in his. "Mind if I offer a word of thanks?"

"Not at all." Luna bowed her head, and Hunter smiled briefly before he asked a quiet blessing on their meal and prayed for their safe journey home.

He picked up his spoon and sampled the minestrone. It was watery and overly salty. After two bites, he set it aside.

Luna looked thoughtful as she chewed a bite of lasagna.

"How is it?" Hunter asked, setting the plate of ravioli in front of him.

"Not terrible, but my cousin most certainly has nothing to worry about."

He grinned and forked a bite of the ravioli. Luna joined him in tasting the variety of dishes. They concluded the best of the lot was the ravioli and cleaned the plate, and ate all but one of the slices of bread in the basket. It was a heavier, denser bread than Caterina baked, but it was good.

"What would you like for dessert?" Hunter asked as the waitress cleared away their plates.

"I'm not sure I have room for dessert," Luna said as she dabbed at her lips, then returned her napkin to her lap.

"Sure, you do." Hunter gave the waitress one of his most charming smiles. "Bring us your three favorite desserts, please."

"Certainly, sir." The waitress tipped her head to him, then lifted the heavy tray full of dishes.

It didn't take long until she returned with a dish of pudding garnished with a piece of biscotti, a plate of fried zeppole, and a slice of lemon cake topped with fresh raspberries and cream.

All three of the desserts were tasty although Hunter thought the zeppole was a bit greasy and the cake slightly dry.

"Well, what's the verdict, Luna?" Hunter asked as he refilled their water glasses.

"Caterina has nothing to worry about. Not a thing."

Hunter nodded. "My exact conclusion." He took a few more sips of water, then motioned to the waitress. "May we have our bill, please?"

The woman nodded, disappeared into the kitchen, and soon returned. She set a slip of paper on the table in front of Hunter.

He turned it over, took money from his pocket to cover the total as well as a generous tip, then stood and offered his hand to Luna.

She took it and stood, then tugged on her gloves. Hunter cupped her elbow with his hand, settled his hat on his head, and then they strolled out into the hot July sunshine.

"I was thinking of the Fourth of July festivities planned for this Saturday," he said as they meandered along what appeared to be the main thoroughfare in town, where many shops were located. "If you aren't otherwise engaged, might I request your presence in attending them?"

Luna gave him an odd look. "That's kind of you to extend the invitation."

"Entirely my pleasure." Hunter had no idea why he was speaking so formally or why he felt like his tie was about to strangle him. He'd planned to spend Independence Day in Pendleton with Dally, Nik, the ranch crew, and Nik's family. He knew Tony and Ilsa would be there, which meant Luna likely would be as well, but he wanted her to be there with him.

The reasons for that longing were something better left alone, though. What was wrong with a man wanting to spend a day with a beautiful woman?

Last he checked, nothing.

Unless, of course, that man was beginning to develop strong, deep feelings for the woman in question and looked for any excuse, regardless of how thin or slight, to be with her. It was a good thing Hunter was too busy for such nonsense.

He stopped and tugged his thoughts in line as Luna gazed at the displays inside a furniture store's window.

"Would you like to take a look inside?" he asked.

"No, let's stroll. How much time do we have before we need to board the train?"

He checked his watch. "Two hours and forty minutes."

"Oh, in that case, then yes, please, let's look inside."

Hunter smiled and opened the door.

"Welcome, folks," a jolly-faced man said in a friendly tone. "What brings you in today? Are you and the missus in need of some fine furnishing?"

Hunter was amused the man assumed they were a couple, but Luna blinked rapidly and glanced at him as though some grievous social blunder had taken place. Before she could correct him, Hunter took Luna's hand in his and nudged her forward.

"We were walking by, and something caught her eye. Mind if we look around?"

"Not at all, folks. Not at all. My name is Weston, Wiley Weston, if I can be of service to you." The man politely tipped his head to them, then retreated to a desk in the back corner.

Hunter didn't relinquish his hold on Luna's hand, although she tried twice to tug it from his grasp. She finally released an exasperated breath, then proceeded to look around the store. Hunter found a few pieces he liked that he thought would look good in his house if he ever got one ready to live in. Luna seemed intrigued with a white globe lamp festooned with hand-painted violets.

"Do you like it?" Hunter finally asked when she'd studied the lamp from every possible angle.

"Oh, yes. It's lovely, but I have no need for it. Ilsa has decorated her home with so many beautiful things."

"It is quite something to see," Hunter said although he found Ilsa's taste more aligned with his grandmother's than what he preferred.

While Dally and Nik had added quality pieces to the ranch house, nothing they purchased was pretentious, and everything made the house feel welcoming. The few times Hunter had been in Ilsa's parlor, he'd worried about accidentally breaking something.

Luna gave him a curious glance, then turned her attention to an overstuffed chair covered in mottled gray and brown upholstery. It was one of the ugliest things Hunter had ever seen.

He waggled an eyebrow at Luna and tipped his head toward the chair, making her work to hold in a giggle.

When she took a step toward the door, he knew she was ready to leave. He lifted a hand to Mr. Weston. "Thank you, sir. Have a pleasant day."

"You folks do the same!"

Back on the sidewalk, Hunter held out his arm to Luna, and she gingerly placed her hand on it.

"Let's return to our conversation about the festivities on Saturday. Would you accompany me, Luna?"

"I would, but only if you are certain my possible hysterics won't ruin the day for you."

He stopped abruptly, and she took three steps before she turned and walked back to him.

When she faced him, he shook his head. "I would not call what happens to you hysterics, and even if that were true, you won't ruin anything. Spending time with you will brighten my day, not dim it. Besides, I have given the situation a great deal of thought."

"You have?" Luna asked, then turned and once again wandered down the sidewalk. "Do tell, Mr. Douglas."

He grinned and fell into step beside her. "I propose we watch the parade from Caterina's restaurant. Harley John invited us to view it from his apartment. I think there, above the crowd, you won't feel quite as exposed to uncertainties and can enjoy the parade."

Luna stopped again and stared at him. "But don't you usually ride in the parade?"

"I do, but I hadn't planned to this year. I thought it might be fun to be a spectator."

"But Hunter. I don't want … that's to say, I feel as though …" She snapped her mouth shut and looked away, then back at him again. "Are you certain you want to do that? What about Harley John? Will he watch the parade with us?"

"No. He's going to be in the parade, but he said he didn't mind at all if we sat by the window to watch. Will you keep me company?" Hunter offered her his most boyish, pleading look.

It must have worked because Luna smiled and nodded her head. "I would like that. Thank you. I suppose you have the rest of the day all figured out."

"I do. I think you'll find it enjoyable."

Her gaze met his, and her expression softened. "I have yet to find your company less than tolerable, Mr. Douglas. I do feel bad about today, though. I'm sure you had dozens of things to do at the ranch or your new place instead of escorting me here. I don't know why Caterina was so adamant we come today, or that you come with me. I certainly would have been fine on my own. By the way, thank you for lunch. It was kind of you to order so many things for us to try."

"We had to get a good sampling of the menu to be able to give Caterina an accurate report, don't you think?" Hunter grinned and pointed to a bookshop across the street. "How about we try in there?"

"Wonderful," Luna said, already dashing across the street. While Hunter looked at books about horticulture, Luna headed straight for the children's books. She selected four books, one for each of her siblings, and asked if they could be sent directly to her family. The shopkeeper assured her they would go out in the following day's mail. Luna paid for the books and the cost of shipping, looking quite pleased when they stepped back outside into the sweltering heat.

"I vote for heading over to the drugstore to enjoy a cool beverage or a dish of ice cream before we have to board the train. Is there anything else you'd like to see before we do that?" Hunter asked as they continued aimlessly walking along the sidewalk.

"Perhaps we could walk to the end of this block and return on the other side. There was a store that carried a few things of interest," Luna said, looking up the street.

"This is quite a fascinating display," Hunter said, stopping in front of a jewelry store with a glistening array of necklaces, rings, and bracelets reflecting the afternoon sunlight. "What do you think of—" Hunter's words died off as he watched Luna's face turn pale and her eyes get as big and round as saucers. She backed away from him, fear filling her expression, but he had no idea what was wrong.

He glanced at her, then looked behind him, his gaze landing on a half-grown brown bear that stood on its hind legs a few feet away. It held a glass bottle of what appeared to be water in its paws, drinking from it. A piece of broken chain dangled from the thick leather collar encircling the animal's neck. Oddest of all was the bird dog that sat beside the bear, like he was in charge of keeping it out of trouble.

Hunter eased back a few paces, grabbed Luna's hand, and tugged her inside the nearest doorway, which happened to be a milliner's shop.

The woman behind the front counter took a look at Luna's face, glanced out the window, then made a calming motion with her hand. "If the bear frightened you, don't give it a thought. Barnaby is probably tamer than the dog. His owner will be along shortly, I'm sure. In the meantime, may I show you a hat, miss?"

Luna finally pulled her gaze from the bear sitting in the street to look around the shop. "I would like to look around. Thank you."

Hunter remained just inside the door, keeping an eye on the bear as Luna looked over the selection of summer hats. He wasn't surprised she didn't purchase anything, but by the time she was ready to go, the bear had sauntered off with the dog beside him.

"Do you think a soda or ice cream might make you feel better?" Hunter asked, taking Luna's elbow in his hand again and guiding her toward a drugstore they'd passed earlier.

"Most definitely," she said with a grin, her good humor apparently restored. "Oh, look, there's a moving picture theatre. Too bad we didn't notice earlier, or we could have watched a show."

"Have you gone to many shows?" Hunter asked. He and Jeff had been fascinated when moving picture shows became available. The first one that came to their area, they watched a dozen times. The novelty soon wore off, though, and he rarely went anymore, although he'd heard there was a funny picture show currently playing in Pendleton.

"I've attended a few. They are such a marvel, aren't they?" Luna asked, although he didn't think she expected a reply.

They stepped into the drugstore, ordered sodas, and sat at a table outside in the shade. Hunter positioned himself where he could keep watch for Barnaby the bear and his sidekick if they ambled their way, but the street was mostly quiet as they enjoyed their beverages.

Hunter checked his watch. The train would start boarding soon, so they made their way back to the depot. Luna ducked into the women's lavatory to freshen up while he stopped in the men's room.

It would be nearly dinner time when they made it back to Pendleton. After stuffing himself with Italian food that wasn't nearly as good as Caterina's, Hunter wasn't hungry, but he figured he would be in a few hours. He considered the options for taking Luna out for the evening meal.

Then again, she might be weary of his company and ready to escape to Tony and Ilsa's by the time they arrived in Pendleton. The best course of action seemed to be to wait and gauge her interest in dining together when they were nearer to their destination.

When he stepped back into the depot's lobby, he purchased two boxes of Cracker Jack from a boy selling snacks and stuffed them in his suit pockets.

"Keep the change," he told the lad as he handed him a dollar.

"Thank you, sir!" The boy offered a crooked grin, then scurried off toward his next customer.

Through the open depot doors, Hunter heard the conductor make the first call to board the train. He turned and saw Luna step out of the lavatory. Her gaze connected to his, and she headed toward him.

Unable to stop himself, Hunter felt his cheeks stretch with a broad smile as she neared him. The expression on her face and the sparkle in her eyes made him consider that she perhaps might like him more than he'd assumed.

Hunter knew whatever attraction danced between them was far more than mere interest in one another. Far more than the friendship they'd struck up, regardless of how strange it might seem.

He didn't know what it was about Luna, but being around her was both comfortable and unsettling, familiar and mysterious. The more he got to know her, the more she intrigued and fascinated him.

Fully aware of the challenges she dealt with when it came to reliving the trauma of the day she was shot, Hunter felt optimistic that she would recover from the experience, perhaps never fully, but to the point she wouldn't worry about going out in crowds for fear of her anxiety getting the best of her.

Hunter had peppered Nik with dozens of questions about trauma and knew, from what his brother-in-law had shared, it was different for everyone. Still, he could tell Luna had improved just in the short time she'd been in Pendleton.

Not that her troubles dimmed his interest in her. Not in the least. His heart ached for her, though, for everything she'd gone through and continued to face.

Determined to bring as much joy to her as possible, Hunter held out his arm and bowed to her. "Your carriage awaits, milady," he said in his best impression of an English nobleman.

Luna laughed and placed her hand on his arm. "So it does, kind sir. Shall we board?"

He guided her over to one of the passenger cars and helped her up the steps. Inside, the front seats were already occupied, so they took seats toward the center of the car.

"Would you like to sit by the window?" Luna asked as she stood in the aisle, glancing at him over her shoulder.

"No. You go ahead." Hunter wanted her to be as comfortable as possible in the hot, stuffy car. The closer a person sat to the window, the more fresh air they could enjoy.

Luna adjusted her skirts as she took a seat, and Hunter sank down beside her. They were quiet during the cacophony of people boarding. They both looked out the window at the sound of a baby crying. It appeared the child didn't want to let go of the man carrying the little one. A woman pried the baby loose, and the man kissed the woman's cheek, then the baby's before he boarded the train.

"That would be so hard," Luna whispered, watching as the woman tried to console the screaming child. "The husband is probably heading off to try to find a better job, to make more money to support his family, and the wife is staying behind. Maybe she has relatives willing to take her in during his absence. Oh, what if he's on his way to Alaska? Or traveling to the Orient?"

Hunter chuckled. "You do have some fanciful notions, don't you, Luna? What if he's on his way to say goodbye to his beloved granny, who is on her deathbed?"

Luna grinned at him. "Now, who is being fanciful?"

Hunter shrugged and shifted in his seat to find a more comfortable position as the train chugged away from the depot. "At least it will be a short ride in this heat."

"It is hot, but it's so much more bearable here than in New York. There, when the temperatures rose, so did the smells. And the heat just radiates off the streets and sidewalks. In Pendleton, there are so many lawns and the park, as well as the farms and ranches, of course, to absorb the heat instead of reflecting it. It might be equally as hot, but the heat doesn't feel as terribly stifling."

"I know what you mean. In Asheville, we battle the humidity in the summer. Sometimes, it is brutal. That's another reason I prefer to be in Pendleton. The humidity is low. Other than during wheat harvest, the air is clean and crisp and fresh."

"Wheat harvest? What happens then?" Luna asked, her brow furrowing in question.

"During harvest, the air is full of dust and wheat chaff. Sometimes, the sky looks more golden-hued than blue. It doesn't last long, but in the midst of the harvest, it can get bad."

"Do you help with wheat harvest?" Luna asked as the train started up the grade out of La Grande.

Hunter nodded. "There's wheat on the B Bar D that we harvest. Also, Nik's family has one of the largest wheat ranches in the area. I usually go over and help there for a few days. Then, I lend a hand to some of the neighbors. Everyone pitches in and does their part. I've always admired the way the community in Pendleton pulls together." He grinned at Luna. "And the harvest meals are incredible. So much good food. It almost makes me hungry just thinking about it."

Luna shook her head. "I'm starting to think you're always hungry, Hunter Douglas."

"Isn't there a saying about growing boys?"

She laughed. "I would not classify you as a growing boy. If you have another growth spurt, you'll be as big as Kade or Lars."

"Now, that would be something." Hunter pointed outside the window to an elk standing in a grove of trees. "Did you hear about the flower show? Flynn Elliott is the main judge. He was telling me …"

He kept up an easy conversation as they made their way to Kamela for a quick stop. A handful of people disembarked the train, and a few boarded.

An uneasy feeling settled over Hunter as three men entered their car, but he couldn't say why. He did his best to hide it from Luna, taking the boxes of Cracker Jack from his pockets and handing one to her.

"I haven't had these in such a long time, Hunter. Thank you." She removed her gloves, opened the box, and tipped out a handful of the molasses-covered popcorn and peanuts. "My little brothers love digging into the box for the prize. What do you think your prize will be?"

He shook his box near his ear while keeping an eye on the three men who'd boarded the train and taken seats at the back of the car. Something about them seemed … off. But he kept that thought to himself and opened the box of popcorn. "I think mine has one of the newly printed baseball cards."

"Really? I haven't seen any of those yet. It seems America has quite a love for baseball."

"That we do." Hunter grinned and dumped a handful of popcorn out of the box and into his hand. If he'd been alone, he would have tipped the box directly into his mouth to avoid getting sticky residue on his hands, but polite company demanded better manners.

They'd finished the popcorn and wiped their hands on their handkerchiefs before the train began to slow at the summit of the Blue Mountains near the town of Meacham.

Hunter knew from previous trips the train always checked the brakes before they started down the steep grade. However, when the train came to a complete, jerking stop, as though an emergency brake had been applied, he was certain something was amiss.

A noise behind them caused Hunter to turn his head and watch as three men, with black caps on their heads and cloth masks over their faces, stood with guns drawn, motioning for the porter who'd been shining the shoes of a napping salesman to move forward. The porter rose, looking sickly, holding up the shoe he'd been polishing. With a gun to his back and one to the rear brakeman who'd been standing on the vestibule outside the car but had been pulled inside, the outlaws marched the two men through the car and into the next one.

Hunter had hoped Luna wouldn't notice, but she stiffened beside him, eyes wide with fear.

"It will be okay, Luna. I'll keep you safe." Hunter wasn't just saying the words to appease her. He meant them. If keeping that promise required stepping in front of her to take a bullet, then he'd do it.

Everything in Hunter wanted to do something to help, but he knew remaining calm was the best thing he could do at the moment. That and pray that if this was a holdup, the men would get what they wanted and leave quickly. Hunter knew a little about trains from one of his friends who was crazy about them. The airbrakes weren't meant to hold for long. With them locked as they were, poised with all thirteen cars beyond the crest of the summit with a miles-long downgrade before them, once the brakes began to leak air, there wouldn't be anything anyone could do to stop the train.

Truthfully, Hunter was far more worried about the brakes giving out than what the outlaws might do.

He summoned what he hoped was a reassuring smile and looked at Luna again. "We'll be fine."

She gave him a dubious glance, as though she could read every ounce of his uncertainty. When her face turned pale, and she leaned back in her seat, Hunter worried she might be about to faint. Considering the circumstances, it might be best if she did.