Chapter Fifteen

"Are you ready, Luna?" Laila asked as she skipped to a stop outside Luna's bedroom door.

Luna turned from giving herself a critical glance in the mirror to smile at Laila. The child's hair, fashioned in ringlets, was held back from her face with a big red bow. She wore a blue and white drop waist dress and a pair of sturdy shoes meant for playing in the park. As she wriggled off one foot to the other, unable to stand still, it was clear she was filled with excitement about celebrating Independence Day.

Inwardly, Luna felt as full of anticipation as her little cousin. Outwardly, though, she did her best to appear calm and unaffected by the promises the day held in store. She smoothed a hand down the skirt of her white gown highlighted with red pinstripes. Lightweight and stylish, it was the perfect choice for the day, especially after Ilsa had helped her refresh the collar and add new lace to the elbow-length cuffs.

"I just need to pin my hat in place," Luna said, settling the white straw hat on her head. Laila had helped her decorate it yesterday with blue and white silk roses nestled among red satin ribbons.

"You look beautiful!" Laila said, stepping into the room and grabbing Luna's hand. "Let's go. Daddy said we should hurry."

"All right then." Luna grabbed her gloves and a white beaded reticule, then allowed Laila to lead her from the room and down the stairs.

Tony was in the kitchen filling a big picnic basket with the food he and Luna had prepared for the community potluck in the park that would take place after the parade.

"Do you need help?" Luna asked as she tugged on her gloves.

"I think I've got everything," Tony said as he stacked two pies in the basket. "Ilsa went to grab a quilt for the picnic."

"I've got one!" Ilsa said, striding into the room with a blue, white, and yellow calico quilt tossed over her arm. "Is everyone ready?"

"Yes!" Laila said with enthusiasm, then raced outside and climbed into Tony's auto.

"I may be incorrect in my assumption, but it appears Laila is slightly enthused about today," Luna said with a saucy grin as she picked up the basket packed with napkins, plates, cups, and cutlery.

Tony and Ilsa laughed as the three of them walked to the door.

"She loves all holidays and any excuse to play with her cousins and friends." Ilsa stepped outside and walked with Luna to the auto.

Tony locked the door and joined them, setting the baskets and quilt between Luna and Laila in the back seat. As Tony drove into town, Laila chattered about the parade, and who would be in it, the picnic and what she looked forward to eating, the baseball game, in which her father would play, and the fireworks show that evening.

Luna still hadn't decided if the fireworks might bother her, but the more she thought about it, the more she wanted to attend, just to see what happened. After making it through the train robbery earlier in the week, she felt brave and encouraged that she could handle more than she gave herself credit for most days.

Besides, she didn't want to ruin all the fun for Hunter. He'd been so kind to her, so attentive and caring, and she felt an almost giddy eagerness to spend the day with him. He'd agreed to meet Luna in front of Caterina's restaurant fifteen minutes before the parade would begin. Although Luna wasn't concerned about anything in the parade disturbing her, Hunter seemed adamant that nothing happen to dim her joy in the day.

In truth, Luna thought watching the parade from above the street would give them a grand view of the spectacle. They'd likely be able to see more from their perch there than they would in the throngs of spectators.

"There's Sophie!" Laila waved to her cousin and jumped out of the auto the moment Tony parked it behind his photography studio, where Lars swung Marnie down from the wagon they'd parked in the shade. Children from the orphanage tumbled out of the back of the wagon, all talking at once, their voices joining Laila's as the group headed toward Court Street to watch the parade.

"Want to leave your horses at the ice barn?" Tony asked Lars.

His brother-in-law nodded, and the two men set about unhitching the team and leading the team to the barn where Tony kept the horses he used to deliver ice.

"We might as well walk down to the parade route," Ilsa said, looping her arm around Luna's and motioning for Marnie to join them. The three women walked through the alley and joined the crowds heading down the block to Court Street. Everyone seemed in good spirits, their happy chatter filling the still morning air.

When they turned the corner, Marnie nudged Luna with her elbow. "There's a handsome fellow waiting for you."

Luna shifted her gaze from the crowd around them to the sidewalk in front of them and noticed Hunter leaning against the front door of Caterina's restaurant. She raised a hand in greeting, and Hunter broke into a wide, welcoming smile.

"Go on. We'll catch up to you in the park. Hunter will know where to find us. If, for any reason, you need to go home, just leave a note in the auto. We'll look for one if we don't see you later." Ilsa gave her a tight hug. "Have a wonderful time, Luna."

"I will, Ilsa. Thank you." She squeezed Ilsa's hand and turned just as Hunter reached them.

He removed his hat and offered them a grand bow. "Happy Independence Day, lovely ladies. I hope you are ready for a day of festivities."

"We certainly are, Hunter," Ilsa said, giving Luna a slight nudge forward. "We'll plan to catch up with you at the park if you don't find us first after the parade."

"Enjoy the parade," Hunter said, holding out his arm for Luna.

She glanced back to see both Ilsa and Marnie giving her encouraging looks. The urge to roll her eyes was strong, but she instead turned and smiled at Hunter.

"Shall we?" she asked as she placed her hand on his arm.

"We shall." He guided her down the sidewalk and around to the back door of Caterina's restaurant. Luna used her key to unlock the door, and they stepped inside. It seemed odd to be there when the place was so quiet, but the familiar aroma of spices hung thick in the air, along with the scent of yeasty bread. Four large baskets were filled with Caterina's seasoned breadsticks, and a big pot simmered on the back of the stove.

Unable to stop herself, Luna lifted the lid and inhaled the rich scent of meatballs, sausage, and chunks of pork cooking in a thick red sauce.

"That smells so good. Is it for the picnic?" Hunter asked as he leaned over Luna's shoulder.

"I think so. It's a dish Aunt Angelina often makes on Sundays. It can be served over pasta or on its own." Luna returned the lid to the pot, then glanced toward the stairs. "Are you sure Harley John doesn't mind that we're invading his apartment?"

Hunter grinned. "I spoke with him just a little bit ago, and he confirmed he didn't mind in the least. Let's go up. The parade should start soon."

He led the way up the stairs to the apartment. Harley John had left the door unlocked, and they stepped into the space. Luna tried not to look around too much, still feeling like she was intruding on her friend's private domain. The windows overlooking the street were open with a grand view below them.

Harley John had pulled two chairs over by the windows.

"That was nice of him," Luna said, taking a seat on a chair and leaning forward to get a better view out the window.

"This will be great." Hunter looked out the window, then glanced below them.

Several people they knew were gathered together, excitedly awaiting the start of the parade. A sudden thought struck Luna, and she turned to Hunter.

"Would Dally be more comfortable in here than out in the crowd?"

"Probably, if she were in the crowd, but she's riding on a float some of the hospital staff and their spouses put together."

"Oh, well, that's nice," Luna said, hoping wherever Dally was riding was somewhere she could sit and be somewhat comfortable. "Any progress on talking her into sharing her good news with your mother?"

A dark scowl filled Hunter's features, and he shook his head. "No. No progress."

Luna wished she hadn't brought up something that was clearly a sore point between Hunter and his sister. Before she could apologize or think of something to say to change the subject, a loud boom shook the windows, signaling the start of the parade.

Caught off guard, Luna sucked in a startled gasp, realized what had made the sound, then leaned forward and rested her arms on the open windowsill. Hunter appeared concerned, but when she didn't grow upset, he relaxed and joined her in leaning out the window.

"This is the first time in I can't tell you how many years that I've watched the parade instead of riding in it. This really is a great way to see everything." He pointed to the sheriff and his deputies proudly riding down the street, each of them carrying a flag. "There's Lars and Kade!"

Luna waved out the window, although she was sure no one noticed them there. Then Kade turned his head toward them and grinned, tipping his head toward them before he continued down the street.

"Kade is a nice man," Luna said, thinking of the ways her cousin's husband had made her feel welcome since her arrival in Pendleton. When he referred to her as little Luna, it made her feel like she was part of his family, which she supposed she was, but it also made her feel as though he noticed her and would protect her.

"He and Lars are both what my mother calls good people." Hunter cast a glance her way. "So are you, Luna Moona."

She playfully swatted at his arm, and they returned their attention to the parade.

The hospital float where Dally rode was quite lovely, with an assortment of flowers and greens decorating it. Half a dozen women riding on the float wore long, loose, flowing white gowns. The banner on top of the float read Angels of Mercy, with the hospital name below it.

Dally waved at them and attempted to toss candy high enough so they could reach it, but it fell onto the onlookers, much to the delight of the crowd.

Harley John drove a shiny automobile with chrome polished to such a dazzling gleam it was nearly blinding in the sunlight. Signs on the side advertised automobiles for sale at the blacksmith's shop where Harley John worked. The blacksmith and his wife rode in the back seat.

When the automobile stopped beneath the window where Luna and Hunter were perched, Harley John stuck his head out of the auto and waved at them before continuing on his way.

The part of the parade that made Luna laugh so hard tears rolled down her cheeks was when the band from the high school was attempting to perform and Riley Walsh's old mule, Steve, decided to add his vocal stylings to their musical selections. The donkey appeared seemingly out of nowhere, stood next to their float, and brayed loudly the whole time they played. To add to the indignity of the mule's performance, he deposited a calling card right in the middle of the street.

When Riley went out to catch him, Steve shook his head and took off at a trot along the parade route.

"That old mule. Everyone thinks he'll live to be a hundred at the rate he's going." Hunter grinned as he looked at Luna. "Have you met Steve yet?"

"The mule?" Luna asked, then nodded. "I did encounter him one day when we were out at Aundy and Garrett's place. He seems quite protective of Willa."

"Willa Walsh is his pet, and make no mistake about it. If anyone dares make even what the mule deems to be a wrong look at her, Steve will kick them into next week."

Luna nodded. "He's sort of like an oversized guard dog."

"Exactly, except smellier." Hunter moved, sitting on the windowsill with his back braced against the frame. "Are you enjoying the parade? I'm sure it's nothing to compare to those you've seen in New York City."

"Oh, I love it. It's just right for Pendleton and such a fun way to begin the festivities today."

Hunter smiled. "I'm glad you are enjoying it." He looked like he wanted to say more, but they both returned their attention to watching the parade.

Even though it lasted almost an hour, the parade ended far sooner than Luna liked.

"That was spectacular," Luna said as they moved back from the window.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. Did you …" Hunter's voice trailed off as they heard voices downstairs. Together, he and Luna hustled to the kitchen to discover Caterina and her children there.

Ben and Brett could hardly stand still long enough for Caterina to shove baskets of breadsticks into their arms and instruct them to take them to the park. Rachel started to race after them, but Caterina caught her before she made an escape out the door.

"Not so fast, little miss. I need you to take that box of cookies, please." Caterina handed her daughter a box filled with her signature spice cookies.

"Now, may I go?" Rachel asked, impatient to join her brothers at the park.

"Yes, but no running."

The words had barely left Caterina's mouth when Rachel rushed out the door, keeping her hurried steps just shy of a full-out run.

Luna tried to hide her smile but failed when Hunter winked at her.

"How about us? What may we carry?" he asked when Caterina turned back to the stove.

"Oh, I forgot you two were here. It would be a help if one of you could carry the box with our dinnerware. I thought I'd set this pot in Rachel's wagon to transport it."

Hunter retrieved the wagon from the storage room in the basement, then helped Caterina settle the pot inside it. He offered to pull it while Caterina carried the box with the dinnerware, and Luna carried the quilt Caterina wanted to take to sit on.

They arrived at the park to find it bustling with activity. Hunter settled Caterina's pot on a table already weighted down with more food than Luna had ever seen in one place. The three of them made their way over to where Ilsa had already spread her quilt next to one Aundy had laid out.

Before long, friends and family were gathered around them.

Everyone politely listened to the mayor's speech, which was thankfully kept short. Pastor Whitting then offered a blessing on the meal, and everyone got in line to sample all the food that had been contributed to the potluck.

Plates were filled, and conversation flowed.

"Well, what do you think?" Hunter asked, leaning closer to Luna so he could whisper in her ear as they sat on one of the quilts spread in the shade.

"Everything is delightful," Luna said, turning to look at him and finding his face alarmingly close to hers. If she moved just a fraction closer to him, their lips would have surely connected, and that would not do. Not in the least. Not when she refused to give her heart away again. At least not yet, when it still ached for Matteo.

"So, you're having a good time?"

"A wonderful time, Hunter. Thank you." Luna was enjoying herself far more than she'd thought she would, and her expectations had been high. Between the parade, the bounty of good food, and being surrounded by people who loved and cared about each other, she couldn't think of a better way to spend the day.

Once everyone had eaten their fill and had time to rest while a few performers sang for entertainment, it was time for the baseball game.

The Pendleton Buckaroos, also known as the Bucks, were battling against the Walla Walla Bears. Both teams were working toward winning the Tri-State League Champion title.

Luna found herself sitting between Dally and Evie Elliott. Although Luna didn't know Evie well, the woman seemed both elegant and spunky.

Nik was down close to the players so he could tend to any injuries, and Flynn sat on the other side of his wife, more interested in entertaining the youngest Stewart child who was seated on his lap, than watching the ballgame.

The Walla Walla team started off strong, scoring the first run, then the Bucks scored two. It was a tough battle with both teams well-matched.

Luna leaned forward and intently watched when Hunter came up to bat. He glanced over his shoulder into the stands where she was sitting, gave her a teasing grin, then turned back to focus his attention on the pitcher and the ball.

"He likes you," Dally said as she leaned close to Luna to be heard above the crowd. "I haven't seen him like this about a girl in … well, ever. He thought he was in love with a snobbish socialite, but she was all wrong for him, which he realized before it was too late. Thank goodness for our cousin Billy eavesdropping when he shouldn't be."

Luna grinned. "Hunter told me about that. Katherine was her name, wasn't it?"

Dally nodded and rubbed a hand over the mound of her stomach. "Yes. She was beautiful but scheming and dreadful. I never did care for her. I'm terribly glad she won't be my sister-in-law."

The crack of the bat connecting with the ball drew their attention to Hunter as he sent the ball sailing far into the outfield. He dropped the bat and started running around the bases.

"Go, Hunter! Go!" The crowd cheered.

When Hunter slid across the home plate, both Luna and Evie jumped up, clapping. They laughed, then resumed their seats. Luna was sure Dally would have joined them if it weren't such an effort for her to rise to her feet.

Luna had no idea who started singing it, but soon the whole crowd had joined in the chorus of a popular song. She joined her voice to those around them as they sang, "buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack."

In that moment, surrounded by friends, enjoying a pleasant afternoon, Luna felt at home, at peace, and exactly where she was meant to be.

The two teams continued battling right up until the ninth inning, when the Walla Walla team scored not one but two points, winning the game.

"Two to three. It's a shame our team lost," Dally said, swishing a fan back and forth in front of her flushed face.

"It is a shame," Luna said, more distracted by Dally's clearly overheated state than the local team losing. "What may I do to assist you?"

"If you wouldn't mind helping me up off this uncomfortable bench, I'm ready for a rest. Maybe even a nap." Dally offered a half-smile. "I hate taking naps, but find I can't make it through the afternoon without one."

"Will you go home, then?" Luna asked as she gave Dally both of her hands and then pulled until the woman was standing.

"No. Nik has a bed at the clinic I can use. I'll go there."

Luna glanced around, trying to locate Nik. She saw him wrapping a bandage around a bleeding cut on Riley Walsh's arm. "Should I fetch Nik?"

"I told him my plans to rest after the game. He knows where I'll be." Dally made her way out of the stands.

Luna didn't like the idea of the woman walking alone, even if it wasn't more than a handful of blocks. She tried to catch Hunter's eye, but he was laughing at something Tony said as the two of them watched Kade pour water over his head to cool off.

"I'll walk with you." Luna moved to Dally's side.

"It isn't necessary, but I won't object to the company." Dally wrapped her arm around Luna's. "Tell me how you like Pendleton compared to life in New York City."

"Well, I miss my family, of course, but I don't really miss the rest of it. The air here is so … fresh and invigorating. Tony and Ilsa have given me such a lovely room in their beautiful home. Caterina has been generous in giving me work I enjoy, and she reminds me so much of Aunt Angelina. Tony often puts me in mind of my papa, so even though I get a little homesick from time to time, it is good to be here with my cousins. Pendleton is far different than what I expected, but I like it here."

Dally gave her a sly look. "Do you like any of the handsome young men who happen to live here? Like Hunter, for example?"

Luna blushed and stared at Dally, trying to gauge if she was serious or teasing. Some of both, she concluded.

"There are many nice young men here. Harley John Hobbs has become a good friend. I think it's wonderful he and Sadie are so close despite the miles that separate them."

"It is wonderful. The two of them deserve every happiness in the world, and I hope they find it with each other someday." Dally gave her a studying glance as they waited to cross the street. "What about Hunter? Do you like him?"

"Well, of course, I like him. He's been so kind and encouraging, and we've had some memorable adventures together."

Dally made a noise that sounded like a snort. "Memorable is right. Only Hunt would find himself in the midst of a train robbery and shoot-out. Are you doing okay, Luna? I know the experience had to be upsetting for everyone, but Hunter was so worried about it bringing back terrible memories for you."

"Thank you for asking, Dally. I'm doing much better with all of it than I would have thought possible. In fact, something about coming through that experience unscathed has made me feel … stronger."

Dally gave her a wide smile. "That's wonderful to hear, Luna. You are strong, courageous, and brave, and I greatly admire you, in case I haven't mentioned that before."

"Oh, thank you. I'm not sure I'm any of those things, but it's nice to hear you say that."

Dally stopped on the sidewalk outside the clinic where Nik had his office. "I appreciate you walking me here. I'll be fine. Are you sure you don't mind walking back to the park by yourself?"

"Yes. It will only take a minute." Luna gave Dally an impulsive hug. When the woman hugged her back and then kissed her cheek, she was glad she'd offered a small sign of affectionate gratitude. "Will we see you later?"

"Yes. I wouldn't miss the fireworks for anything." Dally walked up the steps, then waved before she unlocked the door.

Luna turned and kept a fast pace as she made her way back to the park. She was nearly there when a shadow blocked the sun and she glanced beside her to see Hunter had fallen into step with her.

"I couldn't find you and was worried. Where did you go?" he asked, cupping his hand beneath her elbow as they crossed the street. The polite gesture unsettled her as it did anytime Hunter touched her. However, Luna did her best to appear unaffected.

"Dally needed a rest, so I walked with her to Nik's office. She said Nik would know where to look for her, but I thought I should tell him just the same."

"Thank you for doing that. We should let Nik know. That sister of mine is too independent for her own good sometimes," Hunter muttered just loud enough for Luna to hear. She was sure Dally would probably say the same thing about him.

Together, they made their way over to where Nik tended to the scraped knee of a boy who'd tripped on a tree root. "You'll be fine in no time, Jonas. Just watch out for those tricky trees."

The little boy grinned, then raced off to play with his friends.

Nik straightened from his hunkered down position and looked at Hunter and Luna. "I saw you with Dally earlier. Is she feeling well?"

Luna glanced at Hunter, then at Nik. "She seemed overheated, and her face was flushed. She mentioned taking a nap at your clinic, so I walked her there."

"Thank you, Luna. I'll go check on her and be back." Nik grabbed his ever-present medical bag and took off at a run for his office.

"Are you hungry? There's ice cream and cookies. The ladies from the quilting group made punch. The wheat growers' association is offering cold lemonade."

"Punch and ice cream sound wonderful," Luna said, allowing Hunter to lead her toward the booths.

Later that evening, after they'd enjoyed a dinner of leftovers and observed the grade school students' performance of a Revolutionary War skit, it was time for the fireworks to begin.

Luna sat on a quilt with Hunter, Dally, and Nik, staring into the almost-dark sky.

When the first spark of light zoomed upward and exploded in a shower of golden sparks, Hunter tensed beside her as he cast her a worried glance, but the only thing Luna felt was excitement. Joy. Jubilation.

She smiled at him, and he relaxed. They watched the fireworks, sharing in the awe and wonder of those around them. At some point during the colorful explosions, Hunter braced an arm behind Luna, and she leaned back against him, reveling in his masculine proximity and the warmth of him in the cool evening air.

After the last sparks faded, Luna wished she could spend more time with Hunter, but Nik had an emergency patient to see at the hospital, leaving Hunter to take Dally home.

"Will you come out to the ranch soon, Luna? I'd love to show you my place, and you could actually ride Breeze." Hunter gave her a hopeful look as they stood with people milling around them, preparing to head home.

"Soon," she said, with a hasty nod as Laila grabbed her hand and started pulling her away. "We'll plan on it soon."

Once she'd returned with Laila, Tony, and Ilsa to the house, she was too full of energy to sleep. She wrote a long letter to her parents, sharing the details of her day, describing the parade, the picnic, the ballgame, and the fireworks. She intentionally made no mention of Hunter. She certainly didn't need her parents to know she was falling in love again, especially when she was convinced she was all wrong for Hunter.