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Chapter Twenty-One

"Are you ready to go?" Hunter asked, whispering into his wife's ear.

Luna turned and smiled at him. The love glowing in her deep brown eyes made his heart thump in response. They'd been married all of three hours, and he had reached his fill of celebrating. He was ready to take his wife home.

Home.

When he'd offered to take Luna anywhere in the world she wanted to go for a honeymoon, she said the only place she wanted to be was at home with him. He was more than happy to comply with her request.

Walker's crew, along with all the family and friends who could spare the time to help, had worked like mad to finish the house both inside and out before Hunter and Luna's October wedding.

After they'd returned from Baker City, they'd known they wanted to wed soon. Hunter had sent a telegram that day to Luna's parents, asking for their blessing to marry her. After they sent a telegram to Tony and he offered a reply confirming Hunter was of fine character and could provide for Luna, Brando sent a telegram to Hunter saying permission was granted, as long as they could attend the wedding.

Hunter arranged for the family to travel in a private Pullman car, and they'd arrived in Pendleton somewhat awed but eager to meet Hunter and his family.

The past three days had been a flurry of family dinners, last-minute touches to the house, and dress fittings for Luna with Ilsa and Marnie, with hardly a moment for Hunter to be with his bride.

He glanced around Caterina's restaurant, where the reception had been held after their wedding at the church, with Pastor Whitting officiating. Aundy had provided a plethora of beautiful flowers, and Caterina had prepared the food with the help of her staff and Luna's mother.

Hunter was quite taken with Luna's young siblings. Cara looked so much like Luna, they could have been blood sisters. Remi was just as sweet as Luna had described him. The two older boys had been thrilled to spend time at the B Bar D Ranch, riding horses and watching the cowboys work with the cattle.

Now, though, that Luna was officially his wife, Hunter was ready to leave behind the bustle of the wedding celebration and go home.

"Do you think we can sneak out unnoticed?" Luna asked as they quietly backed toward the doorway into the restaurant's kitchen.

"If all goes according to plan." Hunter caught Harley John's eye. The young man nodded and stepped out the front door.

"It's nice Tully and his wife could come," Luna said, looking across the restaurant to where the sheriff and his wife visited with Kade, Lars, and Marnie.

"I'm glad they could be here. And I'm especially glad you are here, Mrs. Douglas. If Kade hadn't been quick thinking and had Tully stop you, I would have traveled all the way to New York City to bring you back here."

"I know you would have, and that is one of the dozens of reasons I love you, Hunter." Luna kissed his cheek as they took another stealthy step backward.

"I hope you'll list all those reasons when we get home," he said with a teasing grin.

"One by one," Luna assured him, giving him a heated look as he circled her waist, swung her around behind him into the kitchen, and ushered her to the door.

They glanced back to see Dacey blow them a kiss before she moved to stand in front of the doorway, blocking the view of their escape.

"I love your mother. She is fabulous."

Hunter nodded as they walked out back. "That she is, but you're pretty spectacular yourself, Luna, my love."

"Thank you, dear husband." She giggled. "I love saying that. Dear husband of mine."

Hunter swept her into his arms and carried her to the vehicle waiting for them at the end of the alley. Hunter had purchased a new Model T but hadn't told anyone except Harley John. This would be his first time driving it, but at least no one would recognize the vehicle.

"Have a happy honeymoon," Harley John said, shaking Hunter's hand and smiling at Luna. "You two deserve a lifetime of happiness."

Luna squeezed Harley John's hand and kissed his cheek. "So do you."

Hunter helped Luna into the auto, then they drove out of town without a bit of fanfare. When they reached the ranch, Hunter stopped so Luna could read the sign that had been installed above the entry gate.

"Moon Creek Ranch," she read, then looked at Hunter in wonder. "You named the ranch after me?"

"I did, Luna Moona, because you are part of this place and part of me and always will be."

"And you will always be part of me, part of my heart, and the biggest part of my love. I'm so happy to be your wife, Hunter. I'll try to make you happy."

Hunter raised her fingers to his lips and kissed them. "You don't have to try, Luna. You already do. I've never felt so happy and full of joy. You are a blessing and a treasure, and I'm grateful every day for the precious gift of you."

Luna sighed contentedly and rested her head on his shoulder as he continued toward the house. "Wishes really do come true."

"What's that?" Hunter asked as he parked the car in front of the house that gleamed with a fresh coat of light gray paint, trimmed in white and a rich, deep hue of purple.

"Wishes. The day you caught me blowing weed seeds into the air, I wished for this. For you."

Hunter picked her up in his arms and started toward the door. "I've been wishing for you to love me since the day we met, Luna. You're absolutely right that wishes come true, dreams become reality, and prayers are answered. I know that without a doubt because I'm here with you." He pushed open the door and stepped inside. "I can't wait to see what a lifetime of wishes with you brings."

"Love," Luna answered, bracketing his face between her hands as they kissed.

"Always love," he whispered, closing the door on the past as they stepped into their tomorrows.

Keep reading for an excerpt from Sadie and Harley John's story!

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