Chapter Four

Luna pointed her toes and stretched her arms over her head, then drew in a deep breath. The mouthwatering aromas of coffee and cinnamon filled her nose. She wondered what scrumptious thing her mother was making for breakfast, perhaps cinnamon muffins with the spicy sausages Luna loved so much.

Then she recalled she wasn't home in New York with her adoptive parents and younger siblings. She was in Pendleton with her cousins.

"Oh!" she gasped, eyes popping open as she gazed around an unfamiliar yet elegantly appointed room done in shades of pale blue, white, and buttery yellow. White lace curtains let the morning sunlight stream in the windows and land on the polished oak floor.

Luna trailed her fingers across expensive sheets, and the beautiful matelassé weave bedspread in a hue of icy blue that featured a floral medallion in the center embellished with French scrollwork all around it.

She'd never slept on such fine sheets nor had such a big, beautiful room. Yet, her joy in being in Tony and Ilsa's grand home was diminished by a feeling of mortification. She remembered the feeling of terror that had swept over her at the depot, then fainting. When she'd awakened, it was to find herself in a strange place with unfamiliar people.

Fear had washed over her until her gaze had landed on Hunter's. The cowboy had eyed her with concern, and something she thought looked like pity. She hated pity as much as she disliked drawing unwanted attention to herself.

However, she'd been relieved and grateful to him when she had realized he'd brought her to Ilsa's shop. By the time she'd roused, Ilsa and her sister-in-law, Marnie, had been hovering nearby. Caterina had arrived within minutes, hauling Luna into a hug that had felt warming and comforting and had made her think of her loved ones back in New York.

Caterina had insisted Luna come to the restaurant for dinner, and Tony had caught up to her there. After she'd eaten her fill at a table in Caterina's busy, bustling kitchen, Tony had driven her in a newer automobile to the home he and Ilsa shared in a lovely neighborhood near the river, not all that far from downtown.

Weary beyond anything imaginable, Luna had somehow managed to remain awake long enough to take a bath in the deep tub Laila had filled for her, then dressed in a soft gown Ilsa had provided. She'd fallen asleep the moment her head had hit the pillow, even though it had still been light outside.

Now, a cursory glance at the clock on the bedside table assured her she'd slept longer than she'd intended. Likely, Laila would already be at school. She'd mentioned last night she only had two days left before the students were free for the summer.

Luna hopped out of bed and quickly made it, letting her hand linger a moment on the beautiful covering as she smoothed out a wrinkle. She hurried to dress, pleased to see her trunks sitting along the wall near the door. Although her skirt and shirtwaist were wrinkled, they were at least clean and presentable.

She dug into her leather traveling bag for her hairbrush and soon tamed her thick, sometimes unruly locks into a bun she fastened low on the back of her head. After jamming in enough hairpins to hold it in place, she took her toothbrush and tube of Colgate ribbon dental cream to the bathroom she would share with Laila. After brushing her teeth, washing her face, and seeing to her morning ablutions, she ventured down the back stairs, following tantalizing scents to the kitchen.

Luna walked into the sunlit room to find Tony at the stove, frying strips of bacon. A basket of muffins rested on the table by the window, along with butter, a bowl of fresh strawberries, and two place settings.

"Good morning, Cousin," Tony said, grinning over his shoulder at her. "I'd ask how you slept but you were deep in slumber when I carried in your trunks earlier. Feeling better today?"

"Much," Luna said, then walked over to the table to look out the window. Tony and Ilsa had a large lot with a barn and a magnificent yard bedecked with colorful flowers. Although it was splendid, the inside of the house was beyond anything Luna could have imagined, filled with expensive furnishings and marvelous works of art. What she loved most about the house, though, was the love she could feel there. Anyone could see Tony was deeply in love with his wife, even after several years of marriage. It was equally clear that Ilsa was thoroughly besotted with Tony. And they both adored Laila.

To Luna, love was what made their house a welcoming place to be. "You have a lovely, lovely home, Tony."

"We like it here. All the prettiness is because of Ilsa, though. She brings beauty to everything she touches." Tony motioned to the crystal vase Luna had given them the previous evening as it sat on the kitchen table. Miraculously, it hadn't broken when she'd fainted and dropped the basket it had been nestled in. Ilsa had been quite pleased with the vase, and Laila had rushed outside to pick a few flowers to arrange in it. "Ilsa was thrilled with the vase you selected, Luna. It was kind of you to bring such a nice gift."

"My pleasure, Tony. I'm glad she liked it."

She looked around the room. "Have I missed Ilsa and Laila?"

Tony nodded. "Just barely. They left about five minutes ago. Ilsa will walk Laila to school and then open her shop for the day. She said you are welcome to stay here and rest, join her at the shop, go with me to the studio, or go to Cat's restaurant. Whatever you choose is fine with all of us."

"Thank you. May I decide after breakfast?"

"Of course," Tony said, expertly cracking eggs into the skillet with the almost-cooked bacon.

Luna recalled letters from Tony and Caterina stating the fact that Ilsa couldn't cook. The very notion of it was so foreign to her family, Luna had a hard time imagining such a thing. All the females could cook, and many of the men could cook just as well if not better than the women.

But evidence of it was in the kitchen this morning as Tony prepared breakfast instead of heading off to work.

Luna used a potholder to lift the coffee pot from the back of the stove and filled the two mugs on the table.

"Mind grabbing the plates from the table? I'll just dish the bacon and eggs into them directly, but if my wife asks, I served the meal like a refined gentleman and not a cavedweller."

Luna laughed and retrieved the plates. "Refined it is, Mr. Cavedweller."

Tony smirked as he placed two fried eggs and two strips of bacon on a plate and handed it to her. "Completely refined." After placing eggs and bacon on his plate, Tony pulled out a chair for Luna at the table, then took a seat across from her.

He bowed his head and asked a blessing on the meal and offered a word of thanks for Luna's safe arrival before he picked up the muffin basket and held it out to her.

"Do you do most of the cooking?" she asked as she selected a muffin and set it on her plate.

Tony nodded, set down the basket, and took two muffins. "I do nearly all the cooking. It's safer for everyone that way. My sweet chickadee is beautiful, intelligent, witty, and charming. She's an outstanding wife, a wonderful mother, an astute businesswoman, and a uniquely talented seamstress and designer, but she can't cook. She tries, but our stomachs all suffer for it. Thank goodness, Laila is already learning to cook. We generally take our lunches with us, and I typically make dinner unless we eat at Cat's restaurant or are dining with friends."

"I'd be happy to help with cooking duties while I'm here, Tony." Luna took a bite of the muffin and nodded her head in approval. "It's as delicious as Aunt Angelina's."

Tony appeared pleased as he smiled at her. "I'll be sure to tell Mama you like mine better."

"You will not!" Luna glowered at him, then grinned. The worries she'd held earlier, upon awakening and recalling her struggles of the previous afternoon, melted into yesterday, leaving her at ease and looking forward to the day ahead. "If no one would mind, I'd like to unpack this morning and press the wrinkles from my clothes. Should I be ready to help Caterina at the restaurant this afternoon?"

"No. She said you could start work on Tuesday if you feel up to it. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays."

"Oh, I certainly will be by then. Perhaps I could prepare dinner this evening."

"Sure, but only if you want to. We have an account at Johnson's Mercantile. If you need something, just ask for Mr. Johnson. I could drive you downtown and introduce you to some of the shop owners."

Luna shook her head. "No, Tony. I know you are busy with your photography studio and the ice business. You have far better things to do than escort me around town. If I decide to go shopping, should I leave a note to let you know where I've gone?"

"Just telephone Ilsa and tell her, or stop by her shop. Speaking of my studio and the ice business, I'd be happy to show them to you whenever you'd like a tour."

"Tomorrow?"

Tony smiled and passed her another muffin. "Tomorrow it is. Would the morning work for you?"

"It would," she said, accepting the muffin and cutting it in half. "I don't intend to sleep quite so late again."

He shrugged, as though her sleep habits were of no consequence. "You were tired and needed the rest. If you feel you need extra sleep, by all means get caught up while you can. Before long, you'll be kept so busy you'll wish you had a few carefree days to just laze away the hours."

"Thank you, Tony." Luna glanced down at the muffin she buttered, then set the half she held on her plate. "Honestly, Cousin, I don't know how to express an appropriate measure of gratitude for you and Ilsa offering me a place to stay. I am thankful."

"You are most welcome, Luna. Stay as long as you like. We're glad you are here and look forward to getting to know you better. Caterina and I left New York City before you arrived, so we're both thrilled to have you here and hope we'll become more than distant relatives. If you need anything at all, you just ask one of us."

Luna already felt beholden to her cousins. She couldn't and wouldn't ask them for anything, but it warmed her heart that Tony offered. When she wasn't working at Caterina's restaurant, she planned to be as helpful as she could to the friendly couple.

Sewing wasn't her strongest point, but she could make a straight seam with a sewing machine, and she was good at pressing seams, so maybe she could help in Ilsa's shop. Or, cooking meals and tidying the house might be a big help to Tony and Ilsa.

"If there are ways I can be a help instead of a hindrance, please let me know, Tony. I truly am in your debt."

"No, you aren't, Cousin. Not a bit. As you can see, we have plenty of room for you here. Laila is giddy at the thought of getting to spend time with one of her ‘New York cousins,' as she refers to the whole lot of you." Tony waved his hand around the kitchen. "Make yourself at home and know you are welcome."

"I appreciate that. Thank you." Luna sipped her coffee to give herself a moment to get her swirling emotions under control.

Tony hurried to finish his breakfast. She could tell without asking he was antsy to get on with his day, and she felt as though she'd kept him from his work. "I can wash the dishes, Tony. Go on. I'm sure you have more important things to do than keep watch over me."

"Nothing is more important than our loved ones, but I do have someone coming to have their portrait taken in twenty minutes. Are you sure you don't mind my leaving you to clean up the kitchen?"

"Not a bit. I'll plan to have dinner ready at six, or is that too late? Or too early?"

"No. That's perfect and when we usually eat. If you decide you don't feel like cooking, just let Ilsa know, and we'll bring home something from Cat's place." Tony carried his dishes to the sink, washed his hands, then turned to study her as he dried them. "Are you absolutely certain you want to stay here today?"

"For now, yes. If I feel adventurous, I'll walk downtown."

"It's not far. Just go to the end of the street, turn left, and follow the street down to Court Street. When you reach it, turn right, and it will take you past the most popular shops. You'll find Ilsa's store and Caterina's restaurant if you keep walking along Court."

"Thank you, Tony." Luna gave him an impulsive hug, glad that she had when he returned the embrace, kissed both of her cheeks, and then stepped back with a smile.

"Welcome to Pendleton, little Cousin. Stay out of trouble. If you are anything like Caterina was at your age, it will likely find you with no effort at all."

Luna grinned and followed him to the back door, where he settled a hat on his head and lifted a satchel that appeared to be filled with files and papers.

"I'm sure I have no idea of which you speak, Tony."

He chuckled and stepped out into the bright morning light. "Enjoy your day, Luna. Telephone us if you need anything. There's a telephone in the kitchen and another in the parlor."

Luna waved as he walked out to the carriage house, where he'd parked his auto, then she returned inside the house.

She set a few irons to heat while she washed the dishes and figured out where to put them away, then carried the ironing board and the irons upstairs to her room. She thought it would be easier than hauling all her clothes downstairs. She had to reheat the irons several times, but by noon, she'd finished the task.

Luna returned the irons and ironing board to the room where Ilsa clearly did laundry, based on the deep sink set in the wall with a washboard inside it and a new electric washing machine. Luna opened the lid and studied it from all angles, excited to watch it work.

Despite her big breakfast, she was hungry, so she dug around in the refrigerator, a new model that was a wonder to her, finding leftover roast and pickles to make a sandwich. She ate more of the fresh berries along with a chewy chocolate cookie that was quite scrumptious.

She would have had a second cookie but decided she'd indulge in one later that afternoon with a cup of tea or a glass of the lemonade poured from the tall pitcher she'd spied in the refrigerator.

After taking stock of the food Tony had on hand, she concluded she'd need more flour and eggs as well as cheese and some sausage to fix the meal she had in mind. Perhaps she could inquire at the mercantile about a butcher shop.

Luna found a writing tablet by the telephone and jotted down a list of supplies she would need, then hurried upstairs to change into one of her favorite lightweight dresses since the day was warm and felt more like summer than spring. She loved the deep plum hue of the gown as well as the touch of lace around the collar that hid the scar on her neck.

Thoughts of the scar and the nightmare that had caused it threatened to steal her excitement in the day, so Luna locked them back into the mental box where she kept them and pulled on a pair of stylish yet sensible walking shoes.

She fashioned a few tendrils to curl around her cheeks before she pinned on a hat that had been a parting gift from some of her cousins. The straw hat featured a wide white taffeta ribbon around the crown and was currently adorned with plum roses that matched her gown.

Quickly pulling on a pair of gloves and checking to make sure she had money in her handbag, she rushed down the stairs and started out the front door, then wondered if she should lock it. Deciding it would be better to lock it than to leave the house open and unattended, she hurried to the back door and locked it before retracing her steps out front. She locked the door, pulled it shut, and rushed down the front steps.

She'd just made it to the bottom of the steps when she noticed a huge, brawny man studying her as he sat astride a big horse at the end of the walk. He owned powerful, broad shoulders and thighs that looked as big around as a tree trunk. The sunlight behind him obscured her ability to make out his features.

Uncertain who he was or what he wanted, she would have retreated into the house if she possessed a key to unlock the door. She'd definitely have to stop by Ilsa's shop and inquire about a key before she returned to make dinner. Unless she wanted to build a fire out by the barn and cook over an open flame, she'd need to figure out a way to unlock at least one of the doors to the house.

"Howdy, little Luna. I reckon you don't recognize me. It's been a few years since our last visit to New York." The man swung off the horse. Even standing on the ground, he still towered over her, but when he removed his hat, she smiled.

"Kade!" She took a few running steps and was soon wrapped in a warm hug of welcome by Caterina's husband.

When he released her, she stepped back, noting the badge he wore as a deputy sheriff and the fact that he seemed to only get better looking as he aged.

"I'm sorry I missed seeing you yesterday. Cat said you were about done in anyway. I ran into Tony earlier, and he mentioned you were here at the house. Just thought I'd come by and check on you and see if you needed anything."

"That's so kind of you, Kade." Luna took a step toward the street. "I was just on my way to purchase a few groceries to make supper tonight. Is there a butcher in town you might recommend?"

"Sure. Mr. Johnson owns the mercantile, and you can get most of whatever you might need there. The butcher isn't far from his store, just down the street and around the corner."

"Wonderful." Luna took the arm Kade held out to her and glanced over her shoulder as his horse plodded along behind them. "What's his name?"

Kade grinned. "Repeat."

Luna stared at him, uncertain if he was serious or joking.

Kade's grin widened. "The horse I used to ride is named Pete, but he's old and I turned him out to pasture. This fella is a lot like the original Pete, so Rachel named him Repeat."

Luna smiled, thinking of Kade and Caterina's plucky little girl. With her rascally older brothers, Brett and Ben, she had to be slightly on the sassy side just to hold her own.

"Repeat is quite clever."

"It is, but that's my darling daughter for you. Now, tell me all about the family back in New York. How are Angelina and Franco? Now that they are getting older, Caterina frets about her folks more than she lets on. Do you think they'll ever retire and turn the store over to one of the boys?"

Luna shrugged. "Not while there is still breath in Uncle Franco's body. He loves every inch of that store."

Kade nodded in agreement. "That he does."

They spoke of the Campanelli family as they walked into downtown, and Kade pointed out buildings it would be good for Luna to know. He took her along a different route than Tony had suggested, walking past the bank and a J.C. Penney Company store. The department store carried everything from home goods and shoes to fashions for the entire family, as displayed in the front windows. If she'd been alone, Luna might have taken a moment to admire the colorful displays that made it seem as if summer had arrived.

Instead, she kept walking, listening as Kade pointed out the telephone office, the print shop, and a few other businesses. At the corner, they turned and made their way to Ilsa's shop.

"Well, little Luna, this is where I leave you. I'd best get back to work," Kade's fingers touched the brim of his hat as he tipped his head to her politely, then he swung onto the back of his horse and rode in the direction they'd come.

Luna stood outside Ilsa's shop watching him ride away, like a hero from one of the dime novels her younger brother so enjoyed reading. She turned and let her gaze wander over Ilsa's eye-catching window displays before she pulled open the screen door and stepped into the store overflowing with exquisite gowns and accessories.

A bell jingled above the door, and Luna watched as Ilsa breezed into the front of the store through a doorway at the back. She vaguely recalled the workroom from awakening in it yesterday.

"Luna! You look refreshed and lovely," Ilsa said, hurrying over to her and giving her a gentle hug. "Are you feeling better?"

"Yes, thank you. Tony said if I left the house to let you know, so here I am. Kade escorted me, quite by accident, I think. Or perhaps Tony sent him to keep an eye on me. At any rate, I was pleased to visit with him as we walked downtown." Luna waved her hand around the store. "Your fashions are, as always, beyond description."

Ilsa smiled, clearly pleased by her words. "Thank you so much, Luna. I feel very blessed to do something I love so much and get paid for it. Would you like to browse, or are you on your way somewhere?"

"I was actually on my way to Mr. Johnson's store. I told Tony I would make dinner, but I need a few ingredients. I also need to stop by the butcher shop if that is okay."

"That's perfectly fine, but you don't need to cook for us. If Tony is busy, we can get dinner at Cat's place."

"I'm happy to cook but just want to make sure you don't mind if I acquire the necessary ingredients."

"Acquire away," Ilsa said with a grin. "Mr. Johnson has an open account for us, as does the butcher."

"Perfect." Luna's eye caught on a summer shirtwaist of lace that was so delicate, it looked like fairies had spun the fabric from nothing more than fluffy clouds and air. Unable to stop herself, she walked over to look at it but somehow kept herself from fingering the soft white material. "It's glorious."

"Thank you. I was quite pleased with how it turned out. It looks to be about your size if you'd like to try it on." Ilsa took a step closer to the mannequin where the shirtwaist was displayed.

"No, Ilsa, but thank you. Maybe another day."

"In that case, you must come with me."

Before Luna could think of a protest, Ilsa grabbed her hand, led her through the store and the workroom, where two women were busy sewing at sewing machines, and out the back door.

"Where are we going?" Luna asked as Ilsa tugged her down an alley, crossed the street into another alley, then pulled open the screen door to Caterina's kitchen.

"Ilsa! Luna!" Caterina exclaimed with a welcoming smile when they stepped inside her domain. "You're just in time for tea and cookies."

"That's what I was hoping," Ilsa said with a sly grin.

"Come and sit. We'll rest a moment and visit." Caterina pointed to a table near a set of stairs.

Ilsa filled three glasses with ice and poured tea from a pitcher she took from the commercial-sized refrigerator while Caterina filled a plate with cookies and carried it with napkins over to the table.

She sank onto a chair and blew out a long breath before tucking errant tendrils of hair behind her ears. "It's going to be a hot summer if today is a hint of the weather to come."

"I would rather we have warm days than cold and chilly ones. I'm so pleased the winter weather has finally released its firm hold and moved along," Ilsa said, taking a dainty sip from her glass, then choosing a cookie and nibbling a tiny bite.

The woman was diminutive and so delicate, she put Luna in mind of a china doll. Despite her ultra-feminine appearance, Ilsa was smart and business savvy. She'd made a name for herself all around the world with the fantastic fashions she created.

Caterina, on the other hand, looked like a force of nature. She was incredibly beautiful, but she was strong, capable, and full of a confident attitude that gave her the ability to manage a successful restaurant while raising her family.

"Have you decided what you'll do with the boys for the summer?" Ilsa asked Caterina as she sipped her tea.

Luna took a drink and found the sweetened tea different than she'd expected but much to her liking.

Caterina sighed, rolled her eyes, and threw her hands in the air. "The ornery rapscallions are sure to get themselves killed if left to their own defenses. Garrett offered to put them to work on the ranch, but I'm not certain that is a good idea. They're likely to stampede the cattle, terrify the sheep, and set fire to the wheat fields, and that will be just the first day."

Luna couldn't hold back the giggle that escaped from her.

Caterina feigned affront, then smiled. "My boys are a handful. Kade and I have tried to curb their tendency to run wild, but there's only so much we can do."

"Send them to Garrett or J.B. He's likely to whip them into shape." Ilsa smiled and took another nibble of her cookie. "J.B. is Garrett's father."

Luna bit into a cookie and let the spicy, buttery flavor melt on her tongue. "These are divine, Caterina. They remind me of the cookies Aunt Angelina makes, but they're different."

"Exactly," Caterina said, breaking a cookie in half and taking a bite. "I sell these cookies by the dozens, and I have not shared the recipe with anyone."

"Tony knows," Ilsa teased.

"True, but I will break all his cameras and pour pepper in his ice if he ever thinks about sharing it."

Luna's eyes widened, and then she realized Caterina wasn't serious. At least she hoped she wasn't. Caterina had definitely inherited the Campanelli flair for drama along with the larger-than-life personality so many members of the family shared.

"I would not break his cameras, at least not all of them," Caterina said, winking at Luna. "Now, tell us, bambina, how do you like Pendleton?"

"I haven't seen much of it yet, but from what I have, it seems very nice." Luna felt like she'd walked into an unknown universe full of ranchers and farmers, cowboys and Indians, and she wasn't quite sure how to view it all.

For now, she just wanted to absorb her surroundings and form opinions later. If all the cowboys were as kind, handsome, and remarkable as Hunter, who'd rescued her yesterday, she might decide Pendleton could be the best place on the planet.

Before she asked questions about Hunter, whom Ilsa and Caterina clearly knew, and gave away her interest in him, Luna forced her thoughts back to the conversation as Ilsa and Caterina discussed a picnic being planned for Sunday after church. It seemed everyone was invited out to Nash's Folly, where Ilsa's sister Aundy lived with her husband, Garrett, whom Caterina planned to besiege with her boys.

"You could leave Brett and Ben at the ranch after the picnic Sunday. It would be good for them," Ilsa said, dabbing at her mouth with a napkin while Caterina broke another cookie in half.

"I'll think about it. Maybe between Garrett, J.B., and Dent, they can keep my boys in line." Caterina looked at Luna. "Dent is Aundy's foreman."

Luna noted that Caterina said Aundy's foreman, not Garrett's, but tucked the comment away to study later. "Tell me more about the shops in town."

Ilsa and Caterina spoke of the best stores, the nicest shop owners, and places to avoid. Caterina glanced up as a tall young man opened the back door and stepped inside. He appeared almost shy as he removed his hat and respectfully tipped his head toward them.

"Come over here, Harley John," Caterina said, rising from her chair and motioning for him to join them. "Harley John Hobbs, this is my cousin Luna from New York City. She arrived yesterday, but you weren't here when she ate dinner."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Campanelli. Aunt Cat has been quite excited about your arrival. We're glad you made it safely here."

"Thank you, Mr. Hobbs." Luna thought Harley John was attractive, though he seemed reserved.

"I won't interrupt you ladies. I stopped by to change before I go to work for Mr. Ashby."

Caterina latched onto Harley John's arm. "Harley John is learning to be a mechanic. Lance Ashby owns the blacksmith shop, but they've been making as many repairs to automobiles as they have to anything else. I thought you were working for him this morning?"

"I was and did," Harley John clarified. "I promised I'd help at the newspaper office for a few hours and just finished up there. I'll put in another three or four hours with Mr. Ashby before I call it a day."

"I'll fix a sandwich for you to take along. You can eat it on your way to work."

Harley John looked as though he might refuse, then his face softened into a smile. "Thanks, Aunt Cat. I appreciate it." He turned to Luna and dipped his head. "It's nice to meet you, Miss Campanelli. I hope you enjoy your time here in Pendleton."

"I'm sure I will, Mr. Hobbs. Have a pleasant remainder of your day."

He nodded once, then rushed up the stairs.

"There's an apartment up there I rent out. Harley John moved in when Sadie went off to medical school," Caterina walked over to her enormous refrigerator and took out meat, cheese, and lettuce. She set them on her work table, grabbed a loaf of bread, and cut four thick slices, then assembled two sandwiches.

Luna watched as she placed them in a paper sack, then added a handful of cookies and a huge pickle wrapped in waxed paper.

Sadie Thorsen planned to move in with Uncle Franco and Aunt Angelina soon. In fact, she was likely already in New York. Luna wished she'd had an opportunity to get to know Sadie. She recalled hearing someone say she had a beau in Pendleton. He had to be the man who lived in the apartment upstairs.

Harley John reappeared just as Caterina folded the top down on the bag. "Thanks, Aunt Cat." He took the bag, kissed her cheek, then waved to Luna and Ilsa before rushing out the door.

Luna tried to make sense of why he referred to Caterina as Aunt Cat but decided to decipher that another day.

"I should get to the mercantile and butcher shop if I hope to have dinner ready on time," Luna stood and carried her empty tea glass to the sink, then moved over by the door.

"You're welcome to eat here, Luna. I'd be happy to have you all," Caterina said, looking at Ilsa as the two women stood.

"I'd really like to fix the meal this evening, but thank you for offering, Caterina. I'm sure you'll get tired of me being underfoot when I begin working for you next week."

"Never, dear girl. Never." Caterina gave her a tight hug, kissed her cheeks, then turned her loose. "Go out the front door. Cross the street, go down a block, turn left, and go another block. You can't miss the mercantile. The butcher shop is across the street and around the corner from the mercantile."

"Thank you." Luna gave Ilsa a quick hug. "I forgot. I locked the doors to the house, but didn't know how to get back in."

Ilsa smiled. "There is a key beneath the flowerpot full of pastel pansies by the back door."

"I'll be sure to return it there," Luna said, then hurried out the front door of the restaurant.

She stood on the sidewalk, looking around the busy town, wondering if someday it might feel like home.

With a spring in her step, she set off toward the mercantile, grateful she'd made the trip to Oregon. Regardless of anything else, she felt relieved to escape the constant reminders of her painful past.