Chapter Nine

"He is smitten with you."

"Who?" Luna's gaze swiveled from taking in the pretty countryside around them to Caterina as she drove her automobile back to Pendleton. Luna and Ilsa had ridden out to Dally's place with Caterina that morning. Aundy and Marnie had traveled together in Marnie's auto and met them at the B Bar D Ranch.

"Hunter!" Caterina said in a voice near a shout, then muttered under her breath in Italian. Ilsa might not have understood the words, or at least not all of them, but Luna heard enough to know her cousin accused her of being daft and dense when it came to Hunter's interest in her.

Luna was neither, but she couldn't quite bring herself to believe Hunter had feelings for her beyond friendship. The interest, she was certain, came from her toward him.

A sigh escaped her, and she turned her gaze to study the fields they drove past, full of ripening wheat that rippled like ocean waves in the warm afternoon breeze.

The day had been a wonderful time of fellowship and friendship, providing an opportunity to spend time with women Luna greatly admired. There had been much laughter and joking and a few moments of seriousness and care. Every woman there had encouraged Dally to let her mother know about the baby, but for reasons only Dally knew, she hesitated to share the happy news.

Luna knew that if she were expecting a child, her mama would be the second person she wanted to tell. The first would be her husband.

The image of Hunter that jumped into her mind made her long to smack her palm to her forehead to dislodge all thoughts of the enticing man.

At noon, after spending a few hours looking through all the magazines, catalogs, and samples, Luna had offered to refill the water pitcher. She'd been in the kitchen, waiting for it to fill, when she'd heard movement behind her. She'd glanced back to see Hunter stride into the room in that confident bearing he had with his shirt unbuttoned, offering her a glimpse of golden taut skin stretched over hard muscles. Her mouth had gone so dry, she thought she might choke before she regained her senses.

When he'd leaned around her to shut off the faucet, she had fought the urge to place her hand on his chest and feel the angles and planes for herself.

Then he'd hastily buttoned his shirt and offered her his arm, clearly trying to fulfill the role of a gallant gentleman as he walked her to the dining room.

He smiled and teased, filled his plate, and left them all in peace. However, Luna didn't feel the least bit peaceful. Not with Hunter's bare chest emblazoned in her mind.

It wasn't until he'd returned to the dining room, thanked them for the food, and left that Luna felt as though she could relax again.

She didn't know why Hunter made her nervous, her stomach feel weightless, and her palms grow damp. He also made her laugh and think. It felt right and good when she shared things with him she hesitated to tell others, like the details of the devastating day she'd lost Matteo.

Hunter hadn't seemed repulsed by her story or her scar. In fact, because of his encouragement, she'd even been wearing a few summery shirtwaists that didn't hide the flesh the bullet had plowed through. Although a doctor had done his best to make careful stitches, the number of them needed to close the wound had ensured Luna would always have a visible reminder of how close she'd come to dying that terrifying afternoon.

While life was precious and not to be taken for granted, Luna felt like she'd wasted months cowering in her parents' home, afraid to step foot outside. Yet, she eventually had. Not only had she begun living again, but she'd traveled alone across the country despite the end of her journey failing to go exactly as planned.

And it was Hunter who had been there at the depot to catch her that day when she'd needed help. Hunter, who had raced after her at the circus.

A voice whispered in her thoughts that as long as she welcomed him, Hunter would always be there for her.

Which was ludicrous.

Hunter's family was rich, at least from what information she'd gathered by asking Aundy veiled questions. He'd received an exemplary education, and his family expected him to carry on a tradition of success as well as a legacy of generosity and kindness.

Even if Luna were interested romantically in Hunter, which she absolutely wasn't, or so she emphatically told herself, he needed someone who wouldn't embarrass him at a gathering of his peers. She could just picture the two of them at a fancy, formal dinner in a fancy, elaborate home with fancy, elegant people all around them. The pop of a champagne cork would likely send her diving under the table for cover, leaving both of them mortified.

A relationship with Hunter, beyond friendship, just wasn't meant to be. It never would be. Not when he deserved so much more than Luna had to offer or give.

When Luna remained quiet, staring at the passing landscape, Caterina seemed to sense her desire to change the topic of conversation and began talking about the colors Dally had chosen for the baby's nursery. Their talk then segued to other women in town who were expecting, a shipment of fabric Ilsa was hoping would soon arrive, and a new recipe Caterina intended to try.

By the time Caterina dropped them off at Ilsa's shop, Luna felt like a caged jungle cat.

"Why don't you walk over to Tony's studio? Laila has probably chattered enough to make his ears ache. If you aren't opposed to it, you could take her to the drugstore for a treat."

Luna felt relief as Ilsa unlocked her door, and they stepped inside. "I would be more than happy to do that."

"Thank you." Ilsa started to open her handbag to hand Luna money for the drugstore.

"It would please me to take Laila as my treat."

"If you're sure," Ilsa said, removing her hat and gloves as she stood next to the counter where she usually rang up purchases.

"I'm sure. Should we meet back here in an hour?"

"That would be perfect, but don't rush. If you aren't here when I'm ready to close, just walk Laila home." Ilsa waved as Luna opened the door and rushed outside. She felt like lifting her skirts and running but instead allowed herself to stroll at a sedate pace to Tony's photography studio. It was around the corner and up a few blocks from Caterina's restaurant.

Luna didn't immediately go inside the studio. She took a moment to stand in front, admiring the portraits hanging in the windows. One of her favorites was a family photograph of Tony, Ilsa, and Laila with Kade, Caterina, Ben, Brett, and Rachel. The children were all quite small in the image, and a huge dog sat just behind Kade, as though he guarded them all, but the outdoor setting beneath a tree with flowers blooming at the forefront of the image made it so beautiful.

Another image she loved was of Walker Williams' grandmother. Rebecca was old and wise, but her eyes shone with humor as she looked at the camera. She wore a beaded buckskin dress, her hair in long braids, and she held a basket of roses in her hands.

"Admiring my handiwork?" Tony asked with a grin as he stood in the doorway.

Luna had been so involved in studying the portraits, she hadn't heard him open the door.

"Yes, I was, Tony. You have a way of capturing who people really are that is quite spectacular."

He appeared pleased as he stepped back and motioned her inside. "I hope you'll let me take your photograph sometime. I think your parents would be most appreciative to receive a copy."

"Oh, they would. It would be a wonderful gift to send them. Someday, when you have time, I would like that very much."

"I'll check my schedule, and we'll figure out a day that will work. Soon." Tony strode through the front of the studio, where there were images hanging in frames on the walls and big portraits on easels, then walked into his back room.

Luna stopped. A scenic photograph that she was sure had been captured at Nash's Folly drew her interest. Tony must have taken it in the middle of the lane that led to Aundy and Garrett's house because there were sheep on one side of the image and cattle on the other, with the top of a barn visible in the distance.

"Luna!" Laila raced over to give her a hug. "Did you and Mama have fun today?"

"We did have fun. Did you have a good day with your father?"

Laila nodded. "I helped him deliver ice this morning. It's fun because I get to sit on the wagon and suck on ice chips while he works." The little girl looked back over her shoulder as Tony returned to the room.

"She acts like an imperial queen while I slave away in the heat," Tony said, doing his best to sound beleaguered.

Laila giggled, then looked back at Luna. "We had lunch at Uncle Gideon's restaurant, and then I got to help Daddy here in the studio this afternoon. It's been a great day."

"It sounds like it. Your mother mentioned you might enjoy a visit to the drugstore before it's time to head home. What do you think?" Luna held out a hand to the child.

Laila squealed and clasped her hand, tugging her toward the door. "Bye, Daddy! We'll see you at home in a while."

"Be good, Laila, and mind what Luna says," Tony called after them.

Luna lifted a hand in parting at the door, then she and Laila walked to the drugstore. With Laila chattering full speed ahead, Luna didn't need to contribute much to the conversation. It suited her fine in her current mood. She tipped her head back and let the sun warm her face as they waited to cross the street. After two autos and a wagon passed, she held tightly to Laila's hand as they hurried to the other side and continued to their destination.

Inside the drugstore, a long counter ran along one wall with barstools beneath it where people could sit and enjoy a soda, an ice cream, or any number of treats.

"What would you like to have, Laila?" Luna asked, quickly scanning the posted menu options.

"How about that?" Laila asked, pointing to a new advertisement for malted milk.

Luna couldn't recall ever trying it and decided she would open herself to something new.

"What can I get you, miss?" the teenage boy working behind the counter asked.

Luna pointed to the sign. "Two malted milks, please."

"Sure thing. Do you want vanilla or chocolate?"

Luna looked at Laila and grinned. They both said, "chocolate!"

"Chocolate it is." He gave Luna the total, and she handed over a coin.

They watched as he mixed milk, chocolate syrup, and the malted powder together, then poured it into two glasses. He garnished each glass with a fresh strawberry and a dollop of cream.

After adding paper straws to each glass, he pushed them across the counter.

Laila climbed onto a stool, and Luna took the seat beside her. For fun, Luna lifted her glass and gently clinked it against Laila's, then took a sip. The drink was different than she expected, but tasty. The cold milk was refreshing on a hot day, and she enjoyed every sip.

Laila must have, too, because she was soon sucking the last drop of her malt from the glass.

Luna removed a handkerchief from her handbag, wiped the rim of chocolate from Laila's mouth, and quickly finished her drink. She left a tip for the boy who'd waited on them, then she took Laila's hand in hers and headed outside.

"Let's go see if your mother is still at her shop," Luna said, walking with purpose while Laila skipped along beside her to Ilsa's shop. The door was locked, and the lights were off when they arrived, so they continued down Court Street, turned onto Main, and headed home.

Tony honked the horn on his auto as he drove up the driveway past them and Laila chased after him, curls bouncing and laughter floating on the summer breeze.

It was such a wonderful, sweet moment, with the scent of Ilsa's flowers perfuming the air, that Luna wished she could catch it in a bottle and save it for one of her dark days.

Admittedly, the dark days had been receding since she'd arrived in Pendleton. Despite her trepidation at coming to the western town, it had been good for her to leave behind New York City, where reminders of her nightmarish experience had assaulted her nearly every time she'd walked down the street.

Every day, she missed her family, but Tony and Caterina were so much like her papa and the rest of the Campanelli family, it eased the homesick ache in her heart just by being around them and hearing them speak with their slight Italian accents.

Tony was fun and full of teasing, like his brothers, and Caterina could talk in rapid-fire Italian and wave her hands with dramatic emphasis, just like Aunt Angelina.

Luna sighed—a sound of joy—and hurried around the side of the house, joining Laila and Tony as they walked onto the porch and inside the house.

It might not be her home, but Luna was profoundly grateful to be in a place where she was loved, accepted, and encouraged to be herself.

Beyond that, there was little more she could ask for in life.

Another vision of Hunter's bare chest infiltrated her thoughts as she hung up her hat and tugged off her gloves.

If wishes came true, then perhaps her heart could belong to Hunter Douglas. However, that was a wish so grand and outlandish, so far out of her reach, she knew it would never, ever happen.

Mindful of not allowing impossible dreams to dampen the pleasure of the day, she shoved them aside, pasted on a smile, and joined her family in the kitchen.

Tony was busy frying what smelled like ham while Laila sliced cucumbers and Ilsa set the table.

Luna glanced at the clock on the wall. "I'd better hurry, or I'll be late getting to the restaurant." She spun around and raced up to her room, where she changed into a dark skirt and a plain cotton shirtwaist. After a quick stop in the bathroom, where she brushed her teeth, straightened her hair, and splashed her face with cool water, she rushed back downstairs. "Have a nice evening!" she called as she pinned on her hat, grabbed her handbag, and hastened out the door.

If decorum hadn't kept her feet to a steady pace, she would have hiked up her skirts and run all the way to the restaurant. As it was, she arrived five minutes before her shift was to begin. Caterina smiled with warmth and welcome as Luna removed her hat and left it and her handbag hanging from a hook by the door.

She quickly tied on one of the voluminous white aprons, washed her hands, then got to work. The restaurant was packed with hungry patrons, and Luna was kept busy until Caterina turned the open sign to closed and locked the door when the last customer left four hours later.

Exhausted and starving, Luna finished clearing the last few tables, wiped them all down, and swept the floor.

"Come, bambina. You have to be hungry, and the food is warm. Eat, then you can finish setting the tables." Caterina motioned to Luna as she stowed the broom with the cleaning supplies.

"I won't argue. I'm so hungry, I might even consider eating Ilsa's cooking."

Her comment made everyone in the kitchen laugh, even quiet Harley John, who had just stepped inside.

"You're just in time, Harley John, to keep Luna company as she eats." Caterina pulled two plates from the warming oven and set them on the table. Luna filled a basket with slices of bread that were warm and set the basket along with a dish of olive oil on the table, then poured two glasses full of chilled sweet tea. It seemed to be a popular beverage in Pendleton, and Luna found she enjoyed it.

Harley John washed up and waited until Luna was seated to pull out a chair at the table and sink onto it. Luna noticed he grimaced slightly and leaned forward.

"Are you hurt, Harley John?"

"It's nothing," he said, lifting the napkin to his lap and bowing his head.

Luna bowed hers and they both offered their own silent words of thanks for the meal. After helping herself to a slice of bread, Luna glanced across the table at Harley John. "It's not nothing. I saw the pain flash across your face despite your efforts to hide it."

Harley John sighed, then grimaced a second time and pressed a hand to his side. "I'm fine. Nik said I just needed a day or two of rest, so it's a good thing tomorrow is Sunday."

"What did you do?" Caterina asked as she set a bowl of juicy strawberries on the table.

"I was under an automobile working on it this afternoon, and it rolled back over the top of me. Mr. Ashby got a little excited and telephoned Nik. Doc said my ribs are bruised but not broken. I'll be as good as new in no time at all."

Caterina's eyebrows hiked upward. She thrust her hands in the air, muttered several phrases in Italian that Luna was sure Harley John didn't understand, then placed a kiss on the young man's forehead. "The angels fly close around you, Harley John."

He laughed, then moaned in pain, holding his hand to his side once again. "I reckon they just might."

Luna smiled, dipped her bread in the oil, and took a bite, relishing the meal. For dessert, Caterina had a flavorful, tender cake, made even more decadent with a sweet filling and shaved chocolate on top.

"This is incredible," Luna murmured between bites of the cake, which was served chilled.

"So good," Harley John agreed as he forked one bite after another. He smiled at Caterina when she stopped at the table to gather the breadbasket and dish of oil. "Another outstanding meal, Aunt Cat."

She beamed and tipped her head to Harley John. "Glad you enjoyed it. As soon as Luna finishes setting the tables, would you walk her home, please?"

Before Luna could protest, Harley John rose to his feet and nodded. "Sure. I'd be happy to."

"That isn't necessary, Harley John. I'm sure you have better things to do than watch over me. I'm capable of getting myself home."

He gave her an observant glance and shrugged. "I'm not arguing your capability, Luna. It's just on a Saturday night, especially in the summer, it's not the wisest plan for a pretty girl to be out alone."

"You need an escort to walk you home." Caterina gave Luna a nudge toward the dining room. "Quickly, set the tables, then you can go."

Luna battled the urge to roll her eyes but refrained. She marched into the dining room and began draping tables with clean linens. Harley John took over the task, allowing Luna to set the tables. She figured if the movement caused him exceeding pain, he wouldn't continue draping the linens. Then again, what little she knew about Harley John made her think he'd be the last to admit something hurt and give himself time to rest.

He was driven by something Luna couldn't even begin to understand, but she thought at the heart of it was something to do with Sadie. Maybe he felt a need to prove himself worthy of Deputy Thorsen's daughter.

Luna knew it wasn't any of her business, so she refrained from dwelling on her musings and sped through the work of setting the tables. When she and Harley John finished, the dining room was ready for the customers who would be waiting at the door Tuesday evening.

"I should share my wages with you since you helped so much," Luna said as she pinned on her hat, then waved to Caterina and the last of the staff as they prepared to leave.

"Nope. I'm happy to help. Makes me feel like I earn my keep. Caterina and Kade could rent the apartment for twice, if not three times, what they charge me, so it makes me feel better when I can help at the restaurant."

"If they wanted more money for the apartment, I'm sure they'd let you know," Luna said as they came out of the alley and crossed the street. "Caterina mentioned it gives her peace of mind to know you are there. She doesn't have to worry about someone breaking in with you there, and she said you take good care of Rufus."

Harley John smirked. "That old cat isn't exactly a ball of fire these days. I think the twins used up at least eight of his lives, and he just wants to spend his last days in peace."

Luna smiled in agreement as they reached Main Street and turned to head toward the river. "Caterina said something along those same lines. It's nice Rufus can stay at the restaurant. I've heard he is still a great mouser."

"He is. I saw him nab a mouse that had snuck in a crack one evening when I came in late. For a fat old feline, he can still move quickly."

The rest of the walk passed with a lighthearted conversation about the various pets their friends and family owned.

"Here you are," Harley John said as he stopped at the end of Tony and Ilsa's front walk. "Have a nice evening, Luna."

"Thank you for seeing me home, Harley John. I'm grateful. Enjoy what is left of your evening."

"I will, and you're welcome." He turned, shoved his hands into his pockets, and headed back toward downtown.

Luna walked up to the porch, seated herself on one of Ilsa's chairs, and removed her hat. Since it was nearly dark, she pulled out her hairpins and let the breeze blow through her hair. It felt … indulgent, but Luna thoroughly enjoyed it. She closed her eyes, leaned back in the chair, and breathed deeply of the fresh air.

"I thought I heard voices," Tony said, startling her as he sank onto one of the other chairs.

Luna jumped, eyes flying open, then glanced over at Tony, where he was holding out a glass toward her.

"Thank you." She sipped the cold lemonade and relaxed again. "I hope you weren't waiting up for me to return."

"Nope. I was sitting in the parlor reading when I thought I heard you speaking to someone. Did Harley John walk you home again?"

Luna nodded. "He did. He seems like a very nice person."

Tony took a long drink of the lemonade, then nodded in agreement. "That he is. If it hasn't been mentioned, Luna, you should know that Harley John loves Sadie Thorsen. Those two have loved each other since they were youngsters."

Luna turned and studied Tony in the growing darkness, wondering what prompted the comment. "I'm aware his heart belongs to Sadie, and I'm glad. From what everyone has shared, Sadie is quite a wonderful and unique young woman."

"That is true." Tony paused to take another long swig of lemonade. "So, you aren't interested in Harley John as someone you'd consider as a potential suitor?"

Luna would have choked on her lemonade if she hadn't already swallowed the drink she'd just taken. As it was, she felt like spluttering in protest. She glowered at Tony, although she doubted he could see her ire in the rapidly descending darkness. "I am not interested in Harley John romantically. He's a friend, and that is all. Furthermore, I am not interested in anyone as a potential suitor. I loved Matteo thoroughly and completely. When he died, so did a very large piece of my heart. I'm not here in Pendleton to find a husband, Tony. I'm here because I lost the man I'd planned to spend the rest of my life with."

"I know, bambina. I know." Tony set his glass on a nearby table, took the glass from Luna's hand, and pulled her to her feet. His arms wrapped around her in a fatherly hug, and she suddenly realized how much she needed the comfort he provided. He so reminded her of her papa, and in that moment, she wished she could sit on the sofa between her parents, resting her head on her papa's strong chest while her mama brushed her hair from her face and rubbed her back.

However, since Luna had no idea when she'd see her parents and siblings again, she drew in a deep breath, gave Tony an appreciative squeeze, and stepped back. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, Luna." Tony cleared his throat as he held open the screen door. As Luna started to step past him, he placed a hand on her arm, stopping her. "I can't begin to know what you've been through, Luna. It's more than I want to try to imagine, but if you ever need to talk or need a hug, Ilsa and I are both here for you. Anytime. Always."

"Thank you, Cousin. I'm so grateful for you both and for your offering me a place in your home and hearts while I work through what has proven to be a very challenging time in my life." Luna kissed Tony's cheek, then hurried inside and up to her room.

After she'd taken a cool bath and washed her hair, she sat in the darkness in her room, combing her damp tresses in front of the bedroom window. She looked out at the stars glistening in the night sky and considered her conversation with Tony.

She hadn't been completely honest when she said she wasn't interested in anyone as a suitor. In truth, when she thought of her future, more and more often a vision of Hunter Douglas came to mind.

But they had nothing in common. He was wealthy, educated, and successful. Great expectations were resting on his broad shoulders. Luna had been a penniless orphan taken in by relatives. Although she had an education, she'd finished school at sixteen, then she'd met Matteo and thought her future was all planned out.

Despite the heartache and grief, as well as the anguish and pain she'd experienced, all she could do was trust that her Maker had far better plans for her than she could begin to know.

Luna studied the vast expanse of sky, feeling so unbelievably small yet also wondrously grateful for the blessings she'd been given. In spite of the sorrow and challenges, God's grace had carried her through it all.