Page 69 of Luna

Hunter had known a day of reckoning would arrive when Dally had refused to share the news of her pregnancy with their parents. Now that it was here, though, he felt bad for Nik, Dally, and even himself because he was certain all three of them were going to regret Dally’s decision before the evening was through.

“Dally’s a little tired from all the work today and went upstairs for a brief rest,” Nik said, giving Hunter a helpless look.

“There’s plenty of room at the tables outside if you’d like to join everyone,” Hunter said, pointing toward the door. “If you’d prefer, we could eat in the dining room.”

“No, outside would be just fine,” Dacey said, turning to smile at Hunter. “I’d like a moment to wash up, though. Could one of you boys retrieve our luggage? I think we left it sitting out front like a new lawn ornament.”

“I’ll get it,” Nik said, hurrying down the hallway and out the front door.

Hunter waited as his father gave him another long, studying glance while his mother went to the downstairs bathroom to wash. Unable to stand Braxton’s scrutiny, Hunter walked over to the kitchen sink and washed his hands and face, then dunked his whole head beneath the faucet. When he raised it, water dripping in his eyes, a towel was pressed into his hands.

“Thanks,” he said, rubbing the towel over his head and face, then glanced at his father as he washed his hands. His brain seemed to have rattled to a stop the moment his parents had arrived and Luna had departed. He forced himself to latch onto something to say. “How was the trip?”

Travel and weather were generally safe topics of discussion.

“Good. It seems like the trains get faster or the tracks get shorter,” his father joked. Hunter handed him a clean towel and glanced outside to see Corni and Rowdy both eyeing the house like they expected the roof to blow off at any moment.

Hunter heard Nik carrying the luggage upstairs. All was quiet, then his brother-in-law came down the back stairs and into the kitchen.

“Did you have a pleasant journey, sir?” Nik asked, appearing nervous and unsettled. Hunter felt pity for his brother-in-law. He knew Nik thought Dally should have reached out to her parents months ago, but he also stood beside his wife and supported her decisions. He’d likely get as caught in the crossfire as Hunter would be once his parents figured out what was going on.

His father already looked suspicious, but thankfully, his mother appeared oblivious to the tension as she returned to the kitchen and wrapped a hand around Hunter’s arm. “Let’s join them outside. I could smell the roasted beef as we came up the drive. Did your sister cook all the food?”

“No. Luna did. Luna Campanelli has been our harvest cook this week.”

“Caterina’s cousin from New York,” Braxton said in a dry tone, then looked to Nik. “You probably know her from your time of living there with Angelina and Franco.”

Nik nodded as he led the way outside. “I did know Luna, and do. She is an impressive young woman. Her parents were killed when she was quite young. Her father was Franco’s youngest brother, and they lived in Italy. She was only seven, I think, when she came to America and was adopted by Brando, one of Caterina’s brothers, and his wife. Luna is bright and intelligent, witty and caring, and full of joy despite more than one tragedy haunting her past.”

“More than losing her parents at such a young age?” Dacey asked as they neared the table.

“Yes, but we can speak more of that another time.” Nik pulled out a chair for Dacey and Braxton sat beside her.

Thankfully, the only other seats available were at the far end of the table. Hunter and Nik took them, trying not to let their worry show as they shoveled in roast with tender potatoes covered with savory gravy, cooked carrots and peas, soft rolls, and slices of ripe tomatoes seasoned with salt and herbs.

Hunter was surprised he’d been able to eat at all considering the way his appetite had fled with the arrival of his parents.

“This is going to be a disaster,” Nik said under his breath, offering Rachel a false smile as he accepted the plate of chocolate cake she set in front of him.

“I’m thinking of Titanic proportions,” Hunter muttered.

Nik looked like he might have laughed if it wouldn’t have drawn attention to them.

Finally, the meal was over, the men dispersed, and Hunter and Nik were left with no excuses to hide.

Rowdy headed off to the barn with mumbled excuses about seeing to the animals, and Corni looked like she wanted to join him, but she took charge of the dishes.

Hunter and Nik helped by carrying dirty dishes inside while Corni and the girls washed and dried them. His parents remained seated at the table, as though they were waiting for something.

When the dishes were all put away, Corni and the two girls appeared outside. Laila and Rachel both had their bags in hand.

“I’m going to take the girls home. You all have a nice night.” Corni kissed Dacey’s cheek. “We’ll catch up tomorrow, my friend.”

“We will.” Dacey smiled at her and watched as the two girls skipped beside Corni. Rowdy appeared with their auto, and the four of them waved as they headed off toward town.

Hunter could have found twenty things to do that would keep him away from the house until bedtime, but sooner or later they’d have to deal with what was coming, and he wasn’t one who enjoyed putting off difficult tasks.

“I’ll go check on Dally,” Nik said, excusing himself and rushing up the back steps.

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