Page 47 of Luna

“I’m glad to know that, Luna. And I’m so glad you are well and not suffering from any lingering effects from yesterday. Did you tell Ilsa and Tony everything that happened?”

Luna nodded. “Even if I hadn’t, it seems news travels fast in a small town. Ilsa had a dozen people stop by the shop today to discuss the robbery and shoot-out. Tony said everywhere he went it was all anyone was discussing. I stayed home with Laila today. It was nice just to have a normal, quiet day here.”

“That’s good. And you’re certain you’re feeling up to attending the festivities on the fourth?”

“Absolutely! I wouldn’t miss them. Up until the robbery yesterday, that was the topic of choice for most everyone in town. I’ve heard the food at the community picnic is delicious, and the parade is ‘loads of fun,’ according to Laila.”

“She would know. She’s attended every single year of her life.” Hunter took a step closer to Luna and brushed a curl from her cheek, tucking it behind her ear. The word delicious kept echoing in his thoughts, while his gaze focused entirely on Luna’s luscious lips. What would she do if he kissed her? Slap him? Blacken his eye? Kick him in the shins? Kiss him back?

He was willing to take a chance on the abuse and was just leaning toward her when Tony honked the horn on his automobile and startled both of them as well as the horses. Wind nervously danced to the side, while Breeze yanked against the reins still tied around the hitching rail.

“Sorry!” Tony called as he parked the auto and got out with a dripping burlap bag. “Come on in the house. We’ll have lemonade and some of that pie Luna baked. If I’d known you’d be joining us, Hunter, I’d have made ice cream.”

“I’ll telephone ahead next time,” Hunter said cheekily, then followed as Tony and Luna led the way into the house.

Maybe the next time an opportunity arose to kiss Luna, he’d actually get the job done.

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.

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