Page 48 of Luna

His brother-in-law nodded, and the two men set about unhitching the team and leading the team to the barn where Tony kept the horses he used to deliver ice.

“We might as well walk down to the parade route,” Ilsa said, looping her arm around Luna’s and motioning for Marnie to join them. The three women walked through the alley and joined the crowds heading down the block to Court Street. Everyone seemed in good spirits, their happy chatter filling the still morning air.

When they turned the corner, Marnie nudged Luna with her elbow. “There’s a handsome fellow waiting for you.”

Luna shifted her gaze from the crowd around them to the sidewalk in front of them and noticed Hunter leaning against the front door of Caterina’s restaurant. She raised a hand in greeting, and Hunter broke into a wide, welcoming smile.

“Go on. We’ll catch up to you in the park. Hunter will know where to find us. If, for any reason, you need to go home, just leave a note in the auto. We’ll look for one if we don’t see you later.” Ilsa gave her a tight hug. “Have a wonderful time, Luna.”

“I will, Ilsa. Thank you.” She squeezed Ilsa’s hand and turned just as Hunter reached them.

He removed his hat and offered them a grand bow. “Happy Independence Day, lovely ladies. I hope you are ready for a day of festivities.”

“We certainly are, Hunter,” Ilsa said, giving Luna a slight nudge forward. “We’ll plan to catch up with you at the park if you don’t find us first after the parade.”

“Enjoy the parade,” Hunter said, holding out his arm for Luna.

She glanced back to see both Ilsa and Marnie giving her encouraging looks. The urge to roll her eyes was strong, but she instead turned and smiled at Hunter.

“Shall we?” she asked as she placed her hand on his arm.

“We shall.” He guided her down the sidewalk and around to the back door of Caterina’s restaurant. Luna used her key to unlock the door, and they stepped inside. It seemed odd to be there when the place was so quiet, but the familiar aroma of spices hung thick in the air, along with the scent of yeasty bread. Four large baskets were filled with Caterina’s seasoned breadsticks, and a big pot simmered on the back of the stove.

Unable to stop herself, Luna lifted the lid and inhaled the rich scent of meatballs, sausage, and chunks of pork cooking in a thick red sauce.

“That smells so good. Is it for the picnic?” Hunter asked as he leaned over Luna’s shoulder.

“I think so. It’s a dish Aunt Angelina often makes on Sundays. It can be served over pasta or on its own.” Luna returned the lid to the pot, then glanced toward the stairs. “Are you sure Harley John doesn’t mind that we’re invading his apartment?”

Hunter grinned. “I spoke with him just a little bit ago, and he confirmed he didn’t mind in the least. Let’s go up. The parade should start soon.”

He led the way up the stairs to the apartment. Harley John had left the door unlocked, and they stepped into the space. Luna tried not to look around too much, still feeling like she was intruding on her friend’s private domain. The windows overlooking the street were open with a grand view below them.

Harley John had pulled two chairs over by the windows.

“That was nice of him,” Luna said, taking a seat on a chair and leaning forward to get a better view out the window.

“This will be great.” Hunter looked out the window, then glanced below them.

Several people they knew were gathered together, excitedly awaiting the start of the parade. A sudden thought struck Luna, and she turned to Hunter.

“Would Dally be more comfortable in here than out in the crowd?”

“Probably, if she were in the crowd, but she’s riding on a float some of the hospital staff and their spouses put together.”

“Oh, well, that’s nice,” Luna said, hoping wherever Dally was riding was somewhere she could sit and be somewhat comfortable. “Any progress on talking her into sharing her good news with your mother?”

A dark scowl filled Hunter’s features, and he shook his head. “No. No progress.”

Luna wished she hadn’t brought up something that was clearly a sore point between Hunter and his sister. Before she could apologize or think of something to say to change the subject, a loud boom shook the windows, signaling the start of the parade.

Caught off guard, Luna sucked in a startled gasp, realized what had made the sound, then leaned forward and rested her arms on the open windowsill. Hunter appeared concerned, but when she didn’t grow upset, he relaxed and joined her in leaning out the window.

“This is the first time in I can’t tell you how many years that I’ve watched the parade instead of riding in it. This really is a great way to see everything.” He pointed to the sheriff and his deputies proudly riding down the street, each of them carrying a flag. “There’s Lars and Kade!”

Luna waved out the window, although she was sure no one noticed them there. Then Kade turned his head toward them and grinned, tipping his head toward them before he continued down the street.

“Kade is a nice man,” Luna said, thinking of the ways her cousin’s husband had made her feel welcome since her arrival in Pendleton. When he referred to her as little Luna, it made her feel like she was part of his family, which she supposed she was, but it also made her feel as though he noticed her and would protect her.

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