Page 49 of Luna

“He and Lars are both what my mother calls good people.” Hunter cast a glance her way. “So are you, Luna Moona.”

She playfully swatted at his arm, and they returned their attention to the parade.

The hospital float where Dally rode was quite lovely, with an assortment of flowers and greens decorating it. Half a dozen women riding on the float wore long, loose, flowing white gowns. The banner on top of the float read Angels of Mercy, with the hospital name below it.

Dally waved at them and attempted to toss candy high enough so they could reach it, but it fell onto the onlookers, much to the delight of the crowd.

Harley John drove a shiny automobile with chrome polished to such a dazzling gleam it was nearly blinding in the sunlight. Signs on the side advertised automobiles for sale at the blacksmith’s shop where Harley John worked. The blacksmith and his wife rode in the back seat.

When the automobile stopped beneath the window where Luna and Hunter were perched, Harley John stuck his head out of the auto and waved at them before continuing on his way.

The part of the parade that made Luna laugh so hard tears rolled down her cheeks was when the band from the high school was attempting to perform and Riley Walsh’s old mule, Steve, decided to add his vocal stylings to their musical selections. The donkey appeared seemingly out of nowhere, stood next to their float, and brayed loudly the whole time they played. To add to the indignity of the mule’s performance, he deposited a calling card right in the middle of the street.

When Riley went out to catch him, Steve shook his head and took off at a trot along the parade route.

“That old mule. Everyone thinks he’ll live to be a hundred at the rate he’s going.” Hunter grinned as he looked at Luna. “Have you met Steve yet?”

“The mule?” Luna asked, then nodded. “I did encounter him one day when we were out at Aundy and Garrett’s place. He seems quite protective of Willa.”

“Willa Walsh is his pet, and make no mistake about it. If anyone dares make even what the mule deems to be a wrong look at her, Steve will kick them into next week.”

Luna nodded. “He’s sort of like an oversized guard dog.”

“Exactly, except smellier.” Hunter moved, sitting on the windowsill with his back braced against the frame. “Are you enjoying the parade? I’m sure it’s nothing to compare to those you’ve seen in New York City.”

“Oh, I love it. It’s just right for Pendleton and such a fun way to begin the festivities today.”

Hunter smiled. “I’m glad you are enjoying it.” He looked like he wanted to say more, but they both returned their attention to watching the parade.

Even though it lasted almost an hour, the parade ended far sooner than Luna liked.

“That was spectacular,” Luna said as they moved back from the window.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it. Did you …” Hunter’s voice trailed off as they heard voices downstairs. Together, he and Luna hustled to the kitchen to discover Caterina and her children there.

Ben and Brett could hardly stand still long enough for Caterina to shove baskets of breadsticks into their arms and instruct them to take them to the park. Rachel started to race after them, but Caterina caught her before she made an escape out the door.

“Not so fast, little miss. I need you to take that box of cookies, please.” Caterina handed her daughter a box filled with her signature spice cookies.

“Now, may I go?” Rachel asked, impatient to join her brothers at the park.

“Yes, but no running.”

The words had barely left Caterina’s mouth when Rachel rushed out the door, keeping her hurried steps just shy of a full-out run.

Luna tried to hide her smile but failed when Hunter winked at her.

“How about us? What may we carry?” he asked when Caterina turned back to the stove.

“Oh, I forgot you two were here. It would be a help if one of you could carry the box with our dinnerware. I thought I’d set this pot in Rachel’s wagon to transport it.”

Hunter retrieved the wagon from the storage room in the basement, then helped Caterina settle the pot inside it. He offered to pull it while Caterina carried the box with the dinnerware, and Luna carried the quilt Caterina wanted to take to sit on.

They arrived at the park to find it bustling with activity. Hunter settled Caterina’s pot on a table already weighted down with more food than Luna had ever seen in one place. The three of them made their way over to where Ilsa had already spread her quilt next to one Aundy had laid out.

Before long, friends and family were gathered around them.

Everyone politely listened to the mayor’s speech, which was thankfully kept short. Pastor Whitting then offered a blessing on the meal, and everyone got in line to sample all the food that had been contributed to the potluck.

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