Page 50 of Luna

Plates were filled, and conversation flowed.

“Well, what do you think?” Hunter asked, leaning closer to Luna so he could whisper in her ear as they sat on one of the quilts spread in the shade.

“Everything is delightful,” Luna said, turning to look at him and finding his face alarmingly close to hers. If she moved just a fraction closer to him, their lips would have surely connected, and that would not do. Not in the least. Not when she refused to give her heart away again. At least not yet, when it still ached for Matteo.

“So, you’re having a good time?”

“A wonderful time, Hunter. Thank you.” Luna was enjoying herself far more than she’d thought she would, and her expectations had been high. Between the parade, the bounty of good food, and being surrounded by people who loved and cared about each other, she couldn’t think of a better way to spend the day.

Once everyone had eaten their fill and had time to rest while a few performers sang for entertainment, it was time for the baseball game.

The Pendleton Buckaroos, also known as the Bucks, were battling against the Walla Walla Bears. Both teams were working toward winning the Tri-State League Champion title.

Luna found herself sitting between Dally and Evie Elliott. Although Luna didn’t know Evie well, the woman seemed both elegant and spunky.

Nik was down close to the players so he could tend to any injuries, and Flynn sat on the other side of his wife, more interested in entertaining the youngest Stewart child who was seated on his lap, than watching the ballgame.

The Walla Walla team started off strong, scoring the first run, then the Bucks scored two. It was a tough battle with both teams well-matched.

Luna leaned forward and intently watched when Hunter came up to bat. He glanced over his shoulder into the stands where she was sitting, gave her a teasing grin, then turned back to focus his attention on the pitcher and the ball.

“He likes you,” Dally said as she leaned close to Luna to be heard above the crowd. “I haven’t seen him like this about a girl in … well, ever. He thought he was in love with a snobbish socialite, but she was all wrong for him, which he realized before it was too late. Thank goodness for our cousin Billy eavesdropping when he shouldn’t be.”

Luna grinned. “Hunter told me about that. Katherine was her name, wasn’t it?”

Dally nodded and rubbed a hand over the mound of her stomach. “Yes. She was beautiful but scheming and dreadful. I never did care for her. I’m terribly glad she won’t be my sister-in-law.”

The crack of the bat connecting with the ball drew their attention to Hunter as he sent the ball sailing far into the outfield. He dropped the bat and started running around the bases.

“Go, Hunter! Go!” The crowd cheered.

When Hunter slid across the home plate, both Luna and Evie jumped up, clapping. They laughed, then resumed their seats. Luna was sure Dally would have joined them if it weren’t such an effort for her to rise to her feet.

Luna had no idea who started singing it, but soon the whole crowd had joined in the chorus of a popular song. She joined her voice to those around them as they sang, “buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack.”

In that moment, surrounded by friends, enjoying a pleasant afternoon, Luna felt at home, at peace, and exactly where she was meant to be.

The two teams continued battling right up until the ninth inning, when the Walla Walla team scored not one but two points, winning the game.

“Two to three. It’s a shame our team lost,” Dally said, swishing a fan back and forth in front of her flushed face.

“It is a shame,” Luna said, more distracted by Dally’s clearly overheated state than the local team losing. “What may I do to assist you?”

“If you wouldn’t mind helping me up off this uncomfortable bench, I’m ready for a rest. Maybe even a nap.” Dally offered a half-smile. “I hate taking naps, but find I can’t make it through the afternoon without one.”

“Will you go home, then?” Luna asked as she gave Dally both of her hands and then pulled until the woman was standing.

“No. Nik has a bed at the clinic I can use. I’ll go there.”

Luna glanced around, trying to locate Nik. She saw him wrapping a bandage around a bleeding cut on Riley Walsh’s arm. “Should I fetch Nik?”

“I told him my plans to rest after the game. He knows where I’ll be.” Dally made her way out of the stands.

Luna didn’t like the idea of the woman walking alone, even if it wasn’t more than a handful of blocks. She tried to catch Hunter’s eye, but he was laughing at something Tony said as the two of them watched Kade pour water over his head to cool off.

“I’ll walk with you.” Luna moved to Dally’s side.

“It isn’t necessary, but I won’t object to the company.” Dally wrapped her arm around Luna’s. “Tell me how you like Pendleton compared to life in New York City.”

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