Page 51 of Luna

“Well, I miss my family, of course, but I don’t really miss the rest of it. The air here is so … fresh and invigorating. Tony and Ilsa have given me such a lovely room in their beautiful home. Caterina has been generous in giving me work I enjoy, and she reminds me so much of Aunt Angelina. Tony often puts me in mind of my papa, so even though I get a little homesick from time to time, it is good to be here with my cousins. Pendleton is far different than what I expected, but I like it here.”

Dally gave her a sly look. “Do you like any of the handsome young men who happen to live here? Like Hunter, for example?”

Luna blushed and stared at Dally, trying to gauge if she was serious or teasing. Some of both, she concluded.

“There are many nice young men here. Harley John Hobbs has become a good friend. I think it’s wonderful he and Sadie are so close despite the miles that separate them.”

“It is wonderful. The two of them deserve every happiness in the world, and I hope they find it with each other someday.” Dally gave her a studying glance as they waited to cross the street. “What about Hunter? Do you like him?”

“Well, of course, I like him. He’s been so kind and encouraging, and we’ve had some memorable adventures together.”

Dally made a noise that sounded like a snort. “Memorable is right. Only Hunt would find himself in the midst of a train robbery and shoot-out. Are you doing okay, Luna? I know the experience had to be upsetting for everyone, but Hunter was so worried about it bringing back terrible memories for you.”

“Thank you for asking, Dally. I’m doing much better with all of it than I would have thought possible. In fact, something about coming through that experience unscathed has made me feel … stronger.”

Dally gave her a wide smile. “That’s wonderful to hear, Luna. You are strong, courageous, and brave, and I greatly admire you, in case I haven’t mentioned that before.”

“Oh, thank you. I’m not sure I’m any of those things, but it’s nice to hear you say that.”

Dally stopped on the sidewalk outside the clinic where Nik had his office. “I appreciate you walking me here. I’ll be fine. Are you sure you don’t mind walking back to the park by yourself?”

“Yes. It will only take a minute.” Luna gave Dally an impulsive hug. When the woman hugged her back and then kissed her cheek, she was glad she’d offered a small sign of affectionate gratitude. “Will we see you later?”

“Yes. I wouldn’t miss the fireworks for anything.” Dally walked up the steps, then waved before she unlocked the door.

Luna turned and kept a fast pace as she made her way back to the park. She was nearly there when a shadow blocked the sun and she glanced beside her to see Hunter had fallen into step with her.

“I couldn’t find you and was worried. Where did you go?” he asked, cupping his hand beneath her elbow as they crossed the street. The polite gesture unsettled her as it did anytime Hunter touched her. However, Luna did her best to appear unaffected.

“Dally needed a rest, so I walked with her to Nik’s office. She said Nik would know where to look for her, but I thought I should tell him just the same.”

“Thank you for doing that. We should let Nik know. That sister of mine is too independent for her own good sometimes,” Hunter muttered just loud enough for Luna to hear. She was sure Dally would probably say the same thing about him.

Together, they made their way over to where Nik tended to the scraped knee of a boy who’d tripped on a tree root. “You’ll be fine in no time, Jonas. Just watch out for those tricky trees.”

The little boy grinned, then raced off to play with his friends.

Nik straightened from his hunkered down position and looked at Hunter and Luna. “I saw you with Dally earlier. Is she feeling well?”

Luna glanced at Hunter, then at Nik. “She seemed overheated, and her face was flushed. She mentioned taking a nap at your clinic, so I walked her there.”

“Thank you, Luna. I’ll go check on her and be back.” Nik grabbed his ever-present medical bag and took off at a run for his office.

“Are you hungry? There’s ice cream and cookies. The ladies from the quilting group made punch. The wheat growers’ association is offering cold lemonade.”

“Punch and ice cream sound wonderful,” Luna said, allowing Hunter to lead her toward the booths.

Later that evening, after they’d enjoyed a dinner of leftovers and observed the grade school students’ performance of a Revolutionary War skit, it was time for the fireworks to begin.

Luna sat on a quilt with Hunter, Dally, and Nik, staring into the almost-dark sky.

When the first spark of light zoomed upward and exploded in a shower of golden sparks, Hunter tensed beside her as he cast her a worried glance, but the only thing Luna felt was excitement. Joy. Jubilation.

She smiled at him, and he relaxed. They watched the fireworks, sharing in the awe and wonder of those around them. At some point during the colorful explosions, Hunter braced an arm behind Luna, and she leaned back against him, reveling in his masculine proximity and the warmth of him in the cool evening air.

After the last sparks faded, Luna wished she could spend more time with Hunter, but Nik had an emergency patient to see at the hospital, leaving Hunter to take Dally home.

“Will you come out to the ranch soon, Luna? I’d love to show you my place, and you could actually ride Breeze.” Hunter gave her a hopeful look as they stood with people milling around them, preparing to head home.

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