Page 56 of Luna

Luna had never gone hungry a day in her life and always had adequate clothing, but her family had endured a few hard years when they’d barely scraped by. Luxuries in the house where she was raised were things like white sugar and an occasional trip to a moving picture show.

She had a feeling Hunter’s idea of luxury involved things like the finely tailored suits he wore that probably cost more than her parents’ home.

The vast differences in their upbringings and their stations in life were just reminders of why they didn’t belong together.

Despite that knowledge, though, Luna couldn’t seem to stay away from Hunter any more than he seemed capable of ignoring her.

For one fantastical summer, she didn’t want to be practical or sensible. She wanted to be young and in love and not worry about the rest of it. Luna felt like she’d grown old far before her time due to the experiences of her past. Being in Pendleton had helped her reclaim a part of her youth, making her feel young and alive and full of hope.

As Tony turned into the church parking lot, Luna sent up a quick prayer of gratitude for God’s leading and prayed she’d continue to follow His direction.

Throughout the service, she felt as though someone was watching her. When she turned to glance over her shoulder, the only one looking her way was Hunter as he sat across the aisle one pew behind her. He winked at her, and she quickly turned back around, forcing herself to listen to Pastor Whitting’s sermon about there being no friend like Jesus.

Luna was still pondering the pastor’s words as she stood outside with family and friends, mindlessly listening to their conversations.

“Are you ready to go?” a deep voice asked near her ear as a tantalizing masculine scent flooded her senses.

“Yes, Hunter. I am.” She turned and smiled at him, finding him quite breathtaking with the summer sunlight glinting across his thick, dark hair. “I have a bag in Tony’s auto I’d like to retrieve.”

“Of course.” Hunter’s hand cupped her elbow as they walked over to Tony’s car. She reached in and retrieved the bag she’d packed and stowed beneath the back seat earlier that morning. Hunter took it from her with a smile. “Anything else you need?”

“No. That’s it,” she said, then waved to Ilsa and Tony as they spoke with Aundy and Garrett.

“Have fun!” Tony called, then returned to the conversation.

Luna felt like half the churchyard turned to look at them, and heat crawled up her neck to settle in her cheeks.

“You look amazingly beautiful today, Luna Moona. I could hardly focus on the pastor’s fine sermon with you sitting over there as pretty as any painting I’ve ever seen.”

Unaccustomed to such lavish praise and flattery, Luna had no idea how to respond.

“You truly are spectacular, Luna. Is that one of Ilsa’s creations?” Hunter asked as he set her bag in the storage box behind the seats, then gave Luna a hand into the passenger seat.

“Yes. She made the shirtwaist and helped me sew the skirt.”

“You both did a fine job,” Hunter said, then he started the car.

Although she was nervous, Luna was also excited, looking at the afternoon ahead as another adventure with Hunter.

He mentioned the names of families and the places they lived as they drove to the B Bar D Ranch. Some names she recognized. Others were unfamiliar to her. However, she had a feeling the conversation was more about putting her at ease, and it worked. By the time he parked near the ranch house, she no longer felt like a bundle of nerves.

Nik and Dally tooted their horn as they drove up behind them and parked.

“We’re so happy you could join us today,” Dally said, allowing Nik to give her a hand out of the auto. Rowdy and Cornelia were with them and followed along as Dally led the way into the house.

“I’m grateful for the invitation. Hunter said I didn’t need to contribute anything to lunch today, but I hope it was okay to bring some cookies. You can partake of them later.” Luna offered Dally a hopeful look.

“As a matter of fact, cookies of any sort are greatly appreciated,” Dally said, looping her arm around Luna’s as they stepped into the house. She glanced over her shoulder at Nik and Hunter. “Luna and I will go upstairs and change while you boys set the table. The food should be about ready.”

Luna took her bag from Hunter and followed Dally up the stairs and into an airy bedroom with windows that overlooked one of the pastures near the house.

“Hunter mentioned taking you out for a ride later, so I got out a few riding skirts that I thought might fit you,” Dally said, motioning to three skirts draped across the corner of the large bed.

“That’s kind of you, Dally. Thank you.” Luna glanced around as Dally removed her hat and gloves and set them aside.

“You’re welcome to change in the bedroom across the hall if you like,” Dally said, stepping through the doorway and pointing to a room splashed with sunlight that streamed in windows framed with peach-hued ruffled curtains. There was a peach and white coverlet on the bed, and the furniture was a light birds-eye maple Luna found to be particularly lovely.

“It’s a beautiful room.”

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