Page 61 of Luna

By the time Dally appeared in the kitchen, they’d dished four servings of ice cream with cobbler, poured glasses of sweet tea, and set everything on a tray to carry out to the table on the porch.

“Sorry I slept so long, Luna. That was terribly rude of me,” Dally apologized, then fought to hide a yawn.

Hunter snickered, and Dally swatted at him, but since he was carrying the laden tray, she made a point of not actually hitting him.

Luna thought Dally looked lovely, though, with her cheeks all pink and her skin glowing. She wondered if she’d appear half as pretty when she was expecting a child, and if Hunter would be half as attentive.

What was she thinking!

Hunter would not be the father of her child because she had no intention of marrying him. Not ever. He deserved someone far more sophisticated and worldly than Luna would ever be.

But for today, she wouldn’t think about tomorrow or a year from now. She just wanted to savor this lovely moment with Hunter, Dally, and Nik, eating a delicious dessert and enjoying the company.

When Hunter and Nik shared the last bowl of ice cream, and there wasn’t even a spoonful left, Nik suggested they play a few parlor games.

Luna had to learn the rules of the first one they played but caught on without any trouble. The second game she’d played many times before and won two of the three rounds before Hunter suggested they play charades.

Although she was a little self-conscious about the game, Luna soon found herself laughing along with the others as they acted out words.

The telephone rang, interrupting their amusements, and Nik was summoned to the hospital.

“It was great to spend time with you again, Luna. Come out to see us anytime at all.” Nik gave her a hug, then kissed Dally soundly before he grabbed his doctor’s bag and jogged across the lawn. The sound of his motorcycle sliced through the peaceful afternoon as he zoomed down the lane and headed toward town.

“I should probably return to town before it gets too late,” Luna said as she helped stack the empty dishes on the tray.

“Do you have to leave so soon?” Dally asked as she pushed up from her chair and followed Luna into the house and kitchen.

“I really should get going,” Luna said although she had nothing pressing to see to and wouldn’t mind lingering, but she didn’t want to wear out her welcome.

Hunter carried the tray and set it by the sink. Without a word of discussion, he and Luna began washing the dishes, while Dally took a seat at the table and waved a paper fan in front of her flushed face. “I can’t wait for the weather to cool down, but I think it’s going to be hot and miserable for several more weeks.”

“I think you’re right, Dal. It’s been a hot summer. I’m not looking forward to starting wheat harvest next week.” Hunter glanced over his shoulder at Dally. “Have you and Corni decided what you’re going to do about cooking for the harvest crew?”

Dally shook her head.

“No, not exactly. How many days does Rowdy think it will take to harvest the wheat?”

“Likely four if we have a full crew and the yield isn’t heavier than we anticipate. Why?”

“Well, I figure I can handle the cooking for at least two days with Corni’s help, but after that, I’m not sure what we’ll do because it is going to wear me out.” Dally sighed, looking frustrated. “I hate not being able to do whatever I want to do when I want to do it.”

“Don’t we all know it!” Hunter smirked at his sister, then grew serious. “You’ve been so tired, Dally. I really think you should hire someone to help out or take over. Did you talk to Aundy or Nora?”

Dally shook her head. “They’ve got their own meals to fix and things to worry about.”

“I’ll help,” Luna said, uncertain where the words came from because she certainly hadn’t planned on voicing them. “I like to cook, and as long as I’m at Caterina’s by five, I can cook lunch and dinner.”

“Do you know what you’re offering?” Dally asked, getting up and walking over to Luna, turning her away from the sink so they faced each other. “It’s hot and miserable, and the men eat like starved wild animals half the time. Rarely do you receive a word of thanks for your efforts. It’s backbreaking work.”

“It will be fine, Dally.” Luna hurried to assure her. “If I make a list of supplies, can someone pick up an order and have them here?”

“Of course, but are you certain you want to help?”

“Absolutely.” Luna hoped she’d convince herself as much as Dally. What had she gotten herself into? “It will be a good experience for me.”

Dally made a noise that sounded like a half sob and half cheer of victory, then pulled Luna into a tight hug. “You are marvelous, and I’m so grateful. I’ll let you know for sure, but Rowdy is planning to start cutting wheat a week from Monday.”

“I’ll be there. Do you need to feed the men breakfast, or just lunch and dinner?”

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