Free Winter in Full Bloom by Anita Higman Page A

Although I would understand if it did.”
    “It changes nothing. I promise.” Except to endear you to me even more .
    “Good.”
    When we were in the lobby of my hotel Marcus pulled me to the side, to a quiet area near a cluster of couches. “It was a very fine evening, Lily.”
    “Yes, it was. Thank you for dinner, for helping me with my sister, and for sharing your heart, well, for everything.” Amazing, how an evening could start out one way and end another. “Here, don’t let me forget this.” I slipped his jacket off my shoulders and helped Marcus put it back on.
    “I’ll let you get to sleep now. It probably feels like the longest day of your life.”
    “It does, but not in a bad way.”
    Marcus hesitated and then said, “Until your sister performs in the evening you’ll have some time on your hands in the morning and afternoon. I’d love to show you some of the city if you’re up for it.”
    I thought for a moment, but not too long. “I would like that.”
    “I could pick you up at 10:00. It’ll give you a chance for some extra sleep and a leisurely breakfast.”
    “Sounds good.”
    Marcus backed away but didn’t take his eyes off me. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to hold you to that kiss.”
    “Kiss? What kiss?”
    “The one you promised Miles Hooper in the bookstore. You know, because I’d written the miracle book that got your Julie to sleep every night. But it would be cheating you, of course, since you didn’t know Miles was me when you promised a kiss.” There was that twinkle again.
    I’d grown accustomed already to his playful blue sparkle, but there were other “looks” attached to it—perhaps shyness and a boyish anticipation?
    “I wouldn’t feel cheated.” I stepped over to him, rose on my tiptoes, and gave him a brief but genuine kiss on the cheek. “Good night. Thanks for the evening.” You really did make it memorable. But then I flushed hotter than a summer day in the Outback, since I not only surprised Marcus but I shocked myself with my display of affection.
    His face lit with surprise and something else. Gratitude? “Are you sure I don’t just have you mesmerized?”
    “Maybe a little.” But then maybe I didn’t mind so much.
    “Good night … Love.” He grinned. “See you tomorrow.” And then he turned and walked out of the hotel lobby.
    I didn’t whirl up to my room like a cloud on a windy day, but it wasn’t quite the slogging gait I’d anticipated earlier in the day. In fact, so far, nothing I’d experienced had been anything even close to what I’d expected in the Land Down Under.
    So, God, what do You have planned for me tomorrow? A little later, while snuggled under a white down comforter, I fell into dreaming with that very query on my lips.

 
    The next morning, I rose late , feeling stiff and groggy and jet-lagged. My back ached. My neck ached. I suppose all of me ached—that is, I ached to find what I was searching for—whom I was searching for. I stared at the bathroom mirror and leaned in to get a good look at myself. Would this be the day I found my living reflection? Only God knew.
    I texted Julie and dressed in several layers, which seemed to be the best way to handle Melbourne’s four seasons in a day. No matter how tired I felt I was determined to enjoy myself on my little outing with Marcus, but I had no idea what he’d cooked up for our adventure. Guess he wanted it to be a surprise. There was no skirting around the truth, though—the man I thought was a bagpipe-playing bum had already grown on me like Spanish moss on live oak.
    After breakfast I made my way downstairs to the lobby, where Marcus was already waiting for me.
    He rose from the couch and greeted me with a smile warm enough to take the chill off any morning. “Hello. You look nice.”
    “Thanks.” So do you. His slacks were pressed to perfection, his polo shirt was Ralph Lauren, and he was clean-shaven. Nice. I clutched my purse strap for support. “So, where