Free Love For Hire: The Helena's Grove Series Book 2 by Ivy Alexander

whispering something in Jen’s ear every now and then that would make her laugh. Marcus had his arm around Annie, and they were bundled up but it was still quite cold as they moved through the snowy seven acres of lights that hung on the trees, fences and on every building. The sleigh ride was the first part of the evening. After that they gathered in the building which used to be a barn but had been renovated and now housed large events. It too was decorated brightly, with crafts and goodies to buy as well as hot chocolate, creating a home-like feel. Lights hung on the outside of the building and six fire pits were burning for those who wanted to sit outside.
    The group of four got some hot chocolate and made their way to one of the fire pits that overlooked a small lake. It was partially frozen but the reflection of the moon made it beautiful and eerie at the same time. Annie was quiet as she took in the evening. She looked over at Marcus, who was in a heated debate with Zack about the super bowl and the teams that were going head to head. Jen was on her phone, completely oblivious to their conversation. Annie looked out again to the lake; it looked so cold, so beautiful. She was mesmerized, caught up in thoughts and memories.
    “Annie?”
    She turned to Marcus who was looking at her with concern on his face. “You okay?”
    “Oh yeah, I was just thinking.”
    He nodded and smiled at her. “I’d like to know your thoughts if you’d like to share them.”
    Annie was touched by his words and took a deep breath. “I was just thinking how much my mom loved this place. How much she loved Christmas and the lights and…” She gestured to the cup in her hand. “She loved hot chocolate.”
    Zack was listening by this point and he nodded in agreement. “She loved holidays; everything to do with them.” Jen put her arm around him and kissed him on the cheek.
    Marcus listened intently as Annie opened up about the breast cancer, the struggle and the eventual loss of their mother. She looked into his eyes and they were filled with compassion. He took her hands in his; they were warm despite the cold night. “What was her name?”
    “Helena,” Annie told him with a smile.
    “You never told me,” he said quietly.
    “It’s just one of those things ya know?” Annie replied.
    Marcus nodded and put an arm around her to bring her close. “I do know. I do understand,” he whispered.
    The honesty in his voice made Annie look up at him. His eyes were sad and she realized in that moment that he did understand. He, not Marcus, but the mystery man she hired knew about loss; and he knew it well. It touched Annie that he shared that much with her. It was nice to see a part of his real life, a part of his true self.
    There was silence before Marcus raised his hot chocolate. “To Helena, who will never be forgotten. And may her memory always brighten our thoughts.”
    Annie swallowed a sob; Marcus continued to surprise her. She took a deep breath and raised her cup. “To mom.” Zack and Jen followed suit.
    The rest of the evening went by as the group visited booths, ate baked goods and enjoyed live music. Annie begged Zack to enter a Christmas song sing off, and they watched contentedly as he sung I’ll Be Home for Christmas .
    By the time they got home it was well after midnight and once again, Annie was exhausted. As she washed her face to spare Marcus her raccoon eyes in the morning, she thought about her day; it had been lovely – the best she’d had in a while. She took a shower and slipped into her pajamas. While Marcus was in the bathroom Annie got in her suitcase and pulled out a picture, worn on the sides, and looked at it lovingly. The faded faces that looked back at her invoked a familiar tug of longing somewhere deep in her chest and she bit down on her lip to stop herself from crying.
    “Is that her?” Marcus’ voice from behind her made her jump.
    “Oh, you startled me. Yes, this is my mom and me.”
    Marcus