by Ann Collins
Julia turned to see Alex plodding toward them through the sand. He smiled broadly, as he frequently did these days, so different from the first day they had met.
“How are my two best girls this afternoon?” He reached down for his daughter and swung her up through the air.
Lily laughed and kicked her feet.
“We’re very well,” Julia answered.
He lifted Lily once more, then plopped down onto the blanket. He settled his daughter against his shoulder and kissed Julia on the mouth.
She responded in turn, not caring who saw them. He often kissed her or hugged her no matter where they were or who might be watching. She’d become accustomed to it, though she had to admit she was looking forward to the privacy and space their new home would afford them. Under construction on a nearby lot was a house designed especially by Alex to hold a big family.
“You’re home early,” she said. “What’s the occasion?”
“I’m celebrating. Alonzo Horton himself was so taken with my design for the building he wants to put up on Broadway that he hired me on the spot.”
“Oh, Alex, that’s wonderful. Does Liam know?”
“He was with me, smoothing the way with a proper introduction followed by praise for the designs I’ve done for his projects.”
“He knew a good thing when he saw you scribbling on that stationery in the bar, just as I knew a good thing when I asked you to marry me.”
“Hmm. That’s funny,” he said as Lily patted his jaw. “Dr. Dolan told me our marriage was his idea.”
“The good doctor has a short memory.” She adjusted a ruffle on Lily’s dress. “I get credit for the original idea, although I didn’t seriously consider it an option when I said it out loud. Mary helped me see the light, and the doctor quickly agreed that you were just what I was looking for, a down-on-his-luck drifter who would take the money and go.”
He laughed. “My luck changed that day.” He leaned into her and kissed her with all the love, tenderness, and passion she had never expected to experience in her life.
Julia responded in turn, loving him with her heart, soul, and body. She had been very fortunate the day Alex MacLean arrived in search of a job.
The End
Author’s Note
I hope you’ve enjoyed visiting the shores of Southern California’s Coronado Island with Alex and Julia. In real life, the Hotel Grand Victoria is the Hotel del Coronado, a storybook Victorian resort hotel designed by the Reid brothers and originally owned by Elisha Babcock, Jr., and partners. Construction began in 1887, and the hotel opened its doors to guests in 1888. Still operating today, it has hosted United States presidents and been the setting for books, television shows, and such films as Some Like It Hot with Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon. The Hotel del, also known as The Del, is a National Historic Landmark and a beautiful place to spend the day or stay overnight.
About the Author
Ann Collins is a native San Diegan who enjoys bringing her hometown’s history to life for readers. She is a writer and photographer — Images By Ann Collins. Her first historical romance novel, Protecting Jennie, was published by Harlequin Enterprises, won the romance category of the San Diego Book Awards, and received four stars from Romantic Times Book Reviews. Protecting Jennie, which is set in the Old West, is available as an e-book. Ann loves the ocean in all its moods and never tires of photographing it. She enjoys traveling for her photography and writing research, her eyes and ears attuned to the next scene and story to capture her attention.
To read more about Ann, as well as an interview with her about A Matter of Marriage, please visit Compass Point Press.
If you’d like to leave a review at Amazon about A Matter of Marriage, feel free to use this link if your device allows it: Review Ann's Book. Ann’s author page is at Amazon Author Page if you’d like to visit. She is also on Goodreads.