Once Upon a Winter's Heart by Melody Carlson Page A

gave her his business smile although his eyes looked troubled as he waved at some friends of his that were approaching. This conversation was definitely over. And, really, this wasn’t the time or place for it anyway. Instead Emma put on her game face too, smiling as her father introduced her to his friends. Then, as they all chatted and commented on the various works of art, she tried to appear involved, but the truth was she was keeping an eye on Lane and Anne. And from what she could see, Anne was keeping Lane on a very short leash tonight.
    After a bit, she excused herself to go and check on Tristan and the magic show, but Tristan appeared to be keeping his word and minding his manners. So she just waved at him, then went to see what was displayed in the back section of the gallery. It was quieter back there, and as she perused the paintings, a particular one caught her attention. She wasn’t sure what it was that captivated her, because she knew enough about art to know that it wouldn’t be considered a great work by anyone. Some might even call it trite or clichéd or overly sweet. But she wouldn’t. Plus she knew that the true value of art was always in the eyes of the beholder. And she really liked this piece.
    She stepped back to view it better. Simple and straightforward, it was merely a lighthouse on a craggy piece of shore, shrouded with a dusky fog. But something about the warm glow of the light in the tower and the crashing of the frothy waves below gave her a feeling of safety and shelter and peace. She peered down at the signature to see the name Randolph Lawrence, and although she knew it was a local artist, it didn’t ring any bells. She didn’t see any other works by this particular painter. But what did it matter? Besides, she reminded herself, this was all for a good cause. And so she removed the card with the price and the item number and took it up to the woman acting as cashier. She paid for her purchase, writing down her name and information on the back of the card.
    â€œYou can pick up your painting anytime next week,” the woman explained. “We plan to run the exhibit throughout the weekend as well so that any purchases made throughout Sunday will go to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.”
    â€œThat’s a good idea.” Emma slid her debit card back into her purse. “I’ll pick it up on Monday. Thanks!”
    After a bit Emma found her mother, and they both decided they’d seen enough and were ready to go home. And since the magic show had just ended, Tristan was happy to leave as well. Emma felt slightly bad not to get a chance to speak to Lane again, but it was clear that Anne was not letting him out of her sight. And, after all, he needed to be on hand to speak to the guests about the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
    â€œWell, that was a nice event,” Saundra said they walked to the car. “It looks like they’re making some good money too.”
    â€œI even bought a painting,” Emma told her.
    â€œReally? Which one?”
    Emma described the foggy seascape and her mother just chuckled as they got into the car. “Well, that’s very sweet, dear, but I hope you didn’t think it was an investment piece.”
    Emma stifled her irritation as she buckled her seatbelt. “I bought it simply because I like it. I plan to hang it in my bedroom, not sell it on Craigslist.”
    â€œYes, and that’s perfectly fine. I bought several pieces myself. And I don’t expect to get rich from them either. Although I will tack my usual percentage onto them when I use them for some of my clients’ homes. But they really will make a nice statement in a couple of projects I’m working on. And it is all for a good cause.”
    â€œI talked to Dad for a while,” Emma said carefully. She knew this conversation would be limited because of Tristan’s ears. But perhaps that would be good—no one