Wishes in the Wind Read Online Free PDF

why. It was because Alicia Aldridge herself believed.
    Do you know what stars really are, Nickie? She could almost hear her mother’s voice. They’re bits of light offered to us by the magical sprites of happiness. They’re reserved for special nights and equally special people, because only those who see — truly see them — can reap their magic.
    What is their magic, Mama? she’d ask. And am I one of those special people?
    Her mother would smile that faraway smile. Indeed you are. As for their magic, it’s an offering. A precious offering to seize and to nurture. So remember, darling, every time you s ee a star, you’re being offered a miracle. Wish on it — wish very, very hard, and that star, and all its enchantment, will be yours.
    Forever, Mama?
    Yes, my love, forever.
    Two tears slid down Nicole’s cheeks, and she wrapped her arms about herself, capturing the memory as she studied the sky. This was the kind of night her mother had alluded to: clear, warm, and fragrant, alive with the blossoming buds of spring.
    And illuminated by a sea of dazzling stars.
    Dreamily, Nicole focused on a star that seemed to call out to her. It wasn’t the largest nor even the brightest of the heavens’ offerings. But there was something extraordinary about the way it glowed, as if trying to compensate for its diminutive size, that drew her to it, held her captive.
    I’m wishing, Mama, Nicole declared silently, as I did on my locket. Only this time I’m wishing for the magic offered by that tiny star. Because, thanks to you, I still believe.
    Her throat constricted, and more tears trickled from the corners of her eyes.
    “May I offer my assistance?”
    Nicole froze at the sound of the deep masculine voice, dreams reverting abruptly to reality. She’d been discovered. Someone knew she was here. She had to escape.
    Inching to the edge of the bench, she mentally gauged her distance to the road, preparing to bolt.
    “Don’t run off. And don’t be frightened. I’m not going to hurt you.”
    A hard hand closed over hers, and the bench shifted as her unexpected companion sat down beside her.
    “I’m not frightened,” she heard herself say, keeping her chin down. “I’m …” She broke off. I’m what? Avoiding detection?
    “I saw you clutching that lamppost. When you fled into the trees, you were white as a sheet. I was concerned you might faint.”
    “I’m fine.” She stared at the tips of his polished evening shoes, feeling the warmth of his palm over hers. “But I’d best be on my way.”
    His grip tightened, and an instant later a handkerchief was pressed into her other hand. “Try this. I’ve been told it works wonders. Guaranteed to dry a lady’s tears.”
    Nicole couldn’t help it; she looked up, drawn to the husky teasing in his tone.
    Her breath suspended—only this time her corset had little to do with it.
    He was perhaps the most classically handsome man she’d ever seen, undoubtedly a nobleman, and not only because of his elegant evening attire. He had a bold straight jawline and patrician nose that screamed aristocrat, and thick black hair over a broad forehead and equally black brows, all set off by penetrating eyes the color of midnight—eyes that now assessed her with the practiced skill of a man who knew women …intimately.
    His perusal was thorough, his approval obvious, even to a novice like herself. She could see it in his smile, his lips curving ever so slightly, and in his eyes, a glint of admiration in their deep blue depths, the dark brows lifting in surprised pleasure.
    For the first time in her life, Nicole was grateful to be wearing a gown, outdated or not.
    “You’re far too beautiful to cry,” he murmured, reclaiming the handkerchief and gently drying her cheeks. “Further, you’re far too beautiful to be racing about London alone at night. Where were you headed?”
    Nicole moistened her lips, her mind totally unable to formulate a suitable lie.
    “What’s your