A/N: My apologies for the delay on getting this updated. Trying to update more frequently now. A big thanks to my beta nurs3gir1. Here's part two to my belated birthday gift for Jamesluver's birthday. Enjoy and please review.

She looked over the arrangement of flowers that had been left on her doorstep. A selection of white lilies with a white ribbon tied neatly in a bow around the neck of the glass vase. They were lovely, she couldn't deny that, though she doubted they were for her. She hadn't received flowers in...well ever… if she were being quite honest. Maybe once or twice from a boy when she was a little girl, but it was usually a handful that had been ripped from the earth in haste, with it's roots tangled and covered in dirt. Still the flowers somehow lost their significance when the one who delivered them would lose interest in her as quickly as they had attained it. Sadly, Anna had always been suspicious of the intentions of the opposite sex after an unfortunate encounter with her stepfather as a young girl. It was from that point on that she kept a wide berth of her male counterparts.

Anna admired them a little closer, searching through the blossoms in vain for a card or some indication as to whom they had come from. Perhaps someone from the office had gotten wind of the phone call she received the day before and sent them. But if that were the case, why wouldn't they have left a card to tell her who it was from?

Her fingers set to work, typing away on her mobile to check on her roommate. Much as she hated to interrupt Gwen's time with Mr. Harding, Anna couldn't let this mystery go unsolved. She just wanted to check if there was any chance the flowers weren't for her, but for her friend. But if they weren't for her roommate, who would they have come from? After all, Gwen hadn't come home from an evening out with her beau yet. After a few moments of suspense Anna's phone pinged and the text back indicated that Gwen wasn't expecting any, nor had she sent them.

Somebody must know who sent them or had seen who sent them she thought to herself. Just then Anna had an idea. She exited the flat and quickly made her way down the hallway to the neighbor's door. Albeit, she may not be the most reliable source, but Mrs Patmore was the only person that Anna knew had been home all day and might have seen who delivered the flowers. She knocked on the door, and a few seconds later the older woman answered it. Mrs Patmore was a short, stout woman with a hint of red hair and a smattering of grey sprinkled in it. She was usually well aware of everyone's comings and goings in the neighborhood, but her vision had been failing her as of late.

"Who is it?" she asked with her eyes straining to recognize the blur standing in front of her. The older woman's head was turned slightly to the left so her good ear could recognize the voice.

"Good morning Mrs Patmore. It's me, Anna...from down the hall." Mrs Patmore looked as if she were having a hard time placing the name. Anna couldn't blame her, she hadn't been around the flat much the last few months, and she'd only interacted with their neighbor once or twice after she'd moved in with Gwen. "I'm Gwen's roommate," she reminded. God. She really did need to interact with society more.

"Of course. You'll have to excuse me, it's been sometime," Mrs Patmore greeted her warmly.

"Completely understandable. I'm just as guilty for not stopping by more."

"Can I help you with something, dear?"

"I'm sorry to be bothering you, but I had a delivery dropped off…"

"A delivery you say?" Mrs Patmore interrupted.

"Yes, that's right. Sometime this morning…"

"What was it?"

"Flowers," Anna answered a little flustered at being interrupted again.

"From a gentleman caller?" Mrs Patmore inquired with raised eyebrows.

Doubtful, Anna thought to herself. "I don't know really. That's just it. There was no card in the flowers and I was wondering if you saw who came by."

"Well, my eyes aren't what they used to be…"

Anna's shoulders slumped in defeat. Although if one were to ask her why she couldn't have explained it for certain. It was as if she were missing someone she had never even met.

"And you know I hate to appear nosey...but…"

Suddenly Anna's features came to life once more with renewed hope. "Yes…"

"Well it was a man, he was about yay tall," she said trying to indicate with her hand a height that overshot her small frame. "A little over six feet, fair skin, a medium build, and dark hair."

Anna mulled the description over and found herself smirking. "Did you maybe see a logo or company name on his shirt?"

"No, my eyes aren't that sharp. Cataracts," she commented.

"Did you perhaps see it on the vehicle he was driving?" Anna asked.

"I don't recall a vehicle, in fact it almost sounded as if he were on a bicycle."

"A bicycle?" He must be a delivery boy she surmised. "Do you remember anything else?"

"I'm afraid that's it," Mrs Patmore replied. "If I think of anything else, I'll let you know."

"Thank you, Mrs Patmore."

"Anytime."

Anna left Mrs Patmore's flat on a mission. There could only be so many flower shops in the area with delivery boys on bicycles. Surely one of them could confirm if they had stopped by her flat this morning.

Anna waited anxiously as the dial tone of the phone echoed in her ear, this was the last flower shop on her very short list of places in and around town. The last few places she called had confirmed no deliveries were made to her address. Finally a voice responded on the other end of the phone.

"Bill's Blooms. This is Bill speaking, how can I help you?"

"Oh, hello. My name is Anna and I recently received a delivery of flowers, but there's no card to indicate where or who it came from. I just wanted to see if anyone from your shop might have dropped them off. I'd very much like to thank whoever sent them." She hoped she didn't sound too eager, or worse, desperate.

Bill smiled warmly at her words, he recognized that tone of voice better than most. It was as if she were reaching out for a life preserve in the middle of an ocean. That voice of longing; the desire to connect with someone. The old man shuffled over to the delivery log, he hadn't been one to make the switch over to computers yet. It wasn't that he couldn't operate them, but he felt there was a loss in the personal touch that using paper and pencil offered. Thankfully, John and Alfred didn't make a fuss over the matter. "Can I get your address please dear?"

Anna provided the number and street, then waited patiently as she heard bill mutter the address over and over to himself. She could almost hear his finger sliding down the paper and turning the page as he double checked.

"When did you say you got them dear?"

"Sometime early this morning," Anna responded faster than she anticipated.

"I don't see anything in the log here, I'm sorry to say. But I didn't open the shop today. It's possible our delivery man received the order and didn't get the chance to log it yet. Either that or the sender chose to remain anonymous. I can check with him when he gets back."

Atleast he hadn't said no, she thought to herself. Still she couldn't help sounding a bit let down. "I understand."

"Let me get your number and I'll be sure to give you a call when he comes in, probably wouldn't be until close to lunchtime. He had a delivery across town, and it takes a bit on bicycle."

Anna's eyes lit up at that remark. "A bicycle you say?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Thanks for all your help, Bill."

"You're quite welcome. Have a lovely day, Anna."

John returned from his delivery run and began to check off his stops from the log. Bill snuck up behind him and slid a cup of tea over towards John. "How was it outside?"

"Not bad, bit of a chill in the air, but my coat kept me warm."

"Well here is something to warm your bones. I made it just the way you like."

"Thanks," John said as he took a long sip from the cup. "How were things here? Any new orders?"

"It's been pretty quiet. There was a phone call earlier from a lady named, Anna. She was calling around trying to find a shop that delivered her flowers. I didn't find anything on the log, but I told her I'd check with you when you returned." Bill removed the piece of folded paper from his pocket and laid it on the countertop for John to see.

John hoped his facial expression didn't betray him. He immediately recognized the address, but he hadn't expected the receiver to call. John supposed he should have seen this coming. In truth, he never thought she'd comb through the internet and call around to every place within a 30 mile radius. "I recognize it alright," he said trying to sound nonchalant. "The sender wanted to remain anonymous." He lifted the cup of tea to his mouth once more and tried to appear busier than usual.

"That's a shame."

"Why do you say that?" John inquired. His eyes pretended to follow the words on the morning paper, but his ears were very much alert to Bill's next response.

"I don't know. Something about the way she spoke. You'd think she'd been pinning all her hopes on finding out who sent them. Sounded like a woman who hadn't received flowers in a long time."

John sat there unsure of what to say next. He felt both a sense of pride for being able to give this person something she hadn't been given in awhile, but also felt horrible that she was expecting an answer as to whom sent her these flowers. And now she'd be left feeling unfulfilled when he told her that the sender wished to remain anonymous.

"I told her I'd give her a call once I spoke to you. I guess I'd better get on that."

Poor Anna, he thought to himself. John debated the next words that came out of his mouth. After all, he had been the one to make the delivery. "I can handle it, Bill."

Bill had just begun to fumble around with the phone and paused to look rather curiously at John. "You sure?"

"I promise to let her down gently," John commented.

"Please do," Bill replied.

"I just have to finish up helping Alfred with the van then I'll make the call," he promised.

Bill returned to nursing his cup of tea while John stepped outside to prepare the van for a larger delivery that afternoon. He fondly tapped Alfred on the shoulder, who had been watering the plants, and signaled for him to help. "We'll just work on this afternoon's delivery for the Peterson wedding," John called out over his shoulder. He zipped up his jacket to keep warm and placed his newsboy cap back on before heading outside.

John carefully loaded each of the centerpieces into the delivery van. Alfred came out shortly after to assist with the bouquets and garland. He was a young lad with bright red hair and a good head on his shoulders. John had a feeling this was a part-time job until a slot opened up for him at the London culinary school. Alfred missed his chance earlier in the year when he tried to pursue a girl named Ivy. They were never serious, they were never even a couple come to think of it. Still John had to give the young man credit for trying. He had never found a woman that made him want to give everything up.

"Excuse me…" a small voice called out from behind them. Anna shuffled nervously from one foot to another.

Alfred turned around first and after giving Anna a look over he elbowed John gently in the ribs to get his attention.

Anna cleared her throat and managed a smirk as she combed her hair behind her ear.

It was at that moment that John turned around and saw the gorgeous, petite, blonde standing in front of him. He now understood why his colleague was still rendered speechless. Someone had to say something, unfortunately it was not going to come from either of the men present.

"I didn't mean to bother you," she quickly began to apologize. Perhaps coming in person hadn't been the best idea. But curiosity had gotten the better of her and she didn't have anywhere else to go today. Anna was beginning to lose her nerve and wanted to walk away but then the older of the two men removed his cap. His hazel eyes met her blue eyes, and she felt a warmth overtake her body, despite the chill in the air. He offered a half smile, and she thought her legs might fail her when the corners of his eyes crinkled. Suddenly words failed her, she'd forgotten her purpose.

"You were saying?" Alfred inquired.

"I...oh...ummm." She had become tongue tied, her eyes never wavering from the older fellow. He had kind features, the likes of which she'd never observed before on any other man. They were a stark contrast to his frame and stature that reminded her of an officer. He certainly wasn't the type she expected to be working in the flower business. "I didn't mean to bother you, it's just I received some flowers, possibly from your shop, and I didn't find a card with the delivery. I was hoping one of you could help me."

"We'll certainly do our very best," the older fellow replied in a kind timbre.

"I'm sorry Mister…"

"I'm John Bates, ma'am," he filled in the blank for her as he eagerly extended his hand to shake.

John. So that's his name. Why should it matter? What made this man so fascinating to her? Anna couldn't help but be mesmerized by him. His hand felt warm in her own despite the cool air blowing outside. It was coarse compared to her own, but the ruggedness of his skin was a comfort. She couldn't help but stare at the way his hand seemed to consume her own in his firm, but gentle grip. "I'm Anna Smith," she responded shyly. Her lips slowly quirked into a smile. Their hands released, the loss of contact was felt instantly. The instant spark lost, but not the flips that her stomach was doing as she stood there silently. She used her free hand to push a loose hair back behind her ear. "I spoke to the owner earlier, he said there wasn't anything in the logs. He was going to check with his delivery man and call me back, but...well I didn't have anything to do today and I couldn't wait to find out." God she must sound pathetic, she thought to herself. Even replaying the words in her head made her cringe. Nothing else to do today. So impatient, desperate, or possibly full of herself that she couldn't wait to find out who her secret admirer was. At that moment, Anna wanted nothing more than for a hole to appear beneath her and the floor to swallow her up.

John's eyes widened in surprise, there was a moment of realization and then his whole body seemed to stiffen. He averted his eyes before she had a chance to read his features and looked over to the younger lad. "Why don't you finish loading the van, Alf. I'll see if I can help out Mrs. Smith," John instructed.

"I really didn't mean to be a bother," she said apologetically.

"It's quite alright," John said genuinely.

"And it's Miss Smith," she corrected.

Alfred set back to work and shot John a smile over his shoulder.

John held open the door for Anna as he ushered her inside where she could keep warm. He reached for the log, though he had no intention of going through it. He knew damn well who those flowers came from and he wasn't about to tell her. Not now that he could see her up close and in the flesh. Anna was somewhat occupied as she glimpsed around the small shop, stopping here and there to admire the different flowers and arrangements. It was a welcome break, John selfishly took a few seconds to admire the gorgeous creature flitting about his work place, much like a hummingbird. "Where is it you live Miss Smith?" he inquired.

"38 Bennet Street. It's right across…"

"From Downton Park. Yes, I know the area." He answered a little too quickly. "We make deliveries all the time," he added. John hadn't expected her to go to such lengths to find out who made the delivery. If he didn't speak up she'd spend the rest of her day trying to figure out where the flowers came from and he couldn't do that to her. John closed the log and took a glance outside to make sure Alfred was still loading up the van. "Miss Smith…"

"Anna is fine," she said with a smile.

The look on her face should have put him at ease, but instead he felt like his stomach was in knots. "Anna...I made the delivery."

"Oh...then you must know who sent them."

"I'm sorry, but the sender wanted to remain anonymous."

"Anonymous? Surely you can tell me…"

"Fraid not."

"Why ever not?" she asked.

"Now what kind of employee would I be if I didn't honor our customer's wishes?"

She was about to say something more, but she couldn't exactly argue with that point. Still, Anna had to know who had sent them. Even if it was just a hint, she could figure it out from there.

Sensing her dissatisfaction at his argument John had to find a way to flip the script on her. "If you don't mind my asking, what is it you do, Anna?"

Anna pursed her lips together. "I'm a partner at a legal firm."

"Well then think of it as attorney/client privilege, but for florists."

"What is there some sort of florist oath?" she shot back.

He chuckled at that. "Nothing quite that severe."

Anna smiled at that. She certainly had respect for a person that took such pride in their work, and she wouldn't want to place him in a position that would put his job at risk. Anna thought she might be able to appeal to his softer side. Surely he could understand that. "I just wanted to be able to thank whoever sent them."

The corner of John's lip quirked upward. "You enjoyed the flowers then?"

"Yes. Very much so."

"Well, then I did my job. I'll be sure to pass your sentiments along."

Anna nodded her head slowly in acceptance.

He should have just told her it was him. The voice at the back of John's mind was chiding him for initiating this whole thing. But now that he'd had the chance to see her up close his mouth had been robbed of words. If he told her the truth she'd probably think him creepy, or so he'd convinced himself. When he noticed she was staring at him John cleared his throat. "Can I help you with anything else?" he offered.

"I guess not." Anna stepped forward to shake his hand. "Thank you for your help."

"You're welcome," he muttered as she walked out the door.