Bert watched Mary float away.
"Good-bye Mary Poppins. Don't stay away too long." She turned around and Bert's smile widened. He loved Mary, had for years. But she was a magical woman and, for all her manners, a wild thing as well. Bert had known her long enough, loved her long enough, to know that right now, he was allowed to look on, love her from a distance, and hope that one day she'd stay. He was permitted no more and no less.
"Bert turned back to his kite stand, unhitching the first one there for a little girl. He surveyed the park. There were Jane and Michael with their family, just over on top of the hill. He grinned when he saw Mr. Banks with his children. Bert's own father had been less that present during his childhood. Jane looked over at Bert and waved. He waved back, tipping his hat to the little lady.
"One red kite, sir." said a cool female voice behind him. Bert stood stock-still, then slowly spun to face his new customer. There stood Mary Poppins, barely concealing a smile. Bert quickly untied a red diamond kite and held out the string. Mary took it and pulled her tiny purse from her carpetbag,
"How much will that be?" she asked. Bert shook his head,
"No charge for a pretty lady such as yourself." he said. Mary's lips pressed together,
"Sir, your compliment is much appreciated, but—" Bert pulled her into his arms. Without one more word, he kissed her. It was quick but Bert did his best to impress. When he pulled away, Mary's eyes were shut and her lips just barely parted. She didn't move for a moment and Bert worried that he'd somehow mistaken the mood of the meeting. Then, Mary's white gloved hand reached up and gently cupped his cheek,
"Bert Poppins, perfect in every way." Bert pressed a kiss to her palm,
"That I am, wife." Mary smiled. Then she said,
"Husband, you might want to let me go or people will start to talk." Indeed, with Mary practically swept into a dip and the scant inch between their noses, they were attracting something of a crowd. Bert smiled,
"Let them stare." And he kissed her again.