Winter's Love

Dinner and Sugar Cookies

Faith looked anxious when Emma first dropped her off at her new school. They met the principal who was a lovely older woman trying to put Faith at ease. She had freshly baked cookies shaped like Christmas trees on her desk. Faith took one and instantly her face lit up. After that meeting things went more smoothly. She dared to leave her niece at her new school for the day and went into town to do some much-needed shopping. In the back of her mind, William's cocky face popped up. Mocking her for enjoying this too much.

She met him once, it was silly how often she thought about his smug look and his arrogant tone. Tall with broad shoulders, the brightest green eyes she had ever seen and an amazing dog. She hated him just for being all that. She rather not meet him again. It was a childish thought, she was aware of it but if she put her mind to it she probably could limit their encounters.

She had to try hard to avoid him.

Taking a deep breath Emma took a moment to take in the shopping street. Left and right little boutiques were bustling with the daily flow of tourists but also the local people who were doing some Christmas shopping already. Two weeks till Christmas and the lights and decorations were everywhere. She was sure Faith would enjoy this.

The town was very much alive and she needed a coffee before she did anything else. She had one at home, but she needed an extra push before she started her shopping spree. Her eye caught a bakery a few people were seated inside, drinking a hot beverage and talking to their friends or family. It looked cozy with a yellow and green color scheme. Stepping inside the bakery she was invited by the scent of freshly brewed coffee. Strolling to the counter, she waited in line, checking her phone. Once it was her turn she pocketed her phone which kept vibrating now due to her replying to messages.

She walked right into that trap, she'd check her phone later.

The barista behind the counter with a full ginger beard, a warm smile and fashionably styled hair had a knowing glint in his eyes. Clearing her throat awkwardly her eyes scanned the big menus behind him. Everything on the menu looked intriguing but she was a person of habit. Despite her curiosity, she still ordered a cappuccino with an extra shot. The barista took her order and gestured for her to wait at the counter next to him.

As she waited for her paper cup she turned to look out the window. She had to buy some winter clothes for Faith, cute ones which she'd love to wear. She also needed new clothes, these designer clothe she were made her feel powerful but they couldn't keep her warm. She was sure she'd find a store that sold high-end fashion brands and still managed to keep her alive in the mountain. She also wanted to decorate the house. Not quite like the town, it looked like Santa threw up over the place. But some decorations wouldn't hurt. Maybe she could look up alone how to make Christmas cookies too which would light up Faith's face.

She deserved that. Faith would probably enjoy making them and maybe Snow would join them too. Shaking her head at how silly it was that Snow became part of their family already she grabbed the cup of coffee and opened it. On auto-pilot, she prepared her cappuccino the way she liked. One pack of brown sugar. Tossing the flimsy wooden spoon away she cautiously closed her paper cup and took it with her outside. The minute she stepped out of the bakery she was hit with the cold air in her face.

It freaking hurt.

She clenched her jaw together, trying to fight the cold. She couldn't let it stop her from her mission. Taking a sip from her hot beverage she started her mission. First thing first, new clothes for Faith.

***

Hiding his amused smile William pulled his hands away from the woman who accidentally brushed her hands against his while taking the bouquet he arranged for her. The woman had a family dinner to attend. The host of the dinner party was her mother-in-law who disliked her. He could feel the negative energy radiating off the woman dressed in a teal faux-fur coat, tight skinny jeans, and a white turtle neck. Her black hair curled at the ends and tossed to the side, revealing her expensive diamond earrings. This woman enjoyed shopping as a hobby, she didn't have any other interests in life much like the woman struggling outside his flower shop.

He felt her chaotic energy before he even spotted her. She was all over the place, carrying tons of bags while struggling to keep her balance. He tried hard not to laugh or smile but one look at her and he just lost it. The woman before him who subtly tried to flirt with him but failed didn't seem to appreciate that his attention was elsewhere.

She cleared her throat, "William, you should join us for drinks sometime. We'd love to have you over."

He doubted her husband felt the same way. The famous architect whose ego could barely make it through the same door as him didn't hide how much he despised William. He knew the architect struggled with a lot more than just his wife's promiscuous ways. They used to hang out in the same group in high school. Most of them parted ways and focused on their careers. The architect is one of those who did everything in his power to earn fame and power. Yet he always reminded William how he was a fool for not doing anything with his fancy degree and background.

He wasted his time, talent and family's money with his little pet project. It was when William decided that they'd never meet eye to eye and it was best to move on. The architect didn't get him and he was tired to explain to him why he never a choice to do anything with his education. So the woman before him was lying through her teeth. No doubt planning something devious to get her husband's attention.

He wasn't going to be part of their little game. It was even more tiring than dealing with the princess living next door in her glass castle. Snow perked up from his dog bed behind him. The lazy guy had been dozing off all day. The woman before him unconsciously stepped back, he could feel the anxiousness radiating off her.

"Don't worry, Snow just recognized someone close to him."

He knew those words were going to haunt her until she knew who caught Snow's interest. It was devious of him to try and end their awkward conversation by insinuating they had someone important in their lives now.

But he wasn't perfect either. Sometimes he enjoyed riling people up too. It was his human side as his father would say, snickering as if he told the best joke in the world.

The door opened and in came the princess who struggled with the many shopping bags in her hands. Snow left his side and immediately walked over to her. Instantly her face lit up and the chaotic energy around her evaporated. She awkwardly bend down, nearly knocking over the vases on the counter on her right. She didn't seem to notice which made him smirk. She ran her fingers through Snow's thick coat and greeted him enthusiastically.

The woman before him took the luxurious bouquet out of his hands with a tug, clearly upset with the development which took place in his little flower shop. She held her nose up, looking exactly like the spoiled woman her mother-in-law always called her. Of course, amongst many other colorful words, but he wouldn't repeat them.

"Think about the invitation, William, isn't it about time you and Bruce move on? You've been friends since high school. Something as precious as that shouldn't be tossed aside so carelessly."

He glanced back at her, flashing her a smile, "Sometimes what's broken can't be glued back together with false kindness, Anna."

The princess squealed, giggling as Snow kept licking her fingers. They were getting close and they just met. He knew Snow couldn't stand back and watch the princess and Faith drown in misery. Snow always had been good, wanting to help those who were screaming silently for help.

"I don't think I've met her before."

"She's new." He informed her, "Became my new neighbor only yesterday and already won over Snow's heart. She's special." He then looked back at Anna, "You don't want to run late, you know how upset she'll get. You should go." His eyes flickered to the bouquet he made to impress her mother-in-law, "The lavender should calm things down a bit."

Anna glanced down, a smile spreading across her face as she sniffed the bouquet, "It smells so good."

A little kindness seeped into her and made her look a lot warmer than the cold-hearted ice-queen she always portrayed to be. Many years ago Anna had been a warm and kind person, but he figured the years of dealing with the stress of her husband's career and the dislike she received of his family made her who she was today. Bitter and vengeful. He wanted to help but he wasn't wrong when he told Anna that sometimes things which were broken couldn't be glued back together.

"See you soon." Anna strolled off, bumping into the princess who had been paying attention to Snow and his neediness.

The princess nearly got knocked over, but a firm push from Snow to keep her steady was all she needed. She showered him with more affection than the dog could handle. One of these days Snow wouldn't even bother to come home anymore. He could feel it. The princess looked up, finally looking at him. She couldn't hide her surprise. She glanced around, taking in the shop. It was decorated in many vases holding the flowers he used to create bouquets to give people a little extra happiness in their lives. When she glanced back at him she looked more at ease. She strode to the counter with confident steps.

"Good afternoon, William."

"Good afternoon." He greeted back, "I see you bought everything this town has to offer."

A flicker of anger flashed through her eyes. He bit back a smirk seeing his words got to her.

"Barely." She glanced around the shop again, "Your shop is lovely. It smells amazing in here."

He didn't expect her to compliment him, but when he glanced down he could tell that Snow was near. Her hand gently resting on top of his head.

"I see you're very close to my dog."

She pulled her hand away, looking guilty for petting him. Snow seemed sad about it, casually strolling to him and laying back on his dog bed.

"That was just an observation." He told the princess whose good mood seemed to falter, "And since you are getting along with my dog so well I figure we should get to know each other too. How about you and little Faith come over for dinner tonight? I think the two of us got off on the wrong foot."

She tilted her head to the side, thinking over his offer, "But we can't glue something back together which is already broken, right?"

She said with a straight face, her eyes glittering with mischief. She thought she got him, but unlike her, he didn't get affected by what other people thought of him. It's why Bruce was always upset with him. His old friend's words just never affected him. He was perfectly okay with how his life was going and what he achieved so far. He didn't need more nor did he need to bask in the approval and acknowledgment of others.

"Come on, I'm sure Faith would love to come over and hang out with Snow." He noticed the hostility disappearing, Emma sighed glancing around the shop looking out of place for the first time. He might have embarrassed her a little with bringing up Faith. He knew it was unfair of him but it was the push she needed to come over, "I'm pretty good at cooking, I promise."

She glanced back at him, "I can believe that." Her words sounded genuine, the softness in her eyes disarming him completely, "This place feels like home."

He tried hard to fill this place with positive energy, trying to help his customers by giving them a little warmth and comfort in the shape of a bouquet.

"Miss Dixon."

She was hoisting up her shopping bags, ready to leave without even accepting his invitation. He was more determined than that. He made a promise to Snow and he intended to keep it. He didn't want his dog to hold a grudge forever.

"Hm?"

"Hold on a second."

She hesitated, but as she watched him put together a small white bouquet her eyes widened in surprise.

"I didn't order anything." She reminded him, her voice sounding breathy and quiet.

He ignored her with a smile, quickly putting together a little something. White roses, white lilies, blue delphinium, and a few snowdrops. He pushed in a few green leaves to break off all the color and handed her the bouquet. He knew it would support her little family, giving them the comfort they needed in their difficult, chaotic time. It wouldn't provide them with a miracle, the big changes needed to come from them. He'd make sure to be around to support them and guide them when they needed guidance. Snow would be there too.

"For the little Faith."

He kept using Faith as an excuse, only because he loved watching her squirm. Her facial expressions were hilarious when she got disarmed completely.

"T-Thank you." She then glanced down at her bags, "I don't think they'll survive with me though."

He glanced over his shoulder, "Snow, watch the shop for me for a second."

Snow got off his dog bed and walked around the counter, sitting right beside Emma and watching the shop carefully. Emma looked at him in awe.

"He is such a good doggie." She whispered.

He chuckled, walking around the counter too. He placed the bouquet on the counter and grabbed the shopping bags from her which were surprisingly heavy. He joked when he told her she bought everything from their little town, but as he lifted the bags he couldn't help but wonder if she did try to buy everything they had to offer.

"Oh, you don't have to do that." She muttered weakly.

She wanted his help but she kept that to herself not wanting to be seen as weak. Asking for help didn't mean you were weak though. He ignored her completely and walked out of the shop knowing she'd follow him. He didn't have to wait long, within a few seconds she was walking beside him with the bouquet in her hands and a smile spread across her face.

He had to admit that she looked pretty with her face lit up with happiness. The bouquet was already doing its job. He couldn't help but be proud of himself. He did that with only the use of positive energy and the flowers he grew with care in his garden.

"So, it's Faith's first day at school." He tried to start a conversation, the walk to her car was kind of awkward with them being quiet. It was a longer walk than he thought.

"It is." She sighed, longingly looking at the bouquet in her hands, "She was nervous and when I left and looked back at her I just saw how sad she looked. It was hard leaving her there, I mean the sugar cookies helped but she won't be kept comfortable and safe by mere sugar cookies, you know."

He had no idea what she was talking about. He didn't understand how the conversation transitioned to them talking about cookies.

"Most of those things are for Faith. I also bought the ingredients for the sugar cookies. We might be able to make them tonight. I haven't baked anything in my life before but I'm sure we can manage following a recipe."

He smiled, this was the opportunity he needed to give her the push she needed.

"You never accepted my invitation." He tried to hide his amusement when he heard her little gasp. She tried to hide it by covering it up with a cough, but it was too late. He heard it already, "So how about dinner and a masterclass in how to bake the perfect sugar cookie?"

She stopped in her tracks, narrowing her eyes on him, "Why are you trying so hard?" She asked, "I know you don't like me."

"I'm not trying too hard." He knew that was a lie because he was kind of manipulating her to hang out with him, but it was all for a good cause he kept telling himself, "I'm trying to be a good neighbor and I don't dislike you. I find you an interesting woman." He then held up the shopping bags he carried for her, "Let's put them away shall we?"

She looked embarrassed but didn't apologize, she merely quickened her pace. When they reached her car she opened the trunk and quickly helped him load everything in. He closed the trunk and watched her carefully as they stood there awkwardly staring at each other.

"We'll come over." She said barely above a whisper, "I'm sure it will help Faith's mood. No doubt she'll come home all cranky and upset. Settling into a new town and going to a new school isn't easy, especially for a child. She already had a lot to deal with at home, I just want her to be comfortable here."

He didn't question her, it would ruin the mood. She already was hesitant to spend time with him, he didn't want to scare her. She'd open up on her own eventually. He just had to be there for her. He'd start with dinner and cookies.

"See you tonight, Emma."

She looked surprised hearing him say her name. Smirking he stepped away from her and headed back to his flower shop. He could feel her eyes burning in his back and he kind of liked it.