Winter's Love

Great Neighbours

Emma had a beautiful bouquet waiting to be put in water in her passenger seat while she leaned against the side of her car, patiently waiting for Faith to join her. Any minute now her niece would walk out and they could head home. She was anxious, hoping Faith was in a good mood. She noticed as she stood there in the freaking cold that the other mothers were glancing at her. Giving her the side-eye and sticking up their noses in the air. They were judging her without even know who the hell she was. She pushed away from the door and stood straight, flicking her hair back and giving them a confident smile.

They wouldn't bully her into waiting in her car like a shy little girl. She was a freaking famous writer with a fat bank account. She could afford a whole new life without thinking twice about it. She had an amazing family. Sure, her career was currently on hold but she'd push through.

Maybe it was wishful thinking but she wouldn't allow anyone to bully her into doubting herself.

While she was getting her confidence back Faith was crumbling down. Her niece who ran out of the school building as if it was on fire, ignored her completely and started pulling the door to the car. She wanted to hide from the rest of the world. Her heart broke seeing the devastated look on Faith's face.

Grabbing her hand, Emma made the little girl look at her. Faith was near tears. She nearly cried too seeing Faith so unhappy. She cupped Faith's little face and made sure her niece looked her in the eyes. The first day of school could be tough, but they could get through this. She was sure of it. They just needed to support each other.

"Sweetie, talk to me."

Faith closed her eyes tightly, "I miss mom!"

She couldn't hold that against her niece, during difficult times it was perfectly okay for Faith to want her mom. Sara hadn't contacted her yet, she figured her sister needed a little more time before she was capable of talking to her daughter without breaking down. She didn't want Faith to hear or see her in her weak state.

"I miss her too." Emma admitted to Faith, "But right now your mom needs time to get her strength back. She is working hard to become stronger, we should do what we can to help her."

Faith glanced down at her feet, "I need her." She mumbled.

Emma sighed, pulling Faith into a tight hug. Her niece didn't expect that, the air leaving her by the sudden tight hug. A little giggle left her lips as she wrapped her arms around Emma too.

"I promise you we'll call Sara soon. Let's get through this week together. We'll call Sara this weekend. Then we'll have a lot to share with her. I'm sure your mom has a lot to share with us too."

Faith tightened her grip on her, "Mom is sad right now because of dad, right?"

She didn't want to lie to Faith, she knew the kid was smarter than that, "Yes, your dad left without saying anything or explaining why he had to leave. It's hard to deal with that. I'm sure you're confused too. Just know that your mom and I will always be here for you."

Faith pulled out of the hug and dried the tears which did roll down her cheeks.

"No one talked to me today." She told Emma in a shaky voice, "They all ignored me."

Emma knew how cruel kids could be. Faith was the new kid who's parents weren't here. She was sure the kids would use that to keep their distance. If she was right about all these stuck-up moms things could get pretty intense for Faith. She wanted to do something to help her, she just needed to figure out how. She'd come up with a game plan later. First, they needed to head home, freshen up, put the beautiful flowers in a vase and join William and Snow.

That would cheer Faith up.

"I ran into William earlier."

That perked Faith up, her eyes widened and the tears completely dried, "You did?"

She nodded, "He owns a flower shop in town. It's beautiful, we should visit his shop together. I'm sure you'll love it."

"Can we go this weekend?" Faith asked, completely forgotten about the lousy day she had so far.

Emma was a bit jealous. William and his dog captured Faith's heart. She knew their tall and mysterious neighbor was handsome. The problem was that he knew that too. His answers were always with a hint of mischief, his eyes always glittering playfully. He played people, pushing them around his chessboard to amuse him. She knew there was a kindness to him too which made him even more dangerous. While she wanted to keep her distance from William, Faith wanted to grow closer to him. Latching onto him because of his amazing dog.

"How about we ask William later." She tried to hide her smile as she brushed a few of the stray locks which fell from Faith's braid back, "He invited us over for dinner. He also mentioned something about baking sugar cookies, Christmas themed."

Faith's jaw dropped. She jumped up and down, looking so freaking excited Emma melted all over. She couldn't help but pull her niece back in for a hug.

Laughing she brushed her hand gently over Faith's head, "So no more tears, okay?"

"Let's go home, aunt Em!"

Emma chuckled, pulling away from Faith and helping the girl open the door to the backseat. She made sure her niece was safely strapped into her seat and leaned in, pressing a kiss to her temple.

"First, we're heading home to freshen up. Then we'll head over to William's."

Faith didn't even protest. The girl was excited to meet with William and Snow. Seeing how happy Faith was about their night at their neighbor's Emma couldn't help but be excited too.

***

William arrived home a few minutes ago, he let Snow out and then started to prep for dinner. While he was putting the oven dish in the oven he felt it. The chaotic energy which belonged to Emma. Faith was doing better. Her energy felt positive, she was excited about something. When Snow perked up he figured Snow felt it too. His dog walked over to the sliding door leading to the garden. He wanted to check on girls. Sighing William walked over to his dog and slid the door open.

"Don't bother them, just observe," William warned him.

Snow barked at him once and then strolled out. He was seeing his dog less and less now the girls moved in. One of these days he needed to talk to Emma about co-parenting. Apparently, they now shared his dog.

He went back to his cooking. He made a cheesy casserole with minced meat, mushrooms, broccoli, bell peppers and a creamy sauce and layers of potatoes. He knew it would be a hit with Faith. It was comfort food. It needed to be baked in the oven for forty minutes. He made a fresh green salad and put all the ingredients for sugar cookies on the kitchen island.

He went up the spiral staircase to the master bedroom at the end of the hall. His bed was pushed against a navy wall. The bed a dark wood queen-sized bed. The covers made of silky cotton which was soft to the skin and cost a fortune. It was worth it though. The bedspread a navy color that was pushed to the end of the bed. The big windows at the right side of the bed looking over the garden. He could see Snow's paw prints in the snow, leading to the neighbor's garden.

He changed his clothes. He chose a black button-up shirt and dark jeans. He spritzed on some cologne and made sure his hair was in place. He tossed his worn clothes in the hamper and walked out of the bedroom. He heard his phone ring in the distance. He left the damn thing in the kitchen. He didn't rush, he headed downstairs barely missing the caller. He grabbed his phone and checked the missed call.

It was his cousin, Victor. The guy was supposed to be in the concrete city leading his billion-dollar company while indulging in all the sinful pleasures of life. Victor feared nothing, using his gift for his own pleasure. There were no actual consequences to it, those were just rumors made by people to instill fear in those who used their gifts. It was frowned upon to use your gifts to hurt others, but no one bothered to speak up if you did.

Calling Victor he eyed the garden to make sure neither Emma or Faith suddenly showed up. He rather not expose them to things they didn't understand. They were already in a very confusing place. He didn't need to add to their burdens.

"Will!" Victor greeted.

"You called?" William said getting straight to the point.

"You in a rush?" Victor asked.

He was ashamed he let it show to Victor, he was usually better at concealing his emotions.

"I'm expecting my neighbors to come over any minute now."

"I see, then I'll make it quick." Something in Victor's tone alerted him. His cousin sounded a lot more serious. His cousin rarely got this serious with him. Something was wrong. He put his guard up and intently listened to whatever his cousin has to say, "I had an unexpected visitor the other day."

"You want me to guess?" William asked sarcastically.

Victor chuckled, "You could try but I doubt you'll get it right."

William focused on Victor, trying to feel something. He could feel anxiety coming from his cousin but that was about it. Victor concealed it the minute he felt him poking around. He was getting sloppy these days with his gifts, he needed to practice them more otherwise he'd fall behind and become an easy target to someone with bad intentions.

He had Snow who had his back but at the moment his dog was occupied with the girls next door.

"You're slacking off, cousin." Victor warned him, "I pushed you out the minute you started poking around. Getting soft these days?"

"Get to the point, Victor." He growled.

Victor chuckled, "Calm down, just worried about you. He visited me the other day, he had some bullshit story to tell about being bored with life. He isn't challenged anymore. Dad warned him that family life isn't for everyone. Those who are ambitious will get tired of concealing who they are all the damn time. Dad warned him but he didn't listen."

William watched as Snow led Faith and Emma to their house. His eyes narrowed on the little girl who was laughing and following after his dog with a broad grin spread across her tiny glowing face. She was surrounded in a glowing positive energy, the warmth radiating off her filled with happiness. It then hit him. He nearly knocked over the bowl filled with healthy greens.

He made sure to settle the bowl on the counter, glancing at Emma and Faith who were closing in. He noticed how Emma observed him. She knew something was wrong. He was slacking off these days. He flashed her a smile, trying to cover up his emotions by putting on a mask of confidence.

"He got married to that girl he bumped into Vegas, right?"

Victor chuckled, "Can you imagine? The biggest asshole we know settling down. Dad was right."

"Of course he was right, his visions are always spot on. I need to go." He told Victor, "We continue this later, my neighbors are here."

"William!" Faith greeted, rushing in like a little happy tornado.

Victor laughed in his ear, "Oh, we're so having this conversation later."

He hung up the phone, pushing it into his back pocket and greeted Faith with just as much enthusiasm.

"Faith!" He walked over to her, smiling when she without warning wrapped her arms around him and tried to hug him. She barely reached his waist but held on anyway. As he looked down he chuckled as he noticed her standing on her toes to hug him, "Did the flowers survive?" He asked.

She glanced up at him, "Yes! They are amazing. The yellow flowers you gave us are becoming so big. Aunt Em said we should buy a new pot soon. Can we come over to your shop?" She asked.

Emma who entered the house, slid the door closed behind her. She successfully stopped the cold air from slipping in. She rubbed her arms, trying to warm herself up. He glanced down at Faith and grabbed her hands gently in his.

"Of course you can come over. I'm sure I can find you a pot for the yellow flowers. I'm going to make hot chocolate so you two can warm up."

"William is making hot chocolate." Faith told her aunt.

He was sure Emma heard him but Faith still rushed over to her aunt to inform her. It was hilarious watching Emma trying to keep her cool.

"Dinner is baking away in the oven." He told Emma, while that is getting ready we could watch a movie with hot chocolate." He suggested.

"Yes! A Christmas movie?" Faith asked.

"We have to watch a Christmas movie. I mean, hot chocolate on a cold day when it's nearly Christmas, that's the only option we have."

He was joking but Faith agreed with him, nodding her head to every word. She was cute. If his suspicions were right he couldn't believe it. She couldn't be his daughter, there was just no way. If she was, then Victor wasn't wrong about him. He was most definitely the biggest asshole around. Emma noticed him observing Faith and stepped closer, blocking her off and eyeing him suspiciously.

"You suggested to watch a Christmas movie, don't go back on it now." She warned him, "Faith is looking forward to it."

She spoke barely above a whisper. Currently, Faith was playing with Snow, oblivious to their conversation.

"I wouldn't dare." He told her.

She didn't look convinced, "Really?  You just looked like you wanted to break her heart."

"That would make me a jerk and despite what you think I do care, Emma."

She looked shocked, every time he said her name she looked at him as if she couldn't believe he was right there in front of her. Saying her name without being sarcastic. Her eyes flickered to the kitchen island filled with ingredients for their sugar cookies, spices and other things he used to make them a comforting, delicious dinner. Her eyes flickered back to him.

"You're right, I'm holding onto resentment which isn't right. Let's move on from our first meeting." She smiled at him and held out her hand, "I'm Emma Dixon, nice to meet you, William Winter."

He grabbed her hand and gave it a firm shake, "Nice to meet you, Emma. Welcome to our little town."

She glanced over her shoulder, observing Faith who settled on the couch while Snow was laying by her little feet. He was keeping close, distracting her from their conversation. He deserved a treat tonight. He'd make sure Snow knew he did appreciate him.

"I wish Faith would feel more welcome."

He knew something happened today. He felt it when the girls came home earlier today.

"Something happen at school?" He asked.

He grabbed the ingredients to make homemade hot chocolate. Emma joined him in the kitchen, watching him as he carefully poured milk into a pan. He decided to make hot chocolate with white chocolate. A dash of peppermint would put a surprised look on the girls' faces. They'd love it and amuse him with their funny facial expressions. Aunt and niece had similar facial expressions, there was no doubt about them being related.

"She had a bad first day at school. She didn't feel welcome at all. They all ignored her." She whispered, "I feel terrible. She wanted to talk to her mother, but my sister needs a little more time before she can talk to her daughter. She doesn't want Faith to hear her cry, you know."

He didn't know. He wasn't aware of their struggles after all. He could put one and one together because of their energy levels though. They were struggling with family issues. It became clear to him that the biggest asshole might be involved in this. This would become a freaking mess but if he tried to walk away from it Snow would get upset with him.

"I just can't believe no one talked to her once. I mean, look at her." Emma's voice got a bit louder which made Faith glance at them. They both flashed her reassuring smiles, trying to help her settle again. Snow leaned his head on her lap which distracted her again, "She's freaking adorable." She muttered.

William chuckled. He could call her biased but she wasn't wrong. Faith was an adorable girl whose heart was in the right place. He also knew how tough it could be to be the new kid. The kids all formed their little groups, they rarely could welcome someone new into their groups. However, he knew he could help with this one.

"I have a friend whose kid also goes to Faith's school. How about we introduce them to each other. Knowing someone will help her feel a little more settled at school, right?"

"That would help." Emma agreed.

William poured the hot chocolate into three cups and then grabbed a bag of microwave popcorn, "Popcorn?" He asked.

She smiled, "Ah, you're not going to make it from scratch?" She teased.

"Shut up, I deserve a break once in a while too."

She grabbed two cups and winked at him, "Go for it, I'll take this to the living room."

Once the popcorn was ready he poured it into a big bowl, grabbed his cup of hot chocolate and joined the girls in the living room. Emma had helped herself, she was changing channels in search of a Christmas movie. They settled on a family movie about a female Santa Claus. Faith seemed to enjoy it so they settled on the couch, eating popcorn and sipping hot chocolate.

The scene warmed his heart in a way he didn't want to think about. He couldn't like this, he was merely helping them. Once they settled in their ways he had to create some distance between them. He didn't want to end up like that freaking asshole who found out years later that the mundane human life he chose wasn't fun at all. It ruined more lives than he could ever imagine.

***

Pop music was playing in the background, the music chill and very comforting. Emma song along to the songs, smiling back at William whenever he met her gaze. Something shifted between them. He was a lot nicer, his smiles seemed more sincere and his eyes filled with warmth. He was teaching them how to bake the perfect sugar cookie. She paid close attention, she wanted to learn so she could do this together with Faith again. It would help them bond.

Her eyes flickered to the girl between them. She might have had a hard day at school William and Snow helped her move past it. Every time she glanced at her niece she noticed how brightly she was smiling. Once they were done decorating the cookies they had to set it aside, letting it set. Emma picked up her phone, checking the time.

"Faith, we need to head home soon. You have school in the morning." She reminded her niece.

Faith didn't even seem to care. She focused on William instead, "And the cookies, Will?"

He chuckled, "How about the three of us meet at a coffee shop in town after school tomorrow?" He flickered his eyes to Emma, giving her a firm nod.

William mentioned he knew someone whose kid went to the same school as Faith. He was probably thinking of setting up a meeting. He was a man of his word. She didn't want to like him. Sure, they agreed to start over but deep down she never really forgave him for mocking her lifestyle. He needed to fall out of grace again.

There was no way she'd start being overly friendly with William Winter.

She noticed the glittering in William's eyes. Sometimes it felt like he could read her mind. He confused her and scared her a little too. William chuckled, glancing down at Faith again.

"Your aunt just agreed. So I'll bring over the cookies tomorrow."

"I can't wait." Faith told him.

"It's worth the wait, I promise." That was a big promise William made but Faith seemed excited about it, "These cookies will be the best you ever had."

Faith nodded, "I think so too."

Emma snorted, "Okay, we have to go Faith. So bye to William and Snow."

Without warning Faith hugged William, holding tightly onto him. It was cute seeing her stand on her toes to reach his waist. He hugged her back and pulled away, letting her say night to Snow too. While Faith was having a conversation with the weirdly human-dog Emma locked eyes with the smirking William.

"So, coffee tomorrow?"

"Is it the yellow and green coffee shop?"

He grinned, "It is, he owns the place. His kid goes to the same school as Faith. I'm sure they'll hit it off. It'll be nice to know someone at school."

"Thanks, we'll meet you there tomorrow. We can make it around four."

"I'll be there." He promised

She took in the state of his kitchen, feeling guilty they were leaving him with the mess.

"Don't worry about it," William told her.

Once again it felt like he read her mind. She bit her lip nervously, not sure how to respond to that. William couldn't be inside her mind. He'd see how much she was struggling with their weird newly established friendship. It would make her appear weak, that was the last thing she wanted.

"Relax, Emma, go put Faith to bed. She looks beat."

"Thank you for everything." She grabbed her phone, stopped the application which played pop music, "Let's exchange numbers." She suggested, "If something happens tomorrow or if we run late I can contact you. That seems like a good idea."

She knew she was talking around in circles, feeling embarrassed she was even asking for his number. William, of course, was onto her. He laughed, but still grabbed his phone and unlocked the screen. They exchanged numbers. She wanted to move on quickly and forget all about that awkwardness. She focused on Faith, her niece being the excuse she needed right now to escape William and his teasing ways.

"Faith, sweetie, let's head home." She threw William one last smile, "Goodnight, William." She whispered.

He smiled, "Good night, Emma."

They left the house, heading straight into the cold. She would never get used to it. The wind hitting her face hurt like hell. Faith grabbed onto her hand, holding tightly onto it. Smiling they made their way back to the A-frame.

"I had so much fun." Faith told her, "The cookies looked really good."

"They did." Emma agreed, "Now all we have to do is taste them."

"I'm sure they're good. Will is good at cooking."

Emma snorted, "He sure is."

Faith tugged on her hand, "I like Will, he is nice."

Emma only hummed in agreement. Faith wasn't having it though, she tightened her grip on Emma's hand. The little girl was a big fan of William Winter. She needed to pick her words carefully so she wouldn't upset her niece. Reaching the A-frame, Emma let go of Faith's hand and unlocked the sliding door. She slid the door open and gestured for her niece to head inside first. She stepped in after and made sure to lock the door.

"He is nice." Faith emphasized, "Snow too."

"We have great neighbors." Emma told her, "Now, let's get ready for bed."

She never really answered Faith's question but her niece didn't seem to notice. It kept her from saying out loud that she liked William. That would be admitting to herself and those around her that the man grew on her. Like hell, that would ever happen.