Long Way to Christmas

by That'sMzPeachesTYVM

She is brilliant and beautiful, and well respected at a very young age in her field, but she is all alone. No family. No friends outside of work. He is alone by choice, punishing himself for the sins of his past, but he has family to give him strength. Will a chance encounter, and a daily trip out of her way lead her to the family and place of belonging she so craves? AH/AU MA

4. Chapter 4

All of the usual disclaimers apply…

Thank you Fran for all of your hard work on this fic!

So, everyone seems really excited about Chocolateward offering to escort
our Virginella to the Gala. I have to admit, I rather like the thought of him
being MY escort to … anwhere! LOL

We'll begin to learn more about what drives and holds our duo back in the
next few chapters. For now, more sweetness!

-LWTC-

Chapter 4

Bella nearly froze herself into a Popsicle while pumping gas in the frigid, pre-dawn temperatures of a Michigan November. When she walked into the store, she made a beeline for the fireplace, warming her hands by the open flame. Moments like these were the few where she actually missed the heat of the desert. In all honesty, there were several things she missed about Arizona, but there was not a thing that she missed from there that was not trumped by the life she had built in Michigan.

"Your coffee, mademoiselle," Edward grinned as he handed her a large, heavy mug of the steaming brew. Her icy fingertips brushed against his as she took the cup, and an involuntary shudder ran through his system. He was not sure if it was a result of the cold or just a reaction to her touch in general. Either way, he was displeased to see the bright redness of her ears, face, and hands.

"Bella, I know I'm beginning to sound like a nag, but where the hell are your gloves? Where is your hat," his voice was quiet, but stern with the thrum of anger that welled inside of him at the lack of care she showed for herself.

"I know, old man," Bella rolled her eyes. "I will stop and get some winter-wear, I promise."

"You said you'd stop to pick some up back before Halloween. It is now November 17th, and you've yet to follow through."

Edward's irritation was bleeding through into his posture and tone. Bella misread his frustrated behavior, thinking that he was angry. Bella felt crushed at the idea, and her eyes fell to the mug, gripped firmly on her lap.

"I know Edward; I just don't get much time to go shopping. I'm either at work, or home, or here, or on the road to one of those places. I forgot on my last trip to Meijer's. I promise to try to remember them," her voice was quiet, and she looked timid; like a wounded animal. Her reaction made Edward feel like an ass.

"I'm sorry, Bella. I didn't mean to come across so harsh. I just worry about you. I would hate to hear that you'd broken down somewhere without proper outer-wear for the conditions."

He placed a hand over hers, and touched her chin with the other, drawing her face to look at him. She looked into his concerned eyes, and her embarrassment melted away as she leaned into his gentle touch.

"I think I know what to get you for Christmas now," Edward chuckled. "You need a voice recorder so that you can remind yourself of the things you need to pick up on your way home,"

Bella rolled her eyes. "Will it help me to remember to take my stethoscope with me when I leave a room, too?"

"You know, for someone who is so remarkably intelligent, you sure do have a short memory," Edward jokingly said, tsking her.

"I fear my organizational skills are limited to my profession. If you didn't make my coffee for me, I would probably do without it every morning. It's one of those items I rarely remember to pick up whenever I do get to the store."

"Would it help if I texted, and reminded you to stop?"

"I don't know." Bella shrugged. "It might if the stores were still open."

"Touché."

Edward handed Bella the brown bag he had packed her for lunch—roast beef with pickles and Neufchatel cheese on pumpernickel, an apple, a muffin, and a bite-sized pumpkin truffle with white chocolate, along with a thermos of coffee. He tried to get her to take his gloves too, but she stood her ground and assured him that she would be fine, and that she would remember to pick up some gloves and a hat in the morning.

He wasn't convinced.

-LwtC-

I want to thank everyone who has joined me for the ride. It is so
amazing to listen to the pinging of my phone as more people add
this story to their favorite lists, and follow. I appreciate you all
more than you know.
AND, I adore all of the reviews! Thank you all for sharing your
thoughts with me. I hope you will continue, and that more of you
will share as you read!

*huggles*
Mary