Days off as a surgeon are rare and I have a million and one things I should catch up on.
But all I want to do is spend time with Snow.
She didn’t seem herself a couple of days ago after spending hours cleaning her apartment, and with limited time to comfort her, I’ve carved out most of my day off just for her.
I head to the hospital a little after midday since Snow has a half day, but rather than going up to meet her, I wait in my car and call her once I’m sure her shift is over.
“Hii!” Snow’s warm tones send a wave of comfort through me and I press slightly back into my seat with a satisfied sigh.
“Snow.”
“Are you calling to cancel?”
“I would cancel to your face because I would want to see you before going to work.”
“Aw, how sweet.”
“I’m calling to let you know I’m outside waiting for you. I’m taking you on a picnic.”
“A picnic? In December?”
“Do you trust me?”
“Mhm.”
“Then yes, we’re going on a picnic.”
“Okay, that sounds fun! Although wait, what if someone sees me getting into your car?”
While there’d be nothingstrictlysuspicious about that, the less that garners attention, the better.
“You’re right, darling. Meet me two blocks away just down from that bakery where Jen gets those pastries.”
“Oh, okay, see you soon!”
Snow hangs up, but rather than immediately driving to the designated meeting spot, I wait and watch the hospital entrance.
I could leave but at the same time, I’ve waited all morning for a glimpse of her and there’s a subtle rise of anxiety within me fueled by a desperation to see her.
I glimpse Snow five minutes later as she hurries out of the hospital entrance with a thick scarf wound around her neck and her coat buttoned firmly.
Beautiful.
Waiting until she’s out of sight, I drive and take a slight detour to our meeting spot to give her time to walk there.
It only takes a few minutes but I spot her instantly when I pull onto the street.
She stands by the corner with her hands deep in her coat and the light wind carrying strands of her hair with it.
Pulling up alongside her, she reaches for the car door, but I keep it locked and climb out.
“Xander?”
Meeting her gaze, I hold it as I walk around my car.
Snow crunches underfoot and subtle bits of ice threaten to topple me, but Snow’s curious gaze anchors me until I’m beside her.
Then I open the door.
