It had been a week since Annabeth had explained her situation to Zachariah. She knew that if Alexander were to ever find her, she may end up being buried at a young age. Alexander was not known for his mercy but instead for his ruthlessness and his anger, something that Annabeth hated and was absolutely terrified of, she absolutely could not go back. She had felt the anger from her betrothed on a few occasions, granted they were mild compared to what he had done to others in the past, but it was enough to make her realize she wouldn't live long in their marriage.
"Snow, I'm back. I wanted to talk to you about something."
The sound of Zachariah's voice pulled her from her thoughts and soothed her anxiety over the situation she was in. Every day there was a strong feeling of guilt that weighed on her heart for pulling this kind man into her problems, but she was beyond grateful for his help and support.
"Let me put on a cup of coffee while you take a seat at the table."
Annabeth jumped up and ran to the stove and quickly began making coffee, before making her way to Zachariah to take his coat from him and hang it up. He noticed that this was something knew she had started and he told her multiple times there was no need for her to do this for him, but she didn't listen. There was one time she had gotten on her knees and began to untie his boot laces to take his shoes off and Zachariah was quick to put a stop to that. He told her she was not his servant, so he made her a deal; she could help him with his coat as long as she didn't touch his boots.
While the coffee was finish up Annabeth grabbed a plate from the cupboard and placed a variety of cookies that she backed over the week on it. Zachariah had not eaten this good in a long time and he realized it was just another thing about her he was becoming attached to. At this point there was no way he could imagine not having her around and he would be sure that she wouldn't be going anywhere.
"Here you go," she spoke as she placed a cup of coffee in front of Zachariah.
"Oh thank you Snow. Come here and sit for a moment."
Zachariah could honestly say this was the first time he had been excited in a long time, and he was anxious to see Annabeth's reaction.
"Alright I am here go ahead! What did you want to talk about?"
"So I was thinking that maybe, now that you are here, it might be time for me to add on the cabin. Expand it and add a couple bedrooms on, make the bathroom bigger and make more room for an actual family room and kitchen."
Zachariah sat there nervously playing with his cup while waiting for Snow to say something. He didn't necessarily lie to her about his reasoning but he truly was beginning to imagine a future with Annabeth, once her threat was taken care of. Unfortunately, he was starting to think the only way to do that was to contact his connections for some help, but he didn't want them to force him back into his father's business. All Zachariah wanted now was a simple life out here in the woods with his Snow, nothing more.
"Really? You don't have to do that Zach, I feel like I've just been imposing on you and causing nothing but trouble for you."
Annabeth's head dropped at her last statement, all her guilt starting to flood back.
Zachariah was quick to kneel in front of her and lift her head up to look at him, he couldn't believe that she would feel so low about herself.
"Snow, you have never once imposed yourself in me. Your such a beautiful woman and have made this cabin an actual home for me, something I didn't know I was missing. Now I will not allow you to speak so low of yourself again, understood?"
Annabeth nodded her head while trying to hide her blush from Zachariah, which did not work in the slightest.
"Words Snow. I need to hear words."
Her blush deepened but she answered, "Yes Zach, I understand."
With a slight smirk he placed a kiss on her forehead and said, "Good girl."