The doors in front of me opened grandly, swinging inward to reveal me
and my sisters in our gowns. The day of the wedding had arrived, and I
couldn't help but hold my breath. I had never dreamed of being here,
not until I saved him.

There he was, at the end of the glass hall, my Beast, standing beside
my sisters' betrothed. He looked uncomfortable among so many people. I
smiled, and watched as he turned to face me. Beast's eyes instantly
lit up.

Lionheart strode forward, and Jeweltongue and I followed in pace. The
entire population of Longchance stood as we passed. Before long, we
stepped in place beside our grooms. The strength of my happiness and
the rose scent made me dizzy.

Mr. Trueword, the squire, began reciting the vows, and we responded in
turn. Then it was time for the rings, and the binding kiss.
Beast held my hand gently, his hand so much larger. He placed the
simple ring on my finger, and I slipped one on his. Just before he
swept me up in a kiss, I heard him whisper.

"I love you, Beauty." And then his lips were on mine, and my sisters
and I were officially married.

My sisters and father had little time to gather their belongings, then
they were swept off to their new homes. Lionheart and Aubrey headed
toward the Hall. Jeweltongue, Mr. Whitehand, and Father headed toward
the town. And Beast and I were left at the glasshouse.

When the last guest had disappeared down the path, I went inside the
cottage and grabbed the broom. Beast went around and replaced the
removed rose beds, and I swept up the poor petals that had fallen
during the ceremony. I placed the petals in a bowl, and turned to find
Beast staring at me, a grin on his face.

"What?" I asked, confused. He laughed, and I blushed.

"It's just the way you focus so intently upon the task in front of
you. You didn't even notice when I called out your name!" He laughed
again. My blush grew darker.

"I'm sorry, Beast. I didn't realize how focused I was." I barely got
the words out of my mouth, when he stepped forward and embraced me,
kissing me sweetly. He pulled back and looked into my eyes.

"Beauty, I didn't say it was a bad thing. I love you, you know. It
doesn't matter if I have to try a couple times to get your attention."
I grinned.

"Beast, you had my attention. What do you think I could possibly think
of to keep me so focused for so long?" I put my hands on either side
of his head and kissed him passionately.

"I love you, Beauty."

"I love you, too, Beast."