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Adam knew that Belle needed time to herself so he waited three days and three nights before setting out for the small town. Then, he mounted his horse and set off on the day's journey. On his way, Adam formulated what he was going to say to Belle. When he reached the town, everything he had planned melted away, because there was Belle, just heading inside of the bookshop. Adam watched her converse with the shopkeeper, William, and he saw William shake his head. Belle nodded in understanding and left the shop. Adam rustled through his saddlebag and found the book he and Belle had first read together, The Sword in the Stone. He snuck up behind her and started to read the beginning of the book. Belle gasped and quickly turned, bumping right into Adam.
"Adam," Belle said, composing herself again, "what are you doing here?" Adam pocketed the book.
"I came here to apologize, Belle. I took these days... these long days," Adam started, thinking back to the whole London and Neverland experience, "to reflect back on my actions. I would like to try again if you would let me." Belle thought this over for a moment. She knew Adam. He seemed changed... older somehow.
"Alright, Adam, but under one condition. You stay with me and Papa here, in the village, for a fortnight without losing your temper," Belle laid out the terms. Adam nodded.
"I accept these terms," Adam agreed. Belle smiled as Adam led her to his horse. The two rode to Maurice's house to find him playing with Julian. Julian's face lit up when he spotted his father. Adam's lit up as well as he ran up to the small boy, picked him up and threw him in the air. Julian giggled and hugged his father.
"Well, I'm glad to see you two on good terms again," Maurice said as he smiled and hugged his daughter. Belle smiled.
"Me too, Papa," she replied. The fortnight passed quickly and Adam was extremely amiable. He loved being with his wife, son, and father-in-law. Sometimes he wished they could stay in the town, but he knew how much Belle hated it. The two returned to the castle, promising Maurice that they would visit as often as possible. Belle could feel the excitement of going back to the castle. She couldn't wait to show Julian everything there was to know in the beautiful library. She was fully content, because she was going home.
Awwww! Look! They made up! ^_^ The next chapter is the final chapter, folks. It's been great.