Gold didn't know how he'd gotten into this position. Neal was sitting across from him laughing at his discomfort. Moe had insisted on sitting next to him in the limo and had had his arm wrapped around him the whole time. If it had been the other French in his life he would have been in heaven.

"There you are, my man." Moe grasped David's hand as soon as he entered the limo. "How's the party going?"

Gold perked up. He already missed Belle and it had only been a short time since they'd parted.

"Looks like they're already having fun." He turned to Gold. "Belle told me to look after you."

Gold grinned and Neal and Moe groaned.

"None of this looking after tonight, Nolan. It's time for Gold to let loose a little. Right, old man?" Moe squeezed him closer.

Gold grimaced. "Yes, Moe." He found it best to humor the man when he didn't agree.

Neal laughed. "I'd love to see him let loose. Though I have to say he's much more relaxed than he used to be."

"That's due to Belle." David interjected. "There's been a huge change in him since she came along."

Gold cleared his throat. "I'm sitting right here."

They laughed.

"Remind me what I have to look forward to this evening." Gold's tone conveyed everything he was thinking.

Moe guffawed and hugged him closer. "I promise you'll have a good time, Son."

Neal and David bent over laughing. This son thing was too funny to them.

Gold gritted his teeth.

"Do you think I should start calling you Gramps, Moe?" Neal chuckled and Moe guffawed.

Then Moe looked serious. "Well, I actually wouldn't mind. You are going to be my grandson in a few days."

Neal's laughter died down too. "I wouldn't mind either. Maybe I'll call you both depending on how the mood strikes me."

"Works for me. I can't wait to be a grandfather. And I get to be one with the added bonus of not having to change any diapers."

Neal and David laughed. Gold stiffened involuntarily. He prayed Moe didn't notice. He was not in the mood to get into a conversation about children at the moment.

"What's wrong, Gold?" Moe had noticed. "You starting to get nervous about the big event?"

Gold took the opportunity to steer the conversation as far away from children as possible. "I'm not nervous at all, Moe. As you know, I want nothing more than to marry your daughter."

"OK. Just checking. It's normal to get cold feet at the last minute."

Before Gold could respond, Moe thankfully changed the topic again. "I have something I want all of you to look at." He handed out laminated cards to each of them with blackjack tips on them.

"Gold, we're going out for dinner and then we're playing blackjack for a while and anything else that strikes your fancy. You know how to play, don't you?"

Gold did have some familiarity with the game. "I've played a hand or two in my life."

"Good man." Moe turned to the David and Neal. "What about you two?"

David reminded him that he'd played a little on the cruise.

"Yes…" Moe didn't look too happy.

Gold chuckled. It was evident that Moe was not impressed with David's skill level.

"I've never played, Moe." Neal admitted.

"No problem, my boy." He then proceeded to spend the rest of the ride to the casino going over rules and strategy for playing the game. Gold smiled to himself. Moe's obsession with the game got him off the hook for a while. They arrived at the casino without any further prying.

"Follow me." Moe directed them as soon as they exited the limo. He led them into the casino and down a long wide corridor lined with high-end stores. "We're going to the Chopping Block for dinner. It's the best steakhouse in the state."

For the first time, Gold felt relaxed. He was actually looking forward to a nice steak dinner.

The restaurant was very tastefully decorated and the meals that were being served looked very appetizing. They settled into a private round booth toward the back of the restaurant.

"Very nice, Moe. So far so good." Gold complimented him.

Moe beamed. "Anything for my new son-in-law."

They ordered several appetizers for the table and Gold chose a couple of cabernets to go with the meal. He was sure the night would deteriorate once the drinking started, but a few glasses of wine with the meal would be the least of their problems.

The conversation veered toward general topics for a while, enough to lull Gold into a false sense of security.

"So when can we expect to have a little Belle or Rumford in our lives?"

Moe's question caught Gold completely off-guard. He'd been expecting Moe to be saving that question for Belle.

Gold could feel Neal's eyes focused intently on him.

"That's not something we've decided yet, Moe. Belle and I want to have some time together before we have children."

"You're not getting any younger, old man. I wouldn't wait too long."

Neal and David laughed.

Moe continued. "Thank God for Neal. At least I know that if you have a boy, he may end up OK. I keep picturing a mini-version of you running around in a suit."

Neal and Nolan almost choked from laughter.

Gold gave both of them a piercing look. "Let's all hope that any child we have would have more of Belle's traits than mine."

"Here! Here!" Moe lifted his wine glass to toast to that statement.

Nolan continued to laugh until Gold had to interrupt him. "Would you like to tell us what's so funny?"

Nolan composed himself. It was evident that he'd already had too much to drink. "I was thinking about how much you're going to like some of the gifts that Belle's getting tonight."

Gold did not like the thought process that had brought Nolan to that statement. He wanted to nip this conversation in the bud before it continued. Neal and Moe were not of like mind.

"Like what?" Neal didn't hesitate to ask.

"Mary Margaret showed me what they're giving her. You're going to have fun, Mr. Gold."

Gold glared at him. This was not something he wanted to discuss in front of his son and future father-in-law. It wasn't something he wanted to discuss with Nolan either.

Neal grinned at his father.

"What do you mean?" Moe was clueless as usual. Gold was thankful.

"Uh," David hesitated. Gold thought he might have finally realized who he was talking to. "Mary Margaret said they're giving Belle gifts that you're going to like even more than she will…" He paused to laugh. "…and after seeing some of them, I have to agree."

Neal continued to grin at his father. "I wonder what she means."

Gold glared at his son. He should have known Neal wouldn't be uncomfortable with this. He was actually enjoying it.

"I'd venture to guess that she's getting kitchen appliances that she can use to cook meals for me. You know how much I enjoy Belle's cooking." Gold tried to bore a hole into Nolan's skull with his stare.

"Nope." Nolan continued. "You're going to enjoy these gifts even more than that." The knowing smile on Nolan's face grated on Gold' nerves.

Moe's forehead was scrunched up as if he was deep in thought. Neal continued to grin at Gold.

"Well, I guess I'll find out later. I'm sure the gifts will be lovely and that Belle and I will be very happy with them." Gold's response was calm and measured and had what he hoped was a finality to it that would put this discussion to rest.

"I'll give you one hint if you want." Nolan looked extremely pleased with himself.

Gold couldn't glare any more than he already was. "That won't be necessary, Mr. Nolan. I prefer to be surprised."

"I'd like a hint." Neal was not going to let this go.

David laughed. "You're much more likely to use these gifts in the bedroom than in the kitchen."

Gold felt himself tensing. Neal guffawed and Moe turned to stare at Gold.

"One of the packages had handcuffs in it." Nolan had definitely had too much to drink.

"Gold." Moe said his name the same way he'd said it before they had their little talks on the cruise ship.

"What is it, Moe?" Gold was dreading what was coming.

"You know I'm not one to interfere…" He tried to say it seriously and then ended up laughing.

At least he was laughing. Evidently he'd had a bit too much to drink too. Nolan and Neal joined in.

"Gold. Don't be so glum, man." Moe wrapped his arm around him. "If I survived that condom I found on our deck, I can survive this."

Gold cringed as Neal looked at him. "What's this about a condom?"

Moe laughed heartily. Gold wanted to disappear. When had his private life become so public that it was conversation for his son and father-in-law?

"Let's just say that your father is not as conservative as you may think." Moe guffawed and Nolan doubled over in laughter.

"Come on, guys. Tell me."

Nolan finally got it out. "They were glittery gold and silky smooth and they glowed in the dark."

Moe guffawed even more. "They glowed in the dark?"

Neal gave his father a strange look. "I might be finding out more than I want to know right now."

Gold had never felt so humiliated. "I had no choice. They were the only ones available."

Moe hugged Gold again. "It's OK, old man. We're just trying to give you a hard time. Be happy that I can laugh at all of this. I wouldn't be laughing if I didn't trust you so much."

Gold felt relieved. Neal caught his eye. He wanted Neal to learn more about him, but this wasn't exactly what he'd had in mind.

Nolan spoke again. "Mary Margaret just texted me. She said Belle's funny and they're having a lot of laughs."

Gold was happy to hear it. He was so proud of Belle and so happy that everyone else was finding out how special she was. He wanted nothing more than for Belle to have a fun night even though he had a slight misgiving about what she might let slip if she had too much to drink.

"I assure you that Belle can handle anything they throw at her with grace and humor." Gold never tired of singing her praises.

"We know." They all pretty much said it in unison as they stared pointedly at him.

Gold chuckled. It was true. If she could deal with him she could deal with anything. "I'm not going to argue."

They all laughed and Moe slapped his back.

The conversation once again slipped into talk about the cruise and Moe's experiences in the casino there.

While they were waiting for coffee and dessert to arrive, the conversation once again veered to the personal.

"Did you ever think you'd end up married again, Gold?" Moe asked the question out of the blue.

"No, I had no intentions of ever getting married again. It's still hard to believe that I met Belle and that this is actually happening."

"You're a very lucky man." Moe looked wistful for a few seconds and then abruptly turned to Neal.

"So how are things going in the romance department for you? You making any headway?"

Neal looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Gold caught his eye and smiled at him. He was glad that Neal was getting a little taste of his own medicine.

"There's nothing to report, Moe. I'm a single man with no prospects." His tone was final, willing Moe to end the conversation.

Gold chuckled again knowing that Neal's words would be lost on Moe.

"What about Emma Swan? I thought things were looking promising for the two of you."

Gold's smile widened. He was enjoying not being the one under the microscope for once.

"We're friends, Moe. That's all we've ever been."

Gold could tell that Neal was really trying to end the conversation.

"Mary Margaret and Ruby thought there was something between the two of you too." Nolan, as clueless as Moe, now added his two cents.

Neal stared back at Gold. He knew his father was enjoying this. "Well, they're wrong. It is possible for a man and woman to have a platonic friendship."

Moe guffawed. "Of course it's possible. It's just that it doesn't seem as though that's what either of you wants."

Gold was enjoying this too much. Moe was like a dog with a bone.

Neal glared at him. Gold shrugged his shoulders. It wasn't his fault that Moe was being Moe.

"Let's put it this way, Moe, if anything changes between the two of us, you'll be the first to know."

Moe seemed pleased to hear it. Gold laughed.

"Now enough about me, Moe. What about you? After seeing how happy my father is, doesn't it make you want to meet somebody too? There must be someone in Storybrooke who's attracted your interest."

Moe seemed genuinely surprised by the question. "No, there's no chance of that, Neal."

Before he could explain further, Nolan interrupted. "What about Granny, Moe? You'd be able to eat all the lasagna you want for the rest of your life."

They all laughed. Gold thought about how Moe would probably love that.

"As tempting as that sounds, I have a little confession to make about Granny." He waited until he had their attention. "I'm terrified of that woman."

Everyone laughed.

"Listen… There is no one else for me. Belle's mom was the love of my life. I haven't been interested in anyone else since she died. It's just the way it is."

Gold swallowed. Moe had told him this previously and it moved him as much now as it had then. He understood exactly how Moe felt. He couldn't imagine ever wanting to be with anyone again other than Belle.

Dessert arrived before the conversation could continue. The desserts were humungous – something that seemed to make all of them happy.

Before they could dig in, Moe stopped them. "It's my turn to make a toast." He picked up his coffee cup. "Gold, all kidding aside, I'm thrilled that you and Neal are going to be family. I've never seen my daughter happier. You're doing something right, old man."

They clinked cups.

"Thanks, Moe. You know I'd do anything for Belle. Her happiness is all I care about."

Neal smiled at his father.

Moe hugged him again. "I know." Then he looked at them conspiratorially. "OK. Let's dig in."

Gold chuckled. Moe never let anything distract him for long if there was food in sight.

The rest of the meal was spent pleasantly laughing and talking. Gold had to admit to himself that he was having a good time. He didn't even mind the prying questions. He liked talking about Belle. It was as simple as that.

When dinner was over, Moe led them through several long corridors lined with more shops and restaurants until they reached the casino floor. It was obvious that he'd been there previously since he was purposely searching out a specific blackjack dealer.

"Listen." Moe stopped them before they reached the tables. "I think we'll have more fun if we try our hand at a bunch of different games tonight. What do you think, Gold?"

"I agree. Some of us may be more suited to games that are more chance than skill."

"Exactly. We'll play blackjack for a while and then we'll move on. This way everyone will have a chance to see what they like best."

They were all on board with this idea. Nolan and Neal weren't experienced gamblers. Gold felt confident that he'd do well in any game, but liked the idea of mixing things up a bit.

Moe ushered them to the table and told them exactly where he wanted them to sit. Gold could see that Moe took his gambling seriously. He chuckled. It was going to be interesting.

Moe had taken the anchor seat and had made a point of strategically placing the others in specific seats. Nolan ended up next to Gold and Neal next to Moe.

It became apparent pretty quickly that Nolan was confused by the rules of the game so Gold ended up checking his hand and helping him decide what to do. The drinks were flowing freely. Gold was still pretty sober, even after a couple of glasses of wine, so he had another drink. It was obvious that the others were already feeling it.

A couple of other people joined their table and Moe welcomed the additional players. He truly believed in the more the merrier.

The hour went fast with all of them ending up winning a little by the end. Moe had come out ahead of all of them so he was in a very expansive mood.

"What did you think, Neal?" Moe had his arm around him.

"It was fun."

Gold had been concerned about his son. Neal was just getting himself established again and didn't have a lot of money to lose. He was happy he had done well.

"What do you say we try our hand at roulette?" Moe addressed Gold.

Gold agreed. Roulette would require a lot less thought.

There was a crowd around the roulette table but they managed to worm their way in. Gold decided that he would only play black and only numbers that had some meaning for him and Belle. He was having fun, but couldn't help thinking about her now and then. He missed seeing her tonight.

Moe was right in his element at the roulette wheel. He was cheering and shouting along with the best of them. Gold placed his bets and hung back waiting. At first nobody noticed, but he was winning against the odds.

"What's your secret, Mr. Gold?"

Nolan had noticed.

"Yeah, Dad. How are you doing it?"

Neal too.

"I'm choosing numbers that mean something to me." He stared them in the eyes.

"Let me guess…" Neal grinned at him.

Gold chuckled. "Am I that obvious?"

"Dad, you're completely head over heels. I can tell that you've been thinking about her all night."

"Well, it's working, isn't it? I've been winning."

They couldn't argue.

"I've been using the date Mary Margaret and I met." David confessed.

Neal laughed. "I guess that's something else you and my dad have in common."

Nolan grinned and Gold grimaced.

They continued to play and Gold continued to win more often than not.

Moe, who was pretty much running the show, got their attention to move on.

"Gold, you're doing good. What's your secret?"

"He's playing numbers that remind him of Belle." Neal answered for him.

Moe guffawed and wrapped his arm around Gold's neck. "I can't blame him."

"What do you want to play next, Gold? Craps? Poker?"

Gold chuckled. Moe was a born gambler.

"Neither. I think we should try the high-limit slots. If we each put in $25 we can try the $100 slot. I feel lucky tonight."

Moe looked taken aback for a moment, but recovered immediately. Gold knew that betting $100 would appeal to Moe's innate gambler instinct.

"Great idea! Is everyone up for it?" Moe's enthusiasm was contagious and they all immediately bought into the idea.

Once again it didn't take Moe long to lead them to the room that contained the high-limit slot machines.

"Since it's your night, Gold, why don't you choose the one you want to play." Moe suggested.

Gold was already looking around. He'd seen a slot that appealed to him on many levels and he knew it would also appeal to Belle. She was at forefront of his thoughts.

"This is the one." He stopped in front of a slot called "The Enchanted Forest."

They put their money in and Gold hit the button to spin the reels. They immediately doubled their money to $200. Gold spun again. Their money increased to $350. The play continued with each of them taking turns. They got as low as $25 and then inched back up to $1000. They agreed that no matter what they won on the next spin, they would take their winnings and call it a night. Gold, as the guest of honor, pressed the button for the final spin. Several sets of eyes appeared on the screen creating a double wild winnings on almost every play line. The resulting win was over $6000.

Moe led them in cheering. Gold was happy they'd agreed to quit. Knowing Moe, he'd continue to play until their funds were depleted. Gold was especially happy for Neal. He thought he could probably use the money.

"This was fun, Gold. I'm glad you suggested it." Moe wrapped his arm around Gold's shoulders.

If Gold wanted to be honest with himself, he was coming to like Moe's affectionate hugs. It reminded him of Belle and how affectionate she always was with him.

"I have one more request if you will."

"Spit it out, man. We'll do whatever you'd like."

"I want to go shopping."

"Huh?" The look of confusion on Moe's face made Gold laugh.

"I want to buy something for Belle with my winnings."

Moe gave him a bear hug. His laugh reverberated down the corridor. "Of course you do. I'd like to buy her something myself."

"Yeah, I'd like to buy something for Mary Margaret." David added.

"What about you Neal? You up for this?" Moe asked.

"Nothing special for me. I'll just tag along."

"Where to, Gold?" Moe pushed further.

"We passed a jewelry store on the way here."

Moe was right on it. He led them back the way they had entered until they came to the store in question.

Gold had had several drinks, but was still more sober than the rest of them.

"My son-in-law-to-be wants to buy something special for my daughter." Moe more or less pushed Gold up to the counter where the clerk was watching them suspiciously. The look of disapproval on her face softened slightly when she noted how impeccably Gold was dressed.

"What can I do for you, sir?" She addressed Gold.

"I'd like to see a pair of earrings that are on display in your window. I was drawn to the blue stones as soon as I saw them."

The saleswoman knew exactly which pair he was referring to. "Those earrings are gorgeous."

"Yes." Gold agreed. He wanted to share that they were the same color as Belle's eyes, but he stopped himself. Unlike the others, he was still in control of himself.

The saleswoman brought out the earrings for Gold to see. Moe sidled over to get a look and laughed loudly. "Those are the same color as Belle's eyes, Gold."

"I know, Moe." Gold answered tersely. The saleswoman looked at him with renewed interest.

Moe guffawed. "Belle's a lucky woman."

Gold pretended to ignore him. He held up the earrings and examined them.

By now Neal had come over to where he stood. "Wow. He's right, Dad. Those do match Belle's eyes."

The saleswoman continued to survey Gold with interest.

"I'll take these… and I'd like them wrapped."

She proceeded to complete the sales before turning her attention to Moe who indicated that he wanted to buy something too. "Has Belle shown you her charm bracelet, Gold?"

"No, I didn't know she had one."

"I don't think she wears it much, but I've given her charms for special occasions and I want to get one for her wedding." He no sooner finished speaking those words than he broke down crying. "I'm sorry." He apologized to the room. "It seems so real now. Belle's all grown up and getting married."

"It's OK, Moe." Gold tried to reassure him. He looked helplessly at Moe. "Promise you'll take good care of her, Gold."

"You know I will." Gold felt a bit choked up himself. He could feel the saleswoman staring at them. He turned to her. "What do you have for wedding charms?"

She excused herself to go get them.

"I'm sorry, Gold. I don't know what came over me."

"It may have to do with the amount of alcohol you've had to drink."

Moe's mood completely changed as he laughed aloud. "I'm sure that's it." Moe felt better. By the time the sales associate returned, he was back to his old self.

"Help me choose a charm, Gold. What do you think Belle would like best?"

They perused the charms together. Gold immediately saw one that he wanted to get for her, but didn't say anything.

"I think Belle would like this one, Moe." He pointed to a wedding cake with a rose on the top. "Roses are part of our theme."

"Yes!" Moe was quick to agree and purchased the charm for Belle.

When Moe was settled and off bothering Nolan, Gold quietly purchased the charm that he'd noticed. It was two hearts intertwined together. He had them engraved with their names and their wedding date.

By that time, Nolan had made his purchase (a bracelet for Mary Margaret) and they got ready to head back to the limo.

Moe was all laughs and hugs as he led them to where they needed to be. The limo was there waiting for them so they all piled in.

When they were settled and on their way Moe addressed Neal. "What's that in your pocket? Did you end up buying something for your special lady?"

They all looked at Neal. Gold caught Neal's eye.

"It's nothing, Moe. Just a little something that caught my fancy."

"I'll bet!" Moe guffawed. "You don't have to hide anything from us. We're all family here. Even Nolan." Moe grabbed him in a headlock. "Even he's an honorary family member."

Neal refused to budge, but Moe would not let go.

Gold could not wipe the smirk from his face. "You're not going to win here, Neal. You may as well show us what you bought."

Neal gave in and reluctantly removed the box from his pocket. Inside was a crystal swan pendant.

Moe slapped his leg and laughed heartily. "Is that for your friend?"

Gold grinned at Neal.

Even Neal had to laugh at this point. He, too, had had a lot to drink. "OK. Busted. I'm going to give this to Emma and make her decide once and for all what's going on between us. I need to know."

Moe was delighted. "She likes you, Neal. I'm willing to bet on it." He guffawed at his own joke.

Gold continued grinning at Neal. There was no doubt in his mind that those two were meant for one another. It was too bad they were both so stubborn.

Gold found himself stupidly smiling for much of the ride back to Storybrooke. Part of it was due to the fact that the ribbing had moved from himself to Neal, but most of it was due to the fact that he knew that he'd be seeing Belle soon. He couldn't wait for her to climb into the limo and sit beside him.

When they finally drove up to Nolan's house, Gold's heart started beating rapidly. It took Nolan a while to say his good-byes and get out of the car. Gold, Neal and Moe followed him. They knew that Belle would need help carrying her gifts. Gold was also concerned that Belle may have had too much to drink. He was pretty sure she would need his assistance.

He was thankful that even though he was feeling pretty good he was still able to function. Even Moe and Neal weren't completely gone… at least he didn't think they were.

When they entered the house they were greeted with laughter and cheers. Belle was sitting in the middle of everyone and she looked radiantly happy. She tried to get up to greet him but did not succeed. He knew he'd been right to come in to get her.

He smiled happily at her and she grinned back. They were surrounded by laughing and loud talking and general chaos, but they seemed oblivious to all of it.

He made his way to her and offered her his hand. She graciously took it and allowed him to help her up. Her unsteadiness caused her to lean into him and hug him. It was the best reaction he could have hoped for. He wrapped his arm around her until she regained her balance.

"You OK, sweetheart?" He kissed the top of her head.

She hugged him tightly and looked up at him. "Never better." Her happiness made him smile.

The chaos that surrounded them began to wind down as everyone got ready to go. After lots of hugs and thank yous they all piled out, leaving Mary Margaret and David waving after them.

Belle made herself comfortable on Gold's lap as soon as they got into the limo. She was extra affectionate as she kissed and caressed him. He was grateful for the general air of celebration since nobody seemed to notice.

"You're going to love some of the gifts I got tonight." She giggled into his ear before nipping his earlobe with her teeth. Gold hugged her closer. He'd missed being with her tonight.

"We're going to have fun with them." She swept her fingers through his hair and kissed him on the lips. His cock stirred in response. He was happy when they pulled up to the inn to drop off Ariel and Ruby. He was also happy that Ruby had been too busy talking to pay them any attention.

Belle and Ariel had an almost tearful good-bye as they reaffirmed their plans for the next day.

The limo got much quieter with Ruby gone. Gold noticed that Emma was half asleep with her head resting on Neal's shoulder.

"Did you have fun tonight, sweetheart?" Moe now focused his attention on his daughter. Gold felt a slight trepidation.

"Yes, Dad." Belle turned to face him. "It was so much fun and I got a lot of great gifts. Everyone is so nice."

Moe smiled broadly. "I'm glad. We had a good time too. Didn't we, old man?"

"Yes, Moe. I enjoyed myself." Gold was glad he wasn't questioning Belle further.

"I bought you a little something with my winnings." Moe removed the box from his pocket and handed it to Belle.

"Another gift? I'm too spoiled tonight." She took the box from her father and unwrapped it. "Oh, Dad, this is so perfect. That you so much." She extracted herself from Gold and moved over to hug her father.

"Gold helped me pick it out. He said you'd like the rose."

"He was right." She smiled at her father and then at Gold.

The limo stopped in front of the apartment building that Neal and Emma shared. Neal hugged his father and shook his hand before turning his attention back to Emma.

"You guys OK or do you need my help?" Moe offered to help Neal get Emma into the building. It was obvious that she'd had much too much to drink. Gold chuckled. He'd never seen Emma when she wasn't in complete control. He, himself, felt a little off, but he was still in more control than the rest of them.

"We're fine."

Moe ignored Neal's words and got out with them. "I'll help you into the lobby."

As soon as Moe left the car, Belle kissed Gold again and then lay down on the seat with her head resting on his lap. "I missed you, Rum."

"I missed you too, sweetheart." Gold gently ran his fingers through her hair. He could hear her breathing slowing down.

By the time Moe returned, she was fast asleep. "I see my daughter has the right idea. I'm beat, Gold."

"Me too, Moe." He continued to caress Belle as he spoke.

Moe watched them. "We've come a long way, Gold."

Gold looked at him expectantly.

"Before the cruise I would have never imagined Belle with you and now I can't imagine her with anyone else."

Gold felt his usual emotions rising. His deep love for Belle had a way of overwhelming him. "It means a lot to me to hear you say that, Moe. Thank you."

"Aaaw!" Moe scooted over next to him. He immediately hooked his arm around Gold's neck and kissed the top of his head.

And even though Gold knew that the effects of a night of drinking were making Moe a little more affectionate than usual, he knew deep in his heart that the feelings expressed were true. Then he chuckled. He'd had more hugs and kisses from Moe tonight than he'd had from Belle. He looked down at Belle and smiled. There was no way he was not going to make Miss French make it up to him.