Beauty & the Beast: The Tale Continues

Chapter 15 - The Proposal, Part 1

Author's Note: Disney is the rightful owner of "Beauty & the Beast", while I just own the story.

Also, the lines of poetry used in this chapter come from "Song of the Open Road" by Walt Whitman.

A few days later

"Belle... from the moment I first laid my eyes on you, I will admit that there was a part of me who instantly noticed how beautiful you were... but there is definitely more to you than that. After I scared you away, I quickly realized that I couldn't let you go, so I went after you, and when I saw the wolves about to attack you, I knew I had to be the one to save you.

"From then on, you entered into my melancholy heart by showing me the beauty of this castle and the grounds, as if I was seeing it all for the very first time... you taught me the value of kindness, and read me wonderful poetry... then, we shared our first dance in the ballroom, and after seeing how you looked in that dress, I knew that I had to confess my love to you that night.

"But then, we saw that your father was in trouble, and I knew that I had a very important choice to make... which I did by putting my own needs aside, and releasing you from imprisonment... because I understood how much he needed you.

"Once you were gone, I never thought I would ever see you again, but then, you did... and even as I was dying in your arms, the only thing I could think of was how grateful it felt to be able to see you just one last time.

"Then, suddenly, as soon as I saw myself slipping away into the darkness, everything was engulfed in a bright light... I heard your sweet but emotional voice say that you loved me... and before I knew it, I was back on the balcony, standing on my own two human feet, looking at regular hands instead of bear-like paws.

"And, then, I turned around to find myself looking at you... you seemed surprised and confused, wondering if I was the same person you fell in love with... and after you looked into my eyes, with a smile appearing on your face, you saw that it was me.

"So, now, as I stand before you, on one knee, promising to love you for evermore... I only have one last and very important thing to ask you..."

Pulling out a small red box from his pocket, Adam opened it to reveal a gorgeous and beautiful wedding ring.

"Belle... will you marry me?"

"..."

"..."

Lumiere smiled, and nodded his head. "That was perfect, Master... I don't see any other reason for her not to say yes!"

Adam chuckled, and he stood up, handing his friend the ring box. "Thank you for listening, old friend... I certainly hope the same thing happens with you and Plumette tonight."

"Oh, ho, I plan on it," replied the former candelabra, with a gleeful smile. "But, um, would you mind repeating the plan to me again?"

The young prince began to groan.

"Please, Master... this is a very special night for me, and I want everything to be perfect for her."

Meanwhile

As she walked down the hall, heading up to Adam's study, Belle was continuing to read the poetry that was in one of her new favorite books.

Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road,

Healthy, free, the world before me,

The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose.

Once she knew that she was by his door, Belle looked up from the book, and prepared to knock on it.

"... one more time, Master, how will the proposal go?"

Suddenly, Belle lowered her hand, and she was filled with curiousity, wondering what Lumiere was talking about.

"... take her outside for almost the entire day, doing the things she loves to do, and having nothing but fun..."

Belle slightly clenched her jaw, wishing that the doors and walls of the castle were less sound-proof.

"... surprise her with a picnic, and later on, a wonderful dinner... at night, once the stars and the Moon are high up in the sky... will say why she means everything to me... get down on one knee... ask her if she will marry me."

"Yes, perfect, that is it, Master! She will never see it coming!"

As Belle lifted her ear away from the door, she found herself at a loss for words.

Adam... is going to propose to me?

The young woman started to head back to the library, and her body was slowly being filled with wonder, love, and happiness, with a smile spreading across her face.

This is... this is... wonderful!

Even after she was back in the library, Belle started to blush, and said, to herself, "I can't believe... well, I mean, yes, I can, but... I never thought it'd be today!"

Normally, Belle wouldn't have acted this way, but just the thought and imagination of Adam proposing to her made Belle instantly forget what the Bimbettes had said to her, and know that he truly did love her, just as he loved him.

"I... I have to... I have to get ready!"

Still holding the book in her hands, Belle rushed out of the library, happily greeting some of the servants that she passed by, and once she was in her room, the young woman grabbed the hairbrush on her dresser, which she used to brush her hair as she looked at her reflection in the mirror.

How much better could this day be?

Adam sighed, and he said, "I certainly hope you have it memorized in your head now, Lumiere."

"Oh, ho, I certainly do, Master," replied a grinning Lumiere. "Now, if you don't mind me asking, when do you plan on proposing to Belle?"

"Well, sooner than I originally thought," admitted Adam. "After what those girls said to her, I want Belle to know completely that I have no intention of ever leaving her, and that she's the only one for me... but today is your day for a proposal... I plan on making her feel better, and just forget about everything that they said to her."

A few minutes later

Now that he was properly dressed for the outdoors, Adam thanked his helpful servants, and went to the library, and began to say, "Belle, I was wondering if... uh..."

Belle was sitting by the table, looking ready for being outside, as well, but for some reason, she looked very beautiful, from her soft lips, sparkling eyes, and her wonderful curves-

"Are you alright, Adam?"

Snapping out of his trance, the young man nodded his head, and said, "Oh, um, yes, Belle, thank you for asking... so, er, I was wondering if-"

"- if I would join you outside?" finished Belle, much to Adam's surprise. "Well, it seems like it's a beautiful day out there... and yes, I would love to."

She does have a point, I will admit.

Adam smiled, and he replied, "Well, then, let us be on our way... and I can't wait to hear what poetry you will be reading today."

I can't wait to hear your proposal tonight, thought Belle, who walked over to Adam, and before either of them could speak, she surprised him again by giving her love a slow and passionate kiss.

Well, this is certainly a different Belle!

As she pulled herself away from him, a slightly red-faced Adam said, "You seem very, uh... joyful this morning... and I like it."

"Good," said Belle, blushing as she gave him a loving smile. "Shall we go outside, then?"

Adam nodded his head, and they started to walk out of the castle, with both of them unaware of the fact that some things would not go as they had planned.