DISCLAIMER: This is an alternate universe story based on Beauty and the Beast. The characters have all graciously agreed to let me use their names in my work of fan-fiction, with the understanding that I return them to the CW network after my story is completed. This is completely for entertainment purposes, so no funds were transferred physically or by wire.
Trigger Warning: Sexual Content.
Vincent sat on a bale of hay, staring at his horse, Artemis. He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. Raking his hands through his hair, he looked up at the animal, again.
"Why wouldn't she tell me about my daughter?"
Artemis nickered as if he understood and empathized with his owner.
What was he going to do with a little girl? He picked up the folder, Miss Walters had left him, and opened it. A mundane ache materialized in his solar plexus, and his body threatened to regurgitate his dinner. He read over the paperwork and his ire rose to dangerous levels. According to the documents, his daughter was five freaking years old. He felt like digging Tori up and killing her again with his bare hands. How could a person be so devious and evil? And what had he ever seen in her, anyway? He scrubbed his hand down his face and blew out a sigh.
"Hey, are you okay?"
He snapped his head up and met Catherine's concerned eyes.
"I think it will be a long time, before I can say I'm okay, again."
She took a sit beside him on the hay. "Do you want to talk about it?"
He had given Catherine the details about Tori and Paige after dinner. She had taken the news rather well, but he needed to think, so he had retreated to the stables.
"I wouldn't know where to start. My feelings are all over the place. Not to mention the bad thoughts I have of Tori. I don't understand what I could have done to warrant so much anger and hate against me. If her intentions were to hurt me, then I guess she has succeeded in doing just that."
"I would say you got the better part of the deal. She is laying six feet under and you get to raise your daughter. Even though, she may have plotted to hit you where she knew it would hurt, I would say it backfired. You can't allow her actions to make you bitter and cold. Your daughter will need you. Imagine how she must feel. She is in a strange place with people she doesn't know. And on top of that, she has to adjust to you being her father. Children are resilient, but that doesn't mean they don't need a support system." She took his hand. "Don't worry, we'll get through this together."
"Thank you," he said, squeezing her hand.
...
Vincent listened to the ranch hands chat over breakfast, but his mind and eyes were focused on the tiny little girl sitting on his immediate left. She had long, black hair with hazel eyes that mirrored his own. He could even see a little of his mother in her features. She looked up with timid eyes, and his heart nearly disintegrated in his chest. He smiled at her, attempting to reassure her of her surroundings. She flashed him a tenuous smile. Just then a knock came at the door. Vincent stood up and walked to the front of the house.
He opened the door to find a gentleman in a suit with a briefcase.
"I'm looking for Vincent Keller," the visitor said.
"You've found him," Vincent said, piercing him with his gaze.
"Mr. Keller, I'm Harvey Knighton from the Knighton Law Firm. Miss Walters may have alerted you to my impending visit. May I come in and speak with you? "
"Sure. Follow me,"he answered.
He led Mr. Knighton to his office and gestured for him to take a seat. Vincent took a seat behind a vintage oak desk and leaned forward on his elbows. Mr. Knighton opened his briefcase and removed some paperwork.
"Mr. Keller, I'll get straight to the point. Ms. Windsor didn't have any living relatives, so while she was in a long-term relationship with you, she named you as beneficiary on her estate and everything she owned."
"In that case, just sell it and put the money in a trust fund for Paige, when she becomes of age," Vincent said.
Mr. Knighton cleared his throat. "Excuse my frankness, but I don't think you understand. It's not as simple as you've stated. You see, her estate alone, is worth fifty million dollars. Her father was an oil baron in Texas, and he also left her a sizable trust fund. Taking everything in account, you're now worth about three hundred million dollars. Her father also left a trust fund for any future grandchildren, which totals two hundred million dollars. It will go to Paige in increments every decade after she reaches twenty-one."
Vincent stood up, and paced back and forth. He stepped over to the window and looked out, unsure what his next words should be.
"I am not surprised by many things or by many people, but right now I am flabbergasted. Tori never mentioned her finances to me or told me about her father. We were in a relationship for years. How does one keep so much away from their significant other?"
"I don't know what her reasons were for not telling you, but she could be a odd bird at times. She left everything to you in her will, and she was adamant that Paige live with you, if anything ever happened to her. I'll leave a copy of the will as well as the paperwork on her estate and finances. Look over them and call me when you're ready to finalize everything. My card is on top. I'll see myself out."
Vincent gazed out at his land with a million thoughts running through his mind. He hoped that was the last of the surprises, because his sanity was hanging on by a thread. Squaring his shoulders, he walked out of the room. He had a ranch to run, and he couldn't wrap his head around being a millionaire at that moment.
...
Catherine ventured down the gravel road in front of the house after breakfast. Paige had fallen asleep, so she decided to go meet the neighbors. She came upon a small brick home with a porch in the front. An older black lady sat in a chair smoking a cigarette. Mustering her courage, she proceeded forward until she reached the steps.
The lady had her legs crossed at the ankles with no shoes on her feet. She took a long drag of her cigarette, closing her eyes as if shading them from the smoke. Inhaling her desired share, she re-opened them and rested her gaze on Catherine as she released a trail of interminable smoke.
"Good morning," Catherine said.
"Morning. You the new cook for the Keller Ranch, huh?"
"Yes ma'am, I'm Catherine. How did you know?" She answered.
"Call me, Irene," she said, gripping the cigarette with her lips as she spoke. "Lose the ma'am. There's nothing fancy 'bout me. And don't nothing happen 'round here without me knowing. What brought you to these parts?"
Catherine took a seat on the steps and turned around to face Irene. "A bad relationship and a chance at a new start."
Just then a little boy came barreling out of the front screen door.
"Davey, what I tell you about running in my house? And don't you see we got company. Now, you better act like you been taught some manners, before I skin your behind six ways to Sunday."
"Yes, Madea," he said, with his head down.
"Where are you going in such a hurry, anyway?" Irene asked, leaning forward in her chair.
He raised his head. "I'm going to buy a frozen cup," he said, his eyes lighting up.
Irene removed her cigarette from her mouth and held it between her index and middle finger. She narrowed her eyes at Davey. "And where did you get money from?"
His eyes lost their sparkle as he looked at her. "Mr. Lee paid me to help him load his truck yesterday."
"That better be the truth, 'cause if it ain't, when I finish with you, you won't be able to sit down," she said leaning back in her chair.
"It is, I promise."
"I'll take your word for it, but remember if a man's word ain't worth nothing, he ain't worth nothing. Now, you run along. Us grown folks got thangs to discuss that kids don't need to hear."
Davey took off running.
"How you like country life so far?" She asked, turning her attention back to Catherine.
"I like it more than I thought I would. You can't beat the peace and tranquility here."
A tall, dark guy walked out of the house. "Ma, I'm running to the store. I'll be back."
Irene reached in her shirt and pulled some bills out of her bra. "Bring me a six pack of Schlitz Malt Liquor and I know how much it cost," she said, raising her brow.
He rolled his eyes. "Here we go."
She gave him a mean look that promised a cussing out later. "You lucky we have company, 'cause I would give you a piece of my mind." She pointed to Catherine. "This here is the new cook at the Keller Ranch. Her name is Catherine. This is my son, Eddie Ray, Catherine."
"Hello," Catherine said.
"Hey," he replied as he descended the steps.
"Now where were we, before my knuckleheaded son interrupted us?"
"We were discussing life in the country."
"Oh, yes. It's a nice place to retire, but you need a man in this neck of the woods. But, I'm sure a woman as pretty as you won't be single long. You might even snap up your handsome boss. These lil' hussies 'round here done tried every trick in the book, but he don't pay them no mind. He's a smart one."
Color rushed to Catherine's cheeks. "I'd better get back. I just came to introduce myself," she said, standing up.
"It was nice meeting you. Don't be a stranger now," Irene said.
"I won't," she said walking away.
"Catherine," Irene called out.
Catherine stopped and turned around. "Don't think I didn't see you blush. Just invite me to the wedding," she said, smiling as she stood up and headed into the house.
...
Catherine sat on the porch after lunch while Paige watched cartoons inside. She noticed a black sedan approaching, but all of sudden the car reversed and turned around. She chalked it up to someone being lost and continued to enjoy the beautiful view.
"Hey," Vincent said, as he approached from the side of the house.
'Hey. I thought you were training a horse."
"I took a break, so I could check on Paige. How is she doing so far? He asked.
"She's watching cartoons. She's been pretty quiet. That's to be expected, though. A lot of kids stop talking altogether, after a tragedy. As long as she feels safe and loved, I think she will be okay."
Vincent stepped up on the porch. "I can't thank you enough for all that you've done and continue to do. I know you didn't sign up for any of this, but I appreciate you for understanding."
"It's the least I can do, since you and William saved me."
Vincent wondered if he should tell Catherine about the money, but he decided to hold off until he made a decision. He knew he could trust her, but it was something he needed to do on his own.
He leaned over and kissed her lips. "Thank you for everything. Now, I better get back to work. Call my cell if you need anything.
Catherine smiled and nodded as she watched him walk away.
...
The ranch hands sat around the table chatting as they ate dinner. Catherine had prepared meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, fried corn, cornbread muffins, and banana pudding.
"JT, do you think I should cancel the barn party?" Vincent asked, glancing over at Paige.
Even though he didn't know for certain if she was his daughter, she tugged at his heartstrings.
"Why don't you ask Paige? It could be a good thing for her. Other children will be there and she can meet some new friends."
"I'll ask her tonight after dinner," Vincent said.
"Make sure you read her a bedtime story. Kids love that type of stuff."
Vincent chuckled. "When did you become father of the year?"
"I read it online," JT said, smiling.
Vincent shook his head. He could always count on JT to add humor to any situation. "I won't even ask why you're reading about that subject online."
"You don't have to ask. I will tell you. As I've stated, I'm ready for a wife and I've been preparing myself for everything marriage entails."
Before Vincent could reply, Tess and Catherine entered the room. By JT's audible intake of breath, he liked what he saw.
"Are you okay?" Vincent asked.
"I am better than okay. My future just walked into my life," he replied, with his eyes still on Tess."
"I can introduce you. That's Mary's niece, Tess."
"JT turned and frowned at Vincent. "Why haven't I met her already?"
"She has been away at college. And she isn't from around here. You were always gone, when she came to visit."
"Well, I'm here now and I would like to meet my future wife."
"I can do that, but not right now. When the time is right, I'll introduce the two of you," Vincent said.
"I hope it's soon, because my heart longs for its mate. No sun will shine for me and no moon will glow until our hearts meet and our eyes greet.
"Okay. Thank you for your poetic interlude."
JT didn't respond, because he had his eyes on Tess again.
...
Vincent took a seat on the side of the twin bed and covered Paige with the covers. Her teary eyes met his, as he braced himself for talk he needed to have with her.
"Are you really my daddy?" She asked, wiping her face.
He clenched his hands to calm his anger. He despised the situation he was in at the moment. The social worker had already told her he was her father, and although a DNA test hadn't been done, he couldn't bring himself to hurt her.
"Yes. I'm your father. Is that okay with you?
She shrugged her shoulders. "That lady told me my mommy is in Heaven," she said, as her lips began to quiver. Tears streamed down her pink cheeks. Vincent couldn't control his own emotions as a few tears rolled down his face. He lifted Paige into his strong arms, and rubbed his hand down her back.
"It's okay. Mommy is in Heaven, but I'm here. I'll take good care of you, I promise," he said rocking her until her sobs subsided.
He peeked at her and she was fast asleep. He placed her back in the bed, along with her little baby doll, and covered her again. His world had shifted as well as his priorities.
...
After dinner, Catherine decided to take a walk down to the lake. As she neared the spot, she heard water splashing, and her heartbeat sped up. Her mind flooded with the images of Vincent in the nude the last time she had taken a walk there. Heat pooled around her stomach, and fled to her nether region. A demanding ache overpowered her body, and she was helpless to turn around, as her feet carried us closer to the sound of the water. Her breath hitched, when she saw Vincent in the middle of the lake.
He looked up as she approached. "Are you going to join me tonight?" He asked, smirking.
She contemplated for a minute and decided it's was time to start living. Removing her clothes, she stepped into the lake, before she had time to rethink her decision. His eyes were glued to her as she floated closer to him. He closed the distance, and pulled her into his arms, planting a kiss on her lips that erupted into one of unbridled passion. He picked her up, and she wrapped her legs around his waist.
He leaned in and whispered in her ear. "If you don't want to do this, please stop me now. On the other hand, if you are saying yes, I must tell you, I need you tonight.
"She touched his cheek and met his eyes. "Then you can have me. I'm all yours," she said, dropping her lips to his.
The proof of his desire poked at her stomach, fueling her need for more. He ended the kiss and ventured lower to her breast. Lowering his head, he laved a nipple with his tongue, flicking ever so often, until her body raged with need.
"Please, Vincent," she moaned.
"The sound seemed to motivate his actions, as he grazed her nipple with his teeth, and proceeded to drive her into a sexual frenzy.
He stopped and looked at her with a frown. "I don't have a condom."
"I'm clean and I'm on birth control," she replied.
"I'm clean as well," he said and then asked, "are you sure about this?"
She nodded.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, as he raised her body up, and lowered her slowly onto his erect member. She stifled a moan from the fullness and pleasure she felt. He began to move, taking slow steady strokes, and then speeding up. Sex had never been this good, and she wanted more. "Harder,' she begged. He began to drive into her harder until she was on the apex of pleasure, and then she began to soar, as the waves of an orgasm washed over her. Sweet nectar flowed from her channel, and shudders overtook her body, as she basked in the tides of her release. Vincent continued to move, sliding in to the hilt, bouncing her up and down on his member. He kissed her lips as he catapulted her to the brink of another orgasm, and then they both fell. He groaned as his body released his seed into her sweet cavern. Her head fell forward resting in the crook of his neck, as the water continued to flow, washing away the aftermath of their explosive connection. A crescent moon cast glints of light over the water, as the sated couple remained lost in their own world.
Author's Note: Thank everyone for your wonderful reviews. I enjoyed reading all of them. I know this chapter was very emotional, but stick with me and I promise it will get better. I look forward to reading your feedback. Enjoy your day.
P.S. Special thanks to Denise Hart for naming Vincent's horse.