A/N: Here's my final prompt for A Long Fatal Love Chase. Of course, I can always be persuaded to add more if you like… ;) ;) This is, of course, a happier version than the novel but I highly recommend reading it if you're in a mood for a good Gothic story.

A Long Fatal Love Chase

Prompt: A year has passed and there have been many changes. (Rated K)

Belle took a deep breath of the salty sea air and smiled as the misty breeze teased her curls. She heard her husband murmuring as he showed Bae how to set up his fishing pole. Dove was somewhere on the yacht, more than likely getting the icebox ready for any catch his young master might obtain. When she opened her eyes to observe, she was pleased that her husband no longer appeared haggard as he had a year ago when he came to her room in the middle of that fateful night.

Back then she wanted the truth and she received the truth from him and more. Tempus had done wrong and Belle was not ready to forgive so easily. He had proven himself that he was up to the task to earn her forgiveness and her cheeks flushed warmly at the memory. He was a man with many talents and his tongue was very talented. She had been too weak in the knees to extract herself from the room, and she was quite happy that Tempus worn her out thusly. If she had the slightest bit of energy, then she would have left him. But given the opportunity to prove himself worthy… Tempus succeeded in the first of many steps.

They left the room together and Belle was with him when he collected his son. It was time for all of them to stop running away and she could never forget the look of joy in Baelfire's face when he saw his father and her. Of course, they could not be a family right away. There was still the impediment of Tempus' wife that had to be dealt with and Belle was adamant that if she was going to be with him, then he would have to contend with Milah.

For that reason, Belle was resolved to return to England. She reminded Tempus of his promise to write to her uncle that would not put a cloud over her name. He had not forgotten and wrote the letter in her presence until she was satisfied with the contents. The letter was sent post-haste so she would be welcomed by the time The Dark One docked. Unfortunately, when they arrived, Belle was not met by her uncle. Her uncle's solicitor was waiting and with it the news of her uncle's passing. He had died a few months back from a heart attack, but the solicitor speculated it was more out of guilt for his inexcusable actions towards his niece. Her uncle lost favor with many of his acquaintances, but the only decent thing he had done was to keep his debts paid off so Belle could inherit his manor.

She never thought she would be happy to see the place that she had for so long viewed as a prison. But seeing the mansion brought tears of happiness and Belle was determined to return the stately place to its former glory. As for Tempus, she told her uncle's solicitor (now hers) that she was not going to press charges against him. She also commanded that as her lawyer now that he would not speak ill against him either or reveal what his letter shared. The solicitor understood as Belle set fire to the letter that would criminate Tempus Gold.

From there, she offered Bae a place to stay. She was going to need help restoring the mansion and the boy was all the more willing to accept. Tempus was happy to see his son excited about staying with Belle, but he was also saddened that he was not welcomed. Belle assured him that she would not keep Bae unless he wished it. After all, Bae was his son not hers. But she wanted to give Tempus the time he needed to rectify his errors and he could not do so if Bae was going to be a distraction. Tempus relented for he knew she was right. And what better place for Bae to stay than with her?

So Baelfire was left in her charge and care as Tempus sailed off on The Dark One. They kept in touch through letters: Belle's constant updates about the mansion and Bae's health (for he was growing taller and stronger every day it seemed!), and Tempus shared with her his penance. She told Tempus he could come back once he fulfilled his atonement towards her.

Initially, Belle did not believe he would be gone for long, but he had remained on his path to redemption for six months. In that timeframe, he found Will Scarlet and aided him in his quest to find his love Ana. Tempus had attached a letter from the former thief himself to tell her how things had been and how nothing was the same when she left the convent. Will did not blame her or did not sound upset that she had flown off without a goodbye. He had expected this since it was evident that she was on the run from someone. However, he harbored no ill will towards her and that when her husband told him what happened… Well, he admitted he did throw a punch and it was possible that Tempus sported a black eye. However, the two men managed to form an alliance that enabled them to work together to track down Ana. They found her and it would seem she was waiting for Will to come back. She never felt right about how they left things between them and she was sorry for her behavior and for making him leave. She was a coward not to follow her heart.

Belle was overjoyed with happiness the two lovers were reunited. Will told her they were going to marry and hoped they could cross paths again someday.

She hadn't expected Tempus to do this, to help Will the way he did. But he did and in that moment… she forgave him for everything. This was a grand gesture she had not thought possible; however, she knew asking him to return was not an option. Tempus still had the matter with his wife. Until he found a resolution with Milah… he and Belle could not be together as husband and wife.

It was about three months ago that Belle received the letter she had been waiting for from him.

He found Milah.

Or what was left of her.

She had died penniless and friendless. The house she had been living in was in such squalor condition that Tempus learned she had been a squatter, trying to hide from her debtors. Her death did not appear suspicious but he admitted that these types of men knew how to cover their tracks. It was possible that Milah was murdered to satisfy the debt, but there was no way of knowing for certain.

While Belle felt awful for what happened to her, there was a tiny part of her… no, a larger part could not help rejoicing at the meaning of her death. Tempus was no longer bonded to her. He was a free man and he could come home.

As soon as The Dark One came to port, Tempus and Belle were married. Again but this time it was completely legal and proper. Belle also adopted Bae officially so she could be his mother and Tempus no longer felt compelled to hide him. Bae was introduced as Baelfire Gold and the little family could not have been happier to know they could live in the light and not in the darkness.

Yes… everything was as it should be.

In fact, as Belle continued to watch the men that she loved, she placed her hand over her belly. She had not told Tempus yet but she was thinking tonight would be the perfect night to reveal the new addition to the Gold family.

As I said, this is a nice little short for this verse. While for the most part I am ending this set of prompts, you my dear readers, can always make a request if you wish. Please don't forget to review!