Beauty and the Beast - Happily Ever After
Chapter 4: The Anniversary
By: Savannah Willove
Adam watched with admiration as Belle nursed their daughter in the far end of their bedroom. He smiled as he looked at her, sitting in the hand-carved rocking chair he had spent weeks building for her. She was a vision, as beautiful as ever, as she held their daughter close. Adam gazed at her in awe as she nourished their child. Rose suckled gently on her mother's breast, her head nestled in the crook of her arm. Her baby blue eyes began to close and her breathing became heavy.
It had been nearly three months since he and Belle last made love, for he wanted to give her body time to heal. Although he was certain she was well enough now, Belle had yet to show an interest in that sort of intimacy. Adam didn't fret, however, for their anniversary was only two days away, and he had planned a romantic evening for them both. He hoped that his efforts would earn him some alone time with his wife, whom he craved fiercely. Adam was amazed at how much he loved her, and how little he tired of being around her, even after a full year of marriage.
Adam rose from the bed where he lay, and circled around the rocking chair, coming to kneel before his love. He rested his chin in her lap and brushed a finger over his daughter's cheek. He looked at his wife and smiled. "You're beautiful," he whispered, sliding his free hand up her calf before resting it gently against her thigh. Belle reached for him and smiled lazily, the exhaustion on her face apparent. She cupped his cheek with her hand, and he turned to press a soft kiss to her palm. He didn't miss the somber expression on her fair face, and concern grew within him rapidly. "Is something bothering you, love?" Belle shook her head in denial, but he felt she wasn't being totally honest. Rose sighed deeply then, releasing her mother's breast and nestling closely against her. "Let me," Adam said, removing the babe from her arms and resting her gently into her bassinet.
Belle tucked herself back into her dress and leaned back in her rocking chair. Adam returned to kneel before her, resting both arms on either side of her legs. They sat in silence for a while. Finally, Belle spoke, "I just miss you." Adam looked at her, confused, for he hadn't left her side since their daughter was born. He made sure to tend to all her needs, always putting her comfort and happiness before his own. He rose to his feet and lifted her from the chair, turning to take her place. He held her in his arms and she curled into his lap, resting her head in the crook of his neck.
"I'm right here, darling. I haven't gone anywhere," he husked, pressing a kiss to her hair. Belle shook in his arms, and he felt his neck become wet with her tears. Now he was really confused. What had he done wrong? What had he said to offend her? He shifted her in his arms so that he could look upon her face. "Belle, what is it? What's the matter?"
Belle shook her head and swiped away her tears before answering, "I don't feel like you want me anymore." Adam gaped at her, taken aback by her admission. How could she not see how much he wanted her? How could she miss the longing in his eyes each time he watched her with their daughter? Very gently, Adam re-positioned Belle so that she was straddling his hips. He took her face in both his hands and pulled her in for a long, sensual kiss. When he released her, she was flushed and breathless.
"I want you, Belle," he gruffed, his voice thick with desire, "More than you know, I want you. I've missed this," he tightened his grip around her waist and pulled her flush against him, "and this." He leaned forward to press a wet kiss to her throat, his tongue peeking out to taste the sweetness of her skin. Belle released a sigh of relief when his lips met her flesh. She threw her head back in ecstasy, relishing the feel of his mouth on her chest.
Belle had felt so alone since Rose was born, though she couldn't exactly understand why. It was true that Adam had never left her side, and tended to her every need. But she needed something more from him. She knew her body needed to recover from her pregnancy and birth, but when two months had passed, and Adam still made no effort to touch her, she was crushed. She was afraid that he was no longer attracted to her. Though her belly had returned to its normal size, Belle couldn't help but feel self-conscious about the other, more subtle changes to her body which had not yet returned to normal. Her hips were set more widely since having carried Rose for nine, long months, and her breasts were more robust. She had to nurse their child every hour and a half to two hours, and it was exhausting. If ever she went longer than two hours without nursing, her breasts would become painfully engorged, and they would leak. It was horribly embarrassing.
When Adam hadn't tried to take things further with her after a couple of months, she was certain that he was repulsed by her new body, and the strange things it did. As his mouth sucked on her sensitive flesh, her worries began to dissipate. Perhaps she was being silly and foolish. She knew Adam loved her, how could she not? What man would spend as much time as he with silly tasks that could be performed by their servants? He had neglected his duty as prince - leaving Cogsworth in charge of political affairs - and had spent every day by her side, helping her with Rose. When Rose would wake in the middle of the night, Adam would rush to her, shushing her and calming her before bringing her to Belle so that she could nurse. He would lie down beside her, watching as she fed her. When the tender flesh of Belle's areola had become dried and cracked, causing her to bleed and suffer immense pain, Adam had tended to her. He had washed her and applied ointment to her nipples, and he had even asked that Mrs. Potts procure goat's milk for their Rose until Belle had healed. He was perfect, as always. So why had Belle doubted him? Could it be that her own insecurities had gotten the best of her?
Adam continued his work on her, worshiping every inch of her exposed neck and chest, making her writhe and press her chest against him. A warm, familiar sensation spread from her core, and she felt her arousal dampen between her legs. As Adam licked her throat, she felt her breasts tingle and her nipples became taught. Her eyes rolled shut as she savored the feel of his mouth on her. Suddenly, her nipples felt as though they were on fire, but Adam hadn't exposed them nor put his mouth on them. They elongated and sent shivers through her spine, and she suddenly felt warmth spread across her front.
"Oh no," Belle groaned, her face heated with shame. She pushed herself away from a very confused Adam and rushed into the washroom. She ignored the sound of his voice calling her back to him, and shut the door behind her. Belle gazed at herself through the mirror, scowling at her own reflection as she focused on the two, large wet spots on her chest. What a time to lactate, she thought to herself, becoming increasingly frustrated with herself. She heard a soft rapping at the door, and hastily removed her gown.
"Belle? What happened? Did I do something wrong?" Belle removed her slip and stood naked in the bathing room - dawning only her white, silk underwear. She quickly scooped water from the basin before her, and rinsed off her breasts. She refused to let Adam see what had happened, too embarrassed and ashamed of herself to do so. She found one of her many dressing robes hanging from a hook on the wall, and slipped into it. "Belle?"
"Come in," she said, kicking her discarded gown to the side while tightening her robe around her. Adam entered cautiously, not wanting to scare her away. His expression became confused when he saw that she had changed, but confusion quickly melted into desire as he took in her delicious curves beneath the thin fabric of her robe. He approached her slowly, reaching a tentative hand toward her cheek. He ran his fingers through her hair before coming to rest them at the nape of her neck. He searched her eyes, desperate to understand what had caused her sudden outburst.
"Did I upset you?" he pleaded, eyes wide and incredulous.
"No," she whispered, unable to make eye contact with him for some unknown reason.
"Was I moving too fast? I'm sorry, Belle...I just want you to be happy, and when you said you missed me I thought you meant..."
"I do miss you, Adam. That is what I meant and you do make me happy. I'm sorry, it's not you. I'm just a mess." Belle wrapped her arms around herself, feeling foolish and emotionally bare. She knew that it must have something to do with the recent partus of her child, as she had been especially moody throughout the pregnancy, but she was certain that she would be feeling like herself again by now. She was confused about so many things. She loved Adam, she was certain about that. Loving Adam was as vital to her as breathing. And she loved Rose effortlessly, and unconditionally. She was an extension of Adam and herself. The purest symbol of their love. She was a princess, living in a castle surrounded by people who loved her. She had the world at her feet. So why on Earth did she feel so empty?
"Darling," Adam started, gently pulling her into his embrace, "tell me how I can make it better. Tell me what to do, and I'll do it. Anything. I'll do anything to make things right." Belle's heart lurched forward as he spoke, clenching in her chest from his words. She couldn't bare the guilt she heard in his speech. She couldn't let him take the blame for her inability to control or analyze her own emotions. And just as she told herself to pull the reins on her feelings, she began to sob against his chest. Unbelievable, she thought to herself, unable to slow the tears. Adam clutched her to him, pressing a kiss to the top of her head before resting his chin on it. He was certain he had done something wrong, though he couldn't figure out what.
After a moment, she pushed away from him. "I think I'll have some tea while Rose is sleeping," she whispered, turning toward the door. She left him without another word, and a weight dropped in his chest. He suddenly felt so empty without her in his arms, and the way she left him felt so final. Whatever was bothering her, he had to fix it now. He couldn't let her drift from him any further. She had already been drifting for months. Adam knew that no matter what, he had to make their anniversary a special night. He needed to rekindle the flame between them, and bring his love back to him.
Just as he turned to leave, he noticed her gown tossed to the ground in a heap. His interest peaked, he bent to pick it up. Adam held the gown before him, inspecting it carefully. Understanding washed over him when he saw the two wet stains at the front of her dress. She was embarrassed, and he let her walk away from him feeling that way. Although he didn't fully understand how a woman's body worked during or after pregnancy, he needed her to know that there was no shame in what had happened. He thought it was amazing the way she could nourish their child so naturally, and so beautifully. He didn't care if her breasts leaked milk or that they became hard and full when it was time for Rose to feed. In fact, he rather enjoyed the site of her breasts now. They had always been perfect, but now they were irresistible.
It struck Adam that Belle no longer felt that she was beautiful. He wanted nothing more than to make her feel as beautiful as she was. He wanted her to see herself the way he saw her. Adam smiled as he recalled the night he knew that he had fallen in love with her, now almost three years ago. That's it, he thought to himself, rather pleased with his brilliance. Adam rushed from the bedroom chamber and through the west wing - he had a lot of work to do.
Belle sat in the library, curled up with her favorite Shakespearean play, Romeo and Juliet. She had read it countless times, yet never tired of the tragic tale. Her mind began to wander and she closed the book, realizing she had been reading absentmindedly - missing every word on the page. She reached for her tea on the window sill and took a sip - her face twisting into a grimace when her lips came into contact with the now cold liquid. She set the tea back down and pulled her knees up against her chest. She stared out the window for a moment before rising to her feet.
What had been eating at her soul these past few months? Why had she been feeling so depressed? Internally, she knew that she had all a girl could possibly ask for, and more. Her life was a fairy tale...literally. So why didn't she feel like herself? When Adam had been kissing her yesterday, it had set her ablaze. She wanted him more than anything, and couldn't wait for him to finally take her. Once again, her stupid body ruined everything. She hated the way that Adam treated her like a fragile thing since he found out that she was pregnant. She had hoped that things would return to normal once Rose was born, but clearly, she was wrong. While she understood that she needed several weeks for her wounds to mend after the trauma she experienced as Gaston's captive, and the tiresome birth of her child, she still felt neglected.
Belle strolled around the library aimlessly, thinking to herself. Mrs. Potts had offered to take Rose off her hands for a few hours, and she was grateful for the momentary peace. She had finally learned to hand express milk for Rose, so that it could be stored and given to her at her convenience. It was nice to finally have an option between sitting in the bedroom all day nursing a three-month-old baby, and getting some alone time. Perhaps that's all she needed - a little time away from everyone. A soft knock sounded at the door, followed by a slow creak as someone entered. Belle turned on her heel to find Lumiere standing at the entrance.
"Pardon ze intrusion, Madame, but I 'ave an invitation for you," Lumiere smiled at her warmly, his right hand extended towards her. She noticed a small, brown piece of parchment in his hand. Belle reached for it, but before she could ask any questions, Lumiere had gone. Her eyebrows raised in suspicion as she turned the parchment over in her hand. Intrigued, she unfolded it to reveal a handwritten note.
Darling,
I do hope that you've enjoyed your day. I'm sorry I couldn't join you for breakfast or lunch, but I would like to make it up to you. Please join me in the rose garden for dinner after you've received this note. I look forward to seeing you.
All my love,
Adam
Belle made her way through the castle and outside toward the garden. The sky was dark like ink, speckled with bright stars. It was warm and lovely - a gentle breeze caressed her ankles, bringing with it the scent of wild roses. As she walked through the archway leading toward the garden, she noticed a light flickering in the distance. When she turned the corner, she was surprised to see two, parallel rows of candles placed carefully in the grass, creating a lit path for her to follow.
Excitement bloomed in her chest as the need to solve this mystery came over her. Belle followed the candle-lit trail to its end, coming to the center of the garden which was surrounded by ten-foot-tall, well groomed shrubbery. There was an opening in the center of the garden, about thirty feet in diameter, which had been layed out with a gorgeous picnic dinner. Actually, it was more of a banquet. A large, purple blanket was spread neatly across the grass, topped with several delectable dishes, two bottles of wine, two glasses, and flatware. There was one thing missing however: Adam.
Belle approached the array of food, all the while flicking her gaze from side to side in search of her beloved. After a moment, she concluded that he had not yet arrived, and knelt onto the blanket before her. She reached for a roll of bread which sat in a woven basket lined with a cloth napkin. She picked at the bread and nibbled at it when she heard something rustle nearby. Her pulse raced and she looked around nervously, but outside of her circle of light, only darkness surrounded.
"Adam?" she whispered, setting the bread down on the picnic cloth. She rose to her feet and approached one of the bushes in the direction from where the sound came, when she heard a rustle in the opposite direction. Belle whirled around, her nerves spiking, and scanned the area with her eyes. "This isn't funny, Adam...where are you?" Another rustle came from a bush to her left and she stalked in its direction, determined to catch Adam and put an end to his games. When she reached the bush, she noticed the branches moving, as though someone - or something - were inside. Belle swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat and carefully extended her hand toward the bush. She heard something squeak, and a small dove peeked its face through the bush. Belle smiled, relieved that it had only been a bird and not something far worse.
She reached for the bird and was surprised to see that it did not flinch. In fact, it came to her, circling its tiny claws around her finger and pecking her thumb affectionately. A laugh bubbled in her chest at the sheer amazement of it. Belle returned to her spot on the picnic cloth and offered her bread roll to the dove. It willingly accepted her offer, hopping into her palm and eating greedily from it. The dove cooed, and suddenly the bushes began to rustle all around her. Funny, she thought to herself, for she didn't feel a breeze. Suddenly, there was a burst of wind around her as what had to be more than one hundred doves emerged from the circle of bushes.
Belle yelped, surprised by the sudden movement, and then laughed as they circled around her, coming to rest on her shoulders, lap, arms and head. It was amazing. Where had they all come from? She wished that Adam was here to see this. Belle tipped over the bread basket and broke the rolls up in her hand, tossing fistfuls of breadcrumbs onto the grass and watching the doves feed. When the doves settled into the grass to eat, her attention was stolen by a crunching sound behind her. She turned toward the sound and her breath hitched in her chest.
Adam stood before her between the opening in the shrubs, dressed in his formal, royal blue tux - the same one he had worn the night she fell in love with him. He smiled warmly at her, his eyes filled with love beyond even her own comprehension. His eyes raked her body, following the soft curves of her waist and legs, all the way to her feet which were tucked beneath her bottom. The doves which surrounded them stood out in stark contrast to the blue-black night sky. He stalked towards her, his eyes dark with desire, making silent promises of pleasure, and took her hands in his.
Adam pulled Belle to her feet and bent to kiss her soft, pink mouth. "Good evening, Princess," he whispered against her lips, "you look stunning." She felt her face heat and wondered whether he could see her blushing in the low light.
"Good evening, my prince," she replied, pulling back to smile at him. "You don't look half bad yourself." Adam barked out a laugh and it was wonderful, making her laugh with him. "Where did all these doves come from?" She turned to face the subject in question, but he curled an arm around her waist and pulled her flush against him - his front pressing into her back.
"You'd be amazed at all the perks that come with being a prince of France," he whispered against her ear before wrapping his lips around her pulse point and sucking gently. "This being one of them," he gruffed, tightening his grip on her waist and pressing her backside into his groin. Heat pooled in her lower belly and she felt her desire dampen between her legs.
Belle snaked her arms around his neck, arching her back to reach behind her. The action caused her to press her backside harder against him, eliciting a delicious moan from her prince. She rested her head against his shoulder and bit her lip as he caressed the curves of her body, exploring every inch of her with his strong, capable hands. Belle felt her blood heat to a boil, and the familiar tingling sensation in her nipples started. She groaned in frustration, tried to pull away.
"Don't even think about," Adam growled, tightening his grip on her and keeping her pressed against the length of him, "no running this time. You're mine, do you understand? All mine...every last drop of you." She flushed crimson, horrified that he had discovered the source of her embarrassement, and turned her cheek to him. Adam growled again, whirling her around to face him. He trapped her jaw in his hand and forced her to look at him. "Belle." She stared into the depths of his sapphire eyes and found nothing but the deepest love and affection. Her shame melted away and she nodded, telling him she understood. He smiled, relieved, and took her mouth with his own - drinking deeply of her and leaving them both breathless.
The kiss gradually became heated until they were all wet lips, tongues, and clashing teeth. Adam palmed her backside, giving it a hard squeeze, and lifted her into his arms. Belle's legs wrapped around his waist, as if of their own volition, and she hooked her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. They each groaned into the other's mouth, lost in the ecstasy of their kiss. Their dinner forgotten, Adam lowered them onto the grass, gently placing Belle beneath him before covering her body with his. The doves around them scattered, many of them retreating to the tall bushes. He looked at her hungrily, his fingers dancing down her sides before coming to rest on her thighs. He never took his eyes off hers as he lifted the skirt of her dress and carefully removed her silk panties.
Belle squirmed beneath him, her eyes wild with desire and anticipation. Adam flashed her a wicked grin before lowering himself, his shoulders coming to rest between her legs. He grasped her thighs firmly in each hand, spreading her before him. Belle craned her neck to watch him, and almost came undone at the sight of him licking his lips hungrily, as though he wanted to devour her whole. He darted his tongue out and flicked it against her aroused nub, tearing a desire-drenched moan from her throat. His eyes rolled shut as she made the sound, and he repeated the action. Belle's hands shot to his hair - fingers twisting into the blonde locks as she anchored him to her. Adam smiled against her sex - satisfied with her responsiveness - and plunged his tongue into her channel.
Belle screamed as pleasure ripped through her - threatening to leave her weak and helpless. Adam laved her, stroking his tongue from her entrance to her nub and back down again. He tightened his grip on her thighs when they clenched around him, and closed his mouth over her tiny bud, sucking it gently and passing his tongue over it again. Moan after moan escaped her throat as ecstasy rippled through her, leaving her breathless. She could hardly contain herself as the delicious, warm sensation spread from her core and into her limbs. Belle felt the threatening tinge in her nipples once more and her hands released Adam's hair, rushing to her chest in an attempt to free her breasts from the restricting fabric. Realizing what she was trying to do, Adam released her clitoris with a light pop! before climbing over her - unbuttoning the top of her dress enough that he could tug the fabric off her shoulders. Her creamy mounds sprung free from the fabric, and Adam itched to take her dusky, pink nipples into his hot mouth.
He leaned forward and sprinkled quick, chaste kisses all over her jaw, neck, and chest - creating a trail toward her breasts. He captured one of her nipples between his thumb and index finger, and took the other in his mouth. Belle gasped and sounded as though she wanted to protest, making Adam growl against her chest - his teeth gently pressing into her bud. She quieted and stilled beneath him, fascinated by the twinge of pleasure that came with the pain of his teeth dragging across the sensitive peak. Belle could feel the slickness between her legs growing as Adam suckled her chest. Eventually she relaxed back into the grass, lost in the sensation of his mouth on her.
As he twisted and tugged one nipple in his fingers and sucked the other with his mouth, she felt the hot tingle shoot down her breasts once more. Warmth erupted from her nipples as her milk let down, running along the side of her exposed breast and onto Adam's hand. She felt him stiffen for a moment, no doubt surprised by the sudden rush of warm fluid that invaded his mouth. She was certain he would be repulsed and pull away, but was surprised instead when she felt him swallow and release her. He turned his attention to her other breast and lapped his tongue at the streak of creamy liquid, cleaning her up. She couldn't contain her surprised expression, even when he smiled at her warmly. He licked the milk from his hand and sucked at each, individual finger, making her blush.
"You taste like warm sugar," he whispered, propping himself up on his forearms and leaning over her. "No wonder Rose is never satisfied." Belle giggled at this, relieved that she hadn't put him off like she thought she had. He gave her a gentle kiss on the mouth before sitting back on his heels. He gazed down at her sweetly, his eyes filled with love and laced with desire and need. "You're gorgeous, Belle. And I love you more than anything...you know that right?" Belle nodded, her face heating and her heart thrumming behind her sternum. He cupped a palm against her cheek and ran his thumb along her bottom lip, tugging at it slightly. Her mouth parted for him and his tender expression burned into one of ravenous propensity. He leaned forward and buried his face in her neck, covering it with open-mouthed kisses that stoked the fire inside her. "I want you," he murmured against the sensitive skin behind her ear, sending chills down her spine.
Belle sighed as the last of her nerves fled from her, finally submitting to her burning desire. "I want you, Adam," she rasped, her voice throaty from lust. Adam nipped at her neck with blunt teeth before pulling back to unfasten his trousers. He took in the sight of her as he pushed his pants off his waist and released his erection. Her hair was tangled and spread across the grass, her eyes wide and beautiful, face flushed, lips swollen from his kiss...a goddess. Her breasts were bared for him - the fabric of her dress lifting them and making them even more appealing to his hungry eyes. The skirt of her dress pooled around her waist and onto the ground, revealing her milky thighs. Her legs were spread wide for him, and he settled his hips between them.
His hands gripped her thighs as he leaned forward, and the head of his steel rod nudged against her slick entrance. Belle worried her bottom lip with her teeth, and her fingers dug into the grass beneath her palms, which were extended above her head. Adam slid one of his hands beneath her backside, cupping the full, peachy globe, and pressed his other palm flat on the grass beside her face. He squeezed her bottom and lifted her hips off the ground as he entered her - pushing the thick head of his length into her waiting sheath. Adam was quickly reminded of exactly how long it had been since they last made love, for she was so very tight. He pushed farther into her channel, her walls clenching around the length of him, milking him deliciously. Slowly, she stretched for him, the slick walls of her cunny accommodating his size. He groaned, unable to control himself. She felt too good around him. Too right, like he was exactly where he belonged. Adam had missed this. He had missed being connected to Belle so intimately - worshipping her body and pouring all his love into it. He looked down at Belle, and held her gaze with his own. Blue stared down at brown and for a moment, nothing else mattered. He pulled himself out so that only the head of his shaft remained, and then rocked into her deeply.
Belle moaned loudly - a guttural sound drenched with need. Adam smiled down at her, loving the way she responded to him as he stroked into her - hitting her deepest point and making her burn for him. She wrapped her slender fingers around his bulging biceps and tossed her head to the side in ecstasy. Adam pumped her, his thrusts unrelenting, and began to increase his momentum. He still clutched her backside, pinning their hips together so that she was forced to feel every hard inch of him as he plunged in and out of her tight channel.
Her breasts jounced between them and it made him harder still. Belle gasped as he grew inside her, feeling her walls stretch as a result. Adam dropped his face to hers, capturing her lips into a hot kiss. He sucked on her tongue and lips hungrily, all the while driving into her mercilessly. He circled his hips and curled into her, making her dig her nails into his arms in response.
"Adam," she breathed, her voice a low murmur. He bit her shoulder with blunt teeth and slid his hand up her sides, coming to rest them on her upper back. He curled his fingers over her shoulders and deepened his strokes. His chest slid over hers, the friction warming their bodies and increasing their combined pleasure. He felt Belle tremble beneath him as an orgasm rushed through her. Determined to find his own release, he picked up the pace between her legs, lifting her hips off the ground and impaling her at a delicious angle, making her gasp against him. Her hands slid up his arms and curled around his neck as she pulled him down for a kiss. Her rosey pink lips brushed against his. Ecstasy. He opened for her, pulling her tongue and lips into his greedy mouth and driving into her at a dangerous speed, threatening to tear her apart. When he couldn't hold their position any longer, he sat back onto his heels, pulling Belle with him. Adam held her against his chest, his hands moving to her waist to guide her along the length of him. The position caused her to tower over him, and he captured her left nipple into his mouth as she rode him.
Belle clung to him desperately - her arms wrapped around his neck to support her. She threw her head back as bliss rocked through her, and focused only on the feeling of Adam's thick length pumping in and out of her. She felt another orgasm build in her lower belly, and flexed herself around him, earning a groan from him as her reward. Belle rested her elbows on Adam's shoulders and used the leverage to lift and drop herself against him even harder. She grunted each time he reached her deepest point, and felt him beginning to shake beneath her. The sliding of wet skin and slapping thighs, along with primal grunts and moans, were the only sounds that could be heard around them. The majority of the candles that surrounded them had already burned out, and the doves had long since quieted and retreated into the trees. Fire burned in Belle's lower abdomen, and she screamed as her second orgasm rocked her to her soul. Adam found his release soon after, and he clutched her to him as they shook against one another. His hot seed pumped into her, filling her to the brim and pouring back out around his softening shaft, mixing with her juices.
They supported each other's weight, foreheads pressed together and arms still cradling the other. Belle opened her eyes and stared into the depths of Adam's cobalt ones - almost forgetting where they were and what they had just been doing. Her heart swelled when she caught a glimpse of the love he held in his eyes for her, and dropped her mouth to his. A clock chimed in the distance, striking the start of a new hour, and Adam pulled back, breaking their kiss. He smiled at her warmly and wrapped his arms tighter around her, holding her close. They were still intimately intwined, her legs wrapped around his waist and his shaft still inside her.
"Happy anniversary," he whispered, and her eyes popped out of her head. How could she have forgotten their first anniversary? Belle felt like such an arse. Adam chuckled at her expression and pressed a kiss to her nose. "It's alright, love. You've been rather preoccupied lately."
Belle shook her head, unable to accept that. "I'm a terrible wife... how could I have forgotten? Oh, Adam... I'm so sorry. You deserve better than this."
"No. You're exactly what I deserve, and more importantly, you're exactly what I want. I love you Belle - you've made me so happy and I couldn't imagine my life without you in it." She smiled at him, feeling a little better. They kissed, and untangled themselves. Once Belle had made herself decent, the knawing hunger in her belly groaned loudly.
She flushed, pressing a palm to her stomach. "I guess I'm pretty hungry," she murmured, glancing at the banquet that lay untouched before them. Adam laughed softly before standing to walk towards the picnic.
"Then let's eat, Princess. We certainly worked up an appetite," he smiled and winked at her before leading her toward the array of food.
Back in the castle, Belle was surprised to see the ballroom had been prepared. She turned wide, curious eyes to Adam from beneath his arm where he held her, and he grinned widely at her.
"Care to dance?" he asked, unhooking his arm from around her shoulder and stepping backwards into the ballroom. He extended his right hand to her as he did so, inviting her to follow him. Belle smiled shyly at him, and curtsied, bowing her head as she did so. When she rose to her feet Adam was only inches away from her, his arm curling seductively around her waist and pulling her flush against him. He took her delicate hand in his, keeping his other at the small of her back, and spun with her. Belle laughed, the sound beautiful and full of joy, and it made his heart swell with all the love he felt for her.
Music erupted from a small corner in the room - the same melody they had danced to three years ago in that very ballroom. Belle's heart stuttered in her chest as the rush of memories from that night hit her like a warm breeze. As Adam dragged her around the dance floor, holding her close, she remembered every moment. She knew she was too lucky to have someone as thoughtful as her Adam. They twisted and turned along the marble floors, lost in the sway of the soft music that surrounded them. She rested her head on his shoulder and released a blissful sigh. Adam tightened his grip around her waist, lifting her feet from the ground and bringing her to his eye level, and spun with her across the the vast room. Their eyes locked as he twirled with her, and her gaze came to rest on his sensual lips. Her eyes flicked between his deep blue ones and the sexy curve of his mouth, and her heart stopped when that mouth split into a bright grin. She tightened her grip on his shoulders and leaned in, claiming his mouth with her own. He was hers and she was his, and she was exactly where she belonged.
The End.
*Author's Note*
As always, I thank you all for your support and always appreciate the PMs and reviews. I might have one more chapter in me for this story, but it is coming to its close. I'm more than ready to pursue more fanfictions, and all your suggestions are welcome! I hope you've all enjoyed my rendition of Adam and Belle's happily ever after! As always, happy reading.
Savannah.
