A big thanks for all of the reviews! This is my first fanfic and I love all the advice. Sorry about the delay in chapters. My daughter and I were out of town.

As the weeks slowly passed and Belle began to settle into her new role as Bea's caretaker, she found herself easily adjusting to life in Mr. Gold's home. Eased by the affection she felt for the child, and the affection that he seemed to have for her, Belle found pleasure in watching the boy grow and thrive under her guidance.

And, despite all of his negative qualities, it quickly became clear to Belle that Mr. Gold truly loved his only son. She was also fairly certain that Mr. Gold seemed pleased with Bea's care

And so it came to pass that, on the first cool day of fall, Mr. Gold found Belle standing, arms stretched out, attempting to open the heavy drapes and let the brisk morning air into the room.

"I don't know why you feel the need to go through such lengths to let a little light in, Dearie. I would be more that happy to bring more lights into the room if you feel it necessary." remarked Mr. Gold as he watched her curiously.

During the short time that Belle had lived in his home, he had noticed a change in the girl. She seemed to blossom with the responsibility of Bea's care. Though his presence still seemed to set her on edge, Belle was nothing short of fierce in all matters of his son. And, though he tried not to, Mr. Gold has also noticed the way Belle's curls seemed to dance when she laughed and, with her arms out stretched, the way her sweater seemed to pull in all the right places.

"It's not just the light though." Belle said laughingly, looking down from her perch. "It's the air. It's perfect weather to curl up with good book! And Bea's loves his books! My, Mr. Gold, what did you do? Nail the drapes shut?"

"Yes," Mr. Gold said frankly. Then he added, as if as an after thought, "And call me Ragen."

Stunned by this new and very sudden development, Belle turned a surprised gaze on her employer. In doing so, she managed to lose her footing on the ladder. Attempting to regain her balance, Belle flailed her arms desperately grabbing on to the curtain and managed to pull it off of the wall.

Bracing her body for impact with the floor, Belle was shocked to find herself encircled in Mr. Gold's arms. "Thank you," she stammered shyly as she quickly righted herself. "I'll be sure to put the curtains back up.'

It was at that moment that the sun decided peek out from behind the clouds and fill the room with light, making Bell's auburn locks shine.

"No matter, dearie. I'll get used to it."

Turning on his heels, Mr. Gold quickly stormed out of the nursery. He musingly found himself resisting the urge to run his hands through the young girls hair. "And that," he whispered to himself, "will certainly not do!"