Here we go guys, another chapter. There's only a few left after this and I'm hoping to finish uploading before I head back to college. Enjoy. Disclaimer Disclaimer Disclaimer Disclaimer.

Eveline~

That evening as Clare prepared for her dinner with Renard, I sat on my bed talking to her. "Thank you for apologizing to Cogsworth, Clare."

She turned downcast, "I have a confession, Ev…"

I suddenly became concerned that her apology was yet again illegitimate. Then I took a deep breath and knew that could not be the case, "What is it?"

"I told him—it just popped out, I swear…I didn't mean to—but—I was thanking him for making you happy—and—I—I—I told him you love him…I'm so sorry…I hadn't meant to butt in, I just wanted him to know how happy for you I was…"

"I would be mad, but…he already knows," I replied with a smile.

"What?"

"He already knows."

A huge smile immediately appeared on her face, "So that means…he told you he loves you?"

I nodded my head, "He did!"

"Oh, tell me all about it, Ev!"

"Wouldn't you rather focus on preparing for Renard?"

"Oh, Ev, please!"

"It was somewhat spur of the moment, I suppose…we were watching the sunrise…" I struggled to find a way to tell her without telling her I was feeling guilty. "And we talked for a while and then he told me he couldn't wait any longer, no matter if the timing was right or not, he just had to let me know that he loves me…it was beautiful."

"That's so sweet…Oh Eveline, I'm so overjoyed for you."

"Thank you…Now, go have fun with Renard," I hugged her before leaving to locate Cogsworth.

"Bonjour Eveline!" I jumped at the sound of his voice which was heard the second I left my room. "Sorry, I hadn't meant to scare you, dear one."

I giggled, "It's quite alright, Cogsworth."

"Are you ready for dinner?" he asked, extending his arm.

"Absolutely," I replied, linking our arms with a smile.

We walked to a small kitchen that rarely got used and I sat in front of the counter on a stool. I leaned on the counter with my head propped on my hands. "So, master of the culinary arts, what are you making this evening?" I said with mock enthusiasm.

"That, ma chérie, is a surprise," he replied with a wink and a devilish tone.

"I'll be watching you prepare it…some surprise…and what's with the voice…sounds more like Lumiere than you."

"Who do you think I got the idea from?"

I laughed at him, "You are so…" I tried to think of something sarcastic, but I was at a loss for words, "wonderful," I finished adding unmistakable sincerity to my voice.

"And you, Eveline, are remarkable."

"What is this a competition now?"

"Non, I just love you and like to express it, that is all."

I giggled, "Oh Cogsworth…this is why I can't even pretend to be angry with you." He winked at me. "Oh please tell me you're not taking lessons from Lumiere!"

He chuckled, "Not exactly."

I rolled my eyes, "I prefer you."

"That is very good."

I looked at the ingredients he had out: chicken, spinach, broccoli, pasta. "What on earth is this?"

"A delectability passed down from generation to generation in my family," he replied with a smirk.

"Alright, you got me confused. Congratulations…can I know what it is yet?"

"No," he said with a smile, "but just pay attention, it is a secret family recipe."

"Not so secret if you're sharing…" I noted.

He shrugged, "There is reason to believe I am really not doing any harm."

I gave him a confused look, then blushed. I continued to watch him cook in silence. It was clear that he was thoroughly enjoying himself. Once he put his masterpiece in the oven I broke the silence, "You really like to cook?"

"Yes, I always have."

"Why don't you work in the kitchen?"

"My father never believed cooking was a sensible occupation. He said I needed to do bigger things…I disagree, of course, but what he said always went…"

I gave him a sympathetic smile, "Do you always do things your father's way?"

"I do now," he replied weakly.

"Because you feel as though you were a disappointment?" I asked, though I was almost certain I was right.

"Yes, that is exactly it…making up for lost time, I suppose."

"You don't need to do that…you are a new man, Cogsworth. Well, not so new anymore. You have been working so hard for almost twenty years…and as long as you are doing your best and making an honorable living in whatever way is fit then that is wonderful."

"And you call me wonderful? You are absolutely glorious."

"As are you, my love." I smiled as I said those words. They felt perfect coming from my lips. He pulled his creation out of the oven and placed it inside a basket along with other picnic essentials.

"Are you ready, dear one?"

"Oh, yes!"