APPENDIX SIX: WAITING
That night, emotionally exhausted from all that had transpired, they ordered take-out from Granny's. Ruby came out to push the bag to Belle, who made certain she saw the rather large sapphire on her ring-finger. Ruby shook her head, and Belle's narrowed eyes followed her until she left.
Mr. Gold knew better than to say anything.
They ate rather quickly, and then Belle headed straight for the tub. She came out in her night gown and robe, barefoot, padding down the hallway. She found Mr. Gold smoking on the balcony.
"I'm heading for bed," she said.
"Goodnight," he kissed her.
"Will you be coming soon?"
He sighed, "Belle that is not a very good idea. Last night was an …. exception. It was twenty-eight years of separation."
Belle nodded, "I understand," but tears came again.
"My dear," he took her hand, "I'm thinking of you."
She wiped her eyes," I know. But we do have so little time."
"You really believe that?" Mr. Gold asked.
"The curse will be broken soon, and then you will leave."
He conceded the point. "After Ella and Thomas' wedding, and whatever Booth is doing with Emma, I suppose it will happen."
Belle looked at him, "I am very tired."
"Go to bed dear. I'll be with you," Mr. Gold gave in.
"Thank you," she whispered.
When he went to the bedroom, Belle was already asleep. He did get in and hold her. Maybe the magic really was at work. He held her close, also worn out from the emotions of the day, and fell into a deep slumber.
The next morning . . .
Mr. Gold awoke to see Belle looking straight at him.
"Yes?" he asked.
"Since the engagement is official, and you have already said you will keep your magic until you find Bae, why don't we marry here? We could have each other, and I would have the right to your estate."
"You have it Belle. Nobody will contest."
Belle insisted. "It may be years before I see you again."
Mr. Gold thought of it, and the appeal of having her with him sooner than later. But then . . .
"There could be a child," Mr. Gold told her.
"I know what happens in marriage," Belle answered, not deterred. "I accepted that when I accepted the ring."
"Well, it's not so simple. Here the Church has a waiting period."
"Waiting period?" Belle asked incredulously.
"Cursed world?" Mr. Gold reminded her again.
"I thought you owned this town," Belle accused. "A dispensation should not be too hard."
"MMmmm never dealt with one of those before."
Belle smiled, "A deal can always be made when a person has something someone wants."
He thought about it. It was what she wanted; he saw it in her eyes. And he could never say no to her.
"Well, I suppose I have some phone calls to make," he said as he got out of bed.
30 minutes later . . .
The knock on the door was expected. Mr. Gold let in the hairdresser and sent her upstairs. Belle came down after at least an hour looking spectacular in a sapphire, casual, yet classy dress. Her hair was smooth and loose, and she wore make-up.
"Good." He choked out. "Let's get to work, dearie."
Two Hours later . . .
Belle, despite her dress, went about dusting and polishing in Mr. Gold's shop. Some derisively call it 'women's work,' but for a noble and sheltered princess, it was freedom. Almost for a moment it was as it was in the Castle. She looked up as the bell rang, and Marco came in.
"Ah, thank you for coming in so quickly," Mr. Gold greeted, gesturing to the clock on the counter. "Now, tell me what can you make of this?"
Marco walked over, pausing to tip his hat to Belle.
As the men engaged in work, Belle found her way to the back room, when she heard the bell ring again. She was not too interested until she heard Mr. Gold say something about seeing one's father for the first time.
She went to the curtain which separated the store from the back room and listened to the whole conversation.
As Booth was leaving, Gold came to the back.
"A nudge?" Belle asked, eyebrows raised.
"My specialty," he replied. "If he can get through to Miss Swan, then all the better."
"You were remarkably restrained, after he pretended to be your son," Belle observed.
"No need for an ugly scene," Mr. Gold shrugged. "His punishment is already happening. Why waste energy on revenge when nature is giving him more suffering than I could ever give him?"
One hour later . . .
Emma entered the shop. She stopped and looked warily at Belle dressed to the nines as Mr. Gold always was. Belle flashed her ring.
Emma rolled her eyes.
"I would like to talk in private," she said to Mr. Gold, looking pointedly at Belle.
Belle looked at him. He nodded her to the back. As she was walking past him, he leaned in to kiss her and whispered, "Take notes, dearie."
So, for the second time this day, Belle stood behind the curtains eavesdropping. Emma began trying to convince Mr. Gold to help her get her son back, a request which he flatly refused.
Belle came out after she left. "Busy today," she observed.
Mr. Gold shrugged, "All in a day's work."
Belle said, "So now she heads straight to Booth?"
"That's the plan."
Belle changed the subject. "You staying open all day?"
He gave her his characteristic stare and smirk, "I think my business can afford to take the afternoon off."
Belle smiled and flipped the sign to 'Closed.' They spent the hours driving through Storybrooke and he showed her the sights: what little there were.
10 Hours later . . .
Their route happened to pass by Marco's garage. Mr. Gold and Belle saw something they did not expect: Booth was working with Marco.
"Ah, the boy is catching on," Gold observed, almost with approval.
"Stupid little curse, "Belle snarked, and they sped back home.