Evening was fast approaching and Belle was debating whether or not she was going to sleep in the barn. She was positive Rumplestiltskin wouldn't return that night. She hadn't seen him all day, ever since she stormed away from their fight. If he did come back, she wasn't quite sure she was even ready to face him. He had upset her very badly, yelling at her when all she tried to do was tell him the truth. She was just trying to be honest with him, she didn't want there to be any secrets between them.

The more time she had to think about it, the more she comprehended there were more secrets than she realized. She barely knew anything about Rum's past. Most of the time when she asked him about it, he would change the subject or answer her in a way that didn't really answer the question. 'I love him, but he can just be so frustrating sometimes.'

After finally coming to a decision, Belle stepped out of the cottage and made her way down to the barn to retrieve her things. She kept her eyes on the ground trying to keep her mind off what had happened. Belle was surprised and slightly startled when she entered the barn and found Rumplestiltskin standing there twirling the chipped cup between his hands.

He didn't notice her at first and for a brief moment she considered retreating. Before she could make up her mind he looked up and saw her in the doorway. His face lit up, "Belle…"

Belle could tell from the look on his face he had been waiting a while. She bit her bottom lip, contemplating what to do or say. She couldn't totally gage his mood, and she was frightened she would set him off again, "I..uh…just came out here to grab my things," she pointed to her satchel by the straw bed they had shared the past few nights.

Disappointment shadowed his features and his gaze fell away from her to the ground. There was an incredibly long moment of silence between them. Belle made the first move and stepped forward gathering the belongings from the straw pile.

In one swift movement, Rumplestiltskin stepped up behind Belle placing his hands on her waist before she could retreat. "Belle, I'm sorry about earlier," he spoke softly into her ear.

Belle's breath heaved, but she resisted the urge to just fall back into his arms and accept his apology so soon. She didn't turn around to face him as she spoke, "You really hurt me. I was trying to tell you the truth and you just threw it back in my face. How is our marriage ever going to work if you don't believe me when I'm telling the truth? If you accuse me of conspiring against you when things happen beyond my control? If you can't even find the courage to be honest with me?"

Belle felt him let out a sigh of defeat into her hair, "I'm a coward Belle. I've always been a coward."

Belle set her things down and turned to face him. She placed her hands on his shoulders and gave him a gentle smile, "If you really believe that, than you have the power to change it. Just be honest with me. You don't have to tell me everything; I know it's hard for you. Just start small."

Rumplestiltskin hesitated.

Belle could see the struggle in his eyes, "I love you and I just want to know you better. You can tell me anything. No matter what you say, I will always he here for you." She kept her composure when she could see tears forming in his eyes. He had never looked so helpless standing there before, even when she found him chained and beaten in her father's dungeon.

From the look on his face she worried that he may back down and not tell her the truth, but then he finally spoke, "Belle…I…yes."

She looked at him questionably, "Yes?"

"Yes. I could have gone with my son," Rumplestiltskin paused to steady his voice, "But I was a coward. I was frightened and I let him fall through the portal alone. It was the only deal I've ever broken."

"Deal?" Belle squinted her eyes in confusion, "I thought you said the Blue Fairy gave him the bean? Did you make a deal with her?"

"She did. And no I made a deal with my son. He was not happy about this," Rum gestured up and down his body, "So I agreed if he were to find away to rid me of this curse, then I would go along with it. I never thought he would, but one day he came home with a magic bean claiming that it would take us to a land without magic. When it came time to leave I let my cowardice take over. I couldn't let the power go, even when it meant losing the most important person in my life. I came to my senses and changed my mind, but it was too late. Bae was gone, and the portal was closed. I've dedicated my life since then to finding him."

Belle looked into those deep brown eyes holding back her tears for his sake. She had to be strong for him. She reached her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a tight hug, "I'm so sorry. I promise you we will find him."

"He's never going to forgive me Belle, after what I did. He'll never forgive me."

"Don't say that. If you just show him the man that I see in you then he will."

They stood there for several minutes just holding each other. Eventually they moved to their makeshift bed and fell asleep. They were still curled in each other's arms when they awoke the next morning. Belle reached over and stroked Rumplestiltskin's face, "Thank you. Thank you for being honest with me."

He smiled weakly.

"I know it's hard for you, but you can trust me. I love you and tomorrow I'll become your wife. Anything you tell me, anything that happened in your past, it doesn't matter. I will always be there for you."

"Belle, you are more than I deserve. No one…no woman has ever looked at me the way you do. Not even my wife. I never thought I could find love, true love, but here you are right in front of me. I promise to never doubt you again."

Belle gave Rum a quick kiss on the cheek, "I'm going to go help Snow with breakfast. She's probably wondering what happened after I didn't return last night. Are you going to join me?"

Rumplestiltskin's face scrunched up, "I think I'll stay out here. I tire of the…glares."

"Ok, I'll bring breakfast out to you." Belle was unwilling to try to convince him fearing it may start another argument. As Belle stood up she noticed a spool of gold thread had rolled out of her bag. She reached down to put it back when something occurred to her. Her face lit up and she addressed Rumplestiltskin, "Would we be okay, I mean money wise, if I took this spool of thread?"

"Planning on buying more books?" he teased.

Belle gave him a playful sideways glance, "No, I have another idea for it."

"Be my guest, we have plenty," Rumplestiltskin waved his hand thorough the air showing it didn't matter.

Belle flashed him another smile and hurried out of the barn to find Snow.

"Snow!" Belle exclaimed as she came in through the front door.

Snow looked up from her cooking, "Belle! What happened to you last night?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. Rum and I made up. I should have told you. It was never my intention to worry you."

"It's ok, I'm glad everything worked out."

Belle had a huge smile on her face.

Snow sensed her enthusiasm, "What is it?"

"Here," Belle said as she handed over the gold thread.

Snow took the spool from Belle, "What's this?"

"It's gold thread. Rum spun it."

Snow gasped and examined the thread closely, "So it's true? He really can spin straw into gold?"

Belle nodded, "Yes. I was wondering if you could stitch it into the dress?"

"I don't know...I mean does it work just like regular thread?"

"As far as I know..."

"Well, I'll certainly give it my best shot."

"Thank you," Belle gave Snow a hug.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Since it was the day before the wedding, Belle and Rumplestiltskin barely had time to get anything ready. However, since Belle hadn't wanted a big wedding, there wasn't a terrible amount of stuff to do aside from altering the dress. Snow worked diligently to alter it and add the gold thread per Belle's request. Belle spent most of the day with Snow helping get everything situated.

Grumpy stayed home from the mines to help as well. He organized the yard, laying out seats for the few guests that would be in attendance. Rumplestiltskin offered to do everything with magic, that time was no issue when magic was involved, but Belle refused. She wanted the day to be magical all by itself.

That evening, it took Belle a good bit of convincing to get Rum to let her sleep inside with Snow. "You can't see me before the wedding!" she explained.

"Nonsense! A silly tradition I never cared for."

Belle just shook her head and gave Rumplestiltskin a long kiss before retiring for the night, "I'll see you tomorrow."

He sighed and watched his soon to be bride walk away. He was glad Belle had chosen to have the wedding so soon. As much as he loved her, and would do anything for her, being a "guest" in someone's home was not very appealing to him. He was ready to rid himself of the present company and for it to only be him and Belle again.

Morning could not come fast enough for Belle. She had a hard time falling asleep. Not only was she excited about getting married, but she also had grown accustomed to sleeping next to Rum. It had been so long since she slept without him, that she had forgotten about the strange nightmare she'd have with the padded walls and pair of intense eyes. She had no objections when Snow awoke her very early the next morning to get ready. Jiminy and Charming arrived soon after they woke to make sure everything was in order.

Rumplestiltskin remained in the barn until he was needed. It took him no time getting ready. With a flick of the wrist he was dressed impeccably in a bright red velvet overcoat with a matching vest underneath. The buttons on both the vest and the coat were made of gold. He wore a red silk scarf tucked into the front of the vest, with a large gold broach to accent it and his usual black leather pants with tall black boots to match.

"Are you ready?" came a male voice from behind.

Rumplestiltskin turned to see Charming, "As ready as I'll ever be!" he replied through a sneer in his high pitched tone he used when talking to most people.

"I just wanted to say I'm glad you took my advice. I know I haven't known Belle for very long, but she deserves happiness, and if you're the one to give it to her, then so be it. I think I can put our differences aside for her and for Snow."

Rumplestiltskin looked at him and spoke in a genuine tone, "Your approval means nothing to me but I…uh appreciate it nonetheless."

Charming nodded, realizing that was the closest he would get to a thank you. He was about to leave when Rumplestiltskin called him back, "Hold on a minute, dearie. I believe I owe you a favor."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The wedding took place early that afternoon. The day itself was lovely with the sun shining bright and not a cloud in sight. The only guests that were in attendance were the seven dwarfs, Charming, and Snow White. That did not matter to either Belle or Rumplestiltskin. Rumplestiltskin preferred no guests at all, but he wanted Belle to be happy.

The moment had come and Rumplestiltskin stood there with Jiminy waiting for Belle. His anxiety grew as the time for Belle to arrive crept closer and closer. He was not getting cold feet, but part of him was still in denial that she would actually go through with this. It didn't help that there were nine people sitting there watching him look more vulnerable than he ever had since he became the Dark One. He resisted making eye contact with anyone and tried to keep his mind off of it.

He glanced up when the sound of music could be heard. The music was coming from a large wooden organ piano that Happy was playing. The piano was very delicately carved with seven stacks on top. Each stack had different animal faces carved into them with wooden "mouths" that would open and close when certain notes were struck.

However, the music did not hold Rumplestiltskin's attention for long once Belle stepped out into view. All of his anxiety instantly faded when he saw her. He was completely taken aback. Her beauty surpassed anything or anyone he had ever laid eyes on. Even in such a simple wedding gown he was blown away by how stunning she was. The gown was simple, white, and long and she was holding a small bouquet of red roses. The first thing he noticed about her dress was the edges of the bottom and the sleeves were embroidered with gold. 'So that's what she wanted the gold thread for.'

He was happy to see her hair was only partially pulled back and had ribbons cascading down the back. He always enjoyed her golden curls. 'And that gleam in her eyes…that smile on her face…' He couldn't hide the genuine smile that crossed his face. Belle was about to be his, forever and always.

Belle was waiting as patiently as she could for Happy to start playing the organ: the signal for her to start walking down the isle. She couldn't hold back her glee when the tune began. When she stepped out and saw Rumplestiltskin standing there, saw the way he was looking at her, saw the depth of love radiating from his eyes, the world stopped. She smiled brighter than ever. She knew she had made the right decision; there were no doubts in her mind. She was about to marry her true love, and nothing was going to stop her. She knew that no matter what happened, they were going to be together forever.

As Belle came down the isle and excessive amount of noise could be heard at the end of the isle. Grumpy leaned over Doc to see what was going on. "Hey! What's all the commotion down there?" he whispered loudly.

"I can't help it, I always cry at weddings!" Sneezy managed to say through sobs and continuously blowing his noise in a tissue.

Dopey placed a hand on Sneezy's shoulder and flashed him an understanding smile. They grabbed each other and sobbed together. Grumpy rolled his eyes and shook his head; doing his best to hide the single tear that fell from his eye.

Belle interlocked an arm with Rum's once she made it to where he was standing. She grinned up at him, "I'm surprised you're wearing velvet."

"Well, it is a special occasion, I thought I'd make an exception just this once," Rum said playfully as he grabbed one of her curls to twist in his hand then let it fall.

"You look very handsome. You should wear something besides leather more often."

"Perhaps. But nothing I wear can match how beautiful you look right now."

Belle blushed at his comment, but did not say anything in return. She looked over at Jiminy who began speaking his lines.

The small audience watched the pair in awe as they exchanged their vows, almost unable to believe what they were seeing as real.

"The strangest sight. Who knew Rumplestiltskin could fall in love yet find someone to love him in return?" said one of the dwarfs.

"Well that just goes to show you the power of true love," Snow answered without taking her eyes off the couple. She felt Charming squeeze her hand.

"You may now kiss the bride," Jiminy stated.

Belle was glowing more than ever as Rumplestiltskin cupped her face and placed the sweetest kiss to her lips. When he pulled away and looked into her beautiful blue eyes, he knew she had no regrets. He was the happiest he had been in a long time.

"I now pronounce you man and wife!"

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Snow White surprised Belle afterwards by having a nice meal prepared to celebrate. Everything had been set up outside since it was such a pretty day. Belle had informed Snow earlier that they would be leaving that night.

"I wish you didn't have to go," Snow said regretfully.

Belle placed a hand on Snows forearm, "I know. But we have to find Rum's son. It's not fair for me to ask him to stay longer. But we'll see each other again soon."

"Yes, you're right."

Music sounded in their ears. They looked over to see Grumpy had started playing the organ. Belle beamed and grabbed Snow's hands, "C'mon let's dance!"

Snow laughed as she followed Belle.

Rumplestiltskin stood off by himself near the tree line with his hands clasped behind his back. He smiled as he watched Belle, his Belle, his wife, enjoying her last few moments with Snow and the others before they left.

"Such a beautiful ceremony, even if it was small. Pity I wasn't invited," came a familiar voice from behind.

Rumplestiltskin didn't even have to look back to see who was addressing him, he knew all along Regina would show up, he just wasn't sure when, "What's the point in an invitation when I knew you'd grace us with your presence anyway your majesty."

Regina strode forward out of the shadows where he could see her, but she was out of sight from everyone else, "You knew I was coming?"

"How could I not when the person you desire most is standing right over there," Rumplestiltskin pointed to Snow White.

Regina followed Rumplestiltskin's gaze to see whom he was talking about. Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open as she laid eyes on Snow White, "So it is true…Snow White is alive."

"Did you really think the heart the Huntsman gave you was her heart? I must've not been a very good teacher if you can't tell a pig's heart from a human's," Rumplestiltskin paused and giggled, "No, that can't be it. You were just a horrible student!"

Queen Regina whirled around to face Rumplestiltskin, "Surrender Snow White now and I'll leave you and your little pet alone."

"What and upset Belle? Do you really think that's the best way to start off a marriage? Why don't I just murder her in her sleep…I'd be less painful for the both of us," Rumplestiltskin smirked at his subtle hint to Regina killing her husband, King Leopold.

Regina clenched her fists at her sides, "You swore you'd never mention that again!"

Rumplestiltskin brushed her off, "Don't worry your secrets are safe with me." His eyes lit up as a thought popped into his head, "But do tell, do you plan to do the same with that new buffoon husband of yours?"

Regina quirked an eyebrow, "You'd really want me to kill Belle's father? And I thought you were in love."

"I love her not her father. After everything he did, I'd love nothing more than to see him suffer. The problem is I promised Belle I wouldn't hurt him. And I always keep my word." Rumplestiltskin put a lot of emphasis on the I.

Regina was growing impatient, "Enough of this chit chat! You're trying to distract me. I have an army ready to close in as soon as I give the signal. Turn over Snow White or you're precious bride and all her little friends will be disposed of."

Rumplestiltskin leaned in and gave her a taunting smile, "You really think you and King George's army are any match for the Dark One? How many times do I have to tell you you'll never be more powerful than me?"

Regina was confused about how he was so knowledgeable on her plans, "Who told you about King George's army?"

Rumplestiltskin straightened and turned his gaze back to Belle who was looking around for him, "Nothing can be kept secret from me dearie! Now if you'll excuse me, I believe I have a first dance to attend to." Rumplestiltskin gave Regina one last menacing glance then strolled over to Belle, leaving a very angry Regina behind.

Regina stood there with her fists balled at her sides, 'How dare he dismiss me like that!' she stewed.

Belle furrowed her brow and glanced over Rum's shoulder as he approached her, "Were you talking to someone over there?"

"Just admiring my beautiful wife from a distance," he replied dodging the question. He placed an arm around her lower back, took her hand in his, and pulled her close to where their noses almost touched.

Belle smiled up at him as he led their dance, "I'm happy to finally be your wife."

"Is that so? An odd girl you are."

She cocked an eyebrow at him and smiled playfully, "I'm not a girl, I'm a woman."

He returned her smile, "Yes, the most beautiful woman."

She planted a small kiss on his lips then rested her head up against his chest as they continued their dance.

Rumplestiltskin took a deep breath. He knew Belle was not going to be thrilled by his next words, "Dearest, we must leave now."

Belle's head shot back up. She looked confused, "Now? But you said we weren't leaving until this evening?"

"I know what I said, but it's no longer safe here. We must go now."

"Safe? If it's not safe, then shouldn't we warn the others? I haven't even said goodbye…" Belle's sentence was cut off as an army of soldiers descended out of the forest surrounding everyone.

Belle gasped and clung to Rumplestiltskin. Grumpy stopped playing the organ as soon as he realized what was going on. The dwarves crowed together as the soldiers moved closer. Charming drew his sword and stepped in front of Snow to protect her. He gave a fleeting glance at Rumplestiltskin, watching those dark eyes bore into him until both Rumplestiltskin and Belle faded leaving only a puff of purple smoke behind.