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Andre shoved Mikel. “Yeah, don’t do what this idiot did and keep it a secret from him.”
“Hey, I was up front about it once I realized I was in deep.” Mikel pulled Remy onto his lap as she giggled.
Andre shook his head. “After I caught you two together you mean.”
Mia snuggled in close to him. “Ooh, I haven’t heard this story.”
“See you all later. Thanks for everything,” TJ said as he shrugged on his coat and grabbed his bag.
Belle stood to give him a hug. “Be safe.”
“Always am.” He smiled and left.
Belle sat again. Bently pulled her against him. She stared into the crackling fire as the holiday lights glittered over the mantle and the giant decorated tree. She was warm and relaxed. Christmas music drifted from a speaker, and for the first time in all her life, she understood what it meant to be truly at peace.
Bently nuzzled into her neck. His voice was a harsh whisper. “Move in with me.”
She blinked and turned to face him. His cautious smile tipped the edges of his mouth up.
“A week ago, you were begging me for a second chance.”
“I told you I was in this. I want to wake up to you in my bed, and fall asleep next to you every night. I’ve wasted enough time. I know what I want, and that’s you. I want you so deeply imbedded in my life, I don’t know where you stop and I begin.” Bently searched her eyes.
Her heart raced. Could she do this? Was she ready for such a big step? “What about TJ?”
“He’s all for it if you are.”
“You already asked him?” She was well and truly stunned.
“I figured you two were a package deal. I’ve got the room.”
She’d been wrong before. Her heart could apparently hold more than she’d thought possible. Was it a risk? Yes. Was she willing to take the plunge?
“What are you two lovebirds talking about over there?” Mikel asked.
Bently smirked. “I’m asking her to move in with me.”
Dre’s smile slipped as his eyes darted between them.
“What did you say?” Remy asked.
Bently turned to her. “Well?”
“Yes.”
Bently’s grin widened as he pulled her in and crashed his mouth onto hers.
“Uncle Bently’s kissing Belle!” Lyra exclaimed before they broke apart. The little girl approached her uncle before grasping his face in her tiny hands. “Your spell can be broken now.”
His brow furrowed. “What spell is that, sweet pea?”
“You used to be the beast, but now you can be the prince with a happy heart.” Lyra smiled.
Bently glanced at Belle knowingly as he answered his niece. “You’re right, sweetheart. Belle saved me from myself.”
“Can we watch the movie now? I love Beauty and the Beast. Are you a real princess, Belle?” Lyra asked in rapid succession.
Belle laughed. “I’ve never seen it.”
