The Beast And His Belle

Chapter 35

Epilogue

Belle slowly walked across The Pont des Arts towards Jackson as her eyes captured the beauty that this man, once seen as a beast, had transformed into. His eyes never left hers as she was linked to the man who was beaming with joy being able to officially give her away.
"Thank you, Julien," Jack shook his hand appreciatively and happy to have a father figure in his life once again.
They had an officiant meet them to renew their vows at the most romantic and symbolic place Belle had once relished seeing with Jack. Love Lock Bridge in all its glory and history with the symbolism it holds dear to them as the millions of padlocks locked on the bridge above the Seine River surrounded them.

As they stood face to face, they held their hands together in awe of all they've been through that brought them to where they stood, gushing the love they shared for each other.
"For a lover of books, there are no words to describe how much I love you," Belle began to share her vows first. "You can trust my love, for it's real. You know me better than anyone else in this world, and there is still a part of me today that cannot believe that I'm the lucky one who is marrying you...again." Belle's quirkiness was true to form and Jackson held back his laughter as he drew circles with his thumb in her palm.
"I promise always to be there for you, to fill your days with sunshine, to comfort and encourage you. Jackson Mason, you are my Prince Charming and my one true love. I promise to always love you with everything I have in me, forever."
Belle finished with a loving smile as the officiant directed his attention to Jackson to speak next.

"Belle, I call you my wife because you are my everything. Your beauty, your heart, and your mind inspire me to be the best person I can be. You brought the light back to my life, and you've shown me more love than I've ever known." Jackson choked back tears thinking of the boundless love he has for her.
"I promise to love you forever, to always respect you, honor you, be faithful to you, and continue to share my life with you. For all that I have, all that I am, all that I will ever be, is yours. I love you, my beautiful rose flower, until your very last petal falls."

Belle's eyes flooded with tears of happiness and they were both ready to seal their lovingly renewed vows with a kiss but the officiant spoke his final words.
"There is no such thing as a perfect love. Just two dedicated souls who together are willing to put time and effort into a relationship that has the power to blossom into what could be the best love story the world has ever seen. Belle and Jack, your love has been tested time and time and again and you have proven to each other that, as you two say-"
"Can't be reckoned with!" Belle and Jack spoke in unison over the officiant and Jack squeezed Belle's hand in his.
"May you two continue to prove your devotion to one another, and any forceful storm that may come knocking on your walls, know you can face as long as your love for one another is as strong as it is on this day. Without further ado, you may kiss your lovely wife and seal the bond that has been renewed. My blessings to you both."

Belle nearly leaped into Jack's arms but true to his Princely actions, he took her in his arms and dipped her back before landing his lips on hers. Julien applauded ecstatically as he continued to wipe away his tears of joy for his beautiful rose flower's ceremony. Jack pulled from his pocket a shiny gold padlock that resembled the exact one Belle wore proudly around her neck. He handed her a matching gold key for her to do the honors. With a smile, she walked with him to the edge of the bridge and found a spot on the rails of the fence. Interlocking the padlock and clamping it shut, she turned the key to lock it and looked back up at Jackson.
"To forever!" she whispered as he lowered his head to hers.
"To forever!" he replied and sealed it with a kiss as she dropped the key into the Seine River below.

***

Belle and Jack walked with Julien slowly following in toe; holding hands as they sauntered along the centuries-old cobbled streets, taking in the beauty of the small village of Gerberoy in full bloom. Every dwelling, every wall they passed dripped with colorful vibrant roses.
"Plus beaux village de France," Julien whispered out with a taken breath, finally seeing his homeland in all its magnificence.
"Also know as the village of a thousand roses," Jackson added, staring at the single most beautiful rose he had ever laid eyes on and had the privilege of calling his.

They continued walking down the cobbled lanes, enchanted by the old houses with colorful half-timber buildings covered with climbing roses until they came across an old wrought iron gate enclosing acres of lush manicured gardens as far as their eyes could see.
"Whose house is this?" Belle questioned as Jackson guided her and her father through.
"Ours," Jackson said with his mother's smile prominently on display.
"Wh-what!"
"I was going to surprise you during our celebration dinner, then thought just bringing you both here would be better."
Belle and her father were both awestruck twirling on their toes taking in the stunning views.
"It's the largest property in the village with the most spectacular view of the sunset. It also has a separate house on the property; for you Julien, if you wish to have your own space."
"I-I'm blown away, I don't k-know what to say! Thank you!"
"Jack! What about Mason Enterprises?" Belle asked finding her way back to his arms.
"I can fly back and forth, work from here sometimes, or we can stay here for the summer months. The choice is yours."
"Is that even possible to work entirely from France?"
"Anything is possible, my love," he kissed her forehead and took her hand, walking her around the property until they had seen it all.
"Well, Mrs. Jackson Mason? What will it be?"
"It's so beautiful here, I don't think I could ever leave," she said feeling torn.
"But... if you're always flying back and forth we're going to miss you."
"I'm sure your father wouldn't miss me that much!" he lets out a small chuckle but Belle takes his hand and rests his palm on her stomach.
"I'm not talking about my father." Belle stepped closer and stood on her tippy toes to rest her head against his.
"I think this is a perfect place to raise our family, Jack. What do you think?" She pecked his lips and felt them curl into a smile of pure happiness.
"I couldn't agree more. I can't wait to start building our forever together."
"Our own fairytale."

La Fin - The End