Beast and Beatrice

Last Chapter Twenty-nine - Beatrice

Beatrice felt like her jaw had come unhinged. She was completely flummoxed. It was simply too much to take in. The ruined castle in the woods had actually once been her the family seat of her ancestors? Preposterous. Father had never once mentioned owning such a grand castle, not that he had spoken much of the past.

If she closed her eyes and concentrated, she could just barely remember her father's parents and the old manor house they had once shared. A sprawling monstrosity that her father quickly abandoned without a qualm. Beatrice was just a bit older than little Martine when the elderly couple passed away, and Father moved their little family into the townhouse. Still, that was nothing like a castle.

Considering what she'd seen of its dilapidated condition, the place must have sat empty for centuries. She remembered admiring  the stonework and wondering about the family that once lived and loved in that massive place. But as for its undoubtably rich history, could that demesne truly have once belonged to her own ancestors? And how had the stewardship been lost? Surely, something tragic had occurred for the family to completely abandon such a fine holding. Had they lost favor with the reigning monarch? Had their fortunes turned so drastically that the building had to be abandoned? It really was too much to consider after everything else that had happened over the last week.

"I can't wait to explore the rest of that place." Teddy grinned with anticipation. "It's a good thing you married Uncle Bear, Aunt Bea."

"Why?" Martine piped from her comfortable place in Beatrice's lap.

"Because." Felicia pronounced in lofty certainty. "The ancient family seat of our ancestors is ours once more."

"What 'ancient family seat'?" Martine asked with a yawn.

"Uncle Bear's castle, of course, silly." Felicia rolled her eyes, impatient with her little sister's ignorance. "We're all going to live there together with Uncle Gilbert."

Martine twisted in Beatrice's lap to peer up questionably at her aunt. "Are we going to live with Uncle Bear in his castle, Aunt Bea?"

Beatrice peered tentatively over her shoulder to where Gilbert sat. He had obviously heard everything being said. What must he be thinking about all this? He was trapped in this situation just as surely as she was. She had no doubt he was innocent of any deception. He hadn't intentionally sought out to obtain the deed to what had once been her ancestor's holding. He'd had no knowledge of the previous owners.

If she hadn't known the castle was part of her own family's holdings,  how could he have known? He hadn't even recognized who she was when she came banging at his door. He had no way of even predicting she would come to his door that night. It was she who had barged into his life, bringing her problems to his doorstep.

Now, because of that unexpected meeting, he was burdened with a family he had never considered taking on. And yet, he knew that when he proposed, hadn't he? In fact, taking on an instant family had not seemed to phase him even for a moment. After all the trouble and frustration they must have caused him, he continued offering his protection, his knowledge, and his unquestioning support.

He was her husband. They were man and wife now, pledged before God and witnesses. That was a sacred commitment not easily set aside. Would Gilbert ever contemplate such a solution? It was possible. After all, the marriage was new, unconsummated. Not that she knew much about marital relations between a man and woman. It was a topic that was considered taboo and never mentioned. She was still too young when her parents passed away, and certainly, Sissy had never attempted to offer advice on such a delicate topic.

But did she want to end the marriage? The answer was an instant, emphatic 'no'. She craved his affection and his strength. His calm, reassuring presence was the one solid factor in her ever changing life. But what did he want? She was terrified to put the question before him. What if he denied any responsibility or obligation to any of them? And yet, he had never shirked away from difficult situations before. He wasn't the type of man to simply walk away.

There was only one way to be certain. She swallowed back the fear rising in her throat. Her eyes met his for the first time since this whole ordeal had begun. She had been too ashamed before. Fearful of finding anger and disgust in those beautiful silvery-blue eyes of his. But all she saw reflected there now was gentle concern and perhaps a trace of pain.

Finally, taking courage in hand, she plainly asked. "What do you say, Gilbert? It is your castle."

At first, his eyes widened in startled surprise as if he had expected her to say something else entirely. Then, as she watched, his gaze softened and warmed with affection. She could hardly dare to believe. Hope sprouted in her chest and grew exponentially as her husband rose to his knees and slowly slid forward until only inches separated them. He was close enough she could feel the warmth emanating off his body. His woodsy, enticing male scent was almost hypnotic. She wanted to crawl into his arms and shelter in his embrace forever. But fear and self-doubt held her back. She stilled in place. She felt rather like a hare being stalked by a canny fox. Nervous, excited, and more than a little fearful.

But once more, he surprised her. Slowly, he raised one large hand and gently stroked his long, broad fingers along her soft cheek. His touch sent shivers skittering down her spine. His thumb curled under her chin and stroked her jaw until he cupped her face in his palm. All the while, he held her gaze, his brilliant blue eyes warm with promises she hardly dared to claim.

"Family is home." He croaked in his low, rough voice. "Together, always."

Like a cork released from a bottle, Beatrice launched herself into his arms, forgetting everything but the compulsive need to be held in her husband's arms. The world narrowed to just the two of them as their lips met and locked in a kiss of pure jubilation.

Beatrice sighed in relieved satisfaction as she immersed herself into his embrace. Finally, she felt whole again. This was what she needed. The comfort and reassurance of his embrace. She abandoned herself to his kiss and the passion flaring between them. Together, they created a raging inferno, and she was lost in the blaze. Until something shifted between them.

"Hey!" Came a tiny, muffled voice.

A giggle and the continued wriggling against her chest reminded Beatrice that little Martine had been sitting in her lap, and the child was now squashed between their bodies. With a soft laugh, Gilbert's hold slackened, and he allowed her to pull back to make some space. But his hands remained framed around her face. He maintained contact as if he couldn't bear to release her.

Martine instantly popped to her feet to stand in the center of their embrace and attempted to smother them both with her own brand of kisses. The two of them chuckled at the little imp and her antics.

"Don't forget us!" Felicia demanded, launching herself  into the fray.

And then Teddy wedged himself into the pile, and they were all hugging and laughing. Together. As a family.

Beatrice was elated. She finally had her family back. They weren't the original family she had once had. Mother and father, even Michael, were gone, but these three children were here, and she loved them wholeheartedly. She would see that they grew into their full potential and could take their places in the world. All thanks to this wonderful man.

The bear who bought a ruined castle in the woods.

The end.