"Beauty, darling," her mother said, clasping her hands together in delight. "This young man asked to see you."

Beauty's heart raced faster; she could feel her pulse in her ears. She had asked back then, and he had confirmed the gifts were from him.

Maybe it was just a coincidence, she convinced herself as her stomach knotted uncomfortably.

Eric, still smiling warmly, stepped forward, holding the flowers out toward Beauty.

"Hey," he said softly, his eyes locking with hers.

"Hey," Beauty replied dryly.

"I thought it was about time I stopped hiding behind the gifts. I've been wanting to tell you for a while, but... I wasn't sure how. I...