Belle was late. Rumple paced back and forth in the forest, his feet wearing a deep path in the ground, which had previously been covered in pine needles. He tried to remain calm, but his fears and insecurities rose to the surface under times of stress, and this was no exception. He knew there was something wrong; either Belle was lost, pinned under an overturned carriage, kidnapped (again), or she had decided that she didn't love him after all. Without magic, he couldn't see the future, nor could he use his powers to look for her. He stomped carelessly through the brush and thrashed at the helpless tree branches that got in his way. Jefferson looked on with increasing concern. He knew instinctively that Belle and Lizzie were fine; he was not sure about Rumplestiltskin.

"I must look for her. She...I mean, they...might be hurt or lost. Can't you find me a horse or a carriage?" Rumple appealed to Jefferson in vain.

"I've explained this already, Rumplestiltskin," Jefferson replied calmly. "There was no need for the carriage to wait for us. They won't be coming back until after the ceremony. I'm sure they're fine, but you're going to have a heart attack if you don't sit still and calm down!"

Rumple took a deep breath. He sank down onto his knees and rested finally with his back against a tree. He closed his eyes and held the picture of Belle in his mind. His healthy, beautiful, loving Belle. He remembered the look in her eyes as she told him she would stay with him forever, and then when she confirmed that she would marry him. Again, forever. Deep down, he trusted her. Now he had to trust the fates to keep her safe on the long journey from Emerald City. "I knew we should have gotten married in the city," he grumbled, but Jefferson could tell this was his normal grumbling, not the panic of several moments ago.

"It's a good thing Belle isn't here to hear you say that."

Rumple smiled briefly and nodded. "Indeed." he said wryly. "She'd have my head for sure."

It was still well before the ceremony was to begin, but Rumple and Belle had hoped to have a few private moments together before the few guests arrived. "Now we'll be lucky to have the bride here before we start the wedding," Rumple said, almost to himself, but loud enough for Jefferson to overhear. Jefferson gave him a quick look, decided it wasn't worth the effort, and left him alone to brood.

At that moment, the carriage arrived. Rumple didn't move from his place on the ground, but Jefferson bounded over to it, and greeted his wife. She glanced over at the dejected Rumple, whispered a few words to Jefferson and got back inside the carriage. As the carriage departed, Rumple could stand it no longer.

"What in the hell is going on?" he begged Jefferson. "Why are they leaving?"

Jefferson thought about teasing Rumple a little, but after seeing how distraught he was, wisely decided against it. "Belle doesn't want you to see her before the wedding," he said carefully, unsure of Rumple's reaction.

"What?" Rumple exploded. "I've never heard of anything so ridiculous!"

"Well, apparently it's a custom in her kingdom, and she decided she rather liked it. Belle and Lizzie are going a little ways down the road to finish getting ready and you have been asked to stay away and be surprised like everyone else."

"I don't like it." Rumple resumed pacing, which Jefferson knew was a bad sign. "I wanted to see her in her dress before everyone else. Did you see her?"

"I assure you, I didn't see a thing. Now, will you wait here or do I have to tie you up or something?"

Rumple sighed and paced a little more slowly. "I will wait."

"Good decision," Jefferson affirmed. "I'll be back with the guests in a few minutes. Don't worry, it should only be a few minutes more." Rumple looked like he was about to speak, but turned and held his tongue. "Amazing," Jefferson whispered to himself. "I wouldn't believe it was the same man."

And then it was time. The wedding guests were assembled in the clearing, surrounded by the tallest trees they had ever seen. Through the grove of trees they could see the ocean, bright blue and glistening as the sun bounced off the waves. Woodsmen had cut and hewn logs, arranging them in rows, so the guests could sit, if a little uncomfortably, during the short ceremony. Since it was afternoon, the filtered sunlight provided the only lighting, and the effect was magical. Unbeknownst to Belle and Rumple, Jefferson had spent the long night retrieving a few guests through the hat portal, in order that Belle would have her friends and family around her on her special day. Friar Tuck stood at the front of the makeshift "chapel" while Robin and Marian (with Baby Diana) occupied the first row of logs. On the other side of the aisle sat Maurice, Belle's father, who wiped away a tear. He never thought he would see his daughter again and now he was seeing her marry the "beast" who had taken her away from him. Fortunately Lizzie had explained, as best she could, about Rumplestiltskin's transformation and affirmed his love for Belle. Maurice knew he would never believe it until he saw it for himself. In the meantime, he was weeping for his little girl and for the life he wanted for her. Now she would never have that life and would be wed to, of all men, the Dark One. Glinda was there, of course, along with the wizard and the mayor of Munchkinland.

A lute song permeated the stillness and a hush fell over the crowd. Rumple and Jefferson took their places next to the friar and looked eagerly toward the path through the trees. Lizzie stepped out into the clearing, her blonde hair plaited in a french braid, with flowers woven among the plaits. She wore a simple gown in a blue and white floral print. Jefferson smiled broadly as she walked down the aisle and stood, waiting for Belle. He presented her with a single white rose and she kissed him gently in thanks. The guests rose in unison as the music stopped, then began again. They turned to greet the bride.

Rumple's heart was beating so fast that he thought he was not going to make it through the processional, much less the ceremony itself. He swayed a little on his feet and Jefferson caught his arm, but Rumple waved him away. He heard the lute playing and saw the assembled guests only dimly, for his focus was on that path and the arrival of his bride. He caught his breath as the most beautiful woman he had ever seen made her way through the trees and into the clearing. Instantly tears sprang into his eyes, but he didn't seem to notice or feel the need to brush them away. Was this really happening? Was this treasure, this amazing, intelligent, adventurous and beautiful woman really going to marry me? And he rejoiced in his heart, even though tears were streaming down his face.

Belle was a vision in the white dress Rumple had created with his own hands. Her auburn curls framed her face, with part of the hair woven and pulled back into a clip of flowers. Her skin glowed with the radiance of love; she took one look at Rumple and ran down the aisle to him. Throwing aside convention, she took his face in her hands and kissed him passionately, wiping away his tears. "Don't cry, my darling Rumple," she said, almost in tears herself. "This is our happy day, the beginning of our life together. And I absolutely love what you're wearing..."

"Belle...thank you..." was all Rumple could say, and he hugged her tightly. Belle was very proud of her selections for his wedding attire; she had chosen black leather pants, a simple white cotton shirt and a grey brocade full length coat. Grey short boots completed the outfit and it was both stylish and comfortable.

"You look so handsome, Rumple, and thank you so much for my dress. I love it." Then she lowered her voice to a whisper. "I added a few things, you know, underneath the dress, just to give it a little kick, but really, it's great..." Rumple grinned at his bride, shook his head in wonder at her audacity, and looked up beseechingly at Friar Tuck, who prudently began the ceremony.

"Assembled guests, friends and family of Belle and Rumplestiltskin, welcome to this joyous occasion."

At the word "family," Belle turned around, saw her father for the first time in over a year, and ran over to him, throwing her arms around him and weeping. "The only thing that was missing from this day was you," she cried, "and now you're here." Again the unconventional ceremony stopped while Belle exchanged a few words with Maurice. No one could hear what they said, but it was clear that Belle was reassuring her father and that he was giving her his reluctant blessing. No one moved or spoke. After a few minutes, Belle resumed her place and the ceremony continued.

"True love is never to be taken for granted nor is it to be taken lightly. The love that Belle and Rumplestiltskin have is a rare gift, and has been forged by adversity, deepened by honesty, and tested by sacrifice. And yet it remains. Their love will shelter them in times of trouble, and will only enrich their times of joy. In the midst of significant pain, they have discovered love, and I defy anyone to stand in the way of that." The friar looked out over the crowd as if to challenge anyone who would object to the marriage. Satisfied, he resumed the ceremony.

"Rumplestiltskin, Belle, what tokens do you have to present to one another on this day?"

With those words, Rumple remembered the rose he was carrying and he presented it to Belle, a red rose symbolizing the first flower he gave to her in the Dark Castle. She took it, whispering "No flowers, hmm?" and smiling at him gratefully. She then addressed Friar Tuck and said "I have a ring." Lizzie handed Belle a leather pouch and she took the ring from within, passing it to the friar with a smile. Rumple looked shocked, as if he never considered that he would be wearing a wedding ring, but he smiled at his bride and nodded his head.

"I have a ring also," Rumple spoke with confidence. Jefferson handed Belle's ring to the friar, while Belle and Rumple turned to face one another. The rings were both simple gold bands, with no embellishments of any kind.

"I bless these rings in the name of True Love and with thankfulness for the perseverance of these two who stand before us this day. The gold band in the shape of a circle represents the eternal nature of love, that it may be tested and tried, but it never ends. May those who give and receive these rings live joyfully together for the rest of their days. Rumplestiltskin, repeat after me. I, Rumplestiltskin..."

As Rumple and Belle repeated their vows and exchanged their rings, accompanied by the lute and an occasional sniff from the guests, Rumple's anxiety began to dissipate. He noticed that he was breathing normally and was even enjoying the ceremony, especially his view of the bride. With Belle's hands clasped in his own, he felt at peace with his life and hopeful for his future for the first time he could remember. No longer did he have a thousand conflicting thoughts running through his brain. He appreciated the ability to look around, see the beauty and to be in this moment with Belle. He gently lifted Belle's hand to his lips and kissed it, without reservation and almost without thought to the ceremony and the assembled guests. It was as if he and Belle were alone in the forest. When Maurice saw Rumplestiltskin kiss Belle's hand, the tenderness of that gesture moved him greatly. He caught Rumple's eye, nodded his head and smiled, giving assent to the marriage at last from his heart.

After the vows were spoken and the rings exchanged, there was one last tradition to uphold. As Friar Tuck pronounced them husband and wife, Belle clasped her hands behind Rumple's neck and pulled him close to her. He chuckled briefly but had no time or thought for anything else once Belle's lips were on his. Their first married kiss was one to remember. They took their time, not caring about how it looked to their guests, nor the fact that people were waiting. This was their moment and they had certainly denied themselves plenty of kisses over the previous months.

As their heads came together after the kiss, Rumple whispered, "If I had my magic, I'd whisk you back to that inn so fast..."

"If I had magic," Belle replied, "I'd make all these people disappear and keep you all to myself from this moment on."

"There'll be plenty of time for that, sweetheart." And he grinned at his wife. "My wife."

"I love the sound of that, Rumple. My husband."

Friar Tuck cleared his throat, and both Belle and Rumple jumped a little, remembering where they were and what awaited them. They smiled at him and walked hand in hand down the aisle, not stopping until they reached their carriage.

"Maybe simple is better," Rumple sighed contentedly as the carriage sped back to the inn, with Belle's head resting on his chest, and his arm around her shoulder.

Belle smiled and closed her eyes. "I guess we forgot to plan a reception of some kind," she murmured.

"Indeed. Was that an oversight, or...?" He could see the slightest hint of a smile around the corners of Belle's mouth, but she said nothing. "I see I shall have to use another method to get the truth out of you, my wife."

"Well, if you must..." Belle tried to look apathetic, but failed entirely. The passion in her blue eyes could not be hidden, despite her attempts, and Rumple lifted her onto his lap, kissing her lips, her throat, down to the bodice of her gown. When Belle's breathing became uneven, he ran his finger along the lowcut neckline of her gown, teasing her with every touch.

"Definitely one of my lovelier creations," Rumple moved his hands over the bodice of the dress, admiring both the gown and the woman who wore it.

"I...we..." She had no idea what she was trying to say.

"Probably best not to speak, Belle, darling." And she was silent.

When the carriage pulled up to the inn, several hours later, Belle and Rumple emerged, sharing secret smiles. Rumple carried their small bags upstairs into the little room, returning downstairs to pay the coachman, once Belle was safely inside their chamber. As he approached the door to their room, he wondered, Should I knock? He decided to be on the safe side, and tapped quietly on the wooden door.

"Come in, Rumple."

Rumple smiled and entered. Belle was gazing out the window, with her hair cascading down her back in ripples of auburn curls. He covered the room in a few seconds and ran his fingers through her hair, kissing her neck and shoulders in the process. Belle leaned back into Rumple, finally turning to press her lips against his. After a very long while, she looked up at him.

"I have one question for you, Rumple."

Rumple smiled again. "Just one, sweetheart?"

"Can you get me out of this dress?"

Despite the fact that he created the dress in the first place, and knew how to best untie the corseted bodice, Rumple's fingers had never been so clumsy. As he cursed himself under his breath for designing the bodice with so many interwoven laces, he was almost to the point of getting a knife to cut them right down the center, when at last they released. Belle held the dress in place with her shaking hands and backed out of the room into the bathing room. Once inside, she let the dress fall and stepped out of it, kicking off her heeled slippers and wiggling her toes in delight. As she debated about how much torture Rumple could stand, she hung her dress on a hook, touched up her makeup, brushed her hair out and removed the floral hair clip. With her shoes off and her hair unbound, she began to feel more relaxed and comfortable, and she decided to throw on a short black lacy robe over her midnight blue lingerie. It was a striking combination and she thought Rumple would approve.

When she opened the door, she gasped with pleasure. There were candles everywhere, and somehow the scent of roses. Turning to look at the bed, she discovered that the silk comforter was covered with red rose petals. Rumple stood by the window, dressed in a dark maroon robe with gold thread woven throughout. He looked so handsome, her Rumple, and she saw the love and passion in his eyes as he admired her beauty. He looked unsure, like he didn't know what to do next, so she decided to break the ice. She jumped up onto the bed and quickly threw the nearest pillow at him, hitting him squarely in the face.

"Oh, so this is how it's going to be, is it?" Rumple growled in mock-anger as he picked up the pillow and approached the bed menacingly. He got off a couple of good whacks, still retaining control of the pillow, but eventually Belle got it away from him with a few well-placed tickles, and mashed his face with it. They had a great time combining their pillow war with increasingly longer and more passionate kissing, until finally, as the candles burned lower, they snuggled together under the covers and gave themselves to one another. Once Rumple was asleep, Belle crept quietly out of bed and blew out all but one of the candles. She returned to find Rumple leaning on one arm, watching her silently, his eyes dark as coal.

"You didn't answer my question," he said accusingly, shaking a finger at Belle.

Belle tried to remember the question but had to give up. "What question?" she asked. "I must have been a little distracted when you were talking."

"Is this how it's going to be?" Rumple asked it in a joking tone, but his eyes told a different story. Belle could tell he was serious, but trying hard not to let his insecure nature overrule the strides he had made. She curled up next to Rumple on the bed, and wrapped him in her arms.

"Yes, Rumple. This is how it's going to be. I promised you forever and that's what you shall have." She felt his body relaxing and saw that his eyes were closing as he smiled at her. She stroked his forehead and ran her fingers through his hair. He sighed and gave into the sleep which had eluded him for three nights.

"Forever," he whispered. And then they slept.