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

Beauty's heart raced faster; sAhe 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 ...