Peter sat next to Belle and across from her friend Em. Belle's natural apple smell wet his appetite, and he told the waitress who came for their order, "Pollo con quimbobó y platanos."

Belle's eyebrows raised. "What chicken meal did you just order?"

He leaned closer and placed his hand on her knee. He had to touch her in some small way. "This is Miami. I ordered the chicken with okra and plantains."

Belle then told the waitress, "I'll have the same thing."

Her friend read the menu again and said, "I'd like a cheese burger plate with fries."

As the waitress took the menus and left, Belle said, "You should try new foods, Em."

Em shrugged. "New Year's is coming up. I'll make a resolution to change then. Right now I need comfort. Either of you have one yet?"

"One what?"

"Resolutions?"

Peter nodded. Belle's friend clearly liked to lead the conversation. "I'm hoping to balance my life more this year."

Belle's gaze turned to the sky, as if she went into deep thought. "This year was a tidal wave for me. I'd like next year to simply be more like a regular wave in the ocean. I'll make my resolutions soon."

Em shook her head. "Belle is always hard on herself. Don't let her pessimism stop you, Peter."

Belle crossed her arms. "I am hard on myself."

Belle's smile lit up his heart and made him feel lighter. He massaged her knee. "Em's getting worried about the alligators."

"Stay with the tour, and do what the guide says." He swallowed water as the waitress delivered the food. When she left he said, "Always respect nature."

Em sipped her soda as she gazed at him. "That goes for humans too, no?"

He picked up his fork and shrugged. "Most especially in business. Instincts go hand in hand with goals."

As they all chewed their first bite, Em wiped her lips and asked, "So what are your intentions for my friend?"

Peter squeezed Belle's knee. "Excuse me?"

Em's gaze drifted to Belle. "Do you want to marry Belle and help her raise unborn children?"

Belle's lips parted. She wiped her lips and shook her head. "Em, that's a little extreme."

Em played with a french fry in her hand as she turned her head back to Peter. "No it's not. The lawyer in me wants to protect you.”

Belle’s face turned red as she shook her head. “That’s nice…”

Em placed her hand on Belle’s but never let her gaze even blink as she stared at him. “So is it? Most men and women dream about having families. Raising their children, watching them grow up to be happy. Belle shouldn't be stuck with someone who doesn't want those things."

Peter finished a bite of his food as he assessed her.

Belle turned her knees closer to him as she said to her friend, "I don't even know if that's in the cards for me or what I want, Em. Don't make assumptions."

"We all know you're worth it, Belle."

Peter’s deep voice then said, "Your friend is right. You are worth far more than you realize."

They all ate a few bites in silence. Em broke the quiet. "I'm just trying to protect you, and your Peter Morgan doesn't strike me as Mr. Monopoly anymore."

"Mr. Monopoly?" He gently massaged Belle's knee under the table. "I haven't been called that to my face in a while."

Belle pressed her lips together. "She read it in the newspaper."

"It was one of the more amusing names I have been called."

Em gulped her glass of water and then turned toward him. Em lowered her gaze and said, "Lunch was nice. Have fun."

Belle reached across the table and squeezed her friend's wrist.

Em nodded. "Go. I'm getting a fabulous vacation out of the deal."

---

As they walked out of the restaurant, the sun hit his skull. He hadn't walked in public like this in years. Belle laced her fingers in his as they strolled down the street.

At the corner she whispered, "You should find the time to talk to your mom."

"I don't want to think about that."

Both of his siblings stepped out of a chauffeured town car with frowns on their faces as they approached. Vicki caught them first. "Peter, there you are."

Peter stood straighter. They had something to say, and he'd take the brunt of whatever this was now. "John. Victoria. It's nice to see you. I thought you were leaving on your honeymoon, Vicki?"

John widened his stance. "You left Mom alone in your house."

Peter pressed his lips together and waited for the rest of it. "I did."

John's shoulders tightened as he crossed his arms. "You don't have to be like Dad. He was a careless jerk, and leaving her alone was just cold."

Peter gazed at Vicki. They both believed the same thing. He met John's stare, but then Belle squeezed his hand as she stepped in front of him, "Wait a minute. Peter remembers his mother and he has to come to terms with his memories and her showing up at his door. You have your mother because of Peter, so give him space so he can find his own way. Don't judge him."

Belle was brave. He placed his hand on her shoulder, but he had a feeling in a real fight she'd never need backup.

Vicki jumped and took John's arm to pull him back. "We're sorry, Peter. John wanted to put you in Dad's place so he could yell at someone. It wasn't right. I'll get him home to his wife."

The last thing he needed was distance with his siblings that had only recently come back into his life. He licked his lips. "Thanks, Vicki, and go on your honeymoon."

She turned her head to give him her profile, "After your New Year's party. The cruise we recently booked is going to be amazing."

He waited until his siblings left them alone. His hand was still on her shoulder as she stood like she'd guard him. He massaged her arm to get her to turn around. She retook his hand as they took their first steps.

"Thank you, Belle. No one's ever even tried to stand up for me."

She let out a sigh. "You deserve it."

No one thought that about him. As they passed a store that flashed beachwear, his heart immediately thought of his yacht and how alone he had been with her there. He stopped and held her hand until she stopped too.

"Belle, if I buy you a swimsuit, will you come to the yacht with me. I don't want to keep running into people."

"Will you find time to talk to your mother?"

"Yes. But I can't right now."

"You will." A small blush appeared on her face. "I'll buy my own. The store right here has bathing suits. Let's go there fast, and I'll figure something out."

He kept his hand on her back as they entered the store. She went right to the one piece suits and flipped through the rack for her size.

A sales clerk raced over to her. "Is there any way I can help? Whatever one you like the best, please tell me your size and I'll see if we have it in the back."

Belle handed her a few of her choices as she continued to browse. "Thank you for holding these. You're super helpful."

The sales clerk's gaze clearly recognized him as she answered, "Just doing my job."

Belle picked out ten and then nodded like she'd be fast. "Okay, I like these. Is there a dressing room?"

He reached for his phone to check his messages as the clerk said, "This way, mamisita."

Belle's brown eyes cracked as her lips parted. "I'm not a mom. I didn't even have one."

"She meant no harm." Peter stared at Belle. Her presence calmed him, and he liked that feeling. He kept his phone in his hand and didn't look at it as he stared at her. "It's just an expression."

She winked at him and followed the salesclerk into the dressing area. "Peter, I'll be right back."

---

He found a seat near the window, which must have been set up specifically for men to wait. The couch's cushions were sturdy as he read a few emails. His secretary needed a raise. He read another email about the financial portfolio of a mortgage lender as the doorbell chimed. He ignored the sound until Jennifer's Chanel perfume filled the air.

He placed his phone down. "What are you doing here?"

She slipped onto the couch next to him. "Peter, I never dragged you into places like this."

He stood. He'd not touch her ever again. "Places like what?"

Her nose curled as she stood like she was ascending royalty. "Retail stores."

He widened his stance and glanced at the sales clerk near the register. "Jennifer, I'm waiting for Belle."

Jennifer shrugged her well-moisturized shoulder that was designed to shine. "Oh, you're still with your monthly challenge."

He clenched his jaw. "What?"

She brushed against his arm like they were friends or more. "At the rehearsal dinner, you and your brother weren't exactly alone when you made that bet. Peter, I am surprised at the lengths this bet has taken."

He jerked his arm away from her and shook his head. "Jennifer, you should go."

Belle's voice echoed in the store. "Peter, who are you talking to?"

The salesclerk's eyes were wide open as he called out, "I'll be free when you come out, Belle. Don't worry."

The salesclerk then rushed into the dressing room.

Jennifer cackled but kept her voice low, like they shared a secret. "Lying to the new girlfriend is hardly the best way to start a relationship."

Belle knew about the bet. He pocketed his cell phone and then tensed his body.

"Jennifer, whatever power or knowledge you think you have, you don't. I'd suggest walking out the door and leaving us alone."

Her mouth fell open like she was shocked, but he knew she mimed everything to make every moment larger than life. "Peter, don't be like that."

He stared at the dressing room door and not at her. "Goodbye."

Her voice was sing-song as she took his arm. "You used to find me interesting."

Then he gazed at her like he would destroy someone across the boardroom that crossed his path. "I used to think you were all that was left."

She crossed her arms, clearly unable to understand he didn't want her. "Excuse me."

The dressing room made noises. Belle would return, and his heart would be calm again.

Right now he had a storm that raged inside his chest, as he pointed to where Jennifer stood. "Leave. Now."

She tried to take his hand, but he pulled it out of her clutches. "Okay, Peter, I'm leaving, but I want to say I will always love you."

His eyes narrowed like she was about to be his prey in an attack. "You'll always love my money."

She flew out the door.

A moment later, Belle pressed on his shoulder, and it was like the sun that came after a hurricane as she said, "Peter who was that?"

He normally never answered personal questions to anyone. His dad's voice rang in his head, but then he turned and stared into her brown eyes. He took her hand and kissed it.

"Jennifer. Today is going from bad to worse. Let's just get to the yacht."

The salesclerk had wrapped the bag. Belle took her hand out of his and flashed her debit card out like she was in a race. He stepped away and pressed a button on his phone. As she finished paying, the limo stopped in front of the store. He held the door for her and led her out.

On the street as waited for her to scoot in, she squeezed his arm. "Your phone is ringing."

He held it as he joined her in the limo. Then he stared at the caller ID. "It's my secretary. It must be important."

She nudged him with her elbow. "Answer it."

"I won't be a moment. You'll have my full attention." He adjusted his legs as he sat, and the limo driver took off. Then he answered, "Hello?"

"Mr. Morgan, your mother keeps calling. In all these years, I didn't know you had a mother. I need instructions on how to field these calls, sir."

He closed his eyes. The last thing he needed was to deal with his mother too. She had left the house and never returned. Right now he reimagined the day he was a boy and sat on the steps as she stormed out the front door.

He swallowed and thought if she could storm out the door, she could have taken him with her. She didn't, though. The thought haunted him, though he didn't say anything.

Instead he laced his fingers with Belle and told his secretary, "You've been more of a mother to me all these years. Please tell my mother that I'm busy and will call her later. Once I create a battle plan, I'll let you know."

Belle mouthed to him 'battle plan.' He read her lips.

His secretary then ended the call in her usual fashion, "Very good, sir. Goodbye."

As he hung up the phone, Belle reached out and placed her hand on his cheek. "Battle plan. Family isn't a war zone. There is no one shooting at you."

This wasn't what he wanted to talk about. Belle's gently fingers were lady-like and was the only part of his life at the moment that offered him safe haven.

He let her brush his five o'clock shadow as he said, "It feels that way. We're here. Can we forget about the rest of the day and what life brings us and just relax?"

She kept her voice low, as she said, "Hmm. Okay. One condition."

"Besides speaking to my mother?"

"Yes, besides that."

He'd give her anything. His heart soared. "What's that?"

She winked and took her hand back, though she met his stare with her own. "Let's talk about how you want to work out the whole girlfriend question. I want details."

The limo stopped at the dock. He'd have kissed her, but he'd prefer no more interruptions. Once they were gone, they'd be alone, and he could wrap his arms around her.

He offered his hand as they stepped outside. "Perfect. I have champagne waiting."