Isabella was relieved that her father wasn't upset with her.  She quickly kissed him on his cheek.  She sat with him as they waited on the refreshments and he told her he approved of Diego.  She leaned against him.  "I am so happy, Daddy."<br/><br/>She watched as the fire flickered in the fireplace, thinking how this had always been her favorite place to sit with her father; snuggled against him and watching the fire.  When she was younger, they had sometimes roasted marshmallows over it, later they read books together in front of it, now they were discussing her interest in a man while they were mesmerized by it. Times changed.  People changed. Since discussing her journey from child to adult with her father, she felt a little taller, more mature, and she found she could think like a mature person also.<br/><br/>"Daddy," she said calmly. "What is going on with those men who beat you?  And please don't tell me it was a normal business transaction." She raised her eyes and looked at him.  "Remember, I'm not a child any more.  I know when something doesn't feel right, and this doesn't feel right at all. Whatever it is, it's too dangerous.  Please stop."<br/><br/>Helen returned with some scones and tea.  After she left, Belle and her father ate silently for a few minutes, finding their appetites.  Belle thought about Diego and wondered if she might have time to call him before he retired for the night. She wasn't sleepy at all.  But this was her time with her father, and he did not look very well.  She imagined he was longing for his comfortable bed and a good night with a heating pad and his pain pills.  Maybe there would be time later.<br/>