Uma? here at Cotillion?

Yeah, I’m officially going to be sick. And not because I’m on a boat.

Uma glowed in a teal-and-gold mermaid-style dress as she entered the grand staircase.

Her gown was simply exquisite, with tiers of sea-colored tulle and delicate nets threaded into the pieces of the fabric. Her hair was up in a bun, and she wore dark fingerless gloves and carried a turquoise clutch. Her gold shell necklace shimmered against her chest. Uma smiled kindly at Ben and walked down the steps to meet him.

Ben kissed his beast-head ring on Uma’s finger.

Mal looked on with tear-filled eyes.

Ben linked his arm with Uma’s and led her to Mal. “I’m sorry. It all happened so fast,” Ben told Mal.

Mal stared at him.

“Something happened to me when I was on the Isle with Uma.” Ben looked at Uma dreamily. “A connection.”

Uma giggled at him.

Mal shook her head. “I’m sorry…what are you saying?”

“I’m saying that—” Ben began.

“It was love!” Uma smiled at Mal. “I just—I realized how alike Ben and I are, you know?”

“We are,” said Ben.

“I know!” Uma beamed.

Mal looked back at Ben. “Ben.”

Uma giggled and pulled Ben close.

“Ben,” Mal said a little louder.

He looked at her.

“Did you go back for her?” Mal asked.

“He didn’t have to,” said Uma. “I dove through the barrier before it closed. And I’m an excellent swimmer, so…Listen, Mal. I just want to say thank you. I really do.” She giggled again. “For everything. Just…thank you.” She threw her arms theatrically around Mal and gave her a tight-as-tentacles strong embrace that made Mal recoil.

“Don’t you see, Mal?” said Ben. “You were right! See? You knew that we weren’t meant to be together. That’s why you never told me that you loved me. Thank you.”

Mal stared at him. She had no words.

Uma beamed at Ben, who had a glazed expression on his face. They joined together and waltzed across the deck. Evie led a stunned Mal away from them.

Mal was shaken, and she couldn’t take her eyes off Ben. Carlos held one of her arms and Evie held the other, for support. They watched as Uma and Ben danced a Cotillion waltz in front of the surprised crowd.

“Not too thrilled I risked my life for him,” Carlos said bitterly.

Lonnie joined them. “Well, we’re with you, Mal.” She rested a hand on Mal’s arm.

Jay walked over, too. “Let’s get out of here. Come on.”

The crowd quickly cleared a path for them as they headed toward the stairs to leave. Beast and Belle gasped as they watched Mal being led out.

“Mal!” cried Beast, stopping her.

“We’re so sorry, honey, we had no idea,” said Belle.

“I’m going to talk to him,” Beast promised.

Suddenly, Jane raced up the steps toward Lumiere, who still stood at the top. “Lumiere! Lumiere! Unveil the gift! They need to see it! Now!” she shouted.

“And now, the unveiling of King Ben’s masterpiece, designed especially for his lady,” said Lumiere, signaling a guard across the deck to uncover the art piece as fanfare played.

Mal, Evie, Jay, Lonnie, and Carlos, now joined by Jane and Doug, froze on the steps.

Uma and Ben turned.

All eyes watched as the guard on the opposite landing pulled a cord. A royal-blue drape fell away, revealing the stained glass panel Ben had commissioned for Mal.

Mal’s eyes filled with tears again.