4.

The small brass bell above the library's front entrance softly chimes, signaling James' arrival and Belle snaps from her reverie. Her green eyes shift to take in the handsome face of Snow's husband who is currently carrying a large box bearing the Apple logo. The librarian hops down from her desktop perch and motions the man forward. "Special delivery." Says James, his mouth forming his signature, good natured grin and showcasing brilliant white teeth. Once James has set the box to rest upon the desk, Belle moves in to offer a friendly embrace. "Thank you so much for doing this, James. You and Snow really do spoil me."

"Hands off, hussy, that's my man." Says Snow as she rolls back into the room, her brown eyes glinting mirthfully. At this, Belle leans upward to place a light peck upon the man's cheek and giggles to herself at the heat already present upon his flesh. The man blushed easier than anyone she knew and it was positively adorable. Spinning about and sending a wink Snow's direction, the librarian then takes a step back, not wishing to get in their way while they do what they do best.

The next hour is spent chatting amongst themselves while her new computer is unpacked and brought to life with naught but two library patrons popping in to return books. Morning hours were usually relatively quiet what with school now back in session, thus making this the ideal time of year to finally drag the library itself into the present. It would mean many hours cataloging all material into the custom built database but in the end, she knew her efforts would pay off. Not that she planned to kick old Dewey and her card catalog to the curb. Reliability was not something she held much faith in where technology was concerned, but where as she had her own personal tech support, she was willing to give it a whirl.

The shiny, new iMac now unpacked, fired up and ready to rock, James hands the reins over to his wife so that she can give Belle a quick tutorial on how to work the newly installed software. "And I am going to place a little sticky note on your desktop right here, with the wi-fi info so you don't have to shuffle through papers each time someone wants to log in on their own device." Says Snow, pointing to the screen. "And they'll know how to do that?" Asks, Belle. "Most will, yes. Especially kids. They're amazing when it comes to this stuff." Snow answers.  "James and I are working toward world domination once we begin our own brood of tiny tech geeks." Belle chuckles, "And how is that going by the way? Any luck yet?" she motions to Snow's abdomen. Snow lets out a soft, disappointed sigh. "Nothing yet, and as I've said, you'll be the first to know. Its not for lack of trying, thats for sure. We go at it like rabbits." At this James lets out a choking sound and quickly reaches to snatch a magazine off the rack near him in an attempt to hide his discomfort. Unfortunately for him, in his haste, he choses a magazine geared toward young, teenage girls and finds himself staring at a none too vague advertisement for feminine hygiene products. Feeling his cheeks flush ten shades of crimson, James quickly rises from his chair, places a quick kiss upon Snow's brow and utters a brief, "I'm running late for a zoom meeting. I'll grab us some lunch in a bit and meet you at home. Good day, Belle." Belle nods, willing away the smirk that tugs at her lips. "Thank you again, James. I'm taking you both out for dinner this weekend." Four female eyes follow the poor man to the door, but both women manage to contain their laughter until after James has left the building, not wishing to further his embarrassment.

"That poor guy. He had no idea what he was getting into with you, did he?" Belle asks with a grin. "But really...rabbits?" Snow lofts both dark brows in a comical, suggestive wiggle and nods. "Oh yeah. Don't let those burning cheeks fool you. Energy...for...days. It's gotta take eventually, right? I mean, we would rock at the whole parenting thing." Belle nods in agreement. "I have no doubt that it will happen. And you've never been one to give up." Snow laughs and nods emphatically, "Right you are. Even if we have to try...and try...and try...and try..." Belle lifts both hands upward, palms out, "Yeah, yeah...I get it." Snow smirks and focuses back up on the screen before her, whispering softly to herself, "And try...and try...and try."

The librarian gives her friend a light smack on the shoulder then rushes off to the small, office type room in the rear of the building to make herself a fresh cup of coffee. When she returns, Snow announces that all systems are go. The women make their good byes with light hugs and weekend dinner plans, then Belle sees Snow out the door before settling in at her desk to familiarize herself with the pretty, teal piece of new technology which would either simplify her job or be drop kicked out the back door. Only time would tell.

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