Chapter 29: An Unexpected Inquiry

As the last bites of dinner were savored and the plates were cleared, Caleb looked around the table at the sea of faces, his eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. The warm glow of the candles and the soft hum of conversation created a cozy atmosphere, and the scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, making everyone's stomach growl with satisfaction. "Hey girls," he said, his voice low and casual, "can I ask you something?" The room fell silent, with all eyes on him, and Merida raised an eyebrow, her Scottish brogue rich and warm. "What is it, laddie?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity. Caleb took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the table. "When I first arrived here yesterday, you all took me in, and we've been doing all these fun activities together. You all have been so loving and caring towards me, and I've really appreciated it." He paused, his gaze lingering on each of the girls, and Tiana nodded, her voice warm and rich. "We've had a great time getting to know you, Caleb." Caleb's eyes locked onto the girls, his expression sincere. "But I have to ask, do all of you still...I mean, do you still love me and find me attractive?" The room fell silent again, with the girls exchanging surprised glances. Snow White looked away, her cheeks flushing pink, while Ariel's eyes sparkled with amusement. Jasmine's face turned bright red, and she looked down at her hands, her voice barely above a whisper. "Caleb, that's a pretty forward question, don't you think?" Cinderella spoke up, her voice gentle. "I think what Caleb is trying to ask is, has our affection for him changed now that we've gotten to know him better." Belle nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with understanding. "Yes, that's a fair question, Caleb." The room remained silent for a moment, as the girls seemed to consider Caleb's question. Then, Pocahontas spoke up, her voice calm and wise. "I think we can all speak for ourselves, but for me, my attraction to you, Caleb, has only grown stronger. You have a kind heart and a genuine spirit, and I find that very appealing." Mulan nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with warmth. "I concur, Caleb. You have a good heart and a strong sense of character, and that is very attractive to me." Elsa smiled softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "For me, Caleb, it's not just about physical attraction. I think you're a kind and caring person, and I've enjoyed getting to know you better." Anna nodded enthusiastically, her voice bubbling with excitement. "Yeah, Caleb, you're really sweet, and we've had so much fun together!" Moana spoke up, her voice confident and adventurous. "For me, Caleb, it's about the connection we've made. I feel like we have a real bond, and that's what's important." Ariel chimed in, her voice bright and cheerful. "I agree, Caleb. You're really easy to talk to, and I feel like we have a lot in common." Rapunzel grinned mischievously, her ponytail bobbing up and down. "And I have to say, Caleb, you're pretty charming, especially when you're being all brave and heroic." Merida chuckled, her Scottish brogue rich and warm. "Aye, Caleb, ye're a bonnie lad, and we've enjoyed havin' ye around." Tiana smiled warmly, her voice rich and inviting. "For me, Caleb, it's about the way you make us feel. You have a way of making each of us feel seen and heard, and that's a really special gift." Jasmine nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with warmth. "Yes, Caleb, you have a way of making us feel like we're the only person in the room." As the girls continued to share their thoughts and feelings, Caleb's face lit up with a warm smile. He felt a sense of relief and gratitude, knowing that the girls still cared for him and found him attractive. Sleeping Beauty spoke up, her voice soft and gentle. "I think we all have feelings for you, Caleb. You're a kind and caring person, and we've enjoyed getting to know you." Snow White nodded in agreement, her voice bright and cheerful. "Yes, Caleb, we're all fond of you, and we're happy to have you here with us." Belle smiled softly, her eyes shining with understanding. "We're a community here, Caleb, and we care for each other. You're a part of that community now, and we're glad to have you." Cinderella spoke up, her voice gentle. "And as for affectionate gestures, like kissing and hugging...I think that's something we all feel comfortable with, now that we've gotten to know you better." The room erupted into a chorus of agreement, with the girls all nodding and smiling. Caleb's face glowed with happiness, feeling loved and accepted by the group. He stood up, his arms open wide, and the girls all got up, gathering around him for a group hug. As they hugged, Caleb felt a sense of belonging and connection, knowing that he was loved and accepted by this group of amazing women. The warmth of their bodies and the love in their hearts made him feel like he was home.