The more I think about your theory, Snowfan, the righter it feels. After Gold ‘s confession to August, I’m convinced that Gold has to mend his relationship with Bae before he can be a worthy husband for Belle. Besides the fact that he’s made the vow to love no one else until he’s found Bae, his heart is too damaged and he’s too burdened with guilt. If he found Belle first, he wouldn’t be the open-hearted, attentive, giving man that Belle deserves.