A couple of things to consider:
Remembering that the BF siad to Bae that it was Rumpel’s love for him that kept some part of him human. So would the same apply for Belle. If he makes room in his heart to love her will it help him retain more of his humanness? What if we add a grandchild at some point? All these loving relationships throughout the seasons may be what keeps him from fully becoming the Dark One whose soul is consumed.
I also wonder if the deal of Belle saying she would stay with Rumple forever in Skin Deep will be revisited at all, although he released her when he sent her away, I suppose.
I think there will be some amends that need to be made to Belle’s father, who obviously had no idea what he was talking about when Gold beat him in Skin Deep. Does Rumple do amends?
Like many of you, didn’t expect a full reunion like they gave us. Expected his discovery of Belle to be a cliffhanger.
I will say when Belle called his name, he seemed tentative and uncertain as to what she might say or do as he turned around. I think when she said she loved him he seemed relieved and able to let his guard down enough to return an I love you he had been longing to say for many years.