Chapter Eleven
*Christmas*
Eponine awoke early on Christmas morning. She slowly got up, the cold nipping at her exposed skin. The long sleeves of the nightdress did no good to keep her warm. She grabbed her blanket, wrapping it around her.
"Ep, are you awake?" Enjolras hesitated at her door when he heard something shuffling around.
"Yes," she responded, pulling the door open.
"It is a bit chilly, isn't it?"
"I think it's a little beyond chilly." Enjolras laughed, kissing her forehead.
"I'll start a fire. Get dressed." Eponine closed the door to her room, going to her wardrobe. She pulled out a red dress, changing into it as fast as she could. She then grabbed the wooden brush she had, going to the drawing room. She sat in front of the fire while she brushed her hair.
"Are you cold, Eponine?" Enjolras mumbled as he entered the room with a plate filled with fruit.
"I'm very cold," she laughed. Enjolras sat next to her, the plate of fruit placed between them. "I'll bake something sweet in a moment." Enjolras chuckled quietly.
"What time is Musichetta showing up?"
"I think she said she'll be here around one this afternoon."
Enjolras nodded.
"Why don't we go ahead and exchange gifts, hm?"
"Sounds good to me. Let me go get yours." Eponine jumped up, running to her room. Enjolras shook his head, a small smile gracing his lips. Eponine returned a moment later with a box tucked under her arm. She handed it to him before sitting down beside him again. He raised a brow before opening the box.
"Eponine, where'd you find this?" he questioned.
"In a shop not too long ago. I thought since you lost your other one, you could use a new one." He pulled the red jacket out of the box.
"Thank you so much." He hugged her. Eponine smiled in response. "Just a moment, I have to go get yours." Enjolras left the room leaving Eponine alone. She picked up an apple slice, eating it while waiting for Enjolras to return.
"Here," he handed her a box. Her brows furrowed as she opened it.
"Enjorlas..." she whispered.
"Well, do you like it?"
"I love it. Thank you!" She threw her arms around him in a hug. She slowly pulled the dress out of the box. It was a crimson color with black lace decorating the bodice. "I think I'll try it on."
Enjolras chuckled at her excitement, standing and pulling the jacket on over his shirt. When Eponine returned, her hair cascaded down her back, the dress made her look more beautiful than she already was.
"You look gorgeous, 'Ponine," he whispered.
"Thanks," she murmured, cheeks turning pink. "You look handsome."
"Thank you... Would you like to go for a walk?"
"I don't see a reason to decline."
Enjolras took a deep breath, desperately trying not to lose the courage.
"Eponine?"
"Hmm?" Eponine hummed while she watched children play in the snow.
"Come with me," he held his hand out to her. She put her hand in his, allowing him to lead her to the one place she always went when she wanted to clear her mind. "Watch your step."
"Why'd you bring me here?" Eponine murmured. She looked up at the grand cathedral.
"Well, I wanted to ask you something."
"Alright."
"Eponine, I've loved you from the first time we met... even if I didn't admit it to myself then. I love you with all my heart, and I'm afraid I'm not very good at this, but I want to ask you one question." He pulled the ring out of his pocket. "Will you marry me?"
"Yes!"
