Chapter Twenty-Five

Eponine woke up very early, her heart fluttering in her chest. She was so nervous, yet extremely excited about marrying the man she loved. With nothing else to do, Eponine got up and went to the kitchen. She made a large breakfast for herself and Jean Valjean, sort of as a goodbye and thank you present for him. After he got up, they ate together with Eponine growing more and more anxious. Valjean left her so he could get ready, and Eponine sat by herself, twirling the ring around on her finger. She had nothing to do since she was getting ready at the church. She just wished the wedding would get there. Soon, she got her wish as the carriage arrived to take them to the small chapel where Eponine was to be married.

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When they got to the chapel, Cosette was waiting for them out front. Valjean went inside, leaving the two girls together.

"Where's Marius?" Eponine asked.

"He's with Enjolras. He looks very handsome, Eponine," Cosette smiled.

Eponine blushed, and the sound of Enjolras's name made her heart beat faster. She couldn't believe this was actually happening. Cosette took the clothing that was in Eponine's hands and turned toward the chapel.

"Follow me. We've got to get you ready."

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Eponine sat very still while Cosette primped and pampered her. Then it came time to put on the dress. Cosette tightly laced Eponine's corset. With each pull of the laces, Eponine got more anxious. Cosette delicately slipped the lace dress of Eponine's head and settled it into place, fastening the long row of buttons that ran down her back. As a final touch, Cosette pinned the long, lace veil on Eponine's head. Eponine walked over to look at herself in the mirror for the first time and gasped at her appearance. She was certain that was most beautiful she'd ever been. Her face was bright, and her dark hair fell down her back in loose waves. The neckline of her dress brought attention to her collarbone, and her waist was incredibly tiny.

"It's almost time. I'm going to go sit down in the sanctuary. You'll be fine," she smiled and left Eponine by herself. Butterflies filled Eponine's stomach.

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Enjolras and Marius stood in the room that was on the opposite side of the chapel from the room Eponine was in. Enjolras shrugged on his red coat and started pacing while Marius leaned against the wall, grinning at his friend.

"Nervous?" Marius smirked.

"A little," Enjolras said, shooting a glare at Marius.

Enjolras stopped pacing when his mother entered the room.

"Are you ready?" she asked.

"I suppose so."

Antoinette walked over and straightened Enjolras's cravat.

"Then let's go," she smiled.

Antoinette and Marius took their seats in the sanctuary, and Enjolras moved to stand in his place at the front of the chapel.

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The soft music began to play, and Eponine knew that was her cue. She slowly made her way to the door at the back of the small sanctuary and stepped through, her heart racing. Her brown eyes met Enjolras's sparkling blue ones, and a calm swept over her. She walked down the short isle, barely noticing the gazes from their friends, and stood at the front of the chapel with Enjolras. He reached down and took her hands in his, smiling at her. She grinned back, knowing that this was their moment. In that moment, everything in her past would be gone, and she could have a new, happy life, a new beginning, with Enjolras.

Just as they had planned, the wedding was short and sweet. A few words were said, and their vows were exchanged. With Enjolras bending his head down, and Eponine rising slightly on her tiptoes, they shared their first kiss as husband and wife. Their friends cheered, and they couple laughed happily. They were both overjoyed, and Enjolras held Eponine tightly as they left the chapel. Their friends followed close behind, as they headed to the café to celebrate.

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"You look beautiful, Madame Rousseau," Enjolras smiled just before they entered the café.

She giggled, "And you look very handsome in your red coat."

"You know, that has a nice ring to it."

"What?"

"Eponine Rousseau," he grinned.

Eponine laughed, he wrapped his arm around her waist, and they stepped into the café together. Once again, their friends cheered for them.

"It's a miracle! Enjolras is married!" Marius shouted.

Everyone burst into laughter, including Enjolras. It was partly true. Eponine was his miracle. She had been the reason he survived the barricade and could now have a happy life. For the rest of the evening, the group ate, talked, and celebrated. Even though it was a small group, Eponine and Enjolras could feel the presence of the friends they had lost at the barricade. It felt as if they were there celebrating with them. They could almost picture them there. A drunken Grantaire would be sitting gleefully at the bar, Combeferre and Joly would be in deep conversation with the other men, especially Courfeyrac, and Gavroche would be playfully running around the café. The thought of their friends being there comforted them.

They had arranged for music to be played and everyone danced. Eponine and Enjolras danced frequently, enjoying the night. It became late much too quickly, and everyone slowly left. Antoinette was the last to leave, hugging her son and daughter-in-law goodbye before stepping into a carriage to journey back to her home on the outskirts of Paris.

Enjolras and Eponine got into a carriage as well and made their way to the apartment.

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They climbed out of the carriage and, after it had pulled away, Enjolras grinned down at Eponine. She giggled in surprise as he reached down and swept her into his arms.

"I love you so very much, Eponine."

"I love you more," she replied.

Enjolras pressed a kiss to her lips and stepped into their home, kicking the door shut behind him.

Author's Note: That's the end! I hope you all enjoyed it. It has been so much fun to write, and I have enjoyed reading all your reviews. You guys have been so awesome and have encouraged me greatly! As I said before, I am currently writing a sequel, and I will upload the first chapter today. It is titled A World About to Dawn. Please keep an eye out for it. I hope you enjoy it as much as you have enjoyed this one. Thank you so, so, so very much for reading, reviewing, and following. Once again, you guys are amazing and have made me so happy! Now go check out the sequel! Love my readers!

Also, I need some help from my readers. I need you guys to send me some baby names that you think would be good for both E/E and Cosette/Marius. I'm not sure if I'll end up using them, but it's good to have them in case my story takes a turn in that direction. So if you have any suggestions, please PM me! Thanks again.

~loislane16