A small giggle escaped from Aimée. The baby gazed up at Marjorie with the most beautiful blue eyes, Charlotte's eyes. She had a swirl of brown curls like Lucien as well. She was the sweetest little girl she had ever met. She was quiet and always laughing. Her brother, Charles, was three years old and equally precious. He was very excitable, but the sweetest thing. He constantly begged her to play the piano for him, and he seemed to have quite an ear for music as well. She had no idea how someone as bitter as Charlotte could produce such perfect children.

Marjorie held the baby close to her chest. She was positive she wanted children now. She loved caring for them, playing with them, and just holding them. Silently, she hoped Erik or whoever she ended up with would want children too.

Christmas morning had wound down easily. A surprising lack of bickering came from her sisters-in-law and everyone managed to be pleasant to each other. Now they had gone out on a walk, while she offered to watch the children. They tried to insist, leaving the job to the servants, but she refused. In all honesty, she just wanted a break from them, and she didn't want to be the odd one out as the couples walked together.

She couldn't stop worrying about Erik either. She hated that she left him alone in Paris. She wanted to say they at least parted on a good note, but she couldn't even say that much. He seemed fairly distracted, and a brush of a kiss was the only thing that passed between them before she left.

She wondered what he was doing right now. He was probably sitting at his organ, or maybe with his violin. Maybe he was pouring over his blueprints. She sat the baby in its cradle and walked towards the window. She wondered if he was thinking about her right then, just as she was thinking of him.

A short rap came at the door and servant walked in. He stood in the doorway, a very confused look upon his face. "You have a guest waiting outside, mademoiselle."

She turned and looked at the man. A guest? She was hundreds of miles away from home, who would be visiting her? She followed the man out of the room. Was it the E that had sent the telegram? She hadn't heard anything from Marc about it, though.

"I believe he's in the garden." The gentleman opened the door for her and ushered her out before closing it again. He had almost looked worried to leave her outside.

The walk to the garden was short, and she could see a figure standing in the gazebo. The man's back was turned to her as she walked up the few steps. "Monsieur?"

The man turned, revealing a mask and familiar blue eyes. She could feel the large smile spread across her face. She practically threw herself into his arms. His heart seemed to be thumping as fast as a hummingbird's wings. He wrapped his arms around her. She hadn't realized how badly she missed him.

"Merry Christmas." His lips curled into a smile.

"Merry Christmas! I can't believe you're here! Oh my goodness." She felt like she might explode, she was so excited. "You traveled all this way for me?"

"Well I wouldn't have come here for the beach."

"But what made you decide to come? Does my brother know? Where are you staying? How did you get here?"

He ignored her questions and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. His voice was soft, stark against her excitement. "I had to be with you."

"Oh." A deep red spread across her cheeks.

"Shall we walk? I have quite a bit to discuss."

"Alright."

Erik's POV

Marjorie's arm fit perfectly in mine as we walked. I could smell her hair with every hint of a breeze. It was intoxicating. It was the only thing that calmed the rapid beating of my heart. Eventually I tucked my free hand into a pocket. I could feel the cool metal of the ring in as we walked.

My nervousness was beginning to reach its peak as we began to near a small bridge that stretched over a pond. it was surrounded by beautiful flora, despite it being the winter months. I knew this was where I needed to ask her. My hands grew clammy, and my heart felt as if it would fly right out of my chest. Marjorie seemed oblivious to my thoughts.

I finally ended the silence of our walk. "Marjorie?"

She tilted her head towards me, her soft lips pulling into a smile. My god, she was beautiful. She was so stunning I thought my heart would stop in my chest. I had, at one point, seen her as a dull, average girl, nothing in comparison to Christine, but she seemed to blossom before my eyes. Her sad smiles disappeared and were replaced by beaming grins that made my heart flutter. Her heart seemed to pour out, transforming her into the most beautiful creature to walk this earth. Her love is what made her so beautiful.

I took a deep breath, hoping to end the wavering in my voice. "I don't even know where to begin." I had the whole thing planned out, and my mind fell blank, leaving me at a loss for words. "My heart...You are... I have spent endless nights thinking of you. You mean everything, my raison d'être."

My hands had begun to shake as we neared the pond. "I never believed anyone could see past my face. Not even myself. But somehow, you've managed to fall in love with me, although I can never seem to understand why. It's as if there was some part of my being that you hold, that you are. You bring the brightness I've never experienced before."

"Erik?" There was the sound of worry in her voice.

"Please let me finish." We drew even closer to the pond, only a few yards away, now. "It's as if you were some celestial being. I can't understand how someone could be as...miraculous as you are. And I know it hasn't been long at all, but I can't possibly fathom existence without you. You are singed into every fiber of my being. Every pump of blood, every blink, every breath, is for you. I can't imagine a future without you."

We were on the bridge now, in the center, above the pond. Her eyes never left mine. I took both of her hands in mine, praying she didn't notice how badly they were shaking. "I love you, Marjorie. I want to be the one who cares for you, who loves you every moment. I want to be the one there for you. I give my forever to you."

Slowly, I sank onto one knee. I pulled the ring from my coat, holding it out to her. "Will you let me be the one you spend the rest of your life with?"

The look on her face was not what I expected. her eyes were as wide as saucers. She seemed almost...horrified. She gaped at me and her hands began to shake. She seemed completely at a loss.

"I..." Her voice shook violently.

Oh no.

"Er- I..." Her eyes darted around nervously. She looked as if she might be sick.

Oh no.

"Excuse me." She turned quickly, and darted away. My hands were empty of all but the cool air and the ring. Slowly, I stood, my whole body shook as I processed what had just happened. I have made a horrible mistake.