Chapter One

If Marinette Dupain-Cheng had to describe herself in one word, it would be hard-working. She worked six days a week, ran two (very small) businesses, and worked an entire shop almost completely by herself. Yes, she was as busy as they came. Marinette's first business she had inherited from her parents when they had unfortunately passed away. It had been hard for her, but Marinette kept their bakery running in honor of them. She thought that the bakery brought joy to everyone in her little hometown. The Tom & Sabine Bakery had total control over all who happened upon it.

The bakery was divided into two parts: the front part and the kitchen. The kitchen was nice and big. Perfect for baking thousands of goodies every day. Marinette remembered helping her dad in the kitchen. He would always let her help him out even if it was something as simple as arranging the baked goods so that he could decorate them. The front of the bakery was like a mini cafe. They had a section with a cash register and behind that was a coffee/drinks bar. There were chairs and tables all around so that people could sit and enjoy their treats. It always felt so homey when people were there.

Above the bakery was an apartment. That's where her family had lived and where she was currently living. It was two stories, had a big, spacious living room and kitchen, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a balcony on the third floor. Ever since her parents had passed, Marinette rented out the extra two rooms to families that came to her hometown for Christmas. They were usually visiting family so she didn't see much of them.

Her second business was a little online boutique that she had started when she was in college. Not many people knew about it, but she had quite a few loyal customers. It had always been her dream to run a real fashion business, but she was content with what she was currently doing. Thanksgiving had just come to a close, so it was time to start preparing for Christmas. It was going to be a tough holiday season like it had been for the past seven years, but Marinette was going to push through like she always did.

Seven years ago marked one of the hardest times in her life. She was only nineteen at the time when it happened. Marinette went to college in New York City for a fashion and business degree in hopes of running her own fashion company. There she met a guy named Felix. She and Felix attended the same college so they became friends quickly. He was a little cold towards people, but he quickly warmed up to her. Eventually, they developed feelings and started seeing each other.

Christmas had been coming up when she invited her parents to come to join her in New York to meet Felix and his family. Her parents were so happy to see Marinette in a relationship with what seemed like an awesome guy. On their way to New York, her parents had gotten into a really bad car crash. They both died, and Marinette was left with everything. She dropped out of college, moved back to her hometown, and tried to date Felix long distance. He would've come with her, but something had happened to his cousin that demanded his attention.

Eventually, Marinette broke up with him. With everything that was going on around her, she decided that she needed to focus on herself. Felix was understanding and still kept in touch with her. Recently, he'd gotten engaged to his girlfriend. She was glad that he'd been able to find love after her. She thought they worked better as friends anyway. Marinette hadn't really 'dated' since she and Felix broke up. Sure, she went out with the occasional guy, but her last date had been over a year ago. Marinette felt like she was way too busy to even be considering any sort of relationship right now.

As she put the last few pastries on display, the front door opened. Marinette looked up to see her best friend, Alya, and her husband, Nino. "Hey girl, how are you doing today?" Alya said with a smile.

"I'm doing good," she said, "Although, my employee is running late today."

"Yeah, yeah. Blame my lateness on this guy," she pointed at Nino. "He insisted on walking me over here and then took forever to get ready."

"Just looking out for you, babe."

Alya smiled at him, "I know." She kissed his cheek. "Now, hurry along or else you're gonna be late too."

"Right. Going. Bye Marinette," Nino called as he walked out the door.

"Bye," she called back even though she knew he probably didn't hear her. Alya and Nino were Marinette's childhood best friends. They'd been with her through it all. She was glad to have them when she'd been grieving her parent's death. Alya now worked a part-time job here along with being a freelance journalist.

"So what are we doing today, boss?" Alya asked as she started to tie her apron.

"While we wait for business, I was hoping to take the fall decorations and finally set up the winter with some Christmas mixed in. Could you stay down here and open the bakery while I grab the boxes?"

"No problem, but I have a favor to ask?"

Marinette turned to face Alya. She seemed a little nervous which was weird because Alya is never nervous. "Yeah, what is it?"

Alya started to fiddle around with her fingers. "Do you think you could…help me find a gift for Nino?"

Now Marinette was confused. "Why do you need my help? Not that I'm saying I won't help you, but you haven't asked for help with this kind of stuff since we were teenagers. Is everything okay?"

"Yes, everything's fine. I'm just unsure of how to tell him that I'm pregnant."

Marinette felt a hand fly toward her mouth. "You're pregnant?" she asked, feeling the excitement rush through her.

Alya nodded, a smile growing on her face. "Yeah, and I wanted to surprise him on Christmas day with a present, but I have no idea what to give him."

"Of course, I'll help you, Alya. But only if you promise I will be your kids' auntie."

Alya laughed, "Promise." The two hugged each other. Christmas was going to be magical this year.