Chapter Five
Marinette was thankful that she'd let Adrien and his kids help her. Just after their conversation that morning, Adrien received a call from his father saying that he wouldn't be able to make it because of a freak snowstorm hitting New York at the last minute. She was sure that it would be hitting Vermont any day now so she decided to stock up while she could still go outside. Marinette didn't want to worry Adrien or the twins so she woke up earlier than usual to grab everything she needed.
When she got back, Marinette set out a bunch of cereal boxes and went downstairs to start working on the day's desserts. It was always cold in the mornings so she was thankful for having to constantly move around. As she was laying out ingredients for peppermint cupcakes (her special invention), she noticed a certain little girl standing in the doorway, looking like she was ready to take on the day. "Emma," Marinette said, "what are you doing up so early?"
"I came to help you," she said determinedly. "This is the day we were supposed to help you, right?"
"Yes, but I meant something like working the register or packing up people's orders. You don't have to help me bake, you know?"
"Well, I wanted to learn how to bake, and…" she paused for a second, "Can you keep a secret?" Marinette nodded before Emma continued. "Daddy's a horrible baker," she whispered, "I was hoping that you'd be willing to teach me." She looked up at Marinette with such adorable puppy eyes that Marinette couldn't say 'no'.
"Alright, you can help, but only if you listen to me and do exactly as I tell you." Emma's eyes lit up with joy, and Marinette couldn't help but smile at her.
Despite her young age, Emma was very good at following instructions. She did exactly as Marinette told her to and managed to not make a crazy big mess. She had been jumping with joy by the time they had put the last few pastries in the oven, but Marinette could see that Emma was ready for a nap. The poor kid was barely able to stand upright. Hoping she didn't mind, Marinette picked up Emma and carried her upstairs.
On the way to the rooms, Marinette saw Adrien standing outside of the twin's room. "Adrien?" she whispered.
Adrien turned to face her and was about to say something before he noticed her carrying Emma. "Oh, you found!" he whispered back.
"Actually, she was helping me downstairs. I don't know how she managed to wake up that early, but she was determined to help."
Adrien's expression softened at those words. "She's always wanting to help out everyone. The exact opposite of her mother." He'd muttered that last part to herself. Now that she thought about it, Marinette realized Adrien had never mentioned having a wife when he'd applied for the rooms. It made her wonder how he'd come into possession of the twins. He didn't have anything that looked like a wedding ring on any of his fingers.
As Adrien was putting Emma back to bed, Marinette went downstairs to check on the baked goods in the oven. As she pulled them out of the oven, a sweet smell hit her nose. It reminded her of her Papa's special treats that he'd make around the holidays. Marinette waited until they were cooled down before grabbing one of them to taste test.
When she bit into the croissant, memories from her childhood came rushing back to her. Her Papa teaching her how to properly shape a pretzel. Her Maman showing her how to properly use the register. Her family gathering around the Christmas tree, a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies in hand. All of them snuggling together for a family movie night. Before she could stop herself, Marinette started to cry.
It had been a while since she'd let herself do that because of how overbearing the pain was. She sunk to the floor, burying her face in her hands. Sobs shook her as she just felt the pain come rushing back. For some reason, this time felt like grief was a new feeling. The pain felt fresh and raw, like the pain after getting a paper cut.
As she sat there on the floor, she felt a strong pair of arms pull her into a hug. She felt safe in his arms as his hand traveled up and down her back in a soothing motion. His other hand cradled her neck, and he was whispering something to her. "Are you okay?" Adrien asked, concern filling his voice. It was at that moment, Marinette felt a strange, familiar feeling. This feeling was that of love.