*Note: I do not own any of the characters except for the twins.
Chapter 20 – A Party
Paris, 2 PM, 8th of June 1834
Joly's POV
It was 2 o'clock in the afternoon and our garden was full of people.
I had just gotten my daughter back in my arms after she had been held by her uncle Enjolras.
Enjolras may look and act tough, but you wouldn't recognize the same man once he is around my children.
He treats my children as if they're his own children especially Genevieve.
Fabian was more Cosette's and Grantaire's child and Genevieve was more Enjolras', Combeferre's and Marius' child.
Everyone loved them equally and they were the lights in all of our lives.
Cosette and Marius were always the ones babysitting the twins when Éponine and I went on a date or if we just wanted some time alone.
I held my daughter close to me as she shivered a bit from the cold that the wind had brought.
I stroked her hair and hummed a soft song to her when Éponine walked up to me with a sleeping Fabian.
We had been prepared for them sleeping so we brought them inside to the living room and layed them in their cots.
I sent Éponine outside and sang a soft song to my daughter.
She was my little angel and I made the promise to protect her for the rest of my life.
I smiled as her eyes fell closed quite slowly.
I stroked her little cheek and stood up straight.
I turned to Fabian's cot once I was sure Genevieve was sleeping and ran a hand through his little tufts of hair.
He was my son.
I had promised to learn him how to treat a lady the right way.
I walked back into the party once I was sure they were sleeping soundly and was greeted by Marius.
''Joly?'' He asked softly.
''Oui, Marius? What's the matter?'' I answered.
Marius looked around before pulling me inside the house.
''Promise me you won't tell anyone, but….I think Cosette is pregnant.'' Marius whispered.
I stared at him.
''What are the symptoms?'' I asked.
''Well she has mood swings, she throws up almost everytime she smells food and I have noticed she has stopped drinking alcohol. She went to see a doctor one week ago, but refused to tell me why she went and what the matter was.'' Marius explained me.
I sighed as I crossed my arms over my chest.
''It sounds like she's pregnant. Why not ask her?'' I said.
''I'm afraid she'll shout at me.'' Marius replied.
I smiled.
''Well then. Why don't I call her inside so you can ask her? I will be with the twins when you ask.'' I said.
Marius nodded and smiled.
''Merci, my friend.'' He said.
I waved him off and walked into the garden to search for Cosette.
She was talking to her papa and Éponine when I approached her.
I tapped her shoulder.
''Cosette? Can you come with me for a moment? I have a question.'' I asked.
She nodded and excused herself before walking after me.
I led her inside to the kitchen.
''Marius told me something today he's worried about you.'' I said.
''He did?'' She asked.
I nodded.
''Oui, he did. He thinks you may be with child.'' I said.
Cosette stared at me and pulled me down to her level by the collar of my shirt.
''Oui, I'm pregnant, but….I don't know how he'll react. I am afraid he'll be angry or he'll be wanting to care for me all the time. I don't want that, Joly.'' She replied.
I nodded and took her hands in mine.
''I promise, I will have a word with him if he does any of that, but please do tell him now. He's waiting for you.'' I told her.
She nodded and I led her to Marius.
I left them alone and walked into the living room to find Éponine caring for our little babies.
Éponine's POV
I smiled as Joly walked into the living room.
''What was that about?'' I asked him.
He wrapped his arms around me and held me close as he brought his head down to my ear.
''Cosette's pregnant, but she didn't want to tell Marius because she's afraid of his reaction.'' He said.
I looked up at him with a smile and walked to where he had just come from.
Cosette had just told Marius and he was on his knees, kissing her stomach.
I giggled softly before walking over to them.
I hugged Cosette and patted Marius' head.
''Congratulations, my dear friends.'' I said.
They both thanked me and grinned at me.
I walked back into the living room where Joly was still standing.
''Shall we wake them?'' He asked me.
I nodded.
''They've been sleeping for quite some time now. They won't sleep tonight if we let them sleep any longer.'' I replied.
He nodded and picked up Genevieve while I picked up Fabian.
We patted their backs as we let them wake silently.
I carried Fabian into the garden and put him is his high chair.
Joly watched them as I went inside to prepare their mashed food.
Cosette helped me with preparing their food.
''Éponine? May I ask something cheeky?'' She asked.
''Oui, of course, my friend. What is it?'' I replied.
''I wanted to ask if I could watch the twins some more times? I want to practice as much as possible.'' She asked.
I laughed softly.
''Of course, my friend! You don't have to ask!'' I replied.
Cosette grinned and hugged me tightly.
We finished the food soon after and carried it outside.
I let Cosette feed Fabian while Joly fed Genevieve.
I took the now empty bowls inside and washed them.
I called Joly inside once it was time for the cake.
He brought the plates and forks outside while I brought the knife and cake outside.
We cut the cake in pieces and handed them out to the guests.
Cosette helped me with getting the plates inside and helped me wash them.
We put all the dishes away and sat down outside for a laugh with the amis.
This was a good first birthday party for my little angels.
I apologise if you think it's rubbish. It's just a chapter I wrote during my time in France.