The Outburst of Love: A Bunch of Polin One-Shots

The Love Between Us

Tears welled in Penelope's eyes, blurring her vision as she sat before her vanity, her fingers trembling against the delicate lace of her mother's handkerchief. The room was bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, casting dancing shadows across the walls and floor, adding to the solemnity of the moment.

Outside, the night whispered secrets; the rustle of leaves and distant carriages sounded a gentle backdrop to Penelope's racing thoughts. Each heartbeat felt like a thunderclap in the silence, her pulse echoing the turmoil in her heart.

The sound of footsteps outside her window made her jump, and she was so engaged in her thoughts that she missed seeing Colin pulling himself into the room with a graceful ease born of familiarity.

He looked at her with the uttermost confusion and worry about her state as she paced back and forth across her room. His concern was palpable, written across his features as he broke the still air with his voice.

"My darling Penelope, whatever is wrong, has something happened? Are you ill? Is it your mother or sister?" His voice was soothing, laced with genuine worry, as she shook out of her thoughts with a jump.

She stopped in her tracks to look at him as he took the moment to cross the room to reach her. He went to reach for her hands as she spoke.

"Oh Colin!" Penelope's voice caught in her throat as she brought her hands to her face and buried them, her body trembling with emotion.

Colin's touch was gentle as he lifted her chin, his fingers wiping away the tears that stained her cheeks. Their eyes met, and a silent exchange of understanding passed between them.

"Pen, please tell me what's troubling you," Colin whispered, his voice soft and reassuring.

Summoning her courage, Penelope spoke, her words barely more than a whisper. "Colin, I'm with the child."

Colin's eyes widened in shock, his grip on her hands tightening instinctively. For a moment, the air hung heavy with silence as he processed her words. Then a flicker of joy and concern crossed his face.

"Penelope," he breathed, his voice barely audible. "Are you sure?"

Penelope nodded, her heart pounding in her chest as she met his gaze. "Yes, it's the only explanation for why my courses are late, especially after the night we spent together after our engagement party."

He pulled her into a hug, his embrace warm and reassuring as he spoke softly. "Oh, Pen, I know this is unexpected, but I love you so much, and I will love this baby just as fiercely."

Tears welled anew in Penelope's eyes as she buried her face in Colin's chest, overwhelmed by his unwavering support.

"You are not mad?" She questioned his sincerity, as the news came as a shock to both of them.

"Shocked yes, but never mad, Penelope. I am so excited to marry you and have children. Children may have come earlier than expected, but we can figure everything out," he reassured her with a gentle tone that soothed her anxiety.

"But Colin, if society finds out, our families will be embroiled in scandal. They've already weathered their share; they don't need another one. But I can't help but already love our baby."

"Then I'll speak with Anthony and see if we can move the wedding up. We can elope in Greta Greene if necessary. A seven-month baby won't cause nearly as much scandal," Colin declared, his determination shining through as he leaned down to kiss her.

In that moment, they both knew that love could conquer any obstacle, even scandal. As Colin's lips met hers in a tender kiss, she let out a giggle. Penelope felt a surge of relief wash over her. In that embrace, she knew they were in this together, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

When they pulled away to catch some air, she looked into his eyes and whispered,

"I think we would have to face your mother's wrath if we eloped."

They both burst out in laughter then.

"Maybe that is not the best idea to elope. We would never hear the end of it."

In that moment, they both knew that love could conquer any obstacle, even scandal. As Colin's lips met hers in a tender kiss, Penelope felt a surge of relief wash over her. In that embrace, she knew they were in this together, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

"Thank you, Colin," she whispered against his lips, her voice filled with gratitude and love.

He pulled back slightly, his gaze unwavering as he met her eyes. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect you and our baby, Pen. Nothing else matters."

With renewed hope and a sense of unity, they began to discuss their plans for the future. Despite the looming challenges, they knew that, as long as they had each other, they could weather any storm.

And as they held each other close, they felt a deep sense of peace settle over them, knowing that their love would be their guiding light through the darkness ahead.

Author's Note: HAPPY BRIDGERTON SEASON 3 PART 1 RELEASE DAY!