The Wallflower

Gifts

A/N:
EEEEEEK!!!

Here it is! The epilogue! I am so excited to be done with this story even though part of me is also sad to see it end.
~

Three Months Later

A week before Christmas, the cobbled streets of Mayfair were adorned with a light dusting of snow, creating a beautiful scene that looked like it was straight out of a winter painting. Penelope, her hands clutching to her warm coat, strolled through the streets in search of the perfect Christmas gift for Colin.

She was happy to be back in London for Christmas. The Queen had granted their request to spend the holiday with Colin's family on the stipulation that Penelope help Lady Danbury with her Christmas Lady Whistledown pamphlet. Penelope had been happy to lend a hand and it felt good to be writing once more. It got her thinking of the future and how she would like to take up writing again but this time she had her mind on writing novels.

She wrapped her coat around her tightly as she wandered past the numerous shops. Her steps led her to a charming boutique nestled between two grand townhouses. The sign above the door read "Tuesday's Trinkets," and Penelope's curiosity beckoned her inside. As she entered, a small bell tinkled, announcing her arrival.

The boutique's interior was full of delicate trinkets, each one more captivating than the last. Penelope's eyes wandered over the displays, her heart fluttering with anticipation. She had a special surprise planned for Colin, and she hoped to find something truly unique.

The shop's owner, Tuesday, greeted Penelope with a warm smile. "Good day, madam. Welcome to Tuesday's Trinkets. How may I assist you on this fine winter's day?"

"Good day, Tuesday," Penelope replied, returning the smile. "I am in search of a Christmas gift for my husband. Something very special."

Tuesday nodded, her eyes twinkling with understanding. "Ah, the joy of finding the perfect gift. Allow me to show you our collections, madam."

Together, they ventured through the boutique, Penelope's gaze drawn to a particular item displayed in the shop's bay window. It was beautiful and unique. Penelope's heart skipped a beat as she envisioned the joy it would bring Colin.

"Tuesday, that item in the window... it's perfect," Penelope whispered, her eyes shimmering with excitement.

Tuesday smiled; her eyes filled with a knowing sparkle. "Oh my! A truly exceptional choice, madam. That will no doubt bring tremendous joy to your husband this holiday season."

Without hesitation, Penelope purchased the item, entrusting Tuesday with wrapping the gift. Once the transaction was completed, Penelope cradled the package in her hands, feeling its weight and the anticipation of Colin's reaction.

As she stepped back out onto the wintry streets of Mayfair, a mix of emotions welled up within her. With each passing day, her anticipation for Christmas grew, but there was another secret she carried—a secret that made this gift even more significant.

Making her way back home, Penelope's thoughts drifted to the past few months. Things hadn't been perfect between Colin and Penelope, since their return from Scotland but they communicated to each other and worked out the differences they had. Penelope couldn't wait for what the future held for them both.

With each step, Penelope's heart swelled with love and excitement. The anticipation of seeing Colin's joy on Christmas morning, and the knowledge that they had a lifetime to celebrate their love for each other.
~

A week later and Penelope sat across from Colin as they wrapped gifts for the Bridgerton family. They were discussing all of their plans for the following day. "That all sounds wonderful, Colin. And then maybe afterward we could stroll through Hyde Park as a family."