One

The bell jingled at Adelaide's bakery, alerting her that someone was there.

"I'll help you in just a moment!" she called from the kitchen.

"It's just me, Addy," Grantaire called back.

He unlocked the door that led behind the counter and walked back to where she was stacking fresh pastries on a tray. When she saw her husband, she smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. Grantaire rested his hands on her hips and kissed her.

"Happy birthday," he smiled.

"Thank you. It's unusually cool for a day in August. Maybe we could go on a walk later?" she suggested.

"Sounds nice. Why didn't you wake me this morning?"

Adelaide turned back to her tray, "You looked peaceful. I didn't want to disturb you."

"Thank you, but you didn't have to come up to the bakery in the early hours of the morning by yourself," Grantaire frowned.

Adelaide shrugged, "I don't mind."

"Maybe we should think about hiring some help," he suggested.

"We manage just fine, Grant."

"Yes, we manage just fine, but we, especially you, work all the time. We're here before sun-up until closing almost every day of the week. I'm just saying we could hire someone to work the second half of the day. That way, we'll still work the mornings, and you can still bake everything. That will give us more time. What if you get pregnant? Someone will need to be trained since you won't be able to work. Just think about it, Addy," he said.

"I will," she promised.

The bell on the front door jingled again, and Adelaide walked out front with her tray in hand and Grantaire following behind. She smiled when she saw Eponine and her two godchildren standing there.

"Happy birthday, Aunt Addy!" the twins exclaimed in unison.

Adelaide laughed and walked around the counter to hug them, "Why, thank you!"

"Adrian sends his birthday wishes, but school for the older children started earlier than for the younger ones so he's back to work," Eponine smiled while hugging Adelaide.

"Speaking of school, are you two ready to start in just a few days?" Grantaire asked, joining in on the conversation.

The twins nodded, and Adelaide took them behind the counter for a special treat, leaving Grantaire and Eponine together.

"Of course they're ready. I'm afraid I'm the one who isn't ready at all," Eponine laughed.

Grantaire smiled, "You're their mother. You're supposed to feel that way."

"I don't know what I'll do with myself once they're gone for most of the day."

"What about a job?" Grantaire suggested.

She smirked, "Are you offering?"

"Actually…"

Eponine raised her eyebrows, "Oh, you were serious."

He cleared his throat, "Well, I've still got to talk Addy into hiring. She's working herself too hard. We spend most of our lives up here at this bakery. She didn't seem too keen on the idea of getting some help, but I'm sure if you're the new employee in question, it won't be that hard to convince her."

"Thank you for the offer, but of course I'll have to talk with Adrian about it first," she smiled.

"Of course."

Their conversation was interrupted when Adelaide returned with the twins, each holding a cookie.

Eponine laughed, "Well, now that they're full of sugar, we should probably be on our way. Thank you for that, Addy."

"Always," she smiled.

The twins told their godparents goodbye before the three left, and it wasn't long after that the bakery was crowded with customers.

That evening, Adelaide closed the bakery early because Grantaire said he had a surprise for her. She took his arm, and they set out walking.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

"Well, you said earlier that you wanted to go on a walk."

She rolled her eyes, "I'm talking about the surprise."

"I can't tell you, Addy. It is a surprise after all." Grantaire laughed.

The two chatted about different things as they walked. Eventually, they ended up at one of Adelaide favorite restaurants where there was seating outside.

"I thought we might eat here tonight," he said.

"That sounds wonderful. Thank you!" Adelaide smiled.

By the time they were seated and their food was in front of them, the sun had set. A candle on the table and lanterns around them illuminated the outdoor patio where they were eating. Adelaide looked up from her plate to see Grantaire staring at her.

"What?" she smirked.

"I just really love you," Grantaire replied.

Adelaide reached over the table and grasped his hand, "I love you too, Grant."

Adelaide and Grantaire lay curled together in bed late that night. Grantaire was playing with Adelaide's jet black hair, both of them soaking in the silence. Just when he thought she was falling asleep, she spoke.

"Grant?" she asked softly.

"Hmm?" he replied, sweeping her hair out of the way and kissing her exposed shoulder.

She slowly turned to face him, sadness in her face.

"We're not ever going to have a child, are we?"

Grantaire pulled her closer to him, "Sure we will, eventually. Addy, don't stress yourself out about it. It will happen eventually. Who knows? Maybe this is the month."

"Maybe," she sighed.

"Sleep. You need it," Grantaire said, kissing her forehead.

She nestled closer to him, and soon they were both fast asleep.

Author's Note: Welcome to Afraid of Failing You! I'm sorry this chapter is so short, but I'm still getting a feel for writing Grantaire and Adelaide. The next chapters will be longer. There is a definite plot to this story, but I'm trying to come up with ideas until we get to the major plot points. So, if anyone has any certain scenarios you would like to see between A/G or with any of the other Amis, please let me know, and I'd be glad to work them in. This story is mainly A/G, but E/E will also be focused on. Let me know what you think about this first chapter, and I'll try to update soon. Thanks so much for reading!

~loislane16