Dear readers, thank you for all the reviews, comments, support and encouragement over the last six months. There are so many incredible writers on this site, that to think some of you took the time to read and follow my story touches me deeply. It's time to wrap this baby up and focus on the future. A new story. One that I will strive to make original but still carry on the everlasting passion that embodies our Erik and Christine. That tale will be up shortly titled, " A Little Night Music." I hope it will keep your interest just as this one has.

Erik sat in a chair inside Christine's hospital bed, holding her hand and waiting for her to wake up. The events of the night flashed before his eyes and he began to curse himself for the part he played in her obvious distress.

I should not have acted so recklessly and yet there wasn't any time to do much else. I only hope she will understand and forgive me. He kissed her hand and without warning, he thought she murmured his name softly. "Christine, can you hear me?"

She slowly began to open her eyes and saw her Angel before her, as his eyes swelled up with tears. "Angel….." Her voice was groggy. "What is it? Why are you….."

Half of his face beamed as he spoke. "Angel, you're alright! I was so worried…" He then sank to his knees as he clutched her hand tighter. "Forgive me! I never meant to cause you such pain. I wasn't able to do much of anything but react quickly and when I thought for even a moment that he might take you from me, I….."

Slowly she remembered and the trauma brought her out of her fog like haze. She then remembered how Phillip had shot him down. "How did you survive the gunshot? Phillip….." She threw her arms around him in frenzy. "Am I dreaming? Are you really here before me? Erik, is it finally over?"

Erik held her with just as much intensity as he tried to calm her fears. "I'm here, my love. I'm here. We did it! It's over and we are all safe."

She pulled away to look at him, touching his unmasked cheek. "He's dead, isn't he?"

Erik only nodded and watched her face. The realization sank in that they were free and this time, there were no backward glances. They could move forward and continue their dream only this time, nothing would wake them. God had been merciful and granted them a fresh start.

"Oh, Angel. We really are free!" She reached for him once more and he rocked her back and forth lovingly.

Charlotte entered and had a grin on her face. "Not again you two! I thought I wouldn't be seeing you until tomorrow, so I gave Aston the day off, however this still is her night shift." She giggled when she saw both Erik and Christine pull away blushing. She went to check her chart and told them the physician would be with them soon. "It's good to see you awake, Madame Dexter." She then began to walk away, when Erik called for her.

"Wait! Mademoiselle. We….. That is my wife and I…. We…"

"Monsieur Dexter, I can't believe you are at a loss for words."

This caused Christine to laugh right out loud, and squeeze his hand. She then looked up at Charlotte, after she eyed her husband for reassurance. "We were coming to see you tomorrow and I'm sure the hospital ran some tests. We were curious if…"

"The physician should really be speaking to both of you. I'll send him in shortly."

"Mademoiselle." This time, Erik's voice was in full force. "Forgive us but we had an appointment with you, specifically for this reason. We wanted to speak with you."

Charlotte opened the door and looked out into the hallway. She then walked back into the room. "I see that your previous appointment was with Doctor Pelton." She made a face that did not go unnoticed by Erik or Christine. "Rest assured, he is very good, and he is most qualified to discuss these test results. I should go."

Erik was about to stand, but his wife's voice caused him to sit on the edge of the bed.

"Please, Charlotte!" This time it was Christine that stopped the young woman. "I know that it is improper but my last visit with that man was not particularly pleasant and whatever he is going to tell us tonight, we were prepared to hear from you tomorrow. We wanted to talk with you."

Charlotte sighed. "We have strict rules. I cannot break policy." She was about to leave but stopped. "I heard both your performances tonight stole the hearts of Paris. I do hope you two have plans for the future."

"If you are asking when you can see my wife on the stage again, you will just need to keep watch like the others. She will be in high demand all over the world and command a great price." Erik's cold reply was considered an effort in self-restraint as he was trying his best to keep his composure for Christine's sake.

Charlotte shook her head. "No, Monsieur Dexter, I meant for a leave of absence. Surely you cannot expect your wife to perform when she is carrying a child at full term?" She looked over her shoulder once more. "Congratulations, but remember I did not tell you. I better act swiftly to obtain a ticket before your leave, Madame Dexter."

She left the couple awestruck and speechless. Finally Erik placed his hand over hers and brought it to her stomach. He moved it slowly, caressing it and brought his eyes to hers. "My love, it's true. Our child. Another child."

"Precious, thank you." She brought him closer to her, embracing him fully onto the bed. "You made every dream come true."

After a few private moments, Erik left the room to tell the others who had been in the waiting room, anxious to hear of Christine's diagnosis. When she was alone, Charlotte returned.

"Madame…."

"Please call me Christine."

"Thank you. I thought it might be more appropriate if I wait until your husband was out of the room to explain a bit more. Doctor Pelton is a very good physician, but he is rather conservative in his approach. I am not surprised to read what he told you at your last visit, considering you are in the theatre. He probably did not offer much hope. I am pleased you proved him wrong."

Suddenly Christine realized that Charlotte must know of her past and what she must think after Doctor Pelton's report. "Charlotte, you must know that….."

"Please." She stopped her from speaking any further by lifting her hand up. "There is no explanation necessary. Our job is to treat and hopefully cure. Judgment is left up to God. From the looks of things, I think he has already decided." She smiled. "Congratulations, again." As she walked out she said without apology, " Oh, I think you should know I switched the doctor's route. Doctor Engels will be checking in on you shortly."

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Many changes occurred during the next several weeks. Christine and Erik performed to sold out audiences every night, and while the ending wasn't as elaborate as opening night, the general public and critics were thrilled. However, the couple wanted to embark on a small journey to Italy, before travel became too cumbersome for Christine, causing the show to end after six weeks.

Despite his past, Erik had adored Italy and wanted to show its beauties to Christine. He also planned to have her be seen by a few of the opera houses out there. He was determined to continue her success and let those of interest know that when she did return to the stage she would have her pick of offers. On the night before their trip they discussed what the future had in store.

"Erik, it could be years before I return to the stage. No one will remember by then."

"No one will remember, the soprano of the century? Nonsense. And what is this rubbish abut waiting years to return? You've only tasted your dream. We need to have it savored."

She took her husband by the hand and placed it on her heart. "You are my dream and all that you bring me is to be savored." She then placed his hand on her stomach.

"We've talked of this before. You can have it all. I will be here. I will travel with you and care for the baby. Why must you feel you can only have one and not the other?"

"Because, you will need help and I can't abandon my family, traipsing off to the stage."

He shook his head. "Abandoned? Have you forgotten where we live? You can perform and then come home. It will take all of the 10 minutes now that you know your way from the passageways."

She giggled. "And you will be happy just having me perform in Paris? I know you my maestro. You will seek other more challenging parts if you feel these are not suitable enough."

"I can't understand why you would walk away, now? The public needs you, craves you. We need to keep them wanting more and….."

She silenced him with her lips. "I'm not saying I won' t perform, Angel. But the best venue for a while would be smaller concerts, produced and directed by my genius husband, of course." She kissed him again and when she went to move away, he kept her close and kissed her again, causing her to smile.

"Am I convincing you?"

"Angel, you can have anything you want. Do anything you wish. I will support any decision, but are you really sure?"

"Erik, all I want is to focus on you and our babies for now." She searched his eyes for acknowledgement. Do not look too long, make the realization come to him on his own.

Erik sighed. "Then it's decided." He kissed her again as they walked to their bedroom. He then began to change out of his clothes and into his sleeping attire when he stopped and looked straight at his wife as she was climbing into bed. "Christine?"

"Erik, it's late, we really should get some sleep." She turned over, hiding the grin on her face.

"Babies?!" He went to her side and gently tapped her on the shoulder. "Angel?"

Still teasing him she stayed with her back towards him. "Precious, we really need to sleep."

"I….. You mean… Dear God is this what it's like?"

She turned around. "Is what like this?"

"Living with me when I know everything beforehand. Good God, that must be insufferable. How do you stand it?"

He looked at her with such love, she busted into a fit of giggles. "Oh, Angel I love you so." She reached for him but he pulled back, refusing to become distracted.

"What do you mean by babies?"

She cradled his face in her hands. "Remember when I asked you if you thought I looked a little too big for three months?"

"And I told you that I didn't think you had gained any weight."

She was about roll her eyes but seeing the sincerity in his, made her want to melt. She kissed his deformed cheek. "I saw Charlotte and Doctor Engels and they confirmed it this morning."

"This morning?! You knew since this morning and you wait until now to tell me?"

"Precious, I wanted to tell you as soon as I saw you but we were never alone until tonight. I have been busting!"

"Angel…" He then placed his hand over her stomach. "My three angels." He brought his lips to her slightly enhanced stomach and then came up to kiss her mouth. "Tell me, are you sure?"

"Erik?"

"Well, might there be a way we can secure a twin?" He seductively played with the straps on her shoulders.

"Angel, it's very late." He began to apply kisses where her straps used to be and moved to her neck. "We really should sleep….." She let out a soft moan.

He whispered in her ear. "We will, my love. Eventually."

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Meg and Justin, Nadir and Antoinette were all at the station waiting to see the happy couple off. Nadir looked at the time.

"This seems odd. Erik is always so punctual." Nadir put his pocket watch away.

Antoinette just laughed. "Nadir, now that Christine is with child he is under a new time schedule."

Meg shook her head. "I disagree. If I know Uncle Erik, he will do all he can to see that the child begin life right as scheduled, starting with birth." This caused the whole group to laugh. "Here they come!"

Christine and Erik slowly made their way up to the gate, waiving to their family. Christine wanted to wait to reveal their latest news. She figured when they returned they would all know soon enough.

"Christine!" Meg couldn't wait to promptly give her friend a gigantic hug. "I'm going to miss you so much."

"I'll miss you too." She then whispered to her. "So it is all arranged?"

Meg nodded. "All per Erik's specifications."

"What's this? My two ladies, conspiring against me?" Erik grinned, extending his arm for Meg to come flying to him.

Meg squeezed him tight and then marveled at his black mask. The one that revealed the most of his face as possible. He indeed had come a long way. "I will miss you, papa."

He smoothed her hair. "Keep watch over them all, Megan. Goodness knows they will need some sense of logic, in my absence." He kissed her cheek.

Justin approached the pair and extended his hand. "Erik, have a wonderful holiday. No doubt this time will be treasured by you both."

He then wrapped his arms protectively around Meg and the way his hand graced her stomach, didn't go undetected by Erik. He was tempted to comment, but decided again it, as he knew all too well how private a moment like that is between a husband and wife.

"Take care of her Justin." He then spotted a man wearing a sea captain's uniform. Perfect timing.

"Everyone, I'd like you to meet a friend of mine. This is Captain Aaron Oliver. He commands the ship that is to set sail to America in three days time."

"America! That must be exciting."Meg commented. "I wish we could see the boat."

"What an excellent idea, Megan." Erik took his wife the arm. "Do we have time, darling?"

Antoinette looked at them all as if they had gone mad. "What are you saying? This is your train. It's leaving in less than two minutes."

Erik took out his watch. "I'm afraid she's right, Aaron. However, my niece and her husband, along with Nadir and Antoinette can go."

"Erik, what is all this?" Nadir had a feeling he and Antoinette were missing something.

Aaron smiled. "I take it that these two are the youngsters who wish to marry?"

"What?!" Nadir and Antoinette could not hold their surprise.

Erik stepped in. "That is correct, Captain. You see my sister and best friend have fallen in love, and we all know that marriages of any domination can be performed here without question by the captain of a ship. So unless there are any objections…" He saw Nadir shake his head, and then eyed his sister.

"How did you know we were having difficulties? The Catholic Church said no and there are no churches of Nadir's religion here in France."

"Contrary to recent events…" He looked at his wife and smiled. "I do know everything that goes on around here." He kissed her cheek. "Don't wait another moment, my dear. "

"All Aboard!"

Christine kissed Nadir's cheek and embraced Antoinette. "We hope to come back and see you married and as happy as we are."

Erik eyed the couple one last time, before helping Christine enter the train. "You heard the lady, Daroga!"

The wedding ceremony was beautiful with Justin and Meg standing as witnesses. It was more than enough for Nadir and Antoinette. They spoke their vows freely and embraced both traditions with each other reading a special prayer from the other's religion blessing their union.

Later on in their private drawing room, Erik tried hard to stay focused before dinner, but could not stop yawning. He sat on the bed and began to take off his cufflinks. Christine suppressed her grin.

"I told you we needed sleep." She helped him remove his mask, sitting down as she faced him.

"Really? I seem to recall someone waking me up for something. Now let me see, what was it for?" He smiled recalling the memory.

"You sir, are no gentlemen." She pretended to be offended and Erik pulled her close to him, causing her to fall on top of him.

"See, there you go again surrounding me. Really, Christine Dexter, this brazen behavior over my body must stop right now."

She simply found him adorable and began peppering him with kisses all over his face.

"Or not." He laughed. "After all, a happy wife is a happy life indeed. I hope Nadir remembers that."

After one final kiss, she picked her head up and stared at him. "Do you regret not being at the wedding?"

He placed his arm underneath his head and paced the other around her waist, as they were now facing one another. "No, they need their time alone as do we."

She snuggled closer to her husband. "I think Meg might be with child."

"I know." He smiled.

She shot up from the bed. "How do you know this?"

"I could say I am that good but simply speaking, it was the way Justin placed his hand around her waist and touched her stomach. I don't think they caught on that I noticed."

"And how are you such an expert?"

He mimicked Justin's actions from before. "I've had a lot of practice." He then gently stroked her stomach as they effortlessly lied in bed.

She saw his eyes were lost for a moment in deep thought. She positioned herself, careful not to stop his caresses on her stomach, as she played with his hair. "What is it?"

"I was thinking of the children."

That statement warmed her heart. "Yes?"

"Well if we have two boys, you are going to feel awfully out numbered." He looked up giving her a wicked grin.

She touched his marred cheek. "Yet they will be ruggedly handsome, just like their father." She saw his facial expression change. "What if we have two girls?"

"Well, I suppose it would be my lot in life to be surrounded by beautiful women. I can live with that." He looked at her. "Christine, our children will be beautiful to me. I know we only spoke of this once but…."

She placed her finger to his lips, and he kissed it upon contact. "Don't. Charlotte said there is really no rhyme or reason as to why deformities happen. In your case, we know it wasn't hereditary." His face showed mixed emotions as he processed Charlotte's comment. "Erik, the first time you were in the hospital, you were wearing your white mask, and since then your flesh one….."

"Ah." He nodded. Truthfully, he liked Charlotte and the fact that Christine had developed a strong bond to her, made the conversation easier.

"I never told her, nor did she ask. The doctor asked if there was any history of illness and when I said no, he said that those things tended to be hereditary. Charlotte then seemed to sense what I was thinking and commented on deformity. Doctor Engels agreed with her."

"She is rather intelligent, that woman. Seems as if she should be the doctor at times." He held her tighter. "Are you hungry?"

"Not really. I don't want to leave your embrace." She hugged him closer.

"My three angels, so close to me. I suppose it won't be long before they will spread their wings and fly away."

"This one has no intention of ever leaving." She sighed contently.

"You're so beautiful, Christine. I almost tremble when I think of how you will grow only more beautiful as the children get ready to be born."

She laughed. "You tell yourself that. I have a feeling I will grow alright but beautiful may not be the word that comes to mind."

He kissed her tenderly. "If you wish me to believe you see handsome when you look at me, then you must believe me when I see perfection before me."

"Well, I can't very well argue with my maestro now can I?"

"Remember that." He then looked down at her stomach. "Little ones, did you hear your mother? She said she could not argue with papa." He smiled as he closed his eyes. "The children will remind you, if you ever forget, my dear."

She continued to play with his hair. "I know they will."

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Five years later…..

The streets of Paris were busy with shoppers flooding the streets. Christine had a few last minute items she wanted to purchase and the cool, brisk air felt wonderful despite the crowds. She was debating about whether or not to get a hot chocolate, when she saw her husband waving to her in front of the same café she had thought of going inside.

As she walked closer and closer to him, he met her half way, and although he was oblivious to the stares, she noticed how all the ladies looked fondly at him, and gave her a cursing look as he kiss her hand and took the packages from her to ease her burden. Christine smiled adoringly at her husband, ignoring the others and loving the look of envy she knew she was getting.

"Come my Angel. Let's put these in the carriage and get something to warm your insides. You're practically frozen. What does your music director say about all this brisk air?"

She waited to respond until they were inside, knowing he would scold her for letting the air coax her throat. Once inside she kissed his cheek, not caring about what others thought and carried on.

"He is very demanding but what choice do I have but to tolerate him?"

"He's that good?"

"That, and I love him." She shrugged her shoulders. "My cross to bear is loving the most respected, talented and wonderful man in Paris. I'm sure I'll receive my reward in heaven." She grinned.

"Indeed. Now then, a hot chocolate, with a scone and two chocolate biscotti. Sound good?"

"Heavenly."

"What do you want?" He laughed loudly and Christine pretended to hush him although she really loved how he didn't care about the attention he was drawing to himself. He kissed her hand. "I'll be right back."

Inside the carriage the driver was taking them to their country home to meet the family for supper. As they sat close, Erik began to take her gloves off and rolled her coat sleeves up, kissing each finger and moving upward.

"Miss me?" She giggled.

"Always." He paused and looked at the mass amounts of shopping bags. "Angel, did you buy out the store?"

"I couldn't resist. I found the mini piano that Erika wanted and Gustave will never go to sleep once he sees the collection of books."

Erik continue to let his wife talk as he proceed to kiss her wrists. "Sounds wonderfully productive."

"And what have you been doing?" She closed her eyes enjoying the sensation that Erik was causing in her, but being mindful of the driver.

"This morning I gave our children a music lesson, explored the underground lake with them and gave them one of their presents early." He sheepishly stopped and looked out the window.

"Erik!"

"I couldn't resist….. We were at the stables playing with the horses and Erika had chocolate biscotti. They really should be punished. She and Gustave were practically waving them in my face and you know I can't resist the ones you make…"

"You fell for our children's manipulation and gave them their horses all so you could eat a cookie?"

He bowed his head. "You know when you say it like that it does sound pathetic. I was looking at it as a father who makes his children's wishes come true and all he needed was their love….. And cookies."

She shook her head. "Come here."

He nestled his head to her neck. "I love you."

She giggled. "Anything else?"

"I found the doll Maddie wanted."

"You did? How? Meg said she looked everywhere."

"I called in a favor. Remember the ballad I wrote for your last concert?"

"How could I forget? It's my favorite to date."

She could tell he was blushing. "Well, it turns out the shop owner in Italy adored the song and contacted the publisher seeing if he could obtain the sheet music. Once I heard of his infamous doll collection, I made a trade."

"Erik, she will be in heaven knowing her grandfather got her such a gift."

Erik was proud of himself but even more so hearing Christine refer to him as Maddie's grandfather. While Meg would call him papa every so often, Meg never hesitated to let it be know his place in her daughter's life.

Yes, life was practically perfect. Christine did numerous concerts throughout the years, and Erik was just about finished with a new opera for her to lead. They had traveled back and forth to Italy, for business and for family holidays, however Paris was their home and both Erik and Christine wanted to perform the Opera in France.

Meg and Justin had their precious child and she still continued to dance for the Paris Opera House, hoping to one day instruct the dancers like her mother.

Nadir and Antoinette were keeping busy with the little ones, but still found time to argue just so they could make up.

Christine placed her head on Erik's shoulder and sighed.

"Are you alright, Angel?"

"I'm wonderful. In fact, I'm feeling better than the last time I was I carrying the babies. I feel as if I have so much more energy this time."

Erik kissed her forehead, as he leaned into her. "Well, last time there were two. This time with one, I'm sure…. Wait, it is just one, right my dear?"

She giggled and shot her head up. "Yes, at least I think so. We won't know for sure until the next appointment."

Later that night, Christine sat at the opposite head of the table and looked at the faces of her loved ones all around her and so close. She thought of her dear papa and how he must be looking down from heaven eager to share a few moments of this happy day with them. She placed a hand on her stomach, hoping the new baby could feel all the love waiting for him or her once it was born. She then looked at her son and daughter and took in the light they both gave off, just by being in the room. They were flawless both inside and out. She then gently touched her scar and thought of her, just for a moment. She smiled and thanked her for the miracles before her. Her eyes then went to her husband, who as if he could sense her, met her gaze and smiled. He did this. He brought her back to the light and she knew she would never be without it again.

The End.