i know you wrote this story years ago, but so far I am loving it. i wish I had the time to rwad it in one sitting

I enjoyed this a lot! And not just the story, but your declaration that it isn't an ExOW, and then making me think that it is, just a different flavor of OW, and then find out it's not. Understandably, though, you can't say what it is without ruining the surprise. I was worried there, near the end that you were going to kill him - thank goodness you didn't!

I really liked this. Though I'm a bit disappointed that Christine decided to come back. But at least she's not as childish as she was back then. I've really come to love Gracie, such a caring child. Literally, she became Erik's saving grace. I'm glad Gracie decided to make amends. You really left us off on a cliffhanger, but really I think the ending suits well. We can now rely on our imaginations to assume how everyone will now live afterwards. Really enjoyed this.

Lovely story. Really enjoyed it very much!

Absolutely excellent story, Stine - very touching. I must say this is not the flavor of POTO fic I usually prefer to read, but your story absolutely won me over. It is quite seldom that one finds a story of such caliber here at ; thanks so much for writing the story and sharing it with us here.

I especially loved seeing how Gracie grew up and matured, and also enjoyed your portrayal of a wiser, more mature Christine as well. The final chapter indeed provided a fitting end to the story; I only wish we had an epilogue of sorts, just to tie up some of the loose ends you left us with, namely Erik and Christine's relationship, Gracie and Christine's relationship, and Gracie's future and future occupation. As others have suggested already - would have been sweet to have it close with E/C happily married and living together and Gracie fully established in her own right.

The other regret I had, perhaps, was that we did not get to see Meg or Madame Giry in the story to any extent. You seemed to indicate that Meg and Christine weren't nearly as close as they once were, but did not really explain that...

All in all though - what I note above are really all comparatively minor points. Excellent story- and thank you again for contributing such a phenomenal work to the POTO collection here!

This is one the most original reacquainting with Christine I have ever read...thank you...I am so enjoying this story

how perfect, of course, Erik has so much love to give and needs affection and to be needed. A child is the perfect solution.

It brings tears to my eyes...how beautiful

AW!

Gracie is the cuteness!

:)

Hi Stine,

Just finished reading your story and have to say I really enjoyed it. I loved the way the characters developed and related to each other. I also really liked how Erik, Nadir and Gracie broke into Farsi now and then - totally realistic and gave greater dimension to their household. I also liked the way it ended, giving the reader enough information to know what would likely happen to the characters in the future without definitely stating it. I enjoyed seeing Gracie grow up and become a mature young person, ready to fly solo as it were. She clearly has what it takes, thanks to the people who gave her a better childhood. It was good to see how all the characters helped each other to grow and I think you chose an excellent title for this story for it captures the essence of the story very well.

Kind regards, ACM

This is good but I think it could have been better.

Once in the street, Erik released Nadir’s hand and haltingly crossed the distance to the door by himself but he miscalculated the height of the threshold and stumbled upon it.

This is a long, busy sentence. You're a good story teller but some of the sentence structures come off as a little clunky. Other than that it's an interesting story. Just try to cut down on word use. That's my unexperienced advice from an avid reader who will never, ever write. Sorry, don't mean to be harsh and hope ya don't think of this as a flame but I wanted to be honest like the little box thingy says.

Gonna read more!

Michelle

Lovely ending. Christine bringing the dog for Erik, and Gracie finally realizing that he should have the things he desired. He's moving the finanaces to her, trusting her to take care of herself and him. and now, Gracie has thawed a bit to Christine.

Very nice story, Stine. you did a fine job!

Oh, yes. Being his snarky self once more! someone needs to remind Gracie about Christine! and now Erik knows about the boarding house.

Gracie keeps up the cold shoulder. i wonder if her pap's interest will turn that up a degree. We can hardly blame her for how she feels about Christine.

I'm feeling sorry for Christine, and I hardly ever do! thanks you for making this story a journey for both Erik and Christine-their mature versions.

Aw, nice chapter with Erik and Nadir. Especially Erik being grumpy...you know he's ba-ack if he's grumpy!

A good confrontation of both of their feelings. Erik's dread of her and his wanting to deny any hope, and her noticing the small things, like the scent of him.

Will she be back?