Author's Note: Thank you so much for those who have stuck with this story. This chapter is a very short one, but I needed a sweet ending. Thank you so, so much for reading and hopefully I'll do more fics in the future! 3

"Papaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

Erik looked up from the paper to see Gustave running to him. He smiled and set down the paper, standing up and swinging the boy into his arms.

Gustave giggled widely as Erik began to tickle him. "Papa!" he giggled, trying to escape his father's arms.

Gustave was Erik's world. His son was growing up quickly, but Erik didn't mind. Every day he became more perfect. The child had grown a head of light brown hair and his golden eyes twinkled like the night sky. In the three short years of his life, he had shaped Erik into a new man and a great father.

"Alright, my boy, I'll stop the tickles if you tell me where your mother is," Erik said. "Would you lead me to her?"

Gustave smiled and nodded. Erik let him down and he ran out of the dining room. He ran into the parlor. "Mother!" he said, running to her and pulling on her skirt.

"Gustave, what are you doing?" Christine smiled, setting her book aside and pulling him into her lap. She kissed his head, making him smile. "Papa!" He said, pointing to the doorway.

Erik stood, smiling at the sight of his beautiful wife and son. "I asked him to show me where you were," he said, walking to the two. He took a seat beside Christine on the divan. "I see you are enjoying another novel."

Christine nodded. "Yes, but I've read enough for today. I'd rather spend some time with my two favorite boys." She kissed Erik's cheek and smiled, her eyes lighting up with joy.

"What shall we do today, boys? It is quite a lovely Sunday afternoon, don't you think? Maybe we should go for a stroll."

Erik beamed. "A stroll sounds lovely," he said, standing once again. He held out his hand for Christine. "Shall we?"

Christine grinned, accepting Erik's hand to get up. Each of them grabbed one of Gustave's hands and they went out the door.

The Swedish sky was a brilliant blue with not a cloud in sight. Erik had moved his family to Sweden shortly after Gustave's first birthday. Christine was much happier here, for no one knew of what had happened in Paris or London, and she felt much closer to her late father.

They strolled through a park in the center of town, swinging Gustave between them. He giggled widely, making both of his parents smile.

Erik was elated. He finally had a wife and a son to take out on Sundays!

"Christine, my love, what time do your rehearsals start today?" he asked, smiling over at her.

"Noon, I believe. We should probably head over to the theatre, do you think?"

Erik nodded. "We should, you wouldn't want to be late."

The arrived at the theatre within ten minutes. "Go on, dear, the stage is calling your name," Erik said, picking up Gustave and kissing Christine's lips briefly.

She smiled at him, taking his hand. "I love you," she said.

Erik's fingers brushed across Christine's wedding band. The two had married just about a year ago in a small, private ceremony. Erik remembered the day like it was yesterday. He had worn his best suit and Christine had worn a long, slightly off white dress. Gustave had stood beside them during the vows, holding Christine's hand. The reception had been beautiful, all designed by Erik. Flower petals were scattered down the main aisle and crystals hung from the ceiling. It was unlike anything Christine had ever seen, and the wedding was certainly the best one either of them had been to.

Erik turned back to Christine. "I love you, too," he said, planting a kiss on her forehead. Gustave reached out his small hands to his mother's face. She smiled and gave him a kiss. "I love you, too, my angel," she said, gently touching his cheek.

"Love you, Mama," he said, waving goodbye. Christine smiled at her beautiful family and made her way to the stage.

"Come now, my boy. Let's watch your Mother," Erik said, leading Gustave into the audience.

Christine had recently been asked to perform at the opening of Majestätiska Theatre in central Sweden. Erik had composed the piece she would be performing and was extremely anxious to hear her sing it.

Soon after Erik had sat down with Gustave, Christine appeared onstage.

The lights rose up and the audience clapped. A woman wearing a beautiful, long purple jeweled gown appeared on the stage.

Christine.

Erik tensed. There she was, taking the stage once again. God, she looked beautiful.

When she opened her mouth and began to sing, Erik melted.

'That is my wife! My beautiful, heavenly wife!'

The audience was stunned by Christine's beautiful voice. Erik smirked. That was his wife, the most beautiful, talented woman in the room. His Christine.

Erik was so proud of Christine. She sang his composition gorgeously.

Christine looked out into the audience, locking her eyes on Erik and Gustave. They were seated in Box 5 of the theatre, as always. She sang her heart out for them, for she loved them so much.

Love Never Dies

Once it is in you.

Life may be fleeting,

Love lives on.

The audience rose to their feet. Erik stood with Gustave, watching Christine's grin widen as the audience stood.

Life may be fleeting,

Love lives on.