1,438Thank you is not a big enough word to express my deepest appreciation to all of you who found this story and decided to give it a try, stick with it, not to mention review. I truly could not have continued without your support, faith and reviews. LOL.
There are two songs featured in this chapter. "Close Your Eyes" by Michael Buble and "Just the Way You Are." By Bruno Mars.
So here is the final chapter but I hope you will not see it as an ending for our couples but rather the hope and commitment that their love will continue. ;)
Erik was a nervous wreck. He was pacing back and forth waiting for the judge to arrive.
"What's keeping him?" He looked at Christine, who walked over to him and started straightening his cravat.
"Angel, stop working yourself up. Now hold still while we make this perfect. We can't have you not looking your best." She teased as she caressed his masked cheek.
He looked at her in amazement. "How can you do that?"
"Do what?" She placed her hands on his chest.
"Act like a wife, as if everything is normal. Any second now the judge could come in and tell us that….."
"Erik, we won. The judge told us that he will grant our adoption. We are only waiting on him to get the papers. Relax….. And for the record, I not only am acting like a wife, I am a wife. Your wife." She kissed him quickly. "And don't you forget it." She giggled.
Erik pulled her closer to him. "Well, since you are my wife there's no need to shy away from affection, is there?"
He kissed her long and deep and it didn't take long for their affection kiss to turn passionate so it was no surprise that they both jumped when they heard Judge Mitchell enter his chamber.
"I'm sorry I kept you both waiting but Meg wanted to see…" Judge Mitchell noticed how quickly the two moved apart but Meg just shook her head.
"They do this all the time, Judge Mitchell."
The adults couldn't help but grin as Judge Mitchell escorted Erik over to the desk. "I think we can wrap this up rather quickly. The more I think about this, the more I am certain that Meg is in very good hands."
Erik couldn't believe this was real. He was officially become Meg's father and he had Christine. At last he had a family. One he could call his own, like any normal man.
Thank you, Annie. I promise you, I will not let you regret this. Erik took the pen from Judge Mitchell's hand and signed his name. He then gestured towards Christine. "Angel, are you ready?"
Christine nodded eagerly and came towards Erik, taking the pen from his hand. She looked back at Meg. "Darling, are you really sure you want me to adopt you too and not just Erik? I don't mind if you would rather just have your Daddy…"
Meg came up to both of them and shook her head. "I want you both…. I love you both. Please, Mom?"
Christine hadn't imagined that Meg would call her that. Erik bent down to look Meg in the eyes.
"Megan, are you sure you wish to address Christine like that? She and I will understand if…."
"No, Daddy. I want to. Mama, will always be Mama but Christine is my Mom now. No one can take us from each other now."
Christine wiped her happy tears and signed her name on the dotted line. Judge Mitchell smiled and took the forms.
"I'll see to it that your copies are sent. You two can remain in here as long as you wish. My very best wishes to your family, Mr. Dexter." He extended his hand to Erik.
Erik shook it with glee and once the door closed, he opened up his arms and both Meg and Christine flew to him.
"My girls…. My angels." He kissed them both and then they headed home.
Later that night, when Erik and Christine tucked Meg into bed, the child sat up and looked as if she had something to say.
"Yes, Megan?" Erik had a grin on his face.
"So, if you both had to adopt me….. Daddy, are you saying that before you weren't my real daddy?"
Erik looked at Christine and then sat on the bed. "Megan, I don't know what constitutes as real or not but I have considered myself your daddy since I held you in my arms. I think we should discuss this when you are older but I want you to know that adoption papers or not, you are my little girl and nothing will ever change that."
Meg smiled. "That's what I thought." She took his mask off and kissed him. "No masks in the house. Please Mom, tell him! Maybe he will listen to you?"
Christine sat on the bed next to Erik and echoed Meg's request. "Indeed, no masks in the house."
"Now, wait a minute." Erik could see he was being outnumbered. "What if I…"
"Daddy!" Meg came towards him.
"But... But…."
Christine took him from behind. "What do you say, Meg?"
"He's asking for it!"
"Huh?" Erik looked confused until they started tickling him from both sides. "Wait! Stop! Hey!"
"Do you promise, Mr. Dexter?" Christine's fingers were ready to charge at him once more.
"I… I…."
"Daddy?!" Meg had her tiny fingers out and ready to launch at his stomach.
"Okay, Okay. No masks in the house!"
Then both Meg and Christine gave one another a look and charged at Erik anyway. When they all were in state a of giggles, Erik got free and caught his breath.
"I said no more masks."
"That was in case you forget, right Meg?"
"Right, Mom."
Erik then came back over towards them, assuming the same victim position. "Since you put it like that, you both better remind me one more time!"
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The next few weeks were full of excitement and preparation. Phantasma was preparing their opening with the Soprano of the Century, Christine Daae. Christine had wanted to use her married name but Erik insisted that she claim this fame on her own. They worked long hours getting her ready but it was more to savor their lesson time than it was to perfect her voice. Erik knew she was ready and her debut was long overdue.
Meanwhile, Suzanna was keeping herself occupied with her new story and was just about finished with it. Her plans were to have Christine and Erik play the lead roles, providing Erik could come up with some appropriate music to go with the story. He assured her that after the season was over, he would dedicate himself to her tale and while he didn't commit to playing the lead, he vowed to find a voice worthy enough to match Christine's. Suzanna knew he must have been talking about himself and she couldn't have been happier.
Yet, the story didn't consume all her time. When she wasn't writing or nagging Erik, she found herself pinning for Phillip. He had come by after Judge Mitchell's decision but he spent more time trying to win Erik's approval to see Meg, than he did with her. In fact the few times they were alone, he seemed distant again, similar to their days in France before she left for Greece. She tried to tell herself to be patient but as more and more time went by, she started to think that her chance with Phillip passed her by a long time ago.
The night before the grand opening of the season, Erik had arranged for a celebration gala for the entire staff along with their friends, families and members of the press. He wanted to show off his family and give the staff a night of fine dining, dancing and a special performance or two. He had a few surprises in store that he felt certain his family would enjoy.
"Hey boss, got a second?"
Erik looked up and greeted the familiar voice. "Jimmy, how are things downstairs? I trust we are ready for our little surprises tonight?"
"Indeed, sir. Thank you by the way. The staff wanted me to tell you how grateful they are to you for tonight."
"It's the least I could do. Besides, I wanted to have a night where I could show off my family and not be so worried about all that was going on. Is it time?"
"Uh, yes but that's not why I'm here, boss. You see….. Man, this is tougher than I thought. I…."
Erik stopped him. "You're moving on?"
Jimmy nodded before he lowered his head. "Boss, it isn't that I am not grateful to you. I am. I just…. Well, I need to start fresh."
"Does this have anything to do with a certain American?"
Jimmy sighed. "Look, she will never be into me, the way she is into him and I…. I'm not worthy of her, not now anyway. One day, I'll be what she deserves and if the Comte hasn't wised up….."
"Jimmy, I know from experience that you can't make other people's decisions for them. Don't assume you aren't worthy of her. Tell her."
Jimmy shook his head. "Boss, trust me. She loves Phillip and I think after tonight, they'll finally get it right."
"What about all you did to help them? Don't you think she should know that?"
"It's the best thing I've ever done. This is part of that fresh start."
"Are you sure I can't convince you to stay?"
"Bags are packed, boss. I leave after the final curtain."
Erik nodded. "Far be it from me to change a man's mind once it has been made up." He shook his hand. "One day, you'll want to come back and work for me."
"You won't be able to afford me." Jimmy laughed. "Seriously, thank you for everything."
Erik changed the subject to avoid getting emotional. "Come, you are still on the clock."
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Suzanna and Nadir entered along with Meg and Christine. The four of them couldn't get over how beautiful the concert hall looked.
"This is astonishing," Nadir marvelled at the designs. "I don't think France or Persia has anything like this. Erik has outdone himself."
"Yes but he had help, Nadir. Jimmy worked hard on this." Suzanna knew without a doubt that Jimmy played every angle he could to get the place ready.
Meg looked around. "Is Jimmy here?"
Christine knew Suzanna missed Jimmy when she saw her friend's face fall. Despite how things ended, with the absence of Phillip, she felt her friend needed support, now more than ever. "I am sure he's getting everything ready. Come let's take our seats, sweetheart." She took her daughter's hand and let Meg lead her to their row.
Cassie and Thomas were already there. "There you guys are. Did you get lost?"
Meg laughed. "They all can't get over how amazing everything looks. Didn't Daddy do a great job, Grandpa Thomas?"
"Your Daddy is a master at many things, Meg. I am determined to find one thing he can't do."
Cassie laughed. "Darling, I am sure you can find better things to do with your time."
He leaned in closer and kissed her tenderly. "Far be it from me to argue with a beautiful, pregnant French woman."
"Is the baby kicking Grandma Cassie?"
"Do you want to feel it, Meg? Henry is still too scared when he sees my stomach move."
Meg placed her hand on Cassie's stomach and her mouth dropped. "When will she come out and play?"
"She?" Cassie eyed Christine and then back at Meg.
"We need more females, Grandma Cassie. We already have Henry."
The group started to laugh until the lights went out and the audience was asked to take their seats.
Christine looked over at Suzanna. "Where is Erik?"
"I'm sure he is coming down. He's probably in the lighting booth."
Jimmy's voice was heard from behind the curtain. "Ladies and Gentlemen and members of the press….."
The audience laughed.
"Tonight is a celebration of family and friends. It's about taking pride in all your hard efforts and enjoying a night where we give back to each and every one of you. You're as much a part of this amusement park as we are. You believe in us and support our endless efforts to make this place and its attractions a sensation.
Before our big premiere tomorrow, we put together a little show to say thank you. So for a rare treat we have the man himself gracing the stage and singing for you tonight. Well, actually he wants to dedicate this to our leading lady, the Soprano of the Century, Christine Daae."
A spotlight falls on Christine.
"Take a bow, Mrs. Dexter. That's right boys, she's spoken for."
The audience laughed again.
"Now without further ado, I present Mr. Erik Dexter."
As the crowd started to clap, Christine turned to Suzanna. "Did you know about this?"
"No, I swear."
The curtain opened and we see a piano raised two levels with Erik sitting perfectly calm as if he flew up to the bench. He gracefully began to play and when the first notes came out of his mouth, the audience was left speechless.
"Close your eyes,
Let me tell you all the reasons why
I think you're one of a kind.
Here's to you,
The one that always pulls us through
Always do what you got to do
You're one of a kind, thank God you're mine.
You're an angel dressed in armour.
You're the fair in every fight.
You're my life and my safe harbor,
Where the sun sets every night.
And if my love is blind,
I don't want to see the light.
It's your beauty that betrays you
Your smile gives you away
Cause you're made of strength and mercy
And my soul is yours to save
I know this much is true,
When my world was dark and blue
I know the only one who rescued me was you
Close your eyes,
Let me tell you all the reasons why
You're never going to have to cry
Because you're one of a kind.
Yeah, here's to you,
The one that always pulls us through
You always do what you got to do
Because you're one of a kind.
When your love pours down on me
I know I'm finally free
So I tell you gratefully,
Every single beat in my heart
Is yours to keep.
Close your eyes,
Let me tell you all the reasons why
You're never going to have to cry
Because you're one of a kind.
Yeah, here's to you,
You're the one that always pulls us through
You always do what you got to do
Because you're one of a kind.
You're the reason why I'm breathing
With a little look my way
You're the reason that I'm feeling
It's finally safe to stay…..
Erik looked down at his wife's face and softly whispered, "Christine, I love you."
The spot light returned to Christine who had tears in her eyes while she was applauding just as loudly as the rest of the audience. Jimmy spoke over the crowd.
"Sorry ladies, apparently he's very, very taken too."
Erik stood up and found his angel in the audience. "That was for my wife. She truly is the reason why I am with you here tonight. She's the reason why I have such an amazing family. My wife, Christine Daae Dexter and next to her is our daughter, Megan Giry Dexter…. Who one day I am sure will grace us with one of her many, many talents. Will my two leading ladies, please take a bow?"
The audience cheered and Jimmy waited for it to die down before he walked on stage. "I am not sure how anyone is going to follow that act but we do have one brave soul who volunteered. He isn't a master performer, in fact this is his first time singing… Ever but he claims he is trying to woo a lady and you know how we theatre people love a happy ending. So let's see if the guy can get the girl twice in one night."
Jimmy disappeared and the music began but no one came on stage. After a rather long introduction, the curtains fumbled and Phillip walked on. When he saw how many people were in the audience he turned white. He swallowed hard and had every intention of running in the opposite direction but he realized that this was his final chance to tell Suzanna once and for all how he felt.
God, please don't let me forget the words…
"Oh, her eyes, her eyes make the stars look like they're not shining
Her hair, her hair falls perfectly without her trying
She's so beautiful
And I tell her every day."
His voice cracked three times and he ran out of breath after the second line but he carried on.
"Yeah, I know, I know when I compliment her, she won't believe me
And it's so, it's so sad to think that she doesn't see what I see
But every time she asks me do I look okay?
I say
When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
'Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are"
Some of the male audience members laughed but the women were slowly falling for Phillip's clumsy charm.
Erik had found his seat next Christine and squeezed her arm. "What some men will do for love, pathetic." He chuckled when she slapped his arm, playfully.
"Did you know?"
"It's my theatre, of course I knew. Now shhh."
"And when you smile
The whole world stops and stares for a while
'Cause girl, you're amazing
Just the way you are
Her lips, her lips, I could kiss them all day if she'd let me
Her laugh her laugh, she hates but I think it's so sexy
She's so beautiful
And I tell her every day."
He still hadn't found the tempo but he seemed to be more relaxed as the crowd started to cheer him on.
"Oh, you know, you know I'd never ask you to change
If perfect's what you're searching for, then just stay the same
So don't even bother asking if you look okay
You know I'll say
When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
'Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are
And when you smile
The whole world stops and stares for a while
'Cause girl, you're amazing
Just the way you are."
Jimmy smiled. "Atta boy, Comte."
The crowd cheered and Erik stood up to give Phillip a standing ovation. "Megan, let's support Phillip. It is not every day one gets to see her big brother make a complete fool of himself."
She nodded. "He must really love Suzanna because he sure can't sing." She looked up at her. "Suzanna, where are you going?"
Suzanna didn't reply. She was too busy trying to exit the row so she could catch Philip before he left the stage.
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Suzanna ran across the back of the stage when Jimmy spotted her.
"Where's the fire, stranger?"
She stopped dead in her tracks and turned around. "Jimmy!"
"I won't keep you. I know how all the girls love a singer." He winked, as he started to walk away.
"Wait!" She ran over to him. "This place, this night. You're as much a part of it as Erik. It's incredible."
"It's alright." He teased. "Seriously, thank you. I wanted to go out with a bang."
"Go out? What do you mean?"
"Didn't the boss man tell you? I resigned, tonight's my last night. I am heading to make a fresh start."
"No, Jimmy! This place is your life. You can't leave now." She then realized why he was really leaving. "Don't go because of me. You belong here. You…."
"Hold up." He touched her shoulders. "I am doing this for me. True, you would have been more than enough of a reason to stay but it's time I try to make it out there without any angles. I can do more and tonight proves it."
"But why leave then? Phantasma is your home."
"I need to make my own way. Chicago is untapped territory and I have a few ideas how to turn it on its axis." He chuckled.
"Chicago? Wow that sounds exciting." She saw his eyes and knew he thought so too. "You're really happy?"
"Really, really." He then saw Phillip coming towards them. "Now, don't you think it's time you make yourself happy?"
"I'm writing again. I'm finding my way back to the stage as opposed to behind it."
"Well, that's a start but I was referring to….." He gestured toward Philip and saw her follow his lead.
"Phillip…."
"Good luck, kid."
She was just about to leave, when she turned toward him one last time. "Thank you, Jimmy. I wish you all the luck in the world." She kissed his cheek and then ran towards Phillip.
Jimmy touched his cheek where she kissed him. Remember Comte, clock is ticking.
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"Phillip, what on earth possessed you to do that?"
Phillip still looked astounded. "Jimmy said I needed to prove my love for you in a big way. I once told you that I would make a fool out of myself or you if it meant I could get you back." He then looked at her hopefully. "Did it work, Suzanna?"
He still loves me….. "Phillip, I have missed you so much. But I won't repeat old habits. What if we try again and we don't learn from our mistakes?"
"Such as?"
"My overreacting, your distance, Raoul, your mother, two different countries….."
"I was scared I would screw up tonight! That's why I was so aloof before and you don't have to worry about the last three."
"What do you mean?"
Phillip took her hand in his. "I wasn't lying in court about Mother not accepting Meg. She also didn't appreciate the stunt Raoul committed and since we were supposed to be here for peace, it hardly looked favorable when two brothers were publically at odds with one another. So, I told her I would make it right as the oldest and step down."
"Step down? I don't understand." She grasped his hand tighter and brought it closer to her.
"I never want to see Raoul again but Mother is dead set against having any De Chagny spend time with Meg. I told her that Raoul can return to France as the new Comte because I am stepping down."
"Can you do that?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "I did. That's what that whole telegram was about yesterday. I had to tell her that my mind was made up. Since this meant that my actions wouldn't tarnish the family name, she was all for it. So, I am a former noble without a home." He looked around. "Maybe the theatre life isn't such a bad one after all? I mean, I did get a standing ovation." He laughed.
"You gave up your title… For me?" Suzanna couldn't believe what she was hearing. First he embarrasses the daylights out of himself and now he picks me over his family. "You really gave it all up for me? Chose me over them?"
Phillip shook his head. "I chose my life, Suzanna. For the first time since I don't know when, I have my life to do what I want. I don't know what the future holds but I know I want to know Meg and I want to love you. So if that means I chose you over them, then yes. Yes, I did and I would do it all over again, only I would have done it much, much sooner."
She wrapped her arms around him. "Do you know how long I have dreamed of you telling me just that?"
He held her tighter. "So does this means we are dating again?"
Eight months later….
Erik ran his fingers through Christine's hair and tenderly kissed her closed eye lids, cheeks and lips. It hadn't been very long that they had both drifted off to sleep after a long and enjoyable night of lovemaking. In fact, Erik would probably still be asleep, if he hadn't been woken up by a very vivid dream that he hoped his wife would help him turn into a reality.
"Erik….." She warned playfully. "Don't you ever tire?" She giggled.
"Tire, me? I am feeling strangely energetic, angel. In fact I was rather hoping you would be up for a little game of show and tell."
She smiled with her eyes still closed. "And how does one play show and tell?"
He grinned mischievously. "If you show me, I'll tell you." He then leaned in for a kiss but was stopped by Christine's hand.
"Now, now, Mr. Dexter, there is a child in the room." She cooed.
Erik turned and looked behind him. "Child? But Meg is riding with Phillip this morning. She isn't here." He then looked back at Christine confused. "Is she?"
Although she adored the confused look on his face, she couldn't keep the news from him any longer. "Angel, Meg isn't the child I was referring to."
"She wasn't? Then who were you….."
She sat up and took his hand and placed it over her stomach. "The child is right here, precious."
Erik gasped. "Christine…." He looked down at her stomach and then back into her eyes. "You had such great news and you didn't tell me?"
"Well, if you recall I wasn't really able to talk much last night." She blushed and then caressed his hair. "I only found out yesterday. I have been trying to find a special way to tell you and then it dawned on me that I should tell you about our baby in the exact place where it was made."
He grinned. "I'm going to be a father again! Angel, you have made me so very happy."
"Just as you have made me, my love."
He was about to kiss her when he stopped. "Are you 100% sure?"
"Why do you ask?"
He played with the strap of her nightgown. "Well, I was thinking we should be extra certain, don't you? I mean at least until we tell the others."
Christine pulled him towards her. "As always Maestro, you are right again." She was going to kiss him but he stopped her this time with his hand. "Erik?"
"What about waking the child, hmm?"
She paused for a moment. "Well, what do you know? Our baby has decided to fall right back asleep. How lucky can we get?"
Erik smiled brightly. "Kiss me and let's find out."
She pressed her lips to his and the world around them fell away.
Several hours later, Erik and Christine went downstairs and were greeted by a full house. He kept his word to his angels that he would not wear his mask in the house but was still apprehensive when Phillip was over. Yet Christine assured him that anyone who was invited to their home, would accept all of them as they were. Otherwise they wouldn't be invited in the first place.
Cassie was nursing her daughter Julianna, outside while Thomas was teaching Henry how to throw a ball. Meg was reading with Phillip as they pretended not to watch Suzanna engrossed in her latest edits of scene changes from yesterday's rehearsals.
Before he spoke, Phillip turned and whispered something into his little sister's ear.
Her eyes widened. "Really, Phillip?"
"Wish me luck?"
She nodded excitedly.
He stood up and took a deep breath. "Suzanna, are you still at it?"
"Yes, Phillip. I told you I wanted to make sure this scene was perfect before Christine and Erik stage it tomorrow and speak of the devil!…" She stopped when she saw them enter the room. "Nice of you to join us before nightfall."
"Nightfall? I feel as if we have just started the day." Erik grinned and went over to kiss his daughter. "Did you have a good ride, my Megan?"
"Yes, Daddy." She then saw Henry, Thomas, Cassie and the new baby come into the room from outside. "Were going to need a lot more biscotti."
Meanwhile, Suzanna pushed Christine over to the side "Alright, spill it."
"Spill what? Suzanna, it is impolite to ask what occurs between a married couple." She acted coyly.
"Oh, so should I just make up a reason why your dresses have a smidge too tight lately?" She giggled. "So?"
"So…. What is going on with you and Phillip? Come now, it's been months! Put him out of his misery and stop playing hard to get."
"I am not playing hard to get. We're gotten. It's just…."
All of a sudden Erik began playing music on the piano. Thinking she was saved by the distraction, Suzanna walked over to Erik. "That's it, Maestro. A little night music so we can be spared from your wife's inquisitive nature."
Erik laughed. "Suzanna, you should know Christine's curious side better than anyone."
"Say, whose side are you on? All I was asking is whether or not Suzanna is going to make an honest man out of Phillip." She sat down next to her husband on the bench.
Erik looked as if he was about to say something when he saw Suzanna huff.
"Just play, Erik!"
While the room filled with music and Meg brought in a tray of freshly baked biscotti, Suzanna escaped into the next room, followed by Phillip.
"Really, why do they have to time these things or rush two people? We only just started courting again and…
Phillip dropped down on one knee with a ring in his hand. All he could see was a teary eyed Suzanna nodding her head.
Nadir observed it all from the balcony as he smiled, looking in on his loved ones and raising his glass of brandy up to the sky. "What a marvelous family we have, Annie."
The End.
A/N: For those of you who are interested, "Every Rose has its Thorn" will be posted in a week or so. I hope you to share a new Erik and Christine journey with you.