It seemed to take an eternity for Meg to walk down the aisle toward him.
Erik fidgeted uncomfortably, trying to loosen his tie. Madame Giry had allowed him to marry her only daughter on one condition. They had to have a formal wedding reception. She had been adamant about that certain point, no matter how many times Erik and Meg tried to reason with her. In the end, there was no choice but to agree to her demands.
He shifted his weight to his other foot again. What was taking her so long? Were ceremonies supposed to be this grueling? His eyes traveled over the small chapel, examining the guest that Madame Giry had invited, much to his annoyance and utter horror.
Some of the guests looked uncomfortable being there, though some of them looked pleased. He knew that the ones who looked at ease were from Meg's family and had no idea who he was. The most uncomfortable people in the room, aside from himself, were the Count de Chagny and his wife. Erik had been struck with horror when he had seen them in the congregation, his blood running cold. Meg had been pleased to see her friend but he had also seen the worried look she sent his way. Madame Giry had assured both him and Meg that they had agreed to come and bore him no ill will.
'Right…,' he thought, noticing the way Raoul's mouth was set into a thin line. Christine sat rigidly, her eyes darting to her husband and then to him. She offered him a tentative smile, and he inclined his head to show that he had seen her and appreciated the chance to begin anew. Her smile widened and her body seemed to relax. As if sensing the unspoken agreement, the fop also relaxed, nodding his head at Erik in an almost surly manner.
The ceremony march began to play, drawing everyone's attention toward the entrance. Erik stood tense, waiting for Meg to appear.
And then he saw her.
She was dressed in a flowing white dress with beautiful embroidery. A thin veil covered her face. He released a breath he didn't know he was holding, watching as she came down the aisle toward him. She looked up and their eyes met.
He found he couldn't breathe anymore. Her smile widened, her chocolate brown orbs shining with love. Time seemed to slow down as she came toward him and he suppressed his urge to run to her and steal her away right then.
She finally made her way to him, after what seemed like an eternity and he offered his arm. She took it, stepping closer to him. The priest urged them to face each other and the ceremony began.
Erik wasn't sure what the priest was saying, he wasn't really paying attention. He only had eyes for her. He wanted to rip the veil from her face and capture her lips with his own then spirit her away to their bedroom. Her attention was mainly focused on the priest but she once in a while stole glances at him.
She then looked up at him, amusement glittering in her eyes as well as anticipation.
"Monsieur Destler?"
Erik started as the priest touched his arm, looking down at the elderly man in confusion. Meg giggled softly, making him flush for not paying attention.
"I'm sorry, father," he offered sheepishly, "what was that?"
The priest smiled amusedly and repeated, "Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?"
Looking into her loving brown eyes, he knew there was nothing he wanted more in the world than to grow old with the one who had repaired his broken heart and then stolen it for herself.
"I do," his voice was husky as he promised himself to his angel. She smiled up at him, unshed tears glistening in her warm gaze.
"And do you, Mademoiselle Giry, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?"
"I hope to love him longer than that, father," she smiled playfully and he felt his heart start at her sincere answer, "But, I do."
"And so, by the power vested in me, I pronounce you man and wife. Monsieur Destler, you may now kiss your bride."
Erik didn't need to be told twice. Reaching down, he gently lifted the veil, taking in her face. Her expression was that of untold joy and love, and he basked in the light that it offered him. He leaned down, tilting her head up with his hand, and captured her lips with his own. He heard applause and some cheering as their lips met.
All too soon, she pulled away, her eyes shining playfully. He inwardly groaned, when she put a finger on his lips to stop his advance.
"All in good time," she whispered seductively in his ear. He grinned, feeling so happy he thought his heart would surely burst. He wondered what he had done in his life to deserve such a happy ending such as this one.
"But now, you must greet the guests and have dinner," her mother stood next to them, frowning unpleasantly. He knew it would take a while before she actually approved of her daughter's decision, if she ever did.
He groaned vocally this time while Meg giggled, pulling at his arm.
"Come on, the sooner we get this done the better," she laughed at the look of helplessness in his eyes.
He couldn't wait until this was all over. Then she would be all his. He smiled at the thought. Meg flushed as she caught his gaze and shook her head, as if she knew which way his thought had turned. He smirked back at her, planting a delicate kiss on her ivory neck, anxious to be on his way.
But first, he would have to brave the many congratulations and guests.