Rekindling the Music of the Night
By: K.C. Vaillancourt
Disclaimer - You know the drill…I do not own anything associated with The Phantom of the Opera and have no affiliation with ALW, Leroux, or Kay. All publicly recognizable characters, settings, and songs are the property of their respective owners. No profit is being made from this story and no copyright infringement is intended. This is purely for my enjoyment and the enjoyment of others.
Just as a quick warning I do edit all my work before I post and have people read my work but there still may be some grammar mistakes. I apologize for them in advance.
Author Note – Thank you all for taking the time to read, review, follow, or favorite my Phanfic. I can't thank you enough for making this story such a success. Without you it wouldn't be what it is.
Welcome back!
Well it's here, the chapter I think we've all been waiting for. I am very happy with how it turned out and I hope all of you are too.
I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to update. Sending many thanks for your patients. I encountered a bit of writers block and loss of motivation but finally was able to overcome it. As I said I will finish this story and never abandon it. Not to mention this year has been flying by and I have been so busy that writing kept getting pushed down the list (which makes for one stressed unhappy me at times).
I had to do a bit more research for this chapter to, as I seem to do for every chapter. Not that I'm complaining I love everything I'm learning. The ceremony itself took a lot of time to figure out and in the end I decided to go with a mix of traditional and non-traditional.
It might not exactly reflect the era and I apologize in advance for any liberties I take or inaccuracies there are. Please keep in mind I'm writing in the vein of historical fiction.
Also a couple characters in this chapter and the next may have a bit of an AU history or be OOC. The reason for this is not a lot is known about these particular characters but it felt right to use them.
Since this is Erik and Christine's wedding this chapter is a bit song heavy but for them I felt it could go no other way. It took me a long time and a lot of putting songs in and then taking them out to finally decide on ones I felt fit. Some are more modern but I think they do justice to this couple.
The songs in this chapter are "You should be here" by Cole Swindell (only a few of the lyrics changed and they are not sung), Home (Reprise II) from Beauty and the Beast (lyrics changed and not sung), My Wish by Rascal Flatts (some lyrics changed), "Everything I do" by Bryan Adams (some lyrics changed), "From this Moment" by Shania Twain (some lyrics changed), "One Hand, One Heart" from West Side Story, Home (Reprise II) from Beauty and the Beast (not sung).
Now on with our story!
Opening A New Door to the Future, as One
Christine followed Meg to the front door but before she opened it Meg stopped. "What's wrong?"
"You're missing something too." Meg responded with a smile. She went to the kitchen and came back handing Christine a bouquet of deep red and pure white roses with a black silk ribbon braided around the stems.
"Thank you." Christine whispered as she grazed her fingers over the soft petals. "He really did think of everything."
Meg nodded taking Christine's hand and leading her outside. After the days of rain, they'd had recently Christine was delighted to be greeted by a blue sky with only wisps of white puffy clouds. The sun was shining and a slight breeze blew through her hair as she breathed in the fresh air. Marie walked behind them holding the train of Christine's dress so it didn't catch on anything. They stopped at a freshly cleared stone pathway leading into the forest scattered with red and white rose petals. Christine's smile widened but she couldn't hold back a giggle. "I'm surprised Erik didn't send a horse drawn carriage to bring me the short distance to the garden since he's been so insistent I rest."
"It took a lot of convincing to talk him out of it." Meg admitted unable to hold back a giggle of her own.
"I appreciate that." Christine replied.
As they continued on she could feel her excitement building with each step she took and concentrated on the beauty surrounding her. Autumn leaves mingled with the rose petals on the ground, they'd changed from their lush summer green to bright oranges, reds and yellows. The remaining leaves on the trees danced in the breeze and covered them in shadow only letting in scattered rays of sunlight. She'd seen all these things before of course but today everything seemed to shine a bit brighter.
It's perfect outside it's like God's gift to us was the weather. She thought. Everyone will be here even some I've not seen in forever. It's one of those never forget it better stop and take it in kind of days. Everything's just right, except for one thing. She held back a sigh as she felt a small ache in her heart. She never got to finish what she wanted to say to Meg in the cabin and could feel tears coming but held them back forcing herself to focus on the autumn flora around them. They should be here, standing with their arms around me here. Leading me into my future, saying cheers, be here to share in the good years. It's one of those moments, that's got their names written all over it. You know that if I had just one wish it'd be that they didn't have to miss this, they should…
Christine was pulled out of her thoughts when she noticed Meg leading her to the left, the opposite direction of the garden. "Meg shouldn't we be going…"
"Trust me." Meg said with a grin but stopped mid step when she noticed the slight fear pass in Christine's eyes at the change in direction. "What's wrong?"
Christine sighed. "I know it's silly and I've tried to put it out of my head but there is still this little voice that keeps saying Raoul could have something planned to stop the wedding."
"It's not silly at all my dear." Marie assured her.
"And I promise you." Meg swore looking Christine directly in the eyes. "Raoul isn't going to do anything to ruin this day. Marie and I asked a few people to keep their eyes and ears open. If Raoul was going to try anything we would've heard about it and put a stop to it." She paused fixing a few strands of Christine's hair that had fallen out of place. "This is supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life. Raoul has taken enough, from all of us, don't let him take any more of this day from you."
"You're right." Christine whispered.
"I think it's time we continue on our path." Marie suggested. "I doubt your groom is waiting patiently."
All three women laughed and Meg started leading them further into the forest. Christine's mind swirled with questions about where they were going and what was waiting for her but knew neither Meg nor Marie would reveal even the tiniest hint. What have you been up to my ange mystérieux? She wondered.
Roger was speaking with Danielle, one of Christine's bridesmaids, in front of a pair of closed antique style barn doors. The trees and other plants on either side of them had grown in such way it made a makeshift fence so no one from the outside could see what laid beyond. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the three women approaching. "Here they come." He informed the women with him and walked up giving Meg a quick kiss before turning to Christine. "You look beautiful."
"Thank you." Christine replied. "And before you ask, yes, I'm ready."
"You heard her ladies." Marie said hugging Christine before disappearing behind the doors. The bridesmaids lined up with Meg taking her place behind them while Roger stood next to Christine.
"Breathe." Christine whispered to herself as she heard a piano melody begin. The doors were opened and the procession began. "Just Breathe." She took Rogers arm and watched as one by one her bridal party walked over the threshold. "How is he?" Christine asked as they approached the now closed doors.
"Anxiously awaiting his bride." Roger told her and nodded to the young men in front of them.
As the doors opened Christine gasped and tears filled her eyes as she took in the sight before her. Garlands of purple and white wisteria danced above her from the trees that encircled the area creating a floral canopy. A few petals fell to the ground landing on the white carpet that laid before her feet. Branches of ivy masked the pews and white French lilacs stood at the end of each row. At the center of all the beauty was an arch overflowing with red and black roses. Of all the things she'd pictured when Erik said he wanted to surprise her with the wedding of her dreams this far exceeded all of them. It was like nature itself knew how special this day was and sprung to life to help create the remarkable world in front of her.
Erik's breath caught in his chest when he saw his bride. There were no words that could adequately do justice to how magnificent she looked. Her face was positively glowing and he smiled as he watched her eyes darting around like an excited child. Then something caught his eye, a hooded figure was approaching behind Christine who was too distracted by everything in front of her to notice.
He knew everyone that had been invited was here and was ready to act when Darius, one of the ushers at the doors, stopped the stranger before they could get any closer. He kept his eyes fixed on them as they spoke. The stranger reached for something and Erik fought his urge to run down the aisle to confront the person. He didn't want to do anything to upset Christine, not today. He watched as Darius shook his head and was relieved when the stranger turned around, disappearing into the forest with an usher not far behind. He would be sure to ask Darius who it was he'd spoken with and keep an eye out for them in case they turned up at the reception. He forced himself to put the stranger out of his mind and returned his attention to Christine.
The pianist to the right of Erik began to play and everyone stood to face Christine. She felt a gentle tug on her arm as Roger began to walk her down the aisle. She felt stray petals caress her cheeks like lite snow flurries as she walked toward Erik. He looked devilishly handsome, as always. As she looked at him it struck her that even though he was wearing it, she didn't see his mask. It doesn't matter if he wears it or not. She thought. All I'll ever see when I look at him is the man I love. This is how it will be forever. You and me, then a child that's not far away. On this day. We start our new life together; the past has no power today. You and your love have changed me. I'm right where I want to be. We found home. You're my home. You and me.
Erik stood with bated breath watching Christine coming toward him. I have been given a priceless gift. He thought. I'm standing under this arch watching the most beautiful woman I've ever seen walking toward me. It all makes sense now. Everything good, or bad, that's happened has led us to this moment. From today on, I know everything is going to be alright because I'll be with Christine and our child, forever.
Their eyes never left each other's and their hearts were racing as Christine reached the end of the aisle. I love you. They mouthed to one another as the music came to an end.
"Please be seated." Pere Lambert requested stepping forward. "For those I did not get the opportunity to greet earlier I am Pere Lambert and I will be officiating today's ceremony." He smiled at the couple in front of him before continuing. "Welcome family and friends. We are gathered here today in person or in spirit to witness and celebrate the marriage of Erik Destler and Christine Daae. If any person here can show just cause why they may not be joined together let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
Christine could feel her breathe catch and her heart begin to pound faster. Her grip on Roger's arm tightened. This is it. She thought as the panic began to overtake her and she expected to hear Raoul's voice speak up behind her. Aside from the chirping of a few birds, there was silence. Christine felt her moment of panic passing and excitement taking its place. She let out the breath she'd been holding as Pere Lambert continued.
"We are not here to mark the start of a relationship however; we are here to recognize a bond that already exists. Marriage is one of life's most important relationships. A wife and husband are each other's best friend, confidant, lover, teacher, listener, and at times, critic. Marriage is a promise made in the hearts of two people which takes a lifetime to fulfill. It is with this understanding that you, Erik, and you, Christine, have come to form a covenant between you in the presence of family and friends who rejoice with you in the making of this commitment. Who gives this woman to this man?"
"Her maid of honor Mademoiselle Meg Giry and I do." Roger answered giving Christine a kiss on the cheek before placing her hand in Erik's and taking his place next to him.
Both of their smiles widened as they faced each other and thought everyone in attendance could hear the pounding of their excited hearts. "Erik and Christine." Pere Lambert said. "Have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage today?"
"We have." They replied in unison.
"Mademoiselle Giry and Monsieur Levesque have each prepared pieces they'd like to share not only with Erik and Christine but with all of us. Mademoiselle Giry, if you'd like to begin."
Pere Lambert took a few steps back and Meg took his place. "I've known Erik and Christine since I was a child. I watched as they fell in love, while their journey to get to today hasn't been easy, I can honestly say I can't imagine two people more perfect for each other." She paused. "As a child my Maman used to tell me soulmates were two halves of the same soul sharing life's journey, and if you found that person you would experience the best kind of love. A love that awakens your soul and makes you reach for more. It plants a fire in your heart, brings peace to your mind, and you'll put that person's needs before your own without a second thought. That's the kind of love Erik and Christine share. She may not be here physically but I know my Maman is here with us in spirit and would agree." She wiped a few tears from her eyes and gave a slight nod to the pianist.
"I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow." Meg sang. "And each road leads you where you want to go and if you're faced with a choice and you have to choose I hope you choose the one that means the most to you. And if one door opens to another door closed I hope you keep on walking till you find the window. If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile. But more than anything, more than anything, my wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to. Your dreams stay big your worries stay small. You never need to carry more than you can hold and while you're out there getting where you're getting to. I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too. This, is my wish. I hope you never look back but you never forget all the ones who love you in the place you left. I hope you always forgive and you never regret and you help somebody every chance you get. You find God's grace in every mistake and always give more than you take. But more than anything, more than anything. My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to. Your dreams stay big your worries stay small. You never need to carry more than you can hold and while you're out there getting where you're getting to I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too. This, is my wish." Meg swayed to the music as the pianist played a short solo. "My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to. Your dreams stay big your worries stay small. You never need to carry more than you can hold, and while you're out there getting where you're getting to. I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too. This, is my wish. This is my wish. I hope you know somebody loves you. May all your dreams stay big."
Meg could feel her cheeks turning red as everyone in attendance erupted in applause. She glanced at Erik who smiled at her and then to Christine who was smiling at her with tear filled eyes. She curtsied while everyone continued to applaud and returned to her place next to Danielle.
Roger waited until the crowd simmered down before stepping forward. He blew Meg a kiss then turned to face everyone. "Many of you might not know this but I haven't known Erik and Christine as long as some of you have. When we met I was simply their doctor, but to my surprise we became fast friends and I will be forever grateful that they welcomed me into their family. Before I met them I thought I knew what love was, but as I've watched Erik and Christine together I realized I never knew what it was at all." He paused glancing at Meg. "I never knew you could lose yourself. Lose everything. All boundaries. All time. That two bodies could become so mixed up you don't know who's who or what's what. And just when the sweet confusion is so intense you think you're going to die, you kind of do. You may be alone in your separate body but the one you love is still there. You've found heaven but you're still alive. Free to live your life in bliss with the one you love."
Christine didn't know she was crying until she felt the moisture on her cheeks as she listened to Roger's words. Then out of the corner of her eye she noticed a tear sliding down Erik's cheek as well. She watched as a few more fell and felt her own tears falling faster. She tried to remember the last time she'd seen Erik allow himself to show such emotion. The only time that came to mind was the night she'd left him at the opera house. There's no need to think about that night. She told herself returning her attention to Roger.
"When I was a young man studying in school I came across a poem that has always stuck with me, it's called Love's Philosophy by Percy Shelley." He took a piece of paper out of his jacket. "The fountains mingle with the river, And the rivers with the ocean. The winds of heaven mix forever with a sweet emotion; Nothing in the world is single, all things by a law divine. In one spirit meet and mingle—Why not I with thine? See the mountains kiss high heaven, And the waves clasp one another; No sister-flower would be forgiven if it disdained its brother. And the sunlight clasps the earth, And the moonbeams kiss the sea. What is all this sweet work worth, if thou kiss not me?" Roger smiled nodding his head in thanks as everyone applauded.
"The type of love Erik and Christine share is what we dream of but few truly experience." Pere Lambert said. "They don't have to trek to a river valley or to the top of a mountain to feel something important and indescribable; they can feel the beauty and enormity of the mountains within their own hearts. Love is enormous, and to take even a tiny piece into yourself and be able to experience and understand it is the greatest gift God can grant to you. At this time, we shall proceed to the vows. Do you, Erik Destler take Christine Daae, to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health. Forsaking all others, keeping yourself only for her, as long as you both shall live?"
"I will." Erik vowed.
"Do you, Christine Daae take Erik Destler, to be your husband? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health. Forsaking all others, keeping yourself only for him, as long as you both shall live?"
"I will." Christine promised.
"Along with traditional vows, Erik and Christine have requested to share vows of their own that they have written for one another."
"Christine." Erik began. "You've been through things in life no one should experience, but handled it all with grace. You make broken look beautiful and strong look invincible. There were times you walked through the world with the universe on your shoulders and made it look like wings. I can't imagine what my life would be like without you in it. When I first saw you I loved you but didn't know how to show it. You're the proof that miracles are possible because I was given a second chance to show you how much I love you. You brought light back into my life when all I thought was left for me was darkness and showed me how magical our love truly is. You brought me into a world I'd only watched or read about. Because of you I have a family." Erik handed Christine's bouquet to Roger and led her to the piano.
"And mere words could never adequately express how thankful I am for everything you've given me or how much I love you and our child." He let his hand caress her belly before sitting down and beginning to play. "Look into my eyes, you will see, what you mean to me. Search your heart, search your soul, and when you find me there you'll search no more. Don't tell me, it's not worth trying for. You can't tell me, it's not worth dying for. You know it's true. Everything I do, I do it for you. Look into your heart, you will find, there's nothing there to hide. Take me as I am, take my life. I would give it all, I would sacrifice. Don't tell me it's not worth fighting for, I can't help it, there's nothing I want more. You know it's true. Everything I do, I do it for you. There's no love, like your love and no other, could give more love. There's nowhere, unless you're there. All the time, all the way." Erik's eyes never left Christine's as tears rolled down her cheeks and he let his fingers dance over the keys. "You can't tell me it's not worth trying for. I can't help it, there's nothing I want more. I would fight for you. I'd lie for you. I'd walk the wire for you, I'd die for you. You know it's true. Everything I do, I do it for you."
As the last note from his angelic tenor voice disappeared Erik stood up and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe away the make-up that had stained Christine's cheeks.
"Thank you." Was all she could say while fighting the urge to pull him into her arms and kiss him with all she had. I knew I shouldn't have worn make-up. She thought as he wiped away the last of her tears. I can only imagine the mess I must look like.
"You look beautiful." Erik assured her with a grin before they walked back to stand in front of Pere Lambert.
Christine took a deep breath feeling more tears coming but held them back and looked at Erik. "From the moment I lost my father I felt out of place, like a piece of my heart was missing, until I met you. When our eyes met for the first time I could feel that missing piece fill and I knew our hearts were meant to be. In you I had not only found my soulmate but my true love, the man my father had promised he'd send to love me. When I reflect on the journey that brought us to today and the time we weren't together I've come to realize that we needed that time apart to understand just how much we truly love each other. You are my courage, my soldier, my angel. You saved me when I was broken. You brought life back into my soul, music back to my heart and returned the missing sparkle to my eyes. I love you. I am who I am today because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I've ever had, and no matter what happens in the future, every day we are together will be the greatest day of my life because I get to spend it with you." She took his hand and placed it on her stomach. "And our child. We will always love you and always be yours."
Erik almost wished he didn't have his mask on as he felt the tears rolling down his cheeks and pooling in certain places underneath it. He looked into her tear filled eyes and smiled through his tears when he felt the small bump against his palm. He expected Pere Lambert to continue but to his surprise the pianist began to play.
"From this moment, life has begun." Christine sang. "From this moment, you are the one. Right beside you is where I belong. From this moment on. From this moment, we have been blessed. We live only, for our happiness and for our love, we'd give our last breath, from this moment on." She took his hand in hers. "I give my hand to you with all my heart. I can't wait to live my life with you I can't wait to start. You and I will never be apart. My dreams came true because of you. From this moment as long as I live. I will love you, I promise you this. There is nothing, I wouldn't give from this moment on." She focused on the melody coming from the piano trying to distract herself from the tears threatening to spill. "You're the reason I believe in love, and you're the answer to my prayers from up above. All we need is just the three of us. My dreams came true because of you. From this moment, as long as I live I will love you, I promise you this. There is nothing, I wouldn't give from this moment, I will love you as long as I live from this moment on."
Erik felt Christine squeeze his hand as her sweet soprano voice echoed in his mind and all he could do was stare at her holding back more tears. He'd never been a man to show his emotions let alone cry but today he found it impossible to hold back. My dream is coming true. He thought as he looked at his bride.
"Erik and Christine have pledged their love to one other." Pere Lambert said. "It is now time to seal that love and their promises with the exchange of the rings." Meg and Roger each handed Erik and Christine a simple gold wedding band. "May the Lord bless these rings as symbols of Erik and Christine's infinite love." He looked at Erik. "Please repeat after me."
As Erik and Christine looked at each other Pere Lamberts voice grew distance as everything and everyone around them began to disappear, the moment taking on a life of its own. "I Erik take thee Christine."
"I Christine take thee Erik."
"For richer, for poorer…"
"In sickness and in health."
"To love and to honor."
"To hold and to keep."
"From each sun to each moon."
"From tomorrow to tomorrow."
"From now to forever."
"Till death do us part." They finished together.
"With this ring, I thee wed." Erik said as he put her wedding ring on her finger.
"With this ring, I thee wed." Christine repeated sliding the ring onto Erik's finger.
Erik held Christine's hand a bit tighter and kept his eyes focused on hers. "Make of our hands one hand, make of our hearts one heart, Make of our vows one last vow. Only death will part us now."
"Make of our lives one life." Christine sang. "Day after day, one life."
"Now it begins, now we start." They sang together. "One hand, one heart; Even death won't part us now. Make of our lives one life, Day after day, one life. Now it begins, now we start. One hand, one heart, even death won't part us now." Erik wiped a tear from Christine's cheek as they were pulled out of the moment by the applause of their guests. Each of them could feel the heat rising in their cheeks as they looked at Pere Lambert who simply smiled at them.
"Today Erik and Christine start a new chapter of their lives." Pere Lambert said when everyone had taken their seats. "They will close the door to their separate pasts and open a new door to the future, together. With the exchange of these rings you have declared your love and commitment to this union before God, your family, and friends. Now you will feel no rain. For each of you will be shelter to the other. You will feel no cold. For each of you will be warmth to the other. There will be no loneliness for you. You are two persons, but there is one life before you. Go now to enter into the days of your togetherness. May those days be good and long upon the earth. What God has joined together, let no one separate." He paused. "It is now my honor before god and all in attendance to pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Erik placed his hands on Christine's cheeks as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Their lips met and they thought they could hear the other's heart burst with joy. They felt themselves getting lost in the kiss as their minds thought as one. "Two lives have begun now. Two hearts became one now. One passion, one dream. One thing forever true. I love you!" They beamed at each other as they broke their kiss and turned to the cheering crowd.
"I happily present to you Monsieur and Madame Destler." Pere Lambert proclaimed. "At this time I would like to ask you all to line up behind the bridal party so that we may give the bride and groom our congratulations." Meg moved aside so Pere Lambert could come around and address the newlyweds. "May I be the first of many to offer my sincerest congratulations." He said while shaking Erik's hand and giving Christine a kiss on the cheek.
"Thank you." Erik said. "And for agreeing to perform the ceremony."
"Yes, it was beautiful." Christine said. "I know you took a great personal risk in agreeing. Meg told me the church threatened to excommunicate you if you went through with the ceremony."
"They did. But you needn't worry yourselves with that." Pere Lambert assured them. "All I had to do was simply remind them that while they are not common place, non-denominational ceremonies have taken place before and there is no scripture or law that says weddings must be held in a church." He took both of their hands in his. "God is everywhere and blesses every union. Be it in a church or a forest glen such as this, that I dare say could rival the garden of Eden."
"It couldn't agree more." Christine said glancing at Erik.
"But there are other's eagerly waiting to congratulate you." Pere Lambert pointed out. "So I will take my leave."
"One of the Ushers at the front will show you to the house." Erik told him. Pere Lambert nodded giving each of them a hug before walking away.
Meg and Roger approached them next. "Congratulations." They each said after exchanging hugs.
"Thank you." Christine replied. "Your words were lovely, both of you and Meg, why didn't you ever tell me you could sing like that?"
"Honestly I didn't know I had it in me." Meg admitted. "But I had a great teacher to guide me."
"I'm sure you did." Christine said with a grin and felt Erik's arm slip around her waist.
"I'm surprised you never heard us practicing." He whispered.
"Is that what our daily walks or trips to the market were about?" Christine asked looking at Roger.
"Honestly the walks are good for the baby." Roger replied. "But I will admit they served a second purpose as well." He glanced at the line behind them. "I know we could talk for the rest of the day but I think we should leave you to greet the rest of your guests."
"We'll make sure everything is ready for your arrival at the house." Meg added taking Roger's hand and together they followed Pere Lamberts path out of the glen.
After all of the bridesmaids and Marie offered them their good wishes Christine noticed Erik's friend Nadir approaching them. They'd met when Erik was traveling Europe and became close friends. After he moved to Paris anytime Erik needed an ear besides Madame Giry's Nadir would open his door to him without question. However, like others Nadir had disapproved of his actions at the opera house which caused them to go years without speaking but a few weeks after their return from Calais Erik decided to reach out to him.
Christine was delighted when Nadir answered Erik's invitation to come for a visit before the wedding. When he arrived things were a bit awkward at first but once they began to talk it was as if no time had passed between them.
"Congratulations my friends." Nadir said hugging Christine and shaking Erik's hand. "It's lovely to see you both again."
"I'm pleased you could make it." Erik said.
"This is a day I certainly would not miss. Christine, I can't remember seeing a more beautiful bride. You are positively glowing; I hope all is well with you."
"It couldn't be better." Christine responded rubbing her stomach.
As Nadir and Christine talked Erik noticed Darius was one of the men keeping the receiving line organized and nodded for him to come over. "Who was the person you were speaking with before the ceremony began? He asked in a hushed whisper.
"I don't know sir." Darius answered. "She never gave me a name and kept herself hidden under the cloak she wore. I made it clear the wedding was invitation only and she left."
"I want you to keep an eye out for this woman and I will do the same. If you see her…"
"I will let you know immediately M. Destler."
"Thank you." Erik replied and rejoined the conversation with Nadir while Darius returned to his post.
"Is everything alright?" Christine asked after Nadir left.
Erik was silent for a moment. "Before the ceremony I noticed someone I couldn't make out talking to Darius."
"Who was it?" Christine inquired feeling herself tense a bit.
"He didn't know but I'm sure it's nothing to worry about ma Cherie." Erik said giving her a gentle squeeze. "If it was anyone that meant us harm they wouldn't have accepted Darius's refusal to see the ceremony."
Christine nodded putting the stranger out of her mind and turned to greet their next guest. "Phillippe!" She exclaimed after they'd finished talking with M. Firmin. "I thought you had declined our invitation."
"I had." Philippe replied. "I did not think my presence would be appropriate given that I am the brother of your…" He paused for a moment and decided not to sully the day with the mention of her ex-husband's name. "Mademoiselle Giry was quite persistent I attend."
"We're glad she was able to get you to reconsidered." Erik said shaking his hand.
"Yes." Christine agreed pulling Philippe into a hug. "If it hadn't been for you we wouldn't have made it to today. You will always be family."
"As will you." Phillippe said as they parted. "I wish you both a long and happy life together. You deserve it."
"Will we see you at the reception?" Erik inquired.
"Yes." Phillippe replied. "I may not be able to stay for all the festivities though."
"Please be sure to say good bye before you leave." Christine requested.
"Of course." Philippe said and giving them a nod he followed the path other's before him had taken to the house.
The rest of receiving line became a blur as one after another people walked up to congratulate them. Finally, they watched as the last guest left and the ushers closed the barn doors so they could have a few moments alone. "You look absolutely breath taking." Erik said turning to face his wife.
"You look quite handsome as well." Christine replied leaning up to give him a peck on the cheek but he caught her lips with his and pulled her into a passionate kiss which she gladly accepted as a few rose petals fell from the arch and blew around them in the breeze.
"There was a time I never thought I would see the day I would call someone my wife." Erik whispered.
"Say it again." Christine requested.
"Ma Femme." Erik whispered resting his palm on her cheek.
"Mon Mari." Christine replied. "Pour toujours."
"You're right. No more looking back, no more I nevers or what ifs. Just us, our family, Pour toujours." Erik said pulling her into another kiss.
When their lips parted Christine couldn't hold back her curiosity any longer. "How did you create such a beautiful place?"
"I didn't. At least not all of it. I was walking through the woods to clear my head one evening and ended up here. As I looked around I knew, I knew this is where we should be married. I know you were expecting the Giry garden…"
"No." Christine interrupted placing a finger to his lips. "We were meant to be married here, I can feel it. I only wish we could stay here for the rest of the day?"
"I could ask Meg and Roger to tell everyone..."
"As much as I'd like to stay here in your arms we asked people to celebrate this day with us and some traveled a great distance to do that. Besides, we have the rest of our lives to celebrate and be alone." She laughed when felt a small kick from the child growing inside her. "At least until this little one is born. Plus, I am curious about what other surprises are waiting for me."
"Shall we then?" Erik asked offering her his arm.
Christine nodded and together they walked to the house. When Erik opened the front door they were greeted with cheers and showered with red and white rose petals. Once again Christine's breath was taken away at the sight before her. It shouldn't have surprised her that Erik was able to bring the beauty of the forest to the reception.
Numerous Candle chandler's covered in white wisteria hung from the ceiling giving the entire first floor a warm amber glow while green ivy encircled any wooden posts or beams. Some people were sitting enjoying drinks and conversation at oval tables covered in white silk linens with elegant place settings. Each table had red and black rose centerpieces accented with various greenery and looked like they'd grown out of the tables with candles on either side. "You never cease to amaze me." Christine said.
"I would do anything to ensure that smile never leaves your radiant face." Erik replied.
"I told you she'd love it." Meg said walking up to them.
"That you did." Erik responded and turned to Christine. "Would mind if I took a moment to go upstairs?"
"As long as you hurry back." Christine said giving him a peck on the cheek. She assumed he wanted to go ensure his mask was secure. "And it will give me a chance to freshen up a bit myself."
After another quick kiss Meg accompanied Christine to the wash room downstairs while Erik disappeared upstairs. It wasn't long before he was on his way back down and smiled when he saw his wife laughing with friends. As he reached the bottom step the smile left his lips as he saw someone in a dark maroon cloak emerging from the shadows. This must be the woman I saw Darius with before the ceremony started. He thought as he addressed the stranger. "Can I help you?" He asked in a threatening tone.
"I hope so." A female voice answered from under the hood of her cloak. "I'm looking for Erik Destler."
Erik cocked his head crossing his arms in front of him. "You've found him. Were you who I saw speaking with one of the ushers before the ceremony?"
"I was. I must say you have fine people in your employ. Most would have taken the bribe I offered and allowed me to observe the ceremony."
"I only hire people I know will be loyal to their employer. Speaking of which, this reception is by invitation only as well. How did you get past my men at the door?"
"You have no need to worry. They wouldn't take my money either, but I've learned to improvise when I need to."
"Before I have you removed from this house I want to know two things. Who are you and why have you sought me out?"
"My Name is Nicole." The woman said removing her hood and looking up at him revealing a black mask much like his own covering the left side of her face. "Nicole Destler and I sought you out because I had hoped to see my twin brother get married."
Author Note – Yes I know I am evil for leaving this at a cliffhanger. But we can all rejoice because Erik and Christine are married! Also for anyone who might notice, yes there are similarities between the setting of Erik and Christine's wedding to the twilight wedding (movie). While I am not a huge fan of Twilight (books or movies) I did love the wedding and thought the setting was gorgeous which ended up being my muse for this wedding. Although I still think it has a certain Erik and Christine flare to it as well. 3
I am hoping to have the next chapter up in a week or two since most of it is written already. Until next time.