And we are at Chapter 25! Extra Lemon Bars all around!

Ok, since I haven't said it in awhile, and I'm sure you guys are wondering, I still don't own any of this. Glad we cleared that up ;)

By the way, we're at about 6 months or so since they found out about the pregnancy. Just thought we'd clear that up in case anyone was wondering. Yes we are moving rather fast, but it's better that way. Just know it took a few months for Nadir to find them a suitable house, and there was some time between the house hunt starting and when they had found out about the pregnancy. Ok, moving forward now.

Recap:

But as they walked into the bedroom, she pulled him into a deep kiss, making her meaning quite clear.

The next several days the small cottage was a hive of activity. Meg and Mama Giry packed clothes under Christine's direction, while Nadir and Erik made trips carrying the belonging that were going to the Paris house. Christine and Erik had agreed that they would purchase small cradles after they got settled, and have two more sent to the cottage later. Between the adults' clothes and all the clothes and blankets that Erik had insisted upon for the children, it took the better part of a week to get everything accomplished.

After they had finally gotten everything moved in, and were finally settled for the first night in the new home, Erik walked into their bedroom to see Christine standing out on the balcony overlooking the city. His breath caught for a moment at the vision she presented in the moonlight. He walked quickly over so that he could hold her in his arms, and whispered "My dear, should you stand here like this? Remember I am a very jealous man, and so many other men may see you and want to take you from me." He was trying to make Christine feel a bit better, as she had been feeling as if she were as big as the new house. She snuggled into his embrace, laughing as she replied "Yes, I'm sure if the men of Paris desire a woman with swollen feet and face, and a stomach that precedes her by an hour into any room, then I shall be the most pursued woman in the world!"

Erik laughed at her words, and then released her from his arms. Before she could protest, he knelt in front of her, gently rubbing his hands over her stomach as he said in a tone of wonder "You were already the most beautiful woman in the world. The fact that you are carrying our children enhances that beauty even more. I wish you saw yourself the way I see you." He then stood, pulled her close, and said gently "Never doubt your beauty, my love." Christine smiled, tears shimmering in her eyes. Erik took his face in his hands and kissed her deeply.

The next day found the prospective parents starting work on the room they had planned for the nursery. As they worked unpacking the tiny items, Christine suddenly asked "Erik, do you want boys or girls?" He thought for a moment, smiling. "I still wish for a little girl with your curls, so now that we are having two, I would wish for two little girls with your curls. Which are you wishing for?" She looked at some of the tiny booties she was putting away, and said "I'm not sure. I would still like a boy with your eyes and your sense of humor. But I also think a little girl would be nice. Perhaps one of each would be nice." Erik agreed "I think that would be wonderful. But I also wish for healthy children, and no matter if we have two girls, two boys, or one of each, as long as they are healthy I will be happy."

Christine saw a ghost of worry in his eyes, and she knew what caused it. "Erik, are you still worrying about the children having a deformity? We've discussed this. I have been happy and healthy all this time. The doctor has said things are going perfectly. There is nothing to worry about." Erik looked at her hopefully. "I know, dear, I just will always worry until I see their faces." Christine smiled and said cheerfully "Well we don't have much longer to wait. The doctor estimated that in possibly two months we will be holding our children."

Erik smiled at that thought. "Two months until they are here, it will still seem like an eternity. But we still have things to do to prepare. For instance, we should consider names. And I will be arranging things with my work so that for the time directly before and for a few months after the children's birth I will have plenty of time to be with you and the children. Nadir will be handling matters with the business during that time." Christine was glad to know that Erik intended to be involved. Most men viewed handling day-to-day things with children to be the wife's affair. But Erik's involvement had already surpassed what most men did, and it didn't appear that it would change anytime soon.

Antoinette knocked and poked her head into the nursery. "Excuse me, but Erik, your delivery is here." Christine looked up, confusion plain on her face. "What delivery is she talking about?" Erik grinned and helped Christine stand. "It's a surprise, darling. Antoinette, have them bring the packages in." Antoinette opened the door wider to allow four delivery men to enter, each pair carrying a beautiful cradle. Christine gasped "Erik these are beautiful! When did you get these?" He smiled as he pointed to direct the men where to place them. "When Nadir and I were making one of the trips into town, dear. There's a shop around the corner that supplies furniture, and these were displayed in the window. They were perfect." Christine walked over and ran her hand lovingly over the polished wood. "Yes, Erik, they are perfect. As are you. Your children are very lucky to have such a thoughtful father."

As Antoinette showed the men out, Christine started crying. Erik knew that her emotions had been up and down, and the doctor had warned him that outbursts like this were typical for pregnant women, especially at this far stage of the pregnancy. He walked over and held her. As he rubbed her back and tried to sooth her, she started laughing suddenly. She looked up and said "Oh Erik, you are a wonderful person. Thank you, for everything. This is why you do not have to worry! You have done everything to ensure that I will be happy, and that I will not be overly concerned about anything." She hugged him, and whispered "You are going to be a wonderful father."

Aww, so phluphy and happy! This chapter was fun to write, and I hope you all enjoy it.

Reviews get Gerry-snacks!