I came back into the apartment. Erik was in the dining room. I set the carrier down and let Calean out. She bolted out of the carrier and out of sight. I looked to my fiancé. He kept his gaze from meeting mine.
"Erik, I'm not angry. I just want to know why you kept the lasso; if there is truly a reason to have it. If I have no business knowing why you kept it then I won't ask." I told him, sitting down at the table.
"In a good relationship, there are no secrets." He told me. I shrugged, that was the second time that he had said that.
"Okay." I told him.
"This isn't necessarily a secret. But still. The reason why I kept the lasso is because, well, other than you, that was the only thing I was able to depend on." He told me. I nodded.
"Okay; that is understandable." I told him. He looked down. I huffed.
"Oh, Calean is pregnant. I hope you can deal with kittens." I told him. Erik nodded.
"I'm sure they are no trouble. How can something small like that be trouble?" He asked. I snorted and laughed.
"Have you ever dealt with a litter of kittens?" I asked. Erik gave me a slightly bewildered look.
"What does it matter?" He asked.
"Kittens are insane. They have short attention spans and can become a real pain. You have to keep them entertained after they lose their fuzz." I told him.
"It would be good practice for my patience." Erik told me. I tilted my head and met his eyes dancing with curiosity and mirth. Miss Calean jumped into my lap. I looked down at her; she mewed and rubbed her head against my stomach. I laughed and pet her.
"Funny little girl." I said then looking to Erik as I pet her.
"So what do you want to do?" I asked. "Oh, I ran into Jonah at the vet. He said he wanted to meet for lunch tomorrow afternoon." I told him.
"It doesn't sound like a problem. I don't think I have any plans." He replied. I smiled and scratched behind Calean's ear.
"Wonderful." I replied. I stood up and kissed the side of his head.
"You have anything in mind for supper?" I asked him. Erik was quiet, he gazed outside, his head propped on his hand; he was distant today. I took the seat beside him instead of my usual opposing him. He looked to me, reached forward and brushed my lengthy bangs out of my face.
"Your hair is getting long." He told me. I smiled giggling a little.
"I know. I usually just cut my bangs; I need to do that." I told him. I took his hand, Erik gazed into my eyes.
"What's wrong?" I asked. He gave me a smile.
"Nothing. I'm just tired I guess." He replied. I gave him my 'I know better' look. He tried to ignore it but my look soon morphed into a glare.
"Constance. I promise; nothing is wrong." He told me. I groaned and slumped in my chair. I sighed watching Erik through my bangs. He smiled at me.
"I'll stop asking for now; but I WILL FIND OUT!" I told him playfully.
After a good meal and a wonderful rest of the evening I retired to bed with my little Calean. I slept soundly that night; only waking up when the voice of an angel fought its way through the lull of sleep.
I slowly opened my eyes. The white of Erik's mask was the first thing I noticed. I opened my eyes the rest of the way and found my fiancé kneeling at the bedside with a smirk on his face.
"Good morning, Constance." He told me, I sat up with a yawn; Miss Calean rubbed up against me.
"Good Morning Erik. What time is it?" I asked Erik stood.
"About eight-thirty. The dress for the wedding is ready and I want you to see it in person; then we have that appointment with Jonah at one thirty." Erik told me, sounding slightly like a personal assistant. He left the room after he kissed my forehead. I went to my wardrobe and pulled out the dress I wore to the premiere of Don Juan Triumphant; I felt like dressing up today. I slipped it on, and then remember I had to ask Monica for her help in tying the dress the last time I had worn it.
"Um, Erik could you come here for a moment?" I called. Erik appeared at the end of the hall.
"Yes my dear?" He replied.
"Could you tie my dress?" I asked him. He was silent for a moment; then came over to me. I turned and his skillful hands started to tie my dress. He paused.
"You said you wanted children." He told me, I nodded, stroking the silken strands of my hair.
"I want to give them to you." He told me. My heart skipped several beats as I turned and hugged him tighter than ever. He gave a few small laughs and hugged me back, he pet my hair.
"I love you and I want to make you as happy as possible." He told me. I giggled like a school girl. Then pulled away and nearly danced happily. Erik beamed.
"Let me finish tying your dress, child." He told me. I nearly faltered. Child? What? Maybe it was just the way I was acting...
I turned and allowed him to finish the ties of my dress. He kissed my neck, his hand sliding down my upper arm causing a slight shiver to pass through me. He laughed softly and took my hand leading me out of the room and into the nook in the kitchen. Breakfast was set out and ready. I smiled he was sweet. Once Erik took his seat I started to eat my oatmeal happily.
"I received a note this morning; it's from Connor. He and Claire wish to see the Opera House. Aidan wants to come too." Erik told me.
"Oh? I can take them or do you want to? You do know it better than me." I told him.
"I may know the catacombs better than anyone but your knowledge of the normal side of the opera house is just as good as my own; but I think they are interested more in your line of work." Erik told me. I smiled.
"I'll show them around. Christine and Meg have been dying to me my family." I told him. Erik nodded.
"What about wedding plans? Shouldn't I be involved in that?" I asked him. Erik smiled again.
"I know you almost better than you or your brothers. I'm sure I could integrate your touch into the decor and such." He told me. I narrowed my eyes at him. Erik tried to avoid eye contact.
"I'll move the session to tomorrow." He told me. I nodded.
"Okay, good." I said, Erik laughed.
"Connor and the others will be by in the next hour." He told me standing and gathering the dirty dishes. I stood with my empty bowl and went over to him by the sink and set it down, watching him. He soon sensed this and looked at me.
"Does my lady request my attention?" He asked playfully, looking at me. I giggled.
"No, my lord." I replied lovingly. Erik smiled and pulled me over close to him and kissed my lips in a bit more than a gentle manner. I wrapped my arms around his neck and replied to him. He pulled me closer to him; he then pulled away, the pad of his thumb tracing my jaw line. He laughed softly.
"I love you." He told me. I fell into him lightly, resting my head on his shoulder.
"I love you too."