This chapter is a replacement. Somehow, I put up the one that hadn't been corrected and that upset Susan. I don't blame her, my mistake not hers. This should handle it with my apologies to her and my readers. If I re-posted, I'm not sure who what effects it would have to those reviews from said chapter, so this will have to do.

Disclaimer: I own nothing related to or POTO or do I have any connection to ALW.

To Susan, my beta-proofreader as she likes to be called, thank you, for your support and busy eyes. Thank you, to past betas, ML, OL, and Hope. Kristi, who this story was written for, helped me before I ever gave a thought to posting.

Thanks to those who are still reading my story and to those who have taken the time to review. When I need it the most, your encouragement helps me to keep posting. You are: Kj62; welcome new reviewer, DarkSp'rit; Chapucera; Kelsismom; Arcelia; Pertie, and welcome back Keyklee.

Previous chapter: Meg overhears about the wedding and finds out her guess was right. Kristine can't find her parents. It comes to light Meg told Kristine's parents. Once Kristine finds this out,

Chapter 36: Chapter 36: Secrets were spilled and the punishment is dealt, but still, feelings are hurt. The parents start to arrive as the wedding date draws near.

Meg plopped on the floor and leaned in, and said, "There is the neatest place for a wedding! It's off the northeastern corner of the house, surrounded by a natural grotto and protected from the wind. What I like most about it is the privacy. Any boats passing by can't see in. It's far enough from the house so anyone down there can't be seen swimming from the second story." She blushed when she alluded to that. "And of course, it's very romantic. It would be perfect, and it has everything desirable for a unique wedding. Momma took me over this morning to see it. What do you say, isn't that a great option?" Meg bubbled with enthusiasm and joy as she spoke. When she was there with Nadir, she hadn't been looking at the grotto in the same light as she was now. She had had other things requiring her attention that afternoon.

Just then, Erik detected another set of footfalls which entered the lanai. "Now, what did I tell you about interfering, my little minx? They will decide this on their own, and they do not need your help. Leave these two lovers alone. Come with me to the other island for a shopping adventure," Nadir instructed as he reached out and snagged Meg's hand, trying to lead her away.

Before he could successfully do that, Meg leaned over and whispered into Kristine's ear, "I will keep my eyes peeled for any dresses that would do for us. I'll even put them on hold, until you get over to see them." Nadir pulled harder on Meg's arm as she giggled. She kissed Kristine on the cheek and winked, before she followed Nadir down to the boat landing. They boarded one of the moored boats. She waved, and Kristine waved back as their boat pulled away.

"You have to give it to, Meg -- when she gets an idea, she doesn't let go. She runs with it." Erik and Kristine let out a spontaneous laugh, and she continued. "Well, we had better get a move on, kind sir. It looks like we have a wedding to put together in two days' time. Your parents will be here tomorrow. We need to arrange for things fast." She turned to Erik, realizing what they had to accomplish. It was a daunting task, to say the least. But, where were her parent's? She couldn't get married without them.

At the railing overlooking the estate, Erik held her for a minute before he said, "We will take this as it comes, with no worries about anything. It will all fall into place. You're worried about your parents, aren't you? It's an odd thought, but they could be coming here as we speak. Maybe they found out about this and took off. Don't fret!"

He leaned in, and covered her mouth with his and started a hungry exploration with his tongue.

She pushed back and said, "But who could have told them? It doesn't make sense." Her brow furrowed, and Erik kissed it.

He tried to get her mind off her absent parents, and before he released her, he found she wanted more. He then denied her request, knowing full well that they would never leave their room the rest of that day if he caved into every carnal desire she excited. Instead, he suggested, "Let us wait until our wedding night before we unite again. If I remember correctly, a friend said it's customary the groom should not see the bride the day of the wedding. Well, then, it's a good tradition to respect. It will be hard, but I'll try. We had better be off and relish what time we have together today. We will remember this little setback as a fond memory of our wedding someday." Erik stole another impassioned kiss, which ignited a fire inextinguishable until tomorrow night. His love only deepened for Kristine; it was one he would never relinquish in his lifetime. He missed the fleeting look in her eye at his remark about not seeing her all day. She looked worried, but was determined to hide it.

Kristine did ache, too. for his touch and his body uniting with hers. She wanted to spend all afternoon locked away in there, but what she had to do was more important -- their wedding plans. She slipped out of his arms, took his hand and led him to the kitchen.

There they encountered Momma, working on wedding dinner plans. She looked up and asked, "How many people I feed after wedding? Best have count!" She looked up at Erik, silently demanding with her eyes.

Erik counted out loud, "Meg, Nadir, Marie, Charles, Anne, mum and dad, the staff, the boat crew, Momma, Philippe, and the Hornrod brothers, the minister, Kristine and me. Plan on having 25 people, we may have forgotten someone and a little extra food is best, don't you think?" He looked towards Momma for her thoughts, and then he blurted loudly. "We can't forget to ask, Daniel Master, and Simon Graves.

"Yes, is best. Wanting cake? I make one, very beautiful." She beamed before she added, "I bring two more help with cooking."

"You get in all the help you need. It's fine with me, but you'd better check with Philippe. After all, this is his house." Erik said. A sly grin escaped him; knowing good and well she would ask whom she wanted, whether Philippe liked it or not. This woman really ruled the house, no matter what anyone else thought. Momma was perfect, and Erik loved her kindness.

"Oh, who come dinner tonight?" Momma asked. That meal would be simple to toss together, but an idea would be helpful.

"To be honest, I'm not sure when everyone will arrive. Have you given thought to serving a meal that would be easy to make when people come in? How about sandwiches or salad? That sounds good to me. What do you say?" He looked over in her direction.

"Okay," she replied, and then went back to what she was doing.

Erik turned to his bride-to-be and said, "Darling, you should try calling your parents again." He handed her his cell phone, she tried the number again, and still there was no answer. His heart dropped. Where were they? Kristine needed them. He would call Marie after Kristine left the room and have her check on them. Then he said quickly, "My angel, I need to run back upstairs, I forgot my billfold. I will be right back." Erik retrieved his cell from of her limp hand and sprinted up the stairs to their room. He madly dialed Marie's number. She didn't answer, either. Where the hell was she? What was going on? He dialed Nadir, frantic to know the answers.

"Nadir, keep your voice low. Do you know where Marie and Kristine's parents are?" Erik inquired frantically.

"We know that Marie kept abreast of the trouble, and I cannot say for certain if she let the Daaes know or not. If so, they may be on the way here. Marie knew there might be a wedding because of my bride's big, chatty and wonderful mouth. I wonder if they are on a plane down here as we speak. I will call the airport to check on flights coming in. I will let you know," and he ended the call with Erik. Nadir waited for Meg, who had insisted on trying on a few dresses.

Time plodded by and Nadir tapped his foot, trying to stave off boredom, which slowly was turning to frustration. He decided to get James on the phone. "James, we are in a bind here. We have to find out if Marie Giry and the Daaes are indeed on their way here. No one can locate them by phone. Do you have any contacts that can check airline lists and see if they are on any flights headed this way? You do, great. Make that call and let me know right away. Talk to you soon." Nadir finished his call about the same time Meg stepped out of the dressing room. Trying on clothes had exhausted her, so she was a little testy and tired before Nadir started to interrogate her.

"Okay, my little minx. How much did your mother know regarding what happened with Kristine and Erik? We can't locate your mother or her parents. Now the truth," Nadir demanded. By this time, he was showing signs of losing what little patience he had with her.

Nervous, tired and cranky, she looked at him from under her long lashes, letting her eyes drift up his full height -- she thought sexy teasing might help. Nadir was having none of that, and he tensed and stood straight. That one change in his demeanor meant he wasn't going to fall for her shenanigans. She began to tell what had transpired while on the phone to her mother. "When I told her Kristine was safe and Raoul was in custody, I might have mentioned that….. umm," she stuttered, hesitant to go on, "Well….in the back of my mind, I thought there eventually might be a wedding down here. I guess I could have mentioned the possibility, too. I bet she called Charles and Anne to tell them the news. They all might be on the flight down here that is scheduled to land in about an hour. I didn't mean to tell. It just slipped out. There's no need to be angry with me," Meg assured him. She stood, batting those long luscious eyelashes at Nadir in an attempt to cool his anger into a more pleasing and tantalizing mood again.

It seemed to be working. He reached for his cell, dialed James again, and said, "I need your help. Go to the airport and make sure the Daaes and Marie Giry arrive within the hour. It should be coming from Miami." Meg nodded as he relayed the instructions to James. "Good, thanks. We owe you, again." He snapped shut the phone, looked at Meg, and then said, "Now, my jewel, we have diverted a disaster that could have been beyond our control. I hope that is all we have to take care of. Have you paid for your purchases?" She raised her chin, shook it and looked him in the eyes. "No? Then let us do that now," Nadir suggested. Taking her by the arm, he escorted her to the register. They had to get back to the island and explain things before Kristine's parents arrived. What a disappointment! Meg and Nadir were to enjoy the day alone sightseeing around town before meeting up with the others when they arrived. His wife had messed that up.

Meg knew she was in for it and Nadir that would let her have it when they were alone, for confiding to her mother that a wedding might take place. I wonder how Kristine is doing. I bet she'll be furious at me for everything -- so will Erik. Her thoughts weighed heavily on her. After all she had heard from Nadir's side of the conversation, she had concluded that people were disappointed. Getting back was all Meg had on her mind. She desperately wanted to apologize to Kristine for all the added stress and worry over being unable to reach her parents.

---

James didn't mind assisting Erik once more -- or Nadir, for that matter. He was relaxing at the hotel before he was to meet everyone when they came over and shopped for the wedding.

He had everything arranged, and when it was time to leave, he left in the hotel van, and the driver dropped him at the entrance. Thank goodness he knew what Marie looked like. He hadn't met the Daaes yet. It was a little over thirty minutes before their plane landed. He wondered when Erik's parents would arrive. He decided to call and find out. He dialed Erik and waited. "Erik, James here! When do your parents arrive from Scotland? Later tonight? I will gladly deliver them to the island safely for you. I can get them after we make the rounds about town. Right! Fine, everything is taken care of, then. Goodbye!"

----

Kristine sat quietly and was very dejected that she was unable to find her parents at home. Where were they? They had no trips planned for a while. It didn't make sense for them not to answer or return her calls. She thought it best to try Marie's and have her go check on the Daaes' whereabouts, but she, too, didn't answer. Where was everyone? This was getting weird. Did Raoul do something to hurt her parents? She hadn't thought of that before. Raoul was ruthless enough to do that after what he had done to her. It was very possible he sent someone to follow through on a threat, if she hadn't done as she was told. Now she was worried. Standing up, she turned around on the lanai to find Erik exiting the kitchen. He had just finished talking to James. He had good news to tell her.

"Erik, I'm so scared. I can't get my parents to answer their phone, even Marie doesn't answer. What do I do now? Could Raou……" was all she could get out of her mouth before Erik finally stopped her. He placed his finger on her lips, and tears streamed down her cheeks as she tried to keep her composure. Once again, she refused to let Raoul take over her life even though he wasn't physically there. But, what else was she to think as fear gripped her insides?

"My darling, things are fine. I have found out what happened. When Meg had called her mother to tell her you were safe, Marie decided to call your parents." He went on to explain what he thought had transpired. "That caused the three of them pack and fly here ASAP. They will be landing shortly, and James is bringing them over here for me. I wasn't going to tell you, but seeing how worried you are, I thought it best to tell you. Happy, my angel?" Erik grinned. He swept her up off her feet gently and spun around with her, holding her very protectively.

"Here? They are coming here, now? Oh, yes, I'm thrilled beyond words! I should change and look presentable," she said.

Rushing to leave for the suite, Kristine was stopped by Erik. "My love, you look wonderful. You don't have to change. Your parents won't care, and we need to tell Momma about the extra guests arriving. Come." He grabbed her hand and strolled inside the kitchen to locate Momma. She had started preparing her menu for the wedding day.

"Momma, we have guests arriving soon. My parents will be here within a few hours. Where do you suggest we put them up? Which rooms?" Kristine asked.

"Child, guest cottages out back. Three. They take one," she said, while writing her list.

"Meg's mother will be arriving, too. One can be for her. The other can be for Erik's parents. That makes it so simple. Wow!" Kristine sighed, with that worry settled.

---

A few minutes later, the sound of a boat motor was heard approaching the boat dock. Erik walked out onto the lanai to see who it was.

"Nadir and Meg are back. He mentioned to me how disappointed he was in Meg for her calling Marie and letting everything out of the bag. In the future, I think he wants her to realize she needs to be a little more discreet and understanding of other people's feelings. To him, it is like breaking a trust. He is a very private person when it comes to family." Erik tried to explain what Nadir wanted Meg to do. By apologizing, she might grasp the whole picture.

"Yes, she was always spoiling other people's surprises. I was never able to tell her a secret. The only secret she kept was the one I had from college, but that was different, I guess. It was one secret I didn't want passed around, anyway. She knew that. Oh, well, she is my best friend, so I will forgive her, but not until I make her life miserable for a while. You two just sit back and watch the expert handle her," Kristine said with great confidence. She had succeeded for years, knowing just how to get Meg and what would make her squirm.

When he turned to face Kristine, Erik saw her demeanor change. Her eyes changed, her face had a strange look, and for some reason, he could see tears building in her eyes. Oh, this was going to be good! He captured a front row seat and watched as she contemplated the start of her play.

While she paced back and forth, Kristine was working up her anger, or more precisely her play-anger to vent out on Meg. First, worry about her parents would surface, and then when the news was out what Meg had done, both barrels would be emptied at once. It was going to be quite a spectacle, if she could pull it off without laughing.

She could hear their voices as they approached. Ready? Go!

"Oh, Erik, I can't reach my parents again. This is the fourth time this morning, and no one answers. What will I do? I should call the police. Give me your phone, please!" she prompted Erik. He could see her play had started, so he handed over his phone.

As Kristine's worried voice reached Meg's ears, she ran up the stairs to stop Kristine from dialing the phone. "Don't call, Kristine, your parents are fine!" Meg yelled, closing the gap from across the outer patio to the lanai.

"What? How do you know that? I haven't called my parents since this whole mess started. Raoul has done something or sent someone to hurt them. Let go of my hand!" Kristine tried to pull her hand away from Meg's grip.

"No, they're fine," Meg whispered. "As we speak, my mother is flying here with them." Now she chewed on the inside of her cheek, afraid to look at Kristine.

"They're fine? Flying here? Now? How do you know this? I never called them, nor did Erik. What have you done, Meg?" Kristine asked, her voice laced with angst and anger as tears started down her cheeks. "What did you tell them? They knew nothing about any of this. Did you tell them everything? Did you say I was kidnapped? How could you do this to me? The worry you must have put them through by telling! You've broken my trust for the last time, Megan Giry Khan!" she snapped. All the while, tears and anger poured out of her as she stood there, but a little hint of laughter tried to sneak out. Kristine had to cover her mouth before Meg looked up. Instantly, she made it sound like a sob.

Dejected and hurt, Meg stood there, feeling as if no one loved her any more. Nadir ached, but knew this was best. Meg needed to learn a lesson.

"I'm truly sorry for letting this get out of hand, and for letting mother know there might be a wedding." She tried not to cry, but a loud gasp was heard as Meg talked. Now, Kristine was really hurt and angered by this revelation.

"They know about the wedding! No one was to know until we called them! You didn't do that! You couldn't! Not my best friend." Her voice choked as a long sob escaped. It wasn't play-acting now. This really hurt. Turning past Meg, Kristine sprinted down the patio stairs towards the beach. Meg collapsed on the stones and sobbed uncontrollably. She had screwed it up royally and broken her best friend's lasting trust. Would it ever be mended again? Nadir stepped over, bent down to her side and pulled her close, trying to comfort her as best he could. Nadir stood up with Meg and took her over to the shadows of the lanai, where he found a chair to sit on. He cradled her closely, and the tears didn't stop.

Erik had dashed off at a run to catch up with Kristine, stunned at the dramatic events which had unfolded a few minutes ago. Things had gone well, and her play had been working until Meg disclosed the part about Kristine's wedding. Then it had blown out of the water back into Meg's face. Poor Meg -- would she ever learn? Making it to Kristine's side, Erik stopped, placed his hand under her chin and lifted it up.

"Shhh, this isn't good. No tears before our wedding. I won't allow you to be sad. I think this is more than you intended for Meg. Isn't it? You didn't think she would tell about the wedding, and she did. Now you have to come to terms with it and move on. It's over now. Life is too short to let this ruin your happiness and our wedding. Move on, my angel." The words he said slowly seeped into her brain. Still, how could she forgive her friend for the breaching of her privacy? It was her right to tell her parents of the change of date for their wedding, not Meg's. However, Erik was right, life was too short, and they had learned it from their episode with Raoul. Observing Erik from under her half-lowered lashes, she stretched up to give him a kiss. Erik deepened it and let his hands tour her body one last time before the wedding night. He picked her up and moved behind a big rock. No one could see him slide down in the sand and lean back against the massive stone with her on his lap. The spark that had earlier been ignited was about to be fanned into hot, inextinguishable flames.

Erik's hands slipped under her dress to skim over her body. He decided to pull off her caftan and tossed it aside. He wanted so much more, and she craved it by the moans and sighs that could be heard escaping her mouth. He opened his jeans and together they pleasured themselves on the beach, hidden away from view by the rocks. Erik knew it wasn't the warmth of the sun that made her skin glisten, as though she were covered with diamonds, but instead it came from their impassioned lovemaking, and the effect lasted far into the afterglow. He had lost himself within her, and it felt good. Well, so much for my abstinence, Erik thought. Then he carried her into the water near the dock. It would be cool against their bodies after their lust-filled time together.

The cooling waters did bring their senses back to the present very quickly, and in the nick of time. Erik turned his head sharply, as he could make out sounds the boat motor off in the distance. He watched as a boat turned and closed the distance to the dock. His reflexes kicked in quickly, and he carried Kristine from the water. Erik shielded her body behind his and ran for the hidden safety of the rocks to dress. Kristine had heard the motor, and she fumbled around for her dress. He wasn't so lucky. It felt as if he was filming a slapstick comedy. Thanks to their hurry, everything went wrong. In the midst of forcing wet skin to slide inside his jeans, he fell down. Kristine could easily pull on her caftan, but her body was still dripping wet, and it clung to every curve and contour. They both broke out laughing as they tugged their clothing around. Erik noticed her predicament, but he knew there wasn't any solution. He figured they had been seen, and if they didn't come out to greet the boat, her parents would wonder what was up.

He leaned forward, taking another heated kiss from her before the boat docked. They kept laughing when it hit them – they had nearly been caught in the act of making love. The thrill they should have experienced flew away, and embarrassment set in. They had to stop doing this! Erik adjusted himself; he had been fast approaching the point of taking her again when he heard the motor and kissing her again hadn't helped.

She smoothed her long, wet hair away from her face, and he nodded -- he was finished. Wet or not, they were ready to greet whoever it was. Erik stepped aside as the boat approached the dock. They felt a thrill of shock. It was her parents that were on board and there stood her father, staring at Erik. He couldn't quite read what her father's look implied, but he could take a wild guess. Great way to start off their visit, thought Erik.

----

Moments earlier, her father had thought he spotted a nude couple rush from the water, go behind a huge rock, and then emerge in damp clothes. He wasn't sure if the woman was his daughter, since he was too far away to really tell, but if it was, he didn't care.

She loved this man, and they were to be married in a day. As a result, he made sure Anne didn't see them by diverting her to a view in the other direction. He prayed the crew hadn't seen his daughter without her clothes. Well, too late to worry about that now – but then he saw her wet dress. It left nothing to the imagination, and suddenly panic set in. She needed to be covered. What could he do? He spotted a rain slicker thrown over a box and grabbed it. He didn't wait for the boat to be secured. He leapt off and ran to her. He quickly slipped the slicker over her shoulders to stop those leering looks from the crew, and then scooped her into his arms. That was when she let out a slight yelp. Stunned, he loosened his grip on her, then he remembered -- Marie had said something about injuries Kristine had suffered. Was this part of them? Kristine slipped the slicker on and buttoned it.

She whispered, "I'm okay," and her father took her into his arms again.

Erik stepped back and gave them a moment. He knew she needed to have her father's arms create a safe haven around her.

She broke down and cried, "Daddy...."

And, so did Charles, "Oh, my baby girl."

Once the boat was tied and secure, her mother was escorted onto the dock, and after that, to over to Charles. He released their daughter to her caring arms. Anne rocked her to and fro as she did when Kristine was a child. Charles stepped forward to create a close family hug. He stepped back to let his arm extend to Erik, and drew him into their family's protective embrace. When they finished and broke free, all breathed a collective sigh of happiness, and then laughter overtook them.

James unloaded their luggage when he saw their reunion was finished. Marie remained on board, hidden from view. She refused James's attempt to get her off, not wishing to disturb the family reunion. She was slightly unsettled by her doubts about how she would be received by the couple. She had told something she suspected was a secret, and if she knew her daughter, as she did, it was a secret. She felt better hiding on the boat, until they all went up to the house, before she disembarked.

Erik grabbed a bag and led the way up the beach to the patio and into the lanai. There had been much excitement surrounding Kristine's parents' arrival, but he never once missed the fact that Marie hadn't gotten off the boat yet.

Momma had heard the boat and came out to join the group. Erik introduced her to them as the one who had taken care of Kristine and saved her from Raoul's destructive touch. After they had greeted her and thanked her, Momma showed Kristine's parents to their guest house to freshen up.

Erik snuggled up to Kristine and said, "We need to clean up and ready ourselves for our island shopping spree later. We will take your parents with us. What do you say?"

"Yes, that would be lovely. We need the time to be together, and I need to find a dress, along with anything else we need," she answered. She knew things were still strained with Meg. It all would be handled soon enough. They had a wedding to prepare, and she needed to put the unhappiness behind her. Hard as it was, she would be the first to admit that she needed Meg's help.

About that time, Erik's cell phone rang.

Thank you, for reading, and if you are so inclined, please, review.