Disclaimer: No one but ALW owns POTO. Even Leroux didn't get a piece of that pie.

Thank you, Susan, for being my beta-proofreader, and helping me knock off these last chapters. The end is within sight with two chapters left to post. I kept this chapter short to put an end to this part of their ordeal. The rest will be in the next chapter. I wanted to wind down slowly; otherwise it would look like I was racing through this chapter ending everything too quickly.

Thanks go to all of my faithful readers, and to those who have left reviews. They are: Chapusera; inkblottales; Kelsismom; Keyklee, and Pertie, with MastersofNight working hard to catch up.

Here is my early Mother's Day gift to all, so please enjoy the chapter. One more to go after this.

Previous chapter: Kristine came out of her shock, ready to get on with life. Erik was there for her. Mother and daughter took time together, before she left the hospital. With the interview behind them, Erik and Kristine move on.

Chapter 49: Life goes on for everyone with the future bright with promise

The next year, Bouquet was brought up on kidnapping, aggravated assault, and rape charges. It was Jocelyn's testimony that helped to put him away for a very long time. When it was reported that she would stand up and tell her story, it also helped one other woman to come forward and testify against Bouquet. Kristine had been pleased to see him put behind bars. It was ironic that the man never filed countercharges against Erik. No one understood that in Erik's camp.

When Bouquet's house had been searched and his safe discovered, inside were the photos that he had taken of Kristine and Erik. The case was in the hands of the chief, and he instructed the district attorney not to use them, as they would damage Erik and Kristine more if they were used as evidence. They never were, but instead, were entered on the list as "miscellaneous photos." No one ever documented their contents or made copies for the files. They were returned to Erik and Kristine, and upon his seeing them, he immediately saw to it they were destroyed. Ironically, nothing was ever leaked to the press. This was one part of the case that the chief personally saw through to the end. He wanted no chance of any holes left exposed to gape at him later. Pleased this case was finished, he marked it closed.

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It was gossip around town that Raoul had been transported to a private institution, but nothing to confirm this was ever released. There had been a private hearing, and the details had been sealed when the hearing was over. All interested parties had sent their attorneys, and they made sure the charges were placed in his file, and then the case was closed. His defense turned out to be of no surprise to anyone: insanity. Monies were set aside by his father to take care of him for as long as his son lived. Philippe had been made his guardian, relieving his parents of that worry. Their health had declined, and after the ordeal was over, they left the States for the seclusion of their home in the Bahamian islands. It was hoped this would put an end to their stress, so they could now rest. No one could ever bother them again, unless Philippe contacted them first, and then it was their prerogative to allow visitors.

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Kristine's physical problems rapidly healed, and life returned to normal. She resumed her work. Phil and her boss, Richard, were glad to have her back. In their minds, she was worth the wait. Her knowledge was stellar to them and her personality shone on air. The viewer ratings for her weather segment soared. It meant everything to her and was heartwarming to be accepted by the people she worked alongside, but to win over the viewers -- that had been unbelievable.

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The Colorado weather never fully cooperated, even with Erik's wife reporting it. Meg and Nadir went on the road to Arizona, reestablishing his production company in the town of Roosevelt. It was to the east of Phoenix, and just south of the Theodore Roosevelt Dam. They worked alongside Erik during this time, and Meg asked if she could do a series about the film industry. She could send in her work to KBRR over the net in video clips to be aired nightly. Mr. Andre liked that idea and said, "Go for it!"

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Through the KBRR station grapevine, it was reported that Carlotta had been fired from her job at the Montrose station and she had been arraigned on assault charges and trespassing. During her trial, her attorney used the defense to show she had been used by Raoul into believing what he had told her. Whatever she did in the courtroom, it worked. Those who were in attendance said she played it to the hilt and that in the courtroom she gave the performance of her life. With no prior arrests or brushes with the law, she was put on probation. The time she had served was deducted from her sentence. There was one other condition: she could never set foot near Erik or Kristine again. She was overheard cussing both Erik and Kristine when everything was over. Even so, those who knew her said she had jinxed herself with her attitude and coldness long before she tried the KBRR stunt. No other station would go out on a limb and hire her. Her attorney had her probation switched to allow her to leave the city; it was also reported she had left for New York. There she wanted to try her hand at acting on stage. Those who had firsthand information said, "Carlotta would be good at it." She had acted every day of her life. Nothing about her was real, and it all had been for show.

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Kristine flew down to be with Erik every other weekend, and he relished having her there. Even their mental state was back on track. She still met with the support group who helped them through their first weeks after the loss of their baby, because they had formed a bond with the couples and couldn't see it disappearing. It had been touch and go those first weeks for them. However, at times, Kristine seemed to be on autopilot, but then her old self would shine through, again.

Though it was a little late, on one of Kristine's visits to the movie set in Arizona, she was given an audition with the music director which Erik had planned almost a year ago. Tyler had been very pleased with her voice. He let it be known that he wanted her for some movie work, if she felt she could fit it into her busy schedule. She talked it over with Erik, and they had devised a plan that would work. She would work in Colorado during the winter with Firmin's approval. When spring came, she would go out to LA and work on the voice tracks for Tyler. If he had something urgent that required her expertise, she would take a leave of absence and fly right out.

As Erik had originally planned, in between their work, the couple had made a new album for release. He had located a small recording studio in Telluride that could produce their cuts for the CD. It turned out to be curative for them both. This particular CD had been filled with special songs he composed. In it, they put all their emotions from their tumultuous experiences into every track. It helped to put their past year to rest. It not only had been helpful, but cleansed their minds and spirits at the same time. Part of their proceeds from the sale of this CD would be donated to their newly formed charity – One Plus One Equals Three.

After they'd experienced heartbreak, it had been their goal to set up a support network for couples to locate and receive help; it didn't matter what town, or country. The goal – direct anyone to a network of people who could provide the sources needed and help in the healing process after losing a child. It didn't matter how the child died or what age they were. It was that those who suffered a loss needed help or a direction to move on in life. Their support group's motto –"To live we must carry on."

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When Philippe had finally heard about Erik and Kristine's loss, they were staying at the cabin. He had stopped by to see them in between their work and his travel. He told them of his pursuit of Patrice, who they remembered from the islands. She had joined him for a special time spent at the big house. Momma had woven her magic to help make their time be romantic, and during that time he had proposed. They were to be married in about a year. He wanted the business to be on solid ground before he brought his life together with hers. They could see how he radiated joy just by looking at his smile. They both were thrilled and happy that he could move on with his life. He asked about their charity, and he made a very substantial donation in his families name. It was something his father insisted upon. It was the last thing the elder de Chagny did for them, and Erik felt this chapter of their past relationship was closed. He finally forgave Raoul's father. That eased the elder de Chagny's heart.

Later in the year, Erik and Kristine visited the couple on their island and witnessed the wedding of Philippe and Patrice. Philippe couldn't wait any longer to be united with his love, and he put together a hasty wedding, much like the one he helped to organize for Erik and Kristine. All of those he thought of as friends were invited—Nadir and Meg, James, and the Hornrod brothers and their significant others. Jocelyn even attended with Sam. Momma was pleased to see all of them once again. Erik and Kristine had missed her terribly. They had found out that she still hadn't taken her trip. Erik figured as much, knowing the woman would rather stay put and care for the elder de Chagnys.

She said, "Someday, I travel."

They even made it back to the nightclub, where they performed a set or two for the owner. He still asked if they ever thought of returning permanently, but they said no, not at this time. Maybe someday.

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Marie and Gerard went back to Paris, as his job called him home. They made preparations for him to retire soon after this assignment ended. They wanted to spend more time together, traveling and making up for those lost years. They intended to split their time between Paris, France and Telluride, Colorado. In their minds, it was the best of both worlds.

In one of her letters to Anne, Marie urged everyone to join them in Paris come late summer or early autumn to celebrate Erik and Kristine's early first anniversary, along with theirs. She wanted to share her happiness with them and everyone else. It would be too cold and rainy near the date of Marie and Gerard's wedding, and it didn't matter to them when they celebrated.

Erik and Kristine were thrilled at the prospect of going over, and the idea of celebrating their first anniversary early in Paris was beyond her expectations. She wanted to see the Opera Garnier again. Most of all, she wanted to experience it with Erik at her side.

Erik's parents had longed to return to France once again, so this was the chance François had dreamt of. He had wanted to show Marget around with no pressures from his work. He even toyed with the idea he might retire. This trip could be what they needed, so they made time to discuss it. The romance of Paris had been his one distant hope to share with Marget. They had only toured around the British Isles when it was time for a vacation. Now, he set his expectations higher.

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James had finished his script, and it was making the rounds to the different independent producers and one or two big studios. It would take time before it could be accepted. He was prepared to wait.

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It was time for the trip to Paris. Gerard hired a large jet from De Chagny International to fly the whole party over. Philippe would be the pilot. He and Patrice planned to make Paris their official honeymoon.

Gerard had secured rooms for everyone on the same floor in one of Paris's finest hotels—Inter Continental Paris Le-Grand Hotel. It was his special gift to Marie to bring those she loved and cared for to be around her.

Nadir and Meg were excited to be celebrating in what was considered the most romantic city in the world. Her mind reeled at the thought of making love to Nadir in this city which emitted so much love potion. It made her shiver to think of it. And the chance to shop! She could do that in between their love sessions, and that prospect made her deliriously happy.

Well, that someday arrived. Momma traveled to Paris to join in the celebration with all the others. She didn't know Gerard, but Marie thought it only right to invite the woman to see everyone, and have some fun, too.

Marie took her shopping and found an outfit for Momma to wear the night of the party. She was dressed in a beautiful native fashion by a designer that was from the Bahamian islands. He had the perfect outfit for her, and she loved its vibrant colors. It was a one-of-a-kind design, and it fit a one-of-a-kind lady.

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Kristine had finally achieved what she had set out to do. She was able to work in the best of both worlds as far as she was concerned. She now was forecasting weather and singing. She had found the life she wanted. As luck would have it, she had found a man she loved and adored. In return, he loved and cherished her.

Erik's return to Paris completed the circle for him as an actor. He was excited to share it with Kristine. While in the movie POTO, the company had traveled to the Opera Garnier to get the feel of the real setting. The hotel Gerard had selected was right across the street from the Opera Garnier, and Erik and Kristine's suite looked out at the grand edifice. They stood on the little balcony gazing up at the statue of Apollo, and she looked over to see Erik's eyes glaze over for a moment. She nudged him and asked what he was thinking. He said nothing; instead, he turned and kissed her with all the passion he possessed, and she returned his love. He then lifted her into his arms as he walked inside and carried her to the bed. They didn't leave their room until later that day for their tour of the opera house and to sightsee.

This time, he was excited to go down with her into the depths of the opera house. They were to walk through the catacombs as depicted in the play and different movies, where the Phantom was said to have lived. Yes, there was a lake. There also were caverns where someone could have lived. Erik captured Kristine in his arms and pulled her over into the shadows. He wanted to enjoy the feel of her in his arms while he kissed her passionately. He wanted to see how it felt to be in the depths of the opera house hidden away with her. He loved the rush he felt. She loved it, too.

After they left the depths, they walked along the banks of the Seine River that night, and dreamt of what the city had been like back when the Phantom had lived. They were haunted by the feel of that which surrounded them, where life would have held mystery and solitude for the Phantom. Erik would never be alone as he had portrayed it in the film. He had his Kristine. They were in love, and this life they shared together was nothing short of heaven. When they returned from their excursion, they went straight to their suite and took to bed, reliving everything they had shared in their lovemaking. He brought back their short time below in the depths. Erik made that experience even more profound as he transported their microseconds of time spent standing there to the bed in their suite. There was no way he could have made love down there, in that damp and dirty lair. There wasn't even a swan bed down there, but he felt their suite's king-sized bed would be a good substitute that night.

--

Kristine rested and thought back. She had seen the doctor before she had left on this trip and confirmed she was indeed pregnant. She was approximately two months along. She hadn't experienced any morning sickness this time around, which had allowed her to hide her pregnancy from Erik. The doctor had said she was in good shape and everything was progressing on schedule. Traveling at this stage of her pregnancy was fine as long as she didn't overexert herself. His only order was for her to rest when she felt tired. She had giggled when the doctor said that. She thought, Me, rest in Paris. Well, that could be arranged. So, while she had been in this pleasant trance, the doctor had seen her eyes take on a very distant, wistful look, and then she had excused herself, giving him her full attention once again.

This was the greatest gift she wanted to give Erik, and what better place than Paris to surprise him?

----

A grand reception was held the next day in a huge, ornate room of their Paris hotel. Gerard had made all the arrangements for the food, wine, guests, hiring of the orchestra, and setting up of a double wedding reaffirmation ceremony for both couples. It was a grand night filled with love and hope for the future.

That night at the party, Kristine and Erik were enjoying the dancing when she pulled him aside, looking for a secluded spot to tell him her secret. Then she remembered seeing a set of French doors that opened onto a small balcony. When they stepped onto the little platform, they were greeted with a breathtaking view of Paris and all its bright lights. The most spectacular jewel in the night's sky turned out to be the Eiffel Tower. It hadn't been visible from their room on the front side of the hotel.

Erik noticed she was overly affectionate, especially when she gave him a long, lingering kiss. He was taken aback by her display in public. What had gotten into his wife? She'd not acted this way in front of people for a long time. Suddenly, she started to sing, whispering Rock-a-bye, Baby in his ear. At first he wasn't sure he had heard her right, but by the second chorus he knew what she was singing. He stopped and looked at her, worried that she had overexerted herself on the trip. She started to lightly laugh at how serious his expression was. She had remembered what the doctor had told her, and she was in top physical form. She told Erik there was no need for him to worry anymore.

His brain kept grasping at the knowledge he was going to be a father! He let out a whoop that reverberated down to those on the pavement going by. They stopped and looked up, trying to find the source of the exuberant cheer. Erik and Kristine ran back into the party, laughing like bandits who had run away with the loot. It caused everyone inside the room to still and turn to see what was happening. Erik realized what they had done and started to blush a little as he embraced his wife. He faced everyone and proudly announced, "I am going to be a father in about 7 months!" The room filled with cheers and applause. Their parents ran over to congratulate them.

Meg screamed with joy and ran to hug Kristine. "I am going to be an aunt!"

Nadir shook Erik's hand and announced he was happy things had turned out well for them. Marie and Gerard joined the group and wished the couple a healthy and happy baby. James, Philippe and Patrice came over to join the revelers. The night was soft with love and happiness for everyone.

Momma just watched from her chair as the well-wishers crowded around the couple. Momma had known. She had seen the special glow that Kristine wore the first afternoon they had spent with her in her suite. She had heard of their loss, but she had never brought it up, as now was not the time. It was a time instead for celebration. Erik and Kristine had lunch with her, and she hung onto every detail they told her about their work and interests. Her silent prayers and wishes went with her special friends that day.

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As for Erik, his dream had come true, and he had found a woman who had accepted him in her life with what he hid behind his mask. She looked beyond it. She saw the humanity he had immersed in the depth of his heart. He also carried this deep passion for his work. He had so much he wanted to share with her. And he would be a father soon. He had no cares about whether it was a boy or girl. Instead, he hoped the baby would be healthy and his wife would be safe during delivery. His life would truly be complete.

What woman could ask for more? Not Kristine. She was thrilled to have her life as she had planned. She had found love and acceptance for who she was, but most of all a man to complement her in life, and she would live it fully with him. He never put his life before hers, but let hers combine with his to make theirs complete. Most of all, she would soon be a mother. She wanted to watch Erik become a wonderful father to their baby. They would forever make heaven here on earth.

Months passed as Erik refused to take any unscheduled work chances, and he flat-out said he wouldn't do any more movies until the baby was born. He didn't want any distractions like trying to learn a script, or to be so far away on location that he couldn't make it back on time for the delivery. So, what he did during this time was to write a new screenplay, and that helped him keep his promise to Kristine – to be there for the birth of their baby. It felt so right, so natural.

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