Howdy and Happy Holidays! Here's the latest update.
I own nothing!
The newlyweds ate a leisurely, modest but delicious breakfast made by the cheerful bridegroom. Christine wiped the corners of her mouth and laid back in bed.
"I couldn't eat another bite."
Erik sheepishly took her hand. "I'm sorry it wasn't more of a proper breakfast."
She squeezed his hand. "I can't believe you were able to make something as scrumptious as those scones with what little was in the kitchen. I'm almost too excited to guess what you can make, once we have actually gone to a market." She giggled.
Erik began caressing her side with his index finger.
While she was enjoying his touch, she knew something was amiss. "Angel"?
"Hmm?" He looked up at her lovingly.
"Are you alright?"
"Funny, but I seem to think I should be the one asking you that. Everything is perfect. I have you, beside me, willingly as my wife, even."
"But?" She sat up and moved closer to him.
"I'm just thinking about how we will need to leave soon, that's all."
"Oh that." She smirked. "I thought it was going to be something much more dire." She then stroked his face. "Do you want to know something?"
"What?"
"I can't wait to leave France and start a new adventure with you. Life will never be boring and no matter where we are at, we will always have love and music and…"
"And what?" He looked at her in awe.
"Passion!" She blushed as she laughed.
He pulled her towards him and then rolled around so he could be on top.
"Indeed." He went to kiss her but stopped. "I love you, you know that?"
"I love you too. Just in case you were wondering."
Erik began nibbling on Christine's ear.
"Say now, Monsieur Dexter, where might we be going on this new adventure of ours?"
He stopped what he was doing. "I have been thinking."
"And?" She leaned up.
"How soon do you think you could learn English? Not Great Britain, but American English."
Christine's eyes widened.
"Really? America, my goodness…. Wait?! Do you speak English?"
"Yes, I do." He replied with no French accent at all. "I actually speak about seven languages."
"Yet, you are so modest." She grinned.
He shook his head as he moved to kiss her.
"Wait. Shouldn't we spend this time studying? I may not be as advanced as you are, Maestro." She asked coyly.
"Fortunately, the language of love is universal. I think just learning the word, "newlywed" is all we need to cover for a good, long while."
She giggled once more, before he kissed her passionately.
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As Erik was packing up the carriage, Christine was surprised to see their new method of transportation.
"Where did you ever get this?"
He turned his head sideways. "I have my secrets." He then winked. "Besides, I want you to be comfortable. Galloping on a horse, may not be the best course of activity, considering how we spent last night and this morning."
"Did I say I minded?"
He walked up and kissed her nose. "I just want you comfortable. We need to return to the Opera House before we make our way. I need to get us a few things necessary for travel. Namely money and documents."
"Do you have…. Don't answer that."
"I never knew if I had to make a quick getaway, so I wanted to be prepared. Your documents will be tricky, but not impossible. I can manage a forgery or two."
"But my name…."
"Christine Dexter. No matter what."
She smiled happily. "You also want to say goodbye to Madame and Meg, don't you?"
He nodded.
Once they were done packing up, Christine looked at the driver's seat.
"Erik, where do you expect me to ride?"
"Inside the carriage, of course."
"No!"
"What do you mean, no? It will be warm and…."
"Your place is beside me, not as my coach driver."
"But who will drive the carriage?"
She locked arms with him. "We both will."
He shook his head in defeat and smiled delightfully at her. "I know better than to say no to you, Madame Dexter."
"Best you remember that, Monsieur Dexter!" She kissed him with enthusiasm.
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Some time later, Erik parked the carriage across the street from his secret entrance from the allay and helped Christine out of the carriage.
"Ready, my wife?"
"Ready, my husband."
Despite the nature of their visit, Erik's heart was warm and full of happiness. They hurried to the door but still managed to hold hands. When they entered, Erik was surprised to feel Madame Giry's arms around him.
"Thank heavens you are both here! Hurry, we will just make the curtain."
"Curtain? What curtain, Madame?'
"For your debut, my dear."
A/N: One more chapter left. Mysteries will be solved!