Erik stood alone outside his residence in the early morning. Chilling, merciless winds blew yet he appeared not to notice. He watched a doe and her fawn leap across the foggy, snow covered field toward the shelter of the forest.

There was a precarious subject he must broach to Christine. Ambiguous about how to initiate the conversation, Erik was concerned it would trouble her. After considering several options, he had decided that he would not live at her chateau. Foolish or not, he refused to live in the shadow of that boy. Regardless, he would allow Christine to determine where she would like to reside and if necessary, he would purchase a new home for her. The two of them must begin anew without any ghosts. Perversely, Erik found it most ironic that he and Raoul had switched functions - he would now be Christine's husband while Raoul was now the ghost.

Intuitively, Erik twisted and saw her making her way toward him. Smiling broadly, he opened his cloak to enfold her and keep her from being chilled. Exhaling loudly, Christine leaned against him watching her breath cloud in the wintry air.

Facing him, she surprised him by asking, "What is on your mind, Erik?"

Chuckling, he teased, "Since when have you become so insightful, my girl?"

Reaching behind his neck to pull him down to her lips, she erased all thoughts from his mind with the allure of her kiss. Resolutely, Erik made to convey her back to bed but she protested and stood stubbornly while he tugged her arm. She grinned when she met the unmistakable, erotic gleam in his eyes. "Erik, do you never get tired of lying with me?"

He snorted in derision, not even dignifying her with a response. Pulling Christine again in his arms, Erik endeavored tenaciously to seduce her back into the house. Lightly tasting her throat with his warm tongue, he devoured her skin until she shivered deliciously under his persistent mouth. Tempted sorely, but refusing his attentions, she insisted he discuss his thoughts.

Sighing in disappointment, Erik relented, "My dear, I have to speak with you about a very sensitive topic. Never would I wish to torment you with melancholy recollections, but I am afraid I cannot dwell in your home after we are wed."

Perplexed, Christine replied, "Erik, I would never expect you to remain in that house with me. I believed that it was understood we would live here."

"My love, this is not nearly as grand as the home you currently occupy. I want you to be kept in the luxury to which you are accustomed. Money is not at issue."

Beguilingly, Christine retorted, "The only luxury I could never live without is your close embrace, Erik. The rest means nothing to me. In fact, I would be truly happy here, but the decision is entirely yours. After all, you must provide a home for me now."

At no time since their first night had Erik failed to quake internally from her declarations of love and trust.

Breathing deeply, he gazed pointedly down to her, "Now will you come inside?"

"Erik, truly, we must discontinue lying abed the entire day." She blushed becomingly, still unused to his thorough fascination with her.

"Why?" he rejoined directly with an extraordinary logic.

Initially startled, Christine met his fervent gaze which guaranteed her satisfaction should she capitulate. "Why, indeed......" she yanked at his arm to draw him into the house and back to their bed.

Erik observed as she left their bed and, nude, stretched invigoratingly. Her thick hair was disheveled and as she extended her arms upwards, the curls reached low beyond her hips. God, she was magnificent. He knew now he would never grow used to her appearance. He at no time wearied of admiring her with intrigue; her perfection pleased him mightily. Erik lay indolent, resting his hands behind his head as she bustled about the bedroom. Seeing her reach for her chemise, he sighed, "Christine, must you insist on wearing clothing the entire day?"

She laughed at his despondency, "Perhaps you would have me running about the house naked day and night?" At his apparent rapture at the idea, she chuckled. Erik's gaze did not waver from her but she had grown used to his constant inspection. It didn't trouble her as she knew his eyes were feasting upon that which he had imagined unattainable. Sitting beside him on the bed, she turned her back to him so he could button her dress. Feeling him rise behind her, Christine squealed with consternation as his deft hands stole inside her dress. He laughed devilishly in her ear. Her face leaned back to his as she entreated, "Really, Erik, there are several things I need to do today."

He agreed in a low tone, effectively compelling her, "Yes, there are many things to do today." Triumphantly, Erik sensed her beginning to yield when she immediately stood looking down at him in supplication.

"Erik, I must return to my house. There are a great many details that have to be seen to before next week."

Loathingly mindful that she was correct, he gave up and asked, "When do you need to go, Christine?"

She was close to hopping back into bed at his sad consent. "I will leave today but I should be able to return in less than two days."

Erik's head shot up angrily, "Two days!? Why must you be away so long?"

In order to console him, Christine went to his arms. There was much she had to see to along with a personal errand that must be done privately.

"I need to arrange for some of my belongings to be sent here. There are details to go over with servants and dealings which I alone can make. I am sorry, my love. You are more than welcome to accompany me." She stroked his arm reassuring him with her touch.

"No. You are quite right. Only I do not know how I shall survive without you." He replied full of genuine sorrow.

"Oh, my love, don't be downcast! I go to make preparations for us to never be apart again!" Christine was deeply distressed by his pain.

Erik thoughtfully looked at her and replied, "Well, I suppose that might make up for your absence."

She kissed him in silent gratitude and he signed, turning her so he could button her gown.

He had seen her only as far her gate. Christine had known he would not come with her. An indifferent, detached air descended upon him as she sat before him on his horse. Sensible of his uneasiness at their impending separation, she understood and allowed him the distance. "I will miss you terribly, Erik. I will finish my tasks quickly and return to you as hastily as possible."

Erik did not respond. Eventually, he conceded, "I will not breathe until I am with you again, Christine. Please do not delay."

At the gate, he dismounted and reached his arms up to assist her. When she was on the ground, he did not remove his hands from her waist. Knowing his extreme fear at this moment, Christine moved to kiss him farewell. His hands found her hair and he grasped her head, kissing her in passionate desperation. Abruptly, he mounted his horse and galloped away before she could whisper adieu. Bereft, Christine watched him run from her and his dread she would not return to him. Would he ever feel secure in their love?

The hours passed as Christine yearned for Erik. She had met confidentially with her favorite servants, Dominic and his wife, Catherine. The older couple had seen her through the worst weeks after Raoul's death. Managing everything for Christine in her raw grief, Catherine had hurt for her young, widowed mistress. When Christine shared her happy news, both of them were overly pleased for her. They loved Christine deeply and, not having been blessed with any children, had fancied her their adopted daughter. She asked them to be the witnesses at her marriage ceremony and also to move with her to her husband's home. They were elated to consent to her plans and Christine gratefully dictated a list of what she needed done. Dominic and Catherine had been there for her from the moment Raoul had brought her here as a young bride. She hoped Erik would not be unsettled by their presence.

Following the bulk of her domestic tasks, Christine packed clothes and personal items that she needed. Handling an small, old case very carefully, she smiled at the gift she would present to her new husband. It belonged in no other hands except Erik's.

Surveying her bedroom trying to determine if there were anything else, Christine knew she was prolonging the moment she dreaded. Going to her dresser, she retrieved the key and walked down the corridor. Hesitating with fear, trepidation and guilt, she stood staring at the door. Finally, she unlocked it and cautiously stepped inside. Lighting a candle, Christine's gazed clouded as she beheld the room that had been her late husband's. She had insisted it remain exactly as he had left it, only allowing servants in to clean. His presence was so strong that she shakily sat in the armchair beside his door.

Memories flew in and out of her mind and she tried to grab at them. This was the room in which Raoul had slept and which she had come to at his invitations. This was also the bed in which he had lain that terrible afternoon succumbing to the weakness that could no longer be denied. He had not left the bed again. Christine had nursed him frantically; willing him back to health. Alas, despite her best efforts and several doctors, Raoul had died that beautiful spring morning.

He had looked at her, rasping for breath and somehow, Christine had known. Setting down the towel she carried, she lay beside her husband watchful of his ebbing life. Tears coursed down her cheeks as she looked at the once robust, handsome man deteriorated to thin nothingness.

Raoul smiled at her lovingly through his pain. "Thank you, Christine. Thank you for caring for me through this nightmare. I know how difficult it has been for you." His grating whisper tore at her heart and a sob escaped her.

"There, there, Little Lotte. You will now have two guardian angels watching over you - your father and I."

"Oh God, no. Raoul, please don't leave me. Please..." she cried pitifully.

"You've made me the happiest man in the world, my dear wife. For the short years we had...." coughing uncontrollably, Raoul felt his spirit withdrawing. Before his eyes shut forever, he looked once more upon his beautiful Christine. "I will love you for all eternity. Don't grieve too long, Love. Be happy and be well." With that he tried to smile and died in her arms. Raoul..............................

Recalling the devastating grief, Christine wiped her face that was again wet with tears. It had broke her heart when he had died. She never thought to love again.

Standing emphatically, Christine knew what she had to do before she could marry Erik.

More to come!