A/N: I am going to be gone this evening, so I am posting tonight's chapters a little early. Also, I may take to posting a few more chapters at a time. I don't want you to get tired of waiting for my posts and next week is going to be really busy for me. There are 49 chapters and an epilogue in all. The reviews have tapered off a bit, and I think I am in withdrawal. It makes me so happy to see that little window pop up at the bottom of the screen!

romancebooklover4ever - I forgot to answer your question from a ways back. Yes, I am undoubtedly female. You can probably tell by the way I repeatedly drool over Erik. Although I am sure there are men who drool over him too. Who wouldn't?

PS – phantomann: I never said that there would be strife in their marriage. (winks mysteriously) Besides, look at all the romantic fluff I've been throwing your way lately. Look at the title of the next chapter for Pete's sake. And still you doubt me?

Ch. 36 – Happy, Golden Days

One week later, it was time to go back to the sweeping mansion that would be their new home. With a trace of regret in leaving behind the magic they had shared over those few days, they packed and walked hand in hand out to the carriage.

Once they had returned to the grand house, Erik resumed his work, albeit at a much less frantic pace, much to the relief of his coworkers who had never quite been able to match his single-minded dedication and endurance. Christine thoroughly enjoyed being the mistress of Erik's home, and devoted herself to working in the garden, rearranging the furniture, and helping to select menus that she knew her husband would enjoy. Every evening, they would join each other in the conservatory after dinner. Sometimes Erik would play for her, and other nights they would sing together, each delighting in the other's voice.

On days when Christine could convince Erik not to work, they would visit nearby museums, attend the ballet, or simply sit reading together in the gardens or the library.

After six months of bliss unlike either of them had ever known, Christine began to suspect she harbored a tiny secret. After another week she knew it. While Erik was away at the office one afternoon, she arranged for a doctor to come to the house where he confirmed what she had already known in her heart.

She dressed carefully for supper that night, her cheeks flushed with the excitement of her secret. She awaited Erik's return with girlish impatience, watching out the window for his carriage. When she saw his tall form emerge at last and step gracefully up the front steps, she stood waiting for him at the top of the stairs. Pleasantly surprised to see her waiting for him at the door, Erik smiled and kissed her tenderly, happy to be home. But as he looked at her, the sparkle in her eyes told him she had something to share with him, and he waited patiently for her to divulge it.

"You look ravishing, my dear as always. To what do I owe the honor of this magnificent welcome?" He looked at her with an amused smile. She brought his mouth down to meet hers once more, then, holding his face in her hand, she replied softly, "You owe this magnificent welcome to the fact that at this very moment, I am carrying within me our very first child."

She had known this news would come as a shock to him, but she hadn't been prepared for his reaction. He looked as if he might faint. Laughing gently, she steered him to the bench that sat along the wall of the foyer. "You're sure?" he managed to ask. She nodded serenely, "The doctor was here this afternoon."

"And everything is fine? You are fine? And the child is fine?" he asked carefully.

She laid her hand on his cheek to reassure him. "The doctor said everything is progressing exactly as it should be."

"When?" he asked slowly.

"About seven months from now," she told him softly.

With joy and love in his eyes, he stood and pulled her to him. Soberly, he told her in wonder, "Whenever I think that I could never be any happier, you always prove me wrong. I can never repay you for all the good that you have brought to my life, Christine." He buried his face in her shoulder, holding her tightly.

Christine lifted his head to look in her eyes, "I did not give you this gift, my love, we made it together. You have given this gift as much to me as I have to you. Do not talk of repaying me, my darling. Surely you know by now that you are more than enough. You are my gift, and I could never ask for more." He nodded slowly at her and straightening, he offered his wife his arm to accompany him inside for dinner.