Yeah for the reviews on this story, and the one-shot reviews are just as awesome, but time for the long awaited wedding.

Note that in this chapter Erik and Christine share some very important feelings for each other in the safety of the darkness. Not for the faint of heart. You have been warned. This chapter is rated R towards the end, but don't worry this chapter is the only one with this type of writing in it I promise.

Chapter 36: I Do

Today was the happiest day for all the Opera House members. After two weeks running Love Concurs All had been a big success and today was the day that Lotte and Pierre finally got married. Even though the marriage certificate said Lotte, the priest was paid to call her Jacqueline, so no one was confused.

They had used the stage for the wedding, so that everyone, especially Erik, could attend the joyous event. The priest came at noon and they were wed upon the stage. Their vows were short, but so heartfelt that as Lotte told Pierre how kind and true she would be to him all the ballet girls were oohing and ahhing. Yet, Erik listened closely to Pierre's vow to keep Lotte safe and always be there when she needed him. He knew Pierre would be true to his words, because he had made it quite clear that no man was marrying his daughter unless the man promised to be her everything. The country boy was all that and much more.

After they shared their bonding kiss Lotte threw her bouquet into the house where Erik caught it. He blushed and looked at Christine, who smiled. Erik looked at her, back at the flowers, and then took one last look at her before throwing the flowers over his shoulder and embracing her in his arms planting kisses along her neck.

She giggled and tried to push him away. "Stop it," she said trying hard not to say his name. Then so only he heard her. "We'll have plenty of time together when the kids go on their honeymoon. Just you and me."

Erik was beaming now, a mischievous grin across his face. Lotte suddenly ran over to them almost tripping on her dress and pulled the two of them apart. "Father, stop. People will spread rumors that you're having an affair with the Vicomte's wife," she hissed.

Quickly the two pushed away from each other. "We'll continue this later," Erik grinned. Christine blushed, and Lotte sighed. She began to wonder if it was safe leaving these two alone for a whole month. Pierre and she were traveling back to the vineyard to wait out the rest of the winter season and come back for the spring season at the Opera House.

"Besides," Christine started. "Raoul is stopping by for the reception. I didn't tell him anything about the wedding. I don't know how he found out. But I don't think he would be too happy to see the manager kissing his wife."

"Oh, if I could just go into the Paris records and rip up your marriage certificate it would be as if nothing happened between you two and you would be free to love again. I would finally have you again," he said with a long heavy sigh.

Christine rested a hand on his shoulder. "You've always had my heart Erik. From the first time I saw you, you always had that special place in my heart."

"I know."

Now Christine turned on Lotte, a question she had been dying to get out. "Lotte what drove you to act the way you did back at the fairground? I would never expect my daughter to become a murderer."

"Anger, Mother. I was outraged at the way they treated Father and I wanted them to feel threatened by my words. Death, I think, is one of the best threats, but really do I look like someone that would follow through with such a threat?"

"You already killed someone Lotte," Erik pointed out. "You murdered Mme. Esmeralda."

Lotte hung her head in shame, but Christine had her lift it and looked into her eyes. "Now no tears should be shed except tears of joy. This is your special day and nothing will spoil it." Suddenly the doors opened and Raoul stepped into the room. "Almost nothing," Christine corrected herself.

Pierre came over to them and took Lotte's hand. "Don't worry my love, I'll protect you," he whispered into her ear. She looked up at him her eyes looking for answers, but she got none in return. He smiled at her and planted a tender kiss on her lips.

"Ah, here is the lovely couple," Raoul said as he joined the group. "Sorry I missed the ceremony, but Congradulations."

"Thank you sir," Pierre said giving Lotte's hand a small squeeze.

Raoul turned to Erik. "You must be very proud of your son Armand. It's not everyday your child gets married to the love of their life," he said taking Christine's arm and trailing little kisses up it towards her neck. "I'm so happy I got to marry mine."

Christine threw Erik a disgusted look and Erik was now fuming you could have seen smoke billowing out of his ears. His urge to kill became rather high, but he controlled himself. This was his daughter's wedding day and if he ruined it she would never forgive him.

"Raoul please stop that, we're in public right now."

Raoul looked up at her. "If you would come home at night I wouldn't have to do this in public."

"You tell me come home and whenever I do all you want to do is talk about your business or bash Erik behind his back. I think our love is over Raoul. It's just not there anymore."

"It's not over till I say it's over. You are my wife until death do us part." He looked at her finger. "Where is the ring I gave you?"

"I took it off months ago. I don't love you anymore Raoul."

"What? Then is it that Erik character you love Christine? What's the point of loving him if he kidnapped our daughter and whisked her away to the Paris Countryside, probably keeping her as a lover no doubt? She'd be old enough by now."

Lotte had grasped Pierre's arm in fear of what this man was now saying to her Mother. Erik however had remained calm. He continued to say in his mind that it was Lotte's day and that no blood was to be shed, especially by his own hands. Yet, Raoul had no right to speak of him like that. He hadn't done anything of that nature to Lotte and he never would. After falling in love with Christine he wouldn't have thought twice about falling in love with Lotte in the same way. It wouldn't have been the same. Christine was the only woman for him.

Finally after Raoul spat on Christine's face Erik lashed out and got a strong grip on Raoul's arm. "Monsieur I don't think you realize that you're walking across thin ice with what you say and since it is my son's wedding day I would like that you hold your tongue or leave. I will not tolerate this type of talk in my theatre or towards my actors. Do you understand?"

Raoul glared at him and pulled his arm away. "She belongs to me so I may do as I wish."

"In front of me you can't. I don't believe in forcing woman to do as I like. Every woman has their own dreams and wishes to follow, so I say let them. By beating on her and yelling at her you'll only crushing those dreams she has worked so hard to achieve. Now I won't tell you again. Lower your temper towards the woman or leave."

"Fine, I'll leave, but let me give my appreciation to the groom." He went up to Pierre, took off one of his gloves, and slapped it hard across the boy's cheek before walking away. Erik wanted to chase after him, but Christine grabbed his arm.

"Just let him go," she said wiping the salvia from her face.

Lotte held Pierre's cheek close to her and looked at it. It was red and Pierre winced when she gave it a gentle kiss. She leaned her head on his shoulder and let out a gasping sob. "Why can't he just leave us alone? Why can't people just leave us alone?" she asked no one in particular.

Pierre turned and embraced her. "Don't worry we'll get away for awhile. Raoul won't be able to frighten you as long as I am near."

Meg came running up to them a look of confusion on her face. "Christine, Raoul just stomped off with a rather unhappy look on his face. What happened?"

"He was making demands again," Christine explained

"He was insulting me right in front of my face. I would never do anything he said to Lotte, except the whole whisking away part, but that's beside the point. He called me a sex fiend. He has a lot of nerve and not much time left to live if I have anything to say about it."

"Erik, stop it right now. There will be no killing at this party. Besides Raoul is gone, so we can really have some fun." Christine said going over to Lotte and after Pierre agreed took the sobbing bride into her arms. "Lotte honey it's all right. Stop those tears from falling. You'll ruin your dress."

Lotte let out a sniff and Erik handed her a hankie. She blew her nose and wiped her eyes. "Thank you all. I don't see why I let him bother me so. Probably, because I'm just so angry at how he treats you Mama." Christine smiled. It had been years since Lotte had called her that. She kissed Lotte's forehead.

"Well Pierre, Lotte we have a surprise for both of you in the lobby. The ballet girls, Mama, and I set it up while you were having you chat. Come along and have a look," Meg said.

Meg led themto the lobby door and had the two shut their eyes. She pushed the door open and had Erik and Christine lead them to the center of the room.

"All right open your eyes," Erik instructed.

Lotte opened her eyes and let out an excited gasp at the decorations around the room. A stringed quartet was playing in one corner, there was a table full of wedding presents, refreshments, and all around the railings were the most beautiful red roses. Pierre was just as surprised and planted a kiss on Lotte's cheek. Erik popped the top of the champagne and the party began.

There was dancing, laughing, eating, and best of all presents to open. Pierre picked up a long slender box that had been addressed to him from Erik. He lifted the lid and pulled out a long, slender sword. The sheath was trimmed in gold and the blade itself was made of the finest steel in Paris. "Brilliant peace of work. Thank you Father," Pierre said clasping the sword to his belt.

Lotte also had one, but the box was slightly bigger. When she opened the box she let out a happy squeal as she pulled out a cape made with the same materials as her Father's only it was as red as the roses around the room. "Oh, my god this is so beautiful," she said trying to hold back tears.

The rest of the presents were open and all the items were just as beautiful. Then Lotte stepped forward and looked out to the crowd of people. "I speak for both my husband and myself on how grateful we are that you all came and for the beautiful gifts we received. I'm sure my parents would be proud if they were here to see this glorious event. But a big thanks goes to Monsieur Armand for allowing us to have the reception and wedding here in the Opera House. Ever since the day Pierre brought me here it has felt like home and I wish to never leave for it has within its walls the family I have grown to love and cherish." She stopped a second to wipe away a tear. "I couldn't be happier for all of this."

Pierre took her into his arms as she began to cry. "My wife is right. We are most gracious and thank you again Father for allowing us to wed within the walls of our home. Here the voices of angels will ring out and bless us in the life we are to lead together."

There was a round of applause and Erik was trying really hard not to cry. He didn't want to mess up his make-up. Christine however,was crying hard enough for both of them. She blew her nose into her hankie and smiled. She leaned up next to Erik and whispered into his ear. "They make such a lovely couple don't they?"

Then it was time to cut the cake. The couple took up the knife and cut through the red and white frosting. Pierre put down the knife and took a small piece of cake in his hand and put it to Lotte's lip. She went to take a bite, but he quickly spread some of the frosting across his finger and wiped it on her nose. She let out a gasp and then began to chuckle. Pierre fed her the piece and then she took some up for him. Pierre closed his eyes and then Lotte pushed the whole piece into his face.

Pierre let out a chuckle as he licked at the frosting and pulled Lotte to him kissing her while sharing the cake in the process. Erik was laughing so hard his sides were starting to hurt. "Trust me," he whispered to Christine. "I didn't teach her to do that. She did that all on her own."

"She is your daughter," Christine whispered.

"She's yours too."

"Well if she was more my daughter she wouldn't have pushed the cake into his face. That's so un-lady like."

"He started it. He wiped frosting on her nose."

The cake was passed out and everyone was pleased with how it tasted. Christine and Erik were now standing off to the side watching the excitement. Both took up a bite of cake, and then looked at one another. They intertwined there arms into the fancy way of drinking wine and gazed into one another's eyes as they ate the cake.

"I love you Erik," Christine said softly.

"And I love you mon ange. I see emeralds shining in your eyes every time the light hits them, your skin is softer than the petals of the red rose, your hair is like a field of long grass that I get lost in every time I hold you, your neck is as graceful as the swan as you dance, and your voice makes all the angels in heaven jealous whenever you sing or speak."

"Your voice makes me feel like I have gone to heaven and back. You gave me the confidence to sing and the wings to soar." Suddenly Christine snapped back to reality and unlocked her arm and turned away. "What am I doing? I shouldn't be talking like this. I'm still married to Raoul. Guilt hangs heavy on my heart for lying to him for so long. Oh, I am such a fool for having such an affair behind his back."

Erik put down his plate and took hers from her. Then making sure no one was looking he engulfed her with his cape. "Didn't I just hear you tell Raoul that you didn't love him though?"

"Yes, but that doesn't solve anything. The night Lotte was conceived it didn't matter to me, because at that time I didn't belong to anyone, but now that I have you with me again and the subject has come up I'm to afraid to give myself to you again. The times it happened with Raoul there was no spark or love within our bed, but with you it was so wonderful. I felt safe and so loved that I didn't care about anything else. Now that I am married I'm so scared to go back on my word. Yet, I want it again. I want to have you beside me again telling me everything will be all right and that you will protect me from all the dangers of the outside world."

Erik pulled her as close to him as he could. He was so happy that she had felt so safe when they had given up their bodies to one another all those years ago. In addition it made him glad that Raoul was so bad at making love. If he couldn't make Christine feel like a real woman he truly was a fop. "I will make everything right Christine. I don't know how to right now, but all I've wanted for all these years was to make you feel loved again. It pained me to see you with him when I came to check on Lotte. I felt like I wasn't worthy enough to be in your company any more."

She placed a hand on his chest and pulled it along the fabric of his shirt. Then she brought it back up again and let her hand rest over his heart. It was beating so fast, she knew just holding her was making his emotions run high and it was probably tearing him from the inside out. "I thought that kiss would have been enough to show you what my decision was. I guess I'll have to show you again." She stood on her tip toes and pushed her lips against his. Keeping both of them balanced Erik led her into the darkness of the stairs and was surprised when she began sticking her tongue into his mouth.

"Wow, okay I get the point already. She better stop or I will really lose control and this is so not the place for this," he thought even though he played along with her.

"Ahem!" a voice said making the both of them jump. Lotte was standing there tapping her foot against the floor. "Can't the two of you wait until after we leave? You're embarrassing," she groaned. They pulled away from each other and realized what a big mistake they had made. "The party is still going on you know."

"Oh, my mistake," Erik said fixing his hair a bit.

The party finished into the night than after some cleaning up everyone felt it was time for some much needed rest. Erik led all of them down to the lair. Christine helped Lotte out of the dress while Pierre and Erik marveled over the sword. "This is really a fine piece of work. I'm sure it cost a lot of money."

"Money is never an issue for me. Not with the Opera House belonging to me. I don't have to leave notes for a salary anymore which really saves on paper. I'm glad you like it. Seeing as you were very eager to learn the way of sword fighting."

"I saw all of your swords and thought if I'm to marry I need to be able to protect my wife. I have to know how to fight or what good would I be to her?"

"Just know that violence isn't the answer unless the one you love is really getting hurt," Erik said wiping off the make up and putting his mask back on.

"I'll remember. It will be so good seeing my parents again. It's been almost a year since I saw them last. Besides they want me there so they can celebrate my 20th birthday. It's a big deal for them," he said putting the sword in his room and then came back into the music room.

Erik thought of something. "Do you think it's possible if I…could…I mean could you…"

Pierre understood right away. "Yes Erik when I return I'll make sure to have a case of wine with me."

"Thank you dear boy. Why I had the problem of saying that was beyond me." Lotte came out of her room dressed in a lace nightgown. Pierre's eyes went wide and his mouth was hanging open. Erik came up behind him and pushed it up with his finger. "I warned you before. You don't let your jaw drop in front of a pretty woman." But when Christine came out dressed in a red laced nightgown Erik couldn't control himself and let his jaw drop too.

"Hey, you just said…" Pierre started.

"I said nothing."

Pierre rolled his eyes. Lotte jumped into his arms and he twirled her around. Then he held her close and kissed her. "We're going off to bed now," Lotte said

"Night darling," Christine said to them.

"Don't stay up to late," she warned them. "We leave tomorrow morning." They disappeared into Lotte's room and closed the door behind them.

xxxxx

(If you don't like rated R stories then the chapter ends here; but if you can handle it then by all mean keep reading.)

Christine went up to Erik and gave him a look that made his heart jump into his throat as if it was trying to go to her. He gulped and she put her arms around his neck. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" she questioned him.

"I'm not sure darling. Are you thinking my place or yours?"

She looked around. "I like yours. It's so romantic and secluded down here," she said caressing his neck with her hand.

In one swoop Erik had her in his arms and carried her into the bedroom. He put her down on the bed and drew the curtains. He took off his cape and flung it aside. "Why do you torture me so Christine?" he gasped as he took her into his arms.

"I don't know. You tell me."

"I have to go through my list again. Well you are a…"

Before he could get another word out she had started kissing him using her tongue to make out the inner corners of his mouth. He didn't even bother to try and stop her. Trying to have some fun his wrapped his own tongue around hers making her shudder. She pulled at his jacket and soon flung that aside and then she started unbuttoning his dress vest and shirt. Those too were soon flung aside.

That was when she saw the bullet wound. She gasped and begged for him to explain what had happened. He told her about the day the men came and had shot him when he was trying to save Lotte's life. Lotte had tried to protect him, but they were carried off to jail. "I was already in enough pain Christine, but when you came the way you yelled at me made the bullet wound feel like a mere scratch."

"Erik, I had no idea. Why did you never tell me?"

"I didn't want you to worry. Your image of the Phantom was an indestructible man. If you had seen that I was injured you probably would have seen me as weak and unworthy of your love."

She pitied him; more than anything right now she pitied him. She wrapped her fingers around his cheek and stroked it with her thumb. "Why would you think so low of yourself? You have so many wonderful talents Erik and yet you still continue to put yourself down. You know I love you, so why do you think so low of us?"

He looked at her his eyes wide, but then he began to sob. Big tears rolled down onto her fingers. She laid his head on her chest as she ran her hands though the mess of black hair along his neck. "This is just all so new to me. Everything I knew I could learn from a book or by experimenting with it, but love was something I couldn't look up in a book or experiment with. I was used to having things done my way and I would push to have those wishes fulfilled by any means necessary. And unlike you I had no friend I could talk it out with. In all the stories it was the guy meets girl, girl likes guy, and they live happily ever after, but this is no fairytale."

Christine laid her head against his then she felt him begin to kiss her chest with light soft kisses. Her breath quickened and she felt her heart beat faster. Then the kisses began to travel up her neck and he came to rest upon her ear where he playfully began tugging at it with his lips. She could feel his hands come up her arms and pull the nightgown away from her shoulders exposing her perfect chest.

He ended up having her lay back because of all his weight and as they lay there every curve in their bodies seemed to match up perfectly. She smiled at him eagerly as he licked at her neck moving down towards her chest. She gave another shudder as he moved closer to her breast and he gave an evil smile. First to be really sweet he circled each one with kisses as Christine caressed his cheek Then he took the left one and teased it with his lips and tongue. "Oh, Erik you are so good at this," she sighed.

He reached up with a gloved hand and put a finger to her lips. "Shhh, you'll ruin the moment my love. And I know you would hate to do that." They were so close that she couldn't resist kissing him passionately and deeply. Quickly she noticed his hand had a barrier. She went for the gloves and slowly pulled them one finger at a time until they both fell to the floor exposing his hands, those hands that had so much force they could strangle a man's neck, but yet so gentle as he ran them over her breasts. A moan escaped her lips as Erik worked his charm on the right breast not wanting to leave it out of the fun.

She arched her back a bit as he did his task. He noticed her eagerness and looked down towards their lower halves. Then he turned back to look at her as if asking permission to continue further. She nodded and he had her sit up. Easing the rest of the night gown off of her he was surprised she was wearing nothing else underneath, she had been planning this. There was nothing left for him to take off her body so he marveled at it. Then he realized he still had his shoes and his pants on. Grumbling he pushed himself up and quickly undid his shoes and pulled off his socks adding them to the pile accumulating next to the bed. All that was left was his pants. The one piece of fabric keeping him from his prize.

But that wasn't what Christine went for. She crawled over to him and took off the mask. Placing it aside she took Erik's head into her hands and kissed the deformed side of his face tenderly. "Why do you hide such beauty from me? When you're with me you have no need to hide," she cooed.

"How much longer till she goes for the pants? I'm dying over here," he wondered. He then saw he had no longer to wait. Christine reached for the waist band and undid the button that kept them up. She pulled them away and saw that Erik was pretty much ready for her, but not quite. She caressed his cheek again and gave him another round of passionate kisses. His hands ran up and down her arms and around her hips were he rested them upon her backside.

Having her lay back down again on the bed, he ran his hands up and down her thighs while nibbling at her ear again. She arched her back again anxious to have all he had to give. She was beginning to grow impatient with his constant teasing and opened her legs a bit hoping to get her point across.

It had and Erik smiled at her. He took her arms and placed them up over her head and then ran his hands over all her curves while they became one. She let out one moan after another as he kissed her neck.

"How does it feel to you?" he asked whispering into her ear.

"It feels like I went to heaven. Oh, Erik don't ever leave me please. I feel you are the only one who can make me feel so warm and safe. Please tell me you won't."

"You never have to tell me twice Christine. I would be a fool to leave you stranded and cold in that horrible world up above."

Her breathing grew heavy and she noticed his had begun to quicken also. She laid her head against the pillows and took Erik's face in her hands again. He had done his deed and he looked tired. She allowed him to lay his head against her breast and he reached out with his lips to kiss them not wanting this romantic bliss to end. She curled one delicate hand around his ear and ran the other through his hair.

Eventually he pulled away and drew the blanket up over them. The smell of must was strong, but he didn't care. All that mattered was Christine. Lying on his back he pulled her close and she laid her head upon his chest. "We're a match made in heaven," she whispered as she reached her free arm across his chest to his right shoulder and there it stayed.

"I could ask for nothing more Christine. I'm almost afraid that this is all a dream and when I wake up you'll be gone. I would fight sleep to make sure you don't stray away from me."

"I won't. You can rest easy tonight my love for nothing can pull me from your grasp," she yawned and nuzzled against his chest before closing her eyes.

"Sleep well my angel." And for the second time in his life Erik felt complete. Yet, the hold Raoul had over Christine made his heart ache. He looked at his hand and saw the ring she had given to him. Their ring. He smiled and kissed her hair. Tonight she was his and no one would take her away from him.

Wow I am so surprised I came up with that, but hey it was bound to happen sooner or later, am I right? If I publish this I may have to cut this part out of the book, but who knows they might let me keep it. That would be interesting. But yeah this is the only chapter that will have anything like this in it. As a side note yeah for fluff and for calling Raoul a fop.