Well I asked whether the next baby should be a girl or a boy and majority vote was a boy. So we're probably going to have a small version of Erik running around. We have a little bit of father daughter bonding time first so be patient. It also has come to my attention that Erik and Christine would be too old for children. Well it is possible, because my friend's parents were rather old when they had her, so it can happen. Let's get to it then.

Note there was a time jump here from the last chapter, so as not to confuse you.

Chapter 67: Old and New Traditions

The Paris streets were rather crowded today as Erik and Lotte walked towards the cathedral. He had promised her they would go there once again; just the two of them. Erik had donned the makeup once again and walked quickly down the streets trying his best to avoid traffic. Lotte followed close behind him as she worked to avoid the people around her.

"Father could you slow down a bit? I just missed running into that man with the fruit cart," she asked grabbing his arm.

"I'm sorry love. I guess I'm just in a hurry to see the cathedral again. It's been so long."

"Yeah it has," Lotte said as they started walking again at a slower pace. "I almost began to think that it wasn't important to you anymore."

"It's still important to me Lotte. The cathedral is a place I feel welcome aside from the Opera House, but I've been so busy lately that I never got the chance to come and marvel at it."

"Plus it was the one place you could take me where no one would notice us. Oh, how I miss the old days. There are so many times I wish it was just you and me again."

Erik smiled. "I guess it's pretty hard not being the only one in my life. I miss the old days too when I had the responsibility of watching over you and making sure you were happy. The fact that you were so much like your mother I knew I had to look out for you and make sure you grew up into a well-mannered young lady. From what I can see I've done just that."

"Mother has been telling me lately how much she had wanted you there when I was born, but you told me yourself you were there. How was that?"

"I watched from the window. Since the night I sent her away the first time I kept track of the days till your birth. The day you were scheduled I sat atop the roof next door and waited outside her window from the first sign of labor. I watched as she went through each contraction; her hair sweaty and tears running down her face. I was scared for her and cried for her. Then there you were being rocked in her arms ever so gently. I was glad that you looked like your mother, because then there was no way Raoul could tell you were mine."

"I'm sure you also wanted to make sure I didn't end up with a deformity as well," Lotte said softly so no one, but he could hear her.

"That too; it would have devastated me if my child was made to suffer the same fate as I. I feel the same way about this one."

"I'm sure everything will be fine," Lotte said patting his arm as they headed through the double doors of the cathedral. Right away Erik wanted to head up to the top, but Lotte pulled back. "Wait, Father did you forget our tradition?"

Erik had completely forgotten. It had really been a long time since he had last brought Lotte here. He would allow her to light a candle and say a prayer before he took her to the top. "I'll wait at the bottom of the stairs till you say your prayer."

She hugged him before going over to the large alter covered with candles. She lifted one that was already lit and lit the candle in front of her. Usually she would pray for her and her father, but it had been so long, that she had quite a few people to give thanks to.

"Dear lord it's me Lotte again. I apologize that it's been so long since I last spoke to you, but things over the past few years made it hard coming back to the cathedral and pay my respects. Our family is growing once again. I got married to my husband Pierre and together we had our daughter Jacqueline. My mother came back to my father and soon they are expecting their second child; my little brother or sister.

Please protect mother when she goes into labor for none of us wish to lose her, Father especially. I am happy for them and their marriage. They love each other very much. Also I send praise to my friend Madeline and her fiancé, Lyle. They'll be married next spring. And for Meg Giry I ask that you take care of Mme. Giry. She was a dear friend to all of us and she died trying to protect us.

Lastly I pray that you protect my Father. Things have gotten really busy at the Opera House and with the new baby coming he has so much to do. There is nothing I want; just to see my family happy and healthy. Thank you for your guidance and praise oh lord. Amen."

Lotte stood up slowly and watched the flame dance from the little breeze she created. Tears slowly trailed down her cheeks as she thought about how blessed she was. She had her parents, her husband, her daughter, her best friend, and soon a new sibling to share the underground home with.

She made her way back to the stairs where her father was waiting for her. She looked up at him and wiped away her tears. He smiled back and offered her his hand, which she took. Together they went up the stone stairway the sound of there footsteps echoing around them.

"I guess you had quite a bit to tell the lord today," Erik finally said breaking the silence.

"Yes, I did. I told him about Mme. Giry and of Mother and the baby. Mostly that we're all worried and don't want anything to happen to them. I also told him of Madeline's and Lyle's wedding and that I'm married."

"I bet he was glad to hear from you. At least your mother was religious. I feel no more love for God," Erik said as they reached the bell tower. "I feel as if he created me for no good reason, but to entertain him as I went about the world of men. For a time during my childhood I would pray to him daily to get rid of this face, but it seemed as if he never heard me."

"Don't worry Father I made a prayer for you as well. I asked him to protect you seeing as it's gotten so busy for you lately and with the baby coming there will be so much more to do. I promise to help out in any way that I can. And I heard you gave Jacqueline first chair violin. That's a big achievement for someone of her age."

"Yes, she has a lot of talent. Seeing as our other violinist didn't return I thought it best she continue to play. We have lots of theatre talent in our family; I play the organ, you and your mother can both sing and dance, Pierre can sing, Jacqueline can play the violin, but I really hope this next child can do fine art or craft things. I know you can paint and draw anything you see my dear, but I want someone, who can work as a technician. Knows how things backstage work and put those skills to work during the performances. But we'll have to wait till they're older."

Lotte went past him and stood against the rail overlooking the town. The sun was sinking behind the Opera House giving it a warm glow. She rested her elbows upon the railing and hugged herself. Erik came and stood next to her taking in the sight from so high above the streets. It was a breathtaking sight that very few individuals got to see.

"It's so beautiful here. I could never think of living in any other place."

"Either can I. I don't what I would do in any other place. Though I know I would have never your mother and you wouldn't be here with me sharing in the glory of our home."

Lotte moved closer to him and rested her head on his shoulder. She loved him so much it hurt and she knew he loved her. Gently he rubbed her arm and she snuggled closer taking in the smell of his cologne; a smell that always said. "I'm here watching over you. I won't let anyone harm you or steal you away from me. You're safe here in my arms."

"Father I'm glad you came with me."

"So am I Lotte. I love it out here away from all the hassles of the world we have created. I wish I had more time to indulge in the simpler acts of life here with you."

"It's so wonderful to hear you say that. I almost thought that you forgot about me all together."

Erik turned to look at her and pressed his forehead to hers. "Lotte know this; for as long as we both live and even longer than that you will always be my baby girl; my Little Lotte."

He kissed her forehead and when he pulled away he saw the tears fall from her eyes. She leaned against him and wrapped her arms around his waist. He smoothed out her hair gently as tears came to his eyes. This was what being a father was all about. To be there for your child and show them you love them and protect them. Something he never got to witness from his father. He had no memory of a father and he had never dared to ask his mother about him.

Lotte shifted and he looked down at her. She looked so content and happy as she rested her head against his chest. "She may have a grown up body, but I can still hear the heart of a child beating from inside. She is and forever will be my baby girl," he thought to himself as the bells around them began to toll. Lotte jumped in his arms and he held her close.

"I so was not expecting that."

"You're still just as jumpy as before. I would bring you up here and you would jump right into my arms at the sound of the bells. I thought by now you would have gotten over that fear."

"As you've said we haven't been here in such a long time. It's normal to be afraid of the bells when you're so close to them."

The sun had finally set as if a black blanket was pulled over the buildings and tiny stars littered the sky. Lotte turned her head and looked over her shoulder up at them.

"They're all so beautiful. I wish this outing never had to end."

"Well I'm sorry love, but its going to have to for tonight. I told your mother we'd be back by now. She's due soon and the last thing we both want is to miss out on this joyous occasion."

He pulled away and headed back into the bell tower. Lotte lingered a moment looking back up at the stars just as a shooting star shot across the sky. She let out a gasp of excitement and then she did a sweet song. "Star light, star bright. First star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might. Have the wish I wish tonight." She closed her eyes and made a wish.

"Lotte come along. If I leave you out here alone your mother will have my head on a silver platter."

"I'm coming father."

She came over and descended the steps behind him. As her foot hit the stone floor the choir broke into song and the hymns were so beautiful. Yet there was no time to dawdle.

The Paris streets were less crowded as they headed to the Opera House. Erik pulled the door open and ushered her inside. Once he shut the door a scream echoed through the lobby. "Something tells me we came home just in time."

xxxxx

A wave of pain struck Christine's lower stomach causing her to cry out. Where were Erik and Lotte? She wanted them here to give her comfort and support. The pain subsided for a moment and she laid back against the pillows waiting for the next one.

Meg sat beside her patting her hand and adjusting the cold rag upon her friend's forehead. Pierre had called for the midwife, and Jacqueline sat in the manager's office working on a charcoal drawing. Christine had been moved to the manager's office bedroom, so it was easier for the doctor and midwife to get to her and so Erik could still work, but come to her when she needed him.

Erik ran into the room; having come up the stairs two at a time. Lotte hadn't been able to keep up and fell behind. She lifted her skirts and tore after him just as eager to be by her mother's side. Though completely out of breath she leaned against the doorframe behind her father and looked into the room.

"There you are," Christine said happily. "I almost thought you wouldn't be here."

"We returned right as you screamed my love. It seems to me that it's time."

Christine nodded weakly as another contraction made her wince in pain. "I'm glad you're all here to help," she managed to say as the pain subsided. "I don't know what I would do without any of you."

"Well Lyle will be here with the midwife soon. He just left about five minutes ago," Pierre said helping Lotte to stand properly and allowed her to lean against his shoulder.

"Thank you Pierre. I'm most grateful."

Erik took Meg's place in the chair and grasped Christine's hand in his. Using his thumb he stroked her skin trying to calm her. Suddenly someone tugged on his cloak and when he looked he saw Jacqueline holding up the mask to him. "You forgot something Grandpa. The baby needs to be able to recognize you," she said sweetly standing on her tiptoes hoping to put it on for him.

Erik leaned over and she properly put the mask back on his face. She smiled and placed a hand on the good side of his face where some of the makeup was getting washed away by his tears. She pulled her hand back to see a lot of base on her fingers.

"Hand me that rag Princess," Erik told her. Jacqueline grabbed a rag off the table and brought it back to him. He pulled the mask off and wiped the makeup from his face. After returning the mask to its proper place he took Jacqueline's hands and cleaned up the makeup. "There now all better right?"

"You look like Grandpa now," Jacqueline said doing her best to hug him.

Erik was surprised that she was going to be six years old soon and at no time did she ever scream when she saw his face. It was even a tradition of hers to kiss that side of his face before bedtime saying, "A kiss before bed will make it better in the morning." Erik had once believed those words, but nothing changed. Though the happiness it gave him ever evening as she kissed the deformed skin was something he never wanted to end.

Another roll of pain hit Christine's abdomen and she let out a startled cry. Grasping Erik's hand with one hand and the comforter with the other she tried to relax and go over her breathing exercises. "Erik, it hurts so much," she whimpered.

He shushed her as he pushed some sweaty strands of loose hair out of her face. "It'll be over soon darling. Just try to relax. I'll be here to help you okay?"

She nodded and as the contraction passed she lay back against the pillows her face drenched with sweat. Erik took up another rag and patted away the sweat on her forehead, so it didn't get in her eyes.

Lotte watched in discomfort. She had been out cold when Jacqueline was delivered, so she never had to endure such pain before. The cries that flew from her mother's lips and the way her body tensed up made Lotte feel sick to the stomach. She rocked on her heels a bit and Pierre grabbed hold of her. "Lotte, what's wrong?"

"The pain," she whimpered. "The pain is too much for me."

He turned her in his arms, so she was leaning against his chest. "I know love. This is new to me too. I wanted to be there for you when Jacqueline was born, but I had to have my head looked at. Just thinking about it makes that old pain return. I was so grateful to hear that you and the baby were alive when I woke up. Do you want to stay or do you want to lie down for awhile?"

Lotte looked back towards her parents. Her father was busy patting her mother's hand and they were smiling at each other. She knew they needed her. "I'll stay. They need me here to help."

"You sure there's a divan in the office if you want to lie down?"

She nodded and leaned against him.

"Where is Mme. Daae?" the midwife called out as she came into the room.

"I'm in here Amity," Christine called out.

Amity came into the room and set her bag down on the table. She was an older woman in her early fifties, yet she looked to be a very sweet lady. "How are you feeling my dear?" she asked.

"I've had at least four contractions since we called for you."

"I must ask that those, who are not needed to leave the room," Amity said looking at Jacqueline, who had remained by her grandfather's side.

"Do I have too?" she asked.

"I'm afraid so Princess, but we'll let you know when you can come back in okay?" Erik said to her.

Jacqueline nodded and went to join her parents in the office. The door was closed and Amity lifted the blanket to take a look. Another contraction hit Christine's stomach and she let out another anguished cry.

"We're not even half way there yet dear. We still have a while to wait."

Christine groaned as she fell back against the pillows. "I just want it to be over."

"That's what they all say my dear," Amity smiled.

Tears slid down Christine's cheeks as she laid back. Erik reached over and wiped them away with the back of his hand. She looked up at him and stared into his golden orbs. She saw comfort, fear, and regret within them. "Erik, are you okay?"

"I feel awful that I wasn't there for you when Lotte was born. As I watched from the window my heart broke each time you cried out. I wanted to go to you and just kiss the hurt away, but I knew it wouldn't have been a smart move on my part. I knew she was ours Christine. I knew."

"I wanted you there with me so badly my heart hurt, but as the pain came I could of sworn I heard singing inside my head and I knew you were there telling me everything was okay. I love you," she said reaching up her hand and placing it against the mask.

Another wave of pain hit her lower stomach and her tears came even harder as she sat up whimpering. Erik stood up and pushed away the chair. He came up behind her and positioned himself, so that he could put one leg on each side of her and allowed her to lay back.

Christine felt so much comfort as he wrapped his arms gently around her waist and just held her. Then just like he had when Lotte was born he began to sing. She was so deep within his spell that she almost didn't feel the next contraction. She placed her hands over his and continued to be prey to his song.

Amity checked her after an hour and announced happily that they were past the halfway point. They had to wait till the contractions were at least two minutes apart. Erik started another song for her and they waited.

xxxxx

Lotte sat with Jacqueline on the couch in the office waiting anxiously for the baby to be born. Pierre had gone down to the lair to bring up a book for Jacqueline and something for the three of them to eat.

"Mama looked at what I drew," Jacqueline said holding up her charcoal drawing.

"Jacqueline it's beautiful. But where have you seen a cocker spaniel before?"

"Grandpa told me about Sasha. She was a cocker spaniel that belonged to his mother a long time ago. He described her so perfectly to me that I was able to draw this out. I wish I could have a dog or another cat. I miss Le Noir so much."

"I miss her too. But you know we can't keep a dog in the Opera House darling. It wouldn't even be safe for one down in the lair."

"But Carlotta has her poodles," Jacqueline brought up.

"That's true, but you would need to have dog food and be willing to take it for walks every day. Plus at night you have performances and you'll be leaving the dog all alone in the lair. We can't have that can we?"

"No, but if I find a dog someday and it doesn't belong to someone may I keep it?"

"We'll see. It's something your father and grandfather will have to decide on. I can't give you a definite answer now."

Jacqueline pouted. Lotte reached up and with a tiny push she popped her daughter's lip back into her mouth, but Jacqueline popped it back out right away. Lotte tried again, but as she had before Jacqueline popped the bottom lip out again. "You can't win this game Mama."

"Oh, can I?" Lotte asked as she laid Jacqueline upon the couch and began to tickle her. Jacqueline's squeals and giggles reached those sitting in the bedroom and they couldn't help but laugh.

"I surrender!" Jacqueline cried. "I give, you win!"

Lotte sat up and pushed her hair behind her ear. "I proved you wrong little one. I still hold some power over you."

xxxxx

Amity checked Christine and was pleased to announce that it was time for the most painful part of the whole birthing experience; pushing. Some towels had been placed upon the bed to catch any stray fluids as the midwife pulled the blanket up past Christine's legs.

"Now darling when I count to three I want you to push as hard as you can. I'm sure your husband will help in any way that he can to make it easier on you. Meg can you go get a basin of warm water and a couple extra towels?"

"Of course," Meg said as she left the bedroom and announced to Lotte and Pierre that the baby would be here soon.

"Okay Christine. 1…2…3 push!"

Christine put her chin down to her chest and pushed as hard as she could with Erik helping to keep her calm and relaxed. She fell back against him panting for breath as Amity kept watch on the lower half.

"Come on dear. We need another one."

She did the count and once again Christine brought her chin down to her chest and gave another push as a contraction waved through her abdomen. She let out an anguished cry making Erik fear she was ripping in two. He leaned along her back rubbing her arms watching her knuckles turn white as she gripped the comforter tightly.

Both of them lay back as Christine let out a groan and she panted heavily. Sweat rolled down her face and mingled with her tears. Erik rested his head against hers loving her all the more than he had. But to hear her cry out was making his heart break again as it had for Lotte.

"I can see the head dear. We need at least two more pushes and you'll be done. Once you're passed the shoulders it's all down hill from here."

With another count Christine pushed again praying for it to be all over and just go to sleep here laying against her husband's chest. "Erik…" she whimpered as she panted heavily and pushed with all her might.

"I'm here love," Erik said grabbing her hand and entwining their fingers together. "I won't leave you. I'll help you."

She fell against him once again her entire body now covered in droplets of sweat. The midwife smiled as the baby easily slid into her arms. She took one of the extra towels and began to clean it off. The baby let out a wail as its mouth was cleaned out. "Christine dear you and your husband are parents again. You have a beautiful baby boy."

Erik looked over in shock. He had a son to carry on the proud name of Daae. He kissed Christine's cheek and leaned against her neck in pure happiness. "Thank you my dear for this most blessed gift and it isn't even my birthday."

Christine looked upon her son with joy and wonder as the cord was cut and one last push brought out the placenta. She leaned back in her husband's arms as Amity cleaned the baby off in the basin Meg had brought. She could easily see a tuff of black hair upon the baby's head. He was going to be just like his father.

Erik however was most pleased that once again his deformity wasn't passed onto his child. His son's face was perfect. So much joy filled Erik's body as he held Christine to him. Soon Amity wrapped the baby in a blanket and placed it in Christine's arms.

"Hello there my beautiful baby," she said happily as Erik looked over her shoulder. She stoked the baby's cheek and smiled sweetly down upon him.

"Christine he's so beautiful."

"Just like his father."

Erik kissed her cheek and leaned against her feeling so much joy and happiness. Amity cleaned up the mess before allowing Lotte, Pierre, and Jacqueline to come into the room.

Jacqueline climbed up onto the bed and looked down at the tiny bundle in her grandmother's arms. "Is that my new uncle?" she asked softly.

"Yes it is. Do you want to hold him?"

"Could I?"

"Sure you can."

Lotte came over and showed Jacqueline how she would hold the baby by placing a hand under his head and how the other hand would support his lower half. Christine placed the baby in Jacqueline's arm and looked down in wonder at him.

"He's so small. I'm almost afraid he'll break," she said.

"He won't break. All newborns are rather small, but you just watch. He'll grow up just like you and soon be able to play big kid games with you," Erik told her.

Suddenly the baby let out a loud wail making Jacqueline look up in a panic. "What did I do?"

Christine laughed as she took the baby into her arms and undid the front of her dress just a bit. "It's okay Jacqueline. He's just hungry," she said as she held the baby up to her breast.

Jacqueline watched as the baby nursed asking small questions like did it hurt or what does the milk taste like? Christine answered each question to the best of her knowledge as Jacqueline listened with great interest.

"Jacqueline so many questions. Let her rest a bit," Lotte said.

"Oh it's all right. Eventually I will want a nap, but right now I just want to reflect on the tiny life here in my arms."

"Father I could swear he looks just like you."

Erik looked down upon his son as he nursed. He could make out the high cheek bones and the hair was a distinct black color, but his eyes were closed. Suddenly the eyes opened and they could all see the golden colored eyes that Erik possessed.

"Oh mother would have loved to be here to see this. Though I'm sure she's up there smiling down upon us," Meg said as she wiped away a tear.

"I know she would be Meg. I know."

"So what's his name?" Meg asked.

"Joshua," Christine said the name rolling off her tongue. "Joshua Daae."

Man this was a long chapter, but I had so much fun writing it seeing as Erik becomes a father at last. I also had to get this done and out the way or I would never study for finals. And my mom will cream me if I don't do well. Jacqueline's picture is also a hint of what is to come. So I hope you guys like this chapter, but I shouldn't worry. I have no doubts you will.