A/N: Sorry for delay again. It just seems to be taking longer to write the chapters. Read on!

As it happened, Christine had just pulled in across the street. Erik was frantic when he found her cell phone still in his kitchen. He didn't know Giry's number. Fear ran cold through him. No, he shouldn't have left her go with just Giry. Grabbing his jacket, he tore down his hallway. He bounced down the stairs, two at a time, and ran out into the brisk air.

Relief flooded him when he saw her pulling packages out from her backseat. He met her at her car pulling her directly into his arms. Dropping a few of her bags, she hugged him back. His face was a bit flushed and he was clinging to her.

"Hey! What's the matter?" Christine asked Erik as he picked her bags up from the street. He took her hand as the crossed the street.

"Nothing. I was merely worried. You forgot to take your phone."

"I know. I noticed after the first fifteen stores." She wrinkled her nose. He chuckled and followed her up the steps. Lucy greeted them, pushing her head under Christine's hand. Erik set the bags down near the door and took her jacket. Christine finally noticed the table set, and glanced back at Erik questioningly.

He cleared his throat. "I've some news." A smile flitted at the corners of his lips as he pulled her chair out. "Champagne?" He filled her glass without waiting for an answer, and then his own.

Her eyes widened. "What news?"

"Don Juan…"

"You mean…you settled on it?" Her mouth was slightly agape. He nodded and flashed her a grin. She nearly toppled the table in her attempt to embrace him. The breath was knocked out of him when she landed on his lap; obviously she was trying to crush him with her hug. "Congratulations." She whispered into his ear.

Giving in, he gave her the kiss he'd been dying to give her since he saw her. Once she'd been properly kissed, he replaced her in her seat.

"There's more." He added when they started eating.

Her eyes met his. "More?"

"Well, I hope this would be something you'd want. I know it's something I want." He let out a shaky breath and took her hand. Her eyes clouded with a strange emotion, and she squeezed his hand. His lips caressed her knuckles for a moment, and then he spoke. "I've informed them that I have the perfect Aminta already, that is, if you'll agree to it." Erik smiled at her, and her eyelashes fluttered a few times. Her brow furrowed as her eyes went down to her hand.

Christine gave a small, soft, disappointed sigh, and then beamed at him. "Of course. I'd love to." Long slender fingers intertwined with hers. Each finger got a kiss. He gazed lovingly at her.

"Thank you." She leaned across the table, and slid her hand over his cheek. His hand covered hers. He filled her palm with kisses.

After their meal he presented her with the flowers. Its usual black silk ribbon held the bunch together. Christine looked up from the roses to thank him, but he'd lost a bit of his color, and he was swallowing hard. He seemed short on breath. Her fingers trailed over the smooth silk. His eyes seemed to watch her fingers and he leaned closer. As her fingers encountered something that was not at all silk, Erik's eyes widened.

There nestled in the knot of the bow was a 'sparkling diamond' ring. Christine blinked rapidly a few times while Erik took the bunch, and unknotted the silk.

The ring almost seemed dwarfed when held between his thumb and forefinger. Tossing the flowers on a nearby table, Erik brushed her hair behind her ear. All words that had previously drifted into his mind, evaporated.

"Christine," he purred. "I know we've only known each other a short time, but…I knew the moment I saw you…I...you make me whole." He shook his head to clear, so perhaps he wouldn't make a complete ass of himself. He slid down on his knee. "I can't imagine not waking up next to you for the rest of my days. I need you. I love you. You are my life. My angel." He took her hand, and slid the ring on. "Say you'll share your life with me."

Her face registered surprise.

Terrified, Erik knelt on the floor, waiting. Her small hand was still encased in his large one. She looked uncertain for a moment. His heart felt like it was being crushed. His head bowed.

A moment later her fingers lifted his chin. Tears flooded her eyes as she nodded. She pulled him up for a kiss. The mask was gently pried from his face as her lips covered his marred side.

"Say it again." She cradled his face in her hands.

"Marry me Christine?"

Her forehead touched his. "Yes. Oh yes Erik." She kissed him then and he pulled her into his arms. Gently he lifted her from the couch. Her lips never left his as her fingers worked quickly on unbuttoning his shirt. Laying her delicately on his bed, he moved over her. Their kiss was broken when he buried his face against her neck.

"You love me for me, despite my face." He'd stated it, but still sought reassurance. Her hand lay against his heart; she could feel it beating wildly.

"No Erik. I love everything about you. I love your heart; your mind," her fingers brushed his temple, "Your soul. I love you not despite your face but because of it too. I love every inch of you, face included. You're the most beautiful man I've ever met. All of you." She planted soft kisses on his ruined side as if to prove her point. He couldn't feel them, but still he felt the tears well up in his eyes.

Emotion clogged his throat. He had undressed them both before he could speak again.

"Thank you for making me the happiest man alive." His voice was still thick with emotion.

"No, thank you. I love you Erik." His hand caressed her cheek.

"Oh Christine. I love you more than life itself. I would die for you, gladly, kill for you…anything you asked of me, I would do."

"Erik?"

"My dear?" He purred against her ear.

"Love me." She tugged him closer. A smile crossed his face.

"As you wish." Fingers and lips explored every inch of her. No patch of skin was left untouched. When he kissed her chin she was shaking with needing him.

"Erik, please." Her shaky voice pleaded. Kissing her sweetly, he gently slid inside her. At him filling her, she still gasped, but into his mouth. He did love her, slowly, gently, and so sweetly that it brought tears to her eyes. As if he could sense her approaching climax, he quickened his pace, eliciting a moan from her lips. Her reaction was instantaneous. He buried himself inside her contracting body, and could feel the exact moment their souls merged, joined. Her legs tightened around him as he filled her even more, spilling himself deep inside her.

Both breathing heavily, he rolled to the side, taking her with him. She was crushed against him in a tight embrace. Erik knew he could die happy right now. He was loved! What a wonderful feeling it was. He would never be alone again. Without her, he simply couldn't live.