Well, the first kiss is over and the beginning of Erik's sexual revolution is in place and what could possibly be left? This story is drawing to a close in the next few chapters, I hope that all who have read it have enjoyed it.

I wish to thank Forgotten Sorceress for her critique, it was most helpful; not being an English major or even an English liker makes me most appreciative of your suggestions. I hope that this chapter will reflect your tips.

Welcome also to Dodger1, it is great to have you on the reading circle and thank you for your uplifting words.

And welcome back MastersofNight, I have missed you. Thank you for the suggestions.

To all who are my regulars, YOU HOLD A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART.

"It belongs to the one who is strong enough to take it." Gerry Butler as Atilla, in "Attila".

CHAPTER 37

After Erik showered the next morning, he headed downstairs to the conservatory to finish the song he had written. He was in an exceptionally good mood, but he would not get the chance to see A'awynn this morning; she and his sisters, along with Brianna had all left early to hand out personal wedding invitations in town and all over northern Scotland. They also needed to speak with the vicar and make final preparations with him concerning the ceremony.

It did not take him long to finish the score and he went in search of Michél. Erik found him sitting on the veranda reading the paper and took the seat next to him

Erik spoke without looking at him,"Michél, I need to make a trip into Glasgow to pick up a friend and speak with the conductor of the orchestra that will be performing at the wedding. I have a piece of music to give them and I would like teach it to the orchestra if he will allow me."

Erik looked over at Michél and saw the glint of amusement in his eyes and the secretive grin on his face."What is that mischievous grin all about?"

Erik laughed through his smile; lightly knocking Michél in the shoulder. Michél would not budge and the grin remained in tact.

"I happened to pass by the conservatory last night; oh excuse me, this morning; and I saw two people, a man and a woman, locked in a very passionate kiss. Well, it was more like several passionate kisses, and the man had his shirt off!" Michél jested while winking at Erik; letting him know that his secret was safe with him.

Erik could have sworn he turned ten shades of pink. He had no idea that anyone had been watching.

"It is about time Erik. You have been deprived of a woman in your life for too long…looks like you caught on to the 'kissing thing' pretty quick!" Michél's grin was replaced by a more serious curve of this mouth, "What did she do that convinced you to take a chance?"

Erik gently shook his head, "There was no 'convincing'…she was just…" Erik hung his head and was silent for a minute. "She demonstrated love to me, Michél. She did not fill my head with flowery words and boring clichés; she simply showed me."Erik smiled, showing his beautifully straight, pearly white teeth.

"She pursued me…with sweet, heady seduction…"Erik looked aghast at that realization, even though he had accepted it. "…I had no choice but to surrender to her."

A brief shadow of panic passed over Erik's eyes. "Now, she has a power over me that I am helpless to fight…she literally holds my heart in the palm of her hand." Erik raised moist eyes to Michél, "I am in love with her…a pure, unselfish love that only seeks to make her happy and be to her the best man that I can be." Erik gently smiled with unadulterated joy, "and I now know that I can be that man…for the first time in my life Michél, I am happy to be me!"

Michél stood up and pulled Erik into his arms. Both men were crying from the sheer joy of answered prayer and the beauty of love. Michél looked toward heaven and voiced a silent prayer, (thank You Lord…You have worked a miracle before my eyes and have made this wonderful man see his worth through the beautiful woman You created for him…thank you).

Erik had almost forgotten why he came out to Michél in the first place. "As I was saying, I need to go into Glasgow. Would you like to come with me?"Michél folded the paper and placed it under his arm, finished his cup of coffee and followed Erik.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

They talked about every possible subject on the way in to Glasgow, including the upcoming visit from Miss Daae.

"There is nothing I can give Christine anymore. Her letter spoke of friendship between us and the shelter that I can provide for her; I have no romantic interest in her anymore." Erik was addressing a concern that Michél had voiced about Christine's arrival and subsequent stay.

Erik tried not to sound offensive, but he knew his heart…it had been the only part of him that kept him alive for all those years. It beat for A'awynn now, in a way that it had never beat for Christine.

"I have taken the liberty of securing her interests and my intentions will be known in a few short hours. As always, I still care about her and the path her life will take; in a sense, I feel as though I am her self-appointed guardian…"Erik regarded Michél with a stern look, "I have only her best interests at heart." Michél seemed completely satisfied with Erik's statements and the rest of the ride was one of humorous bantering and male bonding.

This was going to be an all day affair, as Erik would spend the greater part of the afternoon coaching the orchestra on his love song to A'awynn; he needed it to be perfect.

OOOOOOOOOO

The women arrived back at Berwithshire by 5:00 p.m. and A'awynn was disappointed that Erik was not around, but she knew that he had preparations he had to make also, so she put her disappointment aside and prepared herself for Christine's arrival in less than two hours.

What would this woman-child be like? She had to have some redeeming quality to have captured his heart. Erik was no shallow man, easily swayed by a pretty face and voluptuous body. He needed intellectual stimulation as well as physical.

A'awynn assured herself that she was not jealous of this young woman; after all, A'awynn was the one to whom he had surrendered. He had promised her he harbored no romantic interest in Christine any longer…and A'awynn believed him. But jealousy went both ways, and A'awynn was not entirely certain that she would trust Christine; what woman could give Erik up without a fight?

The castle was in an uproar as the hour of Christine's and Margarite's arrival approached with rapid speed. Erik was still not back and A'awynn was getting worried. Had something happened? Where had he gone? The head butler had simply said that he and Michél had headed into Glasgow to take care of some business and that they would return later today. Well, it was later today and he was not back.

Her anxious thoughts were interrupted by the announcement that Christine and Margarite had arrived. Brianna, A'awynn, Kaitlyn, the other sisters and all the husbands and children arranged themselves conspicuously throughout the castles main hall, as the two women made their way up the inlay rock sidewalk toward the door.

The pageboys that had meant the ladies in town, retrieved the luggage and the doorman opened the large, ornate doors as the two entered the main hall with astonished, appreciative looks on their faces. The castle was the most magnificent structure either of them had ever seen.

A'awynn held her breath as Christine's petite figure came in to view. She had the advantage at this point, for Christine had no idea who she was. The former object of Erik's interest; was a beautiful, petite brunette with long, flowing waves that reached the middle part of her back. Her face was angelic, with no freckles to speak of and long, thick eye lashes. Her smile still held that innocent, child-like quality that A'awynn had lost years ago.

Her figure, though less endowed than A'awynn, was slender and perfectly proportioned. She was perhaps 5'4", much shorter than A'awynn's 5'8" frame. All in all, she could not have been more different than A'awynn. Oddly enough, that gave A'awynn a sense of peace. At least Erik had not fallen in to that awful habit of picking women who reminded him of his lost love.

The other woman, though older…was still a very beautiful woman with a slick, lithe dancers body. Brianna approached both women and introduced herself and the others. Lastly, she introduced A'awynn. "…and it is with great pleasure that I introduce Erik's fiancée, Lady A'awynn Raelin Shaunessy Yancey, and her four-year-old daughter, Lady Lacey Patrice Yancey."

OOOOOOOOOO

It had not been until the train ride from Paris to London that Margarite had informed Christine that Erik was getting married. Erik had sent the telegram inviting Margarite and also told her that Christine was coming. Margarite had assumed that Erik had informed Christine of his plans.

The news had come out in a conversation they were having while on the train. Christine could not have been more devastated. Why did this hurt so much? While one part of her was wishing Erik the best of lives and saying he would find love, the other part was willing him to never surrender his heart to another…to pine away for her and remain true to her in every way.

When she and Raoul had parted way, Christine could think of no man she would rather turn to or be with than Erik. Now, she realized how selfish her thoughts had been…any woman would be ecstatic to have Erik, in every sense of the word. She had experienced a singular, definitive rush of jealousy at the thought of Erik with another woman.

Now, here she was, standing before the exquisite woman that was to be Erik's wife. A less than appropriate part of Christine had hoped she was a cow of a woman, but that was immediately dismissed; as the woman staring back at Christine was absolutely breathtaking. Auburn hair with endless curls, a tall, amply proportioned figure, and a face that would make Helen of Troy stop and take notice; this is what Christine saw as Brianna lovingly introduced Lady A'awynn.

"Lady A'awynn, it is indeed an honor to meet the woman that has won Erik's heart…" The statement was said as Christine curtsied low and elegantly, trying to still her burgeoning nerves; she lifted her eyes to A'awynn and kept them steady, "…and his soul."

Christine graced A'awynn with a genuine smile. As she meant her eyes, Christine could see the warning stationed within their blue depths. She also saw a worldly, classy woman with knowledge and wit to match Erik's; someone who could give him everything she could not.

Christine, not wanting to appear rude, held A'awynn's eyes and spoke softly, "May I have a few moments of her time…in private." A'awynn heard the trepidation in Christine's voice and eased up on the stern stare that she had fixed on her.

A'awynn nodded her head, "Of course, finish your introductions and we will speak in the garden room." There was a visible sign of relief that cloaked Christine's dainty features, and she turned toward Lacey.

"Lady Lacey, you are equally as stunning as your mother." Christine curtsied low again and smiled her most beautiful smile, allowing Lacey to curtsy back.

Lacey approached her and placed her hand on Christine's lowered shoulder. "Mommy tells me that you know Erik…." Lacey's smile was divine, "…he is going to be my daddy and I love him very, very much!"Lacey leaned in and cupped her hands around Christine's ear"I have even seen them kissing when mommy thought I wasn't looking!" Lacey had an impish grin when she pulled away and her little hand lifted and covered mouth.

Christine gulped down a lump in her throat, Erik had kissed this woman; something he had never done to her. Yes, she had touched his lips with hers, twice. She being the instigator, but he had not reacted to her kiss. In his eyes, she had kissed him out of desperation and pity; using the kisses as a weapon to free Raoul. The few moments of contact had been heavenly in Christine's mind. Erik's beautiful mouth was soft and warm and his novice kiss had touched her heart.

What kind of kisses did he bestow on A'awynn? Were they chaste and innocent, or did his passionate nature and sensual aptitude come out when he kissed her? Christine was sure she would get the chance to find out before her stay here came to an end; and the knowledge of this made her uneasy.

Margarite had never been more happy in her life. Erik was going to marry this stunning woman and Margarite could see the love that shone in her eyes, as well a low-lying, disguised glint of jealousy. It was easy to see that A'awynn loved Erik with everything she had. He had managed to meet a woman and have her fall in love with him in just short of a month's time from leaving Paris; it was wonderful!

Margarite had taken an immediate liking to Brianna, and the two women shared a motherly interest in Erik's welfare. The party made its way through the halls with Brianna and Margarite talking.

A'awynn and Christine headed for the garden room; A'awynn's favorite public room, besides the Conservatory. Ivy and various types of plants and flowers were growing freely in this wonderful room. A fountain was flowing liberally in the middle and the air was slightly humid, allowing the flowers to grow. It was a topical island paradise in the middle of Scotland.

The roof was designed to let the rays of the sun in but not the elements. Butterflies, moths and ladybugs fluttered about just adding to the picturesque beauty surrounding them. The sun was setting and the beautiful canvas of the sky; with the purples, pinks and oranges of the sunset, graced the room in a romantic hue.

A'awynn indicated for Christine to take a seat at a small table by the fountain. The butler served tea and butter cookies and left them.

There was silence between them for what seemed like an eternity, before Christine spoke, "I love him you know…I always will." Christine did not say it with animosity or as a challenge; she just said it with purpose. A'awynn did not speak; she could see that this woman/child had much to say. "I never meant to hurt him." Christine lifted worried eyes to A'awynn, "I did not know how much I loved him until he was no longer in my life…then I knew." Tired tears inched down the girls face and A'awynn could hear the earnestness of her voice.

"I know that you know all about Erik's and my history…please understand that I was and am very young." Christine played with her cup of tea, twirling the cup around on the saucer. "I am still coming to terms with my love for Erik and my love for Raoul…I could have easily married either one." At this, A'awynn's back stiffened and her eyes narrowed slightly.

"Christine, Erik is committed to me now, just as you were to Raoul." She stared Christine down, daring her to challenge the intensity and reality of her words. "We have confessed our love for one another…this will not be a marriage of convenience." A'awynn spoke with determined shortness. "I want children with Erik…I am going to spend the rest of my life making that beautiful man see just how desirable and worthy he is."

Christine jerked her head up at the sternness in A'awynn's voice. "I see the questions in your eyes Christine, and the answer is yes…I have seen his entire face at point blank range." A'awynn's voice was stern with conviction. "He is more handsome with just one side of his face than any other man I have ever known…" her eyes danced with the love she felt for him, "…he loves my daughter as though she were his own flesh and blood…he is gentle and strong; formidable and humble." A'awynn stared into Christine's doe eyes, "He is incredibly intelligent and uncannily witty; what more could any woman want?"

Christine broke into a huge smile, "A'awynn, I do believe Erik has meant his match in you…and as much as I wanted to hate you…I find that I cannot."

A'awynn grinned back. "I feel the same about you."

The two young ladies stood and embraced each other and after pulling away, Christine had one last question she wanted to know the answer to, "Is Erik a good kisser? I must know."

A'awynn leaned in and winked at her, "I'll put it this way, I melt from the intensity and my body tingles all over…it is unbelievable how good he is!"

Christine shook her head at this knowledge and knowingly smiled, "I knew it."

Having said all that needed to be said, the ladies headed for the front hall to await the return of Erik and Michél.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

It was drawing close to 8:00 p.m., and Erik and Michél finally arrived with their guest in tow. They all made their way through the halls and had just about made it to where everyone was when A'awynn and Christine rounded the corner.

For what seemed like an eternity, they all just stood their ground. It did not take long, and Michél removed himself, saying he was going to go find Kaitlyn. Erik strode forward and put his arms around A'awynn, kissing her on the cheek.

Christine looked at Erik and noticed the joy that was imprinted on his face. This was where he belonged. She walked up and embraced him, breathing in his masculine scent. "Thank you Erik", she whispered as an arm wrapped around her shoulders and Raoul placed a kiss on her cheek.

"Raoul, I would like to introduce you to my bride elect, Lady A'awynn Raelin Shaunessy Yancey." Erik said with a grin, as he drew A'awynn into his embrace and introduced her to Raoul. "My Love, I would like to introduce you to Raoul de Chagny, a recently attained friend of mine and Christine's former fiancée."

Raoul bowed low over A'awynn's hand, "A pleasure, my lady."

A'awynn accepted his gracious bow, but immediately moved closer to Erik. "It is nice to meet you." She looked up into Erik's green depths. Lifting her hand to caress his smooth cheek, she pleaded, "I have missed you; can we have some 'us' time?"

She reached up and placed a kiss on his lips, and Erik forcefully pulled her toward him. He inhaled the soft scent that always accompanied her. His left arm was circled around her back and he gently curved her back over it and cupped her chin with his right hand, caressing its creamy texture. The two people who watched knew, beyond any doubt, that Erik and A'awynn were in love.

Erik claimed her lips in a sensual dance. At the moment, he let the world know that A'awynn was the woman he loved, with every breath he took and every beat of his heart.

Her tongue begged entrance, and Erik obliged; opening his mouth to accept her in a long, slow, wet kiss that made each of them breathe faster in anticipation of things to come. His tongue dominated hers in a mating ritual as his hand tangled itself in her luxurious hair. She made his heart beat faster and stop beating, both at the same time.

Christine and Raoul watched the exchange with equal fascination, but each with different thoughts. Raoul was finally at ease about Erik's true heart. On the way here, Erik had assured him that A'awynn was the woman for him and that they were deeply in love, but Raoul still feared that Erik would exercise his potent attractiveness and win Christine's love all over again. Now, he realized that his fears had been in vain.

Christine felt a little part of her die when she witnessed the passionate exchange between these two, very much in love, people. From the looks of things, Erik mastered the art of kissing and knew how to play A'awynn's mouth with his tongue and lips. Christine had never been privy to that kind of passion before.

Seeing Erik in a passionate embrace brought it all home for her; he was committed to this woman and his life was with her; and they looked absolutely beautiful together. Erik, with his tall, lithe figure and A'awynn with hers; both extremely attractive and well-built – both passionate and uninhibited; their lives together would never be dull or void of passion and fire.

After the initial shock of seeing Erik in another woman's arms wore off, Christine focused on the fact that Raoul had come. They made eye contact and each smiled, knowing that Erik had done this on purpose.

Raoul came to her and pulled her to him, placing a chaste kiss upon her cheek. "I left Paris for good Christine; I have been disowned; lost my title and lands." He took both of her hands in his, "But none of that matters…because you are the only thing that sustains me and lifts me up out of the muck that life has thrown me." He kissed her more boldly this time, "I will not lose you. You are far more important to me than any title or lands."

Christine shed happy tears as she realized that he had wanted to do what he did. He had given up everything for her…once again, a man had lost himself for her sake.

"We will make a new start here, in Scotland." Raoul turned to Erik, who reluctantly released A'awynn to take Raoul's outstretched hand, "Erik took the money that he had given us to build the opera house and gave it to us to start a new life…with it I can buy a title if you wish, or we can live as common people with means."

Christine looked between the two men that mean the most in her life. She went to Erik and pulled him in for a cleansing hug. "You have become the dearest, most thoughtful, truly beautiful man I have ever had the privilege of knowing."

She caressed his unblemished cheek, marveling at how handsome he was. "Be my best friend Erik and keep my head out of the clouds for I love you dearly…you gave me wings with which I flew. Thank you for being who you are and for noticing me, training me, and eventually caring for me enough to let me make my own choices; even if they were painful." Her smile was exhilarating and contagious.

Turning to Raoul, she reached up and kissed his smiling mouth, pleasantly shocking him with the sweep of her tongue. "Having a title is of no importance to me, and money is merely an annoying necessity; as long as I am here among the two men I love most in the world, I care not for anything else."

The four of them laughed as if they were old friends and walked toward the gardens, enjoying the moonlit night.

Margarite had been listening and watching from the corner of the hall, out of sight. She watched as two of three people she loved most in this world, made peace with each other and ultimately, with the world. She followed them into the garden and slowly eased up on them.

Christine saw her coming and ran and embraced her. "Erik sent for Raoul and all has been resolved, the wedding is back on!"

Margarite shined with joy for the young couple that had overcome family hardships to get where they were. She also knew that a part of Christine would always belong to Erik, no matter how hard she tried to disguise it.

As if reading her mind, Christine commented while casting Erik a fleeing look, "I have both of the men I love most in the world back in my life. I will not ever take that for granted again." Christine gave her one last hug and returned to Raoul's waiting arms.

Margarite turned her attention to Erik. Her loving heart both ached and rejoiced for him. She ached because he no longer needed her. What role did she play? He had his real mother, who loved him beyond measure; he had A'awynn and Lacey, a family whose very lives were with his; he had his sisters and brothers-in-law that filled that void he had always had for siblings…and now, he had Christine. Where did Margarite fit in?

She rejoiced for him because, finally, he had found the love that would sustain him through the remainder of his life. A love that shone in every chance eye contact he made with A'awynn; a love that was tangible and real, not conjured up by a hypnotic voice or melody. Margarite had not seen that in the looks he had given Christine all those weeks ago, nor had she seen it many times at all.

As she drew closer to A'awynn and Erik, she watched his strong arm go around her waist and pull her toward him. Christine and Raoul had gone off in a different direction, and Erik only had eyes for A'awynn; even when Christine was close.

Margarite watched as Erik caressed A'awynn's left cheek and ran his thumb over the surface of her full bottom lip, A'awynn's mouth opening slightly at the exquisite contact and her eyes drifting closed in pleasure.

He lowered his mouth to the curve of her cheek and placed soft, quiet kisses on its satiny surface. He worked his way to the corner of her mouth, pulling her bottom lip into his mouth and gently sucking it; making A'awynn groan with pleasure.

His excruciatingly, talented mouth finally claimed A'awynn's in a kiss that promised years of happiness and love, as Erik would give all he possessed to keep A'awynn by his side. The kiss was slow and beautiful as their tongues melded together in sweet harmony; a mating of each essence, a joining of souls.

Margarite tried to pull her eyes away, but found that she could not. The passion that she had known existed in Erik was shining forth in the way he kissed A'awynn. Margarite had once longed for those kisses herself, knowing that Erik would awaken a flame in her that would not easily be quenched; but those times were not to be and Margarite had buried her longings deep within her, not to be remembered; until this very moment.

She cleared her throat and waited until Erik languidly ended the kiss, leaving both A'awynn and Margarite breathless. He turned his passionate eyes to Margarite, continuing to hold A'awynn's heated body to his. "Margarite, it is good to see you."

His voice was deep and seductive, as the affects of the kiss were still working their way through his body; he dared not turn and face her straight on…how embarrassing.

Margarite came to him and put her arms around him, hugging him to her. Erik wrapped his free arm around her, hugging her to him. "Erik, you have no idea how happy I am for you." Margarite lifted her eyes to him and smiled a genuinely happy smile.

She focused her eyes on A'awynn, "You are, quite possibly, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen; and the two of you together…magnificent. For years, I tried to convince him of his attractiveness of face, body and character; the mask did not even matter."

Margarite placed her hand on A'awynn's arm"You have achieved a true miracle by making him realize that he is worthy of your love, and the love of others…thank you, my dear."

Erik wrinkled his brow at Margarite's statement, "I am willing to admit that I may be passable in the looks department…at least on the left side." His playful eyes danced in moonlight. "But ladies please, one body is much like the next." Erik stated matter-of-factly.

Margarite began to protest, but A'awynn beat her to it, "Erik, do you think all women look the same when it comes to figures?"

Erik cocked his head at A'awynn, knowing she was goading him, "That's different…" his statement made her giggle.

"It is not different Erik." A'awynn ravished his body with her eyes and said with an affirmative chuckle, "If all men's bodies looked like yours, clothes would be outlawed!" Erik just grinned at her.

A'awynn looked to Margarite and found her nodding her head in agreement. Margarite's eyes shimmied up Erik's body lazily, making him squirm a little under their intensity. "Erik, from the time you were sixteen years old, I have desired you…"

Erik scowled curiously at her, with unasked questions in his eyes. "You were, and still are, the most provocative man I have ever known. You personify power, intrigue, sexuality, intelligence, masculinity, and just a touch of danger…"

She looked shyly at him, a look Erik had seen many times, but had been too naive to recognize, "I'm sorry Margarite…I never knew." Erik took her hand and brought it to his lips, caressing it softly. "I always thought of you as a sister…I would not have dreamed of reading more into it than that."

"It just was not meant to be Erik, A'awynn was born to be your wife…and besides, I am seven years your senior." Margarite stood there looking at the man who had, on many occasions, graced her dreams; first, when she was younger and again after her husband died. He still made her heart race and she always felt a little light headed in his commanding presence. Erik bowed and once again pulled A'awynn to him, letting her know that he could not get enough of her.

The two women embraced, and the three of them headed for the castle; talking about old times and faded dreams. Margarite excused herself and headed for her room. Erik walked A'awynn to her suite, and followed her in. A'awynn went to her bedchamber to slip into a more comfortable set of clothing.

For Erik, the first order of business was to look in on Lacey. He walked into her room and sat down on the edge of her bed, just watching her for a few minutes as the even breathing comforted Erik's heart.

He tentatively reached out and brushed his finger, knuckle side up, against her cheek; relishing in its unblemished sweetness. He pushed a blond curl off her cheek and felt tears come to his eyes. When had he managed to fall in love with this little girl? She had touched his withering heart in a way that no other ever had.

A'awynn had come to the door quietly and watched as Erik gently, tenderly caressed her daughter. With a swell in her heart, she realized that Lacey was now his daughter too; for she could see in the gentle caress of his hand that he loved her as a father should. A'awynn held her breath as Erik bent and placed a sweet kiss on her forehead, lingering momentarily to take in her fresh, little girl scent.

To her hearts delight, A'awynn watched Erik slip down to his knees beside her bed and lift his head toward heaven as his prayer was sent on angels wings…

"Heavenly Father,

"This dear child, whose innocence and kind spirit have penetrated this jaded heart in my chest, has become so dear to me that I cannot imagine life without her.

"Give me wisdom and discernment as I seek to become a father to her. Help me to be like You Lord, the one true Father of us all."

Erik paused mid-prayer to wipe the tears that were running freely down his face and threatening to drop off the tip of his nose.

"Forgive me Father, for all the times that I sought to end this life You have given me…lost in a lake full of self-pity and loathing, loathing that I often focused on You.

"I do not deserve this chance at happiness and love that You have seen fit, in all Your infinite wisdom, grace, and mercy to give me. But I vow that I will be the best father to Lacey and husband to A'awynn that I can be…and I will be the spiritual leader of this family, as Your Word says I should be.

"Protect us Father, from all outside evil and keep us in Your tender and loving care. Thank You for the love that A'awynn has so freely offered me, without any hesitation; I will forever praise You for that gift.

In the name of Jesus, I pray…Amen"

After that sacred moment, all that was left for A'awynn to do was take his hand and lead him from the room. She lifted her teary eyes to his and softly placed a kiss upon his cheek. "I love you Erik, more and more as each day passes…tomorrow, we go riding." She kissed him one last time on the cheek and watched as he walked toward his suite.

He turned and flashed her a mesmerizing smile that took her breath away. "I love you too, A'awynn…" and he was gone.

TBC

Chapter 38 preview – Date on horseback.