Way to go Mlle.Fox…you did a great job on this chapter, I just added a few thoughts here and there, but this one is yours.

I hope everyone enjoys this interaction between Allie and Beau, Mlle.Fox wrote this chapter, for the most part; I want to continue to thank her for the use of her wonderful characters, Allie and Beau.

This one is coming to and end within the next few chapters…stay tuned for my next "Phantom" work of fiction…an Erik/Christine – something I have never done before – called, (I have changed the title three times, but I hope to stick with this one) "Let This Moment Find You." It will be set seven years after the events of the movie.

Here is a brief synopsis…

"Fleeing Paris and heading into unknown territories, Erik is despondent and suicidal. He is not a wanted man, but he is a haunted man. His life takes an unexpected turn and Erik finds himself with a daughter – and then, he once again finds himself in Paris, where three women from his past seek to make his life what it should have been in the first place."

CHAPTER 33

Allie stood out on the balcony watching the fireworks ring in the New Year, as the crowds below danced, laughed, and sang as only New Orleans could. She pulled her sheer wrap about her shoulders, fighting off the slight chill that always came with the turning of the year.

She had escaped the crowd and sought seclusion and peace under the stars, and ended up having the best view of the festivities. Her thoughts drifted to Erik and his hesitancy in proposing to Karlie. Allie was certain she would accept, but Erik seemed to have reservations that had nothing to do with Karlie.

When Allie had talked to him earlier that day, there had been the strangest look in his eyes. Karlie had told her a great deal about his past and what led him to the states, but Allie could have sworn she saw guarded fear in his eyes at the prospect of laying his heart on the line again…and the possibility, no matter how remote, of being refused again.

She wrapped her arms around herself, as the evening breeze was growing even chillier. Maybe she ought to back inside, but Allie didn't want to give up the beauty of the little corner she had found. Then with a coy smile, she noticed a gold cape wrap itself around her. She looked up at Beauregard through the corner of her eyes.

He handed her a glass of champagne and said, "There ya are Alexandria." He dinged his glass against hers, "To you!"

At his toast, Allie laughed and said, "Beau Jackson, just 'cause I happen to let you twirl me around the dance floor a bit tonigh', don't give ya cart blanc to intoxicate and take advantage of me!"

He sighed and leaned on the railing. He turned a devilish grin toward her and winked, "An' here I thought you was warmin up ta me!"

"Well, take a cold shower and call me in the mornin'!" Allie quipped, trying not to smile at him.

Beau decided to take a different approach, certain this one would do the trick, "So I enjoyed meetin' your friends tonigh'. They make quite the couple! And that Erik sure was brave to be that...oh, what's the word?" He looked to the sky, mockingly searching for the right word, "Exposed…I could never show my body off in public!"

Raising her champagne to her lips, Allie huffed, "Ha! Paaleasssse…given the opportunity, you'd flash everyone this side of the Mississippi!"

Beau heard the sarcasm in her voice and felt her pulling away from him. He was determined to break her defenses down, but was uncertain why she had them in the first place.

"What's really botherin' ya, Al?" Beau moved in closer, "Am I gettin' too close for comfort?" He asked with a light tone; but looking into his sparkling eyes, there was no mistaking their genuineness.

Allie gulped and laughed; her tone full of doubt and uncertainty, "Course not!"

In a flash, Beau came of the railing and pulled Allie into his embrace. His voice was husky with desire, "How 'bout now?" he asked, caressing her soft cheek with his warm hand.

There was a brief moment in which he thought she might actually yield to him without a fight, her eyes softened and her body seemed to mold to his of its own accord; but that moment was short lived.

"Beauregard Jackson, git yur rovin' paws off me!" Allie snapped, trying to wiggle loose from his all-to-wonderful grip.

Beau smirked and shrugged, as he moved back. A sheepish grin covered his handsome face, "'Kay...maybe I can ask Karlie to introduce me to one of her ballerina friends."

Allie turned slowly toward him with her hands on her hips; her eyes told him everything he wanted to know. "Beau Jackson, you so much as look at another woman, so help me I'll skin you..." Allie began. At that, Beau leaned in and captured her lips with his own.

Surprised at first, Allie hardly responded, but his kiss was so intoxicating that she could only enjoy the moment and yield her lips to his. It was a gentleman's kiss, but so full of promise. Beau pulled back and was satisfied to see those beautiful green eyes of hers smoldering with longing. He laughed as she licked her lips.

"You okay?" He chuckled.

In a voice barely above a whisper, Allie nodded and said, "Yeah! 'Scuse me, won't you?"

She tried to walk, only to find her legs had turned to jelly. Righting herself, Allie smiled nervously at Beau before walking into the main ballroom as composed as she could. When Beau was out of sight, she picked up her skirts and broke into a run.

Her eyes scanned the crowd looking for either a short little Greek girl or a tall half-naked Greek king. She was straining her neck and was almost ready give up when she heard her best friends voice behind her.

"Allie!" Karlie called, waving her hand.

Turning to her friend, Allie grasped onto Karlie's hands saying, "Karlie girl, do I have somethin' to tell you!"

Then she noticed something was on Karlie's left hand. She smiled wickedly and raised an eyebrow, "Karlie Honey...that is a very familiar ice rink I feel on your hand!"

Karlie lifted the diamond ring up to Allie's face and squealed with delight, "Allie...Erik proposed!"

Examining the stone like a royal jeweler, "Halleluia! I thought the boy would never work up the nerve!" Her smiled was radiant, almost as radiant as Karlie's was. "Congratulations darlin'!"

They embraced, with Karlie saying, "I've never been happier!"

Pulling back, Allie said, a perplexing look on her face, she leaned in close to Karlie as if trying not to be heard, "Uhm…yeah...say...when Erik kisses you…does it feel as if your lower belly is on fire, your heart is pounding in your chest and your skin is tinglin'?"

Karlie smiled mischievously, "Among other things...of course!"

"Blast it!" Exclaimed Allie; looking defeated. "I thought ya'd say that."

Karlie eyed Allie with suspicion, knowing that she had something to say, "Alexandra...what did you have to tell me?"

Allie hesitated then smiled, "...Beau kissed me..."

The grin on Karlie's face spread to Allie's and the two began to giggle and squeal excitingly; just like to teenage schoolgirls discussing their first crush.

Meanwhile, Erik was searching the crowds for his lovely Gorgo, when a male voice called out to him, "Mister Clairvaux!"

Erik turned and saw Beauregard walking up towards him, looking almost as happy as Erik was. Extending his hand to shake his, Erik said, "Mr. Jackson! I hope you've been enjoying yourself!"

"As much as ya've been enjoyin' yourself with that lovely creature of yours, Karlie!" Beau smiled, shaking Erik's outstretched hand.

Erik smiled with pride, "Then I want you to be the first to know, that lovely creature is now my lovely fiancé."

Beau smiled genuinely and slapped Erik's shoulder exclaiming, "Well Saints declare! Ya ol' dog you! Congratulations!"

Chuckling warmly, Erik said, "Thank you...and I'd appreciate it if you'd remain the first to know because..." Erik's words were cut short as both men jerked their heads around toward the shriek that filled the room.

"AAYE!" came a collective happy feminine squeal from somewhere in the room.

Giving Erik a sympathetic look, Beau smiled, "I highly doubt I'm even the first to know!"

Realizing he was embarking on unfamiliar territory, Erik said to Beau, "I suppose…when I marry Karlie, I'll be marrying all those who are important in her life?" The statement came out as a question, as Erik looked to Beau for some semblance of guidance.

Beau had no idea how to respond, this was all new to him too. He scratched his head and rubbed his chin, trying to look like he was actually coming up with a useful response; he threw up his arms in defeat and both men chuckled lightly at their complete ignorance of such things.

"Well, if we're all goin' to spend the rest of our days together, what do ya say we get to know one another tomorrow, and meet for lunch at my flat? I'll have my

cook fix up a little somethin'." Beau suggested.

Erik was pleasantly surprised to be carrying on a conversation with another man and not wanting to infuriate or strangle him. Beau Jackson seemed like a genuine person…no flaunty show or high price games with this man; what you saw is what you got, just as it was with Erik.

"I'll have to check my schedule tomorrow, as will Karlie…but we should be able to." Erik stated, and then he remembered an interesting phrase that Beau had said, "Why do you assume you will be around to spend your days with us?" Erik asked with a knowing look to his eye.

Beau smiled before walking away, "'Cause I'm a man who always gits what he wants…and I know I'm gonna git a certain redhead to agree to be my wife so help me God!"

Erik chuckled, thinking to himself, 'God help you indeed!'

To be continued…