This chapter shows the generous and caring side of Erik toward his uncle and Karen. I hope you enjoy it.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Erik or Christine. They are the wonderful creation of Mr. Leroux – but ALW gave them depth and humanity – as did Kay. I do not own any lyrics that are used; they will be credited at the end of the chapter in which they appear.

I do however; own the plot and any original characters, which appear from the dark caverns of my mind.

Character portraits:

Erik – Gerard Butler (There is no other – not for me!)

Christine - Scarlett Johansson (with violet eyes, and a little more of a mature look)

Meckenzie -Emma Karwandy (from Butterfly on a Wheel)

Vince - Pierce Brosnan (slightly shorter)

Karen -Bette Midler (only about ten year's younger, seven inches taller, and long, brown hair)

Ms. Jennison-Samantha Bond (Miss Moneypenny from the latest Bond movies)

Mr. Lynch - Bruce Davison (Senator Kelly from the first X-Men movie)

All other original characters, you can use your imagination.

Enjoy.

CHAPTER 9

Friday was a busy day. Erik arose early and readied himself for Vince and Karen's vow exchange – you could hardly call it a wedding, since it was being done in front of the Justice of the Peace – but Erik was happy for them, either way.

He was meeting them at the courthouse at 12 noon. He was planning to take them out to lunch afterwards, as a congratulatory present. But, that wasn't all he was giving them. Several months ago, he had purchased a six-acre lot outside of Boston. It was a piece of land that Karen had wanted the minute she saw it.

Their eight-year anniversary was coming up; the anniversary of when they fell in love, and Erik had wanted to give them something special. He just didn't know that he would be giving it to them as part of their wedding gift.

Actually, he was going to give them the property as a gift for their anniversary, just as he had planned originally. He had something else in mind for the wedding gift.

Erik still could not fathom why his uncle had passed on the opportunity to claim any of the estate when Erik's parents had died.

Vince had declined any access to the money – he simply kept it in trust until Erik turned 21, and then he passed it over to his nephew. Erik knew that with all the trouble and heartache he had caused Vince, the least he could do was make sure he was taken care of.

The ceremony was brief, but touching; ending in a semi-passionate kiss that Erik could have lived without.

"You two need to save that sort of behavior for later…I'll never get that image out of my head." Erik teased, "Now, come with me – I intend to go against my normal behavior and take you to lunch."

This was a rarity for Erik. He seldom dined in public places; not liking the attention he, or rather, his mask, received. He could feel the eyes staring at him from all angles.

They went to an exclusive seaside restaurant called Julien for some fine French dining. Erik spoke fluent French and had already made reservations. They dined in a quaint, private room surrounded by serenading violins and beautiful floral arrangements.

Erik had purposefully requested a secluded alcove for personal reasons, and he was thankful that Karen and Vince did not seem to care.

Karen felt like a queen. She had never been one for fancy dining or expensive taste; she had grown up with next to nothing; but, Erik believed in giving the best, and that is what he did.

"You never cease to amaze me Erik…you are full of surprises. You didn't have to do this." She protested, even as she was in awe of her surroundings and knowing Erik's aversion to public places.

"I know I didn't have to, I wanted to…" Erik responded with a grin, "…anything for my Aunt Karen."

Karen loved the sound of that…for the life of her, she didn't know why she had resisted marrying Vince for so long.

They finished the meal, tipped the extraordinary violinists, and walked the short distance to Erik's car.

"Now, I have a special treat for both of you." Erik announced.

"I'm not sure my fainting heart can take much more, Erik…?" Karen exclaimed. "What could be more of treat than this wonderful meal you just provided for us?"

"You shall see in just a little while." Erik stated.

They rode in silence, watching the beautiful scenery as they passed through some of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Boston. They left the city limits and admired the lush greenery of the countryside.

Erik pulled into the driveway of the property, turned off the car, and just sat – until Karen realized where they were.

"You cruel, cruel man…bringing me out here." She teased, smiling sadly at the land on which she very much wanted to grow old.

Erik turned around and looked at them; finally thankful for the wealth that he had shunned earlier in his life; thankful that he could give back to his uncle, at least a portion, of what he had given him.

Erik got out of the car and stood, waiting for them to join him. As soon as Karen stood beside him, he could hold it in no longer.

"It's yours." Erik whispered, knowing they would hear him.

Karen stared at Erik, not believing what she had just heard. "What did you say?" She implored.

"Your eighth anniversary is coming up in two weeks, I purchased this land several months ago, just as soon as you said you wanted it, so that I could give it to you for your anniversary gift." Erik remarked, without bravado.

Karen threw her arms around Erik and cried into his chest. Erik did no know how to react to that, so he stood stiffly while she wept into his starched shirt.

Vince could not believe the generous gesture that Erik had bestowed on them. The man never ceased to amaze him.

As Karen pulled out of the hug, she reached up and placed a kiss upon Erik's smooth cheek. He smiled, shyly, and cleared his throat.

"After all that I put you through when I was younger – and what I still put you through – it was the least I could do." Erik murmured, looking into the appreciative eyes of his uncle.

He reached behind him, pulled an envelope from the back pocket of his slacks, and handed it to Vince. He indicated for him to open it and waited, hoping they would accept this gift.

"That is your wedding gift." He disclosed, as Vince pulled the contents out of the envelope and gasped.

"Erik…" Vince was at a loss for words, and handed the paper over to Karen in shock.

Karen placed a shaking hand over her mouth and didn't even try to hold back the flow of tears that easily made their way down her cheeks.

"What?" Erik insisted. "As I said earlier, it is the least I can do."

Vince stared at the check in his hand. $1,000,000.00 was more money than he had ever seen in his lifetime – at least in his own hands. He was in awe of the gift.

Vince approached his nephew with teary eyes, "I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything…just use it to build your dream home." Erik suggested. "Or whatever you wish to do with it…it's all yours."

They embraced, something Erik rarely allowed, and Vince felt that they had crossed a major crossroad in their relationship. It was at times like this that Erik reminded him so very much of his brother; Keith had been generous and big hearted, never wanting to short anybody anything.

They got back in the car, just as soon as Erik handed them the deed to the property. Erik couldn't wipe the smile off his face; it felt wonderful to be able to give something back to his uncle – after all the sacrifices he had made for him.

He dropped them off, promising to come over tomorrow and help Vince move his things into Karen's townhouse; temporarily, until they could have their home built.

Overall, this had been a great day. He wasn't looking forward to facing Christine, even in the shadows, on Monday. He only prayed that she would never actually see him – but he had a feeling that was asking for too much.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

"I can't believe he did that." Karen breathed, as they spent their first night as husband and wife, curled in front of the television.

Vince leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, "I can…Erik has always been generous and giving – even when he was younger." Vince stated, reflectively. "Keith was the same way."

"You're brother would have been proud of him…wouldn't he have?" Karen whispered, knowing Vince was lost in the memories of his older brother.

The tears were lining the corners of his eyes, but a smile lit his face, "Yes, he would have been immensely proud of him."

Karen rested in the crook of his arm, but turned her head up to look at him, "What are we going to do about his perpetual state of bachelorhood?" Karen asked with a grin. "I will not allow him to remain lonely and hidden from the world."

"Really, my sweet…" Vince teased with upraised eyebrows, "…and just what do you intend to do about it?"

Karen's mouth broke into a wolfish grin and she got a playful glint in her eye, "I don't think I am going to have to do a thing…these things have a way or working themselves out."

Vince smiled suspiciously down at her, "What is going on in that active mind of yours?" He asked, "Why do I get the feeling my nephew is in for the ride of his life?"

Karen didn't answer verbally; instead, she winked at him and began unbuttoning his shirt.

Vince was instantly ready for her seductive wiles, "Did I tell you how happy I am that you married me, Mrs. Trudeau?"

Karen smiled sweetly, but her eyes held a glint of mischief, "No you haven't, Mr. Usher." She teased, knowing he would never accept being called by her last name.

Vince laughed, a full, hearty, masculine laugh; and lifted her into his arms – not an easy task, since she was just about as tall as he was, and weighed as much as he did.

He carried her to the bedroom, and made love to her for the first time – as her husband.

TBC