Chapter 11

Isabelle and Erik had started to get closer a week after the day they spoke of their pasts. Isabelle admitted she had feelings to Erik, and Erik did as well. They both were very happy and spent quite a bit of time together. Barely leaving one's side, unless they were going to bed.

Erik had been very happy with the way things were going for he and Isabelle. He realized that he truly had honest feelings for Isabelle, and it was totally different from those towards Christine. He had never remembered being this happy in his entire life, he had his own home, and lived with a woman he adored, that loved him for who he was.

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That evening after dinner Isabelle wanted to look at the stars with Erik, who, happily obliged. Erik helped her put her cloak on and then put his own on. Isabelle had a blanket for them to sit on, and they made their way towards the orchard. As they walked Erik did something had had been wanting to do for a while. He slowly grabbed her hand and intertwined their fingers and kissed the back of her hand gently.

Isabelle smiled sweetly and stopped abruptly. She stood on her tiptoes and gave Erik a simple kiss on the cheek, and started walking up the hill again. Just that gesture had Erik's heart soar. He had never felt something as sweet as that kiss. Isabelle spread the blanket out on the ground and sat down, Erik followed in suite.

Isabelle had not realized it would be so cool in the night, and wrapped her cloak tightly around her and discreetly scooted towards Erik for some warmth. Erik had realized as well that the air was a bit chillier than usual. He took off his cloak and placed it gently on her shoulders.

"Oh, but you will surely freeze!" She said.

"I would rather-" Erik started, but was cut off by Isabelle taking his cloak off, and moving next to him and putting it around the both of them. She gently laid her head on Erik's shoulder and wrapped her arms around his waist, gently embracing his warmth. Erik gently wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. He felt Isabelle snuggle up next to him, and had never been happier in his lifetime.

They watched the stars, and Isabelle would point out to him certain things, and tell him the stories behind them. They did see a shooting star once and she squealed and told Erik to close his eyes and made a wish. Erik obeyed and wished that this is how the rest of his life could be. After a while Isabelle grew silent, Erik looked down and noticed she had fallen asleep. Erik gently picked her and the blanket up and carried them to the manor.

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He made his way to Isabelle's room, and pulled back the covers, gently placing her under them. He pulled them over her and she stirred grabbing for his hand, she woke for a moment, and looked into his eyes, smiling and intertwining their fingers.

"Thank you for tonight Erik," she said, kissing the palm of his hand.

"It was my pleasure, I enjoyed it very much," he replied, kissing her forehead, "Goodnight Isabelle."

"Goodnight Erik," she said back, as he made his way to the door carrying the candle.

"I love you," she blurted, blushing furiously at the words she had said. Erik had never in his life been told those three words, and felt as though his heart would burst with happiness.

"I love you too Isabelle, goodnight," he said in return, and closed the door. When the door closed Isabelle felt as though she was dreaming, she settled into bed and fell asleep with a smile on her face.