A few weeks went by and the papers had written about the triumphant rescue of Gustave de Chagny. Erik had paid considerably and called in every favor owed to him to ensure that the Girys would not be mentioned in the kidnapping, for Gustave's privacy and healing. Antoinette's fate was already sealed and since Christine pleaded clemency for Meg, her name in the papers was the last thing anyone needed to see. Raoul was designated a hero and to honor him, Christine had his death dissolve their marriage and not an annulment. Raoul's family had been very grateful and sent a telegram thanking Christine for her graciousness. They did inquire about Gustave, but they did not push for when either of them would be returning to France. Although never spoken, Christine had a feeling that Raoul had told his parents the truth of Gustave's paternity.
She sat in the music room at the piano absentmindedly playing a few keys, as Erik came in.
"I could teach you a few chords, if you so like."
She looked up and smiled at him.
"Hello, my love."
He smiled and sat beside her. He took her hand, but it was very clear that he had a rather serious question on his mind.
"Angel…."
She caressed his marred cheek. "You're so serious. What is it?"
"Are you having second thoughts?"
"Second thoughts?" She entangled their fingers. "About tomorrow? Never!"
"I understand if you wish to wait a little while longer, now that you are officially a widow. If you wanted to honor Raoul's name, it would be alright by me."
She kissed his hand. "It would not be alright by me. Although I am Raoul's widow, it doesn't change the fact that my heart has been yours for as long as I can remember, and I refuse to wait another moment to make us official. Now, is this some honorable way for you to get out of your proposal, Mr. Y?" She nudged him. "Well?"
"Never! I love you so much." He shook his head profusely. "I want to get you in front of a priest, so fast your head will spin. I just didn't want to rush you, Christine."
"10 years and becoming undeniably pregnant by the day with your second child is long enough of a wait, wouldn't you say, angel?"
He nodded his head quickly, so she wouldn't change her mind. "So tomorrow?"
She threw her arms around his neck. "Come what may."
Erik released a deep breath. "No backward glances, then? You have passed the point of no return." He chuckled.
"Angel, we have past that long ago. Now then Mr. Y you get going. For you can't be here past a few more hours, as it is bad luck to see the bulging bride, before the wedding."
He shook his head. "You mean radiant bride, don't you? And I still have hours before midnight, Mrs. Dexter."
She looked confused. "Mrs. who?"
"My last name, Christine. It's Dexter."
"But…. But you told me that you didn't want any memories of your parents. Erik, I told you I am more than happy taking on your name as it is now."
He kissed her by surprise but didn't regret it for a single moment. He then kneeled before her.
"I know, and I love you even more for it, but Dexter was my father's name and he never knew me…. He died before I was born. After some deep soul searching, who is to say, he wouldn't have loved me, eh? I am a father now too and I want Gustave to take his rightful name. That's not Y."
Christine's eyes were filling up with tears. "I know he will want that more than anything. I don't think we will get any resistance from Raoul's family. They have been so grateful I didn't smear their name with a divorce. I have a feeling Raoul told them the truth before he died."
"I want you to have my rightful name too."
"Hmm… Christine Dexter sounds much better than Christine Y, especially for a marquee." She grinned. "I love it almost as much as I love you."
"Christine, it would only be for our personal lives. You must keep Daae for the stage…"
She brought her finger to his lips. "We can discuss it later." She moved to kiss him.
"Hey, I see that look in your eye. You are not going to wear me down on this, Madame."
She played with his lapel. "Maybe not on this but I was hoping to wear you down, just a little bit tonight." She winked.
He looked at her and laughed. "Really? But you said I couldn't spend the night."
"Then you best stop talking and start carrying me up the stairs, Mr. Dexter!"
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The next morning, Christine woke up alone in her feather bed but smiled when she saw a red rose and a note. She brought them both to her heart.
"After today, no more nights apart."
She read his words and blushed. "Erik…. You naughty man." She then carefully got up and was met with a knock at the door.
"Gustave?"
"Yes, Mother. Are you up?"
She spoke as she opened the door. "Indeed but…. What is this?"
Gustave was carting a large box and was about to tumble over. "Hurry, Mother."
She helped him bring it over to the bed. "What is this?"
"Father wanted me to make sure you received it the moment you woke up."
"A present? Couldn't it have waited until I came downstairs?" She laughed.
"I don't think so. Father said you would need to be wearing it."
She opened the box and caught her breath. "Dear God…. It's my dress. It's the dress he made me…."
Gustave smiled. "Father thought you might want to wear this one. He said he still had some fabric and it was no trouble to make one up again. Yet, I'm not at all sure what he meant by that."
She hugged her son and kissed his head.
"It's perfect. Now, you best get ready. The carriage will be here soon."
"Yes, Mother. I am so excited." He ran out of the room.
Christine noticed another note inside the box and read it out loud.
"My angel,
I didn't know how much your first dress meant you. I can say without any regret that making it the second time around was much sweeter. I can't wait to marry you today and become your husband.
I remain forever your Erik and will spend my life striving to be worthy enough to be your angel."
She wiped away a tear from her eye. "My love…At last, two strands of melodies will forever be entwined."
