The couple had a small reception afterwards that included wedding cake, Champagne and of course, dancing. Once Erik and Christine took the dance floor, they never left. Twirling around the floor seemed natural and effortless and a victory so well deserved.

Gustave stood to the side watching his parents and smiled. He seemed lost in their movements, until a voice brought him back to the moment.

"Hi Gustave."

"Huh…Hi." He couldn't remember the girl's name. She was the daughter of the trapeze artist. He's seen her many times since his return and they always waved but never had they been close enough to talk.

"It's Penelope."

He shook his head. "I'm sorry. I forgot."

"You didn't forget. I never told you." She smiled. "I'm glad you're alright. You are very brave."

He turned red. "I…. I don't think of it like that but thank you."

"You want to get some cake with me?"

He nodded, and she took his hand.

Erik looked up from staring into his wife's eyes and smiled when he saw his son and the little girl with red hair walk across the room. He whispered into Christine's ear. "I think all this love is rubbing off on everyone this evening, my dear."

She followed his eyes and smiled when she saw her son smiling and sharing a piece of cake with the little girl. "I remember her when I was walking down the aisle. He looks so happy."

"His father is very happy too, angel."

She rested her head on his chest. "So is his mother, my love."

He twirled her again and moved her across the dance floor, as if they were the only people in the room.

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After some time, Christine lifted her head and noticed that they were alone.

"Erik, where is everyone?"

He looked around just as confused as she was.

"No? We couldn't have just been dancing this whole time and never notice that our guests were leaving?"

"Or that the actual music stopped." She giggled. "I'm sure they will forgive us." She then looked frantic. "Gustave!"

"Christine, he is fine. Ms. Fleck agreed to take him for the night."

"I didn't know that."

He grinned. "I planned it."

"You did, did you?" She arched her brow. "And what would make you do something like that?"

He took his mask off and smiled brightly. "I think you know exactly why I would do something like that, Mrs. Dexter."

She caressed his cheek. "Mrs. Dexter." She grinned. "I love the sound of that."

"So do I."

"But angel, is it right to not have Gustave with us tonight… I mean…. I suppose it's going to take me a while before I can really feel comfortable about him not being close at hand."

"I know but he's with family and we can trust in that. Besides, it's only for tonight. We will be going away tomorrow."

"Going away? Where?"

Erik smiled. "I booked the three…. technically four of us on a family moon. We leave bright and early tomorrow."

She practically gleamed at him. "Where are we going?"

"Not a chance, Mrs. Dexter."

"Erik! It's not nice to keep secrets from your wife."

His eyes shinned reflecting those brilliant gold tints that Christine loved. "Can you say that again?"

"It isn't nice to keep secrets…."

"No, the part where you called yourself my wife." He asked nervously.

Her heart melted, and she brought her forehead to his, standing on her tiptoes. "Your wife. Your living, breathing, deliriously happy and over the moon and stars in love with you, wife. You can't keep secrets from her, can you?"

"It will be a challenge I am sure, as she tries her hardest to get it out of me." He kissed her nose and laughed out loud.

His sound was infectious and so she laughed with him. "Husband be prepared to lose this battle, as I have ways of making you talk."

They kissed hungrily and when they broke apart Erik picked her up, bridal style.

"Challenge accepted!"

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The next few months were as blissful as they could be. Phantasma had never been busier. Christine was in high demand, not only to sellout crowds at the park but it seemed that every available venue wanted the Soprano of the Century to perform, if only for just one night.

Earlier in her pregnancy, Christine did do a few concerts, with Erik and Gustave accompanying her but as soon as she entered her seventh month, she thought it would be best to retrain from traveling and focus her attention on the park and her family.

Although it was a struggle for her, she did try and be less overprotective of Gustave, who seemed as loving and as kind as he ever did. Both she and Erik were thankful that he seemed unscarred from his experience and was focusing on school, the park and spending time with his new redheaded friend, Penelope.

One day, Erik came home early and surprised his family.

"Hello?"

"Erik, you're home early." Christine waddled from the couch to kiss him and Gustave stopped playing the piano.

"Father, your home! How was your day?"

"Enlightening. I have news." He took off his mask and helped Christine to sit back down on the couch. "I finished a song for your mother to sing, as soon as she is ready to preform again. We will premiere at the Met!"

Gustave smiled proudly, while Christine looked at him as if he had gone mad.

"The Met?! Erik how is that possible?"

"Easy. I told them you wanted to perform there and presto. They said name the day. I of course told them that you would be debuting a new song, so they best make the offer worthy of your interest."

"But why wouldn't I premiere it here at Phantasma?"

"Because I know how much you wanted to perform there, after I took you to see a performance a few months ago. Besides, you will always return to Phantasma. She isn't threatened." He grinned.

"But do they know I'm about to have a baby and couldn't possibly…."

"They will wait for you and this is just the beginning! After the Met, I think you should perform in another Opera. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

"Erik, slow down. I will have a newborn. It won't be the time to play a leading role."

"Have you forgotten your angel? I'll be here and am perfectly capable to care for our child."

"I know, and I love you for it but there are some things the baby will need its mother for."

He looked at her as if she were dim. "I didn't mean the very second after you give birth, my dear."

"How silly of me." She patted the seat next to her. "Come here."

"Father, what opera?"

"The Angel of Music."

Christine gasped. "You wrote it?"

"Indeed, I did. I have been most inspired these past few months." He kissed her cheek. "The song is one of the arias you will showcase at the Met."

"Father that is wonderful! I must go and tell Penelope right away. May I?"

Christine nodded, as Erik grinned. "Be back in time for supper!" Erik called out as Gustave kissed them both and ran out the front door.

Erik then eyed his wife knowingly. "Yes?"

"Who will direct?"

"Guess?"

She hugged him. "Erik, are you serious? They will let you direct?"

"Well, they will of course use their staff, but I will be listed as the composer and special musical director along with the most important role of all."

"That being?"

"Maestro to La Daae."

She kissed him with gusto. "Erik, I am so proud of you!"

"It's all because you my dear." He kissed her hand. "Do you want to hear the score?"

"Do I!"

He practically ran to the piano. "I'll explain the story as we go but I think you will find some of it quite… Relatable." He turned around and winked at her.

She slowly got up and moved to be near him. "Let me guess, a young girl with dreams of singing on a stage, find herself becoming the protégée of a masterful tutor?"

"Yes, but he really is an angel that the Gods have sent to grant this girl her heart's desire."

"Then what?"

"Things get complicated when the angel finds himself falling in love with the girl and then things get tricky."

"Opera house fire tricky?" She giggled.

"I didn't have art imitate life that closely. You see…." He saw her face grimace. "What's wrong?"

"I don't know, but I think I better sit down."

Erik went to her side and began taking her to the couch when suddenly, he felt his left paint leg go damp.

"Erik…." She looked him intensely. "My water just broke."