A/N: Here's the first of the epilogues. Sorry for the wait. I lost track of time and completely forgot about posting this.

Thank you to everyone who has been reading this story. You guys are awesome! And to Halley for being a terrific beta and an all around great friend! This is the last of Stephanie Larson's adventures and I appreciate the feedback you guys have been giving. Please don't forget to review!

Epilogue I

Stephanie knew her decision in refusing Dan was the right thing to do. She had been surprised when there was no regret or guilt when she opened the door for him to leave. But to find Etienne… never in a million years had she expected to see him ever again. Even to this day, she knew it was Fate. Plain as simple.

It was Fate that brought Erik to her to help out, it was Fate for Erik and Christine to have Etienne, and it was Fate for Etienne and her to meet.

She told Dan she met someone who she loved very much. At the time, Stephanie wasn't sure if she and Etienne were to ever each other again, but there was to be no other. She told him how he was a brilliant man and accomplished in the arts. She fibbed that they met during an opera she was doing for her paper, but he wouldn't have understood the truth. She doubted no other person could understand the circumstances revolving around the Phantom.

Stephanie wasn't aware what Dan said to Etienne or whether or not if he left, she was only aware of the dark-haired man she grew to love. He had come back to her.

It didn't take Etienne long to adjust to Stephanie's quick pace of life. He found that he rather liked the innovations and new forms of technology the future had to offer. He spent hours learning everything there was to Stephanie's computer, phone, car… He loved that there were no strict guidelines to follow for decorum (especially showing affection was quite agreeable).

There were some issues the two lovers had to work on, but they agreed to take them one at a time.

Etienne often thought about Jeanette, he could only imagine the heartache she must been going through. If he could go back, he never would have proposed. And his family… he missed them terribly. It didn't help much that Stephanie owned what she called a "DVD" of his parents. Well… what could have happened between them.

He wanted to contact his parents, but he didn't know how to go about it. He was hoping that his father would figure it out. Stephanie told him he most likely did. But it wasn't much of a comfort for Etienne. He felt better if he could tell them personally and though he had the love of his life… he had yet to make her his completely.

xxXXxx

"Etienne?" Stephanie called as she opened the apartment door. Her brows were creased with concerned as she took in the empty home. She left work early after receiving a text message from him, using their emergency code. Driving home, Stephanie was thinking the worst befell him.

"Etienne!"

Going further inside, she stepped on something soft. Looking down, her jaw dropped in surprise as she saw a trail of red and white rose petals leading from the living room towards the bedroom.

Curious, Stephanie followed the petals and pushed opened the door and gasped in delight.

Covering the nightstand and dresser were candles, eliciting a soft glow. The petals led her to the bed, circling around a letter in the center. Her eyes were swimming with tears as she read:

My dearest Stephanie,

I couldn't wait long enough for you to return home so please forgive me for causing any worry. Harper is over at Miss Bingley's home (no need to fret which I'm sure you're wondering where he is).

My time with you has been the happiest of my life. I cannot stop thanking God or the fates that at last brought me back to you. Each day has been a dream come true that I often fear I would wake and find myself returned to the world where I was born. My place belongs here—in this world, with you.

My love you have inspired me and you shall forever be my Angel, my friend, and my lover.

Yours for eternity,

Etienne Fitzwilliam Destler

She placed a reverent kiss to the parchment. Was it possible to love someone even more unconditionally? Setting the paper back, Stephanie noticed another tiny trail of rose petals to her closet. Feet padding excitingly over, she discovered a satiny sage gown tinged with brown specks.

Beaming, Stephanie took the outfit off the hanger and slipped it on, happily noting how it matched her eyes perfectly. Attached to the hanger she found another note, her smile growing wider as she read what her lover wrote.

Mon Coeur,

I hope you like the dress and I insist you wearing it for tonight. I'll be waiting for you at Loretta's where all of your fantasies will come true.

Faithfully and lovingly yours,

Etienne

xxXXxx

It took Stephanie fifteen minutes, but she arrived at the Italian restaurant that quickly became hers and Etienne's favorite.

Smiling knowingly, the host led her to a private room where Etienne was waiting. His face brightened as he took in the sight of the satin hugging her body. He had Veronica helped him but for future's reference he was never going to ever do that again. The outfits she picked out! He could feel his cheeks flushing at the recollection of little material.

"My lady," Etienne cooed, taking her hand and leading her to her seat. "You look absolutely stunning."

She blushed. "Thank you for the dress, the letters, and the roses. It certainly was a surprise."

"Good," he purred.

"Is there a special occasion that I forgot?" she asked.

He smirked, his blue-green eyes flashing devilishly. "That, my dear, is my little secret."

Playfully, she stuck out her tongue and giggled as he took his own seat. She leaned back as she made her assessment of Etienne's choice of clothing. He was dressed to the nines in a cleanly-pressed suit, styled to be half modern and half 19th century with Etienne's own touch with his cravat tied around his strong throat.

Old habits died hard.

A waiter came and took their orders, leaving them alone once more. Stephanie wanted to know why he was doing this, but whenever she tried speaking he would quietly hush her, the tiniest trace of amusement gracing his lips.

The silence was killing her, though thankfully the meals came and she could occupy her time. However, Etienne didn't eat at all. He continued to stare at her, his eyes hungrily taking in her beautiful countenance, as if to leave an imprint in his mind.

When their dishes were collected, Etienne took her hand, his fingers delicately stroking the soft flesh.

"Stephanie…" he began huskily.

"Etienne is something wrong? Do you…" her voice became quieter. "Do you feel like you're returning home?" Tears started pricking her eyes at the thought of him leaving her.

He blinked and then chuckled. "No, no. That I'm positive on. I just—Stephanie, every moment we share, every time we spend in each other's company is a true delight. Everyday I discover something new to admire in you and everyday fills me with such joy I never known before. And I want that to continue."

Stephanie's breath hitched. Oh shit…

"We're from two worlds, meeting at the right moment. Even though we fought I never could get tired of that spirit within you. And when we were separated, part of me had gone back with you. My heart."

"Eti—"

He held her hand tighter as he continued to speak, his orbs never leaving hers. "Fate brought us back and I'm determined to never let you go again. I have had a taste of life without you and it was Hell. I will not have that.

"I love you Stephanie Larson with every breath I take. I love you more each passing day and when we get frustrated with one another, I love you with my entire being. But above all, I love you so much that I can't bear to live without you by my side."

Etienne reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny black box. Shaking, he lifted it opened to show a gleaming diamond ring.

"Stephanie, my Modern-Day Angel, will you marry me?"

Tears slid down her cheek as she nodded. "Yes! Yes, I'll marry you Etienne Destler."

Two different people born of two different worlds, met, and fell in love. And now, they will be forever bonded.

TBC…