Kerri couldn't help but grin at the place. It was old, the vines meant for decoration had taken over, and it was not at all like the picture. She loved it.

"Have I ever told you I despise liars?" Erik mused.

"Well no wonder you have such low self-esteem." Kerri commented, leaving the carriage side to explore.

"This looks nothing like the pictures. I doubt any one has been here in two years."

"Does it matter?" Kerri questioned? "It's gorgeous."

"What are you talking about? Its' a slum."

Kerri pursed her lips. "Oh, stop being so negative. I think it's charming."

"Kerri, I think you should sit down. All the blood is going from your head to your belly." Kerri groaned, running to Erik and wrapping her hands around his neck.

"Erik, come on. Please? Look at it. Really look at it. This house is perfect for us."

"This house is a safety hazard."

"Well then, you can fix it. After all, you are the architectural genius in the family."

Erik rolled his eyes.

"We'll have enough on our plates with the Opera House."

Kerri laid her head on his chest for a moment.

"Alright, I'll make you a deal. If the interior's a mess, we'll move on. But if it's in good shape, you buy it."

"Kerri, that would still…"

"Erik, please?" She gave him her puppy dog pout. He groaned.

"No."

"Please?"

"I hate it when you do this."

"You only hate it because it works."

She had a point.

"If I say yes, you'll get the house, but if I say no you'll hat em."

"I won't hate you, but I'll be very, very disappointed."

"Like there's a difference." He sighed. "Okay, we have a deal."

She smiled, kissing him.

"Thank you." Now where the hell is this O'Neal guy?"

"We're early. You wanted to have a look around, remember?"

"Well he should have been earlier."

"You're so demanding."

"You're so observant." She retorted, spinning slowly.

Kerri grew even antsier at the sight of the carriage pulling up. Erik grabbed her hand to keep her still, and managed and authentic-looking smile as Monsieur O'Neal approached.

"Hello again. Don't you look lovely, Mrs. Delacroix?"

She thanked him and managed to stay still while the men engaged in idle conversation.

Eventually, the realtor produced a key to the front door, and leisurely, the three made their way up the front steps. He offered no explanation to the state of the exterior, which earned him points in Kerri's book because he hadn't tried to lie.

As soon as Erik stepped inside, he knew he'd made a mistake. The inside wasn't just well-kept, it was damn near perfect. Their footsteps echoed through the vast entryway and he felt Kerri's mood improve almost instantly. He could see her mentally placing furniture throughout the rooms on the tour, and even he could admit this house was up to standards.

"So, what do you think? Is it something to consider?"

Erik hesitated, glancing at his wife.

"How much is the asking price?"

"Monsieur O'Neal seemed shocked. Kerri was too, frankly.

"Umm, 1,574,040 francs, I believe."

"We'll take it." Erik produced a check book from inside his jacket. Kerri was doing her best not to get too excited, but as he delicately scrolled out the amount and his signature, she started to lose control. The men traded items, and Monsieur O'Neal cordially thanked them both as he bade the two good bye.

Kerri jumped on Erik in a hug as soon as they were alone.

"I didn't think you'd actually do it!" She kissed him.

"Why would I lie?"

"Well I don't know. But I at least expected you to argue a little!"

"Kerri, calm down. We still have to send a messenger back to Nice, and it will take days for our things to get here."

"I know that." She replied indignantly. "I can still be happy, can't I?"

Erik rolled his eyes, placing the key in his jacket pocket along with the checkbook.

"Come on. You said you wanted to visit your mother, right?"

She snorted. "No. When did I say that?"

"Last night."

"I did not!"

"Sure you did. At dinner."

"No, I never said that."

"We can go back to the house and ask Raoul, if you'd like?"

Kerri sighed, crossing her arms and glaring at him.

"Why did you have to ruin my day like that? I'm supposed to be happy and pregnant, not wondering if my pregnancy will save my life or get me killed."