About a month or so had passed, and Erik and Christine grew closer, and Erik became more accepting of the child's presence. He would sing his lullabies directly to the child, and would even while Christine was asleep, he would listen to the child inside of her by laying his ear to her stomach.

One day, while Erik was writing yet another song for his family, a thought struck him.

We're not married…And she's still legally married to--

"Christine?" Erik called to her. She was outside, taking a stroll while the weather was nice. After a moment he called her again.

She came in with the second call. "What's the matter, Erik?"

He held a finger up to silence her, as he rummaged through his desk. After a moment, he stood up, and slipped something into his pocket. He took her hands and led her to the chair near the fire. "I have something very important to ask you." He told her, sitting her down into the chair.

"Yes, Erik?"

"Well, it's really a two part question."

"Okay, then ask me the first part, then." She said, with a hint of excitement in her voice.

"Were you and Raoul…married?"

She looked at him with a look of apprehension. "Well, no. We were technically still engaged at the time, but he told everyone we were husband and wife."

"But you're not?"

She shook her head. "No."

Erik was elated to hear this. "Then, here goes my second part of my question. Christine Daaè," He paused, and took a tiny box out of his pocket, "Will you be my wife, for all of eternity?" Inside the box was a ring. Her ring, the one she left behind with him so long ago.

Christine was crying. "Erik, I thought you didn't love me anymore."

Erik looked shocked. "Would I propose to you if I didn't?"

"No."

"Then, Christine, will you marry me?"

"Yes!" cried Christine, and flung herself into Erik's arms, laughing and crying at the same time. Erik joined in her laughter, and kissed her passionately.

"Oh, christine," He whispered into her ear. "You've finally found the man behind the monster."

"I've always seen him," she whispered back, "I was just too scared, because you are the most extrordinary person I've ever met, and I never thought I deserved you."

"Likewise, my dear." The former phantom held her close, never wanting to let go.