Ella was getting a strong feeling of déjà vu, only better. Once again, she was in a white dress, in a back room of a church with Meg. But this time, she wanted to be here. This time she was really marrying the man she loved.

Just as Meg was starting to help Ella put her hair up, Erik's reflection appeared in the mirror, just like when she was supposed to marry Archer. Only this time he was really here. He pulled a few pins out of her hair, allowing her curls to fall around her shoulders. "It looks better this way," he explained.

She spun around and threw her arms around him. "Don't you know it's bad for a groom to see the bride this close to their wedding. Last time someone tried it with me, I ran away."

Erik leaned in and kissed her tenderly. "Well I suppose I'm lucky you can't run anymore," he teased gently. "That means you're stuck here with me."

"Then I suppose I'm lucky there's no place I'd rather be than right here with you," Ella replied with a smile.

"Are you two finished?" Meg asked. "Because last time I checked, there was supposed to be a wedding some time tonight."

"Miss Giry's right," Erik agreed. "We still have a few hours' journey ahead of us."

"You're leaving so soon?"

Ella nodded. "I told you we were. The sooner we can get away from Paris, the better. But you can always visit." She took Erik's hand. "Come on, I thought we had a schedule to keep. I might try running if you keep me waiting too much longer."

Erik raised an eyebrow. "Well then by all means let's wait. I'd like to see you try running." He kissed her again when he saw her facial expression. "I'm only joking mon Ange."

The carriage slowed to a halt outside the cottage. Erik leaped down, opened the door, and took the slumbering Ella into his arms. She stirred before her eyes opened. "Does this mean we're here?" she asked with a yawn.

"Yes mon Ange. " He carried inside then set her on her feet so he could light a candle for her to see. "Welcome to your new home."

"Oh Erik, it's beautiful!" she exclaimed in delight. "I love it! Is it really ours?"

He smiled and pulled her backwards against his chest, inhaling the sweet scent of her hair. "Yes. It's all ours." She spun around and hugged him tightly. "Go explore Cheri. I have to put Cesar into the stable, but I'll be back in a few minutes."

Ella took off running through the house. She wasn't sure that cottage was the right word. It was too large for that, but it wasn't big enough to be considered a mansion either. Erik had thought of everything. It was perfect! There was room for Meg and Madame Giry to come and stay if they wished. There was a library full of books for them to read.

Opening another door, Ella found a piano, obviously for Erik's music. She could feel tears spring to her eyes, but she blinked them away. She wouldn't let herself cry. Not today. Today was the happiest day of her life. That meant no crying allowed.

Eventually she found herself in what was clearly the master suite. Since Erik wasn't back inside yet, Ella began to prepare for bed. She slipped out of her white dress into a nightgown. After brushing out her hair, she climbed into bed to await her new husband.

Her husband, how foreign those words seemed and yet they were so natural at the same time. Ella still couldn't believe she was now a married woman. She was Erik's wife. Until he had proposed, she had never even imagined herself with a husband, but now, there was nowhere she'd rather be.

Erik knew he'd never admit it, but he was stalling. He was afraid that Ella wouldn't like the cottage. He tried to make sure to get everything he thought she would need, but he could have accidentally overlooked some major detail, and already upset his new wife.

He couldn't wrap his head around the fact that Ella had actually married him. She looked like an angel in her white dress and now she was all his. He would love her forever, and would do everything in his power to make sure she had whatever her heart desired.

Finally he admitted she was waiting and he couldn't delay any longer. Hopefully she was satisfied with the house. He let himself inside and called her name softly. When she didn't respond, his brow furrowed. "Ella?" he said a little louder.

After opening the bedroom door, Erik found her fast asleep. Smiling at the sight, Erik pulled off his jacket and tossed it aside. Careful not to disturb Ella, he slipped into bed beside her. She got so tired so easily anymore, it was best to let her sleep. Sensing his presence, she rolled over and curled up next to him. "I love you Erik," she whispered.

"I love you too," he murmured back as he wrapped his arms around her. In the moments before he gave into the lull of sleep himself, Erik wondered how heaven could be any better than this.

Weeks flew by. Erik could never remember feeling more content. He spent his days with Ella at his side. She was healing more and more every day.

One morning Erik awoke with a feeling something was different. Not necessarily in a bad way, it was just different. Ella was still fast asleep in his embrace. He reached up to rub the sleep from his eyes. Instantly he realized what had changed.

Where was his mask? Had it fallen off when he was asleep? Trying to keep as still as possible so he didn't accidentally wake up Ella, Erik looked around the room, searching for the white porcelain. He finally spotted it lying on the nightstand next to Ella. How on earth had it gotten over there? Ella stirred in his arms and nestled closer. So that explained how it got over there, but how had she it off without him realizing it?

Erik reached for his mask, but Ella grabbed his wrist and pulled it away without even opening her eyes. She was pretending to still be asleep, but a smirk crept onto her face. He tried to reach for it again, but she wouldn't let go. "Don't even think about it," she muttered.

He tugged her hand from his wrist and kissed it gently. "Think about what?" he asked with a mischievous gleam in his eyes.

She sat up and looked at him sternly. "Erik you don't need it. I'm your wife. You don't have to hide from me."

"If I never knew you
If I never felt this love
I would have no inkling of
How precious life can be

And I'm so grateful to you
I'd have lived my whole life through
Lost forever
If I never knew you"

Her voice was soft and she was a little short of breath, but Erik didn't care. He put one hand on the nape of her neck, bringing her close enough for him to kiss her. "Mon Ange," he whispered in amazement. "You can sing again!"

Awww fluffiness! Hey everybody! So the epilogue is coming up next so you can look forward to that. Unfortunately that means this story is almost over. I love all the support you've given me this far, and I thank you all. I NEVER expected this story to get as long or as popular as it has, and it makes me feel amazing. Keep on reading and reviewing!

~nibblesfan