Ok, so we are at the end of the road here. I'm glad you guys stuck with me through this wild ride. I have a new story in mind, and one already started, "I Wanna Know What Love Is", and so Gerry will be transferring that kitchen area. He loves y'all, and appreciates your love.

Night was approaching, and Christine was looking out from the front door. She knew it was no use to call for them again. 'If I can't see them, they certainly can't hear me' she thought ruefully. She looked up one more time, and saw people approaching over the hill. A smile broke out across her face, and she almost couldn't wait for them to come closer.

She finally moved toward them when they got about halfway to the house. "There you are! I was wondering when you were going to finally drag yourselves home!" She shook her head at the disheveled state of her husband and children. Erik shrugged his shoulders. "They weren't quite ready to come home. And then little Dominique slipped and got a little muddy, so we were washing him off." He said with a grin that showed his glee at spending the day fishing with his children.

Christine laughed and knelt carefully in front of the three children, the twins smiling and trying not to laugh about their younger brother falling in the mud. "Did you have fun with your Papa?" She said. Erik and Christine had made a vow that they would never berate or embarrass the children in front of each other, and they saw the children thrive under their loving care. The children nodded enthusiastically, and all three started trying to tell their mama about the day by the pond, the picnic they had, and the fish they caught or almost caught.

Erik held up the string of fish. "I will help you prepare these for dinner, dear. They will be delicious, and the children are so proud of their catch." Christine smiled, and then rubbed her belly absently. Her husband frowned slightly. "Have you been alright today, love? No pains or anything?" She laid one hand upon Erik's face. "I've been fine today. Meg and Mama were here today too, and they didn't let me overwork myself. Which I guess is good, I'm not supposed to do too much now that we are almost at the big day." He ran his hands lovingly over her belly, and spoke softly "Hello there, little one. Are you wishing you could have come fishing today?"

Christine smiled, enjoying her husband's attention toward their unborn child. He had become a wonderful and attentive father, and she was so proud of him for keeping his promise to her. He did not wear his mask around the children unless they were in town in front of others. The little ones had, as Christine had hoped, been understanding and accepting of Erik's deformity. They seemed to be confused more by the times he wore his false skin, and as soon as they returned home they would clamor for their Papa to remove his mask, to stop hiding. Erik's confidence slowly grew, and Christine was grateful for the children's love to help Erik believe in her and her love for him.

After dinner, and after the children had all been put to bed, Erik came into the bedroom and found Christine looking out of the window. He walked toward her, slipped his arms around her, and whispered "How are you, love? You're looking beautiful in the moonlight." She smiled "I'm feeling wonderful, my dear. In fact," she said with a twinkle in her eye "I'm feeling very wonderful." She turned to face him, kissing him deeply. Erik pulled back gently, and said "Are you sure, my dear? I do not want to hurt you or the baby." Christine shook back her hair and the twinkle brightened. "I'm very sure, Erik." She pushed him back until he was up against the bed, and laid him down. He quickly scooted back onto the bed, with her following him until they were lying together. As he gave in, as he had known he would, he wound his fingers through her hair and whispered "I love you Christine. I love you more than I ever thought possible." She kissed him and smiled back. Erik looked at her and said "Christine, will you ever stop loving me?" She kissed him again and said "No, Erik, I never will."

And that's all folks! *stands to take a bow*

I really have to thank all of you who put this as a favorite story, who reviewed, who have been following the story. Y'all are great, really really great.

Gerry has laid out cheesecake, lemon bars, and pecan pie for everyone. Help yourself as you review.