"Erik, can you give me a hand and open the oven door while I take out the casserole?" Charlotte asked with a smile.
"Of course," Erik said, walking over and opening the oven door for her. "Dinner looks and smells delicious."

"Thank you," Charlotte grinned, setting the casserole on the stove before kissing his cheek. "Goodness, I still can't believe I'm three months pregnant."

"I know, it is a little bit hard to believe. To think you're already complaining about your dresses not fitting and you haven't even started to show yet," Erik replied as he leaned up against the kitchen counter.

"I know," Charlotte chuckled. "I've tried tying my corsets tighter, but it only goes so far."

Erik sighed. "You're still wearing your corsets, are you?"

"Yes," Charlotte nodded. "And you know it's perfectly fine. Don't worry so much. Besides, I have to do something to make my dresses fit."

"I know, I know. I just can't help but worry a little bit," he said.

Charlotte couldn't help but smile as she kissed his cheek. "I love you," she chuckled. "I just don't want you to worry because it can be unhealthy."

"I'm trying, but I'm a father. It's instilled in me to worry," Erik replied with a quiet laugh.

"Maybe so," Charlotte laughed softly, wrapping her arms around his waist. "I love you so much. Have I mentioned that lately?"

"Frequently, yes," he said as he gave her a quick kiss. "I love you too."

"Good. Oh, by the way, we received an invitation to a masquerade ball at the Opera Populaire."

"Have we now? That could be interesting, considering how my last masquerade appearance went."

"I take it you won't be going as Red Death this time?" Charlotte giggled.

"No, they might catch on and issue another warrant for my arrest," Erik said with a smirk.

"We certainly don't need that," Charlotte replied with a soft laugh. "Who do you think you'll dress as?"

"I'm not quite sure. Did you have an idea for yourself? If you do, I'll just be your partner."

"I was thinking maybe Elizabeth Bennet or Juliet."

"And I would be your Romeo in the case of Juliet, I take it?" Erik asked with a smile.

"That's what I was thinking, yes," Charlotte nodded. "Gustave wants to go as the tin man from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz."

Erik laughed. "Of course. It's his favorite character."

"I like the tin man too," Charlotte said with a smile. "Perhaps we could dress Angelina as Dorothy."

"Yes, definitely. With the little silver shoes as well," Erik added.

"Oh, she'd be adorable," Charlotte grinned. "I could even put a little bow in her hair."

"Wonderful. When is the masquerade?"

"In a week," Charlotte nodded. "I bet we could get Papa to come. Perhaps we could even convince him to dress as Don Juan."

"Oh, please my love. I am begging you to get him to dress up as Don Juan," Erik said through his laughs. "It would be fantastic."

"If anyone can convince him, I can," Charlotte giggled, kissing his cheek.

"Fantastic, because I want nothing more," her husband replied, turning his head when he heard a knock on the front door. "Speak of the devil. Do you have the gift ready?"

"Yes, I do," Charlotte replied with a nod. "This was a great idea."

"I agree. I'll go get the door for him."

"We'll both go."

The pair walked out to the foyer and Erik opened the door, giving Nadir a smile. "Welcome back."

"Thank you," Nadir replied with a nod as he stepped inside and gave Charlotte a quick hug.

"Hello, Papa," she smiled, kissing his cheek. "Here, let me give you a hand with your bags."

"You have more stuff with you than you ever did in Persia, my lord," Erik remarked as he picked up one suitcase and brought it inside.

"I think I brought half of London with me," Nadir laughed.

"It seems like it," Erik said with a chuckle

"Papa, what did you have in here?" Charlotte chuckled, picking up a suitcase. "My god, this is heavy. Is this you porcelain elephant collection?"

"You have a porcelain elephant collection?" Erik repeated with a raised brow.

"Well, it was something my wife started, and it escalated quickly," Nador chuckled.

"I did notice one or two around your house in Persia, but I didn't imagine the intensity of it."

"Oh, yes. I have about thirty now, I believe."

"Oh, bless Rookheya's heart. She created a monster," Erik said with a smile.

"It's the sad truth," Nadir nodded. "But of course, Charlotte didn't exactly help since she bought me about seven."

"Easy to buy gifts for, aren't you?"

"It would appear so," Nadir chuckled. "Well, I suppose I should unpack."

"Actually, Papa, dinner is ready, so let's just put your bags in your room and I'll help you unpack later," Charlotte said with a smile, grabbing a couple of Nadir's bags.

"I'll go get the children," Erik said, giving Charlotte a wink before he went upstairs to get Angelina and Gustave.

Charlotte chuckled quietly as she picked up one of her father's bags, then walked up to his room with him. "It's so good to have you back, Papa," she grinned, setting a suitcase by his bed.

"It's good to be back. I missed you and your little family," Nadir said with a smile.

"We missed you too," Charlotte said softly. "Now, Erik and I have a surprise for you in the kitchen. Follow me."

"A surprise? I'm intrigued," Nadir said, looking to the door when he saw Gustave pop his head in. "Hello, Gustave."

"Hi," he smiled. "Mother, did you tell him?"

"Not yet," Charlotte chuckled. "Come on, Papa."

"Tell me what? What do you all have planned?" Nadir asked, giving Gustave a pat on the head as he walked out of the room with him and Charlotte.

"You'll see," Charlotte giggled as she entered the kitchen, where she found Erik dancing around with Angelina. "Hello."

"Hello, my love," he said with a grin, giving Angelina's cheek a kiss before he drew her attention to Nadir. "Look who's here, my angel! Grandpa Nadir is back!"

"Gam-pa!" Angelina squealed, reaching for Nadir.

Erik smiled wide as she passed his daughter over to Nadir. "She's wrapped her tongue around that while you were gone," he said with a chuckle.

"So at long last she's given me a title," Nadir grinned, kissing Angelina's cheek. "Hello, my little angel."

Angelina smiled and wrapped her arms around Nadir's neck, leaning her head on his shoulder.

"Well, I think it's time we stopped making you wait and gave you your surprise," Erik said. "Charlotte, care to do the honors?"

Charlotte waited until Nadir sat down at the table before giving him a small box. "Open it," she smiled. "And no, it's not another porcelain elephant."

"Well, now I'm disappointed," Nadir said with a chuckle as he opened the box, going quiet as he looked at the contents. "What is this? What's going on?"

"There going to be a new addition to the family," Charlotte grinned.

Nadir smiled as he sat the box down, then got to his feet and gave Charlotte the best hug he could with Angelina in his arms.

"Congratulations," he said. "You must be thrilled."

"We both are," Charlotte smiled, wrapping her arms around him. "Thank you, Papa."

Nadir then turned to Erik. "Can I give you a hug, considering the occasion?" he asked.

"I know we don't hug very often, but you're an expectant father again. I think a hug is appropriate."

"I suppose you may," Erik chuckled.

"Good," Nadir replied, giving his friend a hug. "Baby number three. That's three more than I thought you'd have."

"I appreciate the vote of confidence," Erik laughed, looking to his daughter. "You look happy, my dear."

Angelina grinned as she turned and pointed at Charlotte's stomach. "Baby."

"Yes, Angelina, your mother is going to have a baby," Nadir said with a chuckle. "You're going to be a big sister!"

"I can't get over how cute she is," Charlotte said, chuckling as Angelina squealed at Nadir's comment.

"And our new one is going to be just as sweet," Erik added, kissing Angelina's cheek.

"Oh, I hope so," Charlotte smiled, watching Angelina reach for her brother.

"Hi, Angelina," Gustave said as he took her from Nadir's arms. "You don't want to stay with Grandpa?"

"Gu-tav," Angelina smiled, kissing his cheek.

"She's just making the rounds," Charlotte chuckled. "Now, who's hungry?"

"I certainly am," Nadir replied. "The food on the voyage here was absolutely awful."

"I know that well," Charlotte nodded, handing him a plate of casserole. "Here you go, Papa."

"Thank you. I missed your cooking," Nadir said.

"Save room for dessert. I'm making a cake," Charlotte grinned as she set plates in from of Gustave and Erik.

"You work too hard," Erik said. "Though I know there's no point in saying that. Not to mention that the results are wonderful, so I've ceased my arguing."

"Perhaps I do work too hard, but I know you all love it, so it's worth it."

"You're too sweet. Make sure you get a chance to sit down and eat. You have to feed the little one as well."

"I will," Charlotte chuckled. "Don't worry too much. You'll turn into Erik."

"Hey," her husband said with a frown. "I worry, yes, but I leave you to your cooking. I love your cakes too much to argue with that."

"Yes, it's certainly not a waste of energy. But I'm afraid that if you aren't careful, it'll go to your waist," Charlotte giggled.

Erik's jaw dropped. "That was a low blow," he said. "At least I'm eating. I never used to do that very often."

Charlotte laughed. "I'm only teasing you, darling."

"Leave me alone, my waistline is fine," he mumbled, shaking his head as he returned to his dinner.

"I know it is. You're so sensitive," Charlotte chuckled.

Erik shrugged. "I'm self-conscious, what can I say? With a face like mine, my body is all I have. I can't let that deteriorate."

"Darling, you're perfect how you are. I was only teasing you," Charlotte said softly. "I'm the one expanding."

"Expanding?" Gustave asked with a little laugh.

"Yes, well it isn't my fault. Blame your new sibling."

"You and Papa made the sibling as you've told me, so really, it is your fault."

Nadir couldn't help but laugh. "Why did you tell him that?" he asked, looking to Erik as his friend threw his hands in the air.

"I am an innocent man, it was Charlotte's idea," Erik quickly said in his defense.

"I told him that we had plans to discuss having another baby. Little did we know, I was already pregnant," Charlotte chuckled,

"To discuss, my god," Nadir said with a chuckle. "Charlotte, you are something else indeed."

"I didn't think he would know what I meant," Charlotte laughed.

"And yet, here we are," Erik replied with a shake of his head.

"Oh, please, not this again," Charlotte sighed. "Need I remind you that I'm carrying your child?"

"I know, and I love you for that," Erik said, smiling up at her.

"You had better," Charlotte replied as she sat down next to him. "How do you all like your dinner?"

"It's really good," Gustave said, his statement getting Erik and Nadir to nod in agreement.

Charlotte smiled and began to eat, but after a moment, she felt something strange and put a hand on her stomach. "Ooh."

Erik glanced over at her. "What was that?" he asked.

"The baby's kicking. Erik, give me your hand," Charlotte said excitedly.

Smiling wide, Erik let Charlotte grab his hand and set it on her stomach. "So they are," he said with a little laugh.

"Isn't that amazing?" Charlotte grinned. "Gustave, come here!"

Gustave got up quickly and walked over. "It's still so cool," he said with a grin.

"Nadir, have you felt the baby?" Gustave asked.

"I haven't yet, no." Nadir got to his feet and set a hand on Charlotte's stomach, only to frown. "Of course it stops when I come over," he grumbled.

"Just give it a moment," Charlotte giggled. "There it is again."

Nadir smiled as he felt the little tap against his palm, then leaned his forehead against hers. "When did you grow up?" he asked.

"I'm still trying to figure that out myself," Charlotte sighed, laughing softly. "I know that you helped a lot."

"I like to think I did," Nadir replied

"You definitely did," Charlotte smiled. "Papa, could you get Angelina out of her chair? I want her to feel the baby kicking."

"Of course." Nadir took a few steps over to Angelina and picked her up. "Come feel the baby, Angelina," he said.

Charlotte placed Angelina's little hand on her stomach, but when she felt the baby kick, Angelina scrunched up her little nose in confusion.

"Erik, she makes the same face you do when you're confused," Nadir pointed out with a laugh.

Erik scoffed. "I do not make that face."

"Yes, you do," Charlotte insisted.

"You really do, my friend," Nadir added

Angelina gave a little nod, even though she, in truth, had absolutely no idea what they were talking about.

"Even she agrees, my god," Erik said with a shake of his head.

"See? You really do make that face," Charlotte giggled.

"Okay, changing the subject. Nadir, we got to an invitation to a masquerade at the Opera House and we were wondering if you wanted to join us," Erik said.

"A masquerade, you say?" Nadir chuckled.

"Yes. You could go as Don Juan. Ooh! Or even better, go as the Phantom of the Opera," Charlotte laughed.

"That wasn't an option earlier today," Erik pointed out with a frown

"Why is it an option now?"

"Because it's hilarious," Charlotte giggled.

"I'm inclined to agree," Nadir said with a chuckle. "Alright. I'll go as Erik."

"Well, you'll have to look through my closet and pick an outfit that we can get remade in your size," Erik said with a sigh.

"Eat a few more cakes and that won't be a problem," Nadir replied as he stifled a laugh.

"Wow," Erik chuckled.

Charlotte couldn't help but giggle at the two as she bounced Angelina lightly on her lap. "The two of you should put on a comedy act."

"My love, our lives are a comedy act."

"Only from when you and I met and thereafter."

"Fair, but Nadir and I have been putting on this act since I was a teenager. We're experts," Erik explained.

"If only we could make money out of it," Gustave said with a laugh.

"We would be billionaires!" Nadir exclaimed.

"We could buy France and turn it into Destlerville," Charlotte giggled, kissing the top of Angelina's head.

"That name would be unfortunate, but I do think we could buy France," Erik said with a smile.

"What would you rather name it? Phantasma? It might confuse people, dear."

"You know, I haven't given all that much thought to renaming France," Erik chuckled.

"We'll have to start discussing it, then," Charlotte said with a laugh.

"I suppose so."

—————

Charlotte set a plate of chocolate cake in front of Gustave. "Here you are, dear. Let me know what you think."

"Thank you, Mother. I'm sure it's delicious," Gustave said, looking over at Angelina and laughing when he saw her chocolate-covered face.

"Cake!" Angelina grinned, shoving the last bit of her dessert in her mouth with her little fist.

"Cake indeed," Erik said with a chuckle as he grabbed a napkin and wiped off her face. "You're enjoying that, aren't you, my angel?"

Angelina nodded and pointed to Charlotte, causing her to smile. "Hello, my darling," the latter said. "Can I give her more, Erik?"

Erik sighed, putting his hands on his hips. "A little bit more," he said.

Angelina clapped her hands, looking up at him with a wide grin.

"You're welcome," Erik replied with a wink.

"Papa," Angelina smiled, "love."

"Aww. I love you too, my angel."

"She's so precious," Nadir said with a chuckle.

"She is. I'm a very fortunate man," Erik replied, giving his daughter a kiss.

"I think she's getting sleepy," Gustave said as Charlotte set another little piece of cake in front of Angelina. Although she was managing to continue eating, her eyes were starting to grow heavier by the second.

"Do you want to put her to bed?" Charlotte asked with a smile. "When she finished, of course."

"Sure. I hope she'll fall asleep, though. Usually she needs Papa to be holding her," Gustave replied.

"I think it'll be fine. She's alright sleepy. Just read her a book and she'll be out like a candle."

"I don't think she'll finish her cake, so I'll just take her now." Gustave finished off his own dessert before he gently lifted Angelina into his arms.

"Say goodnight, Angelina," he whispered.

"Night, night," Angelina said softly as Charlotte quickly wiped off her mouth and hands.

"Goodnight," she replied, kissing her daughter's forehead.

"Okay, let's go," Gustave said as he walked to the stairs and up to Angelina's nursery, noticing his sister yawn and rest her head on his shoulder. "You're sleepy, aren't you?"

"No," Angelina said with a giggle. "Book."

"Okay. Which one do you want to read?"

Angelina looked over to her shelf and pointed to A Midsummer Night's Dream, recognizing it by the pretty cover.

"Good choice. Has Papa been reading it to you?"

"Mama," Angelina answered.

"Ah, I see," Gustave said with a nod. "Well, you're already in your pyjamas, so we can read." He set her down in her crib and sat on the floor, then picked up the book and opened it to the marked page.

Angelina began to whine in protest, reaching toward her brother.

"You want to sit in my lap?" Gustave asked, turning to look at her

Angelina nodded. "Gu-tav," she said softly.

"Alright, fine. Come here." Gustave stood up and lifted her up, setting her in his lap and opening the book again once he had sat down. "Let's read, okay?"

Angelina smiled up at him in reply and leaned against his chest.

—————

Later that night...

Erik walked upstairs to get to bed, having said goodnight to Nadir already. He walked to Angelina's nursery and slowly opened the door, feeling his heart swell at what he saw. Gustave was leaning up against Angelina's crib, fast asleep with the little girl in his lap. "Charlotte, come here," Erik whispered.

Charlotte quietly approached their daughter's bedroom door, smiling when she saw their two children asleep together. "Oh, how cute," she said softly.

"I know." Erik sighed and wrapped his arm around Charlotte's waist to pull her close. "My children. Still a baffling statement to me."

"It's rather a great statement, though," Charlotte smiled. "God, look at them. They're so precious."

"They really are. Even still, we should probably try and move them. I can't imagine Gustave can feel his lower half anymore."

"But then Angelina will wake up and cry for an hour," Charlotte sighed.

"We have a crisis on our hands, it seems," Erik replied with a nod.

"We could just let them be," Charlotte shrugged. "That seems like our best option."

"It does, yes. Shall we just do that and get to bed ourselves?"

"Yes, let's," Charlotte nodded, slipping her hand into his. "Let's go."

Erik smiled, walking with her to their bedroom. "I'm exhausted," he mumbled, slipping his shoes off and flopping onto the bed. "And I can only imagine that you are too, given that you're carrying our little one."

"Yes, I am rather tired," Charlotte smiled, untying the back of her dress.

"You need your rest then," Erik said as he got back up and helped her untie the rest of the dress.

"What are you doing?" Charlotte laughed softly.

"Helping you get out of your dress so you can get to bed," Erik replied with a shrug. "Is that such a crime?"

"No, but you're tired. You can just go to sleep. I can manage."

"You're tired too. It's fine, love, really. Just let me help."

"Alright," Charlotte said softly. "Thank you."

Helping her step out of her dress, Erik passed over her nightgown before he took a step back to change into his own night clothes. "I don't really have much of anything you can really help take off, so I'll handle this myself," he said with a chuckle.

"No, I can help," Charlotte giggled, unbuttoning his shirt. "There's plenty for me to do."

"I can see that, yes," Erik said with a laugh as he shrugged the shirt off of his shoulders.

Charlotte gave him a kiss as he did. "I love you so much."

"I love you too," Erik said, pulling away only for a moment before he gave her another kiss. "I love you more than you know."

"I love you more," Charlotte grinned as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"That isn't possible, I'm afraid."

"Oh, it's very possible."

Erik raised his eyebrow. "I'm not sure I believe that," he said with a smirk.

"Oh? Is that a challenge?" Charlotte frowned.

"Perhaps."

Charlotte smirked and pushed him onto the bed, kissing him tenderly.

Erik chuckled, wrapping his arms around her to hold her close. "I'm starting to believe you," he whispered as he gave her another firm kiss.

"You'd better," Charlotte chuckled, kissing her husband again.

"Yes, you're giving me good cause to."

"Good," Charlotte grinned.

~~~~~

yayyy new chapterssss