Halloween Surprise
"Happy Birthday Luke!" My baby boy just looks up at me and grins. Today is not his actual birthday, but I know it is the day he was conceived. I just wish I had gotten Darth's name so I could at least tell my sweet boy when he inevitably asks about his father when he is older.
Flashback
I can't believe I let Kate talk me into coming to this Halloween party in Bellevue. Not only do I feel ridiculous dressed as Belle from the opening of Beauty and the Beast, when every other woman barely has lingerie on, Kate has ditched me for Thor. I have made my way through the downstairs of this mansion and haven't seen her. Remembering how peaceful the Sound looked from the back patio, I go outside and make my way down to the water.
Sitting on the dock, I try to get over the tipsy feeling I have had since I drank my fourth jungle juice. I should have known better than to drink so much but with Kate off doing whatever she is with Thor, I didn't want to look lonely so I kept my drink full and would keep drinking as I made my way around. Looking down at the water I suddenly feel hands grab my shoulders and pull me back. I feel all the hair on my body come to life and tingles on my arms where whoever has placed their hands.
"What are you doing out here?" A low muffled voice asks.
I turn and see Darth Vader standing over me. Even through the mask, that voice sends shivers down my spine.
"I-I...um… I just needed a few minutes alone. Parties like this really aren't my thing."
"You really shouldn't be sitting here being as drunk as you are. You could have fallen in and drowned if I hadn't come along to grab you."
"S-s-sorry. My friend that I came with ditched me for Thor and I didn't know anyone else, so I just kept my drink full and found the opportunity to come out here. I was trying to sober up so I could go and find my friend and hopefully leave."
"Well if parties aren't your thing, then why are you here?"
"If you knew Kate, you would know it is almost impossible to say no to her."
"Maybe you should try harder if you don't like parties. However, I can't say too much. I am here because of my brother's insistence that I spend time with him before I am leaving for a few months."
"We all sometimes give in to the dark side, don't we, Mr. Sith Lord. Besides I have to give in to her sometimes because she allows me to stay with her for very little rent and she is one of the very few friends that I have."
"Fair point, well made Belle." We continue to talk long into the night about anything and nothing at all. I learn that he likes to sail and fly and I tell him my love for books and hopes to get a promotion at my job in publishing.
After a long silence, he surprises me and asks, "Would you like to dance?"
"I'm not very good. In fact, I have no rhythm whatsoever."
"Just follow my lead."
He pulls me into his arms and that electricity that was there when he pulled me up from the dock is even more intense.
He whispers in my ear "I feel it too."
"Aren't you going to take your mask off?"
"No. I don't want whatever is happening here to change if you see my face."
"I promise it will not. I don't know what is happening but I feel so comfortable and safe around you."
More and more people are spilling outside and the party seems to be getting wilder.
"I know where we can go to have more privacy. Follow me."
I take his hand and he leads me to the boathouse. As soon as we are inside, he rips his mask off and kisses me like his life depends on it. I am stunned momentarily but return his passion and grab hold of his hair. It is wet with sweat from him wearing that full Darth Vader mask all night. I just wish he had turned the lights on as we entered so I could see him.
We get lost in the moment and the next thing I know, all our clothes are off and he's over me on the couch. It is so dark I still cannot see his face.
"Are you sure you want this?" He asks in a voice laced with want.
"Y-yes." I whisper full of lust and desire for this man that I just met.
He thrusts his hips and fills me up. It feels so amazing to be completely filled. No other man has ever been able to do that for me before. He hits all the right spots and we are both panting and moaning.
"Come for me Belle." He forces out in between hard thrusts and I do harder than I ever have before. He follows right behind me spilling himself inside of me.
"You were amazing." He tells me while kissing me as we both are coming down from the amazing high we just experienced.
"Just so you know, I don't usually do the one night stand thing." I tell him while yawning.
"Me either. Just relax baby."
I do as he says and the next thing I know, I am waking up alone. I get dressed and go out in time to see the sun rising. I find my phone and see that Kate has called and messaged me no less than 20 times trying to figure out if I am alright.
I call her to let her know that I am fine and that I called an Uber to come and get me.
As I wait, I cry for letting myself go and sleeping with a guy I didn't even know his name. He didn't even leave note or wake me to get me to leave when he did. No matter how much I regret it now, I will never forget the amazing sex. I felt a connection to him and not just lust and attraction. Hell, I never even saw his face. His personality and the conversation we had were something I never had with anyone else and I feel I will never find that again with anyone else.
As my Uber pulls up, I straighten my face and vow to try to forget about this night because it is obvious that he didn't feel the same connection I did.
End Flashback
I was doing well with trying to forget about that night. It took a couple of days for me to not feel where he had been between my legs. But then about 6 weeks later, I realized my period hadn't come when it was supposed to. Dread filled me as I purchased 5 pregnancy tests. I took them and all five of them showed positive. So much for forgetting about that night. I now had a permanent reminder since I hadn't been with anyone for months before or even after. Darth Vader had gotten me pregnant. There was no way I could abort or even give my child up for adoption, especially after that first ultrasound.
Now a year later, I have a handsome little 4 month old boy who has dark hair that has a copper look to it when the light hits it just right. He must have gotten the copper in his hair and facial features from his father because he looks nothing like me but at least he has my blue eyes.
"Alright Luke, are you ready to go to daycare." He smiles and coos. I hate that I couldn't stay home longer with him, but Grey Publishing has a great maternity leave policy which allowed me 6 months off with pay. I just started back to work this week. I am so grateful that they have an onsite daycare, it has made this week a whole lot easier to leave Luke and go to work. I am only 5 floors away from him and I have been able to go and nurse him on breaks and at lunch. I am going to have to email Mr. Grey and tell him just how much I appreciate the paid maternity leave and the onsite daycare. I haven't had a chance to meet him since he was overseas while GEH was acquiring SIP. Then I was on bedrest until Luke made his surprise entrance in late June. I was so worried when my water broke at 3 am that Tuesday morning but despite being born at 36 weeks, he was perfectly healthy.
Traffic was a nightmare and I have to rush from dropping Luke off on the 3rd floor daycare to get to Grey Publishing on the 8th floor. I get lucky and the elevator opens almost as soon as I push the call button.
I quickly step in and press the button for the 8th floor, not even paying any attention as to who is in the elevator with me but I notice they are headed to the executive floor.
As the elevator nears the 8th floor, I notice an energy in the elevator and it feels like someone is staring a hole into me. I don't want to turn and see who is in this elevator with me because I just want to get to work since I am going to be late. Finally, the doors open and I rush out and head to my office.
Hannah, my assistant, updates me on today's schedule and I have to attend a meeting in twenty minutes with Ms. Bailey today to discuss our plans for the rest of this year and what our goals will be for next year. I find it strange that they want all the head editors in on the meeting and not just meeting with the head of GP but that may be why GEH is successful, they make sure everyone is on the same page and knows what to work toward.
We are about halfway through the meeting when the door opens and in walks the most handsome man I have ever seen.
"Continue as you were." He huffs out and takes the seat Ms. Bailey vacated at the head of the table.
The meeting finally adjourns and I am so relieved. It felt like Mr. Grey stared at me the whole time especially when I had to give my summary of the adult romance division's projects in the works and promising manuscripts that we are working with.
I am almost to the door when I hear, "Miss Steele would you meet me in my office in 15 minutes."
"Y-yes Mr. Grey."
Great. Well at least I don't have a lot of time to wait and work myself up wondering what he could want with me. I will have to call down to daycare and tell them that I will not be able to make it down to nurse Luke. I can only hope the meeting goes quickly with Mr. Grey.
It seems like no time at all has went by when I am stepping off the elevator to the executive floor.
"Miss Steele, Mr. Grey is ready for you just go on through the doors."
"Thank you."
I take a deep breath, open the door to step in, and wouldn't you know gravity has to remind me that it exists and I trip and fall to my knees just inside the door.
CPOV
I couldn't believe my eyes this morning in the elevator when I saw her again. There was little doubt in my mind that the woman who stepped in from the daycare and got off at Grey Publishing was my Belle. I have looked for her for a year now and finally I have found her just when I was planning on giving up.
Last Halloween was the best night of my life. Despite being a little drunk, the conversation between us flowed easily and I have never been one to want to talk to a woman about anything other than business. Unfortunately, I had to leave her in the boathouse to head to New York because there was a fuck up that only I could fix and then I had my trip to Taiwan to get the GEH headquarters there started up. I knew I would be there for at least six months, which was why Elliot insisted I come to his party.
I was pissed at first that she never called me. I had left my number on a piece of paper and put it in the pocket of her costume. She must not have felt what I did and after a month and nothing from her, I tried to move on and forget her. But she was unforgettable. No matter who I had, no one compared to her.
I had about another month left in Taiwan when I decided that despite no contact from her, I would try to find her. I had Taylor, Welch, and Barney do what they could but the only information I could provided them with was that she worked at a publishing company. I didn't even know if it was in Seattle or not. They started looking into all the publishing companies in Seattle first and then would expand if none of them were her. There were a few brunettes at each of the publishing houses but none of the pictures looked like my Belle.
I even tried to see if Elliot might have known who she was but he didn't recall seeing anyone dressed as Belle because he was too busy with blonde Wonder Woman.
I just had to talk to her one on one, so I invited her to my office after the Grey Publishing meeting. I have to know if there is any spark still there a year later. I have just enough time to look over her employment file before she comes in.
I pull it up on my computer and look over it and quickly see what I think is the reason why she never contacted me. She must have felt guilty for lying to me about not having one night stands. Obviously that must be why she has a child and no father is listed she must not have known the father at all. Since his birthday is late June, she had to already be pregnant by the time we were together.
A commotion at my door brings me out of my thoughts. I look up and find Miss Steele on her knees just inside my office door. Oh baby what I would love to do to your mouth in that position.
"Miss Steele are you alright?" I ask as I help her up. That current that was there last Halloween is still there maybe even stronger today. I hear her gasp, so she must feel it too.
"I'm fine, Mr. Grey."
"Please have a seat." I direct her to the chairs in front of my desk but instead of me going to my seat, I lean on my desk in front of her.
"I just wanted to properly meet you. I didn't have the chance when we were acquiring and moving what is now Grey Publishing."
"I was out on maternity leave, which by the way I cannot express how grateful I am for the generous leave policy as well as the daycare that you have here at Grey House. It has made me feel less guilty about having to work to support myself and my son instead of being able to stay home with him."
"Ms. Bailey had a lot to do with that. When her and Gwen had their baby, she expressed how the maternity leave policy here in the United States was not family friendly. She also pitched the idea of having a daycare here at Grey House and after some research we thought it would be a huge benefit and so far it has."
"Personally, I can say it has been a lifesaver for me to know that he is well taken care of especially since I know the extent of which you vet the employees for your company."
"I am glad it can ease your mind Miss Steele. What do you think of the changes made with Grey Publishing so far?" Time to move this along before I ask about her relationship with her baby daddy.
"I am glad to see that we are embracing the ebook side of the business. While I prefer to have the physical book, so many people are using e-readers or even apps on their phones to read books. If we didn't expand in this way, I'm sure SIP would not have survived. I also appreciate the extra security provided. It is a comfort to know that not just anyone can walk in, they must have an appointment."
"Anything else Miss Steele?"
"I am really enjoying my job Mr. Grey. Like I said, I wish I could stay home with Luke but having him here and being able to fulfill my dream of reading books for a living is all that I could ever hope for."
"That is good to hear Miss Steele. I have a meeting I have to get to. It was nice talking with you. Will you and your son be attending the employee family Halloween party tonight?" Why the hell am I asking her this, I had no intention of making an appearance.
"Yes, we will. There are so many unknowns in today's world, that I don't trust going around and knocking on doors. I am once again glad that the company is having something for the employees' families here."
I have to get her out of here before I slip up and reveal that I intimately know her. I don't know why I still feel the pull when she has a kid with someone.
Standing and gathering my things for my meeting.
"Have a good day Miss Steele."
"You too Mr. Grey."
She stands and we both make our way to the door. I have to resist putting my hand on her back and leading her but being the gentleman that I am, I open the door for her. She heads toward the elevator and I wait and watch her walk away, then head to my meeting.
While listening to the department heads drone on about their plans for the next quarter, my mind drifts to my Belle, Anastasia. What I know is that she is not married and since her son has the name Steele, the father may not be in the picture. Can I do this? Can I pursue a woman with a child? I have never wanted children, they were not even on my radar. Last year, Belle and I had such a connection. The sex was amazing yes but the conversation we had was like we had known each other forever.
Oh hell, I think I need to make an appearance at that Halloween party tonight. Darth Vader returns tonight.
APOV
Luke and I arrive at the Halloween party about thirty minutes after it started. He just had to mess his diaper up right after I had gotten him dressed in his costume.
"Ana, you look great and so does Luke. How neat to dress him as Luke Skywalker and your Princess Leia hair looks great."
"Thanks Hannah. I thought it was appropriate given his name." I definitely do not tell her that it was because his father was Darth Vader.
"Be sure you are on the look out, I saw the sith lord himself roaming around here just a few minutes ago."
Giggling "Ok. Your costume is amazing. Mama Bear isn't it?"
"You got it. With Lydia's curls and blonde hair, we thought Goldilocks would be perfect and with Henry being just 6 months, he's a perfect baby bear."
"Wait so is Sawyer, Papa Bear?"
"Yes he is! He was very reluctant and said that Mr. Grey wouldn't approve but he's off duty so he had no choice."
"I can't wait to see him."
"Speaking of, I better go and find him and help him with the kids. See you later Ana."
"Laters."
Luke and I look around to the different stations set up. Next year, he will enjoy this even more because they have different games set up for kids of all ages to play and they get candy as a prize. It seems everywhere we go Darth Vader seems to always be close by along with this feeling that has every hair on my body raised. I don't know what is causing this reaction but I think it is about time we head home. I see Ms. Bailey as we are making our way toward the elevators to leave and I make my way over to her. Since Mr. Grey said the daycare was her idea, I want to express my gratitude to her.
"Excuse me, Ms. Bailey."
"Yes. May I help you?"
"I am Ana Steele from Grey Publishing and I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the onsite daycare here at Grey House. It has been such a relief for me to have my son close by while I work."
"You are very welcome. However it was for selfish reasons that I was able to get it started. Gwen and I adopted our first child Savannah about 3 years ago, when we explored daycare options there just wasn't anything good enough. I did what I do best and researched to find the best people and what we would need to do, pitched the idea to Mr. Grey, he approved and here we are today."
"Again I really appreciate it. This Halloween party was great as well. I know next year this little guy will love it."
"What is his name and how old is he?"
"This is Luke and he's 4 months and we were just about to leave but I wanted to speak with you."
"It was nice speaking with you Ana."
Just then that strange feeling I have had all night intensifies and I notice Darth Vader has made his way up to us.
"Ros, I am headed out of here. You know parties like this really aren't my thing."
I am frozen in my tracks. That voice, I would know it anywhere and the phrase he used. Does he know that it is me?
"Is everyone leaving early, you are checking out and Ana here said she was leaving as well? What did we run out of candy?"
I giggle and Lord Vader tilts his head at me. Did he recognize me?
"I don't think so. Ana if you are leaving as well, please let me escort you out?" He motions toward the elevators.
I can't say anything but only nod and we head toward the elevator. The air in the elevator is charged and almost crackling between us. I don't want to look at him but then…
"Ugh it is so hot in this mask. That is so much better." He says as he takes it off and it is then that I am so stunned. There before me is Christian Grey, owner of the company I work for, billionaire, Seattle's most eligible bachelor, and Luke's father. How in the world am I going to tell him?
"Please stop biting your lip Anastasia. It does things to me."
"S-s-sorry. I didn't realize. Tonight has just been a little overwhelming." The elevator arrives in the garage and we walk out.
"Anastasia." "Mr. Grey" we say at the same time.
"Ladies first and please call me Christian."
"Christian, please call me Ana. Would you be willing to come to my place to talk? I need to put Luke down for the night and I think we really need to talk."
"I was going to suggest that we get together and talk, so yes I will take you up on your offer to go to your place. I have to say that I prefer Belle over Leia."
"So you do remember last year?" He nods. "Let's go. Would you like to ride with me?"
"I need to let Taylor know where I am going, I am sure he will insist on following."
"Alright." I unstrap Luke from the carrier on my chest and put him in his car seat. By the time I am finished, Mr. Grey is back and insists on driving my car. I reluctantly let him. We are silent all the way to my place except for me giving him the directions. I am so nervous about the talk that we need to have.
After getting in the door, "Make yourself at home. I am going to put Luke down for the night."
It takes about 30 minutes to get Luke changed and to bed. I take about 15 more minutes to change my clothes into something more comfortable. Heading back into the living area, I feel bad that Mr. Grey can't change out of his costume. I am shocked when I get in there to see that he has changed. Damn he is hot. His muscles are on display in his tight white shirt and that ass in those blue jeans. You could bounce a quarter off that thing. He turns around and catches me staring.
"Taylor brought me a change of clothes, Anastasia. Don't look so surprised."
I can see that Luke did indeed get his facial features from him and the copper highlights.
I snap out of my trance and remember that I need to be a good host. "Would you like something to drink?"
"He also brought some wine." He picks up the bottle that I did not notice. "Would you like a glass?"
"Yes only one though." I go into the kitchen and get two wine glasses. He opens and pours us some wine as we sit next to each other on the sofa. We each take a drink to either prepare for the conversation ahead or to stall, I'm not sure which.
"This is really good."
"Yes it is. Anastasia, I want to talk to you about last year. That night was one of the best in my life and I thought we had made a connection. Why did you not call me?"
"How exactly was I supposed to do that? I didn't see your face because it was so dark. We didn't exchange names and I didn't get your phone number. I'm not sure how I was supposed to call you when you were gone by the time I woke up." How dare he try to put the blame on me for us not seeing each other until now.
"I left my number in the pocket of your costume. Are you telling me you didn't get it?"
"No I definitely didn't. If I had I would have for sure used it to contact you."
"That is so great to hear. I have thought about you this whole time. At first, I was angry that you didn't contact me but then I couldn't get you out of my mind."
"I could not get you out of my mind either, no matter how hard I tried." I don't know when we moved closer to each other but the next thing I know his lips are crashed to mine. We kiss for what feels like hours with our hands tangled in each other's hair. He starts to kiss down my neck and it feels so amazing. I can't help but recall one year ago and then I remember Luke.
"Christian" I breathily say. "About Luke." He breaks away from me and looks into my eyes.
"We will work it out Ana. He seems like a great kid what little I have seen of him. Just, tell me is his father in the picture because I will not share you Anastasia."
"I… Uh… Christian. I hadn't seen Luke's father since last year. In fact, I only just very recently figured out who it is."
"Well who is it? Is he giving you trouble? I know it had to be before we were together since his birthday is in June."
"How do you know that?"
"You told me he was 4 months Anastasia. It is not that hard to figure out. I like to think I am pretty good at math."
"Oh right. Um Christian, I am not sure how you will take this but Luke was born almost a month early. Before we were together last year, I hadn't been with anyone for about 6 months and I haven't been with anyone since."
"Ok. I am not sure what that has to do with anything. Just give me the name of the fucker who is… wait… if you wasn't with anyone before or after we were together… that … means… OH FUCK! I need some air."
He didn't even look at me as he put all the pieces together and hurried out the door. At least now, I know Luke's father and will be able to tell him when he asks.
CPOV
Breathe Grey. Just breathe. Inhale. Exhale.
I can't believe I, Christian Grey, am a father. While Anastasia was putting Luke to bed, I looked around at all the pictures she has in her apartment. All the pictures of Luke, I had thought that he looked like someone I knew. I did not in a million years put it together that I was looking at a miniature version of myself. His eyes and hair are all Anastasia so that is probably why I didn't automatically make the connection. I had prepared myself to accept Luke as a package deal with Ana just because of the connection we have. Now that he's mine, I have to step up and be there for him. I refuse to let him continue to grow up without me in his life, I just hope that I can be good enough and don't hurt him. Well at least I have enough money I can pay for the best therapist.
Shit. I have to get back in there. Ana probably thinks I've run away and I don't want any part of them. When in fact, I want them both.
I rush back and frantically knock on her door. I begin to worry that she isn't going to open the door and that all I will accomplish is waking Luke up.
Finally she opens the door.
"Ana, I am so sorry for rushing out like that. It was just a little overwhelming. May I please come back in?"
"Look Christian, I've been making it just fine without you and Luke doesn't know the difference at this point. I have a great job at Grey Publishing with amazing benefits so I don't need anything from you. It is just nice to now know that I will be able to tell him something about his father. I understand this is a shock. I did not plan on it and -"
I put my finger on her mouth to stop her rambling. "Just let me come in and we can talk about this."
She steps aside and allows me to come in. She locks the door and when she turns around I push her against it and kiss her senseless. She tries to fight back at first but then she gives in and kisses me back with the same passion I am giving her. When we need a breath, I tell her exactly what I feel.
"Ana, I feel like we have such a great connection. I mean it has been a year and I was still thinking about Belle and the amazing night we had together. After seeing you in the elevator and finding out you work for Grey Publishing, I felt it was fate that I finally found you. I'll be honest I looked at your background check and knew about Luke before you came into my office. I thought that meeting would be what I need to help me move on but it wasn't. When you mentioned the company Halloween party, I knew I had to make an appearance. In the time between our meeting and the party, I knew if I wanted to pursue something with you, that Luke was part of the deal and I had accepted that. Now finding out that he is mine, that is just icing on the cake. I want to provide for you and him and I want us to give our relationship a try. I feel something for you Ana and I don't know if we will work but I will always be there for Luke."
I have poured my heart out to her and I think I've sent her into shock. She is just staring at me like I am some complicated math problem. After what feels like forever she finally speaks.
"Christian, are you sure? You can't just decide to be there for him now and then later decide it's not what you want. At least now, he is young enough he wouldn't know."
"I have never been more sure of anything in my life. I am serious, I want to get to know him and you more."
Just then Luke cries out.
"I have to go get him."
Ana heads to go to his room. "Can I go with you? I would like to really meet him."
"If you are sure you want to." I don't answer and just follow behind her. Damn her ass looks even better than I remember.
We get to his room and Ana scoops him in her arms to settle him and then changes his diaper.
"Can I hold him?" For the second time she looks at me like I'm a Calculus problem she can't figure out.
"Sure."
She hands him to me. I'm nervous at first but then it just feels natural.
"Why did you pick the name Luke?"
"Well I had no idea of his father's actual name and I wanted him to at least have a part so why not Luke. He was Darth Vader's son."
"True. It's perfect. Should I do the voice?" Ana giggles at my question. "That is the best sound in the world."
"I'm not sure you can do the voice."
Just to show her I look down at my son. MY SON. I give him my best James Earl Jones "Luke, I am your father."
"Not bad Mr. Grey. Not bad at all."
We both smile at each other and Ana comes over next to us. I have no idea what the future will hold but I can't wait to find out with my son and his mother.
A/N: I do not own the characters of FSOG. This one-shot was inspired by Clodagh Murphy's Frisky Business.