A/N: I feel like this story has been all fluff and set-up so far. That said, here is one more little bunch of fluff before we have some drama brewing.

We were all relieved that the architect was Gianni Matteo, not Gia. BUT, guess who he's married to? Mean girls, mom shaming, and more… coming up!

xoxoxox

Chapter Four

I am passed from person to person, being hugged and exclaimed over within an inch of my life. When it's Kate's turn, I pull her close and whisper in her ear. "Sorry, Kate! This day is supposed to be all about you!"

"Ana! She pushes me to arms' length and holds me there. What are you talking about? I'm thrilled for you! Plus," she whispers, "this will totally take the heat off of me and Elliot having a baby right away."

I laugh. Leave it to Kate to break the ice and find a way to soothe my nerves. "I wanted to wait until after the fitting - maybe when we were at lunch? But then I realized that I am not going to make it through this fitting under the radar."

I pull my shirt tight so everyone can see my little bump, which is getting bigger by the day.

"Oh!" squeals Grace, "my goodness, sweetie… how far along are you?"

I blush. "I know… um, ten weeks? We were going to wait until closer to twelve weeks to tell everyone. And, honestly, I've been in a little bit of denial?"

Everyone is nodding.

"And this - well, they - kind of threw me for a loop. But I'm okay now - I think - and we're ready to do this." I take a deep breath, let it out. "Speaking of doing this…" I turn to the saleslady who has been taking all of this in - a bemused expression on her face - "a size six, please? Maybe even a size six with a bit of a stretchiness? Thank you."

After we all try on a couple of different options, we agree on navy blue bridesmaid material is smooth and elegant, but has some stretch to it. They have scooped necklines that plunge deep in the back. I figure if there's going to be skin showing, the back is a safe place for it. We also choose coordinating flower girl dresses for the girls. Teddy will go with Christian to be fitted for a tiny, ring bearer's tuxedo.

Decisions made, we head to a nearby hotel for lunch. They are serving high tea, and we giggle over the finger sandwiches, crumpets, and scones. They all joke with me by piling two of everything on my plate. Luckily, my stomach is feeling fine - and I find that I am famished now that the lump in my belly from having to tell them is gone. And I happily eat through my double-sized portion.

After lunch, we go shopping for shoes to go with the dresses, and end up with navy wedge sandals with sparkly straps. And of course, since Kate and Liz and Molly - the super shoppers - are involved, we all end up with matching clutch purses.

I return home just before dinner, tired but giddy from my girls' day out. Christian is wind-blown from a day on the boat, but seems happy and relaxed. We take turns telling about everyone's reactions to our news. It feels good - real - now that everyone closest to us knows. Well, not quite everyone…

I make a Hawaiian pizza with ham and pineapple - the girls' favorite - garlic bread, and salad for dinner.

As we're cleaning up, Christian comes up behind me. "Hawaiian pizza and garlic bread? Are you trying to butter them up?"

I giggle. "Is it that obvious? I also made chocolate chip cookies."

"Baby, they're going to be fine with it… they'll be excited."

I sigh. "I hope so. I know I'll feel better once everyone knows. Until then…"

"Until then you're going to be nervous."

"Yes."

After dinner, we light a fire and settle in to play a game of Monopoly on the coffee table. We take turns guarding the board from a curious Teddy, who just wants to drive the tiny car piece around the board.

I sigh and just take in the scene - my family… my perfect family. Christian leans in close and says, "You know we're going to have to tell them. But not tonight…It's already been a big day. Tomorrow?" I nod. I know.

xoxoxox

We haven't had the kids back at the big house since meeting with Gianni about the plans, so we decide to pack a picnic and head north for the day.

We got a huge wicker hamper as a wedding gift, but we've hardly used it. When I saw the meadow at the big house, I knew it was the perfect spot for it.

I'm tucking a container of the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies into the hamper when Christian comes in, deftly popping open the container and snagging a cookie.

"Hey," I scold him, "You're as bad as the children. Those are for dessert and you're going to spoil your appetite."

He leans in for a kiss, trying to get back into my good graces. I can taste chocolate and I lean in to deepen the kiss. Hmm… Christian and chocolate. This has definite possibilities. I blush at the memory of him liking the combination of Ana and vanilla… "You know that's not a problem. I'm insatiable," he teases. "And speaking of children…" he lowers his voice.

"I know," I say, resigned to the idea that we are telling them today. "I know you're right. I just hate to drop it on them all of a sudden."

"We'll just work it into the house tour, okay? Just follow my lead. It'll be fine… they'll be fine," he murmurs. Then he straightens up, calls out to the children. "Let's go… move it out!"

By the time we load up the children, the hamper, a blanket, some yard toys… pretty much enough stuff for a group of explorers heading for the North Pole, and drive to the big house, we are all starving. We plunk ourselves down at the edge of the meadow and dig into our lunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, Goldfish crackers, red grapes, lemonade, and of course, the cookies. "Not exactly the gourmet picnic I first pictured when I first saw this basket," I sigh.

Christian smiles and runs a hand through Teddy's curls, his other hand holding a fistful of Goldfish crackers for his son. Teddy promptly perched on his lap as soon as he sat down, insisting on having Christian feed him. Marissa and Ellie look relaxed as well. Marissa is reading her book while munching on a handful of grapes. Ellie is sneaking a second cookie, thinking that no one is watching. "Just one more, Ellie," I say, reaching over to tickle her. "I see you."

When everyone is finished, we pack up the hamper and head into the house. Upstairs, the girls are clamoring to pick which rooms will be theirs.

"Marissa, I think you should have this one," I say, entering the largest room, which looks out over the driveway. "It has a window seat, which is just perfect for reading." The room has faded, blue and white flowered wallpaper, but I can already picture it with a fresh coat of paint and gleaming, refinished floors.

We walk through the adjoining jack-and-jill bathroom to the bedroom on the other side. "And you two girls can share this bathroom," I say, looking around. The bathroom will have to be completely gutted and re-fitted, but the space and layout are good. The second bedroom is only a little bit smaller than the first, and has a walk-in closet. "And look at this, Ellie," I say, pointing to a small door in the back wall of the closet. I open it and it leads to a cozy space under the eaves. "A secret room just for you." She squeals in delight and crawls inside. "We'll have it finished and carpeted, and put a light in, and you can keep your treasures in here."

We move on to the third largest bedroom, which is right next to the ones that we have in mind for the master suite. "And this will be Teddy's room!" exclaims Ellie, running in and spinning around in the empty space. Teddy wriggles out of Christian's arms and toddles over to meet his sister, joining in her excitement.

"Actually, I was kind of thinking that Teddy will have the little room at the front next to Marissa's," says Christian. "It's cozy and tucked into the eaves, and it will be our little man's special spot. This room," he holds his arms out, taking in the space, "is big enough for sharing."

"Who's going to share it?" asks Marissa. "The grandmas? I thought they were going to be downstairs."

"They will be," says Christian, reaching out to pull me into his side, giving me a little squeeze. I can't breathe. This is it… this is where we change their lives again. "This room is going to be shared by two special little people… by our two new babies."

Marissa's brow furrows as she processes this information, and then a slow smile begins to creep across her face as she figures it out. "Twins?" she asks in disbelief.

We nod and she turns around to her sister and brother, who are still occupied by spinning around. "Mom and Dad are having twins, you two!" she calls out. Ellie stops spinning and starts jumping around in excitement, with Teddy following her lead again, hopping up and down.

Christian starts laughing and turns to me, "See? I told you so. They're good with it."

But I'm still frozen to my spot, and I feel tears pricking at the corners of my eyes.

"What is it, Ana? What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong," I say softly. "She just called me Mom."

Marissa comes over and gives me a hug. "You called me mom," I say. "Are you sure? If you didn't mean it… I mean, if it just slipped out…"

She shakes her head. "I meant it. I called her 'Mommy' and that's what she'll always be. But you're our mom."

After all the talks we've had about how it's fine to call me Ana... all of the reassurances that I would never take the place of her mother… This moment - the one that I have been fearing for weeks - just slipped in and filled that tiny little crack. And, just like that, we were a whole family. A whole family of seven.

xoxoxox

On Monday night, I am propped up in bed with my work spread around me. One of my favorite jobs as a children's librarian is reading and reviewing new acquisitions to the collection. I love discovering new books and authors. At first, I would read the books and write a review just for our downtown branch's website. They were kind of like pitches for the new books, encouraging people to come in and check them out.

Soon, other branches were asking for me to share, and I was writing reviews for the entire King County library system. I caught the eye of a literary agent, who offered me a part-time job as an independent reviewer. My reviews are posted on various websites and in some newspapers and magazines. I've expanded from just children's books into young adult books and graphic novels. And some of these books are much longer and time-consuming.

I really love it, but it's sometimes hard to squeeze it into our busy life. In the evenings, I usually make and clean up dinner. Christian takes on the duty of putting the children to bed. This buys me an hour or two to get some work done before going to sleep. More often than not, I bypass my home office and snuggle into bed instead. Tonight I am surrounded by six books - three of which are advance editions and on a tight timeline - my notebooks, and my laptop.

Tonight I'm reading a graphic novel, the latest from Dav Pilkey. It's fast-paced and hilarious, but even so I am fighting to keep my eyes open. At the end of chapter six, I decide to rest my eyes for just a minute…

I wake to the book being pulled out of my hands, and I open my eyes to meet my husband's grey, concerned gaze. "Ana, you can't keep up this pace. Something has got to give. This is the third night in row that you've fallen asleep with a book in your hands." He smirks. "The library doesn't want their new books covered in drool."

What? I am not drooling! But I reach up and check the corners of my mouth to make sure. "I am not drooling!" I say, and smack him in the arm.

"Okay, okay… you weren't drooling. But seriously, Ana, you're taking on too much."

"I know," I sigh. "I know I really don't need to take on this part-time work, but I really love it. I don't want to cut back. If anything, my agent wants to keep expanding my focus. I mean, I could do it practically full-time!"

Oh shit. I look over at Christian and he's grinning. I hate it when he gets me to say exactly what he's thinking. Like somehow it then becomes my idea.

Oh I am not going to play this game. I pick the graphic novel back up, pretending to be engrossed in it. I mean, he's right… I could stop working at the library, do even more reviewing - on my own schedule, have more time for the children. Not even worry about going back to work after my maternity leave… I woundn't have to commute. Heck, I wouldn't even have to get dressed.

Christian lets me stew for a few minutes, then says "Ana?"

"Shh… Christian, I'm trying to concentrate." I scowl.

"Ana, you have the book upside-down."

Fuck.

xoxoxox

Wednesday evening, we are finally back to our normal date-night routine. With our crazy summer schedule, our trip, and wanting to be with the children after we got home, it hasn't happened in awhile. Christian picks me up from work at 5:30. It's warm for October and sunny, so he's driving the R8. I squeal when I see it, and run my hands along the top of the door. "Well... look who came out of storage."

Christian grins and hands my my Mariners cap and Ray-Bans. He looks so young and carefree in a white linen shirt and jeans. A boy and his toy. We're going out to dinner and then to spend the night at Escala, something else we haven't done in awhile.

He revs the engine before pulling into traffic. I glance in my rearview mirror and see Taylor and Sawyer in the SUV, who are both shaking their heads while trying to hide their smiles. The warm, sunny Seattle evening and Christian's good mood are infectious.

We drive north along the waterfront, then pull into a little restaurant overlooking the water. There's a small, indoor seating area, but it's mostly made up of a large deck with an outdoor bar.

We get out of the car and Christian grabs my hand, leading me straight to the steps going up to the deck. "I don't think I've ever been here before," I say.

"No, I don't think so… I used to come here with Elliot sometimes, but it's been awhile for me too. They have great pulled pork and microbrews, and it's a great spot on a nice day."

The bartender perks up when he sees Christian. "Well if it isn't Christian Grey darkening my doorstep." He reaches across the bar to shake Christian's hand. "What have you been up to, my friend?"

I look at Christian and his eyes are warm and twinkling. He actually likes this guy… he has a friend! "George, I'd like you to meet my wife, Anastasia Grey."

George's eyes widen as he takes me in and a slow smile crosses his weathered face. "Well you don't say. I can see what's been keeping you busy. Congratulations, you two."

Christian laughs. "Thanks, George. It really has been awhile." Christian orders us two pulled pork baskets with coleslaw, a bottle of Adnams Explorer for him and a sparkling water with lime for me. We settle in at a table for two overlooking the water, which is turning a pearly pink color, reflecting the sunset above it.

"This is a great spot… really peaceful," I say.

"Yeah, I used to come here a lot - after Chelsea - just to think, clear my head, maybe have a beer with Elliot. And I wanted to bring you here tonight… since it's a good spot for talking and thinking."

Hmm… kind of like our bench, but with food and beer. What now?

"So Elliot thinks that he can have the caretakers' cottage ready by January."

"Okay... " I say, "so that takes care of Taylor and Gail, but they won't be moving in ahead of us, will they. I thought we weren't going to worry about moving in until summer."

"Well," he says, "I was thinking that if you were done working at the library at the end of the year? I mean… if that's what you want to do. The girls could start school up there in January, and we could all be in a new routine by the time the babies arrive."

Hmm, very smooth, Mr. Grey. I haven't decided on anything, yet.

"So you're saying that we should all move into the caretaker's cottage?" I ask.

"Well, yes, temporarily… but not quite all of us." He's rubbing his hands along his thighs now, and I can tell there's more.

"What?" I ask, narrowing my eyes at him.

"I have to go to Taiwan in January," he says. "I've been putting it off, and now it's kind of a mess over there. Ros and I need to do some damage control at our shipyard there, and it could take as long as three weeks. I'll take Sawyer with me, and leave Taylor with you and Gail. I can delay it until after the holidays and Teddy's birthday, but that's it." He pauses to catch his breath, looking up at me.

George arrives with our food and drinks, and I give him a tight smile. Like any good bartender, he knows how to be discreet, and he backs away quickly, giving us our privacy.

My head is spinning, and then the pieces start to click into place. "So you would rather have me and the children up at the property - even though it's under major renovations - so Taylor and Gail can keep an eye on us?"

He squirms a little in his seat and then nods. "I want you away from the city while I'm gone, baby… it's all about keeping you safe, and out of the spotlight, and if you're not going to be working… And Elliot says that at least a couple of the other bedrooms will be finished by the time I get back. So we won't have to share." He winks and reaches under the table, running his hand up my thigh.

Now it's my turn to squirm. "Okay, Mr. Grey, we'll make it work."