A/N: I know it has been forever since an update, but here you go and hopefully it won't take long to get the next one up. RL got in the way so sorry to all my fans.

Chapter 7

Ana had been home three days. Christian often found himself checking on her, touching her to just be sure she was really there. He had a surprise coming for her later in the day and knew it would make her happy. Right now he was tasked with calling family and close friends to let them know that Ana was home and safe, but not quite ready to see anyone. Ana was napping on the balcony, well actually she had started out reading, but soon dozed in the warm afternoon sun. He'd watched her for a long time after discovering her there. She needed the sun, her skin being so pale so decided to leave her where she lay on the chase lounge.

Christian clicked end on the last phone call. Not surprisingly Kate put up the most fight about not seeing Ana right away. Christian was arranging flights and hotel rooms for Ana's mom and dad. He hoped she would be up for visits soon because he didn't know how long he would be able to keep everyone away. He was just about to venture back to the balcony to watch his love sleep when his phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID he saw it was his IT guy and he hoped he would be getting some good news. "Grey," he said into the phone, "good that is just what I wanted to hear. Thank you." Christian let out a deep sigh of relief as he set his phone down. It appeared the only copies of the sordid videos were in his possession locked away in his office safe.

Ana awoke on the balcony bathed in warm sunshine. She stood stretching her limbs as she walked closer to the balcony overlooking the city. She wondered briefly about the house they had been remodeling before the abduction. Shaking the thoughts from her mind she turned to look over her shoulder having that feeling of eyes on her. Christian stood watching her intently his breath caught in his throat as she turned to look at him and flashed him a smile. Christian strode three steps easily to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. She sighed feeling content in his arms. Christian pulled her up turning her around to face him.

"I've called your mom, dad, Kate, and my family to let them know you're back," Christian revealed.

"And..." she squeaked out.

"They've all agreed to wait for you to be ready, but you know they don't want to wait long" Christian explained.

"I know I just need a few more days. They're going to ask questions... I... well I'm just not ready for that yet," Ana explained.

"I understand you don't have to answer them and if you'd like I could talk to them beforehand explain a few things and ask them not to pry," he offered.

"That would be wonderful," she said as she leaned her head against his hard muscled chest.

"Your parents will be flying in and staying at the hotel a few blocks over. Kate is wanting to break down the door to come see you," he chuckled.

"She would be, but I am not ready for inquisition Kate," Ana sighed.

"Lets go inside it's starting to cool down out here. I wouldn't want you to catch cold," Christian explained as he guided her inside, "I have something for you."

Ana walked with him inside her interest peaked. Christian stopped abruptly turning toward her stuffing one hand in his pocket. His other hand found her left hand and began tracing her bare wedding finger. And immediately cast her eyes downward in near shame. "He took it from me," she explained. Christian dropped to his knees in front of her pulling a box out of his pocket as he did so. Without a word he slipped her ring back on her finger. She looked down at it and gasped in surprise. She brought it up to her face and examined it, "I thought it was gone forever." Christian stood and wiped the few stray tears from her eyes. "I had my team search for it once I discovered you weren't wearing it," he explained as he kissed her softly on the forehead.

Ana paced nervously back and forth as she waited for her first visitors since she'd been back. Her mom and dad were coming up together to see her. Christian was to meet them in the foyer and outline the terms of the visit. Ana was his first priority and he didn't want anyone upsetting her too much even if they were her parents. He was able to hold of Kate's visit for a few more days. He had to thank Elliot profusely for that one. If anyone was able to reign in Kate it was Elliot. Mia wanted to see her as well as his parents to thank her for saving Mia.

Mrs. Jones entered the room with a tray of tea. "Mrs. Grey please sit down and sip on some tea. It will calm you and I'll bring in some snacks as well." Ana smiled at her and obliged grasping a cup of tea and slowly sipping it. "She's just through here," Christian said as he lead her parents into the room she occupied. Carla stopped short as she saw her daughter poised on a chair sipping on some tea. Her hands flew to her mouth as tears glistened in her eyes. "Oh Ana," she said as she made her way to her daughter and enveloped her in a hug. Ray hung back with Christian letting her mother have a few minutes before he got his long awaited hug from his daughter.

"Mom," Ana whispered as she hugged her mom tightly.

"How are you baby?," Carla asked as she finally released her daughter allowing Ray to approach.

"I'm good mom, I've missed you guys so much," she said as she easily fell into Ray's embrace.

"We missed you to honey, " Ray said as he let her go and sat down across from her.

"I'll leave you to your visit," Christian said as he started to walk out of the sitting room.

"No please stay," Ana said as she patted the seat next to her. She didn't think she could be strong enough to make them stop if they started making her uncomfortable.

Christian smiled and sat next to her. He kept on hand reassuringly on her back the whole time. Christian was pleased that both Ray and Carla were able to visit with their daughter without delving to deep into what had happened to her while she was Hyde's captive. He had let them know that she had been kidnapped and kept captive the last year and half and that the man responsible had been apprehended. He'd also explained that Ana wasn't ready to talk about her time with the man and hadn't even divulged the information to Christian himself. They had all agreed not to mention anything about that, but to talk about the future and what Ray and Carla themselves had been up to.

The three had been talking for nearly two hours when Mrs. Jones announced that lunch was ready. Ana smiled happily as her mother and father both agreed to stay and eat with them. Christian was amazed at how well the visit was affecting her. He had feared the worst. Soon the meal was over and Ana expressed her desire to nap. Carla, Ray, and Christian watched as Ana left the room.

"She seems to be doing well," Carla said.

"Yes and your visit has done wonders for her disposition," Christian revealed.

"Well I'm staying in town for a few more days we should plan a dinner or something," Ray offered.

"Yes I have a few more days as well," Carla agreed.

"I'll talk to Ana and have Mrs. Jones arrange it," Christian said as he walked them to the door.

"Thank You Christian, For everything," Ray said as he turned and walked out the door.

Christian was pleased with Ana's progress. She was beginning to gain some weight back and her color was much better as well. He hadn't returned to the office since the impromptu trip to Tijuana to track her down. He had a few things he needed to get done at the office and was a little worried about leaving her. She assured him she would be fine and safe in the confines of Escala. He knew she was nervous about her visit with Kate the next day and would rather him work now and stay home with her the next day. The dinner with her parents the night prior had been great and really improved her mood. They had both left early this morning back to their respective homes and had promised to visit again soon.

Ana kissed Christian softly before he left Escala to go the office. She hated to admit to herself that she was a little apprehensive about him leaving her. Before Jack she would have been appalled at the notion. She had always been striving for independence with Christian, but now she was content to just sit back and let him take charge. Anna retired to the library to read until Flynn showed up for her weekly therapy session. She was grateful that Christian wasn't pushing her to talk to him, but letting her talk to Flynn instead. Ana was utterly engrossed in her book when Flynn walked in startling her.

"I see Christian is not lurking around today," Flynn noticed.

"He had a few things at the office to get done," she explained as she set her book down.

"So how have you been Ana?" Flynn asked warmly.

"Better... I visited with my parents."

"And how did that go?" he pressed.

"Good... really good. They didn't pry and it was so good to see, hear, and feel them" she explained.

"That's wonderful Ana. What about you and Christian?"

"Christian has been wonderful. He's there for me, but not pushy and I know it must be hard for him."

"Why do you say that?"

"He's so used to being in charge and well you know, but he's been patient and caring."

"I see so he's putting his needs on the back burner for you?" he presses.

"I never thought of it that way, but yes I suppose so. Kate is visiting tomorrow," she says.

"Kate that is your best friend yes?" he asks her.

"Yes, yes she is."

"You sound apprehensive about her visit. Why is that?"

"Well you don't know Kate, but she is very pushy."

"You think she will push you to talk about things you're not ready to talk about?" he reasons.

"Exactly, but I'm going to ask Christian to stay with me. I love Kate, but I'm not ready. I haven't even told Christian everything. I mean I've hardly broached the subject at all. I've told him just enough to placate him so he won't push me and I really don't need anyone else pushing me." Ana finished breathing a big sigh of relief getting her fears off her chest.

"I'm sure Christian will be a great asset tomorrow for you then," Flynn offered.

"Do you know where Jack Hyde is? I mean has Christian said anything?" Ana worried her bottom lip between her teeth.

"No I've not been privy to that information. Perhaps you should ask Christian yourself."

"I just want to know he's not going to come barging through the front door one night bent on destroying everything," she explained.

"I'm sure Christian is taking every measure not to let that happen."

"I think I'm done for the day. Thank you Dr."

"Of course Ana. I will see myself out," he said as he stood leaving the room.

Ana watched as he left the library. She really liked Dr. Flynn he let her take the lead and didn't try to get her to talk about what happened. She was sure if Christian new they hadn't talked about Hyde he would be quite upset. He wanted her to get it all out and put it behind her so they could move on, but she didn't think it would be that easy.