I do not own the Fifty Shades Trilogy characters – those belong to E.L. James.
A/N: Thank you everyone for reading and the reviews. Yes, I'm trying to make this Ana and Christian close to normal as normal is, so I appreciate the feedback. I did not do the Charlie Tango incident in my last chapter because Jack Hyde isn't part of their lives, at least not yet. However, I got some Elena drama for you in this chapter! Enjoy!
CPOV
Ana and I are driving back to Escala after an amazing day on The Grace. What a birthday! My twenty-eighth birthday will go down as the best birthday, ever! First, amazing sex in the playroom with Ana this morning. God, I didn't think I could ever go back in there with her after the last time, but she showed me that we could do it together and it was fucking amazing. I know that I could only ever give her pleasure and I plan to push her limits with pleasure only. I also love the fact that she let me claim her ass for the first time.
We had perfect weather for sailing today and I let Mac have the day off, so it was just Ana and I. Since she has been on the boat once already, I felt comfortable enough that it was just the two of us sailing. We brought a picnic lunch with us today and had a romantic lunch on deck. Then we made love twice in the cabin. I'm excited that she really likes sailing and that she really wants to take sailing lessons. I will have her meet up with Mac next week and maybe he can teach her some of the basics.
However, I really wanted to propose to Ana today, but I was nervous about keeping that fucking diamond ring in my pocket while on the boat. I know the damn thing is insured, but I didn't want to put a claim on it before I gave it to Ana, so I left at home. I need to figure out a plan to pop the question to her either tonight or tomorrow. I could take her to my parent's house tomorrow and propose by the docks. I'll need to call Grace in the morning.
Just thinking about proposing to Ana makes me nervous and that's a feeling I'm not familiar with. Cool, confident Christian Grey nervous. It's something we've talked about recently. Is it the rejection? Would she reject my proposal? She lives with me now and we are buying a house together. She also said that she would never leave me, so why wouldn't she say yes to me?
"Baby, are you okay", Ana snaps me out my internal debate. She can probably feel all this tension radiating off of me.
"Yeah, I'm good. Are you sure you don't want to go out tonight? We haven't had dinner yet and I'm hungry and I'm sure you're hungry. Being on the water all day can do that to you".
I look over and she is biting her lip. "Let's just go home first and we can decide what to do for dinner".
I don't what the hell is wrong with Ana now that we are in the elevator going up to the penthouse. She is standing on the opposite side of me and chewing her bottom lip and she seems nervous.
"Christ Ana, what's going with you? Didn't you have a great day sailing?" I finally have to ask her as I step in front of her.
"Of course, I had an amazing day. Thank you", and she gives me a small kiss on the cheek as the elevator doors open.
"Then what's wrong?"
"Oh", and then "SURPRISE", as we walk in great room. There stands my family and close friends in my apartment as they wish me a happy birthday.
I look down at Ana, "Did you know about this", I whisper to her.
"Yes".
"Did you plan this?"
"Yes, but it was really Mia's suggestion and doing. Are you mad?"
No wonder she was nervous, she thought I would be mad. Well, I don't like it, but I'm not mad. "No baby, thank you", and I give her kiss on her soft lips.
We go around the room and say hello to everyone and they wish me a Happy Birthday. Not only is there my family, but Kate, Ethan, a couple of Mia's friends, John Flynn and his wife, Ros and Gwen, Mac, Claude and his wife, Andrea, and Elena Lincoln.
"Christian, please don't be mad at Ana, but we really wanted to throw a little party as we never really celebrate your birthday", Mia whisper in my ear as we give each other a hug.
"I'm not mad at Ana or you, but I just don't like to celebrate my birthday", I tell her as I give her a kiss on her cheek.
After saying hello to everyone, Ana tells me that she is going to change out of her jeans and t-shirt and heads towards the bedroom. I should change too, but if I follow Ana, we will never come back to the party.
I notice there is buffet on the breakfast bar and music playing throughout the apartment with lights dimmed low and candles flickering giving my home a party atmosphere. I also see that the balcony doors are open too.
"Christian, darling, how are you? Haven't you received my messages?" Fuck, Elena. She places her hand, manicured with long, red, fingertips on my arm and I flinch slightly. She left me three voicemails yesterday, one today, and a couple emails that she would like to talk. I've haven't returned her messages and I'm staying away from her as I know that Ana doesn't like her. Actually, Ana despises her and I love Ana and want to keep her happy.
"Hello Elena. Yes, I got your messages but I've been extremely busy". I try to pull away from her, but she manages to hold onto my arm and reaches up and plants a kiss on my cheek. I just hope that Ana is not back in the room yet.
"Well, happy birthday dear. You've never been much for celebrating your birthdays, so I was a little suprised when your mother called to let me know about tonight. Did have a nice day so far?", and she raises an eyebrow to me when she asks. What the fuck is that all about?
"Ana and I had a wonderful day, thank you". Her face falls and she finally removes her hand from my arm.
"Well, I'm sure you both did". I step away from her and finally see Ana back in the great room dressed in a beautiful pink, v-neck cocktail dress that sparkles. Her long, mahogany hair cascades down her shoulders and her back and she has a little bit of make up on. She takes my breathe away and I know that I need to propose to her tonight. Here, at this party.
I excuse myself and rush into our bedroom and change my t-shirt for a white button shirt and put on my black loafers. I decide to stay in my jeans, though I really should wear dress pants. I quickly move from the bedroom to my study to get the engagement ring in the safe there.
When I turn around, Elena is in the room and closes the door behind her. "Elena, what are you doing in here?"
"Christian, it seems like we haven't talked in awhile and I thought I could get a few minutes alone with you". She slowly stalks towards me and notices the red box in my hand. "What is that?", she asks softly and then stands in front of me.
Fuck, I don't want to tell her what I'm about to do as I'm not sure how her reaction is going to be. I put the box in my pocket. "Come on Elena, we should get back to the party", and I move next to her and I gently put my hand on her back to move her along.
When I get into the great room, I grab two glasses of champagne that is on the wet bar that was set up for party. Elena puts her hand out to take one of the glasses, but instead I move quickly to find Ana and ignore Elena's hand.
I walk over to Ana and snake my arm around her waist and give her a soft kiss on the cheek while I pass a glass to her. "Excuse me everyone", I say loud enough and everyone in the room looks at me and the music is turned down.
"First, I want to thank everyone for coming tonight to celebrate my birthday, though as most of you know, I'm not one for celebrating them. However, with this beautiful woman next to me, she gives me a reason to celebrate and I'm hoping that she will celebrate my birthdays with me, every year, for the rest of our lives". I put my glass on the table nearest me and I get down on one knee.
Jesus, I'm so fucking nervous, but I'm already on bended knee, so I can't back out now. As everyone gasps and Ana puts her hands over her mouth, I quickly wipe my sweaty palms on my thighs before I reach of the damn ring in my pocket. I struggle to get the box out since this fucking jeans are so fucking tight!
I look up at Ana and I see tears starting to pool in her eyes. I grab her left hand and hold the box in the other. "Baby, you've brought so much light and love into my life in the past few weeks that you've changed me to be a better man. I know my life will not be complete unless you are with me for the rest of my days. Anastasia Rose Steele, will you marry me?"
I take the ring out of the box and I hear "Oh my god", from Ana. I know it's only been a few moments, but it feels like forever for Ana to say "yes" and it comes out in a sob since she is crying. I quickly put the ring on her left hand and take a moment to admire the diamond that is meant to rest on her finger.
I finally get up on my two feet and pull her into arms and give her the wettest kiss to show her how much I love her. While we are kissing, the whole room erupts with clapping and a couple of whistles. "I love you so much baby", I whisper in her ear.
She steps back and really looks at the ring. "Oh, Christian! It's so beautiful and so...big!"
"Do you like it?"
"Like it? I love it and I love you". And before you know, everyone else is crowding around us and Kate and Mia grab Ana's hand so they can really look at the ring.
Mia throw her hands around my neck for a hug. "Christian, what a beautiful ring! I'm so happy for you".
"Thank you Mia". She turns to both Ana and I.
"So, when is the big day? Oh, a summer wedding would be wonderful! You could have it outside in a tent, just filled with flowers and candlelight", Mia gushes while Ana and I just look at each other, probably thinking the same thing.
"Mia, I just asked Ana, so nothing is planned yet. Anyways, we'll probably fly to Vegas and elope". I know that is what I would like to do, but anything Ana wants, she shall have.
After getting all the congratulatory hugs and kisses from everyone, Elliot suggests we bring out the good stuff and celebrate. I know that I have a box of Cuban cigars in my study that was given to me a while ago from a very good client. I'm not a cigar smoker, but this is a good occasion to bring them out, so I head to my study to grab them.
Again, fucking Elena follows me into my study, but this time she slams the door shut and looks fucking pissed.
"Christian, how could you? You're not marriage material!" What the fuck did she say to me?
"Excuse me Elena? Not marriage material? What the fuck is that suppose to mean?" I'm fucking pissed that she would say something like to me. I know she isn't 100% behind me and Ana's relationship, but how dare she say something like to me.
"Christian, you and I are not cut out for marriage or love for that matter. That girl could never fulfill your needs and you are making a mistake if you think she can. She is nothing but a mousy, little gold-digger. Can't you see that?"
"Elena", I growl in a low voice. "What the fuck do you know about love! Ana has given more in the short time I've been with her than all the years I've known you! I know love must be foreign concept for you, but Ana and I love each other and we will love each other for the rest of our lives".
She laughs. "Christian, you're not capable of love. Right now, you're just pussy whipped! Blinded by the virgin's tight pussy, you're not thinking straight. Once she has her hands on your money, she'll leave you!"
"GET OUT", I finally yell at her. I don't want to hear or see Elena again!
"Christian", but I cut her off
"OUT! NOW!"
Just then, the door to my study opens and it's Ana and she takes in the scene of me boiling mad and Elena with a slightly ashen face. Her beautiful eyes are much too large on her face as she looks at both of us. "Is everything okay? I heard you shouting".
After I close my eyes and take a deep breathe, I look at Ana. "Yes baby, everything is fine. Mrs. Lincoln was just leaving".
APOV
I'm near the wet bar getting another glass of champagne as Mia is going about wedding planning. I really shouldn't have another glass, but it's so delicious and it makes Mia's rambling a little more tolerable. Then I realized that I haven't seen Christian in a while.
"Elliot, have you seen Christian?", as I grab his arm when I finally see him. I thought he and Christian were going to have a cigar on the balcony.
"No, I'm still waiting for him to get those damn Cubans".
Hmm, "Okay". I look towards his study and the door is closed. "Let me go check on him". As I get closer to the door, I hear "OUT! NOW!" Who is he yelling at? When I open the door, I can't believe this! Christian's face is red and I can see the veins popping out his neck and Elena is standing in front of his desk with her hands on her hips and she whips her head around to look at me.
"Is everything okay?", I ask Christian. He closes his eyes and inhales and then exhales before he opens his eyes. When he finally opens them, they are softer and the color in his face returns to normal.
"Yes baby, everything is fine. Mrs. Lincoln was just leaving", he says quietly.
I look at Elena and she steps over to me so she is right in my face and points one of her red, talon fingers at me "You. Will never. Satisfy his needs. You. Are nothing but a gold-digger!"
"Fuck you, Elena! Christian and I love each other!"
Christian stalks over to us and grabs Elena by the arm. "I said the get the fuck out!", and he drags her out of his study and into the party. I am quick behind their heels.
"You're making a mistake, Christian", Elena says loudly and everyone in the great room is looking at them. "She's not right for you!".
"And you think you are?", Christian roars back.
Oh shit, this isn't good. Now everyone is staring at us probably wondering what is going between them and I don't think this is the time for their secret to come out.
Grace is beside us now, "Let's go in the foyer", she says quietly and is giving Elena a nasty look. The four walk out of the great room, close the door, and now stand in the foyer.
Before I can register what happens, Grace slaps Elena across the face. Both Christian and I gasp at what Grace just did.
"How dare you Elena", Grace spits at her. "I trusted you, as a friend, and you couldn't keep your fucking hands off my son?" Oh, I didn't know Grace could cuss!
"Grace, darling", Elena starts, but Grace puts her hand up to stop her.
"Save it Elena, I don't want to hear it. I suggest you leave as I don't think you are no longer welcomed in Christian and Ana's home".
Christian tucks a box cigars under his arm and then presses the call button for the elevator. "Please leave Elena as you not welcomed to our home anymore", and he comes back next to me and puts his free arm around my shoulders. I don't dare say anything though I have a million vile things I really want to say to her.
The elevator pings and the doors open. Elena steps in with her head down and I can see the tears going down her cheek.
Once the elevator doors close, Grace turns to me with a small smile on her face. "Ana sweetheart, could you give me a moment with my son?"
"Certainly", and I quickly look at Christian. "I'll see you inside", I whisper and I walk back through the doors of the great room. I put my ear up to the door after I close it, but I can't really hear much except when Grace raises her voice "How long?"
"What the hell was that about, Steele", and Kate and Elliot are right behind me.
"Um, I'm not sure, but it seems like Mrs. Lincoln didn't approve of Christian and I's engagement". I can't tell her that Christian and Elena had an affair.
"I can't stand that woman", Elliot grits through his teeth. "She is nothing but a social climbing, stuck up bitch. I never understood how my mother could be friends with her. And I'll never understand why Christian was always friendly with her and helped her with her salons".
"Oh, you know about that?", I ask Elliot.
"Yeah, they contracted me to renovate her salons". Oh, well that is news. The three of us go back and join the party, but I feel like I need a few minutes to myself, so I go to the bedroom.
I sit on the bed and take a deep breathe. Poor Christian, I can't image what he going through right now. What was a wonderful day and a happy time, turned so suddenly because of the fucking bitch troll! How dare she say that I'm not right for Christian? And was he right that maybe she wished that it was her he would want to marry? Of course I'm doubting myself, wondering if I'll ever be enough for Christian. I mean, they had a deviant sexual relationship for six years and he continued it for years after her until me. What if he really does get bored with me, then what?
I look down at the beautiful engagement ring he gave and admire the sparkle from the low lighting in the room. This is really a big ring! I don't even want to know how much he paid for it. And now we'll have a wedding to plan. After Mia going on about weddings tonight, maybe eloping would be the way to go, but I couldn't do that to our family and friends as I would want them a part of our special day.
I look up when I hear the door to the bedroom click and Christian is standing with his back against the door. He looks sad and some what defeated.
"Hey".
"Hey. Why are you hiding in here?" He comes to the bed and sits next to me.
"I just needed to get away from the party. Are you okay?", and I put my hand on his cheek and leans into my touch.
"Yeah, I'm okay, though Grace is pretty fucking pissed at me right now".
"Oh. What did you tell her?"
"Almost everything. About the six years Elena and I had an affair, but not the details. I'll call my lawyers on Monday and gift the salons to Elena. I can no longer have any type of relationship with that woman".
"How do you feel about that?"
"A little sad, pissed about how she acted here tonight. But also relieved that I feel like a lot of what I've been harboring inside of me for so long came out tonight. It actually felt cathartic to tell Grace about Elena and I".
"Well, I know your mom is mad at you know, but I think she will forgive in time. I love you Christian Grey".
"I love you too, future Mrs. Grey. Shall we join our party?", and he stands up and proffers his hand for me to take.