Ch 10: It's Universal!
Things had really exploded within the community of Seattle. It's been a couple of months now and Ana and Christian were trying to plan their wedding. However; things outside of their lives were spiraling out of control.
Rebecca decided to give up her children so that they could live with their father and new mother Annie; when they finally do decide get married. After her breakup with Carrick, she had no idea where she would end up.
Ana and Christian joined his father and Mandy for dinner at the country club. Carrick was still reeling from his break up with Rebecca. As the couple danced, Ana was telling Christian she didn't want to smother him once they were married. She wanted him to be able to go out with the guys when he wanted.
He told her appreciated that very much and likewise for her if she needed time away with the girls. Once the dance was over, they rejoined Mandy and Carrick. They told them they received a postcard from Nick and Susan. They were in Italy and enjoying their time together.
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The next day they were back at the Grey Estate as they were having a meeting about Mandy becoming Vice President. She was practicing her speech to her brother, father and Ana that she would give to the board.
"I wanted to come to you all today to say that my goal is become part of this company not only as an employee, but a family we can all be proud of. So will you please join me in celebrating this victory with my family!"
They all clapped at her speech. "That was perfect, Mandy, I wouldn't change a thing!" Carrick told his daughter.
"Thank you, dad. I wanted to make you proud."
"I want to make a toast to my beautiful daughter," Carrick said, as they all grabbed a glass of orange juice, "To the most important woman in my life." Christian cheered to that as Aunt Grace showed up. She really didn't look all that happy.
"Good morning, Grace, are you here to congratulate me on becoming vice president of Grey Enterprises?" Mandy asked.
"Well, Mandy, I assure you, I will do my best to make you feel welcome," she told her niece.
"Grace, I was afraid you weren't going to make it," Carrick said to his sister.
"I wouldn't miss this meeting for all the money in the world, my dear brother."
"Mandy was concerned that you wouldn't make it," Ana told Grace as well.
"Were you dear?" Grace asked Mandy.
"Aunt Grace, she was under the impression that you wouldn't want her to be voted in as VP by the board but we told her that wasn't the case at all. Are we right?"
"My, my, how my family underestimates me. You just have to have a little faith in me that's all," she said to them all. She walked closer to Mandy asking, "May I have a word with you alone?"
The rest of the family left them alone as Mandy told her she still had things to do to get ready for the meeting.
"This won't take but a moment. I really need to talk to you," Grace said to her.
"Fine. Just make it quick."
"So are you too busy to talk about Malibu?" Grace asked her.
"Is that where you went when you left on a business trip?" Mandy asked.
Grace looked at her niece as she lifted one of her eyebrows. "Actually, I was down there to get information. It seems as though you have been a busy girl in Malibu. Care to explain to your father and brother what you really been up to?"
Mandy looked back at her Aunt. "What exactly do you mean by that?" she snapped.
"Oh, I think you know exactly what I mean. The question is will you come forward and tell your father what you really are. Madam?"
I didn't like the way she called me that name and it is not what she thinks. However; I certainly didn't want this to get out. I felt like I was stuck.
Later than day, all members of the board had arrived at the mansion. Everyone was set to vote in Mandy, however she before they were to vote she looked back at Grace.
"All in favor of Mandy Grey becoming Vice President say I?" Christian stated.
"Brother, can I speak to you alone please?" Mandy asked Christian.
"Can't it wait? We're just about to vote."
"No, it can't. I'm sorry, we will be just a moment." She told the board as she and Christian went to another room.
"What's this about?" Christian asked.
"I really appreciate what you have done for me, Christian, especially giving me this promotion." Mandy told her brother.
"Well, sis, it's deserved. You worked hard and I feel that you should get compensated for it."
Mandy walked around the room, trying to find a say what she needed to say to her brother.
"I know. I appreciate it very much. However; I'm afraid I'm going to have to decline your generous offer."
He looked back at her stunned. "What?" he squeaked out. "You can't be serious."
"I'm afraid I am."
"But why? Does this have anything to with Grace? Because if it does…"
"No, brother of mine it doesn't. This was my decision. I've decided to work with father in his company instead."
"I see. I wish you could have told me this sooner before getting the board here to vote."
Mandy looked her brother in the eyes. "I know and I'm sorry about that. I have never worked with father and this was my chance to do so. I hope you understand."
Christian sighed. He knew that it had to be a hard decision for her to make. "Don't worry about it."
"So, you will tell the board," she stated to him.
"I'll take care of it. I just hope you know what you are doing," he told his sister.
"Me too, me too," she whispered to herself.
They both went back out into the great room as Christian announced there was a change of plans. The board wasn't too happy about the fact that they came all that way for nothing. They left agitated. Mandy went up to Christian thanking him. Mandy felt bad for their father as she knew he was going through a difficult time.
"So I take it that father is still upset at Rebecca," Christian said back to his sister. Ana didn't understand what was going on.
"Why, what did Rebecca do?" Ana asked.
Mandy looked at her almost sister in law and said, "Where have you been? You didn't know that your father married Rebecca?"
Ana was in shock, she had no clue. But then she hadn't spoke to her father in a week. However; she didn't think he would up and get married without her knowing about it.
Rebecca only married Ray because she wanted to prove to Carrick and Paul it was over. Especially Carrick who wanted to get back with her. But Ray was in love with her and wanted her to love him back. They were arguing over the fact that she was still in love with Paul after all the time that had passed.
She was helping Ray around the diner. They were having an argument about her being distracted since it was her ex husband's wedding day. Just as they were really getting into it Ana arrived. She wasn't very happy with her father at all.
"So I hear congratulations are in order for the happy couple," Ana said to her father. He stood looking at his daughter knowing she wasn't happy with him.
"Ana, I'm so happy to see you," he said to her cheerfully.
"Dad, when exactly were you going to tell me about this news?"
"I meant to tell you sweetie, but it happened kind of fast." He explained to her.
"I'm happy for you, don't get me wrong. I just would have loved to be there. Did you even tell Elliot?"
"No, it happened very quickly. Instead of having a big wedding we wanted to elope. Just be happy for your dad. He's found love." Ray told Ana.
The two of them sat down while he tried to explain his and Rebecca's relationship. Ana wanted to give him a chance to explain how it all happened with her new stepmother. While he was talking to her, Rebecca was not doing so good with a customer as they were arguing about his food.
"What about you, I mean you're getting married in what a month?" Ray asked his daughter.
"Yeah. I had no idea how much was into planning a wedding. I just about drove myself crazy going through all these bride magazines that I was about to lose it. But Christian helped by hiring a wedding coordinator for me."
Ray looked at his daughter jaw dropped. "You, have a wedding coordinator?" He asked. Ana smiled at her father. "It must be nice to marry a millionaire." he told her.
Ana looked back at her father. "It is nice, but you know, that I didn't fall in love with him because of the money don't you? I mean there is more to Christian than his bank account."
"Sweetie, that's all I needed to hear. I know that you two love each other. Besides, you deserve to have all your dreams come true."
Just then Rebecca was carrying a tray full of dishes and it slipped out of her hands creating a crash. Ray got up and looked at his new wife.
"You know if you don't want to be here you can go. I know you would rather go to that wedding so just go alright!"
"Ray, it's not like that…" Rebecca tried to say.
"Spare me on your explanations and just go already!" he shouted.
Ana watched their exchange as Rebecca took of her apron and headed out the door. Once he calmed down and sat with his daughter she asked him a question.
"Dad, does the woman you married even have feelings for you at all?" Ana asked concerned, as she didn't want her father hurt again.
"Ana, it's not that simple."
"Really? Loving someone shouldn't be a hardship dad. I'm living proof of that."
"It's not that...It's very complicated. There are things that you don't know about," he explained as he got up and paced.
"Well, explain it to me dad. You know you can tell me anything. Scouts honor," she said, holding up her hand. Just as Ray was about to tell her the truth Christian walked in.
"You want to know the truth, here it is…" his voice trailed off with Christian standing next to Ana. Even though the boy had changed, Ray wasn't sure just exactly how much he could trust him since he and his dad were trying a father and son relationship again.
"Hey, dad, what's for lunch?" Christian asked, interrupting Ana's and Ray's talk.
"That's not what you wanted to me ask was it?" Ray asked.
"Not exactly. How's your new bride?" Christian asked his almost father in law.
Ana looked back at her father wanting to know if the marriage was real or not.
"Dad, you were just about to tell us the truth. Whats going on?" she asked.
"Nothing. Rebecca and I are just fine."
"But I'm worried about you," she explained to her dad.
"I have to say I'm with Ana on this," Christian said as well.
"What is with the two of you? Look, I took a risk by marrying her and if I get hurt it won't be the first or the last time. Don't you two have a wedding to plan?" Ray asked, hoping they'd leave him alone.
Ana sighed to her father. "I just want you to be happy and if Rebecca makes you happy so be it."
"Thank you. I want that for you too," he told his daughter kissing her on the cheek. Ana turned to her fiance and gave him a great big kiss.
"Hmmmm, baby, what was that for? Not that I'm complaining." He told her, looking in her blue eyes.
"Just thank you for looking out for my father and me. And for hiring the wedding coordinator to plan our wedding."
He smiled at his bride to be. "You are welcome my dear," he said giving her a quick kiss.
Christian turned and looked at Ray and invited him to go to dinner at the country club with his new wife. Ray said he'd think about it. Ana and Christian left to head back to the office to get some work done.
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Back at the Grey Estate, Mandy and Carrick were talking about them working together. Mandy was very grateful to her father that he was giving her a chance to work for him.
"I'm sorry about the pain that you're going through, dad."
"It couldn't be helped, Mandy. Besides, its what is keeping me going on this project."
"I know that you really loved Rebecca."
"Yes I did. Let's just say that they made a very big mistake," Carrick told her.
Christian left the office and was making a visit to the estate. He walked in and saw his father talking to his sister.
"There you are, I've been looking for you. I was wondering how you were doing dad?" Christian asked his father.
"I'm okay son. I have it all under control."
"Good, I'm glad. I hope it's okay, but I invited the wedding coordinator here to help me and Ana with the wedding."
"Of course son." Carrick told Christian.
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Back at the diner, Rebecca returned after she watched her ex get married again. She told Ray she had to go. She also said she knew it was time for her to put the past behind her and wanted to know if he would still be with her as her husband.
Ray walked up to her, looked into her green eyes and said, "Rebecca, when I married you I meant it to be forever, as long as you will have me."
"So...you're still up for making this work?" she asked as he held her in his arms.
"What does this tell ya?" He asked, leaning down and kissing his new wife. Rebecca wound her arms around his neck as the kiss became passionate.
XXXXXXX
Later that evening a lady named Dawn Jones came to the mansion. Everyone was gathered in the great room talking about the upcoming wedding. She came in and talked very sophisticated.
"Who's who and what's what?" she asked.
Ana got up from the couch and replied, "I guess I'm the who."
Christian chimed in as well saying, "I'm the what, I assume."
"Oh how droll," she laughed at Christian. "This wedding is going to be delicious."
Ana replied to her smiling, "That's what we're hoping for. A day filled with lots of fun."
Dawn looked back at Anastasia saying, "Oh, no my dear you have the wrong idea entirely."
Ana looked back at her saying, "I have the wrong idea for my wedding?"
"Yes, my dear. Fun is out."
"Out?" Christian asked too, making sure he heard right.
Ana walked up to Dawn asking what she meant by fun is out. She told her that weddings were supposed to be more serious. Dawn told Ana she would get her color samples out but that black and blue was in for the year. Everyone was quiet as they didn't know what to think of this lady. Carrick offered Dawn some champagne as they continued to talk about the wedding.
"Dawn, if you don't mind, I'd like to talk about what kind of flowers in my wedding. I was thinking red and white roses."
"Oh…dear. Those colors have been done so many times. No dear, you want something a little more chic. How about black roses?" she asked.
Christian was standing by the fireplace as he listened to this woman scratch every idea his fiance wanted. It was time for him to but in.
"Um, I think you have this completely wrong. My fiance has told you what she wanted," Christian said to her. "I intend to give her exactly what she wants."
"Mr. Grey, there is no way I can work with that, oh dear no," Dawn said as she continued drinking.
"Have it your way then. Take your books and go out the door and plan someone else's wedding," he told her, as he escorted the woman out!
Mandy, Ana and the rest of them applauded him for throwing the woman out! They began to mock the woman's ideas and having fun at the same time. While they were talking Mandy suggested a few places to have the wedding such as in France or at a summer cottage.
Ana was beginning to like her ideas and suggested that she plan their wedding for them.
The family began to celebrate that Mandy would plan the wedding for Ana and Christian. She was relieved that her sister in law would plan the wedding instead of that Dawn Jones lady.
XXXXXXX
Back at the diner, Paul and Annie came in with the kids. He talked to Rebecca and let her know that he and his new wife talked it over and wanted her to be able to visit the kids anytime she wanted. She was very grateful to them for doing this for her.
A man had come to the diner and was telling Ray that he was shutting down the diner in thirty days due to the health violations. Rebecca was furious with the man and said he was working for someone and she had an idea who.
XXXXXXX
At the Grey Estate they were all celebrating the fact that Ana and Christian would be getting married very soon. Ana decided to let her sister in law to be plan their wedding. However; they had company.
"You didn't think you could get away with it did you?" Ray asked Carrick. Ana and Christian looked at both men trying to figure out what was going on.
"What are you talking about Ray?"
"It was you who sent the inspector to close the diner wasn't it?" Ray asked.
"That's not fair, how can they do this?" Ana asked her father.
"This was your way of getting back at me and Ray for getting married, wasn't it?" Rebecca grilled Carrick.
"I did no such thing! What would I have to gain from this? Nothing I tell ya." Carrick told them.
Christian knew that his father was upset about his break-up with Rebecca and this is the kind of stuff he does to other people.
"Is it father? What's this project that you and Mandy are working on together?" Christian asked. "The one you have been very secretive about that you wouldn't tell me about." Carricked turned to his son and his future daughter in law.
"Dad," Ana addressed her father. "I understand that you're hurt by the inspector closing the diner, however; I think you're barking up the wrong tree here. I mean, you and Carrick teamed up to help Christian and I escape Jose. Do you really think he would do something like this?"
"Is my fiance right? Please tell me you had nothing to with the the diner closing," Christian stated to his dad.
"Son, I assure you that I personally had nothing to do with it," he said looking in his son's eyes. He directed his look to Ray as he said, "Look, Ray, in the morning maybe I could give this inspector a call and give you some time to get things sorted out. It's the least I could do."
"Dad?" Ana asked her father. "That sounds fair to me. What do you say?"
Ray didn't want to continue fighting with Carrick. He knew his daughter was getting married soon, and they needed their families to get along.
"Okay," Ray said back. But Rebecca butted in saying, "Ray, you can't…" he looked at his wife and told her in front of everyone, "Sweetie, I appreciate you wanting to fight for me. I do. However; I think maybe the kids were right this time. And if Carrick is willing to help with this, I should take him up on his offer." He looked back at Carrick saying, "How about we call a truce for the kids sake? What do you say?" Ray asked with his hand out. Carrick looked at it for a moment and took his hand and shook on it.
It seemed as though the Steeles and the Greys were finally moving forward. Both families wanted to get along for their kids sakes, at least that was the plan.
The next day, Mandy and Christian just gotten back from playing tennis. He was very happy with her idea of the wedding. His sister came up with something he feels that has never been done like this before and he thought Ana would love it.
"Can you take a look at the guest list and tell me what you think?" she asked her brother.
Just as she was writing down how many cases of champagne to order for the wedding he looked at the list and didn't like what he was seeing.
"Are you out of your mind?" he asked.
"Okay, so I will order…"
"I'm not talking about that, Mandy. I'm talking about this. What's his name doing on this list?" Christian asked. "He's the last person I wanted to see on the most important day of my life," he pointed out to her.
Mandy looked back at her brother. "I wasn't aware that there was a fight between the two of you," she told him.
"Let's just say the last time we were together, there were fireworks and not the good kind."
"Do you want to tell me about it?" Mandy asked sitting down.
He sighed as he sat on the couch too. "It's just that when we were little kids, I worshipped the ground he walked on. He always seemed to be dad's favorite you know. No matter what, nothing I did was good enough for dad while he was in the picture. But now that I have formed a relationship with father, I don't want this to become between us. Ethan always had things just given to him while we had to work hard for it."
"That's true, I heard about that. We always had to pay for our mistakes." Mandy stated to her brother. She always felt second best to his sons.
"Ethan is just the last person I want at my wedding," Christian told her.
"I have to ask, what could he possibly do?"
"Besides, what he's known for. He could steal the spotlight from Ana. She deserves to have a day that just for her. She's been through enough of my fucked up fifty shades crap. I just wanted to give her one day, where we didn't have any drama." Christian explained.
"Be honest with me brother," Mandy said to him. "Are you really worried that he could steal the spotlight from Ana? Or is it you that you are worried about?" she asked.
Ana came walking into the room in her brand new pink suit as she said, "I knew the truth would come out sooner or later."
Christian was startled with her comment. "Um...what are you talking about?"
"So much for this business meeting you had to attend. Playing hooky are we?" she asked teasing him.
"Yes, baby and then some!" Christian said coming towards her, giving her a kiss. "I like you in this suit by the way," he told her, looking her up and down.
"Wait until you see me in my wedding gown," she replied.
"Its funny that you mention that because, I do believe Mandy picked a great place for us to have our wedding."
"Cool! Tell me where," she said to him.
"But that would spoil the surprise my dear," he said to her.
"Oh come on, just one little hint."
He put his arm around his fiance as he said, "It's the perfect location for us. Just put all of your ideas into one location and tell me where it will be."
"Great! A travel agency," Ana said back, unconvinced.
"Oh, baby, think bigger. Its universal!" he said to her, winking at his sister with the hint he just gave away.
"Oh, no, Christian tell me you didn't. I really don't want to get married at the space shuttle, did you?"
"Ana, no we didn't. But I can tell you this, you are marrying the last romantic man in the entire world," Mandy said.
"Oh, I like the sound of this! Tell her more please!" Christian told his sister.
"I guarantee you, this wedding will be everything you ever dreamed of and more. And with that, I still have some planning to do. Excuse me," Mandy said, leaving the room.
Later, Christian went to go change out of his tennis clothing. He saw Ana trying to open a water ball but it splattered everywhere.
"Damn it!" she swore. He looked at his fiance who seemed to be a little distraught.
"Honey, are you okay?" he asked coming to her side.
"Yeah, just frustrated that's all."
"Why? Whats wrong?"
She looked him in the eyes and replied, "It's just that I have been waiting so long for this day to come. I dreamed of my wedding day and now that it's here...I guess I just wished I knew where we were going."
He palmed her face in his hands. "Ana," he whispered. "Do you trust me?"
"Of course I do. I trust you with my life."
"I assure you, this wedding will be something you remember for the rest of your life. We have everything arranged. All people have to do is show up at the tarmac."
"I guess, I'm just a little scared. My dad is still upset about the diner thing."
"But my dad took care of it right? I mean the next day he went and took care of the health inspector so everything is fine now."
Ana sighed. "I guess you're right. I just wanted our wedding to be perfect."
Christian looked into her blue eyes. "It will be, I promise."
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The wedding was just around the corner. Ana and Christian were busy moving the rest of her stuff. Mandy sent the invitations out to everyone making sure they knew to meet at the Seatac as they would take care of the rest.
Although, Carrick and Ray made a pact to get along for the kids sakes, Ray still thought that Carrick had something up his sleeve concerning the diner. He knew he was up to something but couldn't figure it out.
Meanwhile a mystery guest was getting ready for their trip too. This person received an invitation from Grace. She was determined that this person should be there for the wedding. It was time to get the family back together again.
A/N: Hey all, well as you can see there is an HEA for Ana and Christian. There will be a pic of Ana and Christian from this chapter in my group. They are finally getting married! Yeah! However; in order to see the nuptials take place you will need to follow the author(Me). It will be in the last of the Fifty Shades or Not series. The new and last story is called The Steeles vs The Greys
Summary: Just as Ana and Christian settle down into their new marriage, they come back from their honeymoon with their families on opposite sides of each other. Will this be the thing to tear them apart? Or will the two of them band together?