Chapter 11:
Staci was laughing as Ana tickled her toes before slipping on pretty pink socks that matched Staci's pink dress and hair bows that held her beautiful chocolate curls. "Look at you, my darling little angel. You are so beautiful." Ana gave her daughter a quick kiss. "Today is a special day, Staci. I hope I am ready for it."
The Grey Household was in excitement because of the holiday season. Grace and her staff had the house decorated from ceiling to floor. Every Christmas was over the top with a huge tree that the family trimmed to perfection that stood in the family room and the gifts were placed under that tree. Every Christmas morning the whole family woke to a huge breakfast buffet complete with fresh strong coffee and orange juice. Carrick and Grace expected their children, even though they were grown, to spend Christmas Eve night with them after returning from Christmas Eve services. They would enjoy hot chocolate, pastries, and Grace playing Christmas carols on the piano. Elliot and Mia would join in on the guitar and the cello. Christian would also play a duet with his mother. Traditionally on Christmas Day after opening gifts the Grey family would do selected readings of the Christmas story, do some more singing, and then wait for the three o'clock hour when a fancy seven-course meal was served. However, this year, Grace and Carrick replaced the brunch with a light meal and afterwards, they announced that they had another venue to attend. They left their adult children to stay Grey Manor or leave and drove to Seattle with excitement and Christmas magic surging through their veins. They were going to spend their first Christmas with their first grandchild.
Ana greeted her pseudo-family at the door with a smile and a kiss for both Grace and Carrick. She did her best to hide that she was uncomfortable. This was such a different aspect of their friendship. After taking their coats, she led them farther into the living room to find Staci playing with her gifts from Santa. Grace fought happy tears when she gazed upon the little girl. She could not help but notice how much Staci resembled Ana. She went to the child and kneeled down to her.
"Hi, I'm Grace. Did you have a nice Christmas?" The little girl only smiled up at the kind and sweet lady. Grace felt the tears sliding down her face. This was her granddaughter, her very first grandchild!
Carrick watched quietly as Grace talked gently to the little girl. He knew how much she loved children. It truly was sad that this beautiful, talented, and kind woman never had the chance to have a child from her own body. He knew that she loved and adored their children, however, he always felt somehow her not having children was his fault. Maybe, he did something to piss off the heavens and they punished Grace to hurt him. He knew his thoughts were irrational. Grace's medical problems were just that…medical problems. His attention went to Ana who was watching with a soft and loving look on her face. There was no looks of fear on her face. She trusted Grace and knew that they both supported her decision to take the child of her childhood friend. He approached her slowly. "Thank you, Ana for sharing this day with us. This means everything to Grace and I."
"No need to thank me, Carrick. Staci is your granddaughter and I do want her to know her family. It's for the best. She deserves to have a family and whatever problems I have with Christian, it means nothing compared to my little girl's happiness." She spoke like a true mother who put her own feelings and fears aside for the good of her child. "I hope that you and Grace are frequent visitors. I will never keep Staci from you."
Carrick sighs in relief and joy. "Ana, you are an amazing young woman and I am in awe of you."
"Thank you, Carrick." She smiled gently. "Can I get you some coffee, tea, a glass of wine maybe?"
"Hot tea would be perfect."
By the end of the hour, Staci was on Grace's lap enjoying some reading time. Carrick sat next to them smiling and helping with the reading. He gently caressed the soft hair of his granddaughter. Her beauty was so innocent and fresh. Staci reminded him of Ana when she was a toddler. Ana had been a very happy baby. Even at the young age, Ana knew that Ray was the loving parent and she preferred him to her own mother. Carrick regretted that he missed so much of Ana's life, but it was the situation that he arranged. At the time, it seemed as if that was the only solution since Carla refused to let him and Grace adopt Ana.
Ana let the Grey's have some private time with Staci and she stayed in her study going over some law briefs. She heard the ping that informed her that she had email. She opened the program and examined her received messages. She noticed that the newest one was from Christian. She opened it to read Merry Christmas wishes from him and that he had gifts for both of them that he wished to bring over at her convenience. She quickly wrote him back that tomorrow afternoon would suffice, preferably after two so that Staci could have her nap. Christian returned a message quickly agreeing to her terms and then wished her Merry Christmas once again. She minimized the program and returned to studying the brief before her.
After an hour of reading, Ana joined Carrick, Grace, and Staci in the living room. The little girl was still sitting on Grace's lap, but she was sound asleep. Ana found herself smiling and thinking that this was the most precious site she had ever seen in her life. "You are a natural, Grace. I always knew that you would be a wonderful grandmother."
"She is precious." Grace whispered. "We have gifts for her and for you. I didn't think she would fall asleep."
"She has had a big day." Ana offered. "Kate was here bright and early this morning, and then Ray came for dinner with us. She didn't get a nap today."
"Did Christian call?" Carrick asked.
"No, but he did email wishing us a Merry Christmas. He will be here tomorrow to see Staci." Ana sat in the oversized chair and pulled her feet up under her. "I will put aside any ill feeling I have toward Christian for what's best for Staci."
"Do you want us to be here?" Grace asked concerned.
"I think we will be alright, but thank you." Ana then remembered something. She jumped up. "We…Staci and I made something for you both." She gracefully walked into the kitchen and found the gifts that were made last evening. She joined Grace and Carrick and handed them each a parchment that had Staci's handprints on them with a small poem.
Little handprints so small and sweet,
They cover your walls and loveseats.
But, know that they are only awhile here,
For I am growing fast and won't always be near.
Keep these prints as mementos of my childhood hand,
For before long before you a young woman will stand.
I am now a little girl,
But, tomorrow I will be a priceless pearl.
-I love you, Grandma and Grandpa Grey.
~Staci~
After reading the poem aloud, Grace began to cry and Carrick wiped a tear from his eye. "Thank you, Ana." Carrick said with a voice heavy with emotion. "This means everything to us." He stood and embraced the daughter that he gave up. He held her tight and closed his eyes. "Thank you so very much."
Ana only nodded. She adored these two people, however, she was raised a Steele and she was a lot like Ray, taciturn and stoic at times. "I hope that you would like it."
"Of course we do. We love this. I know mine will be framed and put in my office." Grace said with a happy smile that made her eyes sparkle with joy.
"Same here and of course, I would like some photographs." Carrick hinted.
"That is in the works. I had a friend of mine who is a struggling professional photographer to take some photos of Staci. They will be here in a few days."
"Perfect." Carrick said laughing. He returned to his seat beside Grace and Staci. "Will she sleep long?"
"No, not much longer. Will you stay for a light supper with us? I would love to have you here with us. Grace would you like to bathe and put Staci down for the night later on?" Grace's eyes glowed with her grandmother's love and joy and she nodded.
Ana smiled. "Well, then, we better decide what I am making for supper."
After Staci awoke, she was freshly diapered and given some apple-grape juice before she opened the gifts that her grandparents brought. Carrick used the camera in his phone to take pictures of this little angel tearing through brightly colored wrapping paper. She was given toys that were made to educate as well as have fun with, clothes, shoes, hats, gloves, scarves, and a certificate of deposit for twenty-five thousand dollars.
"Carrick, Grace, this is too much." Ana cried when she saw the certificate. "She is just a little girl."
"Yes, she is our little granddaughter and this will grow through the years. When she is eighteen, she can cash it in for a new car or for college or let it keep it growing to have a little nest egg. We plan on doing this for every one of our grandchildren if Elliot or Mia ever get married." Ana noticed that they did not mention Christian.
"The way things are looking with Kate…well a mother can hope." Grace said with a shy smile. She cocked her head to the side and considered the young woman before her. "You haven't opened your gifts, Ana dear."
"I didn't expect for you to …"
"Shhh…you are a part of our family." Grace explained tenderly. "You have always been a part of our family." Carrick took Grace's hand. "We have always loved you, Ana."
The warmth of Ana's smiled spread through the room. Yes, she had known Carrick and Grace through Ray and they had always been in the background of her life, she knew of them, but they only got close as Carrick stepped in and became her mentor. She saw Grace as the perfect mother, so different then Ana's egg donor. "I'm as excited as Staci." She blushed making Grace and Carrick laugh in joy. She ripped opened the paper and opened a jeweler's box. She lifted the blue velvet lid to find the most beautiful pair of sapphire and diamond earrings. "Oh, Grace, Carrick, they are too beautiful for words." She touched them tenderly and felt tears in her eyes.
"We wanted to get you something very special. Since your birthday is in September we choose your birthstone." Grace explained. "I hope you like them."
"I don't like them, I love them." She hopped to her feet and went to a mirror. She took out her gold earrings and slid the sapphire and diamonds on. "They are gorgeous."
"Especially on you." Carrick said proudly. His daughter was very lovely. "Now, there is more."
"You two…you are suppose to spoil your granddaughter, not me." Ana said laughing.
"Well, what can we say; we also have the right to spoil our granddaughter's mother." Grace offered Ana another gift.
xxXXXxx
Her nerves were jittery as she sat with Staci playing with the toys that Grace and Carrick gave her. Ana gently caressed the earrings that they gifted to her with fondness. She sighed heavily as she watched the clock tick away the minutes. It was ten after two in the afternoon. He should be here at any time. Ana smoothed Staci's dress and readjusted her hair. "Oh, you look so beautiful, Staci."
The doorbell rang and Ana froze. It took a few seconds for Ana to get her body to listen to her brain and move toward the door. She noticed how her hand shook as she reached for the doorknob. She kept telling herself to calm down and breathe. He was just a man.
Christian hit the doorbell and sighed heavily. He was nervous. Not a little bit of nervousness, but the nervousness that made his heart race, and brought back dark memories of being out of control of a situation. He could not control this situation. The control was ripped out of his hands the moment he got Betsy pregnant. Now, he had to give over control to another woman. He was about to ring the bell again but the door opened. Ana! Her name echoed in his head. She was all that he saw. She was wearing a blue dress that matched those fabulous eyes. He scanned up and down her body quickly taking in every curve of her luscious body and those long legs made even more fantastic with those black five-inch heels. He felt his body tighten.
"Good afternoon, Miss Steele." He drawled lowly with a smile that could only be described as earth shattering. "You look beautiful."
"Thank you, Mr. Grey. Would you like to come in?" She moved to the side and motioned him to enter her home. "Can I take your coat?" Christian caught his breath as he slid the overcoat off his shoulders with her help. She was so close that he could smell her perfume and that delightful scent that was pure Anastasia. She hung up his coat in the closet then led him into the living room. "Please have a seat. Would you like something to drink?"
"No, but thank you." He sat on the sofa and took in the room once again. She made a beautiful home for their daughter. "Taylor will be bringing the gifts in soon."
She only nodded as she sat in a chair and let Staci climb up onto her lap. Staci held her Mom tightly.
"Is she frightened of me?" Christian asked swallowing.
"She doesn't know you yet. Please be patient." She stroked Staci's cheek as the girl leaned into her impressive chest. She turned to Staci. "Sweetie, this is my friend, Christian." Ana gave Christian a little wave. "Can you wave at Christian?" Staci stuck a finger in her mouth and shyly gave a small wave then hid her face in Ana's breast.
Christian held his breath when Ana introduced him as her friend and she used his given name. He liked the way his name sounded coming from her mouth. When Staci stuck a finger in her mouth and gave him a wave, he felt his heart roar with joy. He was confused. Why would a child's wave make him so happy? He had to smile. She was so beautiful, sweet, and innocent. He thought of Mia when she came into the family. His little sister ruled his heart the first moment he saw her dark black hair and those onyx eyes. Mia was the only person that Christian let get close to him or even touch him. To this day, Mia had him wrapped around her little finger.
"Staci is almost a year and half old. She turned one in June, but I guess you know that." Ana kissed the little hand that reached up to caress her face. Christian noticed how much these two loved each other. Ana may not have delivered Staci from her own body, but she was very much this delightful child's mother. He painfully wondered if Betsy had been so wonderfully warm toward their child. "Is she in good health?"
"Yes, very. She is a normal healthy toddler." Ana replied proudly.
"Mama, mama, mama." Stacie squealed as she stood up on Ana's thighs. "My Mama."
"Yes, my little princess. Do you want some juice?" Ana stood with Staci in her arms which brought Christian to his feet automatically, his childhood manners training coming to the surface. "I'll be right back, Christian. Please, sit down and make yourself comfortable. Are you sure I can't get you a drink?"
"If you have a glass of wine … I wouldn't mind."
"Not a problem." She gave him a small smile. See, I can be polite when need be. I can do this. I can play nice for the good of my child. Just remember, he didn't know about Staci. He has no ulterior motives to be here except getting to know Staci. You are safe. He won't hurt you, Ana. She took a deep relaxing breath as she stepped into the kitchen. She used one hand to pour Staci a sippy-cup of apple juice. Staci wiggled showing that she wanted down to hold her cup on her own. Ana giggled. She found two wine glasses from the cabinet and poured generous portions into the bowl of the glasses. She walked into the living room knowing that Staci was following on her little legs. "I hope you enjoy Chablis."
"Yes, I do." He watched with fascination as a miniature Ana toddled behind the original. "Where you and Bets…I mean Amanda related? You and Staci look so much alike."
Ana shook her head. "We were best friends growing up. Even in our childhoods, we looked alike to the point that teachers thought we were twins. We were called the Bobbsie Twins in Montesano." The memories were bittersweet, but Ana held them in her heart as a priceless treasure. Such friendships were rare. "We went through elementary school and middle school together until my parents divorced and I was taken away. Amanda and I wrote back and forth but then the letters stopped. I found out later that Amanda had run away from home. I don't know if she ever knew that her parents died while she was gone."
"We…never talked about her life." Christian declared somewhat ashamed.
"I'm sure you didn't." Ana regretted those words the moment they fell out of her mouth and saw the look of worry and something else on his face. "I didn't mean it like that."
"No, it's alright. You know how our relationship was. It wasn't hearts and flowers." He took a drink of his wine. "She wasn't forced into the relationship. I would never force any woman into my lifestyle."
Ana didn't want to talk about it. She knew the facts. She read the contract. She knew that Amanda went into the relationship with her eyes wide open. Ana didn't understand why Amanda would have such needs as a Sub, but she wasn't going to judge, to each their own. As much as Ana loved and cherished Amanda, she realized that she didn't know her childhood friend as an adult. Maybe, Amanda had changed due to her life on the run. "Did you have any feelings for her?"
"I appreciated her willingness to please me."
"You make her sound like a pet." Ana said boldly. She returned to her chair while Staci was fascinated with a toy that played music. Staci would hit a button and a tune would play causing her to giggle. Ana also giggled which sounded like angels singing to Christian. There was something magical about Anastasia.
Christian's grey eyes slid over to Staci who took a drink of her juice and smacked another button setting off nursery rhyme music. "She likes music?"
"Oh, yes, she loves music. As soon as possible, I will have her taking music lessons." Ana cocked her head to the side that Christian found delightful. "She sings in her crib when she wakes up in the morning, or at least I think it's singing." Christian's chuckle filled the room and for some reason Ana found comfort in the deep baritones of his laughter. He did seem different today, almost human. He was laughing and smiling instead of smirking. He was relaxed. She noticed that he didn't wear a suit today, but wore casual dark gray trousers with a lighter gray pullover sweater. There was no tie or suit jacket. She decided that she liked this look on him. He seemed much younger. "You should laugh more, Christian. You seem more human."
He laughed knowing that he has been called worse by his competitors and the Subs in his life. "I find it hard to relax." He frowned not knowing why he told her that. He didn't share feelings or his thoughts with anyone…well except maybe his shrink, John Flynn. He was about to say something else when the doorbell chimed through the room. He stood up when Ana stood to answer the door. It was habit.
Ana opened the door to find the stoic face of Jason Taylor with three other men. All of them were loaded down with packages and bags full of packages. "Gentlemen, I am assuming that you are with Mr. Grey."
"Yes, Ma'm. I'm Jason Taylor, the head of security for Mr. Grey." Taylor answered giving her a hint of a smile when she stood to the side and motioned all of them into the house. She closed the door. They turned with perfect timing and looked at her for further directions. "You can place the packages under the tree for now. Would any of you gentlemen care for a drink or a snack?" She noticed the sandy haired blacksuit with the vivid green eyes. She knew that this man was part of the security detail that was assigned to her and Staci. She wasn't happy about that and there will be a discussion about that subject before Mr. Grey left her home. She frowned when they did not answer and they looked to Christian for guidance. "Excuse me, this is my home and I asked the question not him." She pointed to Christian who was still standing. "Now, I will ask again, would you care for a drink and a snack?"
"They are leaving." Christian offered.
"Again, this is my home, Mr. Grey." She turned to the sandy haired man with the green eyes. "Your name please?"
"Sawyer, Ma'm, Luke Sawyer." His voice was deep and smooth.
"Mr. Sawyer, it is a pleasure to meet you." She offered her hand that he was reluctant to take until Christian nodded approval. "I have seen you many times in your car out front or hanging around Grey Law. I think it is only proper that I know the man that is supposed to be protecting my daughter and me." She moved on to the next suit. He wasn't as tall as Sawyer, but very muscular. "And, you are?" She offered her hand.
"James Reynolds, Ma'm." He shook her hand amazed by the strength of the tiny appendage.
The next man offered his hand first. "I am Donavan Ryan, Ma'm."
"It is a delight to meet you all. If you will follow me, I will get you drinks and a snack. It's cold out and it's a holiday. You really should be home with your families." She was not going to take no for an answer and these men knew that. They fell into a line and followed her into the kitchen, even Jason Taylor. Before she stepped out of the living room, she stopped and turned to Christian. "Please watch over Staci for me."
Within a few minutes, Ana offered her guests coffee, hot tea and iced tea along with finger sandwiches that she made quickly, soup, and a cheese and fruit plate. She left them around the kitchen table as they enjoyed a homecooked meal. She returned to the living room to find Christian on the floor with Staci playing with her musical toy. She stopped and stared for a moment. They seemed to be getting along and Staci was smiling. Ana had to admit that Christian looked comfortable with his daughter. She felt her heart race in panic, worried that he would want her, but she remembered what Christian had said in front of his parents. He would never take a child from its mother. She calmed herself from an anxiety attack that was threatening to take her breath and good sense. She would conquer this fear, not just for herself, but also for Staci. "Staci, would you like to have some fruit?"
"Mama." Staci squealed as she got up and ran for Ana. "Pwease."
Ana picked her up and settled the little girl on her hip. "Come, Christian, I am sure you could use a snack also." She turned expecting him to follow her.
Before their break was over, Ana had charmed every man on the security detail. They appreciated the food and warm drink, but most of all, the appreciated that she treated them with respect. Taylor did not have fond memories of some of the "15". Some of those women treated him like dirt and less than a person. Some believed that he was their handmaid and not a military-trained security expert.
Ana found herself relaxing as she laughed along with the security detail. She appreciated and respected that they all were veterans. She was amazed to hear that they all were highly decorated. Her first thought went to her Dad. Ray would love to sit down, chat with these men, and share their experiences.
"So, that was the first night of having Staci. Me soaking wet from her bath as well as my bathroom. Here's a hint for you, do not give a toddler the handheld shower head. It does not bode well for the parent." They all were laughing hearing about her experiences about being a new mother. "No, I'm serious, I was hosed down from head to toe and that little devil just laughed as she did it."
Christian was laughing as hard as his men were. He could see the lovely Ana flooded with water and her clothes soaking wet and molding to her body. Hell, he would pay money to see that. He watched Ana as she spoke with and listened to the men all the while, caring for her daughter. She would offer Staci pieces of fruit a little at a time.
Ana noticed that Christian was perplexed watching her giving Staci small bites. "She likes to throw her food if I give her too much. We are still working on table manners." Ana's laughter was angelic and her blue eyes sparkling with happiness.
"I hate to tell you this, but that is a Grey family trait. Elliot and I were always in trouble at the dinner table. We had a few food fights in our childhoods." Christian offered sitting back and relaxing.
"Oh, joy; maybe I should just cover the floor with a drop cloth for the next few years." She joked. The men laughed at her joke and her glance up to heaven as if to say, "Please help me!"
"It's not so bad, Miss Steele." Jason Taylor offered. "My Sophie did the same thing until she was about three, then she realized she was losing something good to eat."
"You have a kid, Taylor?" Reynolds asked shocked.
"Yeah, she's seven now." Taylor said proudly. "She lives with her mother."
Ana turned her attentions back to Staci who was taking a drink out of the sippy cup. Without warning, the cup went flying from Staci's little hand. Ana cried out but Christian was able to catch the cup before it hit the table. "Thank you, Christian."
"Yup, she's a Grey." He said with a chuckle and handing the cup back to Ana.