AN: Thank you, thank you, thank you. This will be the last official chapter of Christmas in Aspen. This story literally took a mind of its own, it was suppose to be a short story, two to three chapters, tops, and turned into something else entirely. I am so thankful that you all enjoyed reading this story and wanting it to continue, however, we must say goodbye to Ana, Christian, and their puppies.
Please note the date changes in this chapter. There are two dates in this chapter.
Happy Reading ~ Melissa
Chapter 11: Epilogue
Ana's POV:
December 24, 2019
Christmas Eve. My favorite time of year. I am sitting in front of the fire place, the warmth filling the room, the snow lingering around outside, Christmas music being played in the background, perfection. Christian, my handsome, sexy, loving, romantic husband of one year today, is in the office getting last minute wrapping done. I was told to come into the living room and relax with my cup of tea and my manuscript that I should be editing. My manuscript, I wrote a book, "Christmas in Aspen". I have never been more proud of myself then in the moment that the last page printed out of the copier machine at work. I cried. Ugly cried. And cried some more.
Christian and I are here in Aspen, celebrating the winter holiday as we did for the past two years together. Hope and Aspen are running around the living room, playing tug-a-war with the new rope toy the received today from Mr. and Mrs. Kelder. We have kept in touch with them over the years, and always go to see them when we are in town. They came to Seattle for Thanksgiving, and we had them over. Christian loved playing host to them, showing them what Seattle has to offer. They stayed the long weekend with us, along with the rest of the Greys.
Christian's family, took me in with open arms, just as Uncle Jack and Aunt Leslie. After we left Aspen two years ago, Jack and Leslie demanded that I call them Aunt and Uncle. It took me a while to get use to, but I wouldn't want anyone else to call family. His mother, Grace, has become one of my best friends. She is everything I ever wanted in a mother, and one I want to aspire to be. She is comforting and full of love. Carrick, my father-in-law, is another father figure that I am lucky enough to have in my life. Once he found out that my father recently passed away, he took on the job with no questions asked. I remember the first fight Christian and I had, and Carrick held me and told me he would wait outside with his shotgun for when Christian returned home. I can't even remember what the fight was about, but we were at his parents house, and he walked out and drove off. He came back fifteen minutes later, with his father sitting on the front porch waiting for him. The fight was quickly forgotten, apologies were said, we kissed and made up, and he heard an ear full from his father. I now have two siblings, and I love them dearly. I never knew what it was like to grow up with a brother and a sister, I never want to have one child. It was lonely. I never had anyone to tell my secrets to, no one else understood the family dynamic, no one to lie for me, or me for them. Elliot is the epitome of the older brother, picking on his younger sisters, always making us laugh, and fiercely protective. Then, there is Mia. She is bubbly, energetic, and shares a love of secret telling, like me. We have had many sleepovers, where we lay in one of our big, king size beds, watching movies, and stuffing our faces with junk food. I've had Kate in my life for years, but, it is nice to have another sister. I finally belong to a family again, and it is the best feeling in the world.
Speaking of Kate, once we were both home in Seattle, she met Christian, and approved right away. We decided to set her up with Elliot, and just like me and Christian, they hit it off pretty quickly. They are recently engaged, planning a summer wedding. I couldn't be more happier for them, they are perfect for one another.
Uncle Jack gave me away to Christian on our wedding day. I had Ray's phone with me all day, and a picture of us together in a small picture frame, tied to my bridal bouquet. We had an open seat with a larger picture of him, front and center. He watched me marry the love of my life. He was with us, I felt him.
"You're still out here?" My husbands sexy baritone voice rings through the air as he walks into the living room.
"I am. I'm enjoying watching the snow."
He sits down on the couch, picking up my legs, only to place them back down across his lap again.
"I see you have finally mastered your goal." He smiles at me, causing me to giggle.
"I sure did!" I gloat. I am finally able to balance my tea cup and saucer on my expanding belly. It's been hard, but now being six months pregnant, with twins, my stomach is finally cooperating. Christian almost lost his shit when he heard me hiss in pain when I tried it once before with still too hot tea. I never heard the end of it. He told me if I wanted to practice, then it needs to be with an empty tea cup, and once I got that down, I could move on to nuke warm tea.
"I'm proud of you, baby. Speaking of baby, how are our little ones?"
"They are fine. Sleeping, I think. They haven't been active for a couple hours now, I think they wanted to help me with my goal."
"Already mommy's little helpers, I see."
"Yep. Can you believe it, two years we met here, one year married, and now we are going to have babies, Christian. We are going to be parents." I tear up.
He leans over to me, making my legs fall off of him, but he grabs them as he lies down, he manages to maneuver my body up against him, my back to his front, the tea cup drops to the soft carpet floor in the process. His right arm slinks around my front, his strong hand cusping my round belly, his long fingers creating circular patterns.
"What's wrong, angel?"
"It's nothing, just getting emotional. You know how I've been getting lately." I try to shrug it off, but if I know my husband, his next sentence out of his mouth is going to be how much he knows me and what my face gives away.
"Ana, I know that it's 'nothing', you can't hide what your eyes tell me."
I huff out, "I miss my dad." And, with that, the flood gates open. "It's been over two years, and I still miss him like it was yesterday, and now we are going into the third trimester, and I just want him to be here and meet his grandchildren."
"I know, baby, and I am so sorry he isn't here with you during this amazing time in your life. But, you have to know he is with you, with all of us," he states as he taps my belly twice, once for each of our angels. "He is always with you, he was there when we met, when we moved in together, when we spoke our vows. He is always there, watching over you, when I can't, and even when I can."
I turn my head to face him, giving him a gentle kiss on his plump lips. He hums in response, his hand moving up towards the back of my neck. "I need you," he whispers against my lips.
"I need you too. But, not here, take me to bed please."
"Of course, come on."
I loved Uncle Jack's guest room so much in his house, more importantly, the romantic canopy bed, that Christian and I decided to have that in our room. The walls are painted grey, the bedding white and blush, the bedroom furniture is also white, while the curtains on the canopy are blush. There are always fresh flowers scattered around the room, making it even more romantic. A large canvas photograph, gifted from Jose, hangs on the wall in front of our bed. There are floor to ceiling windows which allows us to have the most spectacular view of the mountains.
Being six months pregnant, with twins, our sex life had to get creative at times. Before stripping me of my clothes, Christian places a wedged pillow at the end of the bed, this has become his favorite position, and I am sure we will still use it even after the twins are born. Once it is in the perfect place and position to his liking, he turns to me. His smile is bright, his eyes loving.
He walks back to me, the few feet, and his hands automatically find the hem of my shirt, slowly lifting it up over my head. I smirk when it hits the floors and his burning eyes find mine.
"No bra, Mrs. Grey. Naughty." He chuckles. "Are your breasts bothering you again?"
"Yes, they are a little sore today. Be gentle."
"Of course baby." He reassures me as he gently rubs and plays with my breasts, making my head tilt back, and a moan escape the back of my throat.
His hands roam my body, already making it sing. Within seconds, the tips of his fingers are tugging the lavender lace panties down my legs, he leaves open mouthed kisses along the way. He always makes me feel loved, cherished. As he makes his way back up my body, he still uses his mouth and hands all over me, making me climb higher. Ever since I hit the second trimester, the lightest kisses and touches could send me over the edge.
"Come. Let me help you." As ever the gentleman he is, he helps me settle on the bed, making sure I am comfortable. He leans down and sweetly places his lips upon mine, kissing me slowly, lovingly.
He starts to undress next to me, knowing how much I enjoy the show. He wiggles and winks at times, making me giggle. He has been so serious lately, with his business, GEH, making a name for itself. He made it, and I am so proud of him. We are starting to get recognized when going out, so Christian and Carrick have discussed getting security detail for us, especially now with the babies being born in three short months. We are interviewing for a CPO for both of us after the New Year.
He stands before me, gloriously naked, with a hint of a smirk on his face. "I love you, Mrs. Grey."
"I love you too, Mr. Grey. Now, stop making me wait."
He chuckles as he walks to the front of the bed, placing both of his hands on my knees and pulling them apart. "Delectable, as always, baby, but I know your needy for me."
"Very much so. Please, Christian."
He doesn't keep me begging long, his hands caress my legs, up and down, as he slowly leans down above me. We both moan into each other's mouths as he enters me.
"How do you want me, Anastasia?" I moan, he knows what that does to me when he says my name like that. It is the same effect as when I bite my lip.
"Slow."
"As you wish."
He slowly makes love to me, pressing his body against mine, wrapping his arms around me, and making sure he isn't using his entire weight. We are one. Slowly moving together, letting our bodies tell each other how we feel, what we feel. It is the most pleasure he has ever given me. I will say that the next time we have sex, too. Each time is better and better. He makes me climb higher and higher with each passing day. The way his body plays mine, like his fingers on a piano, he knows which keys to press and when. He creates a melody with my body like no other composer.
"I love you, so much, baby." He grunts to me as he pushes his body harder into me.
"I love you too." I moan with each thrust he gives me.
"Always and forever, Ana."
"Christian…"
"I know, baby, let go. Let me feel you." And I do, like I always do when he commands me to. "God, Ana, you feel incredible."
We are breathing in each other's air as he is still above me, his elbows keeping his weight off of me. We smile, lazily, and don't take our eyes off of the other pair.
"What?" I shyly ask.
"You are so beautiful, especially after an orgasm, but now with pregnancy, you are fiercely glowing."
I kiss his nose, then his lips, not knowing how to respond to that. He always makes me feel so cherished and loved. I am thankful every single day for coming to Aspen two years ago and staying in my boss' home. It was what I needed, I need Christian, his love, his protectiveness, his heart, and soul.
Christian's POV
February 14, 2020
Ana has been in labor since yesterday morning, and now we are spending Valentines Day in the hospital, hoping and praying that today she will give birth. She hasn't been working since the middle of January, Dr. Greene, putting her out, due to high blood pressure. She was able to read and edit some manuscripts, Hannah has taken over her book. We think editing and revising her own work was causing her more stress, wanting it to be one-hundred perfection, so I took it and handed it over. Of course, there were tears and yelling, but once Dr. Greene and I cornered her and told her it was for the best, for the babies and her health, she understood.
"Christian…" She moans out, but not from pleasure. This woman, my angel, my very stubborn angel, wants to give birth naturally, and it is killing me watching her in pain like this.
I am sitting behind her, she is cocooned in my arms, my hands rubbing up and down her swollen belly, "I know, baby, breathe through it. Breathe with me, Ana."
She and I take deep breaths in and out together, always in sync with one another. It calms us down, immensely. My parents ran out for an early lunch, gathering my siblings, Kate, and Jose with them. Our new CPO's Taylor and Sawyer are standing guard at the hospital room door. With GEH booming and failing companies all over the United States wanting to be under the Grey Enterprise Holdings umbrella, we have become more popular, which is just laughable, we aren't celebrities, I am a business man, Ana an editor. She was working her way up the ladder, however, she decided to stay as editor, especially with the twins now.
With conversations, arguments, and even more arguments, we have agreed on her working from home, after her three month maternity leave. We have hired a housekeeper, Ms. Gail Jones, to help out. Ana and Ms. Jones get along flawlessly, and we feel very comfortable with her helping with the twins.
"You are doing so well, baby. I am going to call a nurse to come in and check you, okay?"
"Yep." She huffs out, blowing a piece of hair out of her face. I quickly gather her fallen hair and redo her braid. I press the call button and within seconds, the nurse assigned to us, Nurse Diana, enters the room, all smiles.
"How are feeling, Mrs. Grey?"
"The pain is getting worse, and I want to push." Ana tells her honestly.
"Okay, let's see what we have going on."
After examining Ana, Nurse Diana, slips her gloves off and turns with a smile and with a clap of her hands, she states, "It's baby time!"
"Finally!" "Thank, fuck!" Ana and I exclaim together.
Diana laughs and turns to head out the door, as she opens it she tells us that she is running to get Dr. Greene.
"It's baby time, Christian!" Ana squeals, getting a burst of energy.
"I know, angel, I love you." I tilt her head towards me, giving her a gentle kiss. I am a nervous wreck, but I can't let her see that. I just need her to be safe, I need my babies to be safe.
Dr. Greene enters the room with Diana bouncing behind her. She's young and vibrant, and I think her energy will be much needed in the room during delivery. Some other nurses come in, waiting to help when the first twin is delivered. Taylor and Sawyer hold fort at the door, checking everyone's ID badge before allowing them to enter the room.
Before everything really begins, I beckon Taylor in, which he only pokes his head in, giving Ana privacy.
"Yes, sir?"
"Please call my dad or mom and let them know it is time, but everyone, and I mean everyone is to stay in the waiting room. I will let them know when they can come back in here."
"Right away, Mr. Grey."
"Are you ready mommy and daddy?" Dr. Greene asks, making sure everything is where it needs to be.
"Ready." Ana states as she squeezes my hand, a contraction hitting her fast and hard.
"Mr. Grey, are you staying right where you are or moving to the side of her?"
Before I can answer, Ana tells me to stay put, so that is what I do.
"Okay, Mrs. Grey, when you feel the urge to push, you push. Remember to breathe through it. We will take breaks when needed. Are you ready to meet your babies?"
Ana nods her head, tears coming out of her eyes, as she breathes through the contraction. As she starts to push, her fingers wrap tightly around mine. I try to absorb the pain she is feeling, taking it away from her, but I know that I can't take a fraction of what she is feeling away. She didn't want the drugs, wanted to be the strong Ana that I know her to be, but I wish she would have.
"Great job, Mrs. Grey. One more push and baby A will be here to meet you." Dr. Greene announces.
Ana pushes one more time, and within seconds, we hear the most amazing sound in the world, the cry of our first born. We didn't want to know the genders, wanted to be surprised and although it has been difficult, I am happy with the decision we made.
"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Grey, welcome your baby boy."
A boy! My first born is a boy! Dr. Greene lifts him up and a nurse goes to clean him off, but Ana's arms stretch out in front of her. Diana takes our baby boy from the nurse, and places him in Ana's arms, where she automatically places him to her chest. We are both crying, tracing our fingers up and down his chubby cheeks.
"Good, Ana. Take a rest before baby two makes his or her appearance. Do you have a name for this bundle of joy yet?"
Ana just nods her head again, but doesn't speak, she looks up at me and smiles. She looks exhausted, of course she is, she just gave labor and has another one to go.
"Yes, we did. This handsome boy's name will be Raymond Jack, RJ for short."
Ana curses out, the nurses take Raymond away, after I cut the umbilical cord, and she is ready to push again.
"Okay, Mrs. Grey, just a few more times, and baby B will be here to join Raymond. You ready?"
"As. I. Will. Ever. Be." She grits out, taking my hands again in hers. Her squeezing is harder, tougher, and hurts a hell of a lot more.
She pushes and pauses, and pushes and pauses. She is trying with all her might, but the baby just doesn't want to come out.
"Mrs. Grey, just a few more times, you can do this. You are doing so well, let's keep going." I whisper to her as I kiss her exposed neck.
"One. Two. Three. Push, Mrs. Grey." Dr. Greene directs.
Ana pushes, with all of her strength, and as she takes a long breath, we hear the sounds of more cries fill the room.
"Congratulations, mommy and daddy, baby B is a girl."
Ana cries and like with Raymond, stretches her arms out waiting for our baby girl to be handed to her. Nurse Diana takes our princess and places her to Ana's chest. I look over her shoulder and my tears run down my face. My wife is the strongest person I know, that I will ever know.
"She is beautiful, Christian."
"Just like her mommy, angel. You were perfect. I am so very proud of you and in awe of you."
"I couldn't have done it with you by my side, Christian. Thank you."
The nurse takes our girl just like they did with her brother, and get her ready for her debut.
"Okay, Mr. and Mrs. Grey, do you have name for your beauty."
"Yes. Gracelyn Rae" Ana states proudly. We wanted both of our children to have Ray's name, since his last name wouldn't be carried on anymore. My mother has become Ana's mother, so we decided if we were to have a daughter, we wanted to name our baby after her, however, give her her own name at the same time.
After a while, our babies are brought back to us. Nurse Diana leads the way, smiling just like before. Sheesh, I need whatever it is she has.
"Here we are, sweet little angels," she sings to them, "I told you I would bring you back to your mommy and daddy."
"Thank you, Diana, for everything." Ana says to her as she places Gracelyn in her arms again. She then hands Raymond to me, and while I am still on the bed with Ana, I ask Diana to take our first official family picture.
I point with my chin to my phone on the nightstand, Diana hands it over to me to unlock and put the camera mode on.
We are all scrunched up, as close as we can be, and Ana and I smile brightly at my phone.
"Say, Grey; family of four!" Diana suggests.
"Grey; family of four!" Ana and I cheer in unison.
Several hours have passed since the delivery of my babies. All of my angels are sleeping peacefully in Ana's bed. She is holding onto them, a smile on her face. She's at peace, it took her a while to get there, but I knew she would.
I can't help but to stare at them, never taking my eyes away from their breathing chests, watching them, making sure they are safe. Of course they are, they are in their mother's arms, near her heart. She is always keep them safe. I will keep them all safe.
Going to Aspen two years ago was the best decision I have ever made in my life. Meeting Ana, unexpectedly was the greatest gift I could have received. Nothing, and I mean, nothing, will ever compare to how I feel in this moment, right now.
My life for Ana will grow with every passing year, fuck, every passing day. She has brought a light to my life, that flame will never dull because of her love for me, and my love for her.
She is my forever, always.
~The End~