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NEAREST AND DEAREST

Chapter Thirteen

Ana

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We are pulled out of our sweet, sweet, reunion by the booming voice of Kate. Oh great timing Kavanagh.

"Put her down Grey... You don't know where she's been" Kate yells as she walks towards us. I can't help but giggle against Christian's lips. We pull apart and with a wide smile on his face Christian replies fondly.

"Well, thanks to you Kate, I do... So thank you"

"No worries Christian, just doing what's best for Ana, had to make her see sense somehow. I think if she'd stayed she would've imploded. Has the crazy train stopped yet Ana?" she asks with a laugh. I feel the blush flood my cheeks.

"Oh Kate, please stop. I know how foolish I've been, you don't have to rub it in... But truly Kate, thanks for everything. You helped me out, kept my baby safe... Brought Christian back to me" my emotion's are rising again.

I feel my tear's start to form and Christian's arm's tighten around me. I hear his soothing "Shush baby, I didn't go anywhere" in my ear, and his lip's at my temple. I hold on tight to him, calming myself.

"That's what aunt Kate is for... Now lets go and feed the little mite... We have food going on the patio, so get your butt off the sand Steele"

My head shoots up at her words. Oh no, more people to share my embarrassment with.

"We... Who else is here?" I ask. She looks at my worried expression and laughs at me.

"Chill Ana, it's just your nearest and dearest. Come on, let's go, before Elliot set's fire to the patio. He thinks he's the BBQ king but I know better" before I can say anything, she turns on her heel, whistles the dog's and heads back to the house.

Looking at the deck, I see Elliot in a 'naked man' apron. He glances over, waving a large BBQ fork. I can't hide my giggle, he looks so funny. Kate just rolls her eye's at the sight of him and Christian can barely hide his amusement.

Christian shuffles from behind me and stands to his full height. "Ready baby?" he asks me softly. I nod and he bends down, scooping me up into his strong arms. He places a firm kiss on my brow as I sigh and snuggle closer against him. Oh, there's no where else I want to be. How could I have doubted him? Even for a second.

Christian trudges through the sand toward's the house. As he puts my feet on the deck, Elliot instantly lifts me up into a hug, spinning me around in his arms.

"How you doing Ana?" he asks kissing my cheek.

I can't help but hug him tight and I smile at Kate over his shoulder. She smiles warmly at the sight of us and her eyes soften.

"I'm fine, thank you Elliot" I utter, as he places me back on my feet.

Christian is by my side in an instant, and wastes no time in placing his hand firmly on my lower back. I can feel the need he has to be close, the need to keep in contact with me and I need it too. I lean into him and his arm circle's my waist protectively. He leans in and kisses my head, my eyes close at the contact. Oh, I so wish we were alone right now. I want to... No, I need to... I'm dragged out of my daydream by Elliot's whispers in my ear.

"You should've got those dog's to bite him on the ass, or at least chase him around a bit. That would have been fun to watch" he teases and I swat my hand at him. I catch sight of Christian's frown, but there's laughter in his eyes so I know he sees the humor.

"Elliot stop" I chastise. "But thank you, for not going to beat him up" I can't help my giggle as I catch sight of Christian's expression.

His eyebrows are raised and his lips play with a small smirk. I think he knows he could take him. I snicker, hugging Christian tighter.

"Well, I did think about it, for a second at least" Elliot states. "I'm sorry Ana, but I couldn't really believe it. I know what you saw and were told, and it was all very convincing and when Kate told me about it, my first instinct was to protect you and pummel him, but I'd like to think I know my little brother a bit. Once I thought about it, I knew, I knew he could never do that to you. So you didn't have to worry, his good looks were always safe" he nudges Christian, and they share a chuckle. "Plus" he continues. "It wouldn't have been me who actually hit him" Elliot scoffs, as he lifts his head and nods towards Kate, who just smiles and nods in agreement. "You hungry Ana? Come on let's fatten you up" Elliot asks, looking at my huge bump.

Laughing, he turns and starts walking towards the house followed by Kate. Christian steps forward and catches Elliot by his shoulder, making him turn to face us again he utters in a quiet voice.

"Thank you, Llelliot, it means a lot" Christian can't keep the warmth from his tone, and I know he loves his brother. Elliot can hear it too.

I think Cristian is truly glad that they've become so close over the past few months. They deserve each others love and respect, they're good men, Grace should be proud, I know I am.

"No worries bro" Elliot responds, looking slightly embarrassed.

I'm sure a blush hints at his cheek's, but men being men, they shrug it off and no more is said. "Come on, the foods getting cold" he mumbles, and we all head around the house to the patio.

When we reach the patio, I'm shocked to see Luke sitting with Maddy. Taylor is also seated, but Gail is placing bowls of salad and potato chips onto the table adding to other foods she seems to have rustled up. She see's me approach and runs over to me, taking me in her arms quickly.

"Oh Ana, I'm so glad your safe, we were all so worried" she gushes, motherly.

I see a look pass between her and Christian, and I'm guessing that's a slight understatement. Christian was probably more than worried.

"Are you alright? How's the baby?" she asks.

"We're fine Gail, honestly, but I'm sorry if Kate got you into any trouble" I hug her close and look past her to Christian, who only smiles and shakes his head.

"Oh no, no trouble. We were just so worried about you and your little one" she admits, as she steps back looking at my belly.

As we pull apart, I catch Luke's eye. He stands, looking rather worried and I can't help myself. I move past Gail and throw myself at him. Wrapping my arm's around Luke's waist, I hug him tight. I feel him freeze, then relax slightly as he gingerly hugs me back. He looks past me to Christian, very sure that he's crossing some line, but Christian is just smiling shaking his head. He probably thinks I'm nuts right now, but I just feel so emotional and responsible for everyone's trouble, dealing with a frantic Christian couldn't have been much fun for anyone.

"Luke, I'm so sorry. I never meant to cause all of this, he hasn't fired you has he?" I ask, looking up hopefully.

Luke just smile's and shakes his head. He releases me and I step back looking at Christian. Thankfully he is still smiling, with a, 'I've married a mad woman' look to his face. I turn back to Luke and smile.

"It's fine Mrs Grey" I look at him and frown slightly "Sorry, Ana... We're fine, I promise. Mr Grey... Has been very reasonable" I can't hide the giggle that escapes, and Luke tries to hide his smile, as we share the joke of Christian and reasonable in the same sentence, but then seriously he says. "Ana, we're truly sorry that we cause you all of this distress. The baby could have been..." His voice drops off as he looks down at my belly. His face softens and I can see the worry deep in his face. I halt his worry instantly.

"Luke, it's fine honestly, apart from an initial fright and a few tears... I've been good" his face softens a bit at my reassurance, but he's still fretting. "Please, don't worry... I'm so glad that you two are getting married" I say in order to change the subject.

I turn slightly to look at Maddy. She stands and smiles, and I can tell she's embarrassed and probably feeling very intimidated. I have to make this right.

"Mrs Grey, Ana... This is Madderson, my fiancé" Luke states proudly. I smile warmly at him, and turn to face Madderson fully.

"Hi Maddy, it's nice to see you again" I say quickly. "I must apologize for everything that's happened. My initial reaction to you, was..." she cuts me off and surprises me by taking my hand. She has a smile on her face, but I can see the real worry in her eyes.

"Please... no apology is needed, I should've stayed with you. I could see you where upset, I should've made sure you were okay and waited for Luke... He was home, ten minutes after we met. I never thought to tell you his name... It never came up... I'm sorry I upset you" Maddy gushes, and I can see her anxiety.

Luke steps near her and gently pulls her to his side. I smile at the gesture as I feel Christian do the same. His warmth and closeness is comforting, he smiles down at me and says, trying to lighten the mood.

"Never came up, why am I not surprised. You ask her every other question under the sun, apart from the most important one... Who" I interrupt him, standing up a little straighter, wanting to defend myself.

'"Yes, okay I know I over reacted... but in all this mess, all this confusion, my instincts were right and I was right to trust them" I notice Christian's eye brow quirks. "My first instinct about Maddy was that she was nice... So my head and emotion's weren't that muddled up, were they?" I state, as I smile brightly at everyone.

Madderson grabs me in a hug and thanks me. Luke looks slightly surprised, but his face softens when I reciprocate. He reaches for Maddy and she step's back with him as I smile warmly at her, and wink at Luke.

"I really am pleased for you both on your engagement. Have you set a date yet?" I ask.

"No.. Not yet" Luke answers, and he's saved from any more of my embarrassing questions, by the sudden arrival of Grace, Carrick, Ethan and Mia.

Oh no, what has Christian told everyone? Do they all know that I freaked and ran? I feel the flush build on my cheeks and catch Grace's eye. She smiles brightly. Nothing seems amiss, maybe Christian hasn't mentioned anything? Just then, Mia descends like the whirlwind she is and launching herself at me. She squeals loudly.

"Oh Ana, this place is beautiful, I wish I had friends that need me to house sit a place like this. It was such a good idea to have a family barbecue and all get together" I nod and smile as she continues. "Oh Ethan, we have to live somewhere like this, it's amazing..." and she's off. I tune out and move on as she is so distracted with everything around her. Carrick reaches me first and hugs me tightly.

"Hello mom to be. How are you? You look wonderful, you've definitely caught a little sun. Christian's right, the rest has done you good" I smile at his appraisal and look over at Christian.

He winks at me and smiles his amazing Christian Grey smile. God, I love this man, my man. Carrick distracts me by stepping back, he takes my elbow and leads me to a chair.

"Here, sit down and take the weight off your feet" he offers and I gratefully take a seat. Christian approaches and takes the seat next to me, taking my hand, he lean's into me.

"You okay?" he asks, cupping my face and placing a soft kiss on my lips. I look up into his eyes and nod. "You hungry?" he looks at me eagerly, so I nod knowing it will ease him if I eat.

He stands and approaches Elliot and the grill. Oh, I forgot Elliot was cooking...

A few hour's later, I'm sharing a sun lounger with Christian. I'm nursing a cup of tea and just watching the scene in front of me. Everyone is just talking, laughing, enjoying each others company. My friends, my family and yes, even the security team I think of as family. Jason, Gail, Luke and now Madderson and who knows, maybe little ones in the future, are all friends for our baby.

I place a hand on my bump and gently rub. Christian picks up on my action and my mood instantly, and places his hand over mine while pulling me close to him.

"I love you both, so much" he whispers into my hair, and all I can do is sigh contently and lay back into him more.

His arms, that are wrapped around me, squeeze just that little bit tighter, and at this moment, I don't ever want to be anywhere else. I'm so happy right now. A few hours ago my world was so uncertain, I'd thought my life was about to change.

I think this little mishap has brought about changes though, our family have changed, our feelings have changed. I know mine are stronger, stronger than ever. I know, with Christian not leaving my side for a second all night, that he feels the same.

Oh, what he must have felt when he thought I'd left him. I have so much making up to do, and as much as this has been a lovely evening, with lovely people and stunning surroundings... I want to be alone with him... I want my man to myself. I shift on Christian's lap and he moves to sit upright, pulling me with him. I stifle a yawn, but Elliot jumps on it.

"You tired Ana? Eager to get to bed?" he asks, with a wicked grin. I grin back at him, shaking my head, but the good Dr comes to the rescue.

"Well it is rather late, it.s after 10, maybe we should all head home and let Ana rest. It's the best thing for her, so close the baby coming. How are you feeling dear?" Grace ask, and it's clear that she's always on duty.

"I feel fine, honestly Grace" I reply. She stands, and as she does, Carrick follows suit.

As we say our goodbyes to everyone, Grace pulls me to one side. "How are you really feeling Ana?" she asks me, holding my wrist and brushing my forehead.

I tell her I'm fine, that the baby's okay, and that there's nothing for her to be worried about. She looks at me and smiles softly. Something catches her eye and she glances past me. I turn and meet Christian's gaze. A small smile creeps onto my lips, he worries so much, I knew he would have to have her check me over before she left. It's understandable though, I have been out of his sight for quite a while, he needs all bases covered. I reassure Grace, which I know will sooth Christian.

"Grace honestly, I'm fine. I had a bit of a fright and a slight panic attack I think, but I soon calmed myself and have been resting here ever since. The rest and dogs have helped me a lot to, kept me safe and calm" I can't help say fondly, glancing at Christian. "And the baby seems okay. He's been moving around a lot, so things can't have upset him too much"

I hope my words eases their worry, and I feel confident that they have when she hugs me and assures me I have done the right thing. Grace moves over to Carrick and they head out, followed swiftly by the rest of the family.

Luke and Madderson say their goodbye's and also leave, but as I head back to the patio I notice Gail attempting to clear the table and tidy things up.

"Please Gail, leave all of that, you and Jason head home, Christian and I can manage" but as usual, she just won't stop.

"It'll just take a moment Ana, it's only a few dishes" she says, as carries on regardless, stacking plates and loading a tray with dirty glasses.

Christian approaches. "Gail, go home, please, you're a guest this evening, so stop, find Jason and take him home" she look at Christian, nods and glances round looking for Jason.

Jason appears onto the deck, the dogs on their leads at his heels. He walks over to Christian as he releases the dogs.

"Sir, I've made a quick sweep in all direction's while exercising the dogs, things seem safe enough. Do you want me to stay here with you both?" he asks readily, but Christian shakes his head.

"No, thank you Jason. You and Gail head back to the house, just contact Ros in the morning, inform her of my absence and you take care of everything. I'm going to be spending a few days here" he turns to me and smiles, which I instantly return.

"Take this with you too" Christian says suddenly, as Jason turns to leave.

My husband then does something that I never thought I'd ever see, he hands Jason his blackberry. Jason's eyes nearly pop out of his head, even Gail looks shocked, because Christian is never parted from his phone.

"Sir, I don't..."Jason begins.

"We'll be fine" Christian interrupts firmly.

He turns and looks at me with hunger blazing in his eyes, and without breaking eye contact with me, he utters.

"I want NO interruptions Taylor"

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