September 2011, 4 months After Teddy

Ana'a P.O.V

My birthday has always been something I celebrate at a low scale. As a kid, my mom and Ray always took me out into the city for a fancy dinner at a nice resteraunt. In college, Kate would always try to get me to go out to the bars or throw me a surprise party. Then Christian came into my life and he has made everyday amazing. Then we made Teddy and my heart is so full. I've been so much happier than I was in the past. This year is much different than before. I wanted to do just a small family dinner with Christian and the family.

I stands in front of the bathroom mirror doing my make up. I go for a neutral look and not match my tight strapped black mini dress. I wanted to show off some leg as I turn twenty-three. I'm back to the body frame I was before I was pregnant only with some more muscle. Christian's trainer, Hans, has me in the gym three days out of the week. I used to be the one on the treadmill but now I'm all cardio. I like feeling more healthy and having more atonement to my figure. I hear footsteps of dress shoes walking in but I'm too focused on putting on my eyeliner to turn around.

"You look dazzling Mrs. Grey." He says. Knowing the staff would knock before entering our bedroom, let alone the bathroom, I knew it was Christian.

"Thank you Mr. Grey. Are you and Teddy ready?"

"Yes. We're both suited up and ready to go." I turn around in the stool and look at the two of them. Christian is wearing a black suit jacket and pants with a maroon dress shirt. He's holding Teddy against his chest and his little back against his. He's matching with Christian with his baby dress shirt and pants and his hair thin hair brushed to the side. So adorable to see Christian dress him. "Look at you. Just like your daddy." I tickle his belly with the tips of my fingers making him laugh. I stand up and take him in my arms, holding him at my side.

"How's it feel to be twenty-three?"

"Well...still feeling young to be a editor, mother, and wife of a billionaire. Other than that, it's a great day to be me."

"That's good to hear. Let's go to your party Mrs. Grey." He takes my hand and the three of us walk out together.

The Grey Estate

We arrive at the Grey estate and step out of the back of the car. I carry Teddy inside while Christian carries his baby bag. We walk up to the door and before we can knock, Mia opens the door.

"Happy Birthday Ana." She walks up and hugs me."Hi sweet Teddy. It's your mommy's birthday. Can I hold him?" She plays with his little hand. She loves him so much."Yeah, just be careful with his head."

"Be gentle Mia." Christian says.

"I will be." I pass him to her and she cradles him in her hands. She held him against her chest and walked into the house with him. She's so in love with him and nurturing. It's also great to have a little break from him or at least until he cries enough for Mia to cave and hand him back over to us. We walk into the house and there people scattered around the foyer and the living room. I see Kate behind the bar and making martinis. She always the life of the party.

"Happy Birthday Ana." Grace walks to me and hugs me.

"Thank you Grace."

"Where's my grandson?"

"Mia has him and he probably smothering him with kisses in the kitchen. Where's dad?" Christian asks.

"He's out in the back with your Uncle Rick. I'll leave you two to it. I'm going to go see my grandson." She kisses Christian's cheek and walks off to the kitchen.

"Who's Uncle Rick?"

"He's my dad's friend from law school. They started out together when they worked at the Bridgmen Lawfirm. He was at the wedding."

"Really?" I know Christian's family knows a lot of people but how many people have I meet them."We've been married a year but I still can't remember their names."

"It'll get time getting used to it."

"I'm going go say Hi to Kate."

"Meet you in the boathouse." He tugs on my hand a little, asking me if I want to try a quickie later.

"Tit for tat Mr. Grey." He smiles at me and walks away, letting go of my hand as we split up. I walk into the living room and she's shaking the silver drink mixer in her hand.

"Steele. I mean Grey." She runs up and hugs me so tight."Happy Birthday."

"Thank you. Looks like you're getting started without me."

"Well you've been dry for a year. We need to reclaim lost time. Here." She hands me a pink drink with a strawberry on the rim. "It's called the sweet kiss."

"Seriously?" I know she's a self mixologist but her names for the drinks are so chessey.

"I'm trying out cocktails for the reception. Just taste it and tell me what you think." I take a sip and the rum hits my tongue and palete. It's strong on the tongue and I set it down on the bar counter. "So what do you think?"

"That I'm going to be sober at the wedding, I need a glass of wine after that. Speaking of that, do we have a date for your bachelorette party yet?"

"Well the wedding is on a saturday so we want to do it the thursday before?"

"Looks like I have a lot on my hands as maid of honor."

"And we finally locked down on a honeymoon. Two weeks in Paris."

"That's amazing, you're going to love it there." Kate has always wanted to go to Paris but timing and money never lined up. Elliot makes her so happy and she obviously loves him.

"I know. You have been my rock through this whole thing. I wouldn't be able to plan this wedding without you."

"You're my best friend. It's part of the job title."

"And speaking of the wedding.." I turn around and see Elliot walking up to us.

"Hey Banana." He kisses my cheek while giving me a side hug.

"You know I hate that right?"

"I know but your my sister. We're family." I should be irritated but it's kind of fun to have that annoying brother who plays around with you."Christian wanted me to tell you he wanted to talk to you in private."

"About what?"

"Something about finding a buyer for the penthouse. He wanted to talk to you outside" We just put the penthouse on the market as soon as the house was done after the remodel. It's only been up for sale for the last few months but I'm surprised we found one this fast.

"Okay then. I'll be back."

I walk through the house and out into the back of the house. I don't see him so I walk down the bridge of the creek of the back garden. I get to the end when I feel my arm get tugged to the right and I'm twirled in a circle. I feel a pair of hands on my face and lips on my mine. My arms immediately go around his neck and I lean into his chest. We pull apart and I catch my breathe as I lay my head against his.

"You didn't want to talk about the penthouse didn't you?"

"I had to get you away."

"What about the party?"

"As far as they know, we're taking a long walk." He lifts me in his arms and I laugh as he carries me."You good daddy?"

"Yeah. Still as light as a pillow." He kisses me passionately and he stares me deeply in the eyes. "Happy Birthday." He says as he carries me into the boathouse.