APOV

As we eat to our hearts content, everyone shares in conversations amongst themselves. It seems to be chaotic, but somehow, we can still carry on our talks, even being a foot away from one another. Kate and Elliot are talking, Dad and Jason are sharing stories from their time in the Marines, Mia and Luke are whispering to each other, Grace is asking Gail about her honeymoon, and Christian and Brian are talking with Carrick about fishing, leaving me to talk with Mom.

"The meal is delicious dear," she proudly states.

"Thanks Mom, not as good as your meals, but I tried."

"Oh dear, don't sell yourself short. It obviously paid off to have such great cooking skills, as they say 'The way to a man's heart, is through his stomach'." She nods to Christian as I blush.

"It didn't work like that Mom. We decided to remain friends in the beginning. The love just came on its own time."

"But all the while, you were cooking for him, thus making me not entirely wrong." She slyly smiles at me while I look at her with skepticism and roll my eyes. "So…when's the wedding?" I sputter out my wine, luckily not alarming anyone.

"Mom! We just started dating a few weeks ago. No need to rush things along."

"But I'm not getting any younger, and I want some copper-headed grandchildren before I get too old." I face palm myself as I laugh at her half teasing, half serious remark. It's not like I haven't seen myself as the wife to Christian and as the mother of his children, but it's still far too early. I'm focusing on my plate when I feel a hand start making its way up my left leg, rubbing my thigh along the way. I just focus harder on my food, until I feel his hand go completely under the rim of my dress and start to fondle with the strap of my panties. I jump slightly and look at Christian, who's playing it cool, but I can see the mischievous look in his eye. I give him my best 'Not while we're in front of family' look and he removes his hand, not before a blush forms across my face.

"Christian dear," Grace asks, gathering everyone's attention. "Are you and Ana going to join us at the Winter Waltz Gala this year?"

"Well I'll go if she goes. Ana?" I turn to look into his gorgeous silver eyes. "Would you accompany me to the Winter Waltz Gala?"

"I'd love to…what is it?" He chuckles at my cluelessness as he takes my hand in his and places a kiss on my palm.

"It's a ball held for the Coping Together Foundation. All the proceeds from that night go to the foundation."

"What's the Coping Together Foundation?"

"It's an organization the helps battered women and children find better homes and helps them start out on the right foot."

"Then I'd love to go." He gives me a chaste kiss on my cheek before we start clearing the table.

"And we can go shopping the day beforehand, you, Mia, and I, right Mia," Kate asks as everyone looks to see Mia and Luke off in their own world quietly talking to each other.

"I'm sure that's a 'Yes'," I tease as everyone quietly laughs at the smitten couple.

"Kiddo, the Seahawks game is on right now. Do you think we can watch it," Dad asks.

"Sure, who are they playing against?"

"The Patriots."

"Oh my goodness yes, just go into the living room and turn on the TV and it should be on channel 13. I'll join you as soon as I can." I turn to start to help Gail with the dishes.

"Don't worry about it dear. You go enjoy your time with your family," Gail sweetly says.

"Are you sure Gail? You just got back, well, you're still on your honeymoon."

"Dear if Jason and I knew who we were going to come back to, we would have come back sooner. Christian is a completely different man now, thanks to you. Now go enjoy the game." I give her a quick hug, thank her, and run into the room to watch the game. I grew up watching football, so I'm naturally a die-hard fan. I may get a little too into the game, but that's what I love the best. The men are circled around the TV as we watch the Seahawks' quarterback make a sudden change in the game plan, running down the field in an attempt for a touchdown. 40 yards…30 yards…we're all yelling now.

"Run you son of a…"

"Ana," Dad warns.

"Snicker doodle!" Sure enough, he lands into the end zone, scoring 28-7, beating out the Patriots. I jump and hug Dad and Brian. I turn to see Christian still sitting on the couch, as calm as ever. "Sorry Christian, did you feel left out?" I come curl up beside him.

"No baby, I was just admiring your love for the game. I had no idea you love football so much."

"Yeah, that was a perk of being a tomboy, you got to enjoy the bloodier sports. I don't know what is it, but when I watch them play, I feel like I'm playing too."

"You'd make an excellent merger in my world."

"Really?"

"Yes. The way you focus, the way you show your determination for gaining something is inspiring, and hot." He cups my face and as we look into each other's eyes, the world goes away. "I heard what your mom said." I freeze slightly. "When you're ready for the ring baby, it will be here." He holds up my hand and kisses my ring finger. I lean in and brush my lips over his.

"I love you Christian."

"I love you too Ana." He brings his lips gently down on mine, until I start to lace my hands through his hair. I pull him into me and feel his tongue against my lips. I let his tongue graze over mine just as we're pulled out of our moment from a rough cough.

"All right you two, save that stuff for when we're not here," Dad states as he clears his throat louder. I pull away from Christian and see a joyful look in his eyes. We get up as the men head back into the main living room. We gather around for afternoon tea and coffee and talk about Jason and Gail's honeymoon. After going to Disneyland with Jason's daughter Sophie, they went all along the California coastline, to beaches, parks, and shopping malls. They show us pictures but Gail slips me a gift of silver sea turtle earrings.

"It was originally a gift as a way of saying thanks; for taking over my spot when Mr. Grey needed a housekeeper. But now it's a different type of gift; a gift of thanks for being the friend Christian needed, and the girlfriend you've become. But more than that, it is a welcoming present; welcome to the family."