Chapter 14
"Gail. I'm leaving. I'm meeting Mia and Kate to have our bridesmaid dresses fitted, then we're going out to lunch."
"Okay. I assume you and Mr. Grey will be home for dinner?"
"Yes. Can I pick up anything in town for you?" I ask.
"No Ana. I'm fine."
"Okay. I'll have my phone if you need anything." I smile and wave as I exit the door.
Going out to my car, I squeeze in. Maybe I need to start driving the SUV, it's getting hard to squeeze in to this sports car. Maybe Christian would let me drive the Bentley. Yeah, that'll happen. Damn thing costs so much he couldn't get it insured. Just ridiculous.
I finally arrive in town and park at the bridal salon. Luckily Kate arrives at the same time. I open my car door and call to her.
"Kate?"
"Hey Steele."
"Come here a minute."
"What is it Ana?"
"Kate I am so embarrassed. Can you help me get out of this damned car?"
I think she will explode in laughter. "Fuck you Kate. Just give me your hand."
She extends her hand grabbing mine and pulls, dislodging me from my expensive sarcophagus.
"Thanks. That darned car is so low, I can't get out any more."
"Why don't you drive another one? I know you have an entire fleet."
"Well, all the others are SUVs except for the Bentley. Christian would die before he let me drive that car."
"Hell. Just ask Mr. Obscenely Rich to buy you another one. One you can drive. You know he'll do it."
"So, now I need a maternity car? I don't think so." I scowl at her.
"Have you seen the gowns that Mia has picked out?" I ask her.
"Yes! Thank God they're actually pretty. Normally having to wear a bridesmaid dress makes my blood run cold. It's like the designers sit around and think 'what is the ugliest dress I can come up with?', then they make it and call it a bridesmaid dress."
"I know. I'm so glad these are pretty. And it was so sweet of her to pick one that will hide my tummy and not make me stand out."
"Mia can be a sweet girl. She's just a little flighty." Kate says.
"Yes. She and Christian seem to have a special relationship. She can really get to him. She seems to have found a way to get through that Christian Grey armor." I tell her.
We enter the salon and Mia is waiting for us.
"Oh, good! You're here. I can't wait to see the dresses on you." Always so bubbly.
"Hi, Mia. I can't wait to see them either." I give her a hug.
The bridal coordinator finds us and directs us to the fitting room. The sales staff helps us get into the gowns.
We all walk out to the fitting area. By all, I mean Kate, me and Lily. Yes. Miss Lily is maid- of- honor. She still doesn't like me very much and yes she is still single. Big surprise.
"Mia, I really like this French blue. It's such a soft color. It will look beautiful with all the spring flowers and grass." I tell her admiring the beautiful blue chiffon.
"Oh, I know. They are just perfect, aren't they?" she gushes.
"Yes. I really appreciate you picking one that will hide little Sam here." I tell her.
"Oh, you've picked a name." she squeals.
"Yes we decided on one last night, assuming it is really a boy."
"What's the whole name?" she begs.
"We decided on Samuel Carrick Grey."
"Ohhh. Have you told Dad yet? He'll be so pleased."
"No Mia. We just decided last night. We haven't told anyone. In fact, you are all the first to know. Oh, don't tell Carrick. Let Christian do it. Please?"
"Of course."
"Well this dress really isn't flattering to my waist." Lily snipes.
"I know, Lily, but I wanted them all alike and with Ana being pregnant, it was the way I wanted to go. I think they look lovely." Mia admonishes her.
I walk over to the window to see the true color of the fabric. Looking up I see that same man across the street. The same man that was out in front of Caroline's.
" Kate?"I call her.
"Yep?"
"Come here a minute, please." I ask.
Kate walks over to me, "What is it?"
"Do you see that man over there?" I whisper to her.
"What man, there are several?" she whispers back.
"The man in the camel coat across the street. Do you see him?"
"Yes." Kate whispers. "I see him. Why are you whispering?"
"Oh, I didn't mean to. Does he look suspicious to you?" I ask her.
"No, he looks like a man in a camel coat standing on a street. Why?"
"I think I saw the same man out in front of Caroline's a while back."
"Really?" She looks at him harder. "Maybe Christian is having you followed again." She suggests.
"I don't know why he would." I tell her.
"Has he ever needed a reason, Steele?" she asks.
"Oh, hush. I just wanted you to see him. I'm, going to get my phone and get a picture of him." I run over and grab my phone and snap a quick photo.
"There. Should something happen I have a picture as proof."
"Proof of what?" Kate asks.
"Proof that he was following me."
"Ana, you don't know that he is following you. He's a man on a street."
"I know. Just remember what he looks like."
"Hey you two. What are you doing?" Mia asks. "Oh, I just wanted to see the fabric in the natural light. It really is lovely, Mia. Has your dress come in yet?" I ask her.
"I was hoping you would ask. It came in this week. Do you want to see it?" she is so excited.
Kate and I are getting pinned and measured and Mia walks out in her gown. "Oh. Mia. It is gorgeous!" I tell her. It really is one of the prettiest gowns I have ever seen. It is an Amsale and I just love her things. It's just perfect for a spring outdoor wedding. It is a strapless silk faille A-Line gown with an asymmetrical neckline and bow detail at the back. Very simple yet so elegant.
"Has Grace seen it yet?" Kate asks.
"No not yet. She was supposed to come with us today, but couldn't get away from the office." She looks so disappointed.
"Well she will just die when she does see it. It is breathtaking." I tell her. I walk over and hug her. "You are going to be a beautiful bride, baby girl. Ethan is a lucky man."
Mia looks humbled. A new look for her. "No. Actually I'm the lucky one. He really puts up with all my shit. I know that's not easy to do. He is so good to me." She has tears in her eyes.
"Well, we are all getting teary." Kate says. " Let's get these things fitted and get on to lunch and a good bottle of Bollinger. Except for Ana."
"Gee thanks." I smirk at her.
Fittings are finally completed and we are dressed. "Okay. Are we ready for some lunch?" Kate asks.
"I know I am." I volunteer.
"Steele, you're always hungry right now." She smiles.
"Where does everyone want to go?" Mia asks. Dead silence.
"Well if no one has any ideas, we can go to the club and have lunch on Christian." I offer.
"Sounds like a plan to me." Kate offers.
"Yeah. That sounds good." Mia chimes in.
"I'd love to eat at Christian's club." Lily throws in. I'm sure you would Lily.
"Okay. Do we want to go in separate cars or all together?" I ask.
"Ana. Can't get in her car." Kate smirks.
"Shut up Kate. I can get in my car. " Damn her.
She laughs. "That's right you just can't get out." She puts her arm around me. "Oh, Steele don't get mad. It will all be better in a couple of months. Don't pout." Come on lets go get lunch.
We all pile into Kate's car and drive over to the club for lunch. The valet comes around for the keys. "Afternoon Mrs. Grey."
"Oh, hi, Tony. Thanks. Just put it under my name."
We take the elevator up to the dining room.
"Ana?" Kate glares over at me.
"Huh? What Kate?"
"What's that grin on your face for?" she asks.
"Oh, Nothing. I was just thinking." Thinking about the times on this elevator with Christian.
"Well it must be good, by the look on your face." She muses.
"Yep." I nod. "It was."
We reach the dining room and the Maitre d greet us. " Mrs. Grey. Are you here to join Mr. Grey?"
"Oh, I didn't know Christian was lunching here today. Um. No we'll have our own table. Thank you."
"Very good. Follow me."
We find our table and Kate immediately orders a bottle of Bollinger. The rest of the group has started drinking before they even order. I am drinking lemonade. Damn.
"Excuse me. I need to use the ladies room." Kate gets up.
"I think it's over that way Kate." I tell her.
"Thanks, Steele. Back in a minute. If the waiter comes by order another bottle please."
"Sure thing. We aim to please, Ms. Kavanaugh." I tell her.
We have ordered our second bottle and Kate still isn't back. "I hope Kate is alright. She's been gone a while." I look around for her. "Besides I'm hungry I want to order."
Finally, Kate makes her way back to our table. "I thought we had lost you." I scowl at her.
"Oh, I was just fixing my make- up. Let's get something to eat ladies."
I'm finally enjoying my crab salad . And devouring the bread basket single handedly. The rest of my party seems to be enjoying the champagne more than the food.
I feel hands on my shoulders and a soft kiss on my cheek. "Mrs. Grey. I wasn't expecting you here today."
I look up and see my handsome husband. "Well, it was spur of the moment. We had our dress fitting and decided to eat lunch."
"It appears you are drinking your lunch rather than eating it." He has a testy look on his face.
"Oh Christian don't be so pouty." Mia says appearing rather tipsy.
I hold up my glass of lemonade and smile up at him, "I'm being a good girl, sir." I am able to elicit a smile out of my husband. He squeezes my shoulder.
"So I see. Well, ladies. Enjoy your lunch. Of course it will be on me." Christian gives me a sweet kiss. "Baby, I'll see you at home later. I won't be late."
"Okay. Have a good rest of the day. Love you."
"Love you to."
He disappears across the room and joins the rest of his lunch party to leave. That was certainly a pleasant little oasis in my day.
"Okay. Well I'm finished. That was good." I look over at Kate. "Kate, do you need a to-go cup?"
"No. You're just crabby because you can't drink." She fusses at me. "Let's get out of here."
We get back down and the valet has brought Kate's car around. I take the keys from the valet. "Thanks Tony. I've got it." I tell him.
"Ana. What do you think you're doing?" Kate asks.
"I'm driving. That's what I 'm doing. You're too tipsy. In fact I probably need to drive you home. I'm trying to figure out how to get you home and get back to my car."
"Oh, I'll driver her. I'm fine. I didn't have near as much champagne and none after I ate lunch." Mia volunteers. "Elliott can come back and pick up her car later."
"Okay. I'll get us back to the salon and then you all can take it from there."
All the car shuffling has taken place, I am left to get back in my R8. What a dismal proposition. I do love that car though. It is absolutely fierce. Just not baby friendly.
Finally home and extricated from my car. I walk in the house. "Hey Gail. I'm back."
"How was your fitting?" she asks.
"It was actually was pretty good. The dresses are really beautiful. And Mia's dress is just gorgeous. She did a really good job of picking them out." I say as I look through the mail.
"I'm going to run upstairs and change. Wait. I don't hear any noise."
"Oh, they're finished with the nursery. I really looks nice." She smiles.
"Great! I'll go take a look." I get up the stairs and down the hall. Opening the door I admire the soft yellow walls with white trim. We had hardwood put in on the floor just in case of allergies and to cut down on the dust. I can't wait to get all the furniture delivered and get it all set up. I walk in and look around. The baby's bathroom is all finished and ready. That was the main thing that we had done. "Well, little Sam. Here's your room. Do you like it?" I rub my tummy. Suddenly I feel Christian's arms around me. "Hey. What are you doing home?" I ask him.
He kisses my cheek. "I got finished with my last meeting and had an errand to run. When I got through I just came on home. Elliott really did a good job." Christian's hands fall to my tummy and he rubs them over my belly.
"Yes he did." I nod. "It won't be too much longer. A few more months. Sam will be here."
"He's already here." Christian whispers.
I look up at him, "Sometimes you can say the sweetest things, Christian Grey." Tears begin to fill my eyes.
" Why are you crying?" he asks.
"I have no idea. Just because." I tell him.
"Come on." He takes me by the hand and back to the bedroom. Christian gets out of his navy wool suit and throws on sweat pants and a sweater. I decide to try out my under the bump jeans that I got at Caroline's. I put on a T-shirt over them, but still a lot showing. I walk out of my dressing room. Christian takes one look and freezes. "No." He shakes his head.
"What? You don't like it?" I stretch my arm up the door frame and strike a pose. "They're very trendy." I tell him.
He walks over to me and whispers in my ear. "I don't give a fuck what they are. You are not wearing them."
"But Caroline insisted that I had to have them."
"Well, Caroline Acton is not my wife. You are, and you are not wearing those pants."
I laugh. "I told her you wouldn't go for them. She insisted that I at least show them to you."
"Baby you can wear them all you like as long as you don't leave this bedroom with them on."
"Okay. I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing them anyway." I tell him.
"So I guess I need to get them off of you." He saunters back over to me. And traces his finger along the dropped waistband.
"That tickles. Stop it." I back up from him.
"Does it now?" he backs me up against the door and continues to lightly run his finger over my belly.
I can't help but giggle. "Baby, really that tickles." He stretches his arm out over my head on the wall and bends down kissing me ever so slowly and softly. I hear a soft moan and I'm not sure if it is him or me. He moves his head back and looks at me with those intense gray eyes and all I see is desire. He scoops me in his arms and lays me on our bed. He straddles me sitting on my legs and descends on my belly tickling the shit out of me.
"Ahhhh. Christian! Stop it! I mean it! That tickles." I can't help but giggle and scream.
"Do you know how much I love that sound?" He looks down at me. "Do it again." He resumes tickling my belly. I squirm and wiggle trying to get away. Suddenly Teddy launches himself right in the middle of us.
"I want to tickle Mommy, too." He squeals. Christian picks him up and tosses him on the bed pulling his shirt up and motor boating his tummy. Teddy squeals and laughs. "No daddy! No!" he laughs. Christian finally releases him and Teddy jumps on his Dad pulling up his sweater and he tries to motor boat Christian's belly. He can't quite do it. "No Teddy like this." I fall on Christian and blow my lips against his stomach. Christian tries to double up and begins to laugh, "No! That tickles. Stop!"
" What's the safe word? I ask him."
"No safe word." He laughs and I motor boat him again. "Okay. Okay. Red. Red."
Teddy tries again and just can't get the hang of it. Christian pulls up his sweater, "Here Teddy. Put your mouth right here." Christian points to his stomach. Teddy does it. "Now blow really hard and rub your face on my belly." Teddy gives it a good try, but just can't seem to do it. "Try one more time." Teddy finally does it and Christian howls and doubles up. He grabs Teddy and wrestles him to the bed and kisses all over him. Teddy laughs with delight.
I sit on my knees on the bed watching my two men and I can't help but remember the man who couldn't stand to be touched. Who thought the touch of another human being was too physically and emotionally painful to endure. I remember marking him with the red lipstick and coaxing him to just let me touch him. I recall the pain in his face the first time he let me put my hand on his chest. I can't believe this is the same man. I love him so much. I can't even imagine my life without him.
"Okay, Tedster. Let's go down and see about something to eat . Teddy squeals again as Christian throws Teddy over his shoulder and turns to look at me. "Coming?" he asks.
I get up off the bed. "Yep. I'm right behind you." I go to follow them.
"Not before you change out of those pants, though." He reminds me.
"Yes, sir. I'll be down in a minute."
"Good girl. Come on Teddy lets go find some cartoons." Christian swats Teddy's behind and they disappear around the corner and down the hall.
I change into my sweat pants. There that feels better. I do love elastic. My hair is all over my head with all the static electricity, I decide to put it into braids. I finish and look at myself. My gosh I look awful. Pregnant belly. Sweat pants. T-shirt. Braids. Cardigan sweater. Oh well, I top off my ensemble with some fuzzy house slippers. Perfect picture of comfort. I head down to join my family.
Christian and Teddy are snuggled on the sofa with Grace watching TV. Grace is fussing. Never taking his eyes off of the TV Christian picks her up and puts her in his lap and kisses her head. She cuddles up to her dad. What a crew.
I walk to the kitchen to find Gail. "Hey, Gail. Can I help you?" I offer.
"Oh I've got it Ana." She says.
"Well, I can at least set the table."
I gather all the eating implements and put them in their proper places. Making sure the salt and pepper, butter etc. is on the table.
"Smells good. What are we having?" I ask her.
" Baked chicken, with mashed potatoes, baked carrots and limas. And home made rolls."
"Yum. Good cold weather food. Where's Taylor? I haven't seen him today."
"Oh, he's down with a bad cold. I made him stay in bed today. Mr. Grey said to let him rest and so I made him do it."
"Gosh, I'm sorry. I hope he feels better. Is there anything we can do ?" I ask.
"No, I think he just needs to get some rest for a day or two. Mr. Grey said to tell him that he would either drive himself or have Sawyer drive him, until Jason was back on his feet."
"Well, why don't you fix yourselves some plates and go take care of him. I can finish up in here."
"Oh, there's no need, Ana. I can do it. Besides I have dinner on the stove in our quarters. It's not far from ready. "
"Then go. Go take care of your husband. Gail Taylor."
She smiles at me. "Okay. I would like to check on him. Tell him we said 'hi' and hope he feels better."
I finish up dinner and get it on the table. Walking into the family room the kids and Christian are engrossed in something. At least it isn't cartoons. Looks like Discovery or Nat Geo. I look over and some crocodile is devouring a baby antelope. I can see Grace is not happy about it. I reach down and take her from Christian just as she starts to cry.
"Oh, Grace. It's okay. It's just the TV baby." I try to jostle her and kiss her cheek. "Christian ! Why are you letting the kids watch that?"
"Huh? He looks up at me. Teddy and I are enjoying it. It's educational."
"Well Grace isn't enjoying it at all. Get yourselves in here and eat dinner."
"Come on baby girl. Shame on that mean old crocodile. Let's get you some dinner."
I get her all tucked into her highchair and fix her a little plate of chicken and mashed potatoes with a sippy cup of milk.
Teddy and Christian have finally decided to grace us with their presence at dinner. Just about the time we sit down, the buzzer to the gate goes off. "I'll get it. Christian jumps up and answers it."
"Who was that ?" I ask him as I cut up Grace's chicken.
"Nothing just a delivery." He goes back to eating.
"At this time of the evening? What kind of delivery?" I ask.
"I don't know. Some stuff Elliott ordered for the remodel I think."
"I thought the remodel was finished." I look over at Grace. "There you go baby. Eat some chicken."
"Ana, I have no idea. I assume there was something else he needed. They are just going to leave it out front. Elliott can see to it tomorrow."
"Okay. I just thought it was strange."
Finally we hear the doorbell ring.
"Can you get that, baby?" Christian asks me never stopping eating his meal. "Just tell them to leave it out front."
"Me? Why do you want me to get it? I don't know anything about that stuff."
"Baby, I'm tired would you mind just getting the door." he looks at me so exasperated.
"Why no sir, Mr. Grey. I wouldn't mind getting it at tall. Please keep your seat. I wouldn't want you to overexert."
I get up and stomp my feet all the way to the front door. I open it to see a delivery man.
"Yes. Can I help you?" I ask.
"Mrs. Grey?" he asks.
"Yes."
"Here you go ma'am. Hope you enjoy it. Thank you ma'am." He turns and walks back to a waiting car and they drive off.
I look down in my hand is a set of keys. "Christian?" I call out.
"What." I jump as he is right behind me
"God. You scared me. What are these keys? What's going on?"
He puts his head over my shoulder at my eye level and points out in the drive. "There. That's yours."
"You bought me a car?"
"Yep. Kate told me today that you were having trouble with the R8 and that you needed a Maternity car."
"She said maternity car? She said those words?"
"Well. Yes. Don't you like it? At least go look at it."
"Let me get Grace out of her highchair. I don't want her falling out."
"I'll get her you go look at the car."
I walk out and look at the beautiful metallic beige car. Christian, Teddy and Grace join me.
"Wow. Mom. A new car." Teddy is thrilled, running around it to see it at all angles.
"Look inside baby." Christian pushes me to open it.
I slide into the driver's seat with such ease. I sigh as I feel like I'm sitting on a cloud. "Look baby. The seats are heated, ventilated and adjust to 22 different positions. And they have a massage function in case your back starts to hurt. It's an A8. It has 8 speed transmission, all-wheel drive and Triptronic transmission."
I look up at him and start to cry. "Baby what is it? Don't you like it?"
"I love it. I was really needing an 8 speed Triptronic transmission. And best of all it's not black."
I get out and hug him. He is still holding Grace in one arm and puts his other arm around me and gives me a huge kiss. "I love you so much. Thank you."
"I just want you to be comfortable, baby."
" Thank you, Christian. It's not every woman that gets her very own maternity car."