This is just a short little chapter to keep you going...

Chapter 19: All This Fanfare

CPOV

I can honestly say I didn't expect to see everyone there waiting for me when I got home on Friday. I figured they would just assume my meeting went late but then Elliot tells me that the media caught wind of my helicopter missing and completely sensationalized what really happened.

One thing I know for sure is that I want to marry Ana. I am going to propose. I think I will plan a little getaway and propose there. I can't do it this weekend because my parents are having their annual anniversary dinner party. Everyone they know will be there so I can't do it then. I have a couple of meetings today yet but then I want to go and pick out a ring for Ana.

This whole thing about Charlie Tango's accident being possible sabotage is really unnerving. I have Welch looking into it. And luckily Ana didn't give me any grief about having Sawyer as her CPO.

When I am finally done with my meetings I have Taylor take me to Cartier. We called ahead so they can clear out the store and let us go in the back entrance to try and prevent the paparazzi from finding out. "Welcome back, Mr. Grey. How can we help you today?"

"I need to purchase a ring." I'm glad they all signed an NDA.

"A cocktail ring?"

"No, an engagement ring. Do you have diamonds I can select from here?" I want to pick out everything I can with Ana's ring.

"Congratulations, Mr. Grey. We definitely have everything you need here to create the perfect ring. Please come with me to our office."

Once we are there he pulls out different settings and some loose diamonds. Ana's hands are small so I don't want to get anything too big for her. After looking for hours I've settled on a flawless and colorless seven carat oval-cut diamond with brilliant-cut pave diamonds along the entire band. I've been promised it will be ready for pick up on Thursday.

Now I need to figure out how to do it. I'm not good at this so I'll need help from someone I trust.

"Hello?" Seriously, mom's phone has caller ID but she still answers it like she has no idea who is on the other end.

"Hi Mom. How are you?"

"I'm doing excellent, Christian. I'm just working to finish up some final details for the party on Saturday."

"Do you have a minute? I have something I need your advice on."

"Of course. What do you need?"

"Before I tell you, I need you to promise me that you will keep this a secret and you will not freak out. Got it?"

"OK. I promise." I take a deep breath preparing me for the response my mom will have. It could go either way.

"I want to propose to Ana and I need help on how to make it romantic." I am actually holding my breath waiting for her answer.

"Oh, Christian! That's so wonderful! First of all you should ask her father before you do it."

"Why do I need to do that? We're both adults."

"Because it's tradition."

"OK. Once I get Ray's permission, how should I propose?"

"Take her somewhere that means something to you both, have a nice dinner, and just ask. Go with your heart."

"That gives me an idea. Thanks, Mom."

"Congratulations, honey. I'm so happy for you."

"Thanks Mom, don't forget it's a secret. I have to go."

"My lips are sealed. I'll see you both on Saturday."

"Bye, Mom."

To: jtaylor

From: cgrey

Tuesday, July 19, 2011 20:00

Subject: Friday

Please rent out the entire Snug Harbor Resort on San Juan Island for the night, skeleton staff. I'd like to stay in one of the waterview cabins. Bottle of chilled champagne (vintage Bollinger Grand Rosé) scattered rose petals all over bedroom and master bath. Since Charlie Tango is out of commission, I'd like to fly the comparable recommended helicopter. We'll take it over Friday evening, leaving Escala at 6 pm. And returning on Saturday time TBD.

Have Gail make a picnic dinner and prepare overnight luggage for Ana and myself.

Christian Grey

CEO Grey Enterprises

"Hello?"

I take a deep breath again. "Mr. Steele, It's Christian Grey."

"Is Annie OK?" Ray sounds worried. Maybe I should have phrased this differently.

"Oh, no. No. She's perfectly fine."

"Good." I hear him let out a breath in relief. "I'm glad to hear you're doing OK after the helicopter incident."

"Thank you, Sir." I think this is the only person in the world that I have referred to as "Sir."

"Please, call me Ray. What can I do for you, Christian?"

"I'm calling because… I'd like to ask you for Anastasia's hand in marriage." There it's out.

There is deafening silence on the other end. "Ray?" Shit. I killed her dad!

"I'm here. Don't you think this is a tad early in your relationship, Son?"

"Yes, I realize that it is fairly soon. But I am in love with Anastasia and I want to spend the rest of my life loving and protecting her. I don't see any reason to wait when she is my future."

"Well, I know my Annie loves you. Just promise me one thing…"

"Anything, Sir… I mean Ray." I think this may also be the only person in the world who makes me nervous.

"Love her with all of your heart, be honest with her, and make her a priority in your life. She deserves the very best."

"Absolutely, Ray. I would have it no other way."

"Well, then, Christian. All I can say is welcome to the family."

"Thank you, Ray. You've made me the happiest man on earth."

"Well, you still need Annie's answer and she can be quite stubborn." He laughs a little bit knowing that I have experienced her stubbornness more than once. "When do you plan on asking her?"

"Friday."

"Well then, good luck. I'll speak with you soon."

"Thank you, Ray."

Now all I have to do is make it to Friday. That night I dreamt of Ana walking down the aisle in a beautiful white gown. She is angelic. Then we're suddenly both old and gray sitting on the porch of a house on the sound. There are little kids that resemble us playing in the yard and I realize that they're our grandchildren. I never have felt so happy in my life. I wake up from the dream and it's around 3 am. Usually if I was waking at this time of night it was because of a nightmare. But I would gladly relive that dream any time. I look over at Anastasia who is fast asleep. She looks so sweet and innocent when she's sleeping. Of course, she is sweet and innocent. I could stare at her all night long. Then it hits me that she may soon be Mrs. Christian Grey and the thought warms me. I fall back asleep holding Ana and dream of our future together.