Chapter 20
1 month later
APOV
It's been a little over a month since moving back to Seattle. It's been an incredible month although we've had a bit of a learning curve living together again permanently, not that Christian is messy but the state of the bathroom after he has used it is something else, I just don't understand how a person can get water everywhere, when he used to stay in Georgia with me I guess he was more careful or cleaned up after himself. My favourite time of day is the quiet moment in the evening after we have put Charlotte to bed, we sit on the couch cuddled up enjoying the peace and each other's company. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to believe this is my life now.
When I look at myself in the mirror I see a happy woman, one who looks forward to seeing what each new day will bring. Charlotte and I were happy in Georgia, no doubt about that but this is a different kind of happiness, there's a light in my eyes that even I have noticed which was missing. Things between Christian and I are even better than the first time around if that's possible. I suppose we have both matured and are not letting the insignificant little things become issues, we have wasted enough time apart to allow trivial matters to come between us now.
I've been keeping busy with decorating our new house, furniture shopping and meeting Elliot out there a few times to go over what we would like. He and his crew have worked hard to have it finished quickly and ready to be moved into next week. When I walk in through the front door it feels like home, which is what I wanted, to feel a vibe of warmth and being welcome. Charlie's room is everything a little wanna be princess could imagine, my favourite place in the house besides our bedroom would have to be the upstairs hallway where I have framed and hung some of Charlotte's artwork, I love walking past them, it always puts a smile on my face and will remain a timeless reminder of her childhood.
We've settled into a routine, Christian takes Charlotte a couple of days a week to Grey House with him when he knows he's not going to have a long day, he drops her off at the day care centre a few floors below his office with a guard at the door and she has made new friends there which I hear all about afterwards, well that's the plan but most times she ends up playing in his office as he works. On those days I spend time working on charity events for the hospital alongside Grace. There's a fundraiser coming up for the children's ward which I'm enjoying helping to organise, I'm proud and grateful to be able to help out but it's made me realise I miss books and the world of publishing so much. We've settled in without any major issues so I don't see the point in waiting to get back to work doing what I love.
Speaking of work last week I emailed an old colleague from SIP which I had kept in touch with over the years and who I considered a friend. Hannah was always so nice and sweet to work with, so every few months we would correspond. I put it out there asking how things have been since I left and that I may be interested in returning if there are any openings. She called me back later that day and after chatting put me through to the head of human resources, a lovely lady named Linda, she knew of me and of the work I used to do for the company and was more than willing to meet with me, so I have a job interview next week. I made Christian promise not to interfere, he just said they'd be crazy to not want me back.
Waking up on a sunny Saturday morning I turn my head towards Christian's side of the bed to see it empty except for an iPad that has been left on his pillow with a post it note stuck to it.
We've gone out for breakfast, thought we'd let you sleep in.
Watch this to put a smile on your face.
I'm a little hurt they went without me but I've been fighting a cold and not sleeping very well so I understand Christian wanting me to rest. I sit up in the bed, adjusting my pillows and leaning against the headboard I bend my knees, place the device on my legs and get comfortable to watch whatever it is that's on there.
The screen comes to life with Christian and Charlie sitting at the piano, he starts to play a tune then I hear their voices as they start to sing a duet.
You and me together we'll be
Forever you'll see
We two can be good company
You and me
Yes, together we two
Together, that's you
Forever with me
We'll always be good company
You and me
Together we'll be
Forever, you'll see
We'll always be good company
You and me
Just wait and see
They give each other a high five once the song has finished.
"Come meet us at the house at 11 o'clock, baby," Christian says and the screen goes black.
That was amazing, the cutest thing ever, my cheeks hurt form the large smile on my face. I love seeing these kinds of moments between them.
He has been such an amazing father to Charlotte, he would do absolutely anything for her, suffice it to say she has him wrapped around her little finger and she looks up to him so much. The way they have bonded, you would never guess that he has only been in her life for less than a year. It's been almost one whole year since he reappeared in our lives. That day he showed up and I laid eyes on him again I could have murdered him in cold blood there and then, I had no idea what would have transpired afterwards and that we would find ourselves here, so much can change so quickly, life is short and sometimes there are no second chances, I guess we're one of the lucky few.
I try to call Christian to tell them I loved their little performance but he doesn't answer. Hmm…very odd, he always answers when I call.
I shower, dress in a red sundress, flats and long black cardigan. I enjoy time alone as much as the next person but being here on my own this morning is weird, I miss them and the apartment is too quiet. After a quick breakfast of yoghurt and muesli Sawyer drives me over to the house.
As soon as he pulls up in the driveway my phone beeps with an incoming text message, I pull my phone out of my bag.
Christian: Follow the rose petals
What?
Sawyer opens my door, as I step out of the car I look down at my feet where I notice the red, pink and white rose petals making a winding path around the house leading to the back. Their scent is wafting in the air around me. I walk over them following the flowery path halfway across the backyard. The path stops at the steps of a white gazebo. When was this placed here, it wasn't here last weekend which was the last time I was here. It's decorated with twinkling fairy light and white flowers. I take the three steps up to the centre of it, an outdoor glass table and white wicker chair setting has been placed in it.
Wow, it's so beautiful. I feel like I'm in a fairy tale standing here surrounded by all the romance created by the sparkling blooms.
I find another iPad which has been placed on the table with a white card on it.
Watch me, it reads.
I shake my head, how many iPads does this man have?
Picking it up in my hands I remove the note and play the video. A familiar tune starts, my heart launches up into my throat upon hearing the first lyrics.
You don't run with the crowd
You go your own way
You don't play after dark
You light up my day
Got your own kind of style
That sets you apart
Baby, that's why you captured my heart
I know sometimes you feel like you don't fit in
And this world doesn't know what you have within
When I look at you, I see something rare
A rose that can grow anywhere (grow anywhere)
And there's no one I know that can compare
What makes you different, (alright) makes you beautiful (alright)
What's there inside you, (alright) shines through to me
In your eyes I see, all the love I'll ever need
You're all I need, oh girl
What makes you different, makes you beautiful to me
I see photo after photo of Christian and I from when we were first together appear before my eyes, we look so young and carefree in them to more recent ones with Charlotte. I didn't even know he had some of these. So many great and happy memories pass on the screen before me.
Charlie pops up on the screen smiling. It looks like she's standing in Christian's study, I'm just able to make out the edge of the couch in there in the corner of the screen.
"Hi, Mummy," she waves, "I'm helping daddy with a surprise. Ready?"
When did they do this, she's wearing the purple top she had on three days ago but I don't recall them disappearing.
She kneels down then comes back up holding up large pieces of cardboard and begins showing them to me one by one, letting each one drop to the floor at her feet as she goes after every few seconds as the song continues to play in the background.
You don't know (you don't know) how you touched my life (touched my life)
Oh in so many ways (so many ways) I just can't describe
You taught me what love is supposed to be
It's all the little things that make you beautiful to me (so beautiful)
Hi Mummy….guess what?
You're amazing in every way.
Everything you do for us makes us feel special.
I love our family but there's something missing.
You're not a Grey.
Not really my favourite colour but….
Wouldn't it be cool if I was your flower girl?
I would be so cute.
Sooo…..
Will you marry daddy?
Turn around.
Tears started falling down my cheeks after reading the fifth card Charlotte held up when I caught on to what was happening.
I'm shocked and surprised. My mind has gone blank. My legs feel numb.
Putting the iPad down with shaky hands I turn around on my heels and there Christian is looking all handsome and sexy in a gray suit and white shirt, the top buttons undone revealing the skin of his upper chest.
I cover my face with my hands sobbing suddenly becoming overwhelmed by my feelings and what's occurring.
Usually I know the exact moment he is in my proximity, this time I didn't even feel him come up behind me. He pulls my hands away so he can see my face, taking one of my hands in his wiping the tears away with his other one.
"Don't cry." He whispers with a smile.
Looking into his eyes they are emanating nothing but adoration. I'm certain the same look is being reflected back at him from my own.
I swallow the lump in my throat, I try to speak but nothing comes out. I honestly had no idea this was going to happen today. Sure we have talked about getting married but I figured he wouldn't propose for a few more months at least, trust Christian to not want to wait.
"You look beautiful." He tells me while tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
"Thank you. Where's Charlotte?"
"Inside with Taylor, probably watching out one of the windows."
I chuckle because it's most likely true.
"Did you like the videos?" He asks shyly.
"I loved them, both of them." I say cupping his cheek.
He takes a deep breath in and out before taking hold of my free hand.
"In my life I've lived, I've loved, I've lost, I've hurt, I've made mistakes but most of all I've learned. I will never take for granted this second chance you've given me.
"It's always been a mystery to me how two hearts can come together and how love can last forever but we have that. From the first time I laid eyes on you, you owned me. Even over the years that we were apart my heart still beat only for you. I've never been so sure of anything in my life but you. I was sure the first time I did this but even more certain now.
"You are everything I need, you make all my dreams come true because you are my dream come true. I'm a better man for having you by my side and I promise to be everything you need.
"I promise that wherever you may go, wherever life may lead you, with all my heart I'll be there too and from this moment on I want you to know that I'll never let anything come between us.
"I love you. Mind, body and soul. It belongs to you. I will love you more with every single passing day. We will grow old and gray together and sit here under this gazebo reminiscing over the many memories we are going to make. I will make sure you have a smile on your face every day. You're for me and I'm for you because my world just can't be right without you in my life.
"Besides your heart you have given me the greatest gift possible, and that's Charlotte. When I looked into her eyes for the first time my whole world was changed. I felt a love I had never known before, she matters more than me or anything anymore next to you. I didn't know what I was missing now everyday I'll hold her close and cherish every moment. So thank you, Anastasia. She and you are all that I live for."
"Christian…" I murmur not quite knowing how to respond to such heart felt words.
He kneels down before me, my heart is about to beat out of my chest, these damn tears won't stop falling, making my vision blurry. He is saying such beautiful words which I want to remember forever.
He releases my left hand then pulls a ring out of his pants pocket presenting it to me between his fingers. The white gold, oval cut diamond ring is shining with perfection as the sunlight hits it. I can sense his nerves through his unsteady hand.
"Anastasia Rose Steele, will you marry me?"
Trying to get my emotions under control I nod. "Yes… absolutely."
As soon as he has slid the ring on my finger he stands gathering me in his arms, crashing my body into his, his hands wrapped around my waist, I lean in kissing his warm lips, he plunges his tongue into my mouth turning the kiss passionate and fiery. I lift my hands and slide them through his hair. His body heat radiating into mine and I feel alive. "I love you so much, Ana" he whispers across my lips, my heart flutters at his voice. "I love you too." The world falls away as we continue to kiss, in our own private little bubble in our backyard. This kiss is a promise, a promise of love and devotion and of more to come.
I hear Charlotte squealing as she runs up the steps of the gazebo and to us in a pretty silver dress to match her father. Christian pulls away and picks her up bringing her into our embrace. Her grin is infectious as she wraps her little arms around each of our necks. "Our surprise worked, kiddo," Christian says to her then kisses her on the cheek before laying another soft kiss on my lips.
"My girls." He says in awe. "Let's go to the house, I think some people might be waiting to help celebrate."
He made this a perfect moment. I love the fact that he had Charlotte help him in proposing, making it all the more special and magical. I know the last few years cannot be undone or totally forgotten but they can be let go and left in the past where they belong. We have our future to live.
Songs: You and Me from Oliver and Company
What Makes You Beautiful by Backstreet Boys
Thank you to Carol for the duet song idea