All the usual disclaimers are in place, I don't own the rights, to the fifty shades trilogy or the music and films in this short fan fiction story, not that it is true to the story. As I am dyslexic, please do not read if you are a grammar aficionado, I am not great at sentence structuring...

TROLL WARNING:

Do not review this as a nasty guest; please be brave and put your name to it, as I do when writing it, or at least pm me and discuss my story faults...

Putting Down Roots:

Chapter Twenty One: Away in a manger:

Ana's POV:

Well, if I was confused about fetish and kink before, I am now in some sort of naive vortex, my head spins and well its damned confusing. Christian has laughed at me all the way home, because all I have done is giggle. I may have to spank him, if he laughs at my confused face again. How in the hell do people get off on pretending to be an animal? It can't be much fun in warm weather either, or can it?

"Christian, I know you told me what they were and what they were doing, but why?"

"Ana, they just like it. For some becoming a Furrie, it offers a safe and liberating way to explore their sexual identities, especially for the people who find themselves in, how can I say this without sounding like an elitist, able bodied, sex god and that was a joke Baby, I am not, at least I don't think I'm cursed with having outward body issues." He smiles

"Just those inner demons and you're only like you were because you were led down the wrong path by Botox Barbie; oh, oh, oh, oh, oh do you think she is a Furrie Seal, you know in all that tight leather crap she wears? I'm heading off point here, and shush, you are fine on the eye, but beauty is more than skin deep Christian Grey, but I think I know what you mean, so enlighten me to the world of the Furries!"

"Ana I know she isn't a Furrie, because she likes being a Domme far too much, but you sounded like one, a seal I mean, with your, oh, oh crap, really Ana you make me smile? No Ana, Furries they may be individuals who might be sexually confused, they may be neuro typical or even physically disabled, or have major body issues. They may do it because they are not comfortable enough to show their natural bodies during sex, maybe they think themselves too fat, too skinny or marked, so, their second skin hides those issues, which then leaves them to be whichever creature they wish to become, or maybe it's just as simple as they like the feel of wearing fur. Some simply see it as a way to change the social norms, determining what is and isn't acceptable in today's society. It's as Jack says, another skin for them to hide behind, and I would think from what you have told me about Jack, and from what I have observed, he is a little emotionally stunted, with women?"

"Yes as I said, he was a shy bookworm nerdy geek guy, who I thought was either gay or into porn in a bad way, I don't know about that 'stuff' apart from my brothers liked to do 'stuff' behind their locked doors, that I am told is a boy thing? Do they become a follower of the Furries, because they loved their teddy so much they wanted to be one?"

"Pretty much yes, or they could have a pet they fell in love with and wanted to take on that persona. I have seen them at play, but I can seriously say I never found it appealing."

"Horses for courses Christian, horses for courses!" I say as a joke, and then he counters...

"That's a fetish too, and sometimes that's not a pretty sight, trust me they wear killer heels. Pony Play is a very err strange fetish, but who am to judge?"

"Well Christian, I thank you for the potted history on Fur Babies and the My Little Pony Club followers. I don't know what to tell my father about the Fur Club and the animal that I went to fix?"

"How about you tell him you fixed it and it ran into the woods all the better for seeing you?"

"Ha, ha, ha, is that a Wolf in Grandma's house thing? I will have to tell him the noises in the woods may not be what we think they are, and explain. God, do you think you can explain it to him for me?"

"You want me to tell your father, hell no... I love you Baby, really I do, but discussing Furries with your father is a no go, I will tell Adam and he can tell him, deal?" I guess my father finding out about them would come better from Adam, I would like to have seen Christian's face though, and come to think of it seeing Dad's as he explained it to him too.

"I guess so, and we have our own Furries Club House, out in the woods, whatever next?" I say as we turn onto Appleby's Farm. "Look at the turn out Christian; he would have loved this. What the hell are Paul Clayton and his friends doing to that poor pig?" We see them hitting a pig with tree switches and it squeals. Christian jumps from the car and grabs the runt, Paul, not the pig, and as he grabs his arm, he push it up his back and catches him by surprise, I join him, and wow am I angry.

"You fucking douche, you're a fucking piece of shit Clayton, what the hell has that defenceless pig done to you?" I look on and feel sick.

"Fuck you Steele, you can put me down before I have you arrested big man." Christian throws him to the floor and Paul's friends surround us. "It's my families hog and lost his race. I lost money on it."

"So that gives you the right to break it's skin with the tree switch? What if I do that to you?"

"Try it bitch and I will eat you alive, it's about time you got yours bitch." Oh really?

I then watch as Christian picks up a tree branch and strips it bare of the leaves and as he brings it up, he whips it down and so close to Paul, that the others step back, he does it several times and it's so close to Paul's face and body, even I flinch, the crack of the switch is frightening, it is also a turn on seeing him in his Dom mode, I have to say I would not mind seeing him with a leather whip and let him go all Indiana Jones on his butt.

"Christian, stop..." We hear my father say, as he is coming over for a look see.

"Daddy, I want him prosecuted for animal cruelty. He has made a mess of the pig." My father looks and I watch a breathless Christian, who seems very, I don't know, he seems very aroused, crap, whips and chains do excite him, it seems... "He cannot get away with this sort of animal cruelty, grab my bag Christian please?"

I jump over and try to calm the poor young hog, he is bleeding and he has a hard skin to break, so had been hit with some force. I see Paul grin, so I jump over the fence and I swear I have never hit anyone as hard as I did that idiot grinning moron as I did just then. Not once, but three times was he hit in the face, I was dragged off him by Christian and all before his father and grandfather came to see what the commotion was all about.

"Paul, what have you done now, this better not be more bad news son, because I swear you are two steps away from seeing the inside of the penitentiary, what in holy hell did you do, to that poor creature." He looks at Piggy and he looks mad as hell. Join the club Mr C; join the damned club. I get my breath back and rejoin the poor Piggy. I am handed my bag, as his father and mine deal with his broken squished nose.

"Ana; that was a hell of a punch how's the hand?"Christian and Adam ask and both are madder than a box of frogs.

"Fine, can you pass me that water bottle and those swabs thank you?" Christian watches as I work and he keeps an eye on Paul, he is not a happy boyfriend at all...

Christian passes me the things I ask for, and I first calm the poor thing with a sedative; I don't fancy being bitten, he is very wary of me and rightly so. Then I clean and dress the smaller cuts and glue the two deeper lacerations. This poor thing is not going back to Paul, this pig had several old scars and what looks to be burn circles from a cigarette. Why was he stupid enough to bring it to race in this condition, the moron? I am now glad he did though, the Clayton's don't have animals, they used to, they had two black Labradors and I have my own suspicions on what happened to the two dogs when I was in my teens, but nothing I can prove, though they did not get any replacements, of that I am sure.

"Ana, what's sort of damage has my idiot grandson done to him?" Old Mr Clayton looks on as I pet the poor pig...

"Bad enough, Mr Clayton, bad enough, I am taking him to the barn and he can rest here. I am going to write up a report for court. I am not letting this go, not this time, I have seen him do some despicable things growing up, killing frogs, stoning cats and I am sure he was behind the spate of cats and dogs found hung in the woods. You must have seen this before?"

"We had our suspicions, but nothing we could prove. The boy is dead in the head and meaner than a he has ever been. He will be dealt with, lord knows how, but he will be. It was a good thing you saw it and are able to help, I am sorry for my grandson's actions Annie." He hangs his head, as Adam and a few of the boys take Piggy to his new stall. All the bad drama, and on today of all days, I didn't need this, not today. Christian is silent as we walk with the guys to the barn; Piggy needs a shot to revive him and a shot of antibiotics. All in all, he was lucky he was here, had he taken him home, I have a feeling the idiot would have done something far worse.

"Adam, do you know who is running the book on the hog race?"

"Why do you want to know that Annie, does it matter?"

"So I know how much he has lost, I want to know how much this poor pig cost him, what was it that made Paul do this? I feel sick Adam, why would he do such a thing?"

"He has always been strange, and a moron, you know that Annie, and there is no book as such, not today, it was a fun day, and the betting was all for charity. On a better and more surprising note, Lucifer won his race Annie."

"He did, oh good old Lucifer, he needs a treat then."

"Violet and the others have been feeding him apples and pies; I swear that hog had gained twenty pounds." We laugh, but as we place Piggy in his stall, I weep for the poor thing. I finish off and make sure he has water and fresh bedding in. He is coming around and snorts. Christian holds me as we leave him in peace for a while; he was thoughtful enough to have taken photos for the prosecution. Both Mr Clayton's watch as Paul is driven away, along with two other old college friends of his.

"Sorry Annie, I didn't mean to bring shame to this day; he is being charged and I will not be posting his bail. How's the hand young lady?"

"It's fine Mr Clayton, Paul was beyond his normal nastiness back there."

"We think he is taking drugs, it can't be proved, but your fathers going to have him tested. I am washing my hands of him, it kills me to do it, but this needs doing, I need to be cruel to be kind. We best be going Annie and again I am sorry."

"Oh hell no, you are going nowhere, Old Mr Clayton was Gabe's friend, you both were, and so neither of you are going anywhere, you are staying put, all of you." He kisses my head and he joins his father, they are a good family, Paul is just the families blackest sheep and crumbliest cracker in their families biscuit box, he always has been, the nutter.

"Christian, I need to get changed, can we drive home, I mean to your house and can I change there?"

"Yeah sure, how is the hand Ana?"

"Sore, but it was worth it. You, you looked kind of hot doing your whipping thing, very, well, err very controlled and freakishly hot, did you enjoy it?" He shrugs his shoulders.

"It was different and for a short time it felt good, putting the fear of Christ in him and not touching him, though I could have for the insults he threw at you. I know the next question Ana, and the answer is no, I do not miss it and no I do not want to do that with you, however I do want to fuck you into submission again!"

"Multiple times I hope?" I smile as I bite my lip and flutter my eyes in his direction.

"We can but try Miss Steele, we can but try." I notice security are by us and the crowd of locals are noticing our entourage.

"Sawyer we are going back to the house, all of you stay and enjoy yourselves, Taylor is at home, and I will be fine." Christian says.

"Sir, if you are sure? It is no trouble to see you home. It is what you pay us for?"Sawyer counters.

"I am sure, now get out there meet the locals and be good, Prescott, today you were very good, and thank you for your help, go and enjoy yourself, because Ana is fine with me."

"Sir, I mean Mr Grey, thank you..." She, Sawyer and the rest go to their cars and I presume lock away their side arms and ditch their jackets, the weather is really warming up. I then laugh about thinking of the Furries in their skins, oh god I love this crazy town. I love the thought of my afternoon nap time too...

C POV:

Ana and I head to my place; she has all manner of cruddy shit on her dress. I will ask Mrs Jones to work her magic. We walk to the car and I open the door for Ana, she has been so quiet and looks visibly shaken. I don't think I could do her job for all the tea in China. She climbs in and looks at me with those watery blue eyes, why is she crying?

"Ana, what's the matter Baby?" I lean down and wipe away her tears.

"I miss him, I hate how mean people can be and I am tired. I really am tired of it all, the hate, the money, the feelings I am feeling right now is not how I usually am. I am usually so chipper and bright. What must you think of me?"

"I think you and I need some sunshine. I read somewhere it is good for all that ails you?"

"We must have read the same article then. When are you going to Europe?"

"Next week, you are still coming please because I would like you to, I have to work a few hours of the day and we may have to wine and dine a seller or two?"

"I'd love to, and it is a good excuse to wear my pretty dresses, I think Piggy and Foxy ruined this one. I must look a right mess; I mean I have on galoshes and a summer dress."

"You would look nice in a burlap sack Miss Steele." We arrive home and drive to the house. Where Taylor is instructing the guys were he wants the new caged cameras.

"Sir, the list you wanted is in your office, Sawyer said you had a problem?" I am about to answer...

"Yes one of his old subs turned up, she looks like me and is a lawyer with Carrick, she has brains and beauty, well in some areas she is brainy, in others not so. I mean," Ana tells him, as I am just about to inform him myself, but she carries on 'chatting,' "she's married to the paramedic, the one that was seeing to the girls, Hogan Hyde, prized douche bag and father to the cuties baby I have seen in a while. Darcy her name is, anyway I need a shower and a rest, see you in a while do your boss thing. Taylor the cages are a good idea, they may just be critter proof. See you later." I watch as she saunters in and I am left open mouthed.

"Sir, she is..."

"...I know tell me about it, she is so matter of fact and so accepting of my past."

"She is that alright, the reports are all up to date and all but one of your old friends is happily pressing on with their lives, Leila being the only one who needs your help, she is fine and is progressing very well, and her doctor has high hopes of a speedy recovery. Elena is in Chicago and is settled, angry, but is settled. There is a very large report on Mae Wilkes for you and your father to go through. Barney is coming tomorrow to wire in the feeds from here to GEH, Mr Choo took possession of Escala and his security is now in place. He thanks you for the speedy handover."

"Wow, you have been busy, how are the plans for Europe?"

"I presume we are adding in Miss Steele?"I nod my head.

"Yes, yes we are. She is to play a big part in my life from now on Jason, a very big part. Now when you have finished that, take Gail to the carnie, who is on duty here besides you?"

"The new guy Austen, he is up to speed, and your grandparent's security are here too, your parents detail are at the funeral, blending in, Miss Mia would like you to ring her, she wants to come home sooner than expected."

"Good, how much sooner?"

"She is on her way as we speak. I spoke to Ryan, and he seems to think her French boy, whose a friend, who is no longer a friend, he didn't appreciate her arriving at her apartment a day early. He was caught with his pants down, he was left hobbling out of her apartment nursing a pair, she and not Ryan did the damage, and so slightly angered, she went to the culinary school were the chef preceded to shout at her and she was still a little angry, she left him covered in some sort of sauce that hadn't reduced and wasn't as chilled as Mia though, he sent her home and she quit. He only had a few scalded patches to his skin. Ryan gave him a generous leaving bonus and all is good on the French front." I smiled because I want my kid sister here, I want her to be this country in this town and with her family, and I nod my head.

"All is good then. Let me know later what time the hurricane lands and have Ryan bring her straight home. If that is it, then Ana and I will bid you a good afternoon, and thanks Jason, for all you do. When does Sophie arrive?"

"Gail and I are going for her tomorrow, are you sure she can spend the whole holiday here?"

"Yes, and as much time as she and you want too, living here meets all your ex wives legal requirements, so she hadn't a leg to stand on anymore."

"Sir, thank you for that, Sophie will thank you too." I smile and head in to see Ana. I find her giving Gail her dress, they are laughing at something, probably me!

"Christian, Gail's a miracle worker; she says all this will come out in the wash. Did Taylor tell you Mia is on her way home and Sophie is coming too, this place will be packed to the rafters?" I guess from living virtually alone, this will be new for me too. Hell, I have Ana in my bed that's way different.

"He did, now into the bath, you smell like a farmyard Baby."

"Get used to it I am a working woman Mr Grey, thanks Gail."

"Your cars arrive tomorrow Ana; I took the liberty of getting the new vets another one. I think having four is a little bit of overkill, besides you have full use of all my cars and Prescott has her own company car."

"Oh good idea, I will transfer the funds to your account, now when you say any car, is that including the cute little silver sporty one?"

"If you mean my brand new Spyder, then the answer is, no..." She pouts.

"Okay, I will buy my own." I laugh, because for a woman who hates spending she likes buying cars. "Thank you Gail I need a shower and then a long soak, Christian is right I smell of foxes and pigs."

"I heard them last night in the woods, yipping and yelping, its loud here in the country." I smile as Ana gives me the look. "I have prepared snacks for later; I will be back when you need me." Gail is busy clearing away, she has more people to care for now, she may need help, I must remember to ask her, looking after Elliot is a full time job on its own.

"Take the evening off, we are going back later. We were up most of the night doing the vigil thing." Ana smiles and heads upstairs. Gail smiles and I thank her too. I am a very happy, in love guy. I then go to see the reason for the smile, only to find Ana already stripped and in the bath. What a sight she is, Ana and bubbles.

"Join me; this tub is too big for one?"

"Scoot down, and let me get in behind you then." I strip from my clothes and she smiles and inches forward. I join her and sigh as the nice hot water encapsulates my body; I let out a long throaty groan, because it feels so good, the heat and the smell is all Ana's and of her vanilla toiletries.

"I did the same when I got in, I needed it. Christian I am fine with Willow being here you know?" That was out of the blue.

"Why would you be fine with her being here, I am struggling to accept her being here Ana. She was never vindictive and she was only with me a few weeks, so I have no reason to doubt her, but I am still very uneasy having her near."

"Why do you still like her in that same way?" What, she went there, I don't believe her, and I have told her I love her, for god's sake.

"Ana, I never liked her that way. I told you I did what I did with no love or likeness in my heart; they filled a need that is all. How can I explain that to you?"

"You have, you have explained it very well. They were merely a vessel for your frustration and release. I am just new to all this malarkey. I said it before, your past is just that, your past, I was under no illusions you were a virgin Mr Grey, and considering you only had fifteen others of any significance, given you have that body and that face, I expected hundreds of ex's."

"It's just a face Baby."

"It is my face. Now, clean me minion, you forgot my grapes."

"I will peel you one after this bath. Ana you have the nicest of breasts."

"You have the nicest dick I have ever seen."

"Err right Ana; I would have to fucking hope so."

"I know, I mean what do I know about dicks? Only that this one keeps prodding my back. Want something do you Grey?"

"Yup, I want to be buried deep inside you and now."

"Yes Sir, would you like me to be on top of you?" I smile as she turns and I inch forward to accommodate her legs behind me. "This bath is really good for making love in, can we do that, make love? Can we fuck hard later, perhaps whilst we are in bed?" I am in awe of her, both of her eagerness to please and of how quickly she learns.

"You don't have to ask, you are in charge Baby. I think the fuck later will be fine too, I mean if you are not too tired Anastasia?"

"Oh god I got the naughty name, what did I do?"

"You are taking your time servicing my needs, with your love and devotion."

"I do love you Christian, very much so."

"Enough to marry me Ana, I know we sort of joked about it down the line, but I'd like you to think about it, seriously?" Shit I should not have asked her.

"Marry you, are you seriously asking me to marry you just as I, I well began seducing you?"

"Well, I thought I'd ask you, to think about it." This was not one of my better ideas.

She didn't think about it, she got out of the bath and wrapped a robe around herself and headed out of the bathroom, fuck too much too soon, you dick Grey, you fucking impatient dick. My dick is now deflated, a little like my ego. What do I do now? I have asked the question too soon, too fucking soon. Have I ruined it? I jump out of the bed to find Ana is at the window and is looking out into the woods.

"Ana I am so sorry. I just love you so much. I know it has been quick, believe me I am stunned that my brain even let me utter the words. I just feel so differently about you, my need to have you with me all the time is all consuming. Ana speak to me Baby please speak to me." She turned her head and she was smiling.

"That was way too soon sunshine, way too soon. Christian, I will never leave you not unless you truly fuck this up. I mean I know we both have things to learn about each other. We do the sex thing really good, well at least I think we do, do we?"

"Very good, vanilla is the best sex ever and it is the only type I have never done before, I am serious Ana I am so sorry. My brain was in such a happy place my mouth decided to join it, will you please forget it and forgive me?"

"Yes, but only if we can finish the bath you so rudely interrupted?"

"Yes Baby, I think I'd like that, in fact I know I'd like that. So, it's still way down the line Ana, and not a definite refusal then?"

"You are pushing it Christian, but yes, it's a day nearer than it was yesterday, and yes way down the line, besides we get on great as we are and I will stop over more, if that would make the wait more bearable?"

"It would, it really would. Now, I believe we were about to make love in the tub, where we not?"

"We were, now move it before I change my mind and go home for some rest."

"Okay grumpy..." I pick her up and I am relieved she is still thinking about it. I take off her robe and watch as she steps into the bath again, and as I was naked going in to see her, I get right in.

"Are you happy Christian?"

"I am when I am with you, sorry for rushing you, I really mean that too, now where were we before my big mouth made you get out of the tub?"

"I think I was here... Yes, I think I was here... God I need this, considering how long I waited to lose it, now Mr Grey I cannot get enough of it. Do you like this?" Fuck yes...

She is moving slowly on my dick clenching and letting me loose, then rising and falling in slowly I lie back and enjoy it. Her hands are on my chest as she suddenly changes her tactics and varies the thrusts, her tits bounce and her moans do something to me that no one has ever done before, they make me crave more of the noises we make whilst making love, the groans and the moans the soft instructions, the pleasure I feel is unbelievable, hearing her, wanting her, touching her and having her. God do I have her... I stop daydreaming and wake up as she stops jumping and grinds on me slowly and so erotically, that I sit up and hold her, her mouth finds mine and the gentle kisses we share are amazing, gentle and slow is very rewarding and new for me.

"Christian, when you ask me again, I want hearts and flowers..." Noted...

"Ana, I will wait for you to ask me..."

"Doable, very doable, now this I like very much." I kiss her again and we seem to be here forever as our slow, slow kisses and her gentle circular motions whilst sat on my dick, are very moreish. I have never appreciated how much an orgasm can be savoured and enjoyed, until I watched Ana as she unravels. She comes and as she does, she bites hard on my neck. I gasp and she moves to my shoulder and I groan as my seed fills her, I feel fucking euphoric...

"Baby; that we have to do again, I swear there are more flavours of vanilla than Ben and Jerry has on offer."

"What now? God I am knackered, and thanks to you I could quite easily eat a whole quart of Cherry Garcia right now..."

"I will get you some before the hay ride. I have never done that."

"What bought a girl ice cream? We have fooled around and rode each other in the hay though, that we have to do again."

"We will, now I think this water is cold, lets shower and get some rest."

"Please carry me I have lost all motor function in my legs and butt."

"Milady, this way to the shower..."

I get up and carry her to the shower and silly me; we are still locked together, wow that was a killer lift and jerk. Her legs are wrapped tightly around me and between the bath and the shower, she forgets she is in need of rest and ice cream, she does however scream for some considerable time when we do get in the shower...

We are in mid change when I see Ana looking at me, she smiles as she buttons up her jeans and I have to wonder what she is smiling at?

"Ana..."

"Christian..."

"What have I done to warrant that look?"

"Oh I don't know, changed my life, made me happy, and made me feel loved and special. Take your pick."

"Okay, I love you too; let me guess the proposal thing has you thinking, right?" Ana says as she looks with concern my way.

"Yes, I mean why ask me?" She has a point I guess.

"I'm not really sure, I think it's because I am so happy myself, you changed me Ana."

"Christian, you don't give yourself enough credit, you had all ready started to change, I am here because you changed, well something's at least."

"What do you mean something's?" Have I angered her again?

"I'm like the others, so on some level you still needed to punish your mother. I guess that will take time, and though I am a know it all, those things go right over my head. There is a guy here in town he is good I went to see him when Mom died. Dr Flynn, John Flynn, he's really good to talk to, give him a try. You never know you may up actually liking your birth mother."

"Ana, drop it." I near on shout that at her.

"Drop what? Isn't this what couples do, talk?"

"I don't know what we're supposed to talk about, but I don't want to talk about her. Ana so let it go." I threw on a shirt and headed down, why do I need to know why I hate my mother, I have the scars on my body and the emotional scars drain me, why do I need to rehash all the same crap, I have had people tell me all my life how to deal with those issues and I stupidly thought Ana was helping me with them? How can I expect her to understand when I don't, this matter we will have to agree to disagree on? I grab a cup of coffee and head into my office and take a call.

Ana's POV:

What the hell was that outburst for? I thought it was a reasonable request, but then again what do I know, he tells me some things and leaves out other things. Given what he has told me, I guess this is not an easy thing for him to deal with. I go down and he is locked in his office. I grab a cup of tea and sit on the porch on the swing seat. I seem to be there for a very long time and my own, perhaps he has had a work emergency. I head in, after putting my cup in the dishwasher; I knock on the door. He doesn't say anything. Great he is pissed off with me.

"Christian, can I come in?" Nothing... "Fine, do this your way..." I head out of the door to see the rest of the Grey's heading in, great...

"Ana, where are you heading? We are getting changed into warmer clothes for the evening. Your father was asking after you."

"I was just going back, Christian has work issues! How was it Grace?" Carrick is heading for his room. Too much scotch has been had I think!

"It was the best send off ever. I think I have upped my own funeral planning, it was a fun way to say goodbye. Mother is still there with the older people and Dad; he is chilling with the gents and discussing the new brewery. I think we are going to love it here."

"Did you hear Mia is coming back, today?"

"She did ring yes; this place will be crowded for a few weeks."

"It's big enough, but don't worry I will have the boys pack and empty the house tomorrow and your people can get in."

"Ana there is no rush, no rush at all." She says as I think about the massive task ahead of us.

"I have a lot of properties to empty; best I do the hardest first." Grace patted my shoulder and smiled. Elliot and Booty were sitting on the steps the puppy is worn out and is asleep in his arms.

"If you need a hand Ana, I have a strong pair. Where is my brother then?"

"In his office Elliot, we had words so he locked himself in there to think it over. I have to be getting back; I will see you both later. Bye..." They both said goodbye and I went home, across the road and headed to my favourite place. Wondering what had I done to piss him off, was this our first row? God is it over all ready, is he that messed up about his mother I mean he was supposed to have told me everything, the pimp she had who beat him, the drugs, what more is there to this? I sit and stare at the fresh mound of flowers and smell the fresh earthy smell of the dirt, it hits the back of my nose and I cry, and I seem to be here ages sobbing into my arms and cussing.

"Why is love so hard Mom? Why did you die before we could talk these things through? Dad is good for something's and useless at other things. What do I do to say sorry, when I don't know what I am sorry for, hell am I sorry? I mean all I said perhaps he could see John Flynn to talk about his sadness, he helped me so much get over your death Mom, and I may have a chat to him about Gabe.

Pappy you would love him, he's so kind and caring, and I can't believe he loves me. He even asked me to marry him, it's too soon for that, really too soon. I am not like mom and dad, I don't think I am, or am I? I know I take a look at his side of the bed and smile when he is still there, I know my heart beats faster when he's around. He has opened my eyes to a lot of wonderful things, and an awful lot of strange things. Why is this so hard to take?"

"Talking to yourself Ana?" I look up and Georgia is coming to sit by me. "It's the first sign of madness, or so they say anyhow. Where's Chris?"

"Working, the world doesn't stop turning because I have a funeral to attend, he was locked in his office when I left, and I just needed some quiet time. Why are you here?"

"I needed to change; Paul Clayton threw a jug of water at me, the sick bastard. We may be charging him with more than animal cruelty too, the other boys said something and have now sealed the mouths shut, but something they said has your dad thinking they are the ones involved with the girl's disappearances and murders."

"What, Paul is the one who did all those things? I mean wow, I wouldn't put it past him, and he's mean enough to do it, but Paul Clayton is the Falls Killer, really?"

"It seems they want a deal, if they spill they want immunity, your father wants them to suffer too. Whoever speaks first, they get the best deal. Paul is not saying a word, well other than you will pay. He may have fallen off his chair when he said that. Come on, your dad said can you bring in the preserves from Gabe's store for the hog roast?"I nod.

"I need a lift, Wanda is dead and my new car isn't here until tomorrow!"

"Sure jump in, Adam is milking me being pregnant, I am now the designated full time driver."

"He would do, is he very drunk?"

"No actually, this Paul thing has them all riled up, only the oldies are on the way to tomorrow's hangover, and there are a few, your retirement home will be quiet tomorrow Ana." We laugh at the thought of drunken hung over old folks, nursing a headache or two. We drive to Appleby Farm and Georgia comes to help me with the things from the dry store in the barn. I look in at Piggy and he is sleeping, as is the extremely flatulent Lucifer,

"What have they been feeding you Luci old boy, there's enough gas here to light the town for a week." I say as I head to the store. Georgia looks peaky; it isn't a pleasant smell, that's for sure.

"Ana what's that sound, shush..." I stop talking to the pigs and listen, crap is that a fox or a damned Furrie? No, that's a baby, that's a baby crying...

"Georgia, it's in the hay loft, you radio for dad, or Adam or someone, and it's really upset." I head up and Georgia calls dad. "Can you see if Hogan is still here, we have a baby and its only just been born, the cords still attached, I haven't got my bag here, damn it. Have you a blanket and a first aid kit in the car?"

"Yeah and Hogan's gone home, crap the nearest hospital is Portland." I call Grace, who answers as soon as I call...

"Grace, can you come back quickly, we have a new born baby and I think he is in distress, the placenta is still attached and he is not looking too good, have you your kit?"

"Yes Ana, where are you?"

"I'm in Gabe's barn, how did we not hear this earlier? He is very clammy to the touch and cold."

"Wrap him in a blanket or better still next to your skin Ana, he needs body heat, I will be there as soon as possible. Christian, Ana needs us now..."

"What why, is she okay, fuck it she was here where did she fucking go..." Charming...

"Tell him I'm fine before he has an aneurism Grace, the baby is against my chest now and I am about to be wrapped in a blanket, he's very cute, see you in a minute and thanks Grace."

"Ana, Ana I am coming up, here is the kit and the blanket, whose is he? When, when did this happen, I mean can you tell?"

"He's fresh born, the blood is still wet. God this feels weird. I mean in a good way, oh heck no Baby Boy there is nothing in those for you, he's hungry, what the hell do we do Georgia?"

"Don't ask me, I am new to this crap too. Hold on your dad's on the radio."

"God he's so cute..." Gee moons over the baby as she says it.

"You'll want one next Ana."

"I don't think so, I will be happy being Aunty Ana to yours for while. Tell him to hurry up and grab some formula from the grocery store, readymade and a bottle or two." I look down, a crowd has gathered, and Willow is here too. She asks can she help.

"Have you any spare milk? I may be lacking in that department?"

"Sure, I always have spares, Darcy is a hungry child, and here it's already to go can I come up?" I smile at the baby, who is warming up and looking pinkier.

"Yes, hurry he's very hungry, I think, what do I know, where is Hogan?"

"In talks with his mother and brother I was about to head to theirs. I saw the commotion. Hello again Ana, you look the part, I mean of doting mother." She looked at me and I shrugged my shoulders, what did she really mean a submissive like her?

"Way down the road, I may look good at it, but not now. Christian and I are not having a family just yet."

"She was the best thing I ever did. Here the bottle is Darcy's next; it's all ready warmed. Hogan has a supply too, so we are good."

"Thank god you were here, is it okay for her to have your milk?"

"I guess so; I donate all my excess, the freezers full, that's used for babies, so I would think so?" I carefully feed the small bundle and I am in mid feed, when Grace flops into the hay loft and at the back of her is my Mr Grey.

"Ana, you did well, he looks okay, has he fed?"

"Yes Willow was around and had spares."

"Good, really good, he is only a couple of hours old, here let me free him from all this unnecessary stuff, have you a bucket?" One is passed as I sit with the now quiet baby on my chest Christian looks so different, why because of the baby, Willow being here or is it me?

"Are you okay Baby?" He asks. "You were in the bedroom when I went to the office; I had my headphones in and didn't hear you leave." Oh, that explains that then. Dad gives Grace everything she asks for and I just sit and stare. Willow leaves Grace with a couple of bottles and goes to find her own child. I thank her, Grace thanks her and Christian just ignores her, charming. I let Grace hold the cherub and as she see's to his cord and the other baby things she needs to do, I have help cleaning his blood from my chest and sigh, that was unreal.

"Ana, are you okay really?" He says as helps me with my clean up.

"I am, I am very shocked, we were in here with Piggy, and the lads put Lucifer back, how did the mother keep silent up here?"

"Are there any cameras Ana?"

"No Christian, there is no need for them, or rather there wasn't. The place has been swamped all day it could have been anyone, and I mean anyone. Grace is he okay?"

"He is fine, a full term baby and a good weigh, the mother must have some medical problems and will be bleeding, the placenta is not a full one she will have some still inside, and will be in need of medical attention, and soon."

"I will have a search done; there are a few empty places around here. Start at the Yeller place the new owners may know something." My dad has to be kidding right. Opps, there is no way am I telling him it's a Fur Baby Knocking Shop...

"No Dad there is no need, that's Jackson's new home, he was there when I fixed the fox." Christian grinned.

"Oh, is he moving out then, about time, Momma's boy that he is." I smiled.

"Well, check out the outbuildings here; get every able bodied and sober person out looking before the dark hits us." Everyone left to help look; Grace, Christian and I were left literally holding the baby.

"What do we do with him? I mean the Johnson's are the only family who foster kids here in town; I think they have a couple of kids there already though?"

"I am sure they will be fine with one more, he is doing very well considering, how are you feeling?"

"I don't know, I am amazed how good holding him feels, but do not get the look Grace, that's way, way down the line, way after the proposal, the marriage and getting to know your son first."

"Ana..." He looks at me again with those eyes.

"Christian I never said never, I said down the line."

"You two are adorable; here let's get the little guy into the house. I like it here everyone is so nice and honest." So I gather. She takes hold of the baby and we carry her bags to the house. It seems the baby is the talk of the town and her gossips. "What are we going to call him?"

"Gabe, for now I think, seeing as it was his farm he was born on," I say without thinking, "Gabriel, of Appleby Farm."

"Good, a good biblical name for a very blessed baby. Now you two, where can we put him, there was a room full of dolls when we did the tour, in there, perhaps Ana?" Grace says.

"There is a nursery here, it was Ash's and yes I used it after for my dolls."

"Excellent..." I showed her to the room. She was in her element and I had to call the Johnson's, so Christian and I left her to it.

"Ana, why did you leave me, my doors are always open to you?"

"I needed me time, I don't have a lot since we got together, I went to see Gabe and Mom, I thought you were mad at me?"

"No, not mad, confused a little at my own short comings, but not you!"

"How so, we have discussed this, is there more?"

"No, not really just dark thoughts, that's all about my time with her and why she did it. Why I needed to punish brown haired girls, I guess I will go and see this doctor of yours; it can't hurt to try someone new. Now you, you looked very nice with a baby on your chest."

"Quit that, I mean it, I see the look. Way down the road sunshine way, way down the road."

"There's a karaoke set up here, will you come and sing for me?"

"Okay, I think he would have liked today, it was the fun send off and very unusual happenings all rolled into one big day." I told him about Paul being the possible Falls Killer, to which he agreed he had the temperament to be a killer, had he really killed the animals he was just taking it up a notch, perhaps the animals were his training tools. I shivered like a ghost had crossed my path. That is a freaky thing to hear someone you grow up with, worked with and studied with was a killer... What next for tonight's entertainment? Oh yes Karaoke and a moonlight hayride with Christian, bring it on...

Read and review and tell me what you think thanks xxx