Chapter 21

A/N: Thank you all for taking your time to read. I really appreciate your reviews and look forward to each and every one. Since I've never written anything before, they help me to know what makes the story interesting and what doesn't. Occasionally I need a not so interesting chapter to get me from where I am to where I want to be. Ana and Christian both need to grow up. So hang in there. Things are coming. In the words of the Wicked Witch of the West, "All in good time my pretty, all in good time."

Taylor pulls the SUV up to the gate and it is assaulted by the human herd of reporters waiting there. They try to rush the car with questions. Like I'm really going to answer any of them. "Mrs. Grey. Is your husband a sadist? Did he have an affair with Amy Patterson? Does he beat you Mrs. Grey? Are you and Christian swingers?" Taylor plows through them and we finally pull up to the house. Taylor comes around to open my door. Christian has stopped letting Sawyer accompany me. He seems to feel I am safer with Taylor. Poor Sawyer has been grounded, so to speak, and his duties are at the house for now.

"Thanks, Taylor. Annoying aren't they?"

"Yes. Mrs. Grey. I'll be glad when all this settles down."

"Not as much as I will. Jason," I ask as we head toward the house. "You've been with Mr. Grey a long time. I don't want to put you on the spot, but how in the world have you dealt with Christian's lifestyle all these years and all of the fallout from it?"

Taylor looks surprised at the question but answers me. "I just keep my eyes looking straight ahead and do what is needed. It's not my job to think or judge. But.."

"Yes? But what Jason?"

"I don't like to speak out of turn. Mrs. Grey."

"It won't go any farther, Jason."

"Well. I can say I was a bit worried when he met you and started bringing you to the apartment, Ma'am.?"

"How so?" I stop and look up at him.

"I had a pretty good idea of what went on that room. But, it wasn't any of my business. You were different, ma'am. You were so much younger and from what Gail told me, pretty inexperienced."

I look down and blush intensely. Well I did ask. And Taylor is nothing, if not straight forward.

" But you seemed to really care about Mr. Grey. The others seemed more sophisticated, older. I don't know they just seemed to know what they were in for."

"And I didn't?"

"No ma'am. You sure didn't." Taylor shakes his head and has a half smile on his face. "But Mr. Grey. He's a good man. And I could see that he had some pretty deep feelings for you. Not like the others. He was good to them, but he didn't care. They were more like entertainment. Something to pass the time." Taylor snickers. "Gail and I kept wanting to tell you to turn around and run as fast as you could. But you held your own with him."

"I appreciate the concern, Jason."

"Yes, ma'am. Gail and I could see the change you made in Mr. Grey. He seemed happy for the first time ever…. since I had known him anyway. We watched him fall in love with you. And Gail. She adores Mr. Grey. She wanted whatever made him happy. As long as you didn't get hurt, ma'am. Gail is very fond of you, Mrs. Grey. And does she ever love those children. "

We reach the house. "Jason. I do believe that is the most I have ever heard you say."

"I'm sorry if I overstepped, ma'am."

"Good heavens no. It has been a pleasure and this will be just between us. "I reach up and put my hand on his shoulder and give him a squeeze.

"Thank you. Mrs. Grey."

"Thank you, Jason."

"Good afternoon, Ana" Gail greets me. "Did you and Taylor have a good talk?"

"Oh. You saw us?"

"Yes. But my lips are sealed. Oh, by the way. There was a delivery for you. I put it on the table in the dining area."

"Where are the children and Christian?" I ask.

"Well Mr. Grey said he was going into the office for a bit before his party tonight and Grace is napping. Teddy is playing with Walter on the patio."

"Okay. Thank you Gail." Oh good I ordered Christian's birthday gift yesterday and had it overnighted. I was worried that it wouldn't get here in time.

That's strange. I can't imagine Christian going out in public today. It's so soon after that news announcement. Oh, well. I guess he had to go back into the office at some point. He might as well face the music and get it over with. I take the package upstairs to our room to open it. I'll get it wrapped before he gets home.

I carefully open the package and look at the contents. Yep. Just what I ordered. Hope he likes it. I place part of it in a separate box and cover the box with wrapping paper and add a ribbon and bow. I place it on our bed for Christian to see when he gets home.

I take the rest of the contents and hide the box in my closet. I'll deal with it later. Cake. I need to get the cake made. I quickly get changed into my jeans and head to the kitchen.

"Okay, Gail. I am throwing you out. Time for my annual chocolate cake for Christian's birthday."

Gail smiles at me. "Gladly. Ana. I'll go out on the patio and check on Teddy and that rabbit."

"Mmmmmm. Something smells delicious." I hear Christian bellow form the foyer.

He walks toward the kitchen. "When will it be ready?" he asks with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye.

"Soon enough, birthday boy." I smile back at him as I spread the chocolaty goo on to the cake.

Christian walks around behind me and puts his arms around my waist and kisses my cheek. Damn he smells so good. He swipes his finger in the frosting bowl and sticks it in his mouth. "Mmmmm. That's good. You know Mrs. Grey. I think I'd like to frost you with this sometime. Then take my time licking it off of you."

I smirk at him. "Christian you never give it up do you?"

"I only give it up to you, Mrs. Grey"' He kisses my cheek again.

"Why don't you go find the children and start getting them ready to go." I suggest.

"Gladly. Where might I find said children?"

"Grace is still napping and Teddy is on the patio with Gail and Walter."

"How was it at the office today?" I gingerly ask.

"Same as always. Why?" Christian looks over at me.

"I just wondered if the news piece had any fallout at work."

"Well if it did, no one would fucking dare mention it. Not if they wanted to keep their job. Everyone that works for me knows that personal lives are left at the front door. Once they are in Grey House, they belong to me. Besides, I pay very well, Mrs. Grey."

I shrug. "I just wondered. I didn't want it to be uncomfortable for you."

"It won't be. I'll go locate my children."

The cake is finished. Pretty good job I think as I look at my handiwork. You know I just might like to have Christian frost me with chocolate icing and lick it off. It has possibilities.

I walk upstairs to get cleaned up and ready to go and find Christian sitting on our bed with his present in his hands shaking it.

"Just what do you think you are doing?" I ask as I enter the room.

Christian turns to look at me with a smile on his face. "Is this for me?" He asks.

"Has anyone given it to you?" I stare at him and walk toward the bed.

"No. But a man can hope."

"Of course it is for you. I don't know anyone else in the house having a birthday today."

"Can I open it now?"

I sit down on the bed beside him and put my hand on his back giving him a quick rub. "Yes. Go ahead and open it."

Christian takes his time untying the ribbon. Then he carefully loosens the paper removing it. He is always so meticulous when he unwraps gifts. He is so genuinely happy that someone has given him a present. Christian opens the box and pulls back the tissue paper. His eyes widen as he removes the black leather belt with middle strap. Then he finds the remote control device. "Good lord, Ana!" he looks at me incredulously.

"Well, you said that you wanted me to wear it when we went out sometime. So I thought it would make a good birthday present. "

"You went over to the apartment to get it?" He asks.

"God, no Christian! I never want to go back there. I ordered it." It came this afternoon.

"Will you wear it tonight?" he has an ear to ear grin plastered on his face.

"Thus making it a birthday gift. I will as long as you don't embarrass me in front of your family. Do you hear me? I am trusting you to use your control wisely, Mr. Grey. I mean it. I will never forgive you if you misuse this thing."

Christian smiles. Zzzzttt. He presses the remote quickly and it vibrates. I see the wickedness written all over his face. What have I let myself in for?

Christian drops the device and puts his arms around me forcing me back on the bed. He kisses me passionately and deeply his breath quickening. Before I can protest he has popped the button on my jeans. "Christian I need to get dressed." I try to protest.

"This won't take long, baby." He whispers on my lips. "Just relax." His hands takes me."God, Christian." I whimper.

"I know Baby." He continues his assault while he is propped up on one elbow beside me and looking down watching my face. He kisses me softly and sweetly.

I begin to quiver and my breath catches. " You're so ready. Be still."

Christian continues and I am building. " Look at me, Ana. That's right, Baby. I want to watch you." I let go and find my release until I am spent.

Christian pops me on my butt. "Okay, Mrs. Grey. Let's get moving. Time to get this birthday celebration on the road."

How does he recover so quickly? I'm still trying to catch my breath. Then I remember. I had the orgasm, not him. I'll take care of that later.

I have bathed and powdered. Dried my hair and dressed. Including the belty, zzztttt thing that I gave Christian. I decided to wear a cotton sun dress with a white background and big pale sunflowers printed on it. I put on a white, light cotton sweater to hide the bruises on my back and arms. I examine them closer. They look worse than they did this morning. Oh, well at least most of the muscle soreness is gone. Christian insisted that a couple of Naprosyn and a warm bath would do the trick, and it did. It just looks pretty bad. I grab my purse and head down the hall to find Christian and the children. As I reach the of the stairs I hear the piano again. But this time it is a sweet tune. I recognize it. Sonata Pathetique, but the melody is so simple and child- like, not the usual way he plays it. I walk down stairs and in to the living room and see Christian sitting at the piano. He has Teddy in his lap. Teddy's hands are placed on top of Christian's, so that his little hands move with Christian's as he plays. Teddy's face is filled with delight, as he beams up at his father. Christian finishes the tune and wraps Teddy in his arms and kisses his copper curls. It is the dearest thing I have ever seen. Oh, Christian, Christian. What shall I do with you?

I walk into the room and over to the piano. I bend and kiss Christian chastely on his lips and look into those wondrous gray eyes. "What are my men up to?"

"Daddy was letting me play the piano. "Teddy beams up at me."

"Just showing my boy the advantages of the piano over the drums. "Christian smiles up at me.

"Well, let's collect our daughter and head out, Mr. Grey." I rub Teddy's sweet head.

The SUV arrives at the residence of Grace Trevelyan and Carrick Grey. We get the kids out of their car seats and head inside. Carrick meets us at the front door. Teddy greets him first. Carrick bends down and Teddy throws his arms around him, "Papa Carry!"

"Hey Teddy. How are you young man? Come on in and see your grandmother." Carrick gives me a hug. "Ana so good to see you. Come in." Then Carrick puts his arms around Christian, who is carrying Grace. "Christian. My boy. Good to see you. Happy Birthday, son. And my little, Grace." Carrick kisses her cheek and she bats her lashes and smiles coyly giving him the Christian Grey treatment. God help me. Christian and his daughter. What a pair.

We make our way into the house greeting and kissing everyone. Grace and Mia are in the kitchen. Elliott and Ethan are in the front room chatting about some sort of sporting event. Kate and Elliott's two boys are running through the house chasing each other followed closely on their heels by Irving, Grace and Carrick's springer spaniel. "Everyone come in and sit. Christian. Ana. May I get you two anything to drink?" Carrick asks.

"I'll take a Pimm's cup if you have it." I tell him.

"I think I can manage. Christian, you?" Carrick asks.

"I'll make it easy and take the same, Dad."

"Coming right up."

"Elliott. Where is Kate?" I ask.

"Oh, she escaped to the powder room. She'll be out in a few."

"Okay. Thanks." I turn and head toward the bathroom.

Oh my God! I stop in my tracks and grab my tummy as I feel a quick vibration. I look around to see my dear husband with his hand in his pants pocket and a sly smile on his face. I stare daggers at him. This isn't going to be an easy evening. I recover and I run into Kate in the hall.

"Ana!" She throws her arms around me. "I haven't seen you in forever."

"Hi Kate. It's good to see you, too."

As Kate releases her hold on me she accidentally brushes my sweater off of my shoulder. She exposes my shoulder and the fresh bruising.

"Good God, Steele! What has happened to you?" Kate gasps.

"Oh. It's nothing Kate. Just rolling around with the kids."

"Ana Rose Steele Grey. I know that you don't get those playing with your children. Tell me."

"Kate it's really nothing."

Kate grabs me by my elbow and drags me into the powder room and closes the door. She pulls out the top of my sundress and looks down my back. "Ana you tell me right now or I'll go out there and ask that husband of yours just what the hell he has done to you."

"Well if you must know Miss Kavanaugh, my husband and I had some pretty mind blowing sex last night. It was on the bathroom floor and I was too busy to notice how hard the tile floor was. There. Satisfied?"

Kate's jaw is almost hitting the floor. She grins. "Mind blowing? That good?"

I just smirk at her smugly and shrug ."I happen to be married to a very accomplished man."

"Well, Christian Grey." She says with disbelief.

Just as we open the door to exit the powder room Christian is standing there. "Your drink, Mrs. Grey." He hands me my Pimm's cup.

Kate looks up at him and smirks. Christian looks bemused. He puts his arm around my waist. "What was that about?"

"Oh Kate accidentally saw the bruises on my shoulder and wanted to know how I got them."

"What did you tell her?"

"I just told her that my husband had fucked the ever lovin' shit out of me last night and made me come like a locomotive."

Christian stops in his tracks, "You told her WHAT?"

"I didn't put it in those exact words."

"I certainly hope not."

So far no one has mentioned the news piece that was on TV. I'll hold out hope that it remains that way. I head toward the kitchen to see if I can help Grace and Mia. "Hi ladies. Can I help with anything?" I ask as I walk into the kitchen.

"Oh, Ana dear. I'm glad you all made it." Grace smiles up at me.

"Christian wouldn't miss his own birthday dinner." I respond.

Grace walks over and gives me a big hug. She whispers to me. "How are you both doing? We heard the news. I'm so sorry, Ana. I've warned Mia not to mention a word about it. I want Christian to enjoy his birthday without having to get into any explanations. We can talk later."

"Well. What can I do to help?" I ask.

"Well, will you check the potatoes in the oven and see how they are doing?"

"Sure." I grab the oven mitt and suddenly, grab my abdomen and bend over slightly. I frown and bite my lip.

"Ana? Darling are you okay?" Grace asks me.

The sensation stops and I straighten up and relax. "I'm fine Grace. Just having some cramps. That time of the month."

"Oh. I remember how that can be. You take it easy. Cramps shouldn't be that bad."

"Really. I'm fine" I look in the oven and report, "The potatoes look good. Bubbling away."

"You go sit down Ana. Mia and I can finish up in here. Do you need any Advil or anything?"

"No, thank you. I'm fine."

I walk back to the family room to join everyone. Christian looks up at me with a smile. I shoot daggers back. I sit down next to him on the sofa. "Okay baby?" he kisses my cheek.

"It's 'gonna be a long night isn't it Christian?"

"I'm afraid so, Mrs. Grey. But you're a big girl. You can deal with it." Christian begins to sing softly, "Happy Birthday to me..."

"You are an evil, evil man, Christian Grey." I shake my head.

Kate and I are in the kitchen just helping to finish up with the after math from dinner. Kate motions for me to come out on the patio with her.

"What is it Kate?" I ask her once out on the patio.

"I haven't asked all night, but how are you and Christian doing after that thing on the news?"

"Were fine Kate. Christian isn't any too happy about it, but we're dealing with it."

"So?"

"So what?" I ask her.

"So is it true?"

"Kate. I've told you before. Mark was angry that Christian had fired him and he wasn't a well man to begin with. He made the entire thing up. He tried to blackmail Christian and it backfired on him."

"So there is no written agreement between Christian and Amy?"

"Absolutely not, Kate."

"Sure?"

"Yes. Kate. I'm sure."

"Okay. Just checking."

Grace sticks her head out the back door. "Oh. There you two are. I was wondering."

"Well, I'll head inside." Kate gives me a hug and disappears into the house.

"Ana."

"Yes Grace." Here it comes.

" I'm glad Kate left us alone for a minute. I want to ask about the news piece."

"What about it , Grace?"

"Is it true, Ana? Has Christian started up with that mess again?"

"No, Grace. He hasn't." I'm not a good liar. I hope she believes me.

"Are you sure, Ana? It would kill his father and me if he fell back into that lifestyle."

"Grace. We are okay. Mark Jernigan was a troubled man and he was unhappy that he hadn't been promoted like he thought he should have. He tried to blackmail Christian and it backfired on him. Christian fired him and Mark went off the deep end. End of story."

Grace hugs me. "Oh. I'm so glad to hear that's all there is to it. You have no idea how worried I have been over it."

"Please don't worry , Grace. We're fine." I hug her and smile. "Let's go back inside. It's getting a bit chilly.

Grace puts her arm around me and we head inside.

Christian greets us in the kitchen where he is depositing his empty glass.

"That was delicious, Mom. Thanks." Christian hugs his mother and gives her a kiss on her cheek.

Grace puts her arm around Christian's waist and gives him a hug. She reaches up and kisses his cheek. "You are welcome, sweet boy. I'm just so glad that you're here to enjoy it," Grace begins to cry and Christian puts his arms around her and rocks her. "It's okay, Mom. It's okay."

Grace wipes her tears. "Christian, honey, I think Ana needs to go home. She keeps holding her abdomen and wincing. She said she's just having cramps, but she looks pretty uncomfortable."

"Oh. She didn't mention it. We'll collect the children and head home. It's getting late anyway."

I have gone to the family room and am sitting next to Kate on the sofa. Christian comes over to sit next to me. "So, Grace tells me you are having pretty bad cramps. Do we need to go?" He smiles at me.

"Jerk. Stop smiling at me." I catch my breath and grit my teeth. Damn him! I hold my breath and grit my teeth until the vibration stops. "I'm warning you Grey."

Ethan stands up. "Everyone. I'd like to say something. Not to make this any kind of tradition or anything. But I just wanted to say that…"

Mia jumps to her feet and screams. "We're getting married!"

Ethan looks at her and sighs. "Mia, you didn't let me finish."

"I know, baby. I just couldn't wait." She gives him a hug and kisses him. She can't seem to stop bouncing.

Christian is the first to jump up and extend a hand to Ethan. "You should be used to this by now Ethan. And I don't think it's going to change."

Ethan smiles as Christian shakes his hand. Christian puts his arms around his baby sister and gives her a big hug lifting her off the ground. "It took you long enough, Mia. Congratulations."

We all take our turns congratulating the happy couple. Admiring the ring. Kate is weeping a little. Grace and Carrick are over the moon that Mia will finally have some direction in her life and be a burden to someone else.