Disclaimer: The majority of the characters used in this story belong to the Fifty Shades trilogy. They are and remain EL James's property. Infamouschelsea is in no way affiliated with James or her publishers. Any recognisable brands, places, persons, music or film are the property of their respectful owners. No copyright infringement is intended.

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Hello Everyone!

Thank you so much for the support! I know delays suck on all levels, but thank you for sticking with this story in spite of them. :)

I hope this chapter reaches you all in good health. I really hope you enjoy it.

Much Love and Happy Readings,

Chelsea x

Left, right. Heel to toe. Walking, it's that simple. Well, in theory it is. It's so easy to think that it's just your feet and legs that do all the hard work. Little do you realise that to move forward even just an inch, every damned muscle in your body has to work in unison, each taking some of the strain. It's the first thing you learn, and it's possibly the most difficult too.

In the thirty-six hours after Teddy's birth, I realised just how crippled I was. It was the simple things that caused the most pain: standing up, getting in and out of bed, walking, even using the bathroom was mission impossible. In the last few months of my pregnancy, I was the Queen of peeing. Wherever I went, I had to be within five feet of a bathroom at all times. Peeing became a significant part of my day. But when I was helped to the toilet earlier, I sat down and, for possibly the first time ever, nothing happened. I wondered if it was at all possible for someone to forget how to pee. I was there for what seemed like hours, waiting for something to trickle out. It eventually came, along with the Hallelujah chorus blasting loudly in my mind. I felt like I had just climbed Everest, not accomplish something my newborn son does with ease every time his diaper is removed.

I sit up in bed now with a struggle, having to roll from one butt cheek to the other, remembering to flex my calves once I've settled into a comfortable spot. I'm still pumped full of medication but I can move now, much to my relief. I really hated having an epidural. I can feel more of the pain now that it's out, but I don't care.

I pull my table closer to me and raise my spoon back to my mouth, trying to finish up the rest of my lunch. I'm restricted to only light foods – soups mainly – but I doubt I could manage anything stronger even if I wanted it. I'm only a third of the way through my soup and I'm already full. I persevere with it because I know I have to eat. I take small spoonful's, pacing myself. I look to Christian, twisting my head towards him. He's sat down next to my bed, munching his way through a sandwich. His free hand is hanging over into the crib, his fingers mindlessly tickling Teddy's covered feet.

"What time are my parents coming?" I asked quietly.

"I think Ray said he'll be coming around six," he guessed, holding his sandwich hand over his mouth to hide the contents. "Your mom said she'll come around then, too."

I nodded. "I think I'll try to get my head down for an hour." I pushed my bowl and the table away again.

Christian peered over the brim of the table, checking my bowl. He frowned at the sight of some soup still inside it.

"I'm full," I told him.

"You haven't eaten much." He pressed on, concerned. I shrugged my shoulders.

"It's hard to have an appetite when you've just had your stomach ripped open." I confessed, leaning back against my pillows. He sighed under his breath and nodded, letting the matter fade away. "I'll let you know if I get hungry later," I added. He nodded, offering me a small smile.

I stretch my legs out under the sheets, curling and flexing my toes, making my ankles move in circles. I have to keep them moving, seeing as regular walking is off the table for the near future. The most I've been allowed to do so far is walk from the bed to the bathroom, and even then I was reduced to an old lady shuffle. I know it's going to take time to get back to any sense of normality, but I don't know what normal is supposed to be anymore. I guess we have to find a new kind of normal.

I rest my head for a moment, closing my eyes. Whenever Teddy is asleep, I try to join him. That's what all the books say to do. Or rather, that's what Christian's told me they all say to do. I've slept a fair bit in the past twenty-four hours, maybe more than I have in my whole 22 years. But I don't feel rested. I feel confused and dazed, like I'm floating above myself. It's a strange feeling… hard to describe.

A squawking cry disturbed me, causing me to snap my eyes open. I jolted my head up from my pillow, my eyes immediately falling on the crib. Christian was already on his feet, his sandwich discarded onto the table, his hands reaching down into the crib. He lifted Teddy up, his cries getting louder. Christian shifted on the spot and edged towards me.

"Here you go, Mommy." He smirked as he placed a whining, red faced Teddy into my arms, laying him on the pillow on top of my stomach. He's quickly become an expert at picking the baby up. And here I was thinking it'd take him a while to adjust to all of this. He's a natural.

I willingly accepted Teddy into my arms. I pulled at his blankets, freeing him of them before attempting to lift him up. He feels heavier than he did yesterday. Or maybe I'm just weaker than before… I'm not sure which. I succeeded in holding him up to my chest, resting him there. I held him with one hand under his behind, my other gently rubbing his back. He wailed against my chest for a moment.

"Hey, little man," I shushed him. He pressed his cheek into me, his sound slowly reducing in decibel, dropping from a heart-breaking cry to a small whimper. "There we go… is that all you needed, baby boy? You just wanted some attention?"

I stole a sniff of him. Along with one of the nurses, we gave Teddy his first bath earlier. He smells delicious – a mix of soft shampoo and baby powder. Christian made his way to the door, mumbling some about taking a phone call. He pulled his cell from his back pocket. I smiled and nodded.

I pressed my cheek to the back of Teddy's head, relishing in these few moments alone with him. My heart throbbed with love for him.

He made an angry noise and it was then that I realised why he was crying before. I lift him away from my chest, bringing his face to mine. I swear I could see a hint of pride in his expression.

"I think we need daddy back in here, don't we?" I giggle, trying not to be repulsed by the stench coming from him, "Because daddy loves your dirty diapers more than anything."

Three dirty diapers, one short nap and a truck full of medication later, I'm stood at the foot of the bed, slowly manoeuvring around my room. Christian stands close, holding me with an arm around my back, allowing me to drop my weight onto him every few seconds. I wanted to get up and walk around. Sitting down for most of the afternoon has resulted in my butt going numb and pins and needles creeping into my legs.

It's early evening and I'm preparing myself for my parent's arrival. I spoke on the phone to Grace and Carrick earlier, after picking up Christian's ringing BlackBerry while he was in the bathroom. They offered me their well wishes and congratulations, saying how much they are looking forward to meeting the baby when we're home from the hospital. I can't wait to show Teddy off to everyone but at the same time, I want to keep these early moments to myself. I want to get to know him before I parade him to others. I feel selfish for thinking this way but I remind myself that I am the one who carried him for nine months. I grew him inside me, pushed my body through no end of change. I think I'm entitled to be a little selfish right now.

Christian helps me back onto the bed, and he proceeds to fuss over me. He fluffs my pillows, tucks me into the bed, makes sure I have enough water on my bedside counter… I let him fuss. It makes him feel better knowing that he can do something to ease my trauma. And I kind of like him fussing over me. I feel treasured when he does, not smothered like I used to.

I glance past Christian to the clock on the wall. They'll be here soon, I tell myself, excited for their arrival. Ray will arrive first; my mom text Christian before, telling him she was going to grab a quick shower before coming here. I was settled in bed for only a minute when a sharp rattle came to the door. A tall, blonde haired nurse poked his head around the door.

"Ana, your father is here to see you." He greeted me with an all teeth showing grin. "Is it okay to let him in?"

I nod enthusiastically. "Yes, please, let him in."

I find myself lifting off the bed a little, trying to look around him and out into the hallway, just a steal an early glance of my father.

The nurse moved forward and held the door open. Ray came through a second later, his tired yet anxious expression causing my heart to skip a beat.

"Daddy," I break into a wide grin. He's wearing his favourite dark jacket with a white shirt and dark-wash jeans. He's carrying a bunch of white and blue balloons in one hand, a large glittery gift bag in the other.

"Hi Annie," he reciprocated my grin, straightening his shoulders. His dark eyes bounced all over the room, from me to Christian and then dropping finally on the plastic crib at the left of my bed. "How are you feeling?" he approached the matter with sensitivity in his voice.

I shrugged my shoulders, not knowing what to say. I shook my head and smiled. "I'm feeling a hundred and one different emotions right now."

Ray nodded, as if he wholeheartedly understands, and stepped further into my room. The nurse disappeared, closing the door behind him, and Ray stood motionless for a second, looking at the balloons he's holding.

"Erm, where should I put these?" He glanced around. There's little space left for any more presents. Every surface is covered in them.

"I'll take them," Christian told him, reaching out to take them from Ray. He smiled broadly and placed them on a spare armchair just across the room.

"There are just a few little things in the bag for you, nothing much." Ray brushed it off with a shoulder roll. "Some girly things… Debs picked it out."

"Thank you," I nodded and stretched my hand out for him, beckoning him over. Ray turned to face Christian before coming over to me, throwing his arm around Christian's shoulders, drawing him into a manly embrace. He patted him hard on the back, laughing.

"Congratulations, son," Ray's voice oozed pride. "Welcome to parenthood."

"Thank you, Ray." Christian smiled from over Ray's shoulder. He mimicked the back patting. "Welcome to grandparenthood."

Both of them laughed loudly, grinning from ear to ear. They pulled apart. Ray held onto Christian by the shoulders, looking him square in the eyes.

"I couldn't have asked for a better man for my Annie," he said honestly, nodding his head once, "Or my grandson, for that matter."

For a moment I think I can see a hint of a blush grow in Christian's cheeks. He blinks hard and breathes a sigh of relief. He nods back to Ray.

"I'll look after them," he replies. "I promise you. I won't let any harm come to either of them."

"I wouldn't expect any less of you," Ray rubbed Christian's shoulders once more before turning to face me. His eyes lit up as they met with mine. He came to me and lowered himself to my level, drawing me into his arms. He hugged with me care, cautious not to swamp me with his weight, or press into my swollen, puffy, empty stomach.

"Daddy," I croak into his ear, water blurring my vision. I shake my head. What is wrong with me? Why can't I keep it together? I cried earlier because Christian put my socks on inside out…

"I'm here, Annie." Ray whispered to me.

Christian cleared his throat. "Um, Ray, would you like a coffee? I'm heading to the machine for one." He announced, already at the door. I looked over Ray's shoulder, to the cabinet next to my bed. He's got a full, piping hot cup there. He only just got himself it, no more than ten minutes ago. I pause and then smile… He wants to give us some privacy.

"No, I'm okay, son." Ray glanced behind him, breaking away from me. Christian nodded and pulled the door to a quiet close. Ray perched himself down on the edge of the bed, pulling my hand between his warm, clammy palms. "I am so, so proud of you, Annie," he rubbed the back of my hand. "You have made me the proudest dad in the world… you're a mom now."

I run my free hand under my eyes, collecting the tears as they fall. "I'm sorry," I apologise, sniffing hard as I try to compose myself. "I can't seem to keep it together right now… I don't even know why I'm crying."

"Like you need a reason why… You're a woman; you don't need a reason for anything that you do." He joked, bringing some light back into the room. The sound of his chuckle made me smile again. "I can handle a few tears," the corner of his mouth rose into a smirk. "I'm a dab hand at changing diapers too, I'll have you know."

He looked down at the crib just in front of him. He's shot frequent glances to the baby since he sat down, but he waited to give me his attention first. He didn't want to ignore me for the new arrival. I appreciated the gesture. I thought that as soon as the baby was born, all eyes would fall on him, not me. I couldn't have been more wrong.

"You can hold him if you like," I whisper, noticing that Ted's slowly opening his eyes. He's not due for a feed for another hour; I nursed him before Ray arrived.

Ray beamed a smile and rose from the bed. I saw the excitement buzz through him. He towered over the crib and fiddled with Teddy's blankets, breaking him free of them before lifting him up. He tucked him into the crook of his elbow and slipped down into the chair right next to me.

"Wow…" was all Ray could manage as he stared intensely into Teddy's eyes. Ray looked over every inch of him, shaking his head and grinning. He picked up Ted's hand and quickly he curled his little fingers around Ray's thumb. "Wow…"

"I know," I nodded. I'm speechless when I'm holding him, too. He really does take your breath away.

"He's beautiful," Ray sighed. His voice is cracking a little and his eyes look watery. He's utterly mesmerised with Teddy's eyes. "Annie, he's perfect… he looks just like you."

"I don't know about that. I think he looks like Christian," I shook my head.

"Nope, I definitely see you in him." He is definite. "God, he looks exactly how you did the first time I met you… Well, you were a little older, but he is the exact copy of you."

Ray settled back into the armchair, crossing his legs and propping Teddy up higher into his arm. He leaned down and kissed his forehead.

"I remember that day as if it just happened," he began again. "Your mom invited me over to meet you for the first time. She'd been so careful up until then, not wanting to rush either of us into anything. Especially as it was so soon after your father passed away…" he paused at the mention of Franklin. "Your mom was tied up with a call when I arrived, and when I entered all I could hear was you screaming at the top of your lungs… I could see that your mom was busy so I took over. I went straight through to the living room, where she had set you up in a bassinet." Ray explained, all the while focussed on Ted. He snorted a laugh. "I remember looking down at you, feeling so nervous at what I'd find. I'd never even held a baby before, let alone calm one down… You were in this bright pink all-in-one, your cheeks red hot and your face all scrunched up. You looked like something out of a horror movie and dear God, the smell coming out of you! Jesus, you could've destroyed a small nation with the contents of your diapers."

I giggled, holding a pillow to my stomach as I laughed.

"Well I managed to find everything to clean you up. It took a few attempts to get the diaper right, but we did it in the end… When I finished, I wrapped you back up again, scooped you into my arms, and sat down with you on the couch." He glanced from me to Teddy. "I could've sat there with you for a lifetime… After a while you settled down, and then you just looked up at me with those big blue eyes and… well, that was it. You stole my heart right there and then. And it's a good job really, because I had already planned on asking your mom to marry me."

"You've never told me that story before," I mutter quietly, my tears from before starting to slow down.

"I haven't?" Ray looked to me, pursing his lips together. He shrugged his shoulders. "I have hundreds of stories like that, kiddo," he flashed me a grin and then dipped his head to Teddy. "I can tell you stories about your mom that will make you laugh until your sides are splitting!"

Teddy yawns in response, seemingly unfazed with the subject. I watch as he blinks sleepily back up at Ray. I can see him stealing Ray's heart the way I did…

"Whenever you need a good time, you just come to your Grandpa Ray, you hear me? I'm always right here for you and your mommy." He pressed another kiss to Teddy's head before returning his gaze to me. He caught me mid-wince, as I tried to readjust the pillows behind me.

He stood up and settled Teddy back into his crib, coming to me and rearranging my pillows. "Seriously Annie, how are you?"

"Right now, very sore –" I confess. I close my eyes for a moment and breathe deeply from my mouth. "I'll be fine in a minute. It comes and goes… moving around doesn't help."

"I was so worried about you," he dropped his voice to a whisper, "When your security called to say you were having an emergency C-section… I was climbing the walls waiting for news on the pair of you."

"Things kinda took a turn for the worse," I nodded. "It happened really fast."

"I'm just glad you're okay." He grabbed my hands again, squeezing them together between his. "And you know that I'm here for you, don't you? I know you have Christian now, but I'm still right here for you. It doesn't matter what time of day it is, I'll be there in a beat."

"I know," I nodded. I do know. I know that Ray would happily walk to the ends of the world for me. Just as Christian would. I consider myself lucky every day. I don't have one knight in shining armour. I'm lucky to have been rewarded two of them.

"So, have you decided on a name for him yet?" Ray asked, moving the conversation forward in an attempt to stop the reappearance of my tears.

"We decided a while ago," I nodded, sniffing hard. "Just after Thanksgiving, I think."

"Did you know what you were having?"

"Kind of," I admit. "We left it a surprise, but I always thought he was boy. Right from the beginning. I used to have dreams about him." I paused and gave Ray's hand a squeeze. "His name is Theodore… Teddy for short."

"Teddy?" He looked down at the crib and nodded. "Yeah, he looks like a Teddy."

"We named him after Christian's grandfather," I tell him. He nods back at me, remembering the adorable Theo Trevelyan.

"Theodore Grey," Ray broke into a smile. "It suits him."

"Actually, his full name is Theodore Raymond Grey." I carry on. Ray snapped his head up at the sound of his own name in there. His eyes widened and his mouth drooped open a little. "We wanted to name him after two very special men in our lives."

He gulped hard, his throat bobbing up and down. He nodded.

He remained silent for a few moments, unable to say anything, his expression firm and unyielding. He looked down at the baby and blinked back his tears. I tightened my grip on his hand, pressing and releasing his fingers several times. He doesn't need to say anything. I already know what he's thinking.

After a few minutes he voice cracked.

"I'm so proud of you," he repeated himself. "I know I'm not your real father, but I've always tried to be the best dad for you –"

"You are," I interrupted.

"I just hope I can do the same for this little guy," he nodded to the baby. "God knows your Grandma Carla is going to spoil you rotten."

"Both his grandmothers will spoil him rotten," I corrected him with a laugh in my throat. "And I'm sure Debs will too… You should've brought her with you."

"I did," Ray nodded. "She's outside in the hall. She didn't want to intrude."

"Dad, go get her! She should meet Teddy. She's a part of his life now, too." I ordered him, pointing to the door.

After I learned about Ray's secret girlfriend, we stuck to our word and the four of us when out for dinner. Sure I was nervous, but I was also excited to meet the woman who had put such a huge smile on my father's face. As we waited for them to arrive, I began to wonder what she might look like. I kind of expected a carbon copy of my mom to walk through the door, but I was wrong. Deborah Jenkins is the exact opposite of my mom.

Debs is tall, almost the same height as Ray in her flats. Instead of willowy like my mother, she's full figured, with a behind to rival J-Lo. She has short, cropped black hair that tucks neatly behind her ears, and her skin is deep olive, revealing Italian roots from generations past. From looking at her, I guessed she was maybe early thirties – much younger than Ray – but I later discovered she's nearing the big 5-0. She was hesitant as our introductions were made, but we hit it off straight away. We have so much in common. We both share a love for classical literature – her favourite novel being Dickens' Great Expectations; we spent the whole evening engrossed in a discussion about Pip and Joe.

She is good for Ray. She brings out the charismatic side of him with ease, and she keeps him on his toes with her sarcastic remarks. I felt a pang of guilt at the thought of asking Christian to run a background check on her, but I just wanted to be sure she wasn't going to screw any of us over. She was clear. Her record was faultless. Not even a driving ticket to her name. She's Washington born and bred. She was married when she was younger, but divorced at aged 32. She has a son from that marriage – Kyle. He lives in Boston, with his father, while he attends Harvard.

Ray moved back out into the hallway and called for Debs. She pushed her way through the door a second later, a warm smile high over her face. She pulled her glasses off her nose and shoved them into her purse, along with a battered novel. She slowly crept over to me.

"Hey," she whispered, reaching my bed. She hunched forward and kissed my cheek, dropping her things onto the floor. She then leaned forward and stole a look at Teddy, resting her fingers lightly on his chest. "Oh he is just precious… Congratulations, Ana."

"Thanks," I smiled, happy to see her.

"Sorry to hear you had such a difficult time of it," she smiled sympathetically. "I feel your pain, really I do… I had a C-section with Kyle, so I know how crappy you must be feeling."

I felt a sense of relief wash over me.

"It's not easy, but it gets better. Trust me. It just takes a while to recover," she reassured me. She tucked her hair behind her ears. "I know all there is to know, so if you need to know anything, just ask. I've been there, done it, and got the scar to prove it."

I smiled at her words. I know I'll take her up on that offer some point in the near future. I glanced at Teddy as he grumbled, yawning loudly. He closed his eyes and turned his head to the side, falling asleep.

"His name is Teddy," I tell Debs. She sighed an 'aw' noise. "Theodore – Theodore Raymond."

Her lips rose into a smirk. She turned on the spot to look at Ray as he hovers behind her. He nodded his head proudly.

"I just can't believe I'm dating a grandpa now." She giggled. "I feel like I've just aged another thirty years."

"You and me both," Ray smirked back at her. He stepped forward and pecked a kiss to her lips. It's odd yet wonderful to see him this way. Even when he and my mom were together, they were never overly affectionate around me. I think I saw them kiss only twice. "So, isn't my grandson just the most beautiful thing in the world?" Ray continued.

"Absolutely," Debs turned her head back to me. "He clearly takes after his momma," she winked. She grinned so hard that her mouth and dark eyes were framed with fine lines.

The three of us cooed over Teddy. After a short while, Christian came back into the room, holding it open behind him. I lifted my eyes, curious.

"I found someone wandering the halls –" he smiled, stepping out of the way to reveal my mother standing behind him. She rushed into the room, her cheeks flushed pink.

"Ana!" She pounded to me, instantly grabbing my jaw between her hands, kissing my cheeks over and over. "Oh my baby girl…"

"Mom…" I reached around her with my arms, keeping her to me. It's been so long since I felt her against me. So long since her rose perfume tickled my nose.

I felt her tears seep down onto my shoulder.

"My baby has a baby," she sniffed. She pulled away from me, enough so I can see her face. Her mascara has smudged under her eyes, looking as if this isn't the first time she'd cried since she woke up this morning. "I can't believe it… My baby girl all grown up." She wiped a handkerchief under her eyes and then blew her nose out into it. I recognised it instantly as one of Taylor's handkerchiefs. He must have spotted her in the hallway.

"You're here," was all I could say to her.

"Like there's anywhere else I'd be," she shook her head and kissed between my brows. She quickly turned and looked down into the crib. She sighed and ran the backs of her fingers down Teddy's cheek. More tears sprang from her eyes. "Teddy," she nodded. "Christian told me his name out in the hall."

My mom remained at my side, frequently switching me from and the baby, offering us sloppy, wet kisses. I saw Ray and Debs move around to her, each of them offering my mom a supportive embrace. The three of them shared hugs and tears over the crib.

"Congrats Grandma," Ray uttered as he hugged my mother, holding her tight against his chest.

"Congrats to you, Grandpa," she rested her chin on his shoulder, her slightly dampened hair falling in waves down her back. She's wearing a threadbare cardigan and some old khakis. She clearly dressed in a hurry.

"Where's Bob?" He asked quietly.

"Oh he's parking the car. He'll be here in a minute." She smiled. "I just couldn't wait any longer. I had to get to our girl."

I sat back and watched as they each in turn took to holding Teddy. They passed a camera between them, snapping a hundred plus photographs of my boy in a blue-striped coverall. I'm not ashamed to admit that I shed several tears at the sight of my parents falling in love with my son. Neither of them were particularly thrilled when we announced my pregnancy; they both wanted me to wait until I was older, until I had experienced the world properly. But now, as they pass Teddy around, I see their reservations disappear.

Christian came to my side and perched down on the edge of the bed. He wrapped his arm around my back, dropping kisses onto the crown of my head. I looked up to him and accepted a kiss to my lips.

"He's one popular little boy," I whispered on his lips.

"He's a much loved little boy," he added. His words were so simple but explained so much about him. That's all Christian wanted – to be loved. And he is. Both my boys are loved, by me more than anyone.