Tenley POV
Christian convinced me, all though it wasn't really all that hard, to take the next week off of school as it was already approved, even though we weren't technically on our honeymoon anymore. I said I would just as long he didn't go into the office and he agreed.
We spent our mornings with our daughter and once she left for school we were practically naked the whole time until she arrived home. Christian's family, well I guess I'm a Grey now so their my family, and MaryAnn are the only ones that know we were home, everyone else thought we were still in Hawaii. Gracelyn loved keeping this secret most of all.
"Where you going," Christian asks when I throw on a robe.
"We need food, plus I'm exhausted," I say and kiss him before I head down to the kitchen.
Christian has given Gail and Taylor days off since we are spending our honeymoon at the house. I'm free to do whatever I want so I look around and decide to drop the robe.
I make us two sandwiches and grab a bottle of wine and two glasses. I'm just finishing with the fruit plate when I feel his arms wrap around me.
"Why Mrs. Grey, you look mighty fine naked in the kitchen making food."
"If you play your cards right hopefully soon I will be barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen."
"A man can only dream," he says turning me around to face him and before we know it we are making love on the super clean kitchen floor.
I've just reached my second orgasm of the early afternoon when I hear footsteps.
"Oh my God," I scream when I see Taylor walk in.
I quickly cover my eyes and I'm grateful that Christian is lying on top of me.
"I'm sorry sir," Taylor says and I peek through my hands to see his very red face.
I can't run up the stairs quick enough and Christian is right behind me laughing carrying our lunch.
"That wasn't funny Christian Grey," I say but I can't contain my laughter anymore.
"That wasn't the first time Taylor has seen this ass."
I don't want to know so I decide to leave it at that.
"And what a mighty fine ass it is," I say and purposely Christian turns around so I can get a better look.
We lie on our bed and eat our lunch and just talk.
"Personally, I think this is much better than Hawaii," I say finishing my glass of wine.
"Really?"
"Yes, you know why?"
"Why is that?"
"Because we get to spend it with Gracelyn."
"Thank you," he says kissing my lips.
"I always love your kisses but what's that for?"
"For loving my daughter like she was your own."
"Don't you mean our daughter?"
"My mistake."
"I hope that Ana thinks I'm doing the best job possible."
"She does."
Christian POV
I see a little doubt in Tenley's eyes and I don't know how to reassure her that she is the best mother next to Ana.
"I have a lot to live up too, what if I do something wrong?"
"Trust me, I've made a lot of mistakes but that's what makes you a much better parent."
I see her relax just a little so I know I just have to reinforce that she is an amazing mother.
I think back to the time after we announced our engagement when Gracelyn and I had a conversation of Tenley joining our family permanently.
"Are you okay with Tenley coming to live with us," I ask first trying to ease my way into this conversation. After speaking with Flynn, my mom, and Mia I decided that I just need to make this as simple as possible. They all offered to be there when I talked to Gracelyn but I felt like I needed to do this all alone.
"Sure, is she going to stay in the guest room or my bedroom?" She is so cute when she says that I laugh at the thought of my wife and daughter sharing a room, bunk beds perhaps.
"No baby she will be staying in my room because she's going to be my wife."
"Okay," I see her mind working and just waiting for her to ask me a tough question.
"You know you are still my number one girl right."
"Duh…" Lately that has been her favorite word and it's starting to really annoy me, but today I let it go.
"Can I have two mommies like Lacey does?" I see the look of confusion on her face.
"Baby your mommy will always be your mommy. Tenley wants to be your friend and she will be your step-mom."
"Can I call her mommy if I want to or will mommy be mad?"
I think the gravity of the whole situation has finally hit her.
"I don't want mommy to think I forgot about her, I love her."
"Baby I love her too and Tenley doesn't want to take your mommy's place. She loves you and wants to be your friend."
I don't know why I keep saying the word friend but I don't know how else to tell Gracelyn.
There is no way that Tenley would ever want to take Ana's place but I know she wants to have a close relationship to her. I know that no one could ever take Ana'a place and maybe Gracelyn and I can have another conversation with Dr. Martins about this. I don't want to further confuse Gracelyn and I'm at a loss.
Seeking out Dr. Martins was the best thing I could have done. The three us discussed Gracelyn's feelings about Tenley joining the family and she asked her questions that I never thought to ask. I think we have both come to the realization that it's really up to Gracelyn to determine what kind of relationship she wants to have with Tenley and whether she calls her mom or Tenley.
Dr. Martins suggested that Tenley come in for another session and that's just what we did the following week after we all took time to decompress what has happened.
Tenley was really nervous about our session but understood that it was necessary for us to become a family. I was worried if we didn't hash out everything, I don't know if we could get married in her eyes. I already know that Tenley only has Gracelyn's best interest at heart.
After 90 minutes I think we all came to the understanding that even Gracelyn could understand. I think that day our whole relationship was solidified and finally I knew that Tenley had no doubts about becoming my wife and a mother-figure for Gracelyn. Now it is all up to Gracelyn on how she wants to view her relationship with Tenley and that it is more than just getting a "new mommy." For any other five-year-old they wouldn't be able to understand the complexity of the situation, but this is Gracelyn we are talking about. She is exactly like her mother in that respect and that makes me smile.
Tenley agreed to continue to see Dr. Martins as her patient so she can express her feelings about being Gracelyn's step-mother and she could help and advice on dealing with the enviable questions that she will have. Knowing Gracelyn it will only be a matter of time.
"I think we should go and pick up Gracelyn," I say trying to wake up my beautiful wife. I think I've worn her out.
"Do we have time to shower," she asks and I know she's quickly recovered.
Gracelyn POV
It's nice having daddy and mommy here. I'm glad they didn't stay on vacation and came home with me. I like having Tenley stay at my house, she is so nice and really pretty and she makes really good cookies. All my friends keep asking what it's like having my teacher as my new mom but I don't know what to say she's my mom and I love her.
When school is over I'm so happy when I see daddy and mommy waiting for me.
"I thought it was a secret," I say when I jump into my daddy's arms.
"Well we missed you and thought we could go out for ice cream."
"Can I get sprinkles, rainbow ones?"
"Whatever you want princess."
I take both their hands and we walk out to the car. I don't see Taylor anywhere, then Sawyer says goodbye and he gets into his car.
"It's just going to be the three of us?"
Daddy nods and I'm so excited.
Christian POV
"Fuck!"
I'm about to blow when I can't get a handle on this latest merger which means I have to go to New York for at least a few days. I know that Tenley won't be able to come with me since she is back at work and I don't want to pull Gracelyn out of school for any longer.
"Christian I think we can survive 72 hours without you," Tenley says when we chat after dinner.
"I know that but it's just that I don't want to leave you."
It's more than just leaving Tenley, I've never been apart from Gracelyn ever and I don't know how I will handle that.
I talk with Gracelyn and tell her about my trip. She is totally fine with me leaving because Tenley will be home and of course she requests that I bring her a present. I didn't think it would be that easy.
After saying goodbye to my girls and arranging for White to stay in the guest house as to have on site security, I'm headed to New York on the red eye.
Once I've safely arrived at my New York office I want to call Tenley but its three in the morning so I just send her a text. This is going to be a long three days.
Tenley POV
It's been a little strange not hearing from Christian except for a few text messages that we've exchanged today. He's been in meetings all day and I hope that he gets a break so I can hear his voice. I miss him terribly but I don't want him to know that.
Afterschool Gracelyn asked if we could head to the library to check out some books and I clear it with Sawyer first who agrees.
I know we are on red alert because of Elena Lincoln and Christian says that he doesn't want to take any chances because Elena is unpredictable. So in addition to Sawyer and White I know there is someone else watching us but I haven't met them yet but I know he's there.
After an hour, I think Gracelyn has enough books for a lifetime.
"Now, why do I get the feeling that your daddy doesn't go to McDonald's?"
I see her face and I know Christian Grey doesn't go to McDonald's.
"He doesn't," she says and crosses her arms and pouts.
"Well, daddy isn't here is he?"
"You're the best."
Gracelyn insists on eating inside instead of going through the drive-thru I bet she wants to play on the playground. I indulge her just this one time and it gives me the opportunity to run next door to pick up something.
I asked for five minutes of alone time and White agreed to wait for me at the front of the store.
I've been waiting all day and now here I am taking a pregnancy test in the bathroom of a Walgreens. I couldn't risk anyone seeing me like the paparazzi so I decided to purchase the test at the pharmacy counter and retreat into the ladies room to take the test.
I'm so nervous as I pee on the stick and I just wait. I flush the toilet and take the test with me so I can wash my hands.
When I open the door I don't believe it, but she found me and she's pointing a gun at me.