All mistakes are my own.
I do not own FSOG.
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Five years later…
"Teddy! Get down here immediately!"
Ana heard two sets of footsteps running down the stairs of their large home, before two dirt-covered boys stood in front of her.
"Yes, mom?" Teddy asked grinning his heart-stopping smile so much like his father's. Rolling her eyes, she sighed.
"What is all this mud doing in the hallway? And why do I see what looks to be dog prints mixed in with you, and your brother's?"
Shrugging, she looked between her sons. One by birth, and the other by adoption. She knew that her youngest, Max would budge under pressure, so she raised her brow and slowly counted to herself. Seeing her tactic, Teddy quickly tried to run interference.
"Mom," Teddy whined.
5, 4, 3, 2, 1-
"Okay! It was all Teddy's idea, but I thought it would be cool! We found a puppy mom, and we have to keep him. He was all alone, and he needed a family. you told me that family doesn't turn each other away."
Drat. I did say that, Ana thought wryly to herself. Looking into her blonde haired, green-eyed five-year-old eyes, she sighed.
"I did say that, didn't I?"
Both boys nodded.
"But baby, how do we not know it's someone else's? It could be lost. What if it's family is looking for it?"
"It's not. We've been asking everyone all week if anyone had a puppy, and lost it."
At that, Ana laughed aloud. Trust her precocious nine-year-old son, and Christian Grey twin to take the initiative to ask their neighbors. She was just glad that Christian hadn't gotten wind of this yet, otherwise it would be a blood bath. Turning around, she glanced at Taylor who looked on in amusement.
"It's true, Ana. We've been watching the boys. I even asked the neighbors, and they can confirm it."
"Does Christian know?"
"No. I thought it best to only alert Mr. Grey should it become serious." Inwardly, Ana sighed with relief. She didn't think that he should have to know at all. She was glad for Taylor's calm, safe presence, and logical thinking.
"Do you want me to alert him, ma'am?"
"Uh, no. I will let him know myself."
Suddenly, soft barking could be heard coming from upstairs. Teddy instantly glanced at Max.
"Did you close your bedroom door?"
Eyes wide, Max shook his head.
"I forgot!"
At that moment, a dirty looking mud-covered puppy came running down the stairs, sliding in front of them due to the wooden floors. Landing right at Ana's feet, she glanced down at the panting puppy glancing up at her. Leaning forward, he licked her foot, which caused her children to giggle. Placing her hands on her hips, she blew her bangs out of her eyes. Gazing at both of her boys, she knew she would cave the moment they both glanced up at her.
"Take him out back and clean him up. Taylor, can you help the boys."
Smiling easily, he nodded.
"I'll let Johnson know to bring Mr. Grey home."
"Thank you."
The boys cheered at their mom agreeing to let them keep the puppy. Teddy followed Taylor out to their massive backyard, leaving just Max. reaching up, she smoothed her youngest son's hair out of his eyes.
"Yes, baby?"
Grinning wide, he wrapped his little arms around her waist.
"Thank you, mama."
She was always touched when her youngest thanked her, and today was no different. As she watched Max's little body run away Ana reflected on how much her life changed, and all for the better. After that dark day at the hospital years ago, when the doctor explained how she would be unable to have children, she didn't know how she would be able to cope. She was heartbroken to learn that her own body would be unable to give her another child because of Jose Rodriguez's hate. She was so grateful for her own Theodore, and didn't know how she would be able to cope. But Christian was there. He promised her that he wouldn't leave her, and he never did. Through her sleepless nights, anger and frustration. Christian stood by her. He never left, and when she lashed out at him, he only loved her more. After his proposal, she thought she would calm down, but she became a bit more hostile. It wasn't until she went to see Flynn privately that he revealed her fear of losing Christian, so her unconscious was fighting him.
"What?"
Ignoring Ana's irate behavior, Flynn calmly sat down his iPad, repeating his assessment.
"Ana, it's normal. You've been through a lot. A kidnapping, losing a part of you that should never have been taking away, police investigation. For this to happen within the span of a month? It's unheard of."
At that, Ana deflated a bit. She did feel as if everything was happening fast, yet slow. She couldn't articulate the exact words and she ended up telling Flynn that. When she finished, he smiled.
"That is progress."
Looking doubtful, she said nothing, to which he chuckled.
"Trust me, Ana. It is. And you will see one month from now, you will feel marginally different. Sounds cliché, but one must admit what the problem is at first in order to move forward. You've done that, so now we can move to the next phase."
"And what's that?"
Leaning forward, Flynn smiled.
"That part is up to you."
Flynn was right. Ana felt herself becoming more adjusted, and able to speak with Christian more freely. He would never admit it, but she could see the look of relief on his face that she seemed to be getting better. When she expressed all her fears to him, they both agreed to post pone the wedding until the following year.
"Ana, I just want you to know that I'm here to stay. I will marry you tomorrow, or next year. But you, as well as the world, needs to know that you're mine, and I'm yours."
That was one of the happiest moments of her life. After that year, she felt herself returning to the same Ana. A bit more mature, wise, and conscious of her surroundings, but still very much Ana. She scaled back on her work, became more of a quite CEO, but still present in the workings of her company. She still adored literature, and her books, however, she felt family was more important. So, she gave her best friend Hannah control of the company, and focused her energy on more volunteer efforts, particularly for women in hostile situations. Grace, was more than happy to help her, and the third year into their marriage, she was at the hospital late one evening, when a critical call came through. Grace immediately ran to it, leaving Ana in her office. Forty-five minutes later, a red-eyed Grace came back into her office.
Immediately coming to her feet, Ana asked what was wrong.
"Oh, this poor little boy. He reminds me so much of Christian. His original parents were young, and died in a car accident, so the boy's been in foster care for the past year and a half. His latest parents abused him. Horribly beat the poor child. Child protective services has the proof, and they are looking to move him within the next couple of days."
As Grace was talking, Ana became very still. She listened as Grace told her of Max, and cute, innocent boy whom she feared for. She was afraid that the system would steal his innocence, and she did not have faith in the next foster parents that would supposedly take the child. Not even giving it one moments thoughts, she placed her hand over Grace's.
"Take me to him."
Sniffling, she glanced at Ana.
"Are you sure?"
Nodding, she waited for Grace to get herself together before opening the door. Down a long corridor, and even longer elevator ride, Grace knocked on the door, before opening it. Ana gasped at what she saw. A small, frail blonde little boy who looked tired. he had an exhaustion that no child should have at that young an age. Sitting by his bed, Ana gently stroked his hair.
"Other than physical abuse, is he okay?"
Picking up his chart, Grace quickly ran through it.
"It appears so. The doctor who was present when they brought him in already had several scans run. Brain activity is normal, as is every other bodily function. He has a slight limp, but nothing that physical therapy wouldn't cure."
At that moment, green eyes blinked up into Ana's. they widened, before he pulled back in fear. Noticing it, she easily calmed him.
"Hey, it's okay. Max, right?"
Nodding, he gripped the blanket tighter to his thin frame of a body.
"How old are you, Max?"
Holding up his fingers, he showed his age. Gasping, Ana grabbed his hands, and kissed them.
"Three? You're such a big boy! I have a son, too. He's seven." The boy was surprised that Ana gently grabbed his fingers, and kissed them. Her gently smile eased him somewhat, and he began to unconsciously scoot closer to her. When he was at her hip, she ran her hand over his hair. After a while, he reached up, and touched her hair.
"You like my hair?"
Ana didn't think the little boy couldn't get any cuter, but she was mistaken. Because his smile only made him that much more adorable. Ana couldn't understand how anyone could hurt a child, any child really, but especially this one.
"Would like to come stay with me, and my baby boy? My husband too."
At that, he instantly froze up. Ana guessed it was probably due to the negative male influences in the boy's life. She reached forward, and kissed his cheek. When it looked like he calmed down a bit, Ana spoke.
"Listen to me, Max. I would love for you to come stay with me. but only if you want to. I promise that you will be safe with me. do you understand?"
Max didn't say anything, for several moments, and Ana refused to break eye contact with him. Suddenly, he scooted closer to her.
"Otay."
Tears brimming in her eyes, she kissed his soft, golden hair.
"Now, listen to me. I am going outside. I have to talk to that nice lady over there." Instantly his hold tightened again.
"Baby, listen. I will come right back. Can you be a big boy, and wait? I promise to come back."
"You Pwomise?"
"I do."
Slowly, his hold lessened on her until he was laying in the bed. Thinking quickly, Grace opened up a drawer she kept for little kids. It was filled with toys. Opening it, she grabbed a large, green teddy bear and set it next to him. His eyes instantly lit up, before he grabbed the plush bear, and giggled.
"See? You have a friend until I come back."
Paying her no attention, he kept inspecting the bear, giving Ana, and Grace the time to talk. Once the door shut, Grace clasped her hands together.
"Oh, Ana. Do you mean it?"
Smiling, she nodded.
"I do. It's a sign. I was meant to be here, and I'm not leaving until he comes home with me. who do I contact? What are the proper rules to get this started?"
Grace quickly explained the social worker, who she was very close with. She figured with Christian being such a success there wouldn't be a problem. Additionally, money helped speed up the process. Biting her lip, she asked Ana about Christian.
"Do you think he would mind?"
Ana shook her head.
"No. Christian and I recently spoke about adopting; I just hope he's ready for it now. Let me call him. If it's okay, Grace, I think I will wait outside here."
Smiling widely, she nodded.
"It's more than fine. Let me call everyone now to get the ball rolling."
As soon as Ana left, she quickly called Christian to come by the hospital.
"Are you, alright?" Christian asked, frantic with worry. He quickly stood up, and signaled Taylor to head to the car.
"Oh, I'm fine. I'm not here for myself, just volunteering." Deflating on the elevator, Christian closed his eyes.
"God, Ana. You scared me."
"I didn't mean to. I just need to you come by. It's really important."
"What's so important?"
"Christian."
Chuckling, he switched the phone to his other ear.
"I know. I do love when you get strict with me, Mrs. Grey."
Warming at her married name, she smiled.
"Yeah, well. I have to be with my two Grey men."
Soon to be three, Ana hopefully added.
Striding to her location, Christian smiled when he noticed Ana in the children's wing. Standing, she hugged him, kissing his lips softly.
"Hey."
"Hi."
Grabbing his hands, she took a seat, pulling him with her. Noticing Taylor, she smiled.
"Hey Taylor. You think you could give us a few moments?"
"Sure, Mrs. Grey. I will wait at the end of the hall."
"That's fine. Thanks."
As soon as he left, Christian unbuttoned his suit coat.
"What's going on, Ana?"
Taking a deep breath, she began.
"I was with your mom helping with the scheduling of the upcoming charity ball, when a child was admitted. He's been in the foster system since he was a baby. He was admitted today because of the physical abuse he suffered by his former foster parents." At that, Christian froze up. Ana continued.
"He is here, and in good health. Just scared, and tired. Christian, I don't know, but I think it's a sign. Remember our conversations about adopting? This is him. I know it."
Gripping her hands, Christian lowered his eyes to his ring resting against hers.
"The boy."
"Max, she interrupted."
"Max," he began. "You've met him? How old is he?"
"Yes, I've met him. He is just precious. He's three years old. Doesn't talk much, but that is to be expected. Your mom along with several other doctors have pronounced him physically fine. But Christian, she doesn't trust the new foster parents." Ana stopped talking at that moment. She couldn't imagine what the child was feeling, and felt herself tearing up. She sighed when she felt Christian wipe her tears away.
"You know I don't like to see you crying Mrs. Grey."
Placing her hand over his, she nodded.
"I know, Mr. Grey. But baby, this little boy. He needs us. Your mom thinks that with her background with you and your siblings along with the money can make for a quicker foster to adoption. Plus, with Teddy as our first child, the courts would be more lenient to leave him with us."
Christian said nothing for several moments. He just processed what his wife told him. Looking at her, he could see she was being nothing but honest. He could also see her desire to take him home with them, adding another child to their family.
Ana always rescuing us lost boys, he thought in wonder.
"Take me to Max."
Standing, she pulled him two doors over and knocked once before entering. She smiled when she saw he was still awake talking lowly to the large bear.
"Hello Max."
Turning, the boy smile, but it froze when he saw Christian. He tried to sink into the bed, and Ana quickly walked over and grabbed his hands.
"Hey, baby. It's okay. This is my husband. He's a good man. See?"
waving Christian over, he sat on the opposite side of Max's bed. The boy continued to make eye contact, and it seemed as if he was studying his soul. Christian felt a weird sense of Déjà vu. After a while, he removed his hands from Ana, and scooted closer to Christian. Ana always laughed whenever she saw Christian surprised at anything children did towards him. She always told him that kids could tell whether someone was kind or not. And nine times out of ten, kids always flew to her husband. It was something Ana thoroughly enjoyed.
The little boy pointed to a pin on his suit coat, and he smiled.
"Oh. This is a boat. My son gave it to me. Do you like it?"
Nodding, he then made airplane sounds, which caused Christian to smile wider.
"You like the sound of airplanes? I do too."
And the rest, as they say, is history. Grace was correct. They were able to get a temporary stay, which turned to partial custody, then full on adoption. Ana didn't ask too many questions at her husband's methods in speeding up the process, and she didn't care. Because Teddy got an instant brother. They bonded instantly. Often times she would catch the two in Teddy's room. They would play with the ton of airplanes Christian gave him. She would find their random conversations amusing as well. The condo at Escala was becoming big, and that was when Christian introduced another phase into their lives.
Crawling into bed one evening, Christian pulled Ana close to him. Kissing her lips, he smiled when she ran her fingers through his hair, and pulled his body on top of hers.
"Are you trying to tell me something Mrs. Grey?"
Even in the dim lighting, Christian could see the blush on Ana's face.
"Yes. I want you."
"Hmm. Well, I want you too. But on one condition."
Sliding her hands up and down his back, Ana tried to think what Christian could want her to do. They hadn't been in the red room for a while so maybe that was it.
"What is this one condition, sir?" Ana asked, biting his ear lobe. Pulling gently, she loved the growl she could feel reverberating through his chest.
"You love to play with me, huh Ana? Well my request is simple. Move into our home with me."
Thinking nothing of it, she smiled.
"I've already done that, Christian. Just take a look around."
Indeed, she did. His formerly cold, bachelor style condo had turned into a warm, welcoming home with Ana, and his two boys splashed everywhere.
"Yes, you have love. But I was thinking something bigger. I've already purchased it, and I want us to move there."
Eyes wide, Ana pulled back.
"Christian."
"It's by the sound. It's quite large, but our family has grown so we need the space. Taylor, and Gail can live on the property in their own apartment, and we would even have a security center."
"Christian- "
"Plus, we would be close to my parents, and Kate and Elliott. You may need the additional help. Not to mention all the activities the boys are involved in. They would have more of a family base." Her sigh, alerted Christian to the fact that he was winning the war on convincing his wife. Sliding his hands up her legs, he pulled her underwear aside, and began stroking her center. Gasping, she dug her fingers into his strong, muscular back.
"And if you say yes, I'll fuck you in every room of our new home."
Mouth open, Ana moaned as his talented fingers circled her clit. Honestly, Ana loved her family, and she would move wherever, as long as she had Christian, and her boys with her.
"How many rooms are there?" she asked, biting her lip, when he found her spot. Grinning, he kissed down to her breasts, running his tongue over her silk covered nipples.
"It has seven bedrooms, and seven bathrooms."
"Mmm."
"A den. A living room. A pool house. A kitchen. Two offices, and an attic."
Gasping, Ana arched into his fingers, when he sped up what he was doing.
"Mr. Grey! You will have to screw me in all these rooms? However, will we have the time?" Pulling back, he smiled at her, loving her answer.
"Oh, Ana. I will always make time for you."
She was pulled from her thoughts when she heard Christian's saw the gate open through the camera in the kitchen. Nodding to Gail, she rolled her eyes.
"Wish me luck, Gail."
The woman laughed before continuing to put the finishing touches on the family dinner. Grabbing her boys, and the dog, the waited patiently for Christian to park the car. Hearing the front door open, the boys glanced at each other in glee, while waiting with Ana in the living room. Opening the door, Christian noted that no child had come to greet him at the door and instantly became suspicious. It wasn't until he rounded the corner that he knew why.
His wife.
His two boys.
And a puppy, were staring at him.
Raising a brow, he was about to comment, when Max ran to him with the dog, and Teddy following.
"Daddy!"
Christian glanced down at his boys hugging him, and the dog licking his shoes. He glanced up at a bashful Ana, and sighed.
"I left this morning, and there were only three of you. Care to fill me in on the puppy?"
"Bear, daddy."
"Pardon," Christian asked, looking at Teddy, his oldest.
"His name is Bear, dad. Because he's soft like Max's teddy bear."
"Oh. Of course."
Laughing, Ana reached down and picked up the puppy, kissing his head before placing it in Max's arms.
"Go take Bear to your room and wash your hands for dinner."
Nodding, she watched as her young sons rounded the corner, most likely taking the back stairway past the kitchen to their rooms. Once they left, she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Hi."
Exasperated, he laughed.
"Hi, Ana."
Reaching up, she kissed his cheek.
"Don't fight it, baby. We have a puppy. That's all you need to know."
Shaking his head, he kissed her deeply. Once he heard her moan he pulled back.
"How did we get this puppy?"
"Apparently, Bear was outside, and the boys found him. They tried to hide him from me, but you know how easy it is to get our children to confess. Well, Max anyway." Christian chuckled at that. He found it amusing that Teddy was the instigator but never got caught. Max however, would sing like a canary the moment anyone asked him anything. Ana was right. He didn't think it was a terrible thing to have a puppy, and it made his kids happy. That's all that mattered. Besides, Kate and Elliott had a cat, and Christian couldn't stand cats. Dogs yes, cats no.
"How was your day?"
"It was good. I missed you, though."
"Me too, you."
Pulling away, Ana was about to leave when all of a sudden, she was pulled back into his arms. Glancing up at her husband in surprise, she waited for him to speak.
"Yes?" she asked. Above their heads, Christian could hear laughter, and running through the house. He could hear the puppy barking, no doubt chasing the boys. He could hear Gail humming to herself in the kitchen, and he heard Taylor, and Johnson's laughter through the open-door garage. Christian could feel the warm sun on his face, but above all, he saw the love, and genuine happiness in Ana's lovely face.
"I love you Anastasia Rose Steele Grey so much. I never knew how much I needed you until you were gone. Every day I thank God you left me."
Ana's eyes filled with tears at Christian's simple yet heartfelt statement.
"I love you too, my husband I didn't think it was possible, but you reignited my love for you."
Kissing her gently, Christian pulled away, wiping her tears, surprised to see her wiping away his own. Smiling, she grabbed his hand, and kissed it.
"Now. Let's go wrangle our wild boys. They must eat."
"Yes. Lets."
Thank you all so much for reading! I think I will make one-shots to check up on this family from time to time. Again, please check out my other FSOG stories. I'm still writing them, but I'm trying to update my other stories as well, so please be patient. Love you all, and thank you so much for letting me be a writer and contribute to the wonderful world of Christian and Ana.
-RL