I promised a chapter today. Sorry for the errors, it's late but I wanted to post this for you! Enjoy. Lilly
Chapter 26: I Am Thankful …..
Mia's POV
"And this is going to be the nursery. I knocked out this whole wall and you can see it has this bay window and bench seating and great view of the sound. But to make sure it is dark in here when the baby is sleeping Christian ordered these shades that will drop from the ceiling." Brady shows us and we are all surprised because you can't even see them when they are concealed making the room wide and opened. The room has a little cove in the back almost like a cave and that is where the crib will go giving that part of the room more of an intimate feel. "I dropped the ceiling so you see you have the high ceiling in the main part of the nursery and then this little area here makes it more cozy."
"What color is the room going to be?" Brady's mom asks.
"I don't know. I think Ana is meeting with a decorator after Christmas to decide all that."
We leave the nursery and he shows us the master bedroom. I was here when they first bought the house but I can't believe how much it has changed. The master bedroom is huge. The bathroom and two closets are ridiculous. Both closets have built in dressers, shoe racks and they look like a department store not bedroom closets. They even have remote racks so they can get to things easier. The bathroom is like its own house. The shower makes me blush. Good grief it could hold five people but it has this bench in it and bars that I can only imagine are for holding on to when you're having sex. I look at Brady and he whispers, "Your brother likes sex in the shower evidently." Eww I don't want to know that.
After we see the upstairs Brady shows us the kitchen which is amazing. It has two massive Viking stoves, four ovens and five sinks. I guess they are planning on having a lot of people over for dinner. Well they have Sawyer, Taylor and Gail all living here but Gail and Taylor will be living over the garage in an amazing 3000 square foot apartment that they have already started moving into. Sawyer will have quarters in the back of the house with a kitchen and living area. Taylor and the security team have a huge office and conference table for meetings and Brady tells us there is a safe room, but he can't show it to us for security reasons.
The family room is large with a beautiful stone fireplace that goes to the ceiling which must be over twenty feet. "How tall is that ceiling Brady?" Mr. Beeson is reading my mind.
"Twenty-two feet. There is over $300,000 in stones built into the fireplace alone."
Mr. Beeson whistles. "Well it is spectacular. I like the built in bookcases. Looks like your design, is it?" Brady confirms that it is.
"I want to show you one of my special projects." We follow Brady down the hall into the second wing and he opens a door that leads to a circular room. It is the coolest room I have ever seen. It sits on the most corner area of the house closes to the water. Most of the house is about 100 feet away from the sound but this room jets out and is only about thirty feet from the sound. It has windows all the way around and reminds me of an observatory.
"Christian asked me to design this and had us build this as a surprise for Ana. She hasn't seen it. It will be her library and office. As you can see it is mostly glass and the book shelves are all built in the upper half of the room. We built the stairway so she can walk up and get the books but always have the view from below."
"What a fabulous room Brady." Mrs. Beeson is really proud of him. She is walking with her arm through his and I love seeing how close he is to his parents.
Brady shows us the state of the art movie theatre with seating for twenty, then the game room which will have a pool table, bar and a pinball area. It leads to double doors that take you to the outdoor walkway that is covered with a roof but open at the sides. The walkway takes you to the gym. I haven't seen this but I know Brady was working non- stop on this project.
"Wow, is this for real?" Mr. Beeson says in shock. The gym has an indoor running track built around a regulation basketball court. There is an area above the track that will be the gym. Brady tells us he heard that there will be over $500,000 in gym equipment arriving. Again I feel embarrassed. Christian has so much money that I don't know what to say when people are so shocked by his wealth. I agree it is crazy. I don't say anything. I want to tell them that my brother worked hard for what he has, but I know they are not being critical, just overwhelmed. We continue the tour to find two small locker rooms with showers, dressing rooms and each with a sauna and steam room. Brady points out that Christian wanted the locker rooms for guests that come over to work out with him. We walk out of the locker rooms to find an indoor hot tub and lap pool. There is also an outdoor pool but that is for entertainment. This pool is just for laps and working out.
"The pool has sensors around it as does the hot tub. Christian had those added last week, so if the baby were to get within five feet of the pool area when the sensors are on, alarms will go off. I am sure someone will always be with the baby, but let's say when he is older if he wonders off in here, security would be notified immediately."
"Well that seems like a great idea to me. Your brother must love to work out." Mrs. Beeson says to me.
"Yes I think he works out at least two hours every weekday. But I haven't seen this before and it is over the top." I can't get over the size of this gym.
We work our way to the boathouse and Brady takes my hand.
"Why are you walking back there? I want you close to me baby." He bends down and kisses me. His parents are walking in front of us now. "When do we get some alone time baby? I have missed you and I am horny as hell right now. I am not waiting until they leave" I giggle as he makes a painful face.
The boathouse is beautiful with an outdoor deck on the roof that looks out at the sound. It has an indoor and outdoor bar as well and a restroom and large sitting area. Christian moved The Grace several months ago so Brady shows his parents the boat as well but only briefly. He is there to show them his work not brag on Christian and he has given a tasteful tour.
"What a great first project to say you worked on son. Do you know with the boathouse and gym just how many square feet this house actually has?"
"Yes, a lot. But I signed an NDA and I can't tell you." Brady's dad gives him a look like 'come on I am your dad.' "Seriously, I can't tell you. They don't want anyone to repeat that and have that information out there."
"Okay I understand. But it has to be over 30,000 square feet right?"
"Come on Dad, lets walk back inside it is starting to rain." Brady ignores his dad. I wonder if he would tell me.
We go back to Brady's house so the Beeson's can shower and change for Thanksgiving dinner. I need to get home and do the same so I tell Brady I am going to ride back with Wilson.
"Hey, let me get my clothes and I will go with you and Wilson. I promised your dad to help him take the tent down." No he didn't, the caterer will do that. He squeezes my hand so I don't say anything. "Dad, let me write the address down to the Grey's. Take my truck. There is a GPS so you can program it in. Brady tosses his keys to his dad, runs in his room and gets his clothes.
We jump back in my moms' car with Wilson following us. "What was that about?"
Brady smiles at me. "I am sneaking back up to your room with you. We are going to have some great sex, get in the shower, have more sex and then by the time my parents arrive we will both be feeling a lot better." He takes my hand and kisses it and sucks on my pinkie. Oh man this sounds like a great plan!
"What will your parents think when they don't see the tent down."
"Not a thing. First of all it has started raining so we can say we decided to wait until the rain stopped. And my dad winked at me when we were leaving. He knows exactly what is on my mind!"
We arrive back to Bellevue and go through the front door so we can go right up the stairs without going through the kitchen and risk seeing everyone. Even though at this point I know my parents wouldn't care, I just wouldn't want to see my Aunt Diana, Lauren and Becca give me the once over. I am not very fond of them although I love my Uncle Mike. He treats me like a princess and everyone says I am his favorite. It's probably why Aunt Diana isn't very nice to me.
Of course as we are headed to the second floor, Elliot comes down from his old room on the third floor and sees us going into my room. He stops us.
"You lock everything up and re-code the gate?" Brady confirms that he did. "Did you notice if the caulk dried on the master shower? Something has to be wrong with that shit, it shouldn't take that long to dry."
"Not yet, almost. I know it was bothering you yesterday so I did check on it for that reason, and it is not setting right. Also, you may want the guys to double check the hinge in the bay window in the nursery. They don't angle right in my opinion."
"God damn it. I need to figure out who worked on that. I noticed that yesterday also. Okay. The shower at the end of the hall is empty dude if you need to shower." Elliot lifts his eyebrow when he says this. Is he telling Brady, he can't come in my room? Seriously?"
"Go away Elliot. Brady is using my shower." I tell my over protective big brother and notice Brady gives Elliot a small grin and doesn't look away.
Elliot shakes his head and walks down the stairs. "You got thirty minutes Beeson before I let Christian know you're up here with our little sister having your way with her. Thirty minutes than I let the lion loose. Got it?" He turns around on the second step and winks at us. "But no sounds coming out of this room, or I won't be able to keep your secret. Oh fuck, I hate this."
I watch my big brother walk down the stairs mumbling and shaking his head. They are never going to accept I have grown up. Elliot is so much older than me and he still sees me as his baby sister. Which I guess I am, but I think this past year he has gotten worse than Christian when it comes to me. At least he likes Brady, but he never liked Ethan around me. Speaking of Ethan I wonder why he isn't really here. Oh well, glad he isn't. Brady pulls me into the room and locks the door. He backs me up on to the bed kissing me as he pushes me down on it.
"Thirty minutes. A piece of cake. I want you so bad I will probably explode one minute after I have entered you." We both frantically remove our clothes and we are all hands and tongues and full of desire. When Brady puts his fingers inside of me he moans.
"Oh Mia, I know we don't have much time but baby I have to taste you." Before I can say anything he has moved down the bed and crawled between my legs placing them on his shoulders. He laps up my juices, sucks, licks and sticks his tongue inside of me twisting it around and around. I can't hold back and I take my pillow and put it over my mouth to scream into it muffling my cries. Oh god, I am coming with a vengeance and I am aware that my body is quivering and shuddering. I feel Brady moving up the bed and he removes the pillow and I see his gorgeous green eyes and his big smile.
"I take it you enjoyed that Baby? How do you want me? I am ready to explode here?" I reach down and stroke his very hard erection. "Seriously baby, don't do that, I will come all over you and I need to be inside of you. Please hurry and tell me how you want me."
I know Brady likes it when I am on my stomach and he can take me from behind. It isn't my favorite position I feel like it is all about the sex and not making love. But I know he is really horny so I smile at him, reach up and kiss him and roll over on my stomach and get on my knees. Brady enters me hard and quick and stills for a second. I hear him take a deep breath and moan softly, than he slams me hard and repeatedly for a few minutes before reaching around me and playing with my clit. Oh god, that feels amazing and I feel his thumb enter my behind. There is so much going on and my body is so over stimulated.
"Brady, Brady, Brady…." I whisper as I find my release and feel him slam into me hard one more time, jerk a bit and then he stops moving as he cums silently moaning my name. We don't move for a few minutes and then I feel him slowly pull out of me. Oh god, it always feels so empty when he leaves me.
"Come on let's take a shower baby." I look at my phone as I vaguely recall it was vibrating a few minutes ago. It's a text from Elliot.
"Little girl, you have ten minutes left." I giggle. "Shower quick baby, we are being timed."
Christian's POV
Man, I can't believe Gramps is thinking of selling. I just talked to Elliot in the hallway. We are going to make their house like Fort Knox. It will be so secure when we are done, the Navy Seals won't be able to get in!
What is Ana doing? She has been upstairs for a long time. I walk up the stairs and I see Mia's door is shut. I swear I hear a familiar noise in there. God damn it is she with Brady fucking? I start to bang on the door, but stop myself. She is an adult and he is about as good a guy as I could ask for when it comes to Mia. I have looked for a flaw every which way I could and there isn't any. I am sure he has some, everyone does right? But he is a good kid. Christ, knowing what he is probably doing to her right now is more than I can handle at the moment. Besides from upstairs I hear Ana talking to someone. Who would she be talking to?
I stand outside my door and open it slowly. I see Ana is standing at the window on the phone. She turns slightly when she sees me and her eyes are puffy and a mess. What the hell happened? I walk over to her and before I can say anything she puts her finger up to stop me.
"I am glad to hear that Mom. That is a huge start. I know you do, and I love you too and I hope that these sessions will bring us closer." She takes my hand with her free hand and moves my wedding ring back and forth. Shit she is talking to Carla. If Carla made her cry like this I swear I will get the jet out tonight and fly to Georgia and let her have it in person.
"I will need to run that by Christian Mom. He doesn't let me out of his sight these days….I can ask him, but I am not sure that is a good idea, maybe we should take baby steps and I could come alone for a few days. But like I said, I need to run this by my husband." Is she seriously thinking of going to see her mom? Oh fuck no. That isn't happening. She needs a stress free pregnancy. I am doing my part; not fighting today was an example. But if her mom thinks I am handing my wife over on a silver platter for her to stress out, she is delusional. "Okay mom, tell Bob I said hello….. I will. He's been great mom, really…. Yes, he's here and he is doing so much better. He still has a limp, but he is making progress….Theodore Raymond…..Yes, we haven't told him yet, we are telling him today…..okay I am glad we talked too. I love you Mom." Ana hangs up and leans into me and I hold her. Something tells me not to say anything for a few seconds. I rub her back and finally lift her face and look into her eyes.
"Are you okay? What's going on?" I run my thumb over her bottom lip which is soft and so tempting I can't resist bending down to kiss her.
"I was so upset about Gram Christian I came up here and couldn't stop crying. I hate seeing her this way."
"Yes, but you did an amazing job with her and she is downstairs doing really well. She has moved on from San Francisco telling everyone how her granddaughter Ana gave her a bath. Granted she has repeated it a thousand times, but she is doing great baby, all because you are so wonderful with her."
Ana starts crying again really hard. Shit. "I love her Christian. She is so sweet and she needs us. She can't help it." I pull Ana in and let her have a few more minutes to cry. God she is so awesome, how did I get so lucky to have her fall into my life.
"And she loves you, like we all do. Did your mom call you?" I am curious how this conversation finally took place between the two of them.
"No. I just realized how life is so short and even though my mom is the way she is, I miss her Christian. So I just called to say Happy Thanksgiving and as soon as I did she started crying hysterically. She told me how sorry she was, how worried about me she has been and how much she has missed me. But the big news is she is seeing a counselor and working through why she treats me the way she does. She understands a lot more about herself and she wants us to have a relationship. I mean I don't want to jump right in, but she does love me you know, in her own funny way. Right? My mom loves me?" She wants me to tell her that Carla loves her and I guess in her own bizarre way she does. But I don't want to say anything that would hurt Ana.
"Of course she does Ana, you're her daughter and a wonderful person." I kiss her again. "But did I hear you talk about going to visit her?"
Ana steps back and walks towards the bathroom and comes out again with her hair brush. "Yes, she would like me to come before Christmas to spend a few days. She hinted about spending Christmas together or flying out here, but I didn't think you would like her here for Christmas so I didn't say anything."
"Ana, if you want your mom here for Christmas, I won't be a dick about it. It's your mom. I told her as long as she treated you right; she could see you all she wanted to. That has been and still is my only condition. But with that said, the answer is no. You are not going out to see her by yourself. If you want to go, I will accompany you. I am not letting you go to Georgia and get stressed out without me to take care of you. Do you want to go see her?" I am not budging on this. She has taken my man card on so many issues the past few months, but not this one. Besides, I couldn't stand being away from her.
"I don't know. Let's see how we do the next time we talk on the phone. I swear she is so up and down, that I never know which Mom I will be getting. But I don't think it is good that you go with me." She gets undressed and is in her panties and bra. Fuck, I could take her again and it's been just two hours. I can't even look at her sometimes without wanting her.
"No Ana, I go with you or you don't go. So let me know what you want to do."
I watch her get dressed and she looks gorgeous as usual. She has no idea how naturally beautiful she is. I remember seeing a few of the subs without make up and almost stopped in my tracks. They were not attractive to me at all. Ana looks stunning either way. I like watching her when she puts on her eye make-up. She opens her mouth and makes the same face I make when I shave.
"Quit watching me Grey!" She giggles and I still love that sound. She puts on a white wool pleated dress that hides her bump from the front. When she turns to the side, I can see my little guy's home perfectly. I pull her to me as I am sitting on the bed and rub her bump.
"Baby boy, give Daddy another thump. I will take that thumping all day!" I hum Row Row Row Your Boat against Ana's tummy and we both jump when the wave like movement comes again.
"Oh my gosh! Christian you have the magic touch. He hasn't done anything since you were there earlier." I am so excited I stand up. I feel like I want to talk to him nonstop now.
Ana turns around so I can zip up her dress. She is wearing the pearl earrings I gave her for the wedding and has pulled her hair into a high ponytail which shows her beautiful long neck. She puts on her pearl necklace and it looks good with the dress she is wearing which is cut lower in the front. I smile noticing the fullness of her breast in the dress. It is tasteful, but I can't help being tempted to pop her out of that dress and suck on her gorgeous tits.
"Is that a maternity dress?"
"No. it's a Burberry. You bought this for me on our honeymoon. I can still wear it though. Does it look okay or too tight?"
"No not at all. I was just thinking if it was a maternity dress, it sure didn't look like one. It looks great. Are you wearing those shoes?" I point to the shoes with the five inch heels. "Are those safe?"
Ana giggles. "They are as safe as they were when you bought them for me, before I got pregnant."
Put them on when you get down the stairs. I don't want you walking in those things up and down the stairs Ana. I mean they are sexy as hell, but you need to be careful." She rolls her eyes at me. I raise my eyebrow at her and she bends down to pick up the shoes. I can't help myself I moan. She has the best ass. I start to walk over to her but she quickly turns around.
"Down boy. I am ready. Let's go." I am half surprised when she doesn't put her shoes on until we get to the foyer. She actually listened to me for once.
Ana and I join my parents and Elliot who are in the kitchen. My mom is fixing something on the stove and my dad is basting the turkey. Elliot is eating cashews and talking softly. I take the cashews away from him and start eating them.
"Dad, you can't go along with that. Christian, glad you are here. Uncle Mike went to dad and wants Dad to list Gramps house. What the hell dad? He can't fly into town and just start dictating this shit."
What? I am pissed. "Dad, why would he do that? It's not like this is his problem living in California. We have this covered."
We talk about the plan Elliot and I have in place for fixing up the house and my dad agrees to talk to Uncle Mike about backing off. I wanted to confront him, but everyone thought that was a bad idea. I get along great with my Uncle, but because I am so close to Gramps, it was decided that I need to step back.
"So let me give you some awesome news." I look up and grab Ana and put my arm around her neck pulling her close. Kate walks in and sits on Elliot's lap and kisses him softly. She sure is being nice today. I need to ask her what she is taking, and tell her to stay on it. Everyone looks at me waiting for the good news.
"I felt the baby. It was the most amazing thing ever. Ana's stomach did this wave like thing and we both jumped. I could feel the baby kicking right against my stomach and…" oh shit I think I just revealed too much. For a second there is dead silence.
"So let me get this straight, you were in the middle of fuc…..making love," Elliot corrects his language in front of my mom, "and little Tiger there gives you a kick to tell you to get the hell out of his house." We all start laughing and Ana's face is so red. She buries her head in my shoulder. Fucking Elliot, leave it to him to point out the obvious.
"Well, it wasn't in the middle, we were done." I say with a smirk and Ana hits me. My dad laughs and my Mom shakes her head. Kate is laughing hysterically. Seriously what did she take today? Then I realize she is being nice to me as she owes me.
"Elliot that must have been when we heard the headboard hitting the wall," Kate giggles harder.
"Kate, stop!" Ana is dying of embarrassment.
"Well that is exciting news. You will have to let us know when the baby kicks again. I would love to feel that." My mom tries to change the subject back to something more PG rated.
"You can keep that info to yourself if you're in the middle of knocking one off again," Elliot announces.
Actually, just a few minutes ago I sang Row Row Row Your Boat to Ana's tummy and he did it again. It is the coolest thing." I grab a chair and sit in it and pull Ana towards me. I hold her waist and put my mouth up to her stomach and sing the first song that comes to me, "Yellow Submarine." Nothing happens and everyone is watching. "I guess he doesn't like that song." I switch to The Blowers Daughter, and again nothing.
"Sure he kicked Christian. Sure. From the sound of the head board it was probably just aftershocks," Elliot says making me laugh so I can't sing.
I sing Row Row Row Row Your Boat again and a second later with everyone watching Ana's stomach we see a little ping! "Ha, did you see that. I quickly back up to make sure everyone had a view of Ana's tummy. I sing again, and Ping! "Did you see that?" Everyone is laughing and cheering which brings all the other relatives and guest in the room. Mia is upset she missed it, but when I try again, my son has decided to end the show.
"Well based on the song it could mean your son will take after you and be into rowing when he is in college." My dad comments as he takes the cashews back from Elliot.
Ray has arrived and Ana and I sit down and visit with him. Jose is hovering right over us. I like his Dad who is watching a football game with Elliot, Brady and his family. But we are sitting in the living trying to have a private conversation and Jose is clearly not getting it. I don't want to upset Ana but fuck, get lost Rodriquez. We talk about Ray's business and he doesn't think he can recover from it. I want to offer him a "loan" so he can manage until he can get back to work full time but I am not discussing this with Jose Fucking Rodriquez hanging around like a booger.
"Jose, can you give us a minute here?" Ana looks a little bit embarrassed but too bad. Jose doesn't look embarrassed or upset. He just shrugs and says he will go find Kate. Good.
"Ray, I am going to loan you one hundred thousand dollars to keep yourself afloat until you can get back to work full time. What you don't use, you can give back to me. What you need you can use and pay me back interest free until it's paid off. I don't want to argue about this. Ana worries about you and I don't want her stressed." I don't want him to pay me back, but he won't take the money unless I let him think it is a loan.
"Christian. I can't accept it. I just can't, but thank you for the generous offer." Ray is embarrassed and I I look at Ana. We discussed this so it's not like I sprung this on her. Ray needs to understand that I made more than one hundred thousand dollars just since her arrived two hours ago.
"Daddy, please. I can't bear thinking of you struggling and worrying about things while Christian and I have so much. "I am proud of her, she didn't say it was my money for a change. "Please, if you don't want one hundred thousand, will you take fifty thousand? Please for me?" Ana pleads with Ray and I see him weakening.
"I agreed to build a wall unit for a client next week and that will be several thousand coming in. I think I can make it."
"Dad, you shouldn't even be working yet. Stop it, your upsetting me now take the damn money please." Ana's hormones kick in again and I hide a smile. Welcome to my world Ray.
"Fine, but I want some legal documents on it so it's fair and square. I will sign over my house until it's paid off and put it in your name." Whatever. I was planning on paying off his house anyway. If it's in my name, I can do that easier.
"Good, I will take care of this next week. Ana and I have something else we want to share."
Ray looks up as I announce this. "Oh, well I already know you're pregnant and had to read that I am having a grandson, so what else do you want to tell me." He smiles so we know he is kidding but I do think he was pissed that we didn't tell him it was a boy before it was leaked to the press.
"We have decided to name our son Theodore Raymond after his great grandfather and his granddad!"
Ray smiles but he is almost speechless. "I never expected that. Wow, I am honored. That's just great! That is really something. Little Teddy Ray Grey. Sounds like a boxer's name doesn't it?" I laugh. It does actually. We visit a few more minutes and when we walk back out to the family room my mom has placed out appetizers and I note the house is full with guests. Everyone has arrived and watching the football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins. I don't like either team very much but I hate the Dolphins so I find myself cheering for the Cowboys.
Vickie Beeson and Dana Kavanagh seem to hit it off just fine sitting in the corner talking about all sorts of shit. Isn't that cozy? This is ironic. If Brady knew what Elliot and I know about Ethan he probably would want to kick his ass for not saving Mia for him to deflower. I haven't really talked much to Kate's dad but I need to approach him about possibly buying out his company. I heard he wants to sell, and I would like to get my hands on more media outlets so I have control of those pricks. I walk into the kitchen and find my mom slaving away.
"Mom, I would offer to help but I can't cook a thing. Do you want me to call Mia and Ana in here to help?"
"No, honey I am all set. Ana has offered several times and Mia just went into the dining room to fill the water glasses. We are all set." She miles at me but I can tell something is on her mind. "Listen, maybe this isn't the time to mention this but I heard from Mary Ellen Murphy that Elena Lincoln's surgery and prognosis is not good. Evidently she has known for several years that she had this lump and did nothing about it. Ridiculous! Anyway turns out the cancer is spread into her liver and lungs and they are saying they can't do much for her. I thought you should know."
Wow, this takes my breath away. I don't want to have a relationship with her, but when you have the history we have together this news is almost startling. I am not sure how I feel. "Well, I hope she has a good medical staff helping here." I mean I don't know what else to say here.
My mom sits down next to me. "I can't help her Christian. I hate her and I resent her so much that while it is unfortunate that she is ill, the world does not need a pedophile in its existence. I can't speak for you though and thought you should know. But if you break down and decide to call her or anything, you do it with Ana's knowledge. Do you understand me?" My mom is talking to me like I am ten again.
"Yes, of course. I won't call her. I don't know maybe I should send her flowers or something. No, I shouldn't. This is all confusing. Wow, a year ago she was sitting where you are sitting right now and we were talking about building another salon. Now I am married, with a baby on the way and I don't even speak to her. Life changes quickly. By the way, Ana broke down and called her mom today. You know she has gotten quite close to Grams and she is taking it hard, seeing her deteriorate so fast. What are the doctors doing about her meds and stuff? Isn't there anything they can do?"
My mom and I talk about this for a few minutes I tell her I am planning on a trip to Chicago on my way back from New York to meet with the CEO of the Alzheimer's Association. I want to know what I can do to actually help. I tell her I want the annual event that we do for Coping Together to have the proceeds be split next year and have half the money got to the Alzheimer's Association.
"But Christian. That will really impact Coping Together. They count on that money."
"Then I will do a similar event for Alzheimer's at my house next year. Or match the funds. Mom I have to do something. I can't stand that I can't fix this." I feel myself getting emotional. She reaches over and takes my hand.
"I appreciate your love and concern Christian. But as a physician, I have had to accept there is nothing we can do for Grams. Don't think it breaks my heart. That is my mother in there and sometimes she doesn't even remember me. I hurt, but we have to do our best to focus on what she can do and what she can remember and not what she can't do. Now come on let's go sit with our guest." She smiles at me but I see the pain in her eyes and I realize she doesn't want to speak about this anymore.
We walk back into the family room and join our guest and I look around the room. In some ways it is a room full of strangers other than Uncle Mike and his family and Grams and Gramps and of course my family. I mean Ana and her dad, Jose Sr. and Jr, the Kavenagh's and the Beeson's are all faces we have known less than a year. Hell just six months and yet most of this group minus Jose Fucking Rodriquez will be part of our extended family or are already. I would bet my fortune on it that Brady and Mia will get married. He is so into her and she is crazy in love. Hell I am the one pouting now. She never calls me anymore. I use to get a text from her about every hour and now I am lucky to hear from her once a week.
I walk over to Mia who is sitting on Brady's lap and bend down and whisper in her ear. "Take a walk with me?" She looks at me like I am nuts.
"It's raining out."
"So, we have umbrellas. Come on we will take Arthur with us." I look over at Sawyer who is playing Gin Rummy with Elliot and tell him to let Wilson and Thompson know we are taking a walk. We have limited security today and Thompson is a bit older, assigned to my mom, he doesn't have much need to do any real security. Sawyer stands up.
"I will go with you." Sawyer announces.
"No, sit down. We'll be fine. Even bad guys are probably at home eating turkey. Go on, you're off today."
Mia huffs out into the foyer and gets a coat out of the hall closet. I look in there and grab one of my dad's wool coats as I only brought my short leather jacket with me. Mia calls Arthur and Riley and Amigo come running too. I tell Amigo to go sit down but decide we should take Riley with us as he doesn't get much exercise these days. Then I feel guilty and call for Amigo to come. I walk back into the family room and tell Gramps and Elliot that I have the dogs with me.
We get outside and Mia looks at me. "What is this about? Are you going to lecture me?"
I smile at her. "No, I miss you. Is that okay?"
"What do you mean you miss me? I haven't gone anywhere. You're the one that has been traveling?"
"Don't be obtuse Mia. You know what I mean. We hardly talk anymore. I have been traveling and busy and you're in fucking love and always with Mr. Perfect."
Mia giggles. "He is perfect isn't he? Oh Christian, I am so in love." Now that she sees this is a friendly conversation, she slips her arm though mine and we are walking down the street with the dogs in tow. I am holding the umbrella over us. It isn't raining that hard. It feels great to be outside, almost too many people in one room for me. I have changed a lot but my need for space hasn't changed.
"I don't know if he is really perfect, but he is a great guy Mia. I am very happy for you." She puts her head on my shoulder.
"Thank you for saying that Christian. Having your approval means everything to me." I kiss her forehead.
"But if he ever…."
"Trust me I know. If he ever hurts me you will kill him right after Elliot does. I know."
"Yep. So, do you and Brady want to go with Ana and me too Aspen for a few days after Christmas?"
She looks at me and hesitates. "Actually, the Beeson's have asked me to go to Indiana for Christmas. But maybe we can come out for a few days after?"
"What! You can't go there for Christmas. Mia, we are moving in the new house and having Christmas dinner at our house." I am speechless. Christmas without Mia will be too strange. She makes Christmas special with all her traditions, singing, and all that shit she always does. I never even wanted to go over to my parents for Christmas but she would call me and tell me I had no choice and always make it special. "Please, Mia, don't go. I will send you on the jet right after Christmas morning. But please be with us for our Christmas Eve traditions." We have a Christmas Eve tradition that started when we were kids. We would get so excited about our presents that my mom would let us open our stockings to hold us over. Even as adults my mom finds the craziest shit to put in the stockings entertaining us for hours. Last year we got potato guns and Elliot and I were in the backyard shooting at each other well after midnight.
"Christian I want to spend Christmas with Brady too and it isn't fair to make him stay here again. His parents won't want to come back."
"Let's ask them. Doesn't he have a sister or something? She can come too. I understand, but I am being selfish. I want to show Ana what a true Grey Christmas is all about and it would not be the same without you there. Think about it, for me?" I give her my best pout.
"Well, maybe we can work out a deal?"
"What kind of deal?" I look at her and see something mischievous about her.
"Well, you could make me look like a hero at the station, which by the way I found out you own part of the other day, anyway, if you called in one morning and gave an interview."
"No Mia. Not happening."
"Hmmm, then no to Christmas."
"Mia, come on, you can't do that. Hold Christmas with your family over my head for an interview. You know I hate that shit."
"Christian, if I can't get an interview with Christian Grey, my own big brother, then come on. You should want to help me with this. Speaking of the media, is that a reporter over there taking our picture." Mia points in the direction of one of our neighbor's yards. I look and see that it is just a random person taking a picture who will probably make a boat load of money for snapping this photo. I don't know this neighbor.
"Wilson." I yell out. He comes running up to us. "Chase that fucker down and see if you can get him to delete the photos he just shot. Probably won't be able to but see if you can convince him.
"Okay Mia, I can't imagine the Beeson's don't have their own family shit so don't ask them to come here for Christmas. But if you agree to spend the night with us Christmas Eve and have our traditions intact and leave Christmas morning, I will let you take the jet early Christmas morning to India fucking ana. In return, I will call into your radio station with questions approved in advance."
"Really? Okay I need to talk to Brady first, but that would be great."
"No you don't."
"No I don't what."
"No you don't need his approval. I said I would send you on my jet, he doesn't have a ring on your finger yet. Your still Mia Grey little girl. Not Mia Beeson. Just tell him." I smile at her and she punches my arm.
We walk for another twenty minutes and talk about all sorts of stuff. It has stopped raining. We get back to the house and we let the dogs in while we wipe our feet. Mia grabs me and gives me the biggest hug.
"Thanks for asking me to take a walk Christian. I have missed you too." She kisses me on my cheek. I enjoyed this. I should call her more often.
Grace's POV
"Okay everyone, our dinner is ready." It's like herding cats for Pete's sake. Kate and Elliot have agreed to take the round table with Jose, Sawyer and Lauren and Scott. We all sit down and I have asked everyone to find a seat with Carrick and myself sitting on the end. Once we get everyone seated, Carrick stands up.
"What a glorious and wonderful Thanksgiving this is for our family. We have so many wonderful new additions at our table. First, we have our beautiful new daughter-in-law, who is carrying our first grandchild with us. We all love you Ana, and couldn't be happier to have you here with your dad, and our dear friend, Ray and our friends, Jose Sr and Jr. Then we have our future- daughter-in-law Kate who brings so much energy and mischief to the equation. We never thought anyone would tame our son Elliot, so you have lifelong points from Grace and me. We welcome Kate and her parents here today. We miss Ethan and of course wish he was here to join us." I note that Christian turns around and catches Elliot's eye. What are those two up to now? "We welcome the Beeson family joining us from Indiana. Brady you need to be a permanent fixture guaranteeing my firm a win every year at the Turkey Bowl." Oh Carrick, don't embarrass poor Mia.
"We are grateful to have the Trevelyan family in full force. Of course my in-laws Theo and Adelaide, we are grateful for the love, and support you give everyone in our family. We all love you and cherish you. Mike and Diana, Daniel, Scott, Lauren and Becca we are so thankful to have you here each Thanksgiving to be part of our annual tradition. And I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the young man that keeps our precious Ana safe each and every day and has become part of our extended family just as Taylor and Gail who couldn't join us today have. Luke Sawyer we are very happy your boss gave you the day off." Everyone smiles and laughs at this and Christian holds his glass of Champagne up motioning Luke. He is such a nice young man; I hope he is enjoying himself today.
So, Grace and I welcome you, we are thankful for your love, new friendship and to have you here. Cheers and Bon Appétit."
We serve a pumpkin squash soup as our first course. I am pleased by the way the turkey has turned out. We also have mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans almandine, smoked ham, stuffing, rolls and some fabulous wine. We are all stuffed but, after dinner we sit around the table and we have a Thanksgiving tradition that everyone must participate in. Mia started this in grade school and we have played along for years. Sometimes, the boys got raunchy, but I hope they behave this year. Last year Christian was so sullen and negative he said something hideous and ruined the tradition. This year I expect pure joy coming from him. Mia gets up to explain.
"For our new guest, each year we bring this large fish bowl out and it is filled with letters of the alphabet. Everyone draws out five letters and you have to make a five word statement with each word starting with a letter drawn. Your sentence must be expressing thanks. You can do the words in any order. So we give you this to start: I am thankful for….. For example I will draw five letters." Mia gets all excited. I have drawn a H, I, A, J and R." She smiles and thinks for a minute. "So my sentence is, "I am thankful… I have a radio job!" Everyone laughs and I am relieved to see it looks like everyone will participate. We have fun with it. Mia hands the bowl to Carrick.
"I have a M, S, B, A, C." Hmmm. Okay, I am thankful….. Christian married Ana, baby soon." Everyone again laughs.
We work our way around the room. We all laughed at Wes Beeson's. Sometimes it's hard with the letters you get.
He read his letters. "M, S, I, N, G. Wow this is a tough one. Okay, sorry if I offend anyone, I don't mean it but all I can come up with is, I am thankful…. my son is not gay." Elliot almost spits his drink all over himself.
My dad made me cry. "I, M, A, M, and B. Oh this is easy. I am thankful….. I married my beautiful Addy.
When it got to Christian I just couldn't get over looking at him. He was smiling, laughing and just so happy. "Okay. T, A, B, D and G. I am thankful…. being Theodore's grandson and daddy." Ana kisses him beaming from ear to ear.
Ana seemed shy but Christian encouraged her. "Go on baby, you are good at this stuff."
"Oh my, I have a Z, D, R, I and M." Everyone groans for her. "Okay I have this. I am thankful…. my daddy's recovery is zealous." We all clap and applaud her creativity.
It is my turn and I draw M, H, S A C….. "I am thankful ….my children are so happy."
Brady was cute. "I have a G, A, I, A, N. Oh man all vowels. Okay I got this. I am thankful…. I am not gay also." He raises his eyebrows and kisses Mia in front of all of us. Quite a passionate kiss I might add. That young man is in love with my daughter.
We continue until we get to the round table Sawyer seems a bit uncomfortable but joins in. "I, T, H, D and J. I am thankful….I don't have Taylor's job." Christian and Ana roar laughing and Elliot high fives Sawyer. Jose goes next and is thankful he will graduate this year and then we make it around to Kate and Elliot.
Kate wiggles her fingers all nervous making us laugh. "I am terrible at this sort of thing. Okay I have N, B, N F, A. Oh I got it! I am thankful for Nordstrom's, Neiman's and Bloomingdales." Kate is so proud of her self and she claps all excited. Elliot puts his head on the table and bangs it a few times. So like Kate to think of shopping.
Oh boy, one never knows what Elliot is going to say.
"Okay, let's see what I have. Oh man, I have a V, B, B, H and K. I am thankful… Kate has voluptuous big breast." I can't help but laugh when Kate hits Elliot. Oh that boy. We start to stand and Grams notices that we have not included her.
"Do I get to say what I am thankful for?" She looks at each of us. Mia comes over and hands her the fishbowl with the letters. She only draws out three letters, peaks at them and doesn't tell us what they are. We don't tell her she needs two more and we don't tell her she has to read the letters out loud. She smashes the paper letters in the palm of her hand. "I am thankful…. Theo and Riley." She smiles all proud and we clap and everyone cheers. Everyone makes their way to the family room except Maggie, Ana, Mia, Kate and Mike stay behind to help me clear the table so we can get dessert ready.
"Grace look." Kate calls me over. She hands me the letters my mother was holding in her hand. Mike and Ana come over and look and Ana grabs my arm.
"See, Grace, she is still with us." Ana says softly rubbing my back.
I nod and my brother Mike takes me in his arms as I cry holding the letters; T, A, R.