On the Rocks: Chapter Thirty-seven

When Ana wakes, she's again alone in Christian's bed. A glance at the clock shows that it's not yet eight. She shakes her head at the fact that he could only have had a few hours' sleep, and then smiles as she remembers his boyish excitement on seeing the love-heart of trimmed hair between her legs. Soon after that, the boy vanished and only the passionate man had remained. At first intent on keeping the noise of their love-making to a minimum in his parents' house, Ana had eventually forgotten all but the two of them as they celebrated their love for each other one last time before the wedding.

Almost leaping out of bed, Ana finds some suitable clothes in the bags of choice that Christian bought yesterday and runs her fingers through her hair a few times, subduing it only with a hair-tie before going in search of him. He's obviously been busy, because everyone she meets congratulates her on deciding to get married today. Carla, Bob, Ray, Grace and Carrick all wish her well. But none of them know where Christian is, so Ana excuses herself to look for him outside.

Standing on the flagstones, the slight chill of the morning air raising bumps on her bare arms, Ana hears the unmistakable sound of an axe splitting wood and, smiling, heads in that direction. Sure enough, Christian is hard at work, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, turning cross-sections of logs into manageable pieces. Watching his progress is an older man, who periodically removes the pipe from his mouth to speak. Ana knows that this must be the gardener who was so good to Christian when he was a child, and automatically waves a greeting to him as she approaches. He says something to Christian, who imbeds the axe in the stump before him and then turns to her with a smile on his face.

Suddenly worried that she's intruding, Ana's footsteps slow a little. The old man says something that Ana recognizes as French, but does not understand. Without taking his eyes from Ana, Christian says to him, "En anglais, s'il vous plait."

The man stands as she nears them and offers a small bow in greeting before saying, with only a slight accent, "Pardon me, Miss Steele, I was only telling Master…sorry, Christian, that he did not exaggerate when he said that you are beautiful."

Grinning at her embarrassment, Christian says, "Ana, this is Monsieur Bangard." Taking Ana's hand, he then says, "Monsieur, this is my fiancée, Anastasia Steele; soon to be my wife."

Mr. Bangard accepts Ana's outstretched hand and bows again as he says, "Armand, please. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Thrilled to meet someone who's had such a positive impact on Christian, Ana says, "I'm so glad to meet you. Thank you, for being so kind to Christian while he lived here."

Smiling at Christian with an almost paternal pride, Armand says, "He was a good boy, and I can see that he is a good man." Looking back at Ana, he continues, "I'm glad he found you."

Drawing Ana against his side with one arm, Christian says, "Actually, she found me; literally fell at my feet."

Armand laughs and says, "Then I'm glad you had the good manners and sense to help her up."

At first wondering how Armand could know that, Ana realizes in almost the same instant that she wouldn't be here now if Christian hadn't offered his assistance that day. Smiling, she says, "Yet, still, he insists that I'm graceful."

Serious now, Armand says, "Mademoiselle, you are."

Surprised, Ana looks up at Christian to see only a smug grin beaming back at her, so she pokes that ticklish spot on his ribs and says, "Yes, you said."

Smiling over both of them as a benediction, Armand says, "Well, I have duties. Congratulations, to you both."

With a friendly yet deferent politeness, he bids them goodbye. When he's gone, Ana says to Christian, "Am I ever going to wake up next to you?"

Christian laughs and kisses her, then says, "Sorry, babe. I had to set the wedding wheels in motion. This place is going to erupt with activity in less than an hour." And then he nervously reveals, "And, slight bad news; the press have got wind of our wedding…well, they suspect, anyway. So there will be some effort to get in here, possibly even choppers overhead. I'm afraid that there's not much to be done about it other than staying inside the house, or under the marquee." And then he grins and asks, "Have you peeked?"

Shaking her head, Ana says, "Not even a little bit. Can I look now?"

Laughter in his voice, Christian says, "No." He kisses her again and asks, "You're not upset about the press?"

Ana shrugs and says, "If there's nothing to be done about it, there would be little point, right?"

Tucking a tendril of her mostly untamed hair behind one ear, Christian lovingly says, "Right. Thank you."

A little confused, Ana says, "What did you think I was going to do?"

"Uh, nothing, I guess. I just feel like this is my fault. You'd never have this problem if it weren't for me."

Curbing her smile, Ana says, "Oh, I see what you're saying; that I could never, not in an entire lifetime, have become famous as Ana Steele."

Embarrassed, Christian says, "Not what I meant. I just…" And then he grins and says, "You're teasing me."

Unleashing her ready smile, Ana says, "Yes."

Gathering Ana in his arms, Christian says, "If you think that I couldn't find a spot in these grounds secluded enough to spank you, then you're sadly mistaken, Miss Steele."

Her hands trapped against his chest, Ana smiles up at him as she says, "Except that you're not going to punish me."

Touching his nose to hers, Christian murmurs, "Well, I intend to marry you. That might count."

Relishing even that simple contact, Ana says, "I wish we were already married."

Christian grins and says, "Now who's impatient?"

Ana only smiles at that, and then asks, "When am I graceful?"

"Uh, I guess it's when you're very emotional. I've noticed it when you're angry, scared…" Christian grins again and concludes, "Or when you really want me. So, which is it this morning?"

"Well, I'm not angry with you, and I'm no longer afraid, so I guess that I must really want you, Mr. Grey."

After an unsteady breath, Christian asks, "So soon?"

With a shrug, Ana says, "You were pretty cute last night."

With a smile in his eyes, Christian echoes, "Cute?" At Ana's nod, he says, "I thought that you didn't find me sexy when I'm that drunk?"

Smiling her love for him, Ana says, "I lied. You're only slightly less sexy when you're drunk, apologetic, horny and breaking into your parents' house. How many times have you done that, anyway?"

"No idea; enough that, even without your help, I could have found my way into bed without waking anyone…well, other than you, of course."

Ana grins and says, "Except that Prescott made sure the window was locked before letting me sleep in there."

Glancing at Ana's vigilant shadow, standing a respectful distance away, Christian says, "Well, I'm glad she's doing her job. You two getting along okay?"

"As long as she's doing her job, what does it matter?"

"She and Taylor will accompany us when we leave tomorrow."

"Fuck, Christian, even on our honeymoon?"

Unapologetic, Christian says, "Yes, baby. There's even more reason now that the press are an immediate concern."

By now familiar with that authoritative tone of voice, Ana sighs and says, "Okay." And then she asks, "What time are we leaving?"

"Afternoon. You worried about that reporter?"

"Not a…never mind. Yes. I promised that I'd see her in the morning."

"Taken care of, babe. Wintershoven will find her a place at Grey's Publishing."

Glaring at him, Ana asks, "Did you do that on purpose; remind me that I own a company?"

With a bemused grin, Christian says, "That's its name, Ana."

Determined not to let anything upset her on their wedding day, Ana simply asks, "So, what happens today?"

His expression wary, Christian says, "Uh, the schedule will have been emailed to you by now. I was hoping that you'd be able to get ready at Escala and make an entrance in a limousine. But, with word out, we've decided that it's best if you and I stay here. The house is big enough that everyone can get ready without violating tradition enough to freak out our parents. If that's okay with you?"

Smiling at the concession, Ana says, "It's fine, Christian."

When she can't help a tremor at the cold, Christian says, "Time to go in." He picks up his jacket and, standing before her, drapes it around Ana's shoulders. Pulling the sides together, effectively imprisoning her, he then says, "I love you, Anastasia."

Wondering what it says about her, but too scared to look closely at the answer, Ana's concerns melt away at his restrictive embrace, and she asks, "How sore is your lip?"

Keeping her cocooned in his jacket, Christian gently brushes his lips against hers. When she leans into the kiss, he pulls back just out of her reach and cautions, "Ana."

With a groan, Ana complains, "Christian, you do know we have a wedding to prepare for, right?"

"Exactly. If I let you take this too far, we'll end up fucking again, and we simply don't have time."

"Nothing at all to do with your need to be in control?"

Entwining one hand in her hair, Christian immobilizes her completely and says "Nope," before kissing her again.

When Christian finally lifts his head, Ana notices a fresh blood smear on his bottom lip. With a faint, metallic taste on her tongue, she knows that there must be a mirroring crimson on her lip, and tests this theory with the tip of her tongue. Christian's sharp intake of breath surprises and excites her, even as she tastes his blood and realizes that she likes it. Struggling to understand this revelation when all she wants to do is lick his wound clean, Ana finally comprehends something and says, "That's why no acts involving blood; you're worried that it might go too far."

His expression dark and unreadable, Christian releases her as he reveals, "With them, yes. With you, I feel a genuine reluctance to mar your perfection. When you cut your foot, all I felt was distress that it was partly my fault." Ana is still lost in thought when he asks, "You okay?"

"Huh? Yeah. I'm just…sometimes I get worried that, if I hadn't been a virgin when we met, I would have ended up as one of your ex subs. But…I really am different in your eyes, aren't I?"

Shaking his head in bewilderment, Christian says, "How can you even doubt that? What we have is so different that it almost doesn't compare."

Smiling a little, Ana says, "And I would know that because…?"

Comprehension lights his eyes and Christian again embraces her as he says, "I'm sorry, babe. I had no idea you harbored this fear." With a deep, trembling sigh, he explains, "It was your eyes. Then it was your courage, intelligence, strength, wit, vivacity, talent and countless other, little things that make me fall in love with you every, single day." With a grin, he continues, "Of course, it doesn't hurt that you are smoking hot and took to sex like a duck to water. Any of the women I've been with may have had one, or even some of those qualities, but you are the whole package and the only woman I could ever imagine marrying." When Ana's only response it to stare up at him with tears in her eyes, Christian smiles and asks, "Can we have breakfast now?"

Dabbing her eyes on his sleeve, Ana meekly says, "Yes, please. Oh, but clean your lip."

Christian does so and then claims Ana's hand to head inside. As they near Prescott, they can see that she's receiving a message via the subtle two-way radio all the security staff are wearing today, and she says, "Sir, trouble at the gate. Also, Sawyer is here, so…?"

"Trouble?"

Ana's blood goes cold when Prescott answers, "A Ms. Lincoln is trying to gain entrance, but she's not on the list."

Christian only nods and says, "Okay, I'll take care of it. Go, get some rest. Thank you." With only a nod, the weary security officer leaves them. Christian looks at Ana and asks, "I'm guessing; battle?"

She knows that he's talking about Elena attending their wedding and declares, "Armageddon."

"And, if I make sure Elena doesn't crash the party, I can uninvite the photographer?"

"You know very well that his name is José. And it's not the same thing at all, Christian; he didn't abuse me."

His expression dark with remembered anger, Christian says, "No, because I got there in time."

Becoming more uncomfortable every second, Ana says, "You don't know that. He's been a very good friend to me. I know he got out of hand that night, but he's apologized profusely since then, and there's no way he would have let it get further than it did." With a shrug, she adds, "Besides, how else can we have someone photograph our wedding without worrying if they'll sell the pics to the highest bidder?"

Christian relaxes and says, "Yes, I guess you're right. But I don't have to like it." And then he kisses her forehead and says, "Start on breakfast. I won't be long."

Her blood hot with anger at the thought of him even speaking with that woman, Ana says, "Want me to take care of her?"

With a grin, Christian says, "Thanks for the thought, babe, but I don't think we need a cat fight in front of the reporters."

In earnest, Ana declares, "I wasn't planning on giving her a chance to fight back."

Gently touching his lips to hers, Christian then says, "You're wonderful, and I love your hair like this."

Unable to stop herself self-consciously touching her hair, Ana asks, "Unbrushed and unwashed?"

His tone warm, Christian says, "Exactly; you're like a wild thing just now with the anger in your eyes…very sexy." Sawyer meets them before they get to the door and Christian releases Ana as he says, "Ten minutes; tops."

Ana hands Christian his jacket and heads for the kitchen as he makes his way through the house.

Feeling suddenly weary, his head still pounding as a side effect of last night, Christian makes his way towards the security cordon at the front gate and Elena's waiting limousine, currently prevented from entering by the armed security guards standing in front of it. Ignoring the nearby reporters screaming his name, but noting with satisfaction that they're now also held at bay by local police, he opens the rear door of the limousine and climbs inside to sit opposite her, and then he asks, "Elena, what are you doing here?"

Apparently intent on playing dumb, she says, "Can't I visit my dear friend, Grace?"

Christian shakes his head and says, "Innocence is not a good look on you. And you can't visit today. You'll have to leave."

Studying him for a moment, Elena then says, "You're not the marrying type, Christian."

Already tired of the conversation, Christian says, "I am today. And you still have to leave."

His hand is on the door handle to exit when Elena grabs his arm and says, "She can't make you happy, Christian, not long-term. You need more."

Staring at her hand until she removes it, Christian then says, "She is more, Elena. Until I met Anastasia, I didn't even know that I had only ever settled for less." He notices the sudden hurt in her eyes, but can't make himself care, and opens the door as he says, "I'll pass on your greeting to my mother and explain that you'll visit her another time. Bye, Elena."

Christian carefully avoids slamming the door, and then instructs the nearest guard, "See them safely out. And, if that woman makes it to the house, you're fired."

He knows that his orders will be obeyed to the letter when the man almost stands to attention and says only, "Yes, sir."

On the way back to the house, Christian notices a curtain fluttering slightly in one of the living room windows and catches a glimpse of unruly, brown hair. Hiding his smile, he makes his way to the kitchen, to find Ana "innocently" preparing her breakfast, and she asks, "How did it go?"

Embracing her, Christian says, "One of my favorite things about you, Anastasia, is that you're terrible at deception. You already know how it went. I sat with Elena long enough to make it clear that she's not welcome, and then she left."

With no trace of guilt in her expression, Ana says, "Okay, so I peeked. I was worried that you might need backup."

Reaching around to almost gently smack her butt, Christian says, "Again with the lying? Maybe I should rethink this whole marriage thing."

Beaming up at him, Ana says, "If that's what you want, Mr. Grey."

Suddenly recalling the sight of Ana tentatively tasting his blood on her lip, Christian's dick comes to life and he murmurs, "I think you know what I want, Miss Steele."

He's answering her unspoken plea to be kissed when Kate's voice loudly complains, "For fuck's sake, Grey, can't you leave her alone even for two seconds?"

Looking only at Ana, Christian answers, "Yes, I can." And then he releases her and says to Kate, "Morning, Miss Kavanagh. Is my brother alive?"

Scowling, Kate says, "Apparently just barely. What did you do to him last night?"

"Other than finally giving in to his demands that we go out, and then depositing him safely at his apartment afterwards, nothing." And then Christian gestures to the row of bain maries and says, "There's a hot breakfast available if you'd care for it, or the refrigerator and pantry are stocked if you'd prefer something simpler."

Kate only grunts her thanks before investigating the options. The three of them enjoy a companionable meal, the only excitement being when Kate finds a newspaper article about the wedding and reads out, "Is Seattle's most eligible bachelor off the market?"

Still worried how she'll cope with the publicity, Christian is reassured when Ana only laughs and declares, "Yes!"

They're still eating when Sawyer receives a message through his earpiece and then says, "Sir, the wedding planner has arrived."

With a sigh, Christian replies, "Thanks. Have her meet me out back." And then he kisses Ana's cheek and says, "It's about to get busy around here. Natalya will be here after lunch to do your hair and makeup. Come find me before you get changed, okay? Remember, if you go out the back, you might be photographed, and it's a fucking certainty if you step out the front door."

Looking a little nervous, Ana says, "Okay. Thanks, Christian." He's about to kiss her goodbye when she asks, "Oh, where are we sleeping tonight?"

Smiling, because he'd assumed she'd just know, he says, "Home, sweetheart; Escala." When he glances at Kate in silent request, she grins and covers her ears, turning her back slightly. Satisfied that she'll behave, he leans over and whispers to Ana, "And then I'll get to carry you over the threshold of the playroom."

He's surprised and delighted when she blushes and says, "I'd like that."

Wondering how he'll be able to wait that long to again fuck her, Christian stays in control enough to offer Ana an almost chaste parting kiss and then waves at Kate before heading out the back to meet the wedding planner.

When he's gone, Kate says, "I take it from the smoochies and the racket before dawn that the wedding is on?"

Ana blushes down to her toes and shoots a nervous glance at the suddenly preoccupied Sawyer before whispering, "We didn't make that much noise, did we?"

Kate's eyes widen and then she laughs and says, "Fuck, Ana, that was you being quiet? Maybe I've chosen the wrong brother."

Ana smiles and says, "No, I think it's working out just fine. And, yes, the wedding is on."

Kate beams her pleasure at this news and then, with a twinkle in her eye, says, "I'm not surprised. If you can't resist him for one night, how can you resist him for a week?"

Ana again blushes a little and says, "In my defense, he climbed into his bedroom, not knowing I was there, and then apologized for disturbing me, saying that Escala was too far away from me."

Kate laughs and says, "Okay, that is pretty sweet. He does have his moments, doesn't he?" When Ana only smiles and resumes eating, Kate hesitates a second and then asks, "What about the…"

When she then seems to remember that they have an audience, Ana says, "Sawyer knows. And, if we're talking about the same thing, we dispensed with the paperwork a while ago. That's who Christian was. It's not who he is." With a smile, she continues, "Well, not completely, anyway."

Her expression still wary, Kate asks, "But, you're happy?"

So that there won't be any doubt, Ana unleashes a smile like sunshine and says, "That word doesn't begin to describe how good I feel just being with Christian. But, for all intents and purposes, I am happy…rapturously so. I'm likely to explode with happiness when we're married."

Apparently unable to resist teasing her, Kate says, "Sounded like that's what you were doing this morning."

Trying not to smile, Ana says, "Katherine Kavanagh, you're not a nice person."

With a self-satisfied smile, Kate resumes eating her breakfast.

It's been hours since Ana set sight on Christian, though she's barely had time to miss him with Kate and Mia entertaining her. And then a happy reunion with José when he arrived. Only when Natalya turns up, to start on their hair and makeup, does Ana realize that she'll be married in just a few hours. Asking Natalya to start on the others' first, Ana goes looking for Christian. She spots Taylor, on guard outside Christian's bedroom. On seeing her, he smiles and says, "He crashed." Hand on the door, he adds, "But he told me to let you in."

Suddenly concerned for Christian, Ana says, "Maybe I'd better let him sleep."

Taylor only smiles and opens the door as he repeats, "He told me to let you in."

So Ana knows that Christian is missing her, too. She rests a hand on Taylor's shoulder as she walks past him into the room, saying only, "Thank you."

Christian is asleep on the bed, not having even bothered to remove his shoes. Looking at him, finally at peace in sleep, Ana's heart aches with love for him. As if somehow sensing her presence, he stirs and opens his eyes. The smile that lights his face on seeing her makes her chest ache even more. It really doesn't feel like a choice to obey the gesture when Christian then holds out one hand towards her. Quickly kicking off her shoes, Ana climbs on the bed and nestles against him. Christian kisses her forehead and says, "Hello, bride."

Worming one hand under his t-shirt, to rest her palm against his chest, Ana says, "Hello, groom. I'm glad you slept."

"Yeah, apparently it's not actually possible to run on excitement and caffeine. You about to get changed?"

Ana nods against his shoulder and says, "Soon. Mia's room will be ground zero for our preparations. Oh, José wants a few shots of us getting ready. But he's assured me that there'll be nothing risqué in them. You okay with that?"

"You'll keep Sawyer with you?"

"If that will ease your conscience, yes. He'll want a few of you and…oh, is Carrick still your best man?"

Christian tenses and says, "Why wouldn't he be?"

Worried that she's said something wrong, Ana says, "Oh, it's just…you didn't seem happy with him yesterday, and he looked guilty about something at dinner last night."

Christian then angrily asks, "Did he talk to you?"

Lifting herself up on one elbow to look at him, Ana says, "Sure, but nothing sinister. What's going on, Christian?"

"It's nothing, babe. Don't worry about it."

"Don't worry that, on our wedding day, you're afraid of what your father might say to me?" When her question is met with only Christian's closed off resistance, Ana is surprised how much it hurts when she says, "Carrick doesn't think that I'm good enough for you."

Christian clasps her to him and says, "Oh, no, baby, don't think that. If anything, he thinks you're too good for me. It's just…he thinks like a lawyer, so…"

When Christian doesn't continue and looks embarrassed, Ana works it out and utters, "Oh." After a moment, she says, "I'm sorry, Christian, but that didn't even occur to me. Of course, I'd be happy to sign anything that will put his mind at ease."

Christian shakes his head and says, "No. I told you, the only piece of paper you're signing is the marriage license. Carrick can go fuck himself. No prenup."

With Christian's tone clearly indicating that the subject is closed, Ana tries to put it from her mind as she settles back against him. After a moment she says, "This is still my favorite place in the world."

Christian chuckles and says, "Anastasia, you've not yet seen the world."

Ana smiles and says, "Fair enough; my favorite place in the entire United States, then."

Idly caressing her back, Christian says, "It's my favorite place, too, and I have seen the world. No second thoughts?"

"Probably third and fourth, too. But none of them are nearly enough to put me off the idea. You?"

"No. Marrying you…sometimes it feels like everything that's ever happened to me is so that I can be here with you today."

In awe, Ana says, "Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. I wonder if we'll feel like that about every milestone we share?"

Holding her a little tighter, Christian says, "I hope so." And then, with a small groan of protest, he says, "You'd better go."

Ana lifts her head to smile at him as she says, "Feeling frisky, Mr. Grey?"

Also smiling, Christian says, "No...well, yes, obviously. But it's more that, if you're late, I won't be able to stop myself tearing the fucking place apart looking for you."

Suddenly moving so that she's astride him, Ana says, "I won't be late. But, if I am, I'll be in your sister's room and it will be entirely her fault."

Christian laughs and says, "Yeah, you're probably right." And then he's suddenly serious as he threads his hands through Ana's now washed and brushed hair, pulling her face to his for a kiss. After a while, Ana tries to speak. He permits a fraction of space between them and says, "Yeah, babe?"

Drunk with pleasure, Ana mumbles, "Your lip."

Christian sighs and releases her, saying, "You're right. It wouldn't do to leave blood on you when Brit says we can kiss, would it?" Ana can't help but remember a similar incident only this morning. At the look on her face, Christian huskily says, "You'd better go."

Unrepentant, Ana laughs and says, "Sorry."

As Ana leaves his body and the bed, Christian asks, "Oh, did Brit catch up with you?"

"Yes. He ran through me through the process and we discussed vows. Kate and Mia have been helping me come up with something to say, though I'm a little nervous about that part of it."

Christian stands and takes her hands in his. With a twinkle in his eye, he says, "Just remember the obey part of the vows and everything will be fine."

Ana knows that he doesn't really expect that of her, so she teases, "In all things."

With a groan, Christian says, "This is beginning to feel like the longest day in history."

Smiling at his impatience, Ana says, "Not long now, my darling."

With their sudden need for each other practically crackling in the air, it's Christian who finds the strength to let go of Ana's hands and say, "I'll see you almost soon enough."

Not trusting herself to speak, Ana merely nods and leaves him. Outside the door, Taylor asks, "Everything okay, ma'am?"

Only then noticing the tears, Ana quickly wipes her eyes and says, "Sorry. Too happy not to cry."

With a kind smile, Taylor says, "They say it's good luck."

"Weeping?"

"Yeah, something about tears shed on your wedding day will ensure a happy marriage."

Apparently unable to stop the waterworks, Ana again scrubs at her face as she says, "Just as well, because I'm weeping every hour, on the hour."

With only a moment's hesitation, Taylor embraces her and says, "You'll be fine. Just look at Christian and forget everything else."

Letting herself relax in his arms, Ana says, "I'm glad you're here."

They both jump when the door suddenly opens, Taylor releasing her as if burned. Ana wipes her eyes yet again and looks up at Christian to explain, "Apparently it's good luck if I cry before the ceremony."

His angry reaction on seeing her in another man's arms melting away almost immediately, Christian says, "Then I think you're set." To Taylor, he says, "If you're done manhandling my bride, would you please fetch my father and brother?"

Visibly relieved to get off so easy, Taylor spins on his heel to obey as he says, "Yes, sir."

Concern etched in every line of his face, Christian gently cradles Ana's face in both hands and asks, "Good crying?" When Ana can only manage a nod in reply, he tenderly kisses her cheeks and then her lips before saying, "Only happy tears from now on, okay?"

These words somehow removing her need to cry, Ana beams at him and says, "Yes, Sir."

Author's note: Aahh! Get married, already! Looks like just one more...I think.