Chapter 37: Christmas Time (Part 1)
It's amazing how much time flies by. One minute, it's my birthday, the next, it's Christmas time. Christian awoke me to fluttery neck kisses on the 23rd December morning, holding a little red box wrapped with a bow. I sat up tiredly and kissed him while he placed his hand on my now six-month pregnant bump.
"Hmm it's not Christmas yet," I told him as he placed the box in my hand.
"Just open it."
I rolled my eyes but did as requested and revealed to me was an exquisite pair of big Ruby studs.
"Oh they're beautiful," I marvelled.
"Red, for Christmas." He grinned.
"Such a romantic Mr Grey," I teased, reaching up to swap out my diamonds for these beauties.
"Ready to find out what we're having?" He asked excitedly, hand still pressed firmly against my bump.
He was even more excited than I if that was humanely possible. Today, we were going to find out the gender of our baby, and I'd never quite known excitement like it. I'd tried my best to limit the amount of baby things I was buying but I knew that by the end of today, I'd be going crazy.
"Yes," I nodded. "I can't wait."
"What are you hoping for really?" He asked.
I swatted him. "A perfect healthy baby. I don't care about the gender. Do you?" I asked raising my eyebrows.
"Of course not."
I shook my head at him. "Help me get dressed," I insisted.
"Gladly."
After a quick shower, breakfast of oatmeal, and a change into my most comfortable pair of leggings and sweater ensemble, Taylor drove us to the hospital. Christian held my hand all the way and I had my hand on my stomach.
"Baby Grey is kicking," I smiled.
"He's excited," Christian told me.
"We don't know it's a he." I pointed out.
"I have a feeling."
I rolled my eyes. Christian and his feelings.
By the time we actually pulled up to the hospital, I was feeling pretty nervous. I wasn't sure why, this was extremely exciting news. Christian turned to face me just before we went in, placing his hands on either side of my face.
"Are you okay?" He asked, stroking my cheek softly with his thumb.
I nodded.
"I know what you're worried about, but the baby's going to be perfectly fine Ana," he assured me. "Please don't worry."
"I know. I'm being silly. I'm just a worry pot."
He chuckled and kissed my forehead. "You're not silly. Come on, let's go see our baby."
My midwife, Nicola, was lovely. She was young and caring and just so kind. She made me feel at ease with each and every visit and beamed at me upon arrival.
"Exiting day Anastasia," she said, as I got on top of the table top and removed my sweater. "Okay, let's begin."
Christian held my hand as she rubbed the gel on my stomach and checked for the baby's heartbeat. We could see the baby moving around on the screen and it was so heartwarming and fascinating to see.
"Okay Ana, baby's heartbeat is amazing, and the baby is looking perfectly fine and healthy."
I breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed my hold on Christian's hand. Nicole then moved the wand around some more until she found what she was looking for. She told us to look at the screen.
"Now, what do you see there?" She asked, pointing to a place on the baby.
I tried to make something out but I couldn't see anything at all.
"There's nothing there," I said, confused.
She smiled. "That's right. There's nothing there. And so, that means, you're having a girl."
I gasped and squeezed Christian's hand so hard I thought it may fall off. I looked over to see him sporting the most endearing genuine smile.
"Christian, we're having a baby girl," I whispered, tears forming in my eyes.
He kissed my hand. "I know. My two beautiful princesses."
Nicola smiled warmly at our sweet exchange and then I had all the usuals such as weight gain, vitamins etc done. As I was putting back on my shoes after visiting I told Christian I wanted to go shopping.
He chuckled and pulled me up to kiss me.
"Come on, let's go."
We stopped off at the penthouse so that I could change into something a little more presentable. I settled on jeans, over the knee boots, and a silky shirt. My bump was prominent now. You could definitely tell that I was pregnant. I was surprised at how much I actually liked it. I was in love with my bump. It contained my precious little girly.
"Let's go and buy you lots of pretty new things," I whispered to her as Christian helped me into my new pea coat and scarf.
Taylor drove us to Seattle's biggest mall where we shopped for a good few hours. I bought fluffy blankets, cuddly toys, pink dresses, little hats, adorable sky blue and pale yellow onesies. We had so many bags that Taylor had to take quite a few trips to the car and back. By 1, I was starving and tired, ready to go home for a nap.
"Do you want to get food out, or something at home?" Christian asked, wrapping his arms around me as we walked out of the mall.
"Home. I'm so tired."
He kissed the top of my head and we made our way home.
As soon as I got in, I undressed and fell asleep.
When I awoke, it was dark and I felt a little disorientated.
"Christian," I murmured, sitting up.
He appeared from the bathroom and switched a light on. I squinted and groaned.
"Come on sleepyhead," he smiled. "You need to eat."
"How long have I been asleep?" I asked, trying to find my phone.
"About three hours."
My eyes widened.
"You're pregnant." He informed me, shedding his towel and making his way over. He leaned right over me and kissed my lips. "It's okay."
Lately, I'd become more sexually aroused than ever and I just couldn't get enough of Christian and his glorious body. I kissed him back harder, tangling my hands in his still damp hair. I reached up to unbutton my shirt but he chuckled, pulling back. I wanted to kill him.
"As much as I want you, all you've eaten today is a small bowl of oatmeal. You need to eat."
"Eat later," I said, pulling him forward again.
"No can do," He insisted. "Dinner's ready."
I glared at him. He pulled me up and I followed him out into the kitchen.
We had pasta for dinner, curtesy of Gail, and the cheesy chickeny carby goodness is just what I needed. I ate it all.
"Come on," I said to Christian when I'd finished. "Let's have an early night." I batted my eyelashes at him and ran my hand across his thigh.
"Yes ma'am," he smirked.
I grabbed him by his hand, leading the way back to our bedroom.
"How amazing is pregnant sex?" I panted out breathlessly, falling back into the soft sheets.
Christian responded by leaning over, still kissing my already puffy lips.
"Very. Nothing better than watching you ride me all night."
He kissed my neck and I moaned.
"Oh and these," he held onto my boobs. "Just, amazing."
Pregnancy had elevated my modest size B to chest to an impressive D that Christian was in awe of.
"Glad you like them."
"Love them."
I smirked.
"What'd you get me for Christmas?" I asked after a few heartbeats.
"Something you'll like."
It was hard getting anything out of Christian. He was such a tease. I hoped my gift to him got him rock hard. The calendar had arrived a few months back and it was every bit how I imagined it to be. Glossy, professional, and yes. Very sexy.
"Very descriptive Christian," I said sarcastically.
"I know."
He then kissed down my body, stopping at my stomach.
"Can't believe there's a little girl in there," he commented in wonder.
I placed my hand there. "Our little girl."
"Wonder what she'll look like. I hope she looks like you."
"I hope she looks like the perfect blend," I replied.
"What shall we call her?" Christian asked sweetly. "Everything seems so much more real now doesn't it?"
"Yes," I agreed. "So much more. I have no idea what to name her. I guess that's what baby name books are for though."
He laughed. "I'll order some."
We lay together all night, in our sweet little bliss, talking until the early hours of the morning. It was lovely.
On the morning of Christmas Eve, Christian and I awoke early. We were having breakfast/brunch at the Grey's. In fact, we were spending the whole day with the Grey's. Yay. Tomorrow however, would be spent at home, with my family, so I just had to put up with it.
I did a classic makeup look, red lips, fluttery lashes, and a flawless complexion and wore a slimming knee length white long sleeve lace dress, red high heels, and my favourite white faux fur coat. Christian put it on for me, slowly kissing the side of my face. "I promise today will be wonderful."
I hadn't seen the Grey's for quite some time. I knew they'd be surprised at how far along I now looked.
"You're a breath of fresh air," he told me. "Exquisite."
"Thank you."
Being with Christian had given me a new surge of confidence. And it wasn't the endless money or the expensive designer clothes. It was purely him. He'd taught me to believe in myself, to realise my potential. To realise that I was more than just a girl. I'd grown as a person very much in these last few months and nothing could take that away from me.
"Ready?" He asked.
"Set. Go."
Christmas trees, sparkling fairy lights, and ornaments filled every inch of the Grey's marvellous family home. Grace greeted us both at the door warmly, welcoming us inside.
When I walked into the candy cane scented, expensively decorated house, I felt like a new person. I was so much stronger than the first time I had stepped in here. Back when I was humiliated in front of Christian's family. Ridiculed and made to feel worthless. I vowed from that day to never let anybody make me feel like that again. This time, I walked in with my head held high as I held onto Christian's hand, walking into the dining room where brunch was being served. Immediately I could see all eyes glance down to my bump. Carrick, Elliot, Daisy, Cara, an unknown man, woman, and a young boy sat already seated. Cara was clad in a sky blue ensemble, and her face dropped as she saw me. I smirked straight at her and yes, I felt the immediate satisfaction.
Mia, wearing a puffy red dress, immediately came forward to hug me.
"Oh Ana," she beamed. "Look at you! How far along now?"
"Six and a half months," I smiled.
I saw Grace look over at me then. Christian placed his hand right over my bump and kissed my cheek.
"We have an announcement," he declared before sitting down.
Everyone waited.
"Ana?" Christian smiled down at me.
I then placed my own hand on my stomach, next to Christian's.
"We're having a girl," I said proudly.
Everybody started to clap, especially Mia.
"Oh! My precious little niece! I can't wait!" She said excitedly.
"Congratulations Ana and Christian," Grace said warmly. "I look forward to meeting my granddaughter very much."
She then hugged us both, surprisingly me greatly, before leaving to check on food.
Carrick offered a small smile but nothing else. I really wanted to know what his problem was but I'd save that for later. Right now, I was starving.
I was through my second croissant when I saw Cara glaring at me from across the table.
"Do you have a problem?" I asked.
"Not at all," she replied haughtily.
She picked up a strawberry and sucked it seductively, staring straight at Christian.
Grace was watching and quickly interrupted, trying not to ruin her perfect day. "Ana, I haven't introduced you. This is Cara's mother," she said, pointing to the unknown woman. "Lynette. Her father, David, and younger brother, Holden."
They all gave me awkward half smiles, except from her mother. She looked at me the same way Cara did and I wasn't going to be looked at this way. This was my family now, not Cara's. And Christian was mine.
I cleared my throat before standing up to speak.
"I have something to say," I announced.
Grace looked at me, pleading with her eyes for me to sit down but I ignored her.
"I just want to say, that I'm very aware that some of you, actually, most of you, would have preferred Christian to choose a different woman. Maybe a doctor, like Cara, or an interior designer like Daisy, or maybe, I don't know, a Princess from England. But the reality is, he chose me. An average girl. A college student. A temporary housekeeper. I know you didn't want that for your son but I'm here to tell you that I am good enough for Christian."
They were all staring at me, listening. I continued. Christian was looking at me with such love and pride in his eyes. It surged me on.
"I'm good enough because I'm the woman that he needs. We make each other better. We make each other stronger. And it doesn't matter if I'm not like you, or rich, or posh. None of that matters at all. We're in love with each other, were getting married, and in 3 months, we will welcome our beautiful little girl into the world. I'm the best thing for Christian and he's the best thing for me whether you like it or not. You all need to learn to accept it or be without us. All of us. Let me make that clear once and for all."
I fixed my dress and brushed my hair back behind my shoulders then, leaving everybody a little speechless.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go to the bathroom."
I walked away, clicking all the way in my Louboutins.
Hi guys. Wow. It's been a long time. Really hope you enjoyed the update, please remember to review and tell me what you think, it really keeps my motivation going and will definitely inspire me to update again, hopefully a lot sooner. Thank you for all the support and well wishes, I love you all!
P.S a beta reader for this story is now needed. My beta reader will play a vital role in the regular publication of the remaining chapters of The Ties That Bind. They will help me edit and also get to read the remaining chapters way before they are published. Anybody who is interested and wants to apply for the role of being my helper and beta reader for The Ties That Bind, (and maybe Second Chances) please contact me via my PM's or leave a comment in the review section and I will be in touch. Thank you so much.