Chapter 49: This Is What I Want
Aspen. What a beautiful winter wonderland that sat outside the windows of Christian's Aspen home. Eva stood at the window and looked with awe at the snow falling. It was so peaceful. She turned when she heard someone walk into the living room. She smiled when she saw her husband. "Hello Handsome." She said going to him and wrapping her arms about his waist. She had to stretch to give him a kiss.
Gideon's big hands went to her shapely behind and caressed it. "My Angel." He growled with desire. "Our son is napping, the Grey children are at play, and Ana and Christian are outside somewhere…so I think we should go upstairs and see how strong the bed is."
"Ace, you know I can't." She said lowly.
"It's been over a month."
She let her hold on him go limp. "I am still bleeding."
Gideon sighed heavily. "I didn't think…damn, Eva…I am sorry." He pulled her close. "I would still like to go upstairs and cuddle with you. We can still be intimate without having sex. I just want to hold you close."
Eva smiled up at him. "C'mon Ace, let's go nap."
A gentle snow fluttered down over Ana and Christian as they walked arm in arm over the property. Christian looked down at the little brunette who was tucked under his arm. He kissed the top of her stocking hat that protected her head.
"I am so glad that Eva and Gideon were able to fly out." She said happily.
"Andrew is growing like a weed." Christian added.
"That he is." She stopped suddenly and turned to encircle his waist with her arms. "Christian, I do love you and I want us to be together forever."
"I want that also." He declared as he leaned down and captured her lips with his own.
"There are a few things that I need from you to put my mind at rest. Christian, I want you to sign a prenup that protects my company and assets and of course protects yours as well."
"I don't need a prenup. If I fuck up again, you can have everything because I won't give a damn about it if I lose you again."
"Christian, I need this. This is what I want. I want to trust you and believe that you will never hurt me again by cheating, but I will admit that there is a part of my heart that wonders if you won't do it again. I can't go through that again. It damn nearly destroyed me and I can't afford for that to happen. I have to be able to take care of our children." She placed her cheek on his massive chest. "We can't address the children in the pre-nup, but I can protect my assets."
Christian didn't want to sign any documents that would discuss a failure of a marriage. "Ana, I don't want to sign this, but for you I will. We won't need it. And, I will not have you sign a pre-nup for the assets that I have entering this, what I hope is a marriage. I have already added your name to all legal documents pertaining to GEH. You own me, Ana. GEH is half yours now."
Ana's mouth fell open. "Are you crazy? You can't do that. I don't want GEH."
Christian had to laugh. Only Ana would turn down such wealth and position. She was so damn independent and stubborn. "Calm down, Mrs. Grey, this is a legal move so if anything happens to me; you can access all our assets. I have also added to the children's trust funds." He smiled down at her. "I will sign whatever you want if that means I will be your husband once again."
"I have the papers with me now if you want to run into the city and have a public notary witness you sign it." She said hopefully.
"Will that make you happy, baby?" He snuggled closer to her. She felt so good in his arms.
"Very."
"Then, I guess we better head off to Aspen and get this done." He grabbed her hand and led her into the house so she could find the papers then led her back to the garage. Christian being the gentleman opened Ana's door. He leaned into the front seat of the Audi SUV and kissed her soft lips. "Now, you just got to tell me, where do you want to get married? You can have anything you want."
Ana touched his face. His stubble was at day three and he looked delicious. "All I want is you, a minister, Eva and Gideon and the children. I don't care where we get married." She kissed him softly. "We can get married here. It's a beautiful home, our home."
"Finally…you get it. It's our home." He kissed her once again. "I love you, baby."
"I know and I love you." Her blue eyes sparkled with unshed tears. She did love him. She wanted to marry him, but she had to be truthful she was scared shitless, but she had to take the chance. Eva was right. Life was too short to live with "what-ifs". She knew this wouldn't be easy, no marriage is easy and they would have to work with the trust issues. She would have to learn to relax and not see infidelity around every corner and Christian would have to be more forthcoming with his plans and thoughts. "Christian, please," She grabbed his arm. "Please, don't hurt me this time."
"Baby, I won't. No one is going to come between us again…not even me." He gently wiped away a tear that escaped down her cheek. "No tears, baby. Not today."
She smiled tenderly and nodded her head. "No tears."
Colorado marriage laws made it easy for Christian and Ana to get their marriage license after showing their identifications and paying a fee. There was no need for blood tests or even a waiting period. All they needed was a minister. Christian was on his phone with Taylor asking him to find him a Lutheran minister since Ana was Lutheran. She piped up and said to make sure the minister was a Missouri Synod Lutheran ordained. Christian just smiled and shook his head. She was raised in a Lutheran home under Ray and she made sure that their children had been baptized at the hospital after their birth by her minister. Christian knew that she attended church regularly and there were times that he accompanied her. Teddy and Phoebe even attended Sunday School.
Christian and Ana returned to the cabin to find Eva and Gideon in the kitchen with Andrew, Phoebe, and Teddy. Eva knew something was going on because Ana looked excited and her eyes were sparkling. She noticed that these two were holding hands and acting giddy.
"What's going on?" She asked leaving her seat at the island.
Ana held up their marriage license. "We are getting married today and we want you and Gideon to stand up for us."
Eva began squealing as she threw her arms around Ana and they danced around. Gideon offered his hand to Christian then pulled him in close for that man hug where they didn't touch but slapped each other on the back.
"You fuck this up, Grey, and she will be widowed not divorced." Gideon whispered sternly. "So don't fuck her over this time."
"I won't, Bro." Christian said using Ana's nick- name for Gideon. "I know where my heart is and where my happiness comes from."
"Good, then we don't have anything to worry about." He smiled at his brother-in-law and best friend.
Eva was in a whirlwind. Food, clothes, flowers, and champagne! Ana finally put her hand over her sister's mouth. "Calm down, Evie. We are getting married today here. We want it simple and beautiful. All we need is the license and the rings." She then fell silent. "Christian, we forgot something."
"What?" Christian asked wide-eyed.
"We don't have rings."
Christian looked at his wristwatch. It was barely noon and the minister wouldn't be here until four. "There are jewelry stores in Aspen. We can go get our rings right now." He pulled her close and enveloped her with his massive arms. "If you don't like them, we can always exchange them later on."
"I am sure that I will like them Christian. I just want a plain gold band. Nothing fancy."
"Nothing fancy." He repeated then kissed her softly on the lips. "We better get going before I drag you upstairs."
"Sex maniac." She laughed as his hands went down to her bottom and squeezed her butt cheeks.
He threw back his head and laughed. "You know it, baby." Eva and Gideon joined Christian with their own laughter. It was a great and happy day!
After a quick run into Aspen and into the first jewelry store they could find, they found identical gold bands that fit perfectly. After the purchase they made an even quicker drive back to their cabin to dress and prepare for the ceremony.
Gideon made sure that the fireplace in the living room was going and Eva bathed and dressed the children. She also ordered food and a simple yet delicious cherry cheesecake that she knew that Ana loved for their wedding supper. Champagne was chilling and the minister was expected at any time.
Ana decided to wear a simple long sleeve shift dress in her favorite color of blue with her blue Louboutin's. She kept her hair down and let the natural waves fall upon her shoulders. Her makeup was kept simple and the final touch was the second chance diamond earrings that Christian had given her when she returned to him after their five-day break-up at the first of their relationship. She was checking her reflection in the mirror when Eva joined her in the master bedroom.
"You are so beautiful." Eva said with a bright smile. "I brought you something." Ana turned and looked at the little box that Eva carried. "I know that this is happening fast, but we still have to give respect to the traditions, you know something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. Your dress is blue, and I am guessing new." Ana nodded. "So, this is something borrowed and something old." Eva opened the box to reveal the Grey Rose pin. Ana began to cry. "Grace gave it to me to hold just in case you and Christian decided to run off to get married. She knew that you wouldn't get married without me this time."
"How did you know to bring it?" Ana asked as she carefully took the pin out of the box.
"I take it everywhere with me…you know just in case." Eva laughed. "You and Christian took long enough, you know."
"I am still worried." Ana declared as her smile faded. "I know that he loves me, but is it enough? He loved me the last time we got married and it didn't stop him from what he did."
"Ana, I think the man has learned his lesson. Besides, if he fucks up, he will have a world hurt coming at him not just from me, but Gideon, Elliot, his own father, and let's not forget the ball-buster, Katherine Kavanagh Grey!" Ana busted out laughing. She knew that Kate would go after Christian and not even she would be able to stop her. "God help Christian if he can't keep his dick in his pants this time around. Kate will kill him."
Eva took the pin from Ana and pinned it on Ana's dress. "Be happy, Sis and don't look for trouble. Love him and love him some more. Just be happy." They embraced and Ana closed her eyes and absorbed her sister's warmth. "Ok, enough of this sentimental crap…let's get you married to the man that you never stopped loving."
Gideon clapped Christian on the back as they threw back a brandy. Christian was dressed in grey trousers that hung off his hips just perfectly and his trademark white linen shirt. He didn't wear a tie but left the first two buttons open showing a soft patch of his light chest hair. He knew that Ana would find this more than attractive. "I am the luckiest bastard in the world." He declared to Gideon. "I still don't know how I got her back."
"You are damn lucky is all that I can say." Gideon said as he poured himself another brandy. "Now, maybe we all can settle down and just be a happy family." He took a drink. "You do plan on being a good husband to her…I mean …you're not going to fuck around on her again?"
"Are you crazy? Ana would just kill me if I did that to her again and I have seen her capabilities with a gun. No sir, little Christian will be staying home where he belongs…right between her creamy soft thighs."
"Christian Grey, you are one lucky son-of-a-bitch just like me! We managed to be total fuck-ups and got two beautiful, intelligent, and stubborn women to love us." He saluted them both for their good fortunes. "To the bride and her sister."
"To the Bride and her sister." Christian repeated then drained his glass of brandy. This was the best fucking day of his life!
Pastor Lewis married them quickly in the Lutheran faith but with the marriage liturgy that did not have "obey" in the vows. Christian only smiled as Ana repeated the vows as he remembered the fight they had the first time they got married over the wedding vows. This time he didn't care. He wanted Ana and he would be hers under her terms. She was his wife, not his sub. They would have a partnership in their marriage.
"With the power invested in me as a called and ordained Minister of the Gospel and by the laws of the Great State of Colorado, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Christian's arm slid about Ana's waist and drew her close. His hand gently caressed her check. "Mrs. Grey, it is a pleasure to be your husband."
"Mr. Grey, it is an honor to be your wife." She softly said. Her hands were settled on his chest feeling his heart beat under her fingertips.
Christian looked to Teddy who was laughing and winked at the boy, and then he captured Ana's lips with his. The kiss was sweet and gentle and lasted forever until the Minister cleared his voice. Reluctantly the couple separated.
"May I present Christian and Ana Grey, a married couple." The minister declared as Ana asked him to do. Eva rushed to her sister and hugged her then turned to Christian and kissed him fully on the lips in joy and happiness. Gideon gave Ana a brotherly kiss on her forehead then each cheek. She smiled up at him with tears in her eyes. He could tell that she was happy.
"Congratulations, Sis." He said giving her a hug. "You are so beautiful and Christian is a lucky man to be able to win your heart not just once, but twice." He lowered his voice. "Do not worry, sis, he will be a good boy this time around." Gideon went to Christian and shook his hand and this time pulled him in for a real hug. "Just love her like you have never loved anyone or anything before."
"I will." Christian said lowly. The men separated as Teddy and Phoebe ran into his arms and he picked them up. He had his family back and he wasn't going to do anything that would put their joy in danger. He felt Ana take Phoebe and his free arm went around her waist. Eva was already taking pictures. The minister was kind enough to take a few pictures of all of them and then another set with just the two couples. After Gideon and Eva signed their names on the license as witnesses then the group was led into the dining room where the caterers had set up the wedding dinner. The minister had to leave for another appointment but was kind enough to offer grace as Ana requested. She was making sure that she covered all the good graces of the guy upstairs hoping for a long and healthy marriage.
Gideon popped open the champagne and poured glasses for everyone. He stood. "As Best Man, I feel that I should start the toasts. I am very fond of both of you ever since we met, of course, I always liked Ana more." The laughter filled the room. "Seriously, I know that you two do honestly love each other and you have gone through some tough times, however, I think you both are at your best when you are together. So, I toast to your marriage, your love, and wish you a long and happy marriage. To Ana and Christian!"
"To Ana and Christian." Voices said together.
Eva stood up. "Since I am the Matron of Honor…oh yuck…I sound so old…"She made a face. "I want to say that I love you Ana. You are my sister and my best friend and I only want you to be happy in your life. I know that you never stopped loving Christian even though he is a first class idiot at times…"
"Thanks a lot." Christian said saluting his sister-in-law with his champagne flute.
Eva went on without acknowledging his outburst. " and I know he is totally in love with you. So, here is to a long, loving marriage that will leave you both content and blessed. To my beautiful sister and her handsome husband. Be blessed."
"Be blessed." Voices rang out in chorus.
Eva used her phone to take a few pictures as Ana and Christian toasted each other. She quietly sent the photo to Grace with a message to notice the Grey Rose pin on Ana's dress and not to tell anyone until further notice. Grace was sitting at her desk in her medical practice going through some paperwork when the message came through. She bit her lip as the tears rolled down her cheeks. They were married! Christian and Ana had married and the Gray Rose pin was there to witness it. She closed her eyes and said a quick prayer for those two to have a successful marriage this time around. She looked at the picture one more time. A well manicured finger traced over the faces of her two children that she loved so much. "You are a very fortunate man, my son to have this lovely woman to adore you after all the hell you put her through. Please, Christian be a good boy and never ever hurt this angel."
Ana bit her lip as Christian teased her with a plumb red cherry from the cherry cheesecake. She opened her mouth so he could feed her the cherry and he only smirked at her as he plopped the cherry into his own mouth then kissed her hard. "You are a brat." She whispered.
"Yes, I may be, but I am your brat." He whispered back. He then offered another cherry and gingerly placed it in her mouth. "You have such soft, lickable lips." He took his champagne glass and toasted her before taking a drink. His mouth covered hers and he let her drink champagne from his mouth.
"MMMmmm….champagne and Christian….nothing better." She huskily said as she flirted with her husband.
"Will you two stop making out? We have food to eat and champagne to drink." Eva said ready to celebrate. "You have the rest of your lives to do that."
Christian's grey eyes were full of love and adoration for the woman he held in his arms. "That still isn't long enough to love you, baby, but I am sure going to try." He kissed her once again sweeping her into a big Hollywood kiss bending her over his arm. "Hearts and flowers, love and devotion, and Christian and Ana forever."
"Yes, forever." She whispered back to him and they were kissing once again.
