Disclaimer: I don't own any part of FSOG. They all belong to E.L. James.

Chapter 49

APOV

Before opening the door I take a glance towards Christian. Instead of stepping in the room where José is waiting for me I take a step back into the hallway. Christian who is standing with his hands clenched by his sides, cocks his head to one side and awaits my reaction.

"We should do this together Christian." I see Christian's body immediately relaxing after I speak those words.

"We should" he says brushing a tendril of hair from my forehead. I turn around to face the guard.

"My fiancé is coming in with me." I say more confident then I'm actually feeling. This place really gives me the jitters and I can't wait to leave.

"I'll be right back ma'am." He passes me and closes the door behind him.

"Please don't be rude" I whisper to Christian.

Surprisingly I see him holding back a smile. "I also can be crude or impolite."

"Please…"

"I'll behave Ana…"

The guard steps back into the hallway allowing us both to enter.

We step inside the room where José is already waiting. I don't know exactly what I was expecting, but it's a small, sterile room. There is a table in the center, surrounded with four chairs. Everything is white, including the door. José is wearing his normal clothes, but behind him are two police officers and his hands are handcuffed behind his back.

He looks terrible. His skin, normally a beautiful light brown color, is now grayish. His eyes look lifeless and it looks like he hasn't shaved in several days.

At first he just stares at the floor. The two officers standing behind him are looking straight ahead and not showing any emotion at all.

"Ana" he finally starts. His voice sounds so different. "Thank you for coming."

"You asked me to come José, I'm here now." I pull the chair across from him out and sit down. Christian takes the seat beside me and leans back.

José's eyes widen when he hears my cold voice. What the hell happened here? What happened to the guy I met in college?

"How is Sam?" he asks but his eyes are looking everywhere but at me or Christian.

"Sam is doing very well José. We have told him that you are on a business trip, and he of course believes that. But at some point, you will have to talk to him. He needs to know. We can't keep this from him."

"I know" he whispers.

"I hurt him Ana…I hurt my son. I neglected him. I pushed him away time and time again, just because I couldn't deal with my own hurt." He is now looking at me and the tears are brimming in his eyes.

"You have to believe me. I love him. I love Sam more than anything or anyone…"

"But then why? Why did you treat him this way? Why didn't you come to us or to Ethan? I just don't understand José!"

"From the moment I tried to kiss you that night at that bar…I don't know, something just clicked. I somehow realized that you didn't want me. It messed with my head. And even though I knew it…I couldn't let you go."

"José I have always been honest to you about my feelings."

"True" He simply says.

He pauses for a minute and shakes his head.

"I made a huge mess out of things Ana. Sam's mother…her name is Danielle ….. She contacted me several months ago. She told me she regretted the decision she made after Sam was born."

"What are you telling me José?"

"She wants to meet Sam."

"But…but why? She first doesn't want anything to do with him! Her son! Sam was her son. He was the most beautiful and precious little boy…and she just signed a paper, in which she stated she didn't want anything to do with her son! Her son José!" I'm furious.

He shifts in his chair. And I don't know if he is doing this because he is uncomfortable or because he feels guilty or maybe even ashamed. But honestly…I don't care.

"What did you say to her José?"

"Ana…I…" he shakes his head and hangs his head.

"Tell me José!" I demand. I'm clenching my hands so tight, that I feel my nails digging into my skin. But at this moment I can only think about Sam, a little boy, who is going to be hurt again.

"It was my fault." He finally says after what feels like forever.

"What. Was. Your. Fault?" I ask.

"Danielle, she was totally in love with me when we first met, but I just saw her as a friend." He clears his throat and looks at me with those lifeless eyes.

"Danielle is from a very conservative family. When she found out she was pregnant she was afraid that her parents would disown her, but she decided to keep the child nonetheless. It was me Ana who pushed her in signing those papers." He whispers.

"What?" I brush the tears from my face. "Why?"

He is just staring at me. For a very long time he just stares at me, the tears are falling from his eyes. But I don't feel sorry for him. How could he?

"WHY?" I slam my hand on the white table and immediately the door opens and Sawyer and Taylor come barging in.

One of the police officers standing behind José take a step forward. "Gentleman you will have to leave."

"We are not going anywhere until Ms. Steele's tells us." Taylor replies gruffly.

I turn around and face Sawyer and Taylor. Their eyes are strained on José, their fists clenched ready to knock who ever stands in their way on his ass.

"Taylor and Sawyer. There is nothing wrong, I just raised my voice. Will you please wait outside?"

"We will be right outside the door Ana." Taylor says, but without taking his eyes of José.

"Thank you Taylor."

I stand up and take some time to digest everything José just told me.

"Are you all right Ana?" Christian asks brushing his thumbs over my face to remove the tears.

I shake my head.

"José why?" Holding on to Christian I face José.

"I don't want him here." He growls looking at Christian and acknowledging him for the first time since we entered this room. And suddenly I feel incredibly angry.

"Who the hell do you think you are José? You aren't in the position to demand things José. Do you realize that Christian, took Sam in without even having to think about it? I don't know if you actually realize that Christian is also taking care of Sam as if he were his own and that he takes time off from work to spend time with him." I'm standing now, leaning with my hands on the cold, white table and my face is only inches away from José's. "I want you to be aware, that if it weren't for Christian and his family, Sam would have been taken away from you and placed under foster care with an unknown family. It was all Christian's doing that Sam is now staying with us. So, think about that before you disrespect my fiancé again."

I see the hurt on José's face, but at this point I don't even feel sorry for him anymore. He has been disrespectful and rude towards Christian from the very beginning. I can't believe that even in the position that he is in right now, he has the nerve to act like this.

"So for the last time. Why? And let me very clear. If you don't answer my question within the next 10 seconds, I will walk away and never look back. We have the means to contact Sam's mother and hear her side of the story."

"I thought that you would fall in love with Sam the minute you saw him…and you did…" he finally speaks.

"But what has that to do with Sam's mother…I don't understand José"

And then he shrugs lamely. "I thought that if you would fall in love with Sam, you would fall in love with me too eventually and we could be the perfect family."

Hearing him say that makes me sick to my stomach. It's as if I'm watching myself from a distance. This can't be true. He lied to everyone for years…he even told Sam that his mother died.

"You are a sick son of a bitch Rodriguez" Christian takes a step forwards. "You took a mother away from her son for you own benefit? Because you thought Ana would eventually fall in love with you? Do you know how fucked up that is? Do you have any idea how this is going to affect Sam? He thinks that his mother is dead!"

Christian starts pacing the room and mutters all different obscenities under his breath.

"What the hell are we supposed to tell him?" he says now bending down and bringing his face close to José's.

I grab Christian's elbow and pull him back.

"What's Danielle's last name?" Christian now asks.

"Danielle Suarez and she lives in Seattle."

Christian takes his phone from his pocket and starts typing a message. Probably to Welch asking for a background check.

"Do you know what kind of impact this is going to have on Sam? What are we supposed to tell him?"

"I don't know Ana." José says staring at the floor.

"Does your father know?"

"No, he doesn't…he will probably kill me." She shifts his feet and looks at me.

"Do you actually know what you are doing to your father José? Have you any idea how much he is suffering because of your actions?"

He nods his head and looks at the floor. "I don't think you do José…I really don't think you realize what you have done to everyone around you." I state. "I mean drugs José…what were you thinking?" I whisper.

"When did you started using drugs?"

"It was a few weeks before the exposition…my world came crashing down on me the first time I saw you with…" he quickly looks at Christian. "The first time I saw you with Christian on Bainbridge Island. You looked so happy and relaxed. You never were that happy around me. I couldn't stand the idea of you being with him…so I called someone I knew from college and he provided me with drugs. I remember him telling me that it helped him during times of stress and I thought that it would calm the storm in my head. And without giving to much thought about the consequences I took it…and I never felt so good. It made me forget. Then things started to spiral out of control, and then the exhibition didn't turn out the way I thought it would and that's where I got to the point that I almost couldn't function without them anymore."

"God, José I can't believe it."

"I was so confused Ana! When I saw you with Christian that day, I realized that I made this huge mistake by pushing Danielle away and treating her that way. At the end I hurt the one person I love the most, and that's Sam. Danielle is dying to meet him. Please give her a chance. Let her meet Sam, let them build a bond. I don't know how much time I'm facing in jail, but I promise that I am going to work on myself. I know that I don't deserve your help, but please do it for Sam."

"Where did you get the money from?" Christian asks.

"From the money Ana gave me for the car. I bought a second hand car…" José's entire body is now shaking and he is moving his legs restlessly.

"Look, I didn't mean to …it just happened" it's strange to see José entire demeanor changing for the last few minutes.

"There is no fucking excuse for what you did Rodriguez" Christian says through gritted teeth.

"What would you know anyway, you are nothing but a rich boy who's…"

But then I see Christian standing up from his chair and tossing the table to the side.

"You don't know shit about me!" He roars. "I was four years old when my mother took an overdose…I still can see her lying on the floor you stupid fucker! Twenty five years have passed and I still haven't been able to get rid of the image of her lying dead on the floor and it has cost me almost as many years to forgive her."

It amazes me that the two police offices haven't interfered yet. They only took a step back when Christian tossed the table to the side.

"At least my mother was alone and had no one to turn to, but you…you were surrounded by people who would have helped you immediately, without even having to think about it. That's the excruciating part of it…you actually had a choice. You put your son through and incredible amount of distress" Christian's voice sounds hoarse as he takes a step back.

"Your time is up Rodriguez" One of the guards speak. José who hasn't spoken since Christian's outburst and he is now looking withdrawn. His face is covered in a layer of sweat and his breathing is uneven. The two guards guide him out of the room leaving Christian and I alone. I look at the chair where José was just sitting in and I can't believe what just happened.

One of the guard steps back into the room. "Dr. McClain just asked if he could speak with you. Please follow me."

"Ms. Steele, Mr. Grey, please have a seat."

We are seated at Dr. McClain's office. Dr. McClain is José's addiction medicine physician.

He is a tall, middle aged man, I guess about Carrick's age. He is generally good looking and has an overly tranquil voice, which I know irritates Christian immensely. He looks up from the chart he has in his hands and clears his throat.

"I have been informed that you are paying for José's treatment and that your requested for an update about his treatment and recovery."

"Yes, we spoke on the phone the other day." Christian replies briskly.

"Right, well I told you on the phone Mr. Grey that José is still suffering from the withdrawal symptoms. As you probably know, different classes of drugs mean different withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, the specific withdrawal symptoms experienced and their intensity will also vary from person to person. This depends upon the length of the addiction and the combination of drugs abused, including alcohol etcetera.

Dr. McClain continues filling us in about José's treatment and symptoms. What we just witnessed was, as Dr. McClain calls it a mood disturbance and also the sweating and the tremors where part of it. It's a physical reaction, due to his drug abuse.

I only hear snippets of what the doctor is telling us. I can't believe I'm sitting here, hearing this man telling us about the heroin abuse of someone who I thought was a friend.

"José opted for a medical detox, that means that he stopped taking all substances including alcohol, but as he experiences withdrawal symptoms, he takes medication to ease his discomfort. He has of course, medical personnel standing by to make sure he gets through the discomfort of detox as quickly as possible."

"What will happen when he goes to jail?" Christian asks in a cold voice.

"He will continue the drug rehab treatment program." Dr. McClain answers.

I stand up from the chair, not wanting to hear anything more. "I'm sorry Dr. McClain, but I'm not comfortable hearing you speak about this. I suggest that from now on, you will discuss José's treatment with his father. I will be responsible for the expenses though. And the only reason is because I know that José's father can't meet the expenses. I don't want to add more grief to his life."

Back in the hallway Christian immediately takes me in his arms. I place my head on his chest and listen to his steady hart beat.

"As soon as I get back in the office I will contact Flynn. We can ask him what the best way is to introduce Sam to his mother." He kisses my head and sighs.

"Come let's have lunch Ana, because a little birdy told me that you have this very important appointment today."

I just nod my head and tighten my hold on Christian's jacket.

"Aren't you excited to meet with Mrs. Kavanagh for you dress baby?"

"Sure I am Christian…it's just that I wished my grandmother could also be there you know…" I shrug and takes Christian's hand in mine.

"Come on Mr. Grey. Let's do lunch."

CPOV

Ana will be in for the surprise of her live. Because what she doesn't know is that her grandmother is coming over to help her pick out her wedding dress. Unfortunately her grandfather couldn't come, since he already had planned a trip with Ana's uncle.

We have just finished lunch and are driving to the Airport where the jet will be landing any minute now, but Ana thinks we are driving her to her appointment with Mrs. Kavanagh.

She hasn't noticed yes that we are almost at the airport. She is busy texting on her phone. I presume its Ethan or my sister Mia. Occasionally she giggles and sends a text back. After a while she puts her phone back into her bag and looks out of the window. Slowly a small frown appears on her beautiful face and she turns to look at me.

"Christian, this is not where I was supposed to meet Mrs. Kavanagh." She says confused. But Ana being Ana doesn't give me the change to explain. She makes eye contact with Taylor who is driving.
"Taylor, do you know you are driving to the airport?"

"Yes Ana." He chuckles.

"But why? I'm supposed to meet Mrs. Kavanagh at her studio, now I'm going to be late."

"I was told to drive to the airport Ana." Taylor answers.

"Do you have anything to do with this Christian?"

"Actually I do baby. I have a surprise for you."

"Can't that wait? I mean I'm going to be late!" she says indignantly.

"It's all been taken care off Ana. Mrs. Kavanagh knows you will be arriving a half hour later."

"Oh" she relaxes back in her seat.

"What is the surprise? Am I going to like it?"

I tap a few times against my nose and wink at her. "Just be patient baby, and yes I'm sure you are going to like the surprise."

Ten minutes later Taylor stops the car at the ramp where the GEH jet is already parked. I quickly step out of the car and walk to Ana's door and open it.

She takes my hand and steps gracefully out of the car.

We walk towards the jet and see the door open. A few minutes later we see Ana's grandmother at the top of the stairs protecting her face against the bright sun.

"Oh my god! That's Nana! Christian that's Nana!" She wraps her arms around my neck and kisses my cheek before running off to meet her grandmother.

Sawyer walks to the plain where he retrieves the luggage and walks back to the SUV.

In the meantime Ana and her grandmother are walking to where I am standing with their arms hooked and smiling.

"I can't believe you kept that from me!" Ana says playfully smacking my arm.

"Mrs. Lambert, welcome to Seattle." I say kissing her cheek.

"Oh Christian, stop the formalities, just call me Nana."

Nana? What the fuck?

Ana giggles, probably at my shocked expression, but walk pasts me to the SUV.

She is too busy talking with her grandmother.

In the SUV I somehow ended, for some mysterious reason, seated in the middle of Ana and her Grandmother. And seriously, I can't even hear myself think anymore. They are talking so fast and animated and changing subjects so fucking quickly, that I can't keep up anymore.

Apparently I'm also supposed to sit back and not move, otherwise I'm immediately pushed back in my seat by a scowling Ana.

To say I'm ecstatic the moment we reach Mrs. Kavanagh studio would be an understatement. However this excitement is short lived when I see Katherine Kavanagh entering her mother's studio.

"Sir" Taylor starts, but I cut him off.

"I will be escorting Ana and Mrs. Lambert upstairs. You stay in the car and Sawyer will stay with them."

Ana is now searching in her bag for something until she finally digs up her phone. "I thought I felt a buzz" she says smiling and sliding her finger over the screen.

Her smile is immediately replaced by a frown though. "What is it Ana?"

"Uhm its Ethan. He just texted me that Kate is in Seattle."

"I just saw her entering the building."

"Well, she is probably visiting her parents."

"I will walk you inside Ana and Sawyer will be staying with you. As soon as you are finished Taylor will come and pick you up."

She nods her head, but I can see that the excitement she was feeling about the surprise visit of her grandmother is now being reduced by Katherine Kavanagh presence.

APOV

Entering Mrs. Kavanagh's studio we are greeted by her assistant Lisa. The waiting area is beautifully decorated. There are four white leather wing back chairs, a glass table and on the wall is huge painting of a flower. There are touches of pink and gold throughout the room, but what stands out the most is the bright pink chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

Grace is already waiting for us when we enter the waiting area.

"Oh Ana. There you are" She elegantly stands from her chair and hugs me warmly.

"Grace. It's so nice you were able to come."

"Oh, dear I wouldn't miss this for anything." She looks up at Christian who is standing behind me.

"Son." She kisses his cheek and then tenderly places her hand on his face.

"Mom." Christian takes her in a hug and kisses her head.

"Nana, I would like you to meet Grace Trevelyan Grey, Christian's mother. Grace this is my grandmother Laura Lambert."

"It's so nice to meet you." My grandmother says. "Ana has told me wonderful things about you and your husband."

"Ana" Christian says taking my hand and guiding me to the other side of the room "I'm leaving now. If there is anything, anything at all, just call me and I will get here as fast as I can."

"Don't worry Christian, it will be all right."

Suddenly a door opens and Kate who is oblivious of our presence enters but stops the moments she spots me.

Her hand flies to her mouth and tears start falling from her eyes.

"Fuck" Christian whispers. "She looks scary that way."

"Christian" I admonish him squeezing his hand.

"Ana?" Kate says taking a little step towards me. She has one hand still covering her mouth and her other hand is resting on her stomach.

I just nod my head and take a step towards her.

"I didn't know you were going to be here. I just came for a visit…it wasn't planned."

"It's okay Kate."

Shit she is crying so hard. I can't bear to see her like this. I quickly take the last steps to where she is standing and wrap my arms around her neck.

"Oh Kate."

"I'm so sorry Ana…" she cries "I'm so sorry for the way I treated you."

"It's okay…please don't cry anymore."

"It's the hormones" she hiccups.

I slowly take a step back and look down at her stomach. I see a little bump.

"You decided to keep it?"

She nods her head and throws her arms around my neck. "I'm so proud of you Kate. You will see…you are going to be a terrific mother."

"Can we please talk later? I have so much to tell you." She whispers in my ear.

"Sure. But come I first want you to meet my grandmother." I take her hand and walk to where my grandmother is talking to Grace as if they have known each other for years.

"Nana, I would like you to meet Kate Kavanagh. Kate is a good friend of mine. Kate meet my grandmother."

"Your grandmother?"

"Yes my father's mother."

"It's nice to meet you" Kate replies.

My grandmother smiles sweetly at Kate and takes her in a hug. Then Kate's eyes dart to Christian who is still standing in the same spot I left him.

"Katherine" Christian says nodding his head.

"Christian." She replies and then walks to where he is standing.

"I think I owe you an apology too Christian. I'm sorry for the way I behaved. It was unacceptable."

"Apology accepted Katherine." He shifts uncomfortably on his feet and points at her little baby bump.

"Is the baby alright?"

"Yes, yes he is."

"You're having a boy?" Christian says. Eyes wide and strained at her bump.

"No, it's too early yet…"

"Ana! I'm so sorry to keep you waiting, but I was on the phone." Mrs. Kavanagh has also joined us.

"It's no problem Mrs. Kavanagh…" I introduce her to Grace, my grandmother and Christian.

Christian, is clearly feeling uncomfortable in this setting.

"Ladies I am going to have to leave you. Have fun." Christian says and kisses my fore head before leaving the studio.

"Ana" Mrs. Kavanagh starts after we have entered her office. "I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty in making some designs given the tight schedule."

Suddenly I feel very nervous. This is really happening. I'm sitting here discussing my wedding dress.

Like Mrs. Kavanagh already said she made several designs. One stood out the moment I saw it.

"I think I like that one" I say pointing to one of the drawing she has set out for me."

"I already thought you would like this one." Mrs. Kavanagh replies proudly. "Now for the fabric."

It takes us at least two more hours to discuss all the details. We make an appointment to meet again in two weeks. At that time Mrs. Kavanagh will have the dress ready. If the dress is to my liking I will only will have to fit the dress one more time, before the wedding.


"So, this is GEH, Christian's office." We are standing in front of the enormous glass building.

"And this is all his?" My grandmother says looking up.

"Yes it is. Amazing right?"

"Well it certainly is" she grabs my hand and together we walk, followed by Sawyer, into the huge reception area. Stepping into the elevator I wait for Sawyer to join us and punch the code to my floor.

Arriving on the 29th floor, I'm overcome with a sense of pride. I two weeks we will have the official opening and that's when we are going to announce the name change.

Christian helped me with the design of the logo. The name will also be placed on the plaque at the entrance to the building. Visitor or clients for Lambert publishing will be immediately redirected to the 29th floor, where they will received by our receptionist.

"I'm sorry for the mess Nana" I say walking out of the elevator.

"This is all yours" It's not much of a question but more a statement.

"Yes it is" I whisper.

"Sweetie, that's amazing…we are so proud of you. I wished your grandfather could be here right now."

I lead her along the cables scattered across the floor until we reach my office. The only office that has already been finished. It is a huge office with a beautiful view over Seattle. My grandmother walks to the painting covering most of the wall. "What is this Ana?" she asks.

"That was a gift from Carrick and Grace. Those are pages from "The Writing Pen. It entails a title page and nineteen engraved plates featuring alphabets and writing samples reflecting contemporary business and letter styles. It may have been aimed at clerks and office worker-types of the day, who could practice their handwriting using the commercial letter and fine cursive samples as models."

"It's beautiful Ana."

"Yes, it is" I admit. "And very thoughtful too."

"Do you like it Nana?" I ask my grandmother while we are standing at was has to become the reception area.

"Since we can use this entire floor, everyone will get their own office. Therefore, we hold enough room for a spacious reception area and three meeting rooms."

"Your dad would have been so proud of you…so very proud." She looks around in the enormous space and smiles. "I particularly like the curved walls in wood and I absolutely love that wall." She point to the wall where I had a chapter of Tess 'of the Uberville transcribed into.

"Thank you Nana. Now come let's go and find Christian."

Since Christian was in a meeting we decided to head back to Escala and wait for him at home. I can't also wait for Sam who will be arriving later this afternoon. Mr. Rodriguez called us, asking if Sam could stay for another day. I can't even begin to imagine what he must be going through right now. His son is facing jail time and dealing with a severe addiction and due to his age and health he isn't able to take care of his grandson who he loves dearly.

"Nana can I ask you something?" We are seated in the library enjoying a cup of coffee.

"Anything dear."

"Do you think I should confront Carla?" I wring my hands in my lap and focus my eyes on them, afraid of looking at my grandmother.

"What does your heart say?" She has now placed her hand above mine and squeezes gently.

"Whatever you do is fine. Nobody can tell you what to do Ana. It's what you feel inside. But you have every right to demand answers from her."

"Is it weird that I sometimes…I don't know I don't think that missing her would be the right word. This afternoon when we were talking wedding and all the details, I got this weird feeling in the pit of my stomach. Carla isn't going to be invited to the wedding, and that was my decision, and my decision only, and even so…I still feel guilty…I somehow want her to be a part of this." I take a deep breath and look at my grandmother. "Because, that's how it should be right Nana? My mother should have been here, sharing this with me."

"Oh Sweetie, come here" She takes my face in her hands and kisses my forehead. "I don't think I'm the right person to give you advice about your mother. Because at this point I'm incredibly angry and disappointed at her about the way she handled things. On the other hand, I would like to help you. So this is my advice. Fly up there and confront her. Don't tell her you are coming. Surprise her. Take Christian with you and tell her how you feel and demand answers from her. But do this before your wedding. In that way you can start this whole wonderful life you have ahead of you with that incredible fiancé of yours, without the thought of your mother lingering in your head."

I nod at her and look into her sad blue eyes.

"You don't have to feel guilty Ana. It's a miracle that you are still considering her feelings after what she put you through." Tenderly she wipes the tears from my face and gives me a sad smile. "I want to be honest with you though…I don't think she is going to give you the answers you are hoping for dear."

"You probably think that I'm stupid, for even considering in talking to her. But it's just that I want to know why she is the way she is. I want to know why she never stood up for me with husband number three…I just want to know why she doesn't love me." I take a deep shuddering breath and force myself to look at my grandmother. "Why doesn't my mother love me Nana?"

"Oh sweetie" she is now lovingly brushing the tears that are falling on my cheeks. "Don't be so hard on yourself Ana…"

"Hello! Look who I found?" Christian comes barging into the library carrying Sam in his arms.

Quickly wiping the tears from my face I stand up from the couch and give my grandmother a small smile. I walk to where Christian is standing with Sam and slightly shake my head when I see the concern on Christian's face.

"Sam come here with Auntie Ana!" I take him from Christian and pepper his face with little kisses. "Oh my god! I missed you so much!"

"Uhuh" he says but his eyes are fixated on my grandmother. He looks at Christian then at me and then back at my grandmother. "Who is that lady?" He asks taking my face into his little hands.

Placing him back on the floor he immediately clings at my hand and I start walking to where Nana is standing.

"Sam, this is my grandmother. Nana, this is Sam."

My grandmother looks surprised at first, but recovers quickly when Sam shyly outstretches his hand to get acquainted.

She carefully bends down and the warmest smile spreads across her face.

"Hello there Sam." She says lovingly taking his little hand in hers. "It's so nice to meet you."

Sam nods his head and hides behind my leg.

My grandmother looks at me curiously. I clear my throat and hunch down so that I am at Sam's and Nana's eyelevel. "Nana, Sam is the son of a good…of a friend of mine. His name is José. But unfortunately Sam's dad had to go away on business and that's why Sam is staying with us for a while."

"I see" Nana answers. "Well that must be a lot of fun staying here with Christian and Ana." Nana says sweetly.

"Yes" he whispers shyly.

"Gail said dinner was ready ladies, so whenever you are." He takes a step back and opens the door.

When we arrive downstairs I notice that the dinner table is set, but Gail is nowhere to be seen. I must admit that eating at the dinner table is a lot more convenient then at the breakfast bar, due to Sam's highchair.

During dinner a nice bond forms between Nana and Sam. She seems to ask the right questions at the right time. And Sam is happily jabbering away, gladly answering all her questions. This to Christian's annoyance who is constantly looking at Sam's plate.

"…and my daddy makes pictures…" Sam says proudly. "And uncle Cwistian yells a lot when he is on the phone." He leans to where my grandmother is sitting and whispers. "He also says a lot of bad words." He nods his head emphasizing what he just said.

"He does?" Nana says acting shocked while placing her hand in front of her mouth.

"And then Gwace says: Cwistian Gwey watch that mouth young man." Sam is mimicking Grace and I have to say that he is doing a pretty good job at it, which doesn't surprise me, since he has heard it numerous times already.

Christian is pinching the bridge of his nose and my grandmother is trying to hold back her laughter.

"Sam, why don't you tell funny stories about Auntie Ana?" Christian says raising his eyebrow at him.

"Because there are no funny stories to tell about Auntie Ana, right Sam?" I say winking at him.

"Oh, but there are a lot of funny stories" Christian is wiggling his eyebrows and in the meantime feeding Sam the salmon Gail has prepared. "Because Auntie Ana is a terrible singer." Christian states.

Since Sam has his mouth full and can't speak he takes both his hands to his ears and covers them grinning.

"Sam Rodriguez" I say smiling. "I'm never going to sing you a song before going to sleep anymore!"

"Ana really? Baby you are doing him a favor." Christian says laughing.

Nana is in the meanwhile looking at the three of us and smiling. And then at the same time I'm overwhelmed by this unnamed feeling when I look at Sam and Christian. I know that Christian loves Sam and that he likes spending time with him. Talking to him and teaching him things. Actually, in the short time that Christian and I know each other, I have come to the conclusion that Christian loves children in general and children love him.

I also didn't miss the look on his face when he was talking to Kate this afternoon and how his eyes drifted to her little baby bump.

I know for a fact that he can't wait for us to have children. I just hope that one day the idea of becoming a mother doesn't terrify me so much as it does now.

CPOV

I'm watching 'finding Nemo' for the hundredth time this week. Sam is lazily sitting on my lap while Ana and her grandmother are looking into some kind of bridal magazine.

And even though Sam has probably seen this movie a thousand times he still laughs at the stupid things Dory does and says. She really is a stupid fish.

Very carefully I lay my head on the couch and close my eyes. God what a shitty day today. Especially that conversation with Jose. What an asshole. And then the meeting with the department heads turned into an epic cluster fuck. One way or another I will have to go to New York this week. And with the move of Lambert Publishing and the opening that has been planned in two weeks, there is no way I can convince Ana to join me on this trip.

I really hate to leave her here alone with Sam, especially with everything that's going on right now. I can't wait to marry Ana and leave the country for three wonderful weeks. I already am planning the honeymoon and I think Ana is going to love it.

"Sam, it's time for your bath." Ana says and takes him in her arms ruffling his hair.

"Do you want to read me a story?" Sam asks Ana's grandmother.

"Of course I want to read you a story. Why don't you go and take that bath and just come for me when you are finished."

Sam is now walking slowly to where Ana's grandmother is sitting and softly touches her hand.

"Can I call you Nana too?" He says looking at her with his big brown eyes.

"I would love for you to call me Nana. All my grandchildren call me that." She replies proudly.

Turning around he takes Ana's hand and both walk up the stairs chatting away.

A half hour later Ana comes back into the media room, where I'm still seated in the same spot.

"Hey" she says sitting beside me and placing her head on my shoulder."

"Hi baby. Where is Nana?"

She giggles and intertwines our hands. "She is reading Sam a bed night story. He asked if you can come in a few minutes and give him a kiss."

"I will. But first I want to enjoy a few minutes alone time with my sexy girl."

"What is bothering you Christian. You have been so quiet."

"It's just that I wanted to punch José so badly this morning. I just hope that Flynn can come up with something to introduce Sam to his mother in a way that doesn't confuse him too much."

Ana tenses and sits up. She is looking at me wide eyed and shaking her head.

"If you think that I'm going to hand Sam over to that…that woman, then you are very mistaken Christian."

"Calm down Ana. I'm not saying that we are going to hand Sam over to her. But she is his mother."

"Yeah well she could have figured that out the moment she signed those stupid papers stating that she didn't want anything to do with him."

She untangles her hand from mine and starts pacing the room with her hands on her hips.

"Ana, please listen to me and be reasonable. I don't want Sam to get hurt either. But she is his mother…and she made a terrible mistake back then, but we need to give her the benefit of the doubt. And especially now that we know that José encouraged her in signing that piece of paper…"

"I don't care Christian…if she thinks that she can barge in to his life and act like nothing has happened…" she pauses and looks at me. "That's just not going to happen."

"I don't want that either Ana." I walk to her and take her in my arms.

"Let's wait to what Flynn has to say tomorrow okay?"

"Tomorrow? You already planned this?" She says incredulously.

"Yes I did. I just want to act as fast as possible to know how we have to handle this. I don't want Sam to get hurt. Trust me Ana, I don't want him to leave either."

"And there is something else I need to share with you."

"What?" she looks up at me concerned.

"I'll have to go to New York for a few days." I say.

"When?" she mutters.

"Wednesday"

"How long will you be gone?"

"I think I can be back Friday night or Saturday morning at the latest. But you can come with me if you want."

"It's not that I don't want to go. But first I don't want to leave Sam here with Gail or with your parents. It's crazy at the office and I made an appointment with the florist for Friday afternoon."

"Will you miss me?" I whisper.

"Terribly" she whisper back. "But we can call or skype every day."

"Of course. Do you really think I can go for that long without hearing your beautiful voice?"

"Are you going to miss me?" She mutters against my chest.

"Oh Ana, you have no idea baby. But I really have to take care of this once and for all."

"I know."

"So, what was wrong when I walked into the library?"

She sighs and pulls me to the couch where she sits on my lap.

"I was telling Nana about Carla. She told me basically the same as you did. To confront her, but not to get my hopes up" She shrugs and bites her lip. "I want to do it before the wedding though."

"Then we'll do it. Maybe I can combine it with some business."

"But Sam will be going with us." She says determined and in a tone you don't want to argue with.

"And Sam will join us" I repeat. She breathes a sigh of relief and places her head back on my shoulder.

I understand Ana's protectiveness towards Sam, because I feel the same way. But she has to take into account that Sam belongs with his mother. I'm really not looking forward to the confrontation between Ana and Danielle Suarez, because I just know that Ana isn't going to give Sam up without a fight.

A/N: Hi all, first I want to welcome the new followers. I hope you are enjoying Extraordinary.

So, what did you guys think about José's confession?

Oh, and if you aren't reading "A lighter shade of Grey" by Submissives-R-us. Read it! It is really good!

Thank you for reading!

Alner.