A/N: Hi!
All mistakes are my own. (As the GUEST reviewer keeps telling me LOL #NegativeNancy #2020ImCallingPeopleOutForDisrespect #2020Energy)
….
As soon as Ana got home she saw Willow and Maria talking quietly on the couch. She didn't know what it was. If it was the fact that these two older women looked at her with sympathy and concern or the fact that they were present. But she burst into tears. They both stood and rushed over to her. Sawyer came in from the kitchen at the exact time Ana burst into tears and turned a horrified look over to match Taylor's equally stunned one. Moving over to the door Sawyer gestured to the women huddled together.
"What happened? Why is she crying like that? Bossman will kill us if she's unhappy."
Taylor grunted.
"I think it's because of Christian that she's crying."
"What do we do?"
"Like I should know. My dad always said to leave women alone. They will tell us when they need us. Let's just head out back."
Agreeing with the slightly older and wiser man Sawyer nodded.
"Should we let them know we're leaving?"
Shaking his head he turned and opened the door. Thankfully they both lived on Christian's expansive property so they would be close regardless. Once the door shut behind them both they glanced at each other before sighing.
"I could use a drink."
"I would have to agree."
….
Once Maria and Willow calmed Ana somewhat they directed her to her room.
"Go. Have a shower, get comfortable and come back down. You need to eat. It's not just you anymore Ana," Willow said knowingly. Sniffling, she glanced up at both Willow and Maria. Both had their arms crossed and were looking at her to see if she would deny it. Instead, she sighed.
"I wanted it to not be true." Surprised the woman glanced at one another before speaking.
"Why?
"Does Christian not want a child?"
"It's not that. He wants a baby just as much as I do. But it's not the ideal time. We just got married, which was great, but Christian was shot, and I dealt with Jose and Elena but-"
"But nothing. Life happens. You ever hear that saying? Humans plan but God laughs? We can plan all we want, but what's going to happen will happen, regardless of our best intentions," Maria said. Willow nodded.
"But you said you two planned on having them." Nodding, she said yes.
"I didn't expect to already be pregnant though. I wanted at least a month with Christian. I don't regret it, but with his recent diagnosis I just-"
"Wait. We both meant what we said. Go upstairs and get comfortable. Meet us in the kitchen. Gail went to the store and said she'd be back within fifteen minutes. By the time you're done dinner should be ready."
Not wanting to disagree with the women she trudged up the stairs. She was tired of thinking and planning for the moment, she was just going to try and destress.
…..
An hour later found her sitting across from three women who kept trying to fill her with food and advice. As soon as Gails saw her she hugged her close before kissing her forehead.
"Sit, dear. I made some baked chicken with macaroni and cheese with salad. You need some carbs. You're too skinny. And a bit peaked."
"She's pregnant," Willow said.
"She hasn't been sleeping," Maria added. Gail clucked her tongue before guiding Ana to a chair. Instantly food appeared in front of her. She didn't realize how hungry she was until she could smell the food in front of her. Picking up her fork, she sighed when she tasted the comfort food. It seemed to appease the three women as they began to talk.
"So, what happened, Ana? Is Christian alright?" Willow asked. Nodding, she wiped her mouth before explaining everything. When she got to Christian giving up they all scoffed.
"Of course he only cares about his dick. There are more important things to worry about. I have the utmost faith in him that he will regain his ability. But the doctor did say there is swelling around the area. Once they get it down, he should be fine," Maria said.
"I know he's frustrated, but he can't give up now," Gail commented. Willow sat back in her chair smirking at Ana.
"I know you told him how it was going to be," she said coyly. When Ana blushed Willow cackled. Maria's eyebrows shot to her head and Gail laughed.
"You go Ana," Willow said. Ana shrugged before covering her face.
"I don't know what's come over me?! All of a sudden, I see him on the bed, and I know he's frustrated, but so am I. I need him, and I've had to make decisions for the past couple of days for our future. For his life. I'm not at all trying to take away from his fear, but I couldn't take it anymore."
"I know what came over you. It's that child inside. Your maternal instincts were kicking in. You're not giving up on him and this baby. Sometimes our intuition can do other things when we need it to."
"When are you going to tell him about the baby?" Maria asked.
"I don't know. Right now, I need to focus on Christian getting better."
"Maybe you should tell him. It could motivate him to try harder," Willow suggested. Ana didn't know. But for now, she would keep the information to herself.
"I think I should buy-"
"They are already in your bathroom cabinet. I had an inkling so I bought them for you," Maria said. Blushing she thanked her.
"You're welcome. Now, eat! Gail's hard work should never be wasted. And while you're at it, you can explain getting married without the three of us in attendance," Willow said, raising an eyebrow while the other two women glared at Ana. Swallowing she laughed nervously.
"There's a good reason."
…
Once she was finished with dinner she went upstairs and collapsed in bed. The next day found her biting her lip in frustration. She had to go and help Christian. All morning while getting dressed she debated on telling him about the baby. Right now though, she wanted him to be focused. She knew he was worried and she would be the support system he needed.
Sliding on some comfortable jeans and a sweatshirt, she pulled her hair on top of her head before sliding on some comfortable shoes. Although she loved dressing up she missed her jeans and soft shirts. She was hoping to be able to wear more of those things. Coming down the stairs, she took the bowl of fruit and granola Gail handed her, and the orange juice Maria placed by the bowl. Once she finished it, Sawyer and Taylor came into the kitchen.
"Mrs. Grey. I'm ready if you are."
Nodding, she thanked the women for breakfast before following the men to the car.
…
Walking into the room, Ana was surprised to see Christian sitting up in bed fully dressed. He still looked a bit pained in his bed, but he was awake.
"Hey," he said.
"Hi," she parroted back. Christian glanced out of the window before speaking quietly.
"I've never had to rely on anyone. Even when I was younger my father knew that he could always count on me to do what was needed. Elliot, I love him, but I don't always feel he can handle this business. Handle my thoughts. But then you came along. And this happened. For the first time in my life, I'm forced to rely on someone that is not wholly me." Ana felt her heart squeeze at the tears shining in his eyes.
"Yesterday I freaked out. Ana, I'm a man. In every sense of the word. But to think I would no longer feel that amazing squeeze of your body milking mine, scared me. You are the closest thing to heaven for me, Ana. I could lose the money, the status, even respect in the streets. But I wouldn't survive it if I lost you." Gasping, Ana rushed over to him before sitting on the bed beside him. Leaning forward she kissed him once, twice, three times before pulling away. She wiped the silent tears that trekked down his face.
"Baby. You will never lose me. I love you too much to ever leave you. I was just mad. I understand that you were upset. Granted, if I woke up and couldn't feel my legs I would panic too. But, Christian I never saw defeat in your eyes. You have every right to feel what you need to feel. It just surprised me on top of everything else."
"I guess I am human after all," he said, a ghost of a smile on his face. Shaking her head fiercely she kissed him hard before pulling away. Tears shone in her own eyes as she spoke.
"Nah. Even Superman had a setback from time to time. We're going to show the world why no one should ever doubt Mr. Christian Grey." Ana felt the tight grip of his hands on her arms, and it filled her with relief for him to finally rely on her. As if he could read her thoughts, he spoke quietly.
"I'm going to need your help, Mrs. Grey."
Smiling brightly, she nodded.
"I'm here to give it to you Mr. Grey."
….
Rolling down to the physical therapy department located in the hospital Ana was about to go in with him when Christian asked her to stop rolling them in the room. Frowning she rounded the chair and studied his face.
"Baby?"
Taking a deep breath he spoke.
"I know we're a team, and you're going to help me. But, I need to do this part on my own." Ana was silent waiting for him to continue.
"I just want to work hard on getting better for you. I texted Taylor who has agreed to stay with me while I'm working with the therapist. Please say it's okay, Ana." She processed his words while rubbing his shoulder. She could see that he was telling the truth and decided to let him have his time alone.
"Okay. I'll come back later today?" Nodding, he pulled on her hand until she was bent over. Kissing her lips softly, he thanked her.
"I'll bring dinner," she said softly. She smirked.
"Please something with loads of grease." Giggling, she nodded. Once he was rolled in through the glass doors she felt a presence beside her. She was surprised to see Blake.
"Mrs. Grey," he said lightly. Smiling, she held out her hand.
"Blake. I'm so sorry I haven't returned your calls. As you can see I've been busy." Chuckling he nodded.
"I can see that. How's he doing?" he asked gently steering her out of several doctors' paths and into the quieter section of the waiting room. Sawyer was behind them watching every move. That gave Ana comfort.
"Better. He needs physical therapy in order to gain feeling in his legs, and walk. Elena did a number on him," she muttered bitterly. Sighing, Blake studied Ana's face before speaking quietly.
"That's why I'm here. Other than to check on Christian, I need to know if you've heard from Elena or Jose." Looking completely innocent she shook her head.
"No. I've been here or at home Taylor can tell you that, he's been driving me." Blake studied her face for a moment longer before pulling out a manilla envelope.
"I received some interesting information. Elena sent it to my office. Saying if something were to happen to her, it would be Mr. Grey's doing?" Ana snorted, silently patting herself on her head.
Well surprise, it was his wife who had you sold off.
"Blake. Unless Christian was out killing people last night, I highly doubt he killed Elena." Leaning back in his chair he spoke quietly.
"Ana. Let's not play stupid. You know good as I do that your husband can have people do his work for him from the hospital. He was smart in marrying you before you showed up. You can't testify against your husband should this become a case. Neither could he if you were behind all of this," he spoke with conviction. Keeping her eyes on the glass doors ahead of her she saw Taylor smirk at her before shaking his head slightly. It was subtle, but it was enough for her. Clearing her throat, she turned her gaze back to his knowing one.
"I do hope you are here to tell me you have some leads as to where Elena and Jose are?" she questioned instead. Blake was unable to hide the respect, then admiration in her gaze as he began to rip up the contents in the envelope.
"No. Apparently she fled the country. Her staff informed us that she had no intention of returning. We will be on the lookout, but I highly doubt you will see her again."
"What of Jose?"
Sighing, he stood.
"I'm sure he will suffer the same fate as Elena did. Please inform Christian I will be back to check on him."
"I will," she said before standing.
"Thank you, Blake, for your help. If there's anything I can do to help please let me know."
"I will. You may have to give a statement to the police about the shooting, but we can do that later."
"Certainly."
Studying her face for a bit longer, Blake's mouth quirked up at the corner.
"You are a formidable woman, Mrs. Grey."
….
See y'all? Back on track those two. Next up, more physical therapy for Christian, and them adjusting being married. LOL leave me a review!