A/N: Hey ladies! Been busy but I'm still here. Doing a bit of a time jump.
All mistakes are my own.
I do not own FSOG.
…..
Three weeks later.
Christian had been fighting hard. Therapy sessions happening two, sometimes three times a day. But he was determined. Because of Ana and their unborn child. Speaking of Ana. Christian was amazed at the strength of his wife. She was attentive, always by his side, and optimistic. She told him countless times that if he never walked it wouldn't change how she loved him. He was embarrassed at how many times that brought tears to his eyes but he was unable to stop them. He was a pussy, and he glared whenever he caught Sawyer and Taylor smirking at him.
Another positive was that he had feeling in both of his legs again. The swelling went down completely and although he was in excruciating nerve pain, he was glad to feel his toes again. He was also glad that his dick was working perfectly. Well, he hadn't put it to the test yet, but he was hoping he'd be able to soon. He was at least able to piss from it. He hadn't told Ana yet because he wanted to surprise her. She said her next doctor's visit was the following day, and since he was checking out tomorrow, he wanted to surprise his wife.
Wife.
It filled him with joy that Ana was well and truly his. They were married, they were together, and she was going to have his child. His brother, of course, was thrilled for him, and when Ros wasn't updating him on what he'd missed, Elliot would stop by and talk with him. About Kate, about his construction business, and how happy he was that Christian was okay. Even Willow and Gail stopped by to check on him. He had a real family, and he loved each and every person. His therapist had assured him that based on his progress he would walk again, even if it was with a slight limp. Sawyer already had a customized cane made for him and he'd been trying it out whenever Ana fell asleep or left for the night.
When Ana would leave for the day, either being too sick or needing rest, he would be briefed about Blake and the current situation with the city. This was one of those nights.
"How is my company, Ros?"
Pulling up the chair beside his bed, she sighed.
"Good. Stressful, but good. I don't know how you do this. I've almost shot Barney at least twice. He now knows to call before entering my office. As for the other business, your men have been laying low. Blake has increased security around the city, and especially around your businesses."
"You think he's trying to jail me?"
Smirking, she crossed her arms over her chest.
"No. I think he's trying to play it by the book. He wants to see you."
"He came by the office?"
"Multiple times," she answered before standing. Walking to the window she placed her hands behind her back.
"He's already spoken with Ana and the rest of the staff. Stories are straight." When Christian didn't respond she looked over her shoulder.
"I can hear you thinking," she said wryly.
"Tell him I want to see him."
"Okay." Walking over to the bed she squeezed his shoulder.
"I'll let you get some rest. Oh, and boss? I'm so glad you're going to be okay."
…
The next morning Ana came by grinning in a long-sleeved mint green dress and flats. Her hair was piled on top of her head and she was practically vibrating. The flush on her cheeks, her happiness was infectious, and it caused him to match her grin.
"Hello, baby."
"Hello husband," she said cheekily before sitting beside him on the bed. She kissed his cheek smiling when he pulled her closer.
"How are you feeling?" Christian whispered against her strawberry scented hair.
"I should be asking you the same thing," Ana commented as she ran her hand over his chest.
"But I'm doing good. I didn't vomit last night so that's good. The baby was being kind to me today."
Settling his hand over her stomach he kissed her hair.
"I knew he would. We spoke yesterday about it." Giggling she tilted her head back.
"You did, huh? And maybe she wants to throw you off." Shaking his head he pulled her closer.
"It doesn't matter what you say, baby. It's a boy. My son is trying to adjust to his new space. It's temporary, but it's life."
Rolling her eyes at the arrogance in his voice she sat up.
"Yeah, well. What time are you going down to therapy?"
"I already went. This morning." Frowning, Ana stood before sitting on the chair near the bed.
"Oh? Still no change?" Shaking his head he smiled ruefully.
"I guess we will have to put to use your theory."
"What theory?" she asked confused. Reaching over he squeezed her hand. He knew it was cruel, but he wanted to surprise her, and he knew that tomorrow would be perfect.
"That you'll love me even if it takes me a bit longer to walk," he said quietly. Ana's eyes softened before she leaned over and kissed his hand.
"I would love you if you never walked again. I love who you are Christian. Nothing else matters. And our daughter will think the same as well." Christian smirked at her last comment.
"Really Ana?" he said to which she laughed lightly.
"How about I get us some lunch?"
"Take Sawyer with you. I need to speak with Taylor."
"Is there something wrong?"
"No. I just want to speak with him about a security measure."
"Christian," she started. Christian pulled her hand until it was hovering near his mouth.
"Do you trust me?"
Sighing, she ran her free hand over her face before answering.
"I do. You know I do. But I don't want to be caught off-guard again. I'm your wife. I need to be on the same page as you. I love you too much. We love you too much," she added.
"Baby, I know. But this is something I need to do. I need to make sure you're safe, and I need to talk it over with Taylor. He needs to be up to date on the steps I want taken in case of an emergency."
"Christian-"
"I will not have you exposed, Ana. I can't have it. I won't survive it." Christian was expecting a fight. He was surprised however when Ana leaned over and kissed his cheek.
"Okay."
"Okay?" he asked, unable to disguise the shock in his voice. Ana giggled.
"Okay. I know you are trying to do what's right for me and our child-"
"Son-"
"And," she interrupted rolling her eyes, "I also know that you want us safe. Christian, I love you, and I will only fight if you're not being fair. I think you are. I only ask you to be honest with me, or this isn't going to work."
Once again Christian was amazed at Ana's willingness to protect them both.
"Just when I think I have you pegged Mrs. Grey." Smirking she gently pulled her hand away before smoothing over her dress.
"I have to keep you on your toes. Now, I will send Taylor in. But make sure you get rest Christian. The doctor told me you've been working harder than usual."
"I promise," he said. She smiled before blowing him a kiss. He watched as she walked out of the room and waved in Taylor. Once it was the two of them Taylor spoke.
"Sir. Blake just called. He wanted to check up on you. He also wanted to talk. He said he's on his way."
"Alright. I'd like you to stay in the room if that's alright."
"No problem."
"Oh, and Taylor? Ana and I have talked. About everything. She told me everything you did for her. How you protected her. What you did means more to me than I can ever express."
"Sir."
Holding up his hand, Christian continued.
"You have my oath as a Grey that whatever you want, whatever you need, is yours. For life." Taylor's eyes widened in shock. None of the families ever offered an oath to the people working for the families. Once word got around that Christian Grey gave his second full rights, the man would be unstoppable. Clearing his throat Taylor spoke quietly.
"My daughter. She's in a bad way. She needs me. I send money, but I know her mother spends it on herself. I don't like all the exposure she has to different men. Bailey, that's her name, calls me every other night. She doesn't feel comfortable."
Christian was stunned. Taylor never spoke about his family life, and he just assumed the man was completely unattached.
"How old is she?"
"Ten. She told me that one of my exes friends look at her funny. Thankfully, she's coming to stay with me next week. Her mother is going out of town for the next three weeks anyway."
"What do you need from me?" Christian asked, directly. Squaring his shoulders he looked him in the eye.
"I need your name. I need the judge to grant me full custody. I want to make my ex never have control over my daughter's life."
Without hesitation, Christian answered.
"Done. I'll have Ros call our lawyer. You'll have full custody by the end of the month."
"Sir, the courts-"
"The courts and the judge will do whatever I say. You are family Taylor. You should know how this works. Also, I have property down the street from my home in Sea Cliff. It's about a mile away. It's yours. We'll put everything in your name, and show that you have a stable job, home, and keep normal hours."
Taylor wasn't an emotional man. But his eyes glistened when he heard everything his boss was doing for him. He made a lot of mistakes in his life, but he loved his daughter and would protect him until his dying breath. She would never suffer.
"Thank you," Taylor said hoarsely. Christian nodded before nodding his own head. After a moment he snorted.
"Look at us. The women in our lives are making us pussies. I feel like I need to go shoot somebody to re-establish my manhood." Barking out a laugh, Taylor nodded.
"When you get out of here I'll take you to the shooting range myself. We're mostly legit now," Taylor smirked, glad to be over the emotional crap.
"Then we'll get beers later," Christian added grinning.
"Yeah."
….
Walking into the Christian's room Blake smiled when he saw the young man. He was sitting up dressed in sweat pants and a t-shirt, talking to Taylor who was sitting at the table in the corner working on his laptop. They both looked up when they saw him standing in the center of the room.
"Christian. It's so good to see you." Returning his smile with one of his own he gestured to the chair.
"It's always good to see you, Blake. Have a seat." Nodding the man took off his hat before settling his frame into the plush chair.
"So. When are you getting out of here?"
"Tomorrow."
"I know you're thrilled."
Chuckling Christian crossed his arms over his chest.
"You have no idea." Raising his brow he spoke to the retired police officer.
"So. My men tell me that you've been around my company asking questions. Ana even mentioned briefly about you speaking with her some odd weeks ago." Sitting back in his chair the men studied one another. Sighing, Blake spoke.
"The new investigator who called me in the first place wanted to make sure I was handling this by the book. He's heard of you Christian. Your family and your yet to be proven ties with the mob family. With us being photographed together at major events around the city, he thought I was on the payroll, so he's been having me followed and watched. I wouldn't be surprised if he has men parked outside of the hospital." Nodding Christian glanced over at Taylor. The man nodded in confirmation. Noticing the exchange he asked what was wrong.
"Nothing's wrong. It's just they have you bugged. Taylor made sure it was disarmed once you stepped in here so all they'll get is static." Surprised, Blake glanced over at the muscular man who was smirking at him while pointing to the computer.
"Ah. This technology stuff will always go over my head. I swore I checked myself over multiple times in the car."
"I'm sure you did." Speaking up Taylor answered.
"From the readings, I'm getting it's coming from a small item. Like a pen." Eyes wide Blake pulled out a black pen.
"He wrote down something for me to sign before tossing it to me before walking away. I just kept it after I signed it." Angry, Blake stood and tossed the pen out the window. "This is why I retired when I did," he muttered. Closing the window he returned to his seat.
"I know Ana had some involvement with Jose and Elena's death."
"Death? I thought they were still on the run?" Rolling his eyes Blake spoke.
"No. Guys I know over in the black market said there was some reason auction. A high-society woman, and a man. Said he met the description I gave him on the phone."
"Blake, you run in some dark circles. To have contacts in the market," Christian said mockingly.
"They were from when I was undercover. Those guys still are. Trying to destroy the child sex trafficking ring. Anyway, I wanted you to know everything's good on my end. I went through the typical procedures, questioning, and let the new chief know I have no idea what happened. In my opinion, the world is better because they aren't in it." Christian said nothing, but there was shock on his face. Blake chuckled.
"You're surprised, huh? Well Christian, I never said I wanted them to live. I just wanted them to get what was owed to them. I may not agree with your methods, but we both want the same outcome. Justice for crimes committed against our loved ones. It was what your father and I disagreed with many times over. But, your dad liked it. He liked that I didn't agree with him." At that, Christian smirked.
"Yeah, I know. He used to laugh whenever I would give reasons why I wouldn't do it his way."
"Yeah."
The two sat in comfortable silence before Blake spoke again.
"You have a lovely wife, Christian. Beautiful, smart, and very much in love with you. Also loyal. Your dad would be proud." Breaking eye contact he nodded once.
"I think dad and mom would've liked her," he said softly. Christian always saw Blake as his second father. He was there whenever Christian needed him, and he never disappointed. The fact that he loved Ana filled him with a joy he was loathed to admit.
"I've been seeing Willow." Christian's head snapped up in surprise. Blake grinned at the look on Christian's face.
"Guess I'm full of surprises today." Christian opened his mouth to speak but no words were coming out. After several moments he spoke hesitantly.
"When did this happen?" Standing, he put his hat back on.
"For a while. She wanted me to be the one to tell you."
Studying the man, Christian noticed his eyes were brighter than usual at the mention of Willow's name.
"You happy?" he asked. Blake paused for a moment before answering Christian.
"Yeah. After my own wife passed I didn't think it was in the cards for me. To want to be with someone again. But, Willow kept calling and hanging around. We're on the board to stop violence against women and children."
"I didn't know that."
"There's a lot of things I do to kill time. It keeps my mind occupied. So yeah. I'm thinking of taking Willow on a trip. She's been dying to go back to Italy, and since I've never left San Francisco, I think it'll be a good change."
"When you plan on leaving?"
"Next week." Blake could tell that Christian didn't know what to say to that. Instead, he leaned over and gripped his shoulder.
"You'll be fine, son. You have a wife now, and I'm sure you'll be working on your own family." There was so much between the two that wasn't said. But, their eyes spoke volumes.
"You know, you're dad and I spoke one final time before his death. It was about three days before his death. In a way, I think your dad knew something was coming." Christian felt all the air leave his lungs at Blake's confession. He waited for the man to speak. When he finally did he felt overcome.
"He told me to look out for you. To look out for his oldest son. He told me that as a favor, as friends, to look out for you until you became a man. I always wondered if he meant when you became an adult, but now I realize it was until you found the other person who completed you. Until you found your wife."
Blinking back tears, Christian swallowed.
"You think I'm a man, now?"
Smiling he nodded.
"I do. And now that you have your own family, you will do better than your father. It's what he wanted. For you to be better than him."
…
Whew! That was so emotional, and beautiful! I felt like Blae was still open but now that storyline has come to a good end. Next up, we've got Christian checking out of the hospital, Ana's doctor appointment, and more Ana/Christian as newlyweds! Love you all, and leave me a review!
