Chapter 36 ~~ December

December 6

"Pretty!" Grandma Trevelyan complimented the Christmas tree at Christian's penthouse. "How did you decide on blue and silver?"

"Ana's eyes…my eyes…our first Christmas tree. I hired a professional seasonal decorator. If it was up to Anastasia and me…the tree wouldn't get decorated until Epiphany. Normally this would be a big baking and cooking night for Ana…but everyone's working and everyone's busy. So…we're just having a fun night. Soup, three kinds, from PPM. Bread from bakery. Cookies from bakery. Chocolates from See's Candy. Crudité tray and three dips from Gail." Christian wore a grey sweatshirt and blue jeans. Ana wore a blue cashmere sweater dress and leggings set, with a silver embossed headband and silver hoop earrings. She was prepared if Carla Skyped tonight.

Gail expanded the dining table to serve 24 and set place settings for 18. Silver sprayed evergreen limbs, blue candles and textured silver ornaments lined the length of the table. Silver chargers and silver cutlery established the place settings. Bowls and plates were blue glass. The napkins were blue, tied with silver ribbon.

Gwen brought a hostess gift of a blue and silver angel ornament for the tree. She explained she found one in rose gold and merlot for her and Ros's Christmas tree. She bought a flocked white faux tree, and spent the last three months gathering merlot or rose gold ornaments. The garland for the tree was yards of merlot lace ribbon. Gwen showed her a picture and it was gorgeous.

Kate exclaimed over the tree and the decorations. She had not decided what to do for Elliot and her first Christmas. Now she picked emerald for her eyes, and gold from Elliot's hazel eyes. Ana gave her the contact information for the seasonal decorator. She warned Kate to have an idea of what she wanted decorated and to be specific with the decorator. Otherwise, she might have indoor wreaths for every door and kissing balls hung the length of the halls.

Kate confided to Ana; she and Elliot were exchanging 12 Days of Christmas gifts with one another. Kate suspected half of hers would be lingerie. She was finished shopping for him – one-third was sexy; one-third was adventure; and one-third was gizmo gadgets. "Christian's IT guy, Barney, said not to buy any of this year's technology because everything needed testing or improvement with a relaunch. He recommended the newest Fitbit, the newest GPS, noise cancelling headphones, and a stainless steel top of the line laptop briefcase."

Ana whispered Christian gave her a present every day of December so far. They were all time-motif. She showed Kate one of her watches, a casual one. She explained about an art deco and diamond watch which required a fancy dress ball to do it justice. Kate recommended naked nights where Ana wore just the watch.

"Are you happy here with him?" Kate waited until they were alone in the powder room.

"Incandescently, as Lizzy Darcy says. The problem is…I don't know what's bigger…his sex drive…or my exploding hormones." Ana's blush amused Kate.

~X~

"Ana, what did you do with your loose change?" Bee asked.

"Took it to the bank to have it counted, matched it and donated it to the Toys for Tots motorcycle run at Road Ryders and Hell's Belles." Ana grinned. "Prescott and I had a very busy lunch hour. What did you do with yours?"

"Ray has been collecting wooden toys all year. We used the funds to refurbish them and donated them to Toys for Tots." Bee explained. "We must have sanded, painted and restrung 100 yoyos; sanded, painted and restrung a few dozen pull toys; fixed wooden puzzles which were missing a piece; completed, sanded and repainted block sets; put new wheels on old wooden toy vehicles; and repaired a few sets of lawn toys including the ones Ray found at Abby's place. Ray wants to do the same next year; but with rocking horses or lawn games like Jenga, dice, dominoes, lawn bowling, and ring toss games."

"How is Abby?" Ana asked.

"She moved to Portland before Halloween. She sold her house and the Frosty Freeze to the wife of the new clinic doctor at Greys Harbor Community College. They have twin sons who are little hellions, Jason and Mason!" Bee laughed. "We saw Abby over Thanksgiving because Ray dropped off the pieces she wanted to keep from the sheds. We sold everything except one bookcase/desk and one kitchen island/breakfast bar at the Portland show."

"How did the show go?" Kate asked.

"Ray designated one third of our profits for the business, one third for future estate sales purchases and the last one-third for his personal bank account. Carla's not happy with me. She wanted a dozen large frames from Ray's shed. She saw me working on them when she Skyped Ray. She planned to make tea trays from them. We stripped them, refinished them, and put them with refurbished dressers. Every set sold."

"Will you come to Aspen with us?" Ana asked. "Dad and I aren't avid skiers, but we like to snowmobile."

"We're coming. Ray and I bought ugly Christmas gifts already. I'm doing the Aspen Adaptive Skier Contest on the twenty-sixth. They are hosting a prothesis clinic. One of the vendors makes a prosthesis with a pneumatic spring and hydraulic knee and ankle joints. I want to take a look at it. It would make skiing, hiking, surfing, and biking a great deal easier."

~X~

Karma really was a bitch. A sledgehammer-wielding, soul-crushing, gut-wrenching, viciously nasty bitch wearing spike-heeled stilettos to pierce your soul. Or in Elena Lincoln's case…Karma was a third world country with truth-telling drugs, and a doctor who was not averse to murdering a useless bitch for useable human organs not to mention corneas, middle ear bones, tissue, skin, bone, blood and bone marrow. Elena Lincoln's organs, tissue, and arms and legs for medical school dissection netted over half a million for the transplant center. The center's medical waste incinerator functioned as a crematorium; disposing of Elena's remains along with clothes and ID. Her ashes would be buried in the rose garden at the transplant center…nourishing something which was alive and beautiful.

Diego forwarded the thank-you note from Lucia and her family to Grace. He explained the American Embassy retrieved the guest list for the cocktail party and the CCTV tapes of the event. He apologized the cameras were not working in the pavilion at that time. There was no footage of who Elena Lincoln spoke with after getting a fresh glass of champagne and strolling out to the pavilion.

December 10

Ana unwrapped a book. "Nancy Drew Secret of the Old Clock."

"The other books in the series are in your home office on a bookshelf." Christian noted. "Let me show you." He led her into her home office, taking the book out of her hand and tossing it in a chair. "I need hard, hot and fast," he murmured, destroying Ana's panties before bending her over the arm of her antique chaise lounge.

~X~

"Delivery…" Gail announced to Ana.

"Will you help me sort and put away?" Ana asked. "It's winter clothes – sweater dresses, leggings and tights, and boots for work. I don't know who can walk in skyscraper heeled boots, but I can't."

"Ms. Acton wasn't happy about taking two-thirds of her first delivery away." Gail couldn't hide her amusement.

"That's what she gets for sending clothes and accessories before discussing my needs and tastes with me." Ana pulled a face. "I don't need enough diamonds to dress two dozen Oscar nominees, either. She will love dressing Kate…but I intend to be a simple girl thorn in her side. She's going to learn I like dressing in jeans and Converse."

"Career Closet wants business ensembles and accessories donations. Fée Marraine, which is French for fairy godmother, wants evening clothes, wraps, and accessories for prom attire for underprivileged girls. Classy Consignments will take clothes, accessories and jewelry to sell. You have the option of establishing an account to shop; or routing the funds from your sales to a nonprofit."

"Will you leave a note on my desk with the contact information for all of them? I hate the rule of three for clothes I wear to events. It seems so wasteful. Donating them makes me feel better." Ana and Gail dug in to the garment bags and boxes.

~X~

"Dad, Bee," Ana hugged two of her favorite people. "I'm sorry I couldn't help move furniture today. How did it go?"

"Elliot's men moved all your furniture, his furniture and most of Kate's furniture to a warehouse at his company before the first of the month. I rented a U-Haul to take it back to Montesano. We're putting the furniture in an empty storage shed until the legion has a rummage sale over Memorial Day."

"Let me show you to the guestroom. Dinner's ready in twenty minutes. Christian's favorite macaroni and cheese; Dad's favorite mega muffin pan meatloaf; broccolini spears, green salad with cranberries, almonds, mandarin orange segments and honey ginger vinaigrette; and whole wheat rolls. Gail made a chocolate cake for dessert."

Ana opened the door to the old submissive bedroom and did not cringe. Gail redecorated the suite; making it look like a high end hotel room. The drapes, upholstered furniture and bed linens were navy, and coordinated well with the grey carpet and the silver, gold and white botanical wallpaper on the accent wall. Plush bath linens were navy also. Gail replaced the towel warmer, and added a candlescape. She asked Elliot's men to build out a shelving unit in the walk-in closet which could hold Bee's four prosthetic cases.

"What's on schedule for the evening?" Ray asked, hauling two cases up the stairs while Ryan carried two duffle bags. Bee brought up the rear with a laptop briefcase and a small cosmetic case.

"Your choice…movies, cards, board games, pool?" Ana suggested.

"Pool, light libations, conversation?" Bee suggested.

"Can do. Would you like a tour of the place?" Ana asked.

"Not so much. Let's do dinner and then you can show us the downstairs." Bee suggested.

December 12

Hannah Starr was an enigma. The middle girl of five siblings – one older brother and sister, and one younger brother and sister, she was fond of her family. She possessed quiet manners, clarity of thought and perception, analytical skills, and a gift for diplomacy. So when she made a bitchy comment about someone…it was usually on target. Hannah was moved from filing and archives to Ana's assistant. When she wasn't busy with Ana projects, she helped Claire at the front desk.

Claire handed over Ana's mail. "So it's official – Grey Publishing is involved in a class action lawsuit over Jack Hyde?"

"That's supposed to be the discussion in this morning's company meeting." Hannah picked up a copy of Wednesday's editorial agenda for Ana. "If HR isn't providing lunch – will you have the cafeteria send up a loaded sandwich cart at lunch time?"

"Is the other rumor true?" Claire asked.

"Ana turned in a change of address, change of beneficiary, emergency contact, etc. to HR. They were not happy considering the upcoming lawsuit. It's my understanding that's why we're having a company meeting. HR can't keep the lawsuit quiet for much longer. Mr. Grey and Ana have been outed on several media sources as living together."

"She made Mr. Grey the beneficiary on her insurance?" Claire frowned.

"No, not at all. She added her dad's fiancée to the form." Hannah introduced a new rumor (with Ana's blessing) to sidetrack some of the old ones.

~X~

********Special to Seattle Times*******

Press Release from Grey Enterprises Holdings

Grey House confirms the living situation of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele. "Anastasia and I decided to cohabitate. She moved in to my penthouse at Escala over Thanksgiving weekend. The existence of a pre-nup or a palimony arrangement is no one's business except ours."

"Due to our busy work schedules, the penthouse was decorated for Christmas by Comforts for Christmas, a seasonal decorating group. Their website has a picture of our Christmas tree by the fireplace."

"We feel lucky to have found one another and want to share the joys of the holidays with others. Ana supports the Toys for Tots motorcycle run organized by Washington Warriors. Grey House donated to the Food for Thought organization. They provide backpacks of food to needy children over weekends and school breaks. Grey House and Grey Construction are hosting a Vets for Vaccines weekend at WSCC the first Saturday of Christmas Break. Anyone who has not been able to vaccinate their kids can have them vaccinated for a donation which will go to the new vets homeless shelter being built by Grey Construction and Washington Warriors. Information is available on all the websites."

"Ana and I ask for privacy at this time while we establish our lives going forward." Christian Grey requested.

********Special to Seattle Times*******

~X~

Ana emerged from GP with two coworkers. She laughed at something one of her coworkers said. Christian loved her low, throaty laugh which directly affected his cock. He thought the clothes she wore today were the sexiest he had ever seen. She wore a navy pencil skirt which hugged her perfect, pert ass. She wore a long-sleeved white silk blouse with tiny buttons. It was completely closed…no improper hints of those beautiful breasts. Her hair was a low, figure eight chignon. She wore higher heels than usual and carried a tote. He wanted to run his fingers through that mane of hair, pulling her close, leaning his forehead to hers. 'Elevator…home,' was all he could consider while watching her approach his SUV with Prescott in tow.

Christian pulled Ana onto his lap and kissed her hello for at least five minutes before releasing her to fasten her seatbelt. "How was your day after the press release?"

"Trisha is the only editor who will come into my office alone. The rest won't enter my office alone to discuss manuscripts they need read. It's just easier to have Hannah pretend to take notes or handle the scheduling calendar so they won't feel compromised." Ana tried to form coherent sentences while Christian's fingers explored the lacy tops of her thigh-high stockings.

~X~

"Anastasia, you are too young to move in with someone," Carla protested. "Unless you're pregnant?" When her question went unanswered she continued. "Can't you just date for a while, until you are a little more mature? If you insist on this foolhardy venture, then make him give you a settlement before…like a palimony payment. I suggest at least $5 million, with an extra five for every year you are with him. Of course, if you decide to become pregnant, you need a settlement which provides care for the child."

"Did you read the press release comment that a pre-nup or palimony agreement is no one's business?" Ana counted to ten silently.

"Yes, but…" Carla protested.

"I've decided to be the weather girl today," Ana announced.

"What does that mean?" Carla was irate because Ana interrupted a perfectly valid point about Ana moving in with Christian.

"Criticism doesn't affect the weather. The weather is too busy being itself to worry about the effect it has on people's attitudes. Dinner time; Skype you later." Ana terminated the contact.

December 15

"Dr. Trevelyan, Mr. Grey, we were notified by the American Embassy in Rio de Janiero regarding your missing friend, Elena Lincoln. Dr. Trevelyan, will you tell us about your trip to Rio the last week of November?" When Grace finished her recital of events, the State Department representatives shared information with her.

"Mrs. Lincoln has not been seen since the trip to Rio. We sent three private investigators to Rio; they could not find her. We know she stayed at the hotel in Rio in a shared suite with you. Tuesday, when you helped with the transplant, and taught two medical seminars – Mrs. Lincoln enjoyed the salon and spa services at the hotel. We know you returned to the hotel to dress for the cocktail party. Both of you took a taxi to the new transplant center. Elena Lincoln is listed as your plus one at the cocktail party. We spoke to several of the attendees. They remember meeting you and your friend. The last confirmed contact at the cocktail party was a server. Mrs. Lincoln traded an empty champagne flute for a full one and then walked to the door of the outdoor pavilion. There were a few dozen people milling around the pavilion and grounds. Not all of them were attendees of the cocktail party. She must have left with someone, as there is no record of her taking a taxi. We questioned all the attendees at the cocktail party. No one remembers seeing her leave with anyone."

The State Department checked Elena's voicemails and call list. She called Grace on Tuesday night after the cocktail party from outside some night club – which didn't have CCTV cameras. Interrogation of the bartending staff and wait staff revealed they remembered a middle-aged blonde American woman in a black cocktail dress.

"As no friends, clients, or staff have had contact with Elena Lincoln since that Tuesday night, we have issued a missing person's report. The American Embassy in Rio de Janiero filed a missing person's report also. As she is an adult, she's entitled to drop out of sight with an unknown male escort. They could be on a yacht at sea. The American Embassy in Rio is talking to the dockmasters regarding yachts coming and going from the area on the Tuesday she disappeared."

"Another strike against us is the difference between our missing person's search and the latitude which Rio de Janiero gives the American Embassy. Meanwhile, the Washington Attorney General has been given power of attorney over Mrs. Lincoln's business and estate. Since she has no family; until there is a death determination; her businesses and estate must stay intact. Franco de Luca, a longtime employee, will become the CEO of the Esclava Salons and Spas. The house will remain locked with a security company guarding it until a year from her disappearance. Then the contents will be packed and stored. The Attorney General may authorize the sale of her business, estate and vehicle after a year without contact. However…it could be seven years before she is declared dead."

"Why did you stop calling her on December second?" The female agent questioned Grace.

"I called three or four times a day, leaving voicemails telling Elena where I was and what I was doing if she decided to join me. I worried because her phone charger was at the hotel. Instead of taking a planned tour on Thursday, December first; I stayed at the hotel and patronized their spa and salon services. When Elena didn't arrive at midnight in time to fly home; I had to depart. I have a busy practice here. The holidays are coming. I couldn't linger in Rio wondering when my friend would reappear." Grace replied. "It was a 20-hour flight from Rio to Seattle, and the flight crew usually bans the use of cell phones during the flight."

"Did your son's termination of his business dealings with the Esclava Salons and Spas have anything to do with her disappearance?"

"Until Christian met Anastasia Steele, we thought Christian was gay. He was shocked to learn his business partner's longtime lover was his clone. Elena didn't approve of Anastasia which bothered Christian. I believe it was one of his reasons for terminating his business relationship with Elena." Grace commented.

"It's an ongoing investigation so please do not discuss the case with anyone. Please do not engage with the media. If you hear from Mrs. Lincoln, please contact us." The State Department left after sharing their business cards.

"Trust Elena to find a man and cause problems for the universe," Carrick groused. 'I hope the bitch walked into the ocean and is fish food for several hundred sharks.'

~X~

"Elena's missing," Christian told Ana about his visit from the State Department, and the questions he answered for them regarding dissolving his business relationship with Elena. "Penny for your thoughts."

"It isn't random chance…you in her backyard, you making a snarky comment, her slapping you and then kissing you. She groomed you… picked you to be her next teenage fuck buddy…and then she pounced."

"How do you know so much about grooming?" Christian asked.

"Girls talk. Two of my classmates, who had been assaulted by their stepfathers, recognized the personality traits in my stepfather, Stephen. They warned me about him. They felt my mother was blind…and gave me examples of similar behavior they experienced with their mothers. The rest is history." Ana paused. "I know you don't want me to overthink things…but I worry about the Jack Hyde lawsuit. While Elizabeth will never be one of my favorite people; part of me believes he manipulated her."

~X~

"Dad and Bee invited us to Happy Holly Days in Montesano." Ana and Christian sat at the breakfast bar eating chicken alfredo and a salad for dinner.

"Schedule?" Christian checked his calendar.

"There are special events Thursday through Sunday. I thought if we go; it should be Friday night and Saturday. But, the truth is…I'm swamped. I know you're swamped. Friday night is the Ugly Sweater Sock Hop at community center hosted by Montesano Chamber of Commerce. They host a chili cookoff that night; winner gets $1K. Dad always enters the contest. Santa's Sweet Shoppe is a bake sale/refreshments/cake walk during the hop. In the past I made mint chocolate brownies for Dad to donate."

"Saturday begins with a pancake breakfast and ends with a lighted parade down Main Street. The high school honor society hosts Santa Sitters from 10-2, for a donation. The kids make crafts, watch movies, and have a snack. Santa makes an appearance to take pictures with the kids. Saturday afternoon bingo game at the Senior Center. The lighted house contest is Saturday from six to ten – win, place, show winners of $1K, $500 and $250. Dad enters every year."

"Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday is the craft fair – 50-75 vendors in the common room and gym at the Montesano High School. Candle makers, scent purveyors, wood crafts, fabric crafts, food gifts, jewelry, etc. AL sells Yule Logs, pinecone fire starters, etc. The AL Auxiliary has a gift wrapping table. Various members make a few dozen red flannel or fleece Santa bags a year with white cotton rope ties which they sell for $50 a bag. Several of the other members make different size fabric gift bags which are sold."

"If I can carve out time on Friday and Saturday, do you want to go?" Christian wondered what he could reschedule before Andrea left for her wedding and honeymoon.

"Can we not? We have this weekend…and then it's Christmas and the New Year. I really hoped to be about 100 manuscripts ahead before the lawsuit is heard. I have an evaluation after the first of the year. I believe in consumable Christmas gifts. I need to make lasagnas for Christmas gifts. I need time to make enough marinara sauce for a dozen pans. Plus there's an ornament exchange at work, and I want to get Hannah and Claire something special. I need a gift for Gwen. I need a gift for Bee. Plus I need to finish Kate's gift."

"I handled the wedding gift for Andrea and Adrian. I bought our ugly Christmas gifts. My biggest Christmas problem was a second shipment of food and medical supplies to Darfur. It should be a done deal by December twentieth." Christian kissed Ana on top of her head. "Just take a deep breath and ask Gail for help if you need it."

December 17

"Two weeks to the wedding," Adrian held Andrea in his arms.

"I can't wait to be just an ordinary couple with an ordinary life…work, dinner together, TV, bath, bed, sex, sleep." Andrea kissed his whiskery face. "Christmas is coming…we're all so busy."

"Don't worry about shopping for me. As long as I have you; as long as we get married; I have everything I want or need." Adrian kissed his favorite girl.

~X~

"Is this the best you have?" Jessica scowled at a 300-square-foot studio apartment.

"It's $650 for the studio; $1950 for first, last and security deposit. Trash pickup is provided. A garage is available for rent at $50 per month. We have a 400-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment for $800. First, last and security deposit for it is $2400. Again, trash pickup is provided and a garage is available. This building is in a twenty-minute radius of the courthouse. The complex has a gym and a swimming pool which you can use."

"Thirty minutes from the courthouse we have a 600-square-foot open concept basement in a Victorian house available for $800. It has on the street parking which means you will be scraping your car or shoveling it out. Also in that radius we have another studio, same size and configuration as this one, but no amenities, no garage."

"There's absolutely no view from the one-bedroom apartment; but the bedroom and the walk-in closet offset the tiny bathroom. I guess I can live without a bathtub. I want a south-facing garage which is closest to my building. Let's go sign the papers." Jessica sighed. While it was nice to have a guaranteed job for two years; she wished it provided relocation funds. Still, it was a job working with her degree and they recommended this housing hunter. Christian discovered the driver from her hit and run. Her insurance company worked with the driver's insurance company. All her medical bills were paid; and after reimbursing her insurance company; Jessica received a small settlement for pain and suffering. It was what she would use to relocate to Spokane.

"You can move in starting the twenty-ninth. Visit the utility companies today; transfer the utilities into your name beginning the twenty-ninth. Arrange for cable and internet installation that day also. All you need is the signed paperwork. Here's a list of consignment stores, thrift stores and furniture store in the area." The agent slid the paperwork to Jessica to sign. Jessica handed over her debit card and accepted the keys to the apartment and garage. The agent slid a folder to her with a copy of her paperwork, a map of the complex, and a directory of fast food, grocery stores, banks, postal services, gas stations, and other businesses near the complex.

~X~

"A toast," Carrick poured excellent wine for himself and Grace. They had a fireside table at Canlis. "To the end of one of our 2011 issues." Jack Hyde's condo, possessions and car were sold. His final bills were paid. The funds from the sales and the payout for his life insurance totaled almost $1.75 million. With help from Carrick's legal firm; paperwork was signed by a judge. The financial manager at Elizabeth's bank had power of attorney for six months over the funds. The judge ruled Elizabeth's bills were to be paid first, including her hospice bill. Elizabeth was scheduled to be released from the hospice the week of Christmas. Grace released the personal assistant keeping Elizabeth's condo clean, mail handled, and bills paid. Grace filed all the Jack Hyde paperwork with their tax consultant. She had not realized profit from his death; refusing the executor fees of five percent.

"To all the happiness our family can bear in 2012," Grace toasted and they clinked glasses.

December 19

"Well, there is a détente between you and your mother. Bob notified Mom they won't be coming to Aspen. He's contracted to work in Boston for several weeks after the new year. Consequently, they are going to Boston for Christmas and won't return to Savanah until after President's Day. I sent them a case of wine for Christmas."

"So my passive-aggressive mother let her husband deal with your mother. I'm not surprised." Ana commented. "Bee sent me an email today telling me Ray and Bob had words. Ray said he is not in charge of my actions, and is not required to play peacemaker. I expect Bob will attempt to counsel me."

"If Bob can champion Carla, and Bee can champion Ray, then may I be your liege, milady? I believe in a level playing field." Christian grinned. "You and me against the world, remember? We are not required to entertain opinions about our relationship."

"Thank you," Ana smiled gratefully at Christian.

"Taylor, tell security to turn off the CCTV in the penthouse elevator. I want to make out with my girlfriend." Christian smirked at Ana's blush.

~X~

"Annie," Bee's quiet voice set alarms off in Ana's head. "Quick question…how much of a bitch can I be to Jessica Jackson?"

"Jessica? What does she want?" Ana frowned. She didn't plan to talk to anyone tonight; but Bee's identification caused her to pick up the phone.

"Sheriff Jackson heard we brought furniture home since you moved in with Christian. He wants to buy some pieces for Jessica's new apartment in Spokane. Ray put the load of furniture from the tenth in a storage shed here. We were taking it to the legion rummage sale over Memorial Day; but Ray said it's up to you."

"Tell Dad to charge what's fair and donate the proceeds to the legion. However; he can't move or assemble furniture for Jessica because we're leaving for Aspen on the twenty-third." Ana suggested. "Did the Sheriff ask; or did Jessica ask?"

"Both; he brought her over. She can't move in until the twenty-ninth." Bee sounded amused.

"Have Ray suggest a couple vets to drive a U-Haul with furniture; and move everything into her apartment. Make sure they take their own toolbox, and make sure she pays for the truck, gas, and gives them at least $200 each. If she bitches about the furniture, style, price or wants something repainted or reupholstered – send her down the road. You don't have to deal with her shit." Ana knew Kate would get a good laugh out of Jessica buying their old furniture and décor.

~X~

"I thought you should know…Jessica bought all your bedroom furniture. She purchased a purple loveseat and an entertainment center at a discount furniture place in Seattle. She bought Kate's purple floral chair, living room tables and lamps, and the console table from inside the door to the condo. She bought several of Carla's candlesticks, and all the shabby chic kitchenware Kate donated." Bee chuckled. "I saw the layout. She's using the console table behind the loveseat to separate the kitchen from the living room. Ray separated the sale items by invoice and has receipts for your taxes."

Christmas Eve

"Everyone play by the rules? All gifts are ugly, tacky Christmas?" Theo was the MC for the gift opening. "Everyone wears at least one ugly Christmas present a day." Theo and Frannie handed out presents. Grace and Frannie bought ugly Christmas sweaters. Ana's navy blue sweater featured a Christmas landscape with glossy icing snow and sequin sprinkle stars.

Mia and Ethan bought ugly dresses for the ladies and ugly ties and vests for the men. Christian's combo was a burnished gold, with a Charlie Brown Christmas tree and glittery ornaments. Ana's dress was the same ugly burnished gold; but with gingerbread men who spelled out Happy Holidays.

Theo and Carrick bought ugly red Christmas print union suits for everyone, complete with butt flaps. Elliot and Kate bought ugly stocking caps, mittens and mufflers. Eamon and Celeste bought ugly sweaters with leggings for the ladies, and ugly sweaters with equally ugly flannel lounging pants for the men. Christian's uncle and aunt gifted Grinch bedroom slippers for everyone.

Ray and Bee gifted ugly baseball caps. Kate's was the worst, with an Advent Calendar printed on the front, and teeny tiny ornaments to Velcro to the dates. Mia's resembled a big kissing ball. Christian's was Rudolph, with a red nose which lit up. Ana's was a loopy elf whose eyes whirled. Four Trevelyans and Carrick and Grace received Santa and Mrs. Claus baseball caps.

Christian and Ana bought several pairs of ugly socks for everyone. Some of them looked like striped candy canes. Some of them were brown fuzzy socks with embroidered names of the reindeer. White socks had fuzzy red poinsettia flowers. Layered tree green socks had gold garlands. Angels, Christmas gifts, Christmas treats, and Sandy Claws socks completed the sets.

~X~

"Something to wear, but you didn't want me to open it in front of anyone?" Ana asked.

"For my eyes only, Miss Steele."

Ana slipped a gold ribbon off a white box. She gingerly opened the gold floral tissue paper. She withdrew a beautiful sheer white robe. It had a lace bodice, lace trim around the edges of the robe and was finished with a small train. It closed at the waist with a white frog. In the box was a matching pair of sheer white, lace embellished bikini panties, a pair of white sheer stockings and a pair of white lace stilettos.

Ana gave Christian a pair of white silk boxers.

"Great minds think alike," he smirked. "The door is locked; the champagne is cold; the fire is lit. Met you in front of the fireplace in ten minutes in our Christmas Eve ensembles."

Christmas

Ana gifted Ray a collection of old woodworking tools in a wooden chest. Elliot gave her a special wood cleaner to polish it up. They obviously belonged to a craftsman at one time, but the set was incomplete; tools had been lost through the years. She gave Bee a vintage cut glass jar with special ski soak for after tomorrow's competition.

~X~

'Lord, Kate is at it again.' Ana stared at her Christmas gift. Kate tried to give hints with her Christmas presents. A gold noisemaker horn tied up in a pretty bow decorated the Tartan plaid Christmas wrap package. 'Please don't let it be a plaid dress for clubbing on New Year's Eve.' Ana thought.

"Read the tag!" Kate smirked.

"From Kate and Elliot; and from Ethan, Celeste and Eamon," Ana read. "A family gift?"

"It's a thank you, from the family. We're all grateful that Jessica is out of Ethan's life," Kate appreciated the tax deduction from the Montesano American Legion.

Ana slid the ribbon off and opened the box. Inside was a very old copy of Sir Walter Scott's The Bride of Lammermore; and a vintage copy of Marmion by Sir Walter Scott.

"Okay… tartan plaid wrapping paper and the books by Scottish authors. Robert Burns, Old Lang Syne, for the noisemaker. What am I missing?" Ana asked. "Something Scottish, but I can't Sherlock what."

Kate handed her a tartan plaid envelope. It contained four tickets to the Robert Burns Dinner and Fundraiser. "I have been assigned to cover the Robert Burns Dinner and Fundraiser at the Seattle Convention Center on Saturday, January twenty-first. The fundraiser benefits the Seattle Library System. Elliot and I are doubling with Christian and you – and don't laugh – the boys have agreed to wear kilts and the complete traditional Scottish regalia for the event. The bodice of your dress is blue, with the skirt made from the tartan for Washington State. That's the pieces of fabric inside. Mine has a green bodice with the same skirt material. Between now and MLK's birthday, we need a dress fitting."

"Kate…the best laid plans of mice and men…" Ana warned her. "I don't know where we'll be with the Jack Hyde lawsuit."

"I know…gang aft agley. However, I'm crossing my fingers the lawsuit will be over and will have a good outcome. I need you to be my wingwoman. I'm not drinking whiskey or black and tan or eating haggis. You're there to protect me. There's a media sale – which is books, DVDs and Scottish music CDs. There is a Robert Burns look-alike contest which is supposed to be judged by one of his 600 descendants. Appetizers are," she consulted her phone, "Scottish broth; Scotch Eggs with Stone Ground Mustard; and Smoked Salmon Canapes. Dinner entrees include venison, Aberdeen Black Angus steaks, baked salmon, and haggis. Desserts are various kinds of shortbread. They are serving Twining's English Breakfast Tea as one of their beverages."

"Be still my heart," Ana laughed.

"Scottish pipe bands, bag pipers and drummers, dancers and athletes from the 2011 Scottish Highland Games held in Portland," Kate read. "Whiskey tasting, kilt judging contest, Scottish Tour raffle, a silent auction, and a corner store run by the Scottish Country Shop from Portland. Tickets on sale for the 2012 Scottish Highland Games. Special guest, Kevin McKidd from Grey's Anatomy."

"Oh, I like him!" Ana sighed, faux fanning herself.

"Yeah…you and those gingers," Kate laughed.

~X~

Fluent in movie quotes, swearing and sarcasm.

Coffee is a cup of hope in a world full of Mondays.

All I care about is coffee and the person who brought it to me.

Don't pet my peeves.

Liquid Patience

I love naps, Netflix and massive amounts of coffee.

"I know you have some of those quotes, but not all of them are on fourteen-ounce cups," Ana explained. Under the six cups was a deluxe Starbucks gift basket with a dozen packages of coffee and gourmet hot chocolate mixes. There were decorated chocolate stirring spoons, candy cane stirring spoons, flavored sugars and four dozen assorted flavored biscotti. The fun part of the basket was the star-shaped marshmallows for the hot chocolate.

~X~

Ana unwrapped a picture of a green marble plinth with a brass sundial on top.

"I bought it already," Christian explained. "It needs a house with an English cottage garden, a patio and lawn furniture." He had given her watches, a clock, a box of time travel DVDs, a box of time motif music, and the Nancy Drew books. She liked the petite sterling silver watch for her charm bracelet.

Ana decided to give Christian 12 Days of Christmas gifts like Kate was doing with Elliot. His first four gifts were silk boxers and silk pajamas. His second four presents would be adventure items like a marine GPS unit for his boat, an outdoor GPS watch to wear when biking or hiking; a marine waterproof charging station for his cell phone, laptops, etc.; and a high end desktop weather radio. For his last four gifts…Ana made certificates which granted Christian two-hours of introductory scenes in the playroom.

~X~

Ana made lasagna for Gail and Taylor, the Rodriguez men, the Kavanaghs, the Greys, Sawyer, and Prescott. She made one for Asher and one for Adrian. Christian selected two bottles of wine to pair with the lasagna. They arranged for delivery of the lasagnas and wine.

Carla gifted a couch blanket to Christian, made from men's grey wool suits. She sent Ana a dozen dark blue velvet bookmarks with silver charms and tassels, along with a sizeable gift card for Barnes and Noble.

Ana Skyped Carla to thank her for the Christmas gifts.

"What are you wearing?" Carla frowned.

"Ugly Christmas present exchange last night, remember? We have to wear at least one gift a day while we are here. I'm wearing the ugly dress from Mia and Ethan. Although, Christian and I have to wear two gifts some days because we're going back to Seattle for the New Year. We've been invited to a wedding."

"What are you wearing for the wedding?" Carla asked.

"Christian is wearing a grey Brioni suit, white shirt, grey tie, grey pocket square, black wingtips. I'm wearing a grey lace dress with a grey velvet sash belt; silver clutch and heels; diamond earrings and bracelet. I have a salon appointment that day. I thought I'd wear my hair in a French twist." Ana emailed Carla a picture of the dress. She held her breath, waiting for Carla to critique it.

"Sounds lovely," Carla was stiff and subdued. "Thank you for the wine. We left it in Savannah as Bob didn't want to pay extra freight to bring it with us. I saw the picture of the tree. It's very striking; especially next to the white marble fireplace. What other changes have you made to the penthouse?"

"Redecorated one of the guestrooms for Ray and Bee. The walk-in closet has special shelves to hold her prosthetic cases. Cleared out the library for a home office for me. Settled into the master suite. That's about it."

Carla mentioned some holiday events she and Bob planned to attend like the tree lighting ceremony on Boston Common; holiday concerts; and the fireworks display on New Year's Eve over Boston Harbor. Ana didn't say she was cheering Bee on at a ski contest tomorrow. She mentioned the torch run, and how pretty it was against the midnight blue sky and white mountains. They both wished one another 'Happy New Year' before terminating.

"Oh my…you were quite civilized with one another." Kate complimented her friend.

"Just trying to be nice and not naughty," Ana raspberried Kate.

New Year's Eve

The Loft at Russell's in Bothell was perfect for Adrian and Andrea's midsize wedding and reception. Hardwood floors; cathedral ceiling; fairy lights; and white tapers in silver candelabra set a romantic mood. Andrea wore a sweetheart lace bodice gown with a grey ribbon sash, and carried a cascading bouquet of sterling roses. Her attendants wore purple gowns and carried bouquets of white roses with silvery grey lace and satin ribbons. The men wore grey tuxes, with purple ties and pocket squares. Adrian's button hole was a sterling rose with greenery while the men wore white rose button holes.

Plated dinners of New York Strip steaks and scallops were served by wait staff in silver livery. Before the three tier cake was cut; Adrian called for a cleared dance floor. Ros knelt and proposed to Gwen with a three carat oval cut diamond in a rose gold band. Lots of cheers and a cascade of blush pink rose petals accompanied the ladies to the dance floor where they danced to Truly, Madly, Deeply by Savage Garden. Ros announced they were getting married on Valentine's Day at the Whidbey Winery. Gwen asked Ana to stand for her and Ros asked Christian to stand for her at the wedding.

Christian brushed his lips against Ana's, pulling back slightly to look at Ana and gauge her reaction. Her eyelids fluttered open to reveal her large beautiful blue eyes, and she gazed up at him. A slow smile spread over her face, captivating Christian by her loveliness. His hands cupped her face, and for a long moment he simply gazed into her eyes and enjoyed the feeling of standing so close to her. They were alone in the Escala penthouse elevator; coming home after Adrian and Andrea's wedding.

Christian kissed her again, only this time he did not pause after the first brush of his lips on hers, but instead he gradually deepened their kiss. He gently pushed her against the wall, letting her arms wrap around his neck. "My restraint is unraveling as fast as the end of the year." He murmured in her ear. His breath left a little flush on her checks and a tremor raced through her.

"I heard there is a superstition about New Year's Eve," Ana sighed. "How you spend the first few hours of the New Year is how you spend the rest of the year."

"Really?" Christian grinned at her. "How do you feel about spending the next year in bed with me?"

"Champagne and clothing optional?" Ana bit her lip.

New Year's Day

Christian used his first playroom certificate. "I'm not sure what you mean by introductory scene."

"Let's play show and tell," Ana suggested. "Do you have an anal hook? I'd like to see it."

Christian retrieved one from a drawer and handed it to Ana. She observed it an handed it back to him. "Hard limit. Please show me genital clamps." Christian set the anal hook on the top of the toy chest and opened another drawer. He held three sets of genital clamps in his hands.

She examined them and repressed a shudder. "Hard limit." He put them with the anal hook.

"Cable ties."

He handed her a single tie and an unopened package. She ran her fingers over the inside of the cable tie. "Hard limit." She paused. "Tape is also a hard limit. I don't like ripping off band-aids or adhesive tape…I don't think I would enjoy having my mouth taped."

He added the cable ties to the pile of banned items.

"Bit gag."

"Don't have one. No animal play toys, no cages, no leashes. There are collars for training and for play."

"Bondage mittens."

"I don't have any. I don't use them. I prefer to watch the color of your hands to ensure your circulation isn't impaired."

"Bondage hood. Breast binder. Chastity belt. Nose hook. Funnel gag. Penis gag. Fucking machine."

He shook his head no to her list. "Good god, those things aren't even on my toy list. What the hell did you research?"

"Things. Told you; I have a 4.0 GPA and graduated Summa Cum Laude. I do my homework. I just want to ensure they aren't included in your ambiguous 'other' categories. No crotch ropes – hard limit. No G-string ropes – hard limit. No positions where I act like human furniture – hard limit. No medical scenes, humiliation scenes, or rape scenes – hard limits. No age play, animal play, poly play, fear play, knife play, needle play, or fire play – hard limit. I know some of them are on your banned list. Wax play is a soft limit."

"I trust you will give me a concise list of hard and soft limits." He sighed.

"One last thing. Make a fist and show me it and your forearm." Ana ordered.

Christian complied…but he knew why.

"No anal or vaginal fisting. Hard limit."

"Is there anything you like about my playroom?" Christian asked.

"The chandelier over that toy chest is striking. Art Deco?" Ana asked. She knew he previously kept suspension gear and harnesses in that antique chest of drawers. The octopus chair was gone, replaced by the spanking benches. A leather gentleman's chair and round drink table now occupied the art deco window. Belts, whips, and paddles were gone. He listened when she made comments about his room.

"God, I just want to throw you on the bed and fuck you into the middle of next week…or fuck you until you scream."

"I thought you didn't like your women to speak." Ana countered.

"There's a big difference between screaming incoherently from pleasure and nagging at me to go faster, slower, deeper…whatever." Christian shifted uncomfortably. His very erect cock strained against the zipper of his jeans. His cashmere sweater hyper-sensualized his skin.

"You need a release," Ana removed a red silk blindfold and a red silk restraint from a toy chest. She handed them to Christian.

"Oh fuck…" he hissed, feeling himself get harder from the whisper of the silk restraints.

"That's the idea…"

~X~

A/N: Okay…I obviously didn't explain well. For my PMs – Elliot heard about Elena and Ana in the garage at Escala from Kate. He emailed the situation to his parents and Ray. Grace wants to know the reason why Elena hates Ana, and why she had a Christian clone. She knows Elena won't admit the truth…which is why the sodium pentothal. Only…as Diego advises…sometimes you learn things you don't want to know. Grace realizes her 'friend' is attempting to dismantle her happy life. Grace doesn't think twice…this woman has committed five life-altering errors. She tried to seduce Carrick and Elliot. She seduced Christian. She tried to ruin Elliot's life with Athena. She tried to ruin Mia's life with date rape. She tried to ruin Ana's life with Isaac and the robbery.