Chapter 38 ~~ February 2012

February 3

Ros and Gwen finalized wedding plans as Becker drove them to the Office of the Secretary of State in Olympia. They had their application for Domestic Partnership. Once notarized, they would walk away today with their certificate and their declaration of domestic partnership cards. They would be able to own property together, and be one another's primary contact in case of illness or hospitalization. It wasn't the same as a marriage license; since they couldn't file their taxes together…but it satisfied their need to legally validate their partnership. Ros promised Gwen lunch at the Cascadia Grille of burgers and chili cheese fries.

February 6

"How was the honeymoon?" Christian asked Andrea.

"Wonderful. You're lucky I came back. I had a great time lounging on the beach…except when my new husband was researching an issue for you." Andrea knew Adrian had bad news for the boss. He needed a laugh or two before he shattered innocent cell phones against immoveable walls. She wrote 'check cell phone supply with Barney' in the note section of her tablet.

"I didn't ask Adrian to research anything while you were on your honeymoon." Christian frowned.

"I know…he knows. Adrian and Asher spoke with Anastasia at the wedding. Both of them are curious why her mother is upset about her moving in with you." Andrea paused for a minute with her tablet open to his calendar. "Adrian would like to see you, then he would like to meet with Anastasia and you on February eleventh."

"February 11, brunch, Anastasia will cook. It's a stress reliever for her. If it's an ugly topic…I want Asher there." Christian directed.

"Adrian didn't tell me what he found. I just know it bothers him." Andrea reviewed the rest of Christian's appointments for the week. "How did the staff cope while I was gone?"

"I think Tess has sworn off coffee. It was an intense week during the arbitration hearing." Christian refreshed his cup from the carafe which Andrea brought him. "We're still 'no comment' about the disappearance of Elena Lincoln; the engagement of Elliot and Kate Kavanagh; the arbitration ruling; and inquiries about Anastasia and my life." Christian handed Andrea his file of mail with note written on everything on how to process and handle it. "Will you send Anastasia an email with important events, with a copy to Carolyn Acton? Please come with Asher and Adrian on the eleventh. It will give you a few minutes to coordinate with Gail regarding the schedule. Will you send in Adrian?"

"He and Barney both want to meet with you." Andrea warned him.

~X~

"Have you ever heard of Merriweather and Mayes?" Adrian asked.

"No. We're not in M&A talks; so I know it isn't someone we're considering doing business with." Christian shrugged.

"Merriweather and Mayes is a small, nondescript law firm in Texas. During a good year; they clear a quarter of a million. During lean years; they clear one hundred thousand. Maxwell Merriweather and Martin Mayes attended Tulane together. They are domestic partners as well as business partners. Since September they have researched all of the companies under the Grey House umbrella. They are the attorney of record for Stephen Morton." Adrian announced.

Christian sat bolt upright; almost spilling his coffee. "Anastasia's stepfather – Carla's husband number three?"

"That's the one. He is eligible for parole in June. Morton has two sisters, Shirley and Sheila, who recognized Anastasia from the New York incident. The sisters have been in contact with Carla. They were good friends during the marriage and I think it has been easy for them to pick up where the marriage left off."

"So what do they want? Because if they wanted to be friends with Carla all these years; they would have remained friends." Christian's voice expressed his disbelief.

"I think they will ask Carla for financial help with Morton's basic commissary needs and paying off his fines. I suspect Merriweather and Mayes may ask Carla to help finance their legal representation at Morton's parole."

"Does Ray or Bob have any idea…" Christian could not finish the question.

"Barney has proof of collect calls from Morton to Carla's cell phone. He has proof Carla Adams provided $100 a month to Morton's commissary account since September. The prison takes half the funds she sends to pay toward his fine. He's allowed $50 a month in funds. She was allowed to set up an inmate trust fund account for him, with $300. She specified it is to be spent on clothing and shoes."

"We need to learn how much he owes in fines, and how much she has paid off." Christian ordered Adrian. "We also need to know if Carla has paid Merriweather and Mayes."

"Carla sent Morton a commissary package before the end of September. Quarterly she is allowed to send a total of $50 in commissary packages except for October-November-December when she can send $75 in commissary packages. His September package was a $15 paper, pens, and stamps package and a basic men's hygiene products package for $35. His December package was a deluxe snack package with chili, corn chips, soda and chocolate candy bars. To the best of our knowledge…Bob Adams has no clue his wife is in contact with that ex-spouse."

"It's more insidious than you think," Adrian advised Christian. "We believe Mrs. Adams didn't want Anastasia to move in with you…because she felt Anastasia would be easier to approach without you in close proximity to Anastasia. Because of the change in Anastasia's living status; Morton's sisters now have a reason to ask Carla to procure funds to pay for Morton's fines, legal representation and possibly his relocation after the halfway house."

"Good luck with that," Christian laughed. "I refuse to make life easier for the man who assaulted Anastasia when she was fifteen." Christian didn't explain. He didn't need to. Both men liked Anastasia.

"So…this is what I propose," Adrian handed Christian and Barney a list. Monitoring Anastasia emails, phone calls, contacts with Carla. Monitoring Carla's contacts with Morton. Background checks on all the known members of Morton's family. A restraining order against Morton, et. al. for Anastasia. Discussion with the Texas Department of Corrections to advise them of the situation between Morton and Anastasia."

"So who is advising Bob Adams of his wife's secrets?" Christian examined his men's faces.

"I'm going to Montesano to discuss the situation with Ray and Bee," Adrian announced. "Andrea and I are taking a road trip to Montesano. Andrea likes the kitchen islands Ray makes. She wants to order one for our house in Everett. I'm taking the background checks and information we have about Mrs. Adams. Friday night, you need to tell Anastasia and Carrick."

"Friday afternoon I have an appointment at WSUV. I thought I would take Anastasia to Portland with me. While I'm at WSUV; she'll visit the Claytons. Then we'll drive to Montesano for Friday night with the family. Sunday we have to be back in Seattle for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner for the Lynns." Christian checked his schedule.

"Fly out on Charlie Tango. I'll have Joe ready at the usual landing spot in Portland. Montesano Police Department said you can use the high school football field for a landing spot; but security for the helicopter is your responsibility. The landing fee is payable to the city treasurer and will be split between the high school and the volunteer fire department. Then you can fly back Saturday."

Friday, February 10

"I'm not going to Portland sans culottes!" Ana was embarrassed to have Christian destroy her panties before engaging her in a robust round of sex in his office before they left Seattle in Charlie Tango.

"Our luggage is onboard Charlie Tango already. There's extra clothes of mine in the bathroom. Just borrow a pair of my boxers. No one will know they are under your jeans. You can change when we get to Montesano tonight." He quick kissed her and sent her on her way.

Sunday, February 12

"He asked for her hand?" Carla's disapproval wasn't vocalized, but Ray could feel it.

"No, Christian asked for my blessing – not just the hand where he will put the ring," Ray corrected Carla. "Speaking of rings…Stephen Morton's family and lawyers have circling around you. Friday, a restraining order preventing Stephen Morton from contacting Anastasia via mail, electronics or third-party contact, meaning Morton's sisters, was filed with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. TDCJ agreed to notify Carrick Grey of any parole hearings for Morton. Annie will never testify on behalf of her ex-stepfather. Nor will she ever provide commissary funds, pay fines or relocate him. Carrick Grey suggests if you want a relationship with your daughter that you change your cell number and obtain a restraining order of your own against Stephen Morton and his family. Carrick also recommends complete honesty with your current husband and a sincere apology to your only child."

"I would ask how you know…but since Anastasia is with Christian…none of us will have a private life again." Carla sniped.

"From what I understand…the press didn't contact you after the September or October issue. Have they contacted you about Annie moving in with Christian? I doubt it. Why the hell are you talking to a man who abused you…and your daughter? Please go get mental help, Carla. You desperately need it. Why you are jeopardizing your relationship with Bob is beyond my comprehension. You are not being kind and benevolent and turning the other cheek…you are a mark." Ray hung up on Carla and blocked her number from contacting his cell or landline. He blocked her emails. He blocked Carla's Skype requests. 'Happy Valentine's Day, Bee.'

~X~

"I know we'll be busy Valentine's Day…and I should take you out to dinner and show you how special you are. But I'm so tired…I just want to take a hot shower or bath, drink a glass of cold wine, and go to bed. I want to wrap myself around your dreams." Christian sighed. "Who knew marrying Ros and Gwen off would be so exhausting." They spent the greater part of the day helping set the venue for the wedding and reception; along with the dress rehearsal, dress rehearsal dinner, and endless conversations with security staff.

"Thank god," Anastasia said. "I'm so tired, I want that hot shower, and cold glass of wine and a soft pillow. I'll meet you on the beach in my dreams…I'll be the girl in the blue swimsuit."

Valentine's Day, 2012

Christian extended a long-stemmed deep pink rose to Ana. They were having breakfast before going to the winery to start their day.

She gave him an odd look. He acted strangely today…or just stranger than normal. Ana lifted the rose to smell it…and spotted a three-carat oval diamond engagement ring.

Christian was on his knees. "Anastasia Rose Steele…Will you marry me? Share my life with me?"

Ana nodded.

"No, you have to say it," Christian insisted.

"Yes, I will marry you," Ana carefully offered Christian the rose. Christian took the engagement ring from it and slid it on Ana's finger.

"You are going to make me so late for Ros and Gwen's wedding," Ana scolded.

Christian swept her up in his arms. "I just want you and that bling…naked in my bed for just a little longer."

~X~

"Wow…wowser…wowzette…" Ana handed Gwen's wedding band to Christian. "Ros, you are gorgeous." Ros stood before a cheval mirror and posed for a set of pictures. She wore a merlot formal gown, with a merlot and blush wrist corsage. Her beautiful red hair was arranged in a lovely figure eight chignon. She wore beautiful merlot and gold halo stud earrings. Christian tucked Gwen's ring in the pocket of his vest and stood next to Ros. He wore a three-piece Tom Ford black suit, with a snowy white shirt and a merlot and gold striped tie. His pocket square was merlot and his button hole was a blush rose.

"You are wowzette yourself," Ros laughed. Ana wore a sleeveless, V-neck mermaid gown. It was rose gold until Ana's mid-thigh where it became merlot colored. Ana's messy updo had a merlot and blush floral comb holding her hair. She wore blush diamond and rose gold earrings.

~X~

Ros led Gwen to the dance floor where they had their first dance as a married couple. Emeli Sande sang Where I Sleep.

There's nowhere that I wouldn't follow,
There's nothing that I won't do for your kiss,
I love you like there's no tomorrow,
Cause nothing ever felt like this.

See the times are changing,
And I'm sure of nothing that I know,
Except this is us, and this is love, and this is where I'm home.
In a world that's breaking, where nothing is for keeps,
Oh this is us, this is love and this is where I sleep,
This is us, this is love and this is where I sleep.

When the song ended; Rose gave Gwen a chaste kiss. Staff rolled the wedding cake out to them to cut. "We're not doing a bouquet toss or garter toss. So if anyone needs one of those activities to make a decision…you're out of luck."

After the cake was cut and served; and after a few more dances, Christian took the microphone to do the best man toast. Instead…he revealed a secret. "I thought I had everything…an international, successful business…time to fly…time to soar…time to golf…time to kickbox…time to harass Elliot and Mia…but then I learned I didn't have the one thing that makes life worthwhile. In May I met Anastasia Steele and by September, I knew she was the one I wanted permanently in my life. I knew she was the person I loved. It took us a little while to get to this point, but please raise your glasses and cheer me…I am the luckiest man in the world. Anastasia agreed to marry me."

Gwen shrieked and ran for Anastasia to view her engagement ring. It was a lovely three-carat oval diamond in a brushed platinum band.

~X~

Ana searched their room at the Bed and Breakfast for her panties…her satin panties which matched her satin bra which matched her rose gold dress which she wore to Gwen and Ros's wedding this afternoon! She paused and tried to think where she saw them last. 'That jerk!' She stomped her foot. 'I'm not asking you for my panties, MR. GREY! I'm also not going sans culottes to your parents' home.' Then she laughed. 'Two can play this game MR. GREY.'

Ana put on her bra and plum dress. Completing her toiletries and brushing her hair, Ana grabbed her heels and her plum handbag, heading for the sitting room.

"Are you ready to go?" Christian asked.

"Almost," Ana said.

"Are you sure?" Christian asked…the corners of his mouth trying hard not the betray his amusement at her current predicament. 'Come on Ana…ask me nicely for your pretty panties…'

Ana performed a Playboy Bunny dip to set her heels on the floor. She snapped her purse open and removed a small grey fabric bundle. She snapped it open in midair…revealing a pair of Calvin Klein grey knit boxers.

Christian stared in astonishment.

Both hands held the boxers at the sides and Ana stepped into them…right foot…left foot. She drew them up to her waist and then let go of the elastic waistband, smiling at the sound it made against her skin. She fluffed out the skirt of her dress and sat in a demure pose on the sofa; putting on her heels. She snapped her purse shut and pulled on her cashmere jacket. She stood without fidgeting.

Christian stood there speechless…she put on his boxers…the ones she 'borrowed' the other day when he destroyed the panties she wore. She put on his boxers…in their sitting room…in view of an open window! His eyes narrowed as he considered her. His palms felt twitchy.

"Are you coming?" Ana hid her amusement. "I thought you were in a hurry to leave."

"Those are my favorite boxers now," Christian announced. "I'll be looking for them later."

"Good luck with that. You get your boxers back when I get my panties back, unless you're planning on wearing those also." Ana snarked.

"Not my style," Christian commented. "However, I like those satin panties and I'm not ready to give them up."

"Your loss," Ana waited by the door. "Now that I know you're a panty raider, I won't wear anything but virginal white cotton Bible belt panties around you."

"You don't have any of those in your dresser," Christian shook his finger no at Anastasia.

"I don't know what's more disturbing… you know the contents of my lingerie drawer, or you probably have my rose gold satin panties tucked in a briefcase to amuse yourself during a boring M&A meeting. Let's go…we'll barely make it to your parents' house on time. This is mandatory attendance. Everyone is discussing Elliot and Kate's wedding." She gave him a stern look. "Don't think about feeling me up in either the car or at your parents house. I'm thinking these boxers with a t-shirt will be great pajamas tonight."

February 15 Breakfast

"What's this?" Ana looked down at the box of deep pink roses. Christian set a vase with the previous rose, a folder and a pen on the table.

"This is Andrea's only advice on getting married." Christian indicated white tags located on each rose. "Pick a rose; remove and read the tag; put the rose in the vase. I need the tag to write our choices."

"We just became engaged yesterday; can't this wait?" Ana could not believe Christian's rush. The engagement was still new to them.

"Andrea says the sooner we decide this the better. She knows you don't have a wedding planner or a wedding binder." Christian poured coffee and tea and joined Ana at the table. "She also knows what it is like to have overly interested mothers giving their opinions 24/7."

"Choose the date and time," Ana considered for a moment and asked, "Shouldn't you do that? You know your work schedule."

"Sometime this year. I really don't want to wait any longer than necessary. I also want a one month honeymoon." Christian explained. "I won't tell you the honeymoon destinations, but I will have Mrs. Jones pack for you."

"Your birthday," Ana put the rose in the vase. "I want you to have a reason to always celebrate your birthday. I'd rather have an afternoon wedding so we can escape before dark."

"Almost four months from today. Longer than I would have liked, and sooner than our mothers would like." Christian wrote 6-18-12 and afternoon on the back of the card and set it aside. "We can have a rehearsal dinner on the Saturday before, since the eighteenth is a Monday." He wrote notes about the rehearsal dinner on the front of the folder.

"Determine the ceremony and reception venues," Ana read from the next card.

Christian handed Ana the folder. "Happy engagement, Anastasia."

Ana opened the folder to find the picture of a two-story house, with at least twenty rooms. "Is this your idea of a venue? Where is it?"

"I bought a house. I would have asked in advance, but that would have ruined the surprise. I thought we could get married on the lawn, overlooking the sound. We hire Elliot to make the changes we want in the house. It's ten acres, on the sound. I want a boathouse, and a covered pool with pool house. I thought we'd replace the two car garage with space for a fleet of vehicles, with apartments over the garages for security staff. Elliot built a garage/apartment complex in Lynnwood. He can make informed suggestions."

"I would like to see it before I say yes," Ana didn't want to be difficult, but she wasn't blindly saying yes either.

"You have seen it. It's that great house on the water we saw when we went out on The Grace." Christian tried to act nonchalant, but he always wanted a house on the water.

"That wonderful white house…with the balcony full around the second story…the one that faces the water?" Ana reached for Christian's hand. "You have thought about this a great deal more than I have."

"I always wanted a house on the water. You admired the house. I watched you, with the house in the background. It gave me the idea. It took time to finalize the paperwork, but it is our home if you agree." Christian took the folder and opened tabloid sized papers which had a layout of the property, a layout of both floors of the house, and a suggested layout for improvements to the property.

Ana looked over the paperwork. "Yes, but I think there should be a patio which encircles the house. Once I see the house, we can talk about other options."

"I'll take you to the house over the weekend. I thought to hire Gia Matteo to decorate it after Elliot makes structural changes we want." Christian wrote notes on the card and then on the inside of the folder cover.

"Why Gia?" Ana kept her voice neutral. Kate vented several times to Ana about issues with Gia Matteo when they redecorated Kate's condo; and had work completed on Elliot's condo. Kate snarked, rather bitchily about how she wished Gia's brains matched her Gia-gantic tits.

"Miss Matteo signed nondisclosure agreements for me ever since she started working with Elliot. It's faster to use her…with caution…than vet a new decorator." Christian explained.

"Did she decorate Escala?" Ana tried to temper her jealousy but it threatened to rise and choke her speechless.

"She decorated the submissive bedroom once. Louis XIV reproductions in white and gold with silver accents. I thought it was pretentious, but Leila was an art student and admired Monet and the Impressionists. Miss Matteo thought it was a guest room for Mia, since Mia announced her intention to attend culinary school in Paris. I made Miss Matteo sign an NDA. I let her take pictures for her portfolio, but she agreed to never reveal the location or client. The room has been redecorated by Mrs. Jones ever since. Mrs. Jones offered to redecorate the room because she knew the best paints, carpets, fabrics, etc. for housekeeping reasons."

"Mrs. Jones has excellent taste," Ana commented. "So Gia didn't decorate the rest of your castle in the sky?"

"I bought Escala from a Japanese businessman who planned to relocate to New York. He spent three weekends here over a six-month period of time. I don't know who his decorator was, but I bought it furnished. With the addition of the piano and some changes like my office and the playroom…it is how I bought it." Christian explained. "I wanted it for access to the helipad on the roof. I was determined to get my pilot's license."

"I will agree to Gia, only if Gail and I have the authority to veto or change things." Ana agreed. "We've become distracted."

Christian reassembled the folder and set it aside. "I have the key. We'll take a picnic basket and christen the house before Elliot and his men start to renovate it."

Ana took another rose from the box and removed the tag. "Pick colors," she read. "Navy."

"Blush," Christian wrote both colors.

"Grey," Ana narrowed her eyes at Christian.

"Rose," Christian mocked her.

"Fine, navy…blush…grey…rose. Only I suggest navy and grey for main colors and blush and rose for accents." Ana tucked the rose in the vase. "I think navy dresses for the ladies, grey tuxes for the men, etc. We'll pick the colors and provide samples. The mothers and Frannie can pick from those four colors."

Christian wrote quickly and neatly on the back of the card. He set the card aside while Ana selected another rose.

"Pick attendants and attendant gifts. Kate for maid of honor, Mia for bridesmaid." Ana was glad she had no sisters or close cousins. Kate was like a sister and Mia was a sister. It made it quite easy for Ana to choose.

"Elliot for best man. I can ask Ethan or José to be a groomsman." Christian didn't want either but didn't have options. He didn't want to ask any of the men who worked for him.

"Ethan…he's tall and will photograph well in the pictures next to Mia. Mia and José are the same height. Not a good look, especially if she wears heels. Speaking of pictures, I suggest José for casual shots." Ana contemplated. "How about silver and grey diamond attendant gifts and gifts for mothers and grandmother?" She passed the card to Christian. He quickly noted their choices.

"I want Ray and Bob to get their tuxes at the same time as my family, and Ethan." Christian insisted. "I will get the dads and Grandpa Theo the same accessories I get Elliot and Ethan."

"Select the size of the wedding, budget, number of guests and religious or civil." Ana quelled her urge to roll her eyes.

"SMALL…" they both chorused and laughed together.

"Fifty is my idea of small," Ana ventured a number.

"Fifty to one hundred guests…an additional fifty for the judge, security, photographer, DJ, musicians, servers..." Christian suggested. "We don't need a budget because what's mine is yours, and we're paying for the wedding and reception to have what we want. I suggest civil. My parents worship at St. Madeleine Sophie Catholic Church in Bellevue. I'm not religious. I believe in God, but I'm not religious. No children…adults only."

"One hundred guests maximum, no budget, civil ceremony and no children." Ana agreed and handed him the card to make notes. She paused to smell the rose, enjoying the fragrance. Once Christian finished his notes on the card; Ana read the next one. "Choose the menu." Ana stuffed the rose in the vase, thankful for the movement to release some angst.

"I thought about that also. No bones, no skewers, no drippy sauces," Christian laughed. "I did listen when Ros and Gwen talked. Three appetizers, three meats, three sides, three veggies."

Ana nodded. "Sounds perfect to me." She separated the card from the next rose. "Determine wedding cake flavors." Ana refrained from rolling her eyes.

"Chocolate…cappuccino…vanilla bean?" Christian explained Mrs. Jones made the best chocolate cake; Elliot bragged about Ana's cappuccino brownies; and Ray expressed appreciation for Ana's vanilla bean pound cake.

"No fair, you've had time to think about these things." Ana scolded him. "I didn't have time to think about our wedding because we were busy getting Ros and Gwen married."

"Fair point…well made. You aren't like Mia and Kate. I think they played Let's Get Married when they were girls. They probably have wedding binders with tear sheets since they were teenagers." Christian consoled her. "Andrea didn't have any specific plans when Adrian proposed. They received a hundred emails from his family, her family, extended family, friends, etc. which all congratulated the couple and offered a wedding suggestion or two dozen. I, however, find myself daydreaming about where to take you for our honeymoon."

"Chocolate, cappuccino, and vanilla bean work for me. Three tiers? I don't want odd fillings – just chocolate on chocolate, etc. White buttercream frosting. Lord, now we have to pick a shape." Ana sighed. "Can we have fresh flowers on the cake instead of sugar flowers and instead of a cake topper?"

"Andrea suggests Pinterest. She also suggests a pop of color on the cake, otherwise she says it blends into the background." Christian wrote flavors, and Ana vased the rose. "I think Sancerre for the dinner wine and Bollinger Grande Annee Rose Champagne for toasts."

"Excellent choices. Please buy Andrea a really wonderful designer handbag as a thank you for this from us," Ana smiled.

"I will put in a call to Carolyn Acton when we are done. Shall we pick a date for you to choose your wedding dress?" Christian made notes on the outside of the folder.

"I cannot think about that right now. Carolyn is busy dressing everyone for Kate's wedding." Ana reached for another rose. "Pick the flowers. Do we have to?"

"We picked the colors already," Christian's smooth voice irked Ana. "Roses…simple, classic, in blush and rose. Navy ribbons and grey-green foliage. They will look excellent on a cake as well as the wedding and reception."

"Do you have a wedding binder somewhere?" Ana asked suspiciously before she surrendered the card.

"No, but I have a house binder. We'll talk about it later." Christian promised.

"We're getting down to the end of the box." Ana theatrically wiped the imaginary sweat from her brow. "Select reception details." She laughed. "Vague much?"

"Sizes of tables…table linens…table centerpieces…reception layout…table assignments…" Christian listed items to consider.

"Grace," Ana felt inspired. "I think your mom would be a wonderful source for this, because she does it for Coping Together. I'm sure Mia can help. I've had dinner at your parents' home. I think Grace would be perfect to ask."

"Agreed, but I think Mrs. Jones should help. This might be something Carla could help coordinate," Christian wrote suggestions on the card. "I know you are worried about Carla's input…but set parameters. She gets three suggestions and one veto vote."

"I think Carla and I need a conversation before we talk wedding planning. I won't deal with her exaggerated expectations of the Mother of the Bride." Ana didn't want to consider that Carla might have a new idea every hour of the day between now and the wedding.

"Choose wedding papers – invitations, save the date, thank you, paper napkins, etc." Ana dropped her head onto her crossed arms on the table. She groaned long and deep and hoped it conveyed her dismay at these decisions.

"Andrea suggested Pinterest again, but I have two suggestions," Christian reached for his phone. "I like these for the Save the Date cards and for the thank you notes." He showed her two bookmarks. "Gwen liked these but didn't choose them. I thought they would be appropriate because you like books. We print the Save the Date card with navy ink for text and calendar, blush pink heart for the date, and a navy silk tassel. You wear a rose pink cashmere sweater for the picture, I'll wear a grey one. We both wear dark blue jeans and chucks."

"Again, I ask, do you have a wedding notebook?" Ana asked, exasperated. "This is so NOT FAIR. You are used to making business decisions. I need to polish my decision-making skills."

"You decide just fine…you picked me." Christian kissed her lightly. "Now about the thank you card - again, navy ink printed on grey paper and tassel. I want Christian and Anastasia Grey printed on it, not Mr. and Mrs. Christian Grey."

"Blank on the back so I can handwrite personal thanks?" Ana asked to Christian's nod. "No paper napkins? Please?" She picked a rose, removed the card, and tucked the rose in the vase. "Designate first dance song," Ana groaned. "If I had known we wouldn't elope at sea, I might not have said yes," she threatened.

"I'll pick the first dance song, and you pick the last dance song," Christian suggested. "We have time to figure it out."

"Works for me," Ana nodded enthusiastically. "I pick Come Away with Me by Nina Simone for our last dance song. The musicians at Coping Together were excellent. Can we hire them?"

"I'll ask Mom. She can arrange the caterer, servers, musicians, marque, table and chairs, and valets. If we use them it solves a lot of problems because they have signed NDAs for me and for Coping Together events." Christian approved of Ana's song. "Mom does throw a good party. Andrea said she has a list of photographs, dances, important things to do before the wedding and after the wedding. She offered to email her lists to you."

"Please, it will save me. I must have two father daughter dances – one for Ray and one for Bob. My mother will never forgive me if I don't." Ana sighed.

"I'll have a mother-son dance, and a grandmother-son dance, in between to even it out," Christian suggested. "Grandma Frannie will love that." He wrote more notes on the front of the folder.

"Review and select registry options," Ana passed the card to Christian. She shook her head and placed the rose in the vase.

"I can see what you are thinking. We don't need anything…how about selecting a charity?" Christian suggested. "We send the leftover food to one of the soup kitchens in Seattle. We'll donate the sale proceeds from the wedding photos to the charity."

"Seattle Stone Soup," Ana decided. "They are popular with the homeless vets in Seattle. Since we're not serving gourmet food, the men will enjoy it."

"How about Save the Sound for our charity?" Christian asked. "It would be perfect since we're being married out of doors and overlooking the water. I suggest photographers from Kavanagh Media. Eamon owes me a few favors and Kate can help pick the photos to sell to Seattle Times and People. I suggest, once we have all these decisions written, we spend our spare time next weekend viewing the house, surfing Pinterest, creating that wedding binder and printing Pinterest ideas about what we want for the house. It will make things easier to explain to parents, vendors, etc."

Ana rearranged the roses in the vase and took it to her home office in the library.

Christian took the cards to his office and word processed the topics and choices. "Anastasia, we didn't decide when to tell everyone." He called out.

"Monday I'm making lasagna for a dinner party at Grey Manor – all Greys, Trevelyans and Kavanaghs are invited. I'll ask Carrick to ask Ray and Bee, and Ros and Gwen," Ana giggled…which made Christian abandon his task and pull her to the floor of his office to…celebrate their engagement…again.

~X~

"We need to talk about the house. Ten acres, rolling lawn, tri-level deck with stone path formal gardens, mature trees. We have to pull down the two-car garage and build a row of garages with apartments above. The view from the house is Mt. Rainier and the Cascades, also Puget Sound. I want to install floor to ceiling windows on the side of the house which faces the sound."

"First floor to include a formal living and formal dining room. The family room abuts a large gourmet kitchen and breakfast bar with pantry, butler's pantry and wine refrigerator. Elliot will install granite worktops and top of the line appliances. His and her studies. Housekeeper/cook suite. Hardwood floors, stone fireplaces in the family room and recreation room."

"Second floor will be the master suite with his and her walk-in closets and large bath with a two-person sauna and two person soaker tub at one end of the floor. A two-bedroom nursery with a playroom and with a 400 sq. ft. au pair/nanny suite at the opposite end of the floor. There will be two guest rooms with ensuite bathrooms located on each side of the hall between our suite and the nursery."

"The basement will hold a recreation room with media center, wet bar and wine cellar. Laundry room. Bathroom. Storage. Mechanics/electronics room." Christian unfolded a layout of the current house, and a layout of the suggested changes.

"My only desire is for a gazebo in a corner of that garden, and cooking and entertaining sections of the deck. Outdoor fireplace and fire pit. I want to put the sundial in and informal garden by the gazebo." Ana requested simple changes to Christian's plans.

~X~

"I am pleased because you have healed so well. There is a little facial nerve damage by your left eye. No contacts for a year. Minimal eye makeup for the next year. If you experience a persistent twinge in that eye; rest it. Not ice, but a cool cloth over the eye for twenty minutes. Sleep masks at night will keep light from bothering your eyes. No electronic tablets for reading or watching TV at night. Sunglasses during bright sunny days." He made notes in her file. "One last follow up appointment on the twenty-eighth. Be aware of your protein intake. You don't want your body to cannibalize your muscles. Walk at least twenty minutes a day. Swim if you can – but wear swim goggles to protect your eyes. Let me know if you experience blurry vision or an increase in floaters in your eyes." He finished an evaluation form for Elizabeth to provide to the billing station.

Sunday, February 19

"There are seven sets of underwear strategically placed on furniture throughout the playroom. Choose a set," Christian whispered hotly in her ear. "There is a toy under each set…and I will use it on you." He smirks and sits on the Chesterfield sofa. They were matching bra and panty sets in black, white, nude, navy, plum, rose and cobalt blue.

Ana selected the rose set…and found red silk blindfold and red silk restraints. She slowly stripped for him, and put on the rose set.

"Bring me the toys," he orders. He rose and took them from her. "Close your eyes," he ordered before slipping the blindfold over Ana's eyes. He steps behind her. "Hands behind your back," he restrained her hands. "This will begin as a training session. You will try to identify the toy I use on you."

Ana could hear drawers open and close. She felt a slight sting on her ass. "Crop?"

"Correct."

She felt a slight pricking feeling. "Wartenburg wheel?"

"Correct."

Ana felt a spot of warmth on her left breast. At first she could not identify it…but it was not the heated oil which Christian used before. "Wax play?" She hesitated with her answer.

"Correct," Christian responded.

"Sir…that's a definite hard limit. I don't like it." Ana kept her voice under control.

"Understood." He fastened something around her neck.

"A collar…with a bell?" Ana frowned.

"It's a training collar, used to teach you not to fidget." Christian explained as he removed it. He ran his hands over her body to lots of little pricks and stabs.

"Vampire gloves…and I don't really care for them." Ana guessed.

"Correct and understood." He ran his hands over her again.

"Fur gloves…they feel soft and ticklish."

"Correct again." His next pair of gloves were silk, followed by leather ones. She identified them correctly. "I have to say I like the feel of my hands on you." He attached something to her ankles.

"Spreader bar."

"Correct." Ana could hear drawers opening and closing before Christian came to stand next to her again.

"So responsive," he murmured in her ear, his mouth tortured the shell of her ear before his mouth sought that hollow below her ear. "So wet for me. Do you want to play my pretty girl?" He asked before his teeth bit the pulse throbbing in her neck. "Come for me Ana," he ordered as his fingers excited her sex. Her knees shook; her body trembled; she exploded over his inquisitive fingers. "Well done," he said hotly in her ear. His hard body which held her up while he touched her, moved away and she feel cold, bereft of his warmth. He released her restraints and led her to the bed. "I want to teach you four new positions." He removed her bra and panties and secured another set of cuffs to her wrists. "On the bed, on your knees." The cuffs fitted into a chain which hung above the bed. It had a swivel head, so that no matter how she faced, her arms were in a comfortable position over her head.

Christian slid underneath Ana and positioned her to ride him. "This is called cowgirl." With his hands on her hips; he helped her develop a rhythm. When he almost came; he stopped and readjusted Ana. This time she sat cross-legged, on his prone body. "I call it ship ahoy." He rocked her left and then right, left then right, over and over. His erect penis never really left her vagina. She just moved back and forth until he almost came again. "Very well done," he pinched a nipple and helped her off him. He arranged her; facing his toes. She balanced herself on him; riding him. His hands were on her hips, helping her establish a rhythm. "This is called reverse cowgirl." When he almost came again; he made her pause and move off him.

Christian bent his knees and helped Ana sit in between his knees on his very erect cock. He closed his knees to hold her body as she rode him. "This is called side saddle. My legs caress your breasts and your ass. Your clit rubs against my groin as you ride me."

Ana complied, brushing her breasts against his right leg. Her sex was open and brushing against his pelvic bone. She felt like her core was about to go nova. She thrust harder on him, taking him as deep as possible. His hands caressed her ass, breasts, shoulder, and leg while she rode him…wild…wantonly. He thrust upwards, hard and deep. Her back arched; her body shuddered uncontrollably. "Ana…" he moaned twice before his body stilled, his cock throbbing, pulsing as his wet heat joined hers.

He sat up, releasing her cuffs from the swivel head, helping her stretch lengthwise beside him. Her head snuggled into that hollow between his collarbone and his chest. Her hand lay flat on his chest, covering his heart. He pulled a silk sheet over them…and they slept.

February 20

"I want to give you GP for your wedding gift. I want you to be a successful publisher with wide knowledge of editorial subjects, and experience in publishing management." Christian offered.

"No…make it my tenth anniversary gift." Ana responded. 'I need this next year to establish my beta reader position. Then I'll learn everything I can from Trisha. I'm not taking over until Jerry is ready to retire."

"That is not acceptable!" Christian thundered. "He's lucky Ros talked me into keeping him gainfully employed. I have $50 million reasons to fire his ass."

"Not going there. I already have people curious about my settlement. Not that any of them know who to ask, but I hear conversations die when I appear." Ana argued. "I don't want to be a land baron. I don't want a life of leisure by living off $50K a year for the next 40 years. I don't care how the other Jane Does spend their settlement. I didn't want my settlement; but I participated to strengthen the other interns' lawsuit. I've put my settlement where I believe it will do good."

"I want you to think about this…" Christian started to argue again.

"Not engaging in the thoughts or the conversation," Ana commented. "I have to prep everything to take to Grey Manor for dinner."

~X~

"I didn't mean to argue with him," Ana shook her head.

"It is inevitable," Kate responded, noting Ana's questioning look. "Christian might swear he loves your independent spirit…but he will never share power and control. It's an addiction which he has enjoyed for years. Elliot and I had bets on this first quarrel…I thought it would happen weeks ago. Elliot says it's the first of many."

"Christian's hit the brick wall this time. I'm not interested in owning or running Grey Publishing until I know more about the business. With the beta reader position; I can travel the world with him. If I'm running the company; I can't. He needs to decide which is more important…my spending time with him…or him browbeating me into being a businesswoman." Ana stomach rumbled. Maybe her blood sugar was too low and she was just being a bitch.

~X~

"What happened to Gretchen?" Ana whispered to Mia. There was a new blonde in the kitchen, named Katrin. She seemed pleasant enough.

"Gretchen graduated in December and returned to Austria. She got a liberal arts degree. Took her five years to get it since she spent all her time mooning over Christian instead of studying." Mia almost snorted in indignation.

"Speaking of annoying blondes…" Ana was about to ask about Elena Lincoln.

Mia shook her head really quick, and inclined it toward the door where Frannie and Grace entered. After antipasti platters were arranged, salad was tossed, garlic bread was prepared, Grace selected a bottle of decanted red wine. "Celeste is pushing for a wedding reception in Seattle after Elliot and Kate return from their honeymoon. Kate refuses, as June is your month." Grace rolled her eyes.

"Is it too late to elope at sea?" Ana blurted out to Mia's restrained laughter.