Chapter 42 ~~ June 2012

A/N: I apologize…but the last two or three chapters were not polished when I began this journey. So now we're down to the last two chapters and I hope they'll be up in the next week. Thanks for the views and reviews!

~X~

June 2

Bob emailed Ana and Christian. Carla saw her general practitioner on Friday. He referred her to the St. Joseph Oncology Center. The earliest appointment she could get was on Tuesday, June fifth. The desk staff said the earliest they would have results would be Friday, June eighth.

Christian asked Adrian to vet and hire a driver, a housekeeper/cook and a home health care nurse. He didn't want them eating canned soup because Carla was too ill to cook or because Bob was emotionally exhausted.

Ana sent Darius a thank-you note for Morse…a month's supply of canned dog food, kibbles, chewy bone treats, and bacon-flavored treats. She explained Carla's GP referred her to an oncology group. Darius kept his counsel to himself. He hoped for stage one, like Ana and her family and friends. However, he believed it was more serious than that.

Christian emailed Ray and Bee, informing them about Bob's email. Ray emailed thanks to Christian for letting them know. He suggested not telling José yet as his mother died from cancer. Ana needed a steady friend; not one who was trapped in his own memories and past. Ray suggested they needed to 'blow off some steam' and recommended taking the boat out with Kate and Elliot. Kate would provide a shoulder for Ana to cry on and Elliot would provide a laugh.

Christian explained they were working on the house. Kate and Elliot were due home yesterday. They had not heard from them. However he expected them tomorrow because Elliot would be curious about whether Grey Construction projects were staying on task or not.

June 9

Bob Skyped Ana early in the morning. He reported Carla has breast cancer. The doctor scheduled her surgery for June twenty-first. The plan was to attend the wedding on the eighteenth, return to Savannah the nineteenth, have pre-op tests on the twentieth and surgery the twenty-first. He explained once the surgery was completed, a plan for chemotherapy and radiation would be developed. Bob explained the doctor prescribed antidepressants for Carla until the surgery. She was experiencing mood swings.

~X~

Claire agreed to go shopping with Darius. He needed new clothes for the wedding and she wanted an outfit to coordinate with his. Ana asked them to monitor the guestbook table at the wedding. She chose a picture mat with pens in the colors of the wedding. Everyone would sign the mat. When filled with signatures; the mat would hold one of their wedding pictures. Then the mat would be sandwiched between two pieces of plexiglass in a wooden frame. Completely assembled, it would make a lovely serving tray in their family room.

Darius knew this was a test. He took the $10K which he washed, dried, ironed and stashed away. If the bills passed without excess attention; he could separate and donate the funds to various nonprofits. He purchased a chocolate Tom Ford suit, with cream shirt. His tie was a textured silk fawn with copper, bronze and chocolate pinstripes. He purchased dark brown wingtips and half a dozen pairs of brown argyle socks. His funds passed the test as real money not forgeries. Now Darius needed time at a free WIFI computer center to research nonprofit organizations.

After shopping, Darius took Claire to a nice dinner at the Metropolitan Grill. They saved the bones from their steaks for Morse.

Claire bought a bright yellow summer dress with a summer jacket of cream, chocolate, gold and cinnamon paisley print. Ana gave her chocolate pearl stud earrings and bracelet as a thank you for working the guest table. Ana gave Darius brushed gold cufflinks and tie tack with chocolate diamond chips as a thank you for working the guest table. She purchased a new beige PTSD Service Dog vest and harness for Morse.

~X~

Christian ensured they were alone this weekend at the sound after final dress and tux fittings. Ana gave Kate and Mia silver charm bracelets with a heart shaped grey diamond chip, and grey diamond stud earrings. She gave matching bracelets and earrings to Andrea and the three executive floor PAs. She gave silver lockets and earrings to Carla, Bee, Grace and Frannie.

Gail and Taylor moved into one of the apartments over the garages. The apartment was just for them and his daughter Sophie when they had visitation. Luke set up the apartment for male security staff who slept over. Prescott set up the apartment for female security staff who slept over. Gail left prepared meals in the freezer and a fully stocked kitchen, refrigerator and wine cooler.

Christian knew Ana needed some time to relieve the stress of Carla's illness. They took long baths in their soaker tub and watched the boats and lights of the sound. He gave her an excellent massage with lavender oil. He wandered around in sleep pants with a robe. She wandered around in lingerie with short robes. They made love in six more rooms of the house. When it was time to go to work Monday morning, they refused to be stressed because they had one week before the wedding.

June 15

"Are you ready for this?" Ros asked. "Andrea took the Detroit people to the conference room. Legal is there with the paperwork. We're waiting on you."

"Sorry, busy, family issues…I just need three minutes." He waited for notice from Stephan and Jane before joining the group in the conference room. "Detroit will be off our plates by the end of the day. We've expanded the executive floor so we can both have a life with the women we love."

"Speaking of having a life…guess who met someone?" Ros dropped a bit of gossip.

"Haven't a clue." Christian shook his head. "Not sure if I want to know."

"Barney met a young woman who works for F5 Networks. I believe he submitted her name to Adrian for her background check. He wants to bring her to the wedding." Ros warned Christian.

"Ensure she doesn't visit him at work and ensure she signs an agreement not to acquire or disclose any proprietary information." Christian gathered his files for the meeting.

~X~

The GEH jet deposited Carla and Bob at Boeing Field. "Thank you for the transportation," Bob thanked Christian. "Carla was able to rest…which is one of the things she hasn't done since her oncology appointment. We brought some special items with us, but I will not spoil Carla's surprise."

Several pieces of luggage, two picture crates and two large rolling footlockers were stored in a second SUV while Carla and Bob piled in with Christian and Ana.

"How do you feel?" Ana greeted her mother and Bob with hugs and kisses. She noted the driver and home health care nurse accompanied them.

"A bit ghastly," Carla squeezed Ana's hand. "However it is nothing that some ginger ale and a rest won't cure."

"We put you in the guest room which looks out on the sound. The French doors to your room open, and you can sit out on the balcony." Ana asked. "What's in the picture crates and rolling footlocker?"

"Prezzies…for the rehearsal tomorrow. What are you wearing?" Carla closed her eyes for a moment.

"The dress requirements are dressy casual. The men will be in black jeans and white shirts. My dress is a white fit and flare. Kate and Mia are wearing navy floral dresses. I thought I'd wear my hair down." Ana waited for Carla's response.

"Sounds lovely," Carla didn't critique for once.

~X~

"Welcome to your Clothes and Cosmos bridal shower!" Mia put a tiara and short white veil on Ana's head. They had reserved the private room at Contours night club. Elliot kidnapped Christian for a bachelor party at a sports bar with scantily clad waitresses. Kate arranged for Ana to be kidnapped for a bachelorette party/bridal shower without strippers to Grandma Frannie and Mia's chagrin.

However, it was Happy Hour, and Ana suspected several of her coworkers had already started to imbibe. 'One,' Ana warned herself. 'One real Cosmo, and depend on Prescott for faux ones.' She saw lots of packages with…toys…attached to the top.

Kate passed a large box to Ana. Mia passed two extra-large shopping bags. "Place the lingerie in the box; toys in the shopping bags," Kate ordered. "I know you only buy underwear when you need it…but listen to your best friend. You're about to be a married woman. Pack all your presents for the honeymoon."

Ana could not help but blush. She might as well get the bumbling, shy, red as a tomato stuff over with before modeling the lingerie for Christian. Kate's present, decorated with a white quirt, was a white brocade corset with panties, stockings and high heels. Mia's gift; decorated with black leather handcuffs, was a black pinstripe basque with tiny white lace trim. It came with black bikini panties with tiny white lace and white bow in front. The ensemble also had black stockings and black high heels. Mary Jane's gift, decorated with a set of red plastic handcuffs, was a sheer candy red nightie with matching robe and sheer bikini panties. Grandma Frannie's gift, decorated with a purple rabbit vibrator, was a purple chemisette and purple lacy tanga. Claire's gift, decorated with a rose pink sleep mask, was a rose pink satin teddy, with deep décolletage; a satin short robe to go with it. Her gift was one of the less embarrassing and Ana appreciated the effort.

A stripping video decorated Ros's gift: a sheer halter nightie with matching thong in merlot. A black and hot pink zippered 'wedding night' bag introduced Gwen's gift. The kit held body lube, body paints, colored condoms, and a hot pink vibrating cock ring. Gwen gifted a black bandage underwear set with hot pink embroidery. A rainbow striped finger vibrator decorated Hannah's gift of a rainbow of garter belts with matching stockings.

'Six presents down…a dozen and a half to go,' Ana was so glad Grace, Carla and Celeste were not present.

Prescott called a car service to provide six cars and drivers…most of the ladies were getting smashed and she didn't want them to drive.

~X~

"Where have you been?" Christian sat before the window in their darkened master suite, holding a glass of Armagnac. The lights from the city silhouetted his form before the window.

"You went to Cues and Brews?" Ana dropped two extra-large shopping bags on the floor near the closet.

Christian nodded. Ana left and returned with a large white box with navy gossamer ribbon. "Well, I was kidnapped and taken to Clothes and Cosmos."

His eyes narrowed.

"Don't you dare give me that look. Kate didn't have strippers for her wedding, so she and Grandma Frannie decided to misbehave under the guise of a bridal shower." Ana carried the box into the closet and returned for the two extra-large shopping bags.

"So, what kind of clothes?" Christian's voice would have chilled Ana if she was wearing any of those skimpy lingerie sets.

"Let's just say if you decide to become a panty raider again…I probably have a 30-day supply. Lots of lingerie and a lot of shrieks and giggles." Ana commented.

"Shrieks and giggles?" Christian finished his drink.

"I have enough toys to restock the playroom," she rolled her eyes…and then wished she hadn't because she was upside down on Christian's shoulder, with a swatted ass. He threw her on the bed and launched himself on top of her. He kissed her into submission. "Pack some of your presents for the honeymoon. I want to be surprised also."

June 16

Darius and Morse cleared the property at the sound before the rehearsal and dinner. Christian arranged for a mini photo shoot with Ana before they began the rehearsal. Pictures were taken in the gazebo, and near her Christmas sundial in the informal garden by the gazebo.

"Lovely rehearsal," Grandma Frannie was not in her cups yet. "We thought this would be the best time to give our personal gifts. This can be your old if you need it. It is a lace handkerchief made from my bridal gown. I made one for Kate and one for Mia also."

"I have the penny for your shoe," Carla passed over a small case. It was a miss struck two-headed penny, and worth about $15K the last time Carla looked. "Frank used to say two heads are better than one. I thought it was appropriate for your wedding."

Ana thanked her mother for the coin.

"This package," Carla slid another to Ana. "The Rogers First Love pattern knife and cake server belonged to my grandmother. They match the flower bowl in this package." She slid another box to Ana. "I thought you could use them for your wedding cake."

"They're lovely," Ana examined them. "We have time to take the bowl to the florist to arrange the cake topper?"

"We can arrange that." Grace assured Ana and Carla.

"Do we get to find out what is in the two photo crates…or is that a surprise also?" Ana opened them with Carla's permission. The first one was a 20x24 picture of Frank Lambert. "It's his bootcamp graduation picture. His mother had it made special for his funeral at Camp Pendleton. I've kept it all these years. It's not necessary, but I thought you might want it for the wedding."

"I've always wondered where I got my name from," Ana hesitantly asked.

"You know Frank was a Marine? A squad of young men, which included your father, was assigned as extra security at a Russian Consulate in Los Angeles. One of the women who worked there had twins, Alexandré and Anastasia. We had just found out you were a girl. He insisted on naming you Anastasia."

"Why was Frank extra security at a Russian Consulate in 1989?" Ray asked.

"When Frank was there in July, people protested against the Berlin Wall. When it fell in November of 1989, it was the end of the Soviet Union as a super power. The fall of the wall supposedly ended the Cold War. Your middle name, Rose, is because Frank's favorite great-grandmother was named Rose." Carla revealed no emotions at the explanation.

"The other picture crate?" Christian asked.

"It's not a picture. It's a 30x48 gold gilt framed mirror. It belonged to my great-grandmother Alice Wilkes. It went to my grandmother and then to me."

"I don't remember these things," Ana acknowledged.

"It's what happens when you save things for 'someday'…" Carla commented. "The footlocker is full of photo albums, your baby book and a baby quilt made for you by Great-Grandmother Rose."

"Thank you," Ana hugged her mother. "If we decide not to use Frank's picture at the wedding, will you be upset?"

"Not at all. I understand because Ray's been a good father to you, and you have used his name since before you turned one." Carla was uncharacteristically calm and companionable. Grace suspected it was due to the antidepressants the oncologist ordered for Carla.

"Well, our present isn't nearly as much fun," Theo passed a large wrapped gift to Christian. It was an Amish quilt in blues and greys. "There's nothing better than a quilt, a cup of tea and a book on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Wait…I should have let Ana unwrap it." He chuckled.

Grace and Carrick gave Christian a bottle of 1983 Chateau Lefleur. "We bought it the day we signed your adoption papers." Ray and Bee gave them four large wooden lawn games for future lawn parties at Grey Sound. Christian's uncles and aunts gave them an antique grandfather clock for their formal living room.

June 17

It was spa day at Aveda for Ana and her attendants, family and friends. They closed the salon to anyone except women with the Grey wedding party. Ana hated being waxed. However, she needed a Brazilian for some of those lingerie ensembles. After her body waxing; she had a relaxing massage. Then a good hair trim, and facial. She loved the nail picture she found on Pinterest: blush colored nails with white designs which mirrored the lace on her gown. Her pedicure was simple trim and buff.

Kate and Mia had the works done also. Grace and Aunt Gena took Carla under their wing while having work done. Ana was surprised Carla behaved herself. There were no compliments veiled as criticisms. Grandma Frannie charmed half a dozen of Ana's friends who came in for mani-pedis. Bee had a good manicure, no tips. She let Aveda trim her hair; but passed on highlights and lowlights. She had a good facial, which only enhanced her pretty face. Kate noticed, and commented on how Carla and Bee maintained 180 degrees from one another.

Darius took Morse to have a good shampoo and have his nails clipped. "It's part of what we men do for our ladies," he soothed his friend. After Morse became spiffy; Darius went to Carrick's barber for a trim. He also had his nails trimmed and buffed.

June 18

"The man with the dog is back," Carla reported to Ana. She slept soundly last night and had a leisurely bath and breakfast. Ana hired a personal assistant to help her dress and do her hair.

"That's Darius and Morse," Ana observed them. "They are doing a perimeter search. If you have everything, the ladies and I are having brunch, followed by preparing for the wedding. It's 11:30 now; the wedding is at 2:30."

"I'm determined to rest awhile before I dress. Go enjoy your time with the girls," Carla shooed Ana out the door of her room.

~X~

Claire and Darius, with help from Morse, ran the guestbook table. Andrea and the three PAs from the executive floor at GEH took gifts to Christian's home office which was off limits to visitors.

Shortly before two o'clock, men from the family began seating people for the wedding. The background music was classical: Canon in D, Canon in F, and Prelude in C. The patio had a white wood painted pergola which was decorated with white tulle, and navy satin and lace ribbons. The trailing floral ropes were made of grey-green foliage with blush and deep pink roses. The sunny patio looked out on a blue and beautiful Puget Sound.

Ana's dress was a white silk and lace ensemble with a sweetheart bodice and sheer long sleeves. Her elbow-length veil was trimmed with lace matching her dress. Her something old was Grandmother Steele's pearls. Her something new was her dress. Her borrowed was a large gold-etched hair comb owned by Gwen. Her something blue was the navy ribbons on her garter. The penny in her shoe was a coin owned by Frank Lambert.

The wedding party entered to the Flower Duet by Delibes. The recessional was Where There is Love. A semi-formal receiving line began outside the white silk marque set on the lawn for the reception.

One third of the marque was for the reception. One-third was the musicians and dance floor. The last one-third was food stations. The rectangular head table, which looked out at the sound, seated six for the bride and groom and attendants. A round table to the left seated Carla and Bob, Ray and Bee, Celeste and Eamon and the Rodriguez men. A round table to the right of the head table seated Carrick and Grace, Theo and Frannie, with Christian's uncles and aunts. The remainder of the reception area was eight-person round tables. Ana's people seemed to take the tables to the left; Christian's people took tables to the right.

~X~

The MC from Coping Together had his schedule of announcements. "Family, honored guests…may I introduce Mr. and Mrs. Christian Grey."

Christian led Ana to the dance floor for their first dance as a married couple. "I apologize…but I borrowed Roz and Gwen's first dance song. It spoke to me." The musicians played the music while Christian sang Where I Sleep to Ana.

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, he chastely kissed her lips, to the rousing cheer of their guests.

In the end, the musicians played three Father-Daughter dances in combination with three Mother-Son dances. Ana danced with Ray while Christian danced with Grace. Ana danced with Carrick while Christian danced with Carla. Then Ana danced with Bob while Christian danced with Bee.

A selection of Beatles songs (When I'm Sixty-Four, You Really Got A Hold On Me, The Long and Winding Road, and All My Loving) played while parents danced, grandparents and family danced, and the wedding party danced. Christian and Ana told the single men and women if they danced, the newlyweds would forgo the garter and bouquet toss. Single people danced with a partner; or part of a group. Darius split his dances between Claire, Hannah and Prescott.

~X~

Christian and Ana took time before cutting the cake to go to every table and welcome all the guests.

The hexagonal four tier cake consisted of vanilla bean, chocolate and cappuccino layers. The top layer for Christian and Ana was one layer of each flavor. Fresh flowers decorated the top of the tiers and spilled out of the First Love silver flower dish on the top layer. The flowers looked excellent next to the Bollinger Grande Annee Rose Champagne.

~X~

Kate arranged for Kavanagh Media to monitor sales and ensure the profits from the wedding pictures went to Save the Sound. José took candid pictures and gave Kate the SD card when the wedding was over. The parents photo included Grace and Carrick, Ray and Bee, and Carla and Bob. The photographer lined up the ladies in the front, Carla in the middle, with the men behind. Grace wore a blue-grey lace Dolce and Gabbana dress; Carla wore a Chanel blush suit with a rose silk blouse; and Bee wore a Versace raspberry satin and tulle dress. The men all looked dapper in their grey tuxedos.

Just before the couple's last dance, Ana presented her bouquet to Bee, and Christian presented the toss garter to Ray. The newlyweds danced to Norah Jones Come Away with Me before Ana changed into a blush silk pant suit.

~X~

Christian and Ana sat side by side in the back seat of the SUV until it arrived at Boeing Field.

Darius wore his men-in-black squad clothes and Morse wore his Grey Security Kevlar vest and harness. They just exited the plane and took another tour of the outside of the GEH jet. "Alles klar!" Darius sang out to the other Grey House security.

Taylor opened the door to the SUV. They greeted Darius and Morse who formed a welcome line on one side of the steps, and Stephan and Jane who formed a welcome line on the other side of the steps. Christian and Ana shook hands and paws before Christian swept a giggling Ana into his arms and carried her up the stair into the plane. A single stemmed deep pink rose and Bollinger Grande Annee champagne awaited them.

Once they were allowed to move about, Christian carried his bride into the bedroom, and kicked the door shut. "We have five hours until we refuel in New York. Put on one of those sets of lingerie your friends gifted me…" he winked.

Ana changed into a sheer silver babydoll with sheer thong panties. She hoped Christian liked his birthday present.

June 19 and 20

Christian woke Ana with lots of kisses and constant talking. "We have to move to the main cabin while the plane refuels. Dress completely in case we have to disembark the plane. Meet you in the main cabin, ten minutes." He paused and swatted her ass. "Don't go back to sleep. Ten minutes. Main cabin. Move it."

Ana put her underwear on while using the toilet. She threw a dress over her head and slid her feet into ballerina slippers. She washed her hands and face and brushed her hair. She arrived in the main cabin in eight minutes and fifty seconds.

"It would be a good time to cover our itinerary. We land in London on Wednesday, June 20. We check into the hotel, and have a helicopter tour of London followed by dinner. Thursday, leisurely breakfast followed by afternoon tour followed by theatre in the West End, followed by a late gourmet dinner. Friday, helicopter tour, lunch, walking tour, and nap before dinner." He winked. "Saturday it is the Bath, Stonehenge and classic English countryside helicopter tour, rest or shopping, theatre followed by dinner."

"Sunday, June twenty-fourth, we're in Paris. Helicopter tour of Paris on Monday. Sightseeing tours, shopping, dinners on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Helicopter tour of Versailles on Wednesday. Helicopter tour of Nice on Friday. Long lovely naps on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, followed by the theatre and followed by a gourmet dinner."

"The following Sunday, July first, we are on a boat in the Mediterranean, sightseeing. We're on the boat for a week, swimming, sailing, jet skiing, dinner and dancing on the boat. The following Sunday, July eighth, we're back in London for two days. I want to spend three days in New York at the Central Park condo. Then home to Grey Sound for a few days to get over jet lag. We're both back at work July twenty-third."

"You might want to schedule an additional day off at the end of our honeymoon at Escala." Ana suggested.

"Why would I do that?" Christian asked, amused.

"I bought you a special birthday present," Ana commented, passing her phone to Christian. "Unfortunately, it's not something I could pack and bring with us." The picture on the cell phone centered on an object. It was the size of a child's jungle gym on a playground. Ana purchased a top of the line sex swing. The solid metal frame supported a red leather padded metal reclining platform and chains. Red leather wrist and ankle cuffs hung from the top of the frame.

"Mrs. Grey…I don't know whether to spank you or worship at your feet." Christian admired the swing.

Ana shrugged casually. "I hope you like its function as much as you like its looks."

He gently kissed her on the forehead. When the jet refueled, Stephan lined up for takeoff. Once airborne and route established, Stephan turned off the seatbelt sign.

Christian stood and extended his hand. "Come."

After very energetic, very vanilla, very married mile high sex…they slept in one another's arms. An alarm rang; which forced them into the shower. They dressed and went to the main cabin. Natalia served them a luxurious continental breakfast before the jet descended into London.

June 20 – America and June 21 – England

"It began as a lumpectomy…but it became a modified mastectomy. The first tumor on her mammogram was about the size of a shooter marble from the 1950s. It was like removing a string of pearls. Each tumor hid another one behind it which was smaller. I believe the first four are benign. However, I believe the fifth one, closest to her lymph nodes on the left side of her left breast, is malignant. I took the three lymph nodes closest to the left breast. They are out for analysis also. I believe your mother has stage IV breast cancer." The doctor explained.

June 23 – America and June 24 – France

"Mrs. Adams has an aggressive form of breast cancer. After hearing from her and from Mr. Adams, I arranged for her to have an MRI. She gave me permission to discuss her health with you. Less than 25% of women with stage IV breast cancer develop brain metastases. Your mother's breast cancer has metastasized in her brain. Symptoms of breast cancer in the brain can include headache, memory problems and mood or personality changes. Your mother and Mr. Adams identified those three as symptoms she is experiencing. We anticipate there will be balance and/or motor skills issues, and vision impairment."

"Outlook?" Ana asked, feeling her fingers knot in her lap.

"We can offer chemotherapy and radiation for the cancer in her left breast and lymph nodes. However," the doctor paused for a minute. "The mets in her brain are in an inoperable region. I advised Mrs. Adams put her affairs in order. We're keeping her in the hospital for five days; then I'm releasing her to go home. The time to recover from a mastectomy is three to six weeks. I do not believe Mrs. Adams will celebrate the holidays with you."

~X~

Darius and Morse did a walkabout at Grey Manor. Morse found a piece of downed fence at the northern edge of the property. Darius reported there were no footprints; but it was large enough to allow egress. Staff at Grey Manor called for the fence company. Three hundred guests would be on the grounds tonight. Repairing the fence was an emergency. Everyone was busy setting the marque, tables, chairs, dance floor, and musician's stand. Electricians strung fairy lights from the guest drop off to the property entrance.

While Darius and Morse were walking the perimeter, one of the fireworks at the pier exploded. Agate, who agreed to be medic for the event this year, ran for the pyrotechnicians in case she was needed. She wasn't but she encountered Darius and Morse…one was in tears…one was whimpering. She pulled Morse into Darius's lap. She straddled Darius's legs and wrapped her arms around Morse and Darius. She applied as much pressure as possible. She talked softly while holding them…

Other security members approached; but Agate shook her head no. Grey Security realized she had everything under control and left them alone. Darius hugged Morse. She hugged both of them. Eventually Morse stopped whimpering and licked Darius in the face. Agate stood, offering a hand to Darius. "You need juice, he needs water. He needs a good brushing and gentle touch. You need either a sauna or a hot tub to release some of the tension in your muscles."

"Darius…Darius Mills. This is my service dog, Morse. We work part-time for Grey Security and part-time for Grey Construction. Morse is a trained bomb dog. He can also scent drugs, weapons, and cadavers. We were walking the perimeter."

Agate knelt and offered her hand for Morse to smell. Once he finished smelling her he offered a paw. They shook. "Anya Agate, I'm a third year resident. I work at Seattle Children's Hospital with Dr. Trevelyan. She asked me to medic this year at Coping Together. The pyrotechnicians had a misfire. I was on my way to check on them when I found the two of you."

"We need to finish our circuit," Darius said.

"Sorry, not until you get some juice and he gets some water." Agate shook her head. She motioned for them to follow her.

~X~

"Agate," Grace stopped when she entered the kitchen. "Morse, Darius…hello. I've been wanting to introduce you."

"We met…fireworks go boom," Darius said. "Thank you for the food and drink. We really need to finish."

"Darius needs a pack of multi-vitamins if you have one. I'm all out." Agate apologized.

Grace disappeared and reappeared with a pack of multi-vitamins. Darius washed them down with the last of his juice. He took Morse's empty water bowl, wiped it completely dry and collapsed it to fit in a pocket of his cargo pants.

"How much do you have left to patrol?" Grace asked.

"Pool, pool house, boat house, waterfront."

"Is the waterfront safe? Considering they set off a firework this morning?" Grace's concerned face warmed Darius's heart.

"Morse knows the difference between exploded and unexploded ordinance." Darius assured her. "He knows fireworks and bombs smell differently; although they sound the same."

"You're not on duty tonight?" Grace asked.

"No ma'am," Darius explained. "I should have read the specs for Coping Together better. I would have known about the fireworks and been miles away."

"Do you have someplace to go tonight? We have ten minutes of fireworks and the water carries the sound." Grace fretted. "We should reconsider the fireworks. We've never had anyone who reacted to them before."

"Ma'am…begging your pardon…but Ana left last year before the fireworks because she had problems smelling the gun smoke. I'm sure anyone who was military before Grey Security has twinges during the last portion of the evening." Darius counseled.

"We should have discussed it with Adrian. That will be the first on my list for next year's event. However, that doesn't solve the issue for you tonight." Grace considered. "You could stay here, in our panic room until tomorrow morning. Our panic room is the size of a small studio apartment, with a bathroom, kitchenette, etc. It is sound proof."

"I think Morse and I are going to Montesano. Ray and Bee said the door is always open. My trailer is at Grey Sound. After I pick it up; we'll be in Montesano before dark. I'll be back early Monday morning because I'm supposed to start working at Washington Warriors complex." Darius commented.

"We're thankful to have you, and Morse," Grace petted Morse gently and lovingly.

"Care for company?" Agate asked Darius.

"Can't…sorry. We need to finish our rounds." Darius fastened the leash into Morse's Kevlar vest.

"Do you have something I can do?" Agate asked Grace.

"Will you deliver the food and beverage coolers to security? They are set up by the garages. They should have your med station set up. It would be a good idea for you to check it out and ensure you have everything."

"Will do," Agate slipped on her First Aid backpack. She clicked the handle of the rolling double cooler in place and followed Darius out the French doors of the kitchen. He and Morse headed for the pool. She headed to the garages.

~X~

"Ready to go?" Agate met Darius and Morse at the garages when he reported back in to Grey Security.

"We're done for the day," Darius removed Morse's vest and let him into the truck cab. He removed his vest and radio. He locked them in a special storage unit in the bed of his truck. "Anya…it was nice meeting you…and thank you for caring for us. However…I'm with someone. It's new and we're getting to know one another."

"Probably for the best," Agate sighed. "Although I admit that petting Morse calmed me down."

"What do you have to be nervous about?" Darius teased Agate.

"I'm one of Dr. T's residents. This event is considered 16 hours of trauma training. I just want to do a good job."

"Are you working alone?" Darius asked.

"No, I have her best intern from this year joining me at six o'clock. We work until after the fireworks go off, and the guests leave. Dr. T. is letting us bunk down in the pool house for the night. She doesn't want us driving when we're tired."

They said goodbye and Darius departed.

Agate couldn't quit thinking about him. His smile was genuine, showing his even white teeth. His shining chocolate eyes were enhanced with long silky black eyelashes. He was built in that hot way men should be with broad shoulders and tapered waist. She could see the sleeves of his shirt hugging his biceps. His forearms were well formed and muscular. When he removed his vest; she caught the impression of six-pack abs. He seemed grounded in himself, and possessed the ability to make people feel comfortable and safe around him. Agate sighed. While she would never wish for him to have his heart broken by anyone…secretly she wished she was the one that man held in his arms.

June 26 – United States

Carla's oncologist released her from hospital. She hired a personal assistant to help her. She made arrangements to sell her Etsy store to friend before June thirtieth. The sale included finished stock, supplies and equipment from the basement. She arranged for her lawyer to come to the house and help finalize her will.

Carla Skyped with Anastasia when she had energy. Bob took twelve weeks of family leave from his job. The housekeeper/cook prepared nutritious meals and kept the house clean. Bob kept visitors to Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons. The housekeeper prepared beautiful tea trays, and Carla enjoyed afternoon tea with her friends.

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, Bob and Carla played Scrabble or card with one another and talked. It was important to Carla to coordinate everything before she needed a hospice. She didn't want to leave Bob with an unfinished life. She wrote her obituary. She made plans for the funeral service in Savannah. Carla explained she knew Ray took Ana to visit the Montesano Cemetery on Memorial Day. She asked Bob to bury her next to Frank Lambert. She wanted Anastasia to know where to find their graves in Oceanside, in addition to several generations of Lambert and Wilkes ancestors.

June 29 - France

"Can we just stay in tonight?" Ana asked. "We have a gorgeous view from the balcony. We could eat dinner on the balcony while watching the sun set."

"Yes…but we're going to play. Your brain needs to clear. Your body needs the release…a deep release which vanilla sex hasn't offered you. You deserve attention, care and protection from your Dominant. I want the black basque, panties, stockings and stilettos. Dress first; braid your hair, and bring me the ben wa balls in twenty minutes."

Ana reappeared in their living room of their suite, dressed and prepared as ordered. "You have to lubricate them…" his voice faded away. He cleared his throat and continued to speak. "Open your mouth." He put one in at a time in her mouth for her to suck on. "Anastasia, bend over and spread your legs."

She complied with the order. When she was researching, she thought they went in your butt, like anal beads, but she read more about those toys. Ben wa balls were supposed to stimulate your G-spot and make you excited.

"I find myself quite enamored with your Brazilian wax," he whispered hotly in her ear. "Always so wet and so ready for me." Christian took his time inserting the ben wa balls in her. "I love how smooth you are." He spent several minutes stroking her. "You're very pretty with your tiny curls; but that Brazilian make you so smooth and soft." He pressed several kisses to her apex. "Let's dance." Christian selected a playlist from his iPod and their favorite songs began to play – Norah Jones, Emelie Sande, Harry Connick, Jr., and Michael Buble.

After they danced for over an hour, Christian led Ana to the console table in the living area. "Bend over and hold on. I'm going to spank you thirty times…right, left, center. I'm going to take my time and enjoy spanking you. Then I'm stripping off your panties, binding your hands, and fucking you until you scream."