Hi. Sorry for the wait, but life gets in the way of writing. I hope you all are staying safe and you and your families are well.

Here is the long waited proposal

Again huge thanks to my wonderful beta.

Carrick POV

Saturday 18 May 2019

Thankfully by the time Theo and I arrive home all the prep work for the Ball was complete. There are a few crew members scattered about, waiting in anticipation for the gala to begin, but for the most part the grounds are pretty quiet. Our women are nowhere to be seen, most likely secluded in their rooms getting ready, so Theo and I take advantage of the calm before the storm and head to my study for a fortifying drink.

It's a mystery to me why women take so much time getting ready for a function. Thank fuck I was born a man. The longest I ever took to get ready was 30 minutes and that was because I had forgotten where I put my cufflinks. It took me ten minutes going through every drawer only realizing they were still attached to another shirt all along. And those 30 minutes included the 3 S's: Shit, Shower and Shave. So many blessings in being a man.

Women. Holy fuck, the things they put themselves through to get to a level of beauty they deem admissible. Bloody ridiculous. Grace doesn't need any of that shit. The woman's a natural beauty. She'd be knee deep in dirt, wearing those god awful overalls, her blonde hair wild and matted under a huge straw hat, sweat pouring down her face and neck from the heat of the sun and a day of gardening, and she still gives me butterflies, and a hard on, when I see her. She could wear a sac and it wouldn't matter. She will always be my Grace and will always be beautiful to me.

The Coping Together Organisation has grown over the years and I'm very happy that we're able to provide for more and more families in need. However, with the growing numbers of those attending, we'll have to consider hosting at a different location next year. Despite the gratification Grace and I receive from this cause, the yearly preparation wreaks havoc on both our home and hearth. Every year, for at least a week, Grace would be on edge until the blessed end. It drives me fucking nuts seeing her wound up, and this year had the added stress of Mia. It was Graces' intention to pass the torch of Organizing Lead to Mia, now that she's returned home, but clearly Mia isn't ready for that kind of responsibility. At least with the change in venue location for next year, that'll be one thing less to concern ourselves with.

Thinking of the gala my thoughts turn to Christian and our impromptu meeting at Escala earlier. For some reason I can't seem to shake off Christians behaviour. He seemed odd; more so than usual and I can't put my finger on it. Something's happening with that kid and I only hope he can turn to me to help him figure things through. I'm relieved and thrilled beyond belief that he sought us out to help him when he needed guidance the most. I want him to know that we, his family, can be trusted, and whatever is going on in his life, whatever is troubling him, we're there to help.

The girls are still getting ready, so Theo and I moved to the family room to catch a bit of the ball game instead of drinking ourselves silly in my study. Grace and Adele will burry us alive if we get to tipsy before the big Ball. As the game is about to wrap up, we see Mia walk in from the kitchen wearing those ridiculous big rolls in her hair and she's deliberately ignoring us, practically running from the room to skip up the stairs.

''I see that our little princess is still sulking and giving us the silent treatment.'' My father in law observes. I nod with a huff. Fucking juvenile. Christ, grow up Mia!

''Don't worry, she'll come around. She's a smart and determined young lady. I think real life is scaring the shit out of her and she's trying to find her footing. She's losing her balance a bit, but when she hits the ground, and mark my words, she will hit the ground hard, be prepared to give her a hand back up. She'll come to her senses Cary.'' As always, he's right, but it's still hard to be the bad guy. All I want is for my baby girl to be happy and succeed in life. If tough love is the only way to get it through to her, so be it. But she is still my baby and my heart aches when she is like that.

''Thanks Theo. I know I'm doing the right thing. I just want the daughter I remember back. She was never like this. How the fuck did I miss it?'' Fuck. It's not just Mia we missed the mark on either. These kids will be the death of me, God love 'em. Christ. Christian and his secret sex life, Mia with her 'fuck you-I'll-do-what-I-want-attitude, I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop with Elliot. For a few years I've been waiting for some woman to show up on our doorstep claiming she is pregnant with Elliot's child. Now I wonder who will be first, one of Christian's gal palls or Elliot still has the lead torch in the whoring department?

Dear sweet baby Jesus, if you have any care for my sanity, please I beg you, keep the other fucking shoe!

I exhale. ''Ok, enough about this. I want to review my opening speech for tonight. I'm finding it more difficult to make these original and entertaining.''

''You go ahead. I think I'll take a short nap before the festivities. This year I'm planning to stay till the end. For once, I'm going to take part in all the entertainment.'' He chuckles.

Indeed, tonight is going to be packed with surprises.

Most of the guests are already here and per usual my lovely wife and I stay by the bar near the tent to socialize.

Even after all these years I can't keep my eyes from Grace. She absolutely amazes me every time. You'd think by now, I'd get used to this, but every fucking time she just blows me away. She's beautiful beyond words, but what makes me love her more with each passing day, is her gentle personality and dedication to make the World a better place. She truly is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

It's sad to say that people attending The Ball today are more interested in my youngest son's personal life than in the charity itself. I can hear Grace's 'friends' voice their disdain waxing vociferously on Christian's relationship status, boldly giving their not needed opinions on Anastasia's 'true' intentions and their disapproval of her overall character. I am tempted to accidentally trip over my fashionable patent leathers and splash my drink on the lot but recognize that these same hypocrites contribute a lot to this fundraiser. So as much as I'd like to 'correct' their attitudes, I hold my tongue and continue to be the attentive host.

Cracks! The lot of them. A time will come when these very same women will be eating their words and clamber for recognition from the same woman they're dismissing. And lets be true, they are so hostile towards Anastasia because she got what they wanted.

It was never a secret that Christian was viewed as the golden goose of Seattle. Many of them dreamed their daughters would end up with him setting them up for life. I know for a fact that Grace herself encouraged, and to a certain extent still does encourage, similar matches with our boys. But unlike them, I've always known that dream would not likely come true.

To her credit, while my wife is still not completely on board the Anastasia train, she's not a gossiper and certainly won't feed the rumour fodder. In public, Grace will always uphold her sons and publicly support whatever craziness they're up to. So while she's to a certain extent agrees with some of the things these women are saying about Anastasia, she won't partake in it. For the last thirty minutes or so, she's been dodging catty remarks and steering clear of certain topics like the pro she is. My mother in law on the other had is not so forgiving. I'm still laughing inwardly over the remark she made to Mrs. Bolger and Mrs. Simmons.

''If I recall correctly, Mrs. Bolger, I believe I recognized in the papers this morning a very exuberant young lady who seemed mostly in her cups, dressed, if that's what these millennials are calling it, in what looked like lingerie. She obviously wasn't wearing a bra because you can see her nippies and one leg was draped over the mayor's arm showing off her bitties. Was that not your granddaughter love?

Oh yes. And one of your relations, Mrs. Simmons, was spotted in the same paper with her. The mayors' guests seemed so… entertained.

Oh. Dear Lord. I think you granddaughter is at it again Mrs Bolger. She must really take pride in her nippes because it looks like she's trying to drown a very handsome and very married Mr. Benner in her cleavage! Are they real or store bought? Her nippies darling. Well, I think you might need to attend to that dearie. I'm not sure if Mr. Benner is interested in a mistress just yet. Although there are rumours…oh dear. I didn't get a chance to finish what I had to say. That's a bit rude, don't you think?

Christian is such a fine young man. Have you seen him with his Anastasia? Such a handsome, respected and sought-after couple. Anastasia is such a boon to Christians business. Why did you know that old fart, the one with all the boats in Russia, is looking to Christians company to partner with! Anastasia is fluent in Russian, you know, and Theo told me Christian couldn't stop talking about her contribution to his success."

I've almost applauded Adele. Fucking brilliant woman. Needless to say, nothing more was said after that although Theo couldn't stop laughing. He grabbed a flute from a passing waiter, handed it to Adele and after a wink and quick kiss to her smiling lips they clinked glasses and moved on.

While Grace and I were in the middle of a conversation with said Mayor and his wife, Grace stands frozen to the spot looking over my shoulder. I turn to see what's grabbed her attention so dramatically.

Well if the biddies weren't talking enough before, they sure are now.

Never in my life would I have ever thought to find Christian in an intimate lip lock. Mind you, I never thought he'd be with a woman, so to witness an act so foreign for Christian is nothing short of astounding. But what drew gasps from Grace and I was not the kiss itself but the tight embrace Anastasia had on Christian. From our angle Christian was holding onto his girl like his life depended on it and Ana…SHE had her hands over his back!

Un-fuckin-believable! Knock me down with a feather, this is a miracle if ever I saw one.

Aside from Mia, Christian has avoided close contact with anyone like the plague. Numerous therapists, endless tries from Grace and I, and nothing would work. Not. A. Thing. It's her. Anastasia Steele wields some powerful, pixie like magic. And the funny thing is, she doesn't even know it.

''Honey. Pinch me. Please tell me I'm not hallucinating. Is he really hugging the girl?'' I address my wife quietly. I look over to Grace when she doesn't respond. She's so stunned it takes her a moment to get out of her stupor. She looks over to me with wide twinkling eyes.

''Oh my God Cary! He is. He absolutely is. It's a miracle Cary. Look at him! I'm so very happy I'm about to do cartwheels!" She then grabs my arm and leans into my ear to whisper quietly.

"Maybe I have been too judgemental with Anastasia. Christian really does love her, and maybe falling in love was just the thing for him to open up. Do you think, that with this development, it will bring him closer to us? Do you think that's possible Cary? I've wanted, for so long, to hold my son."

''Anastasia is very good to him Grace. I know you have your reservations but look at him. For the first time in his life he's happy.'' I pull her close to me and kiss het temple.

''I may be not completely convinced about Anastasia's intentions, but he is happy and I promise to be more welcoming. Oh, speak of the devil, they're heading our way.'' Not the answer I was hoping for but it's better that the hostility she was radiating earlier. Sigh. Well, it's a start.

Christian comes to greet us in his usual manner, a handshake for me and a kiss on the cheek for Grace.

''Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Grey." Ana says.

The poor thing looks flushed and a bit embarrassed while our son has that 'cat that got the cream' smile.

"You did a wonderful job with this event, Mrs Grey. It's almost as if you coordinated with Mother Nature to contribute to an impressive canopy." She says as she looks up into the twilight sky. "Christian shared with me the importance of tonight's event and I'm very honoured to be a part of it.'' Anastasia says smiling shyly.

''It is good to see you again, Anastasia. I hope you enjoy the evening and stay until the end.'' Grace says with a smile and continues to clarify when she sees Anas' puzzled look. ''We have fireworks. Christian doesn't like gatherings like this. He usually shows up for an hour, and I know it's mostly to indulge me, but on occasion he has done a little networking with prominent businessmen if he knows they're in attendance. So, I'm glad he's here tonight. Thank you, both, for coming.''

Well now it is Christian's turn to look uncomfortable, recognizing that his mother is more in tune with him than he ever realized.

''Mom. Surely, I'm not that bad…but I promise that tonight we will stay longer. Ana is excited to take in this entire experience.''

Over the mic we hear the Master of Ceremonies announcing dinner being served soon so we head toward the tents to take our seats. I assist Grace into her seat at the family table and raise a personal thanks to all that's Holy when I see Elena Lincoln seated elsewhere this year. Tonight, Mia and Elliot are attending solo so the seat that is usually reserved for that ungodly woman will be taken by Anastasia.

I've seen Elena lurking around and it's been my good fortune she hasn't made it to us as of yet. I'm sure that cobra will make her presence known later in the evening, but Theo and I have an understanding to block every attempt of her trying to stick her nose in our family's business. Grace's attitude toward Anastasia is gradually shifting and I don't want that no good excuse of a woman kyboshing her changed opinion.

My opening speech was well received and the food was superb as usual. How Grace manages to create the perfect atmosphere year after year is beyond me, but then again, I married an extraordinary woman. For the most part the conversations around the table were pleasant and friendly. Aside from a few snide remarks by Mia and Adele's overexcitement with Christian being here with Anastasia, I think dinner went pretty well. Thankfully no one paid any mind to Mia's diatribe which probably irritated her even more, and Theo was able to settle Adele down before she thoroughly embarrassed the young couple.

''Anastasia, will you be participating in the first dance auction?'' Elliot asks after the main auction ended.

"I'm sorry. I'm not sure I understand what you're talking about. What is a First dance auction?'' she asks back cautiously.

Adele steps in, ''It's one of the venues for the fundraiser dear. It targets the single ladies who auction off their first dance to the highest bidder. It's all in good fun, but it happens to be the one venue that takes in a lot of money for the charity. If you participate, I'm sure as my dimpled butt, it'll be the greatest haul-in ever. You should definitely do it sweetie.''

It's evident Christian is not keen on the idea, although I'm not sure I understand why. He's never showed any reservations when Mia had done it in previous years, and I know he's protective of her. It's a fundraising event, so why is it different with Anastasia?

''Sure. I'll help." Ana says. "I don't think I'll be able to bust a move with these heels on, but I think I can hold my own, depending on who gets my first dance, of course. Right Christian?" She jokes.

"I'll see what I can do about it.'' Christian answers with a wink.

Did he actually just wink at her? This is a Christian I've never seen before. Actually, there are a lot of firsts Christian has never done before; for the first time he displayed acts of intimacy and second, the playfulness, and I find myself looking forward to seeing how his proposal will go over later.

If Anastasia can draw these characteristics out of him, just from playing a part, I can only imagine how he could be if this engagement was a real deal. One thing I know for sure is she definitely has a positive effect on him. I only hope he's smart enough to hold on to that light and not drag the girl down into his complicated dark world.

Christian POV

My heart is beating wildly. I feel as if I may pass out or throw up, but in a good way, if that makes sense. That kiss jarred my senses and filled me with feelings completely foreign and unexpected. Lust is a given, but there was more to it than that, and I can't quite identify it. I don't think Ana's faring any better. We're both breathless. I'm cradling her head with both my hands, our foreheads touching, and eyes closed trying to calm our breathing and heartrate. I open my eyes and tilt my head back to take in the beauty of this woman. Her face is flushed with a deep blush and her eyes are still closed.

Emotionally, Anastasia is the complete opposite of me. Where I'm emotionally void, she has it in spades. Her emotions had been wreaking havoc with her all evening. Earlier at the penthouse she was all fire and brimstone, then on our car ride here she was insecure and anxious and now; Now she's breathless with passion as she is breath-taking. It's been quite a trip, and the evening has just started.

It was hard to come back to reality after such an intimate moment. I'm not used to so much PDA, ok I'm not used to any kind of displays period. And I surprised myself, not only with acting on my desires to kiss her senseless in public, no less, but also my strong need to just throw her over my shoulder and get her away from here and have my wicked way with her. I want to go back to that bubble of bliss that I just experienced of just the two of us. I'm not ignorant to the reality of my predicament in my arrangement with Ana, but I have a year to work on it, and by God, I want that bubble from minutes ago to become permanent in my life.

Now, sitting at our table for dinner I'm inordinately thankful that Elena is absent. Usually she'd be seated beside me incessantly japing on about my current sub or some prospect with the salon or mocking the happily married fools around us. She always emphasized 'us' as being apart from everyone else. We were the 'special kind' of people living life to the fullest with no restrictions and no boundaries, unlike the loved-up idiots bound for eternity to the old 'ball and chain'. And once upon a time, her mantra was my mantra. But now, looking around at my family, I'm not so sure.

I observe my mom and dad, gramps with grandma and for the first time, without Elena's constant chatter, I'm able to watch the interactions between them and see how ridiculously happy they are. The way dad looks at mom with adoration and awe. Mom, even after so many years of marriage has stars in her eyes whenever dad's name is mentioned. Gramps still worships the ground grandma walks on and it's a known fact that she would do anything for him. These people are my family who have found their eternity. They fell in love, and I would never call them fools.

And fuck me, if I don't want that too. I want to build that kind of unbreakable bond with Anastasia. We may have been thrown into this mess by coincidence, but I'm hoping that this temporary deal will lead us to something wonderful.

The First Dance auction was a testament to my conviction. No one, and I mean no one, is going to get between me and my girl. So, dropping a hundred thousand dollars for Anastasia's first dance should tell all these fuckers to back the fuck off. She's mine.

*Flashback

My God she's beautiful. Her dress shimmers in the candle lights, each crystal beading sending beacons of sparkles around her every time she moves. She's ethereal.

"Our next bid is for this lovely, stunning young woman, Anastasia. She, gentlemen, is like non other…"

She walks fluidly across the stage to stand next to the MC. She's looking for someone among the crowd, and so am I. Many men begin to stand from their seat who hadn't stood before she came to the front, so their intent to claim Anastasia's first dance is clear. It is also clear to me that there's not a chance in hell that any of them will claim anything that involves her tonight, or ever.

"She's fluent in several languages…"

She is. And she's mine. As I pull away from the table to stand, Dad, Gramps and Elliot give me this knowing smirk.

"Go get'er Lil Bro, before I do!" Elliot teases

Glancing over to Elliot, I discretely extend my middle finger out, purposefully exaggerating it more than my index finger whilst I button up my jacket. He gives out a hearty laugh as I make my way to get closer to the stage. I'm the only one who will be escorting Ana off that stage, or anywhere else, tonight.

Her eyes, once they land on me, lock onto mine. She smiles knowingly.

Oh, don't you worry baby, I'm right here and you're mine.

End Flashback *

''Christian, why are you so tense all of a sudden? I know that the auction rattled you a bit, but it's done. I'm certainly mortified over that ridiculousness. Christ! A hundred thousand dollars! Thank God it's for a good cause, but still. A hundred thousand dollars. Christian!'' The woman in question pulls me back to reality. She is holding onto my hand for dear life as I guide her off the stage, all flustered and embarrassed with the attention she's garnered from the auction.

''What?"

"Have you not heard I word I said? You just blew a hundred. Thousand. Dollars."

"Pft. Please Ana. That's pocket change, and it had to be done. There was no fucking way I was letting anyone get any of your firsts. In all honesty I didn't think after my first bid that the idiots would actually try to outbid me. Once I saw how uncomfortable you were getting, I figured a hundred thousand dollars should shut the circus down, and it did. I'm only sorry I let it ride for as long as it did.''

''It's not your fault Christian. I'm not used to getting this much attention, and that's still a lot of money. Worthy cause or not, I don't think I'm comfortable of ever agreeing to doing something like that again. I hope you're ok with that.''

''Oh, I'm very ok with that."

She's my fucking woman and no limp dick, dip shit will ever get an opportunity to hit on my woman! I hear her giggle and realize I must've said that last bit out load. Shit! But she's smiling back at me, thankfully, so I squeeze the hand that has a death grip on my arm, and she relaxes slightly.

''You do know, Mr. Grey, that it's not me specifically they were after, right?''

''How so?'' I question with sarcasm. That whole bidding thing was a pissing contest, and I won, but still it was all about her.

''It's you, or more specifically your male ego they targeted.'' My eyes widen on their own accord. What the hell is she saying? She is perfection, of course men will be after her, girlfriend or not.

''Look at it this way. How many of those assholes can go toe to toe with you in a professional environment? None and the ones who tried, ran away with their tails between their legs. But, as we just saw, they can try to get one up on you in a different way on a more personal level. Outbidding 'Christian Grey' is a sure way to stroke their ego's bringing you down a peg or two. Had you stood up to bid on any one of the ladies tonight, it would've been the same thing. They'd go after whomever you bid on in a half assed attempt to gain the upper hand on you. All that wasn't about me. It was about you.''

She's serious. She actually thinks that the reason I had to lay down one hundred thousand dollars to put those fuckers in their place is because I was bidding on her, and not for her own right. I had no idea she was this insecure. Everything I've witnessed so far with her, in all my interactions directly or indirectly, she never once showed me this side of herself. Where is this coming from?

''Don't sell yourself short, Ana."

"I am short. Can't be helped, despite the copious amount of vegetables my father made me eat!"

She's so fucking adorable. Christ.

"Ana. You're a very beautiful woman. Those men see exactly what I see. You are a gem.'' At that she starts laughing.

"Yes. I literally am a walking gem. This dress has like a trillion crystals sewn into it!"

"Ana…"

"Listen Christian. I know who I am and I'm truly not looking for compliments. I know that I'm pretty and that people find me attractive. I'm not being insecure here, just realistic. But trust me, I wouldn't be getting half the attention I am if I was here with someone else.'' She gives me her charming smile. ''Ok, enough with this, the music is about to start and you paid a lot of money for this dance, so show me what you got.'' I swear this firecracker will be the death of me.

She doesn't know it yet, but if she thinks the first dance auction garnered her too much attention, what I have planned for her after the dance will pale in comparison.

The first notes of John Legend's 'All of Me' start and I lead Anastasia onto the dancefloor. Slowly we're joined by the other couples from the First Dance auction, as well as those from the crowd. As Ana and I effortlessly glide across the floor, I take this opportunity to hold her close.

God, this feels surreal. I'm very conscious of myself knowing that holding this woman as close as I am is not something I've ever done before, nor have I ever thought I would be able to. But with Anastasia, I'm doing a lot of things I've never done before and I just can't help it. It's like I'm in a dream and it's one that I don't want to wake up from.

I'm holding one of her delicate hands in my own with my free arm around her waist. Her other hand is pressed lightly against my back and I'm waiting for the tell-tale signs of burning pain and mounting panic but none come. There's nothing. No burning. No pain. No cold sweat or panic attacks. Just peace. I'm moved beyond belief with the euphoric feeling of how peaceful I feel.

How is it possible that this little slip of a girl can touch me, hold me like this and I'm not gong ballistic? I need to talk to Flynn.

Despite the confusion and the dialogue going on in my head, I'm taking in the moment. Lowering my head to hers, I tilt it so my nose is buried in her hair. Then with a deep inhale I purposefully breathe in her sweet scent. She smells of apple blossoms and sunshine and I'm basking in her essence and the calmness she gives me. My thumb on her lower back gently strokes her incredibly soft skin.

When I catch my grandfather's eye, he's giving me a reassuring smile that tells me that this, with her, is real. He's giving me his silent encouragement as I'm about to take that step off the cliff into my future.

My gaze moves over to my family and I almost lose my footing when I notice Elena standing beside my mother sending me a deadly glare. Mrs. Lincoln better seriously watch herself. Her pathetic attempts at intimidation can take a hike. This is my night with Ana, so if she knows what's good for her she'll keep her distance. I hug Ana closer to me, an unconscious reflex reaction, and I'm not sure if the gesture is stemming from my desire to protect her, calm me, or irritate Elena. For ears she wanted to get her hands on my no go areas, but that never happened in the past, nor will it happen in the future.

Hearing the last notes of the song fade, I look away from Elena and prepare myself for the purpose of our coming here tonight. I focus on getting back into the mind space of calm bliss, then take in a deep breath. I loosen my grip on Ana's hands and back, gliding them deliciously over her skin to her upper arms. Taking one step back from Anastasia, I drop to one knee.

Ana jerks with surprise, gasps and raises one delicate hand to her open mouth. Suddenly it becomes almost eerily silent. The band stopped playing and all chatter ceased in an instant. If there was a proverbial pin, you could hear it drop.

You can do this Grey. She's yours and if you want all those other fuckers to back the fuck off, you get this done and do it properly.

''Anastasia, from the moment I've met you my ordered and controlled world has turned on its axis, and I couldn't be happier about it. You fill my life with such joy and light. We may have known each other for a short time, but I think I fell hard for you from the first second I met you. I know I'm far from perfect and sometimes a real ass, but I know one thing for sure. I love you. I didn't know I could love someone like that. Only recently I realized that with all my heart I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side. Please make my dream come true. Will you do me the honour of marrying me?''

Tears are springing from Anastasia's wide eyes that have turned a beautiful shiny shade of powder blue matching beautifully with her blushed face.

Fucking Christ, she's beautiful. This definitely surprised her. It is good…I think.

I've stopped breathing and if she won't give me an answer soon, I might lose consciousness. This shit is bloody nerve racking. Christ. Never in a million years did I ever think I'd ever be on my knees, vulnerable, and baring my soul to a woman I've known for barely a week.

Fuck Ana. C'mon. I'm dying here. I literally haven't taken a breath since I went down, so yah, for real. Dying. Slowly.

Finally, she nods.

OH, Thank fuck!

I suck in a lungful of air and drop my head to help clear away the black spots that were forming behind my eyes. But a nod isn't enough. I want to hear her say it. I look up again quickly to encourage her with my eyes to speak. I tell her gently to say the words. I want to hear her say, 'Yes. I'll marry you', but what she says is even better.

''I've fallen in love with you that day we first met, Christian. Yes, I will marry you'' She whispers. Those two sentences send my heart soaring and we're both smiling stupidly at each other. While I'm still kneeling, I take the ring out of the box and holding her left hand reverently, I place it on her finger.

This ring is never coming off if I'll have my way. And I always have my way.

Standing up, I pull Ana to me and kiss her pouring every emotion and feeling into that kiss. I'm elated when I feel her relax and kiss me back with equal fever. With herculean effort I slow our kiss and draw my lips away from her. After a few more stolen chaste kisses and declarations of 'I love you', I turn our bodies to face the applauding and cheering crowd giving our thanks for their congratulations.

Moving from the dance floor, I motion for the band to start up the music and lead Anastasia to the edge of the dancefloor where my family is standing, waiting.

Grandma is the first to come running to us with a mile-wide smile. Shit! I never knew she could move that fast.

''Oh, my goodness! Congratulations you two!'' she exclaims taking my face in her hands and kissing me on both cheeks. ''You did good, Christian. I knew she was special from the moment you introduced us.'' Then she turns her attention to my fiancé. It does feel great to call Anastasia my fiancé, but I know that I will be a thousand times happier when I call her wife.

''Darling girl, welcome to the family! Oh Gracie. Our first wedding. Oh, you sweet, sweet boy. She's perfect and I simply cannot wait to start on your wedding plans. Theo! Isn't this just the greatest news! We're going to have great-grand babies soon. I'm so happy!'' grandma then pulls an astonished Ana into another huge hug sending me a wink.

AH…WHOA! What. The. Fuck?!

Grandpa, Dad and Elliot are hooting with laughter. Grandma is still smiling her beautiful smile now with glassy eyes and gentle tears. Grandpa hugs her to him and kisses her wet cheeks seemingly just as happy as she is. Ana and I are still sporting a deer-in-the-headlights look while we are passed among the family for congratulations. Well except for Mia and mom. My sister just rolls her eyes over all the excitement and Grace seems be in a complete shock. Dad gives her shoulder a little squeeze with a fond smile which brings her out of her daze. Finally, mom regains her composure and comes up to me.

''This was very unexpected Christian. I think you surprised more than just your fiancée with that proposal, but I'm delighted for you. It's such a joy to see you so happy.'' And before I think about my actions I envelope her in my arms. She gasps and is stiff at first, not knowing what to do, but when she realizes that it's really me hugging her, she tentatively puts her arms around my waist sobbing quietly.

I've never let my mother this close to me and now I feel stupid for never doing that before. Her embrace is warm and comforting. Who knew that a mothers' touch could ground and elevate you at the same time?

With all the feeling I can muster, I hold her a little tighter and tell her what I've wanted to tell her for so long, ''Thank you, mom. You have always been my saving grace. My angel from the first moment I saw you, and I know I haven't said it enough, but thank you for loving me. I love you so much. I know that you are still sceptical about Anastasia, but please trust me on this. I need you to stand by me. I need my mothers' support. I need you.'' I whisper still holding her tight.

''Oh, Christian! Oh, my child. My son. I love you very, very much. Thank you. All I ever wished for my children is to be happy and I'm beyond grateful that you finally found yours. I've never doubted you and I won't start now.'' As much as I am enjoying the novelty of hugging my mother, I don't want us to be seen this emotional in public, so with a final squeeze I kiss mom on the cheek and step away.

Dad takes over where I left off draping one arm over mom and extending one arm to shake my hand. I look down at the hand and brushing it away I give him a hug instead.

"Well done Christian. Thank you, son. You've made us all very proud tonight."

Where Grace is my saving angel, Carrick is my foundation. He was the one who found Anastasia for me. He was the one who came up with this crazy idea, so with all the appreciation and newfound respect I have for him, and my family I heartily say, "No Dad. Thank you."

Breaking away from my parents, I turn to get Anastasia with the intention of getting the fuck out of here so we can have a private moment to ourselves, but the crowd of well-wishers that has gathered around us tells me that we won't be able to escape any time soon.

Fucking wonderful!

Here is a good dose of fluff in this chapter. Next time you will see Mia and Elena's reaction on the lovey news. Will Christian's happiness change his mother's attitude towards Ana?

Laters, Ilenka