Chapter 27: Another trip around the sun
AKA: A bachelor(ette) party and a birthday

Your next chapter is going to be amazing.

That weekend—after two weeks of wedding planning—we were allowed to be by ourselves. While I finished working on my vows, Christian got started with his.

"Is there any rule I should follow?" he asked, pulling his hair in frustration. "There are so many things on the internet!"

I chuckled.

"Just go with whatever feels right." He looked at me with consternation. "Maybe we could set some linings? Give me a second."

I went to fetch my laptop in the library and return to the living room to find Christian with his computer on his lap. I opened the document with my vows and told him, "I started mine by saying 'When we first met…' and kept that intro within less than two lines."

"When we first met, I wanted you naked and tied up in my playroom's bed, baby," replied Christian.

"I know. The point is that it may not have been love at first sight, but it's not any less true because of that."

"Alright. So… 'When we first met…'," he typed.

"And then I wrote 'on this day, I do take you to be my 'yada, yada, yada."

He snickered as he typed.

"Your what?" he teased me.

"You'll have to wait another three weeks to hear the rest. Then I wrote a bunch of promises I do intend to keep. I made it sweet and honest, a bit funny every here and there… And then I finished talking about how I will love you forever."

I smiled shyly.

"I will love you forever, too. How many words did you write?"

"Umm…" I checked. "Almost two hundred."

"Alright. Thank you, baby." He kissed my cheek. "I've got work to do now."

"And so do I."

I went back to my office, where I emailed Kate my vows, asking her to proof-read them for me. Then, I grabbed a manuscript and put my full focus on it.

The rest of the week flew by. Our opinions regarding the wedding were needed less, but Elliot and his interior designer required our input when it came to home remodelling. We visited stores that sold all kinds of materials, appliances and home accessories.

Once we were done with that, Christian suggested we go furniture shopping. He insisted we should get a new bed for our bedroom, as well as new furniture for the living room, dining room, kitchen and family room.

He got on a roll after that and proposed we buy new 'furniture' for our new soundproof playroom too. I was excited about it, as I had never visited a store that sold such things. And so we found ourselves in the outskirts of town, in a place that looked like a well-kept warehouse on the outside and held a very interesting shop in the inside. Much like the club in Vancouver, this place catered for people that valued their privacy, whether they were rich and famous or not.

While I knew how most stuff worked, I didn't know which options were best. Thus, it was Christian the one to pick a new St Andrew's cross, spanking bench and sex swing. The latter was new for me, if not for my fiancé, and I was looking forwards to trying it.

All the furniture—both regular and kinky—would be picked up by one of the CPOs and delivered to the new house while we were away on our honeymoon. This prevented us from having to give more strangers our new address.

And suddenly, it was Friday, September 2nd. When I got out of the office at five, Kate was waiting for me to take me to my bachelorette celebration. We both climbed into the back of Sawyer's car and, ignoring my protests about me not being dressed for whatever they had planned, my maid of honour blindfolded me.

After half an hour of driving, my blindfold was removed, and I noticed we had parked by Christian's private jet.

"Where are we going?" I asked Kate.

"You'll see," she answered with a smirk.

Suddenly, Christian was at my door and helping me out of the car.

"Christian?" I turned to look at Kate. "Are we all going somewhere for a combined bachelor/bachelorette party?" I asked hopeful.

"Yes, we are!"

"Oh! That's great, Kate!"

"Thank you. Although I must say Elliot helped with the planning."

"Where are we going?"

Kate shook her head, but before she could tell me it was a secret, Mia popped out of nowhere.

"Aspen!" she exclaimed happily,

"Mia!" whined Elliot and Kate in chorus. Ethan chuckled.

Ros and Gwen, I noticed, were also present.

The flight to Aspen took four hours. Once again, Christian and I couldn't renew our mile-high club membership. I was consoled with the fact that wouldn't be the case once we flew to our honeymoon—or so I assumed at least.

We spent the flight playing Uno, watching 27 Dresses, and bouncing ideas for the Wedding Rehearsal. It'd be just us plus our parents and Christian's grandparents, so we wished to do something fun.

Twenty minutes after landing, Reynolds and Ryan were driving us in two rentals to Christian's holiday home. There, Mr and Mrs Bentley, the housekeepers, greeted us warmly.

The home was beautiful, warm and rustic, all brown wood and grey stones. After drinking hot chocolate, we all parted ways and got into our rooms, Christian making a conscious effort not to see his sister get into a bedroom with her boyfriend.

On Saturday, we woke up as early as usual. In pairs, the eight of us made our way downstairs to have a filling breakfast. After having been fed, we dressed comfortably, put on the hiking shoes Gail had packed for us and went to explore the closest trails. The walk was both peaceful and entertaining, full of green trees, teasing and laugher. At noon, we returned to the house to have lunch.

The men wanted to go fishing, but us women were reluctant to accompany them. Mia suggested we split up, and while the guys went to do their 'outdoors boring stuff,' I was coaxed to go shopping—as if we hadn't done enough of that as of late!

It turns out it had all been planned, as I was dragged into a boutique to pick two dresses for the two following nights. It was my extended bachelorette party, and as such, it was suggested I keep to light colours. Thus, I found a white tight dress that would have Christian salivating. Picking a second dress was harder, but I found myself gravitating towards a Gatsby embellished silver chiffon mini dress.

I accompanied the girls to another few shops but didn't find anything else I wished to buy.

That afternoon, the men returned smelly and happy with their catch. They were sent off to clean up, and I gladly accepted Christian's invitation to have a bath with him—after he had rinsed off the smell—. He massaged my aching feet as I relaxed in the warm water, content to share half an hour of peace with him in our crowded and busy weekend.

"Trying to spend more time with our friends has proved to be a bad idea," I complained. "It would seem now they think we're outgoing and happy to share most of our time with them."

"Indeed," agreed Christian, neck-deep in the warm bathwater. "Life was easier when I was considered disagreeable."

I chuckled. "I can consider you disagreeable every now and then if it'll make you feel better," I joked, and he tickled my feet.

"You should add it to your vows."

Once out of the bath, the girls insisted we get ready together. My hair was styled beautifully by Gwen, but I insisted on doing my make-up myself. I opted to put on the knee-length V-necked tight white dress. Upon meeting him downstairs, Christian's eyes widened when he saw me.

"You look exquisite. Beautiful. Sexy."

"Thank you, handsome. You're quite the poet. And you look as stunning as usual." And so did he, in black sacks and a light blue shirt.

We were driven to Caribou Club, where we had a delicious dinner, chatting and laughing like old friends. Then, we moved to the bar and dance floor, where Christian and I were given matching sashes. Mine was white and read 'Bride to be' on golden letters, while Christian's black sash read 'Groom to be.'

We danced the night away, took pictures and got drunk. The more alcohol we consumed, the more inappropriate we got. Christian and I were grinding in the dance floor when Ros and Gwen insisted we leave. The other two couples chose to stay longer, so Ryan had to stay behind as Reynolds drove us back to the house. Christian could barely take his hands off of me as we stumbled all the way to the bedroom, where we made love until we passed out.

I had a killing headache the next morning, but it wasn't anything painkillers couldn't fix. We had a late, greasy breakfast and Christian and I went out for a short hike, needing some time for ourselves.

"Kate and Elliot were right: they did plan the perfect bachelor/bachelorette party for us," I commented as we walked hand in hand at a leisure pace through the trail.

"They did. Although it'd be nicer if we had more time to ourselves," he grumbled.

I chuckled.

"We'll have the chance to be all alone for two weeks during our honeymoon."

"Hmm… That's right." He looked down at me with a heated glance. "All the things I'll do to you, Mrs Grey."

I liked the sound of it.

"Not quite yet, Mr Grey. That will be Miss Steele for a few more weeks."

"I'm so glad you agreed to a short engagement, beautiful."

"Me too. Can you imagine Mia and Kate planning our wedding for months? Oh God! They're going to be the ultimate bridezillas when their time comes. And even worse: chances are Kate and Elliot will make us Matron of Honour and Best Man."

"I hope Elliot picks a friend of his," muttered Christian.

"You are a friend of his, handsome."

For lunch, Mrs Bentley fried the fish the men had caught the day before. We spent the afternoon relaxing in the backyard, and when the temperature started to drop, we got back into the house. Christian and I had another bath and made love in the warm soapy water before relaxing in it for so long we looked like prunes.

When we arrived downstairs, everyone was about to sit down to have dinner.

"What were you doing upstairs for so long?" asked Elliot, waggling his eyebrows.

"If you need to ask, you're doing something wrong," I answered as Christian pulled a chair for me.

"Really, love," said Kate, "how many times does she have to one-up you before you give up?"

As soon as we were done eating, the women insisted we got ready together once again. That night, I wore the 1920s themed silver dress, which was flashy but not sensual, with the same sash as the night before.

Downstairs, I met Christian, who was wearing a light grey shirt and dark blue pants—and his sash.

"You look good enough to eat," I muttered against his lips after greeting him.

"And you look like the soul of the party."

Ryan and Reynolds drove us to the best club in town: Belly Up Aspen. They had a different show every weekend night, and that Sunday the small stage belonged to a band that had 80s returns. They were quite the spectacle, dancing the hilarious moves people used to do a few decades ago.

Christian and I didn't indulge in so much alcohol that night, but we still danced close to each other in the crowded room. Monday would be a holiday—Labour's day—and the excitement of the long weekend was palpable in the air.

That night, it was Mia and Ethan who accompanied us back home early. Neither Christian nor Mia felt like being inappropriate with their sibling in the car, but the sexual tension was still palpable in the enclosed space.

Once inside the house, we said a hasty goodnight and locked ourselves in our respective rooms. Christian took his time with me that night, undressing me slowly before kissing me reverently all over. We made sweet love before falling asleep in each other's arms.

And so the countdown began.

Forty weeks to go.

We woke up late on Monday. We were melancholic, wishing the weekend didn't have to end.

"You lot look so gloom," whined Elliot. "Let's play pool!"

And so we moved to the room with the billiard and two teams were quickly formed: I'd be playing with Christian, Kate and Elliot against Mia, Ethan, Ros and Gwen.

"Have you played before?" asked Christian.

"A few times. I was a college girl until a few months ago, after all," I answered, not being completely honest about my ability.

"The bride-to-be, first," gestured Elliot after having arranged the balls with practised ease.

"Okay."

I chalked the end of my cue and blew the excess powder off, staring up at Christian through my lashes. His eyes darkened.

I didn't much care about the audience as I bent and wiggled my ass in front of him while lining up on the white ball. With a swift clean stroke, I hit the centre ball of the triangle with such force that a striped ball spun and plunged into the top right pocket. I'd scattered the rest of the balls.

"I choose stripes," I said innocently, smiling coyly at Christian. His mouth twisted in amusement.

"We're playing with Christian, not against him," reminded me Kate. "Stop trying to distract him."

"Don't be such a bore, Kate."

I proceeded to pocket the next two balls in quick succession, giving us a wide winning margin. Our opponents complained loudly. I eventually missed the green striped ball by a hairsbreadth and stepped back to let Ethan play.

Christian walked up behind me and wrapped his arms around me. I could feel his hardness against my lower back.

He placed his chin on my shoulder before murmuring in my ear.

"You know, Anastasia, I could stand here and watch you leaning and stretching across this billiard table all day."

I flushed.

Ethan pocketed two solids before fouling by sinking the white, and then it was Christian's turn.

He let go of me. His warm body abandoned my back, making me feel chilly for a second.

I ogled him as he sauntered over to take his first shot.

He bent low over the table. My mouth went dry. I saw exactly what he had meant, and so did my inner goddess.

Christian in tight jeans and a white t-shirt, bending... was something to behold.

I wanted to smack that ass.

Or maybe pinch it.

Hmm… perhaps later…

Christian sank his first striped ball easily. With only three of our balls reminding, it was hard to find the next one to play. He walked around the table. Bending every now and then to pick his next shot. He managed to pocket one more ball before missing, and then it was Mia's turn.

She absolutely sucked and managed to sink the white ball before pocketing any solid.

Next came Kate, who sank our two reminding balls, while the other team still had five on the table.

Ros took over then, managing to sink three balls spectacularly.

After having teased her friend about her ability to manage balls, Elliot got a serious look on his face. He analysed the table carefully before naming his pocket.

"Top left-hand."

The white ball hit the black but missed it.

"Damn it!" exclaimed Elliot.

Gwen sank their last two balls, but also missed the black one, and suddenly the pressure was on me.

I considered my options carefully as if it were more than a mare game. Finally, I stated, "Top right," and bent right in front of Christian. I heard his sharp intake of breath and smirked.

"This would actually be useful if we were playing against him, Ana," reminded me Kate.

"Maybe the next time," I proposed before hitting the white ball.

It flew towards the black one, hit it in just the right angle, and off went the eighth ball into the pocket.

"Woohoo!" celebrated Elliot, picking up Kate as if she had hit the winning round.

I span to look at Christian, and he sauntered towards me.

He took my face in his hands.

"So you've played a little?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Or something…" I muttered against his lips before kissing him.

"I can't wait to play against you at home. With you wearing much fewer clothes than you are now."

We didn't have time for another round as lunch had been served.

As we devoured the chicken, we teased the losing team a bit.

As soon as we were done with lunch, it was time to go. Ryan and Reynolds got our bags on the cars and off we were to the airport and Christian's private jet.

"What movie should we watch?" asked Mia as soon as we were allowed to walk in the plane.

"I actually need Kate's assistance with a little something. In private," I added, looking at her pointedly while signalling at the plane's bedroom with my head.

"Alright," conceded my friend.

"See you in an hour!" I joked before closing the door.

"What is it?"

"I need your help with a couple of things. First, could you take another look at my vows?" I asked as I turned on my laptop.

Gail had packed it just in case, and while I hadn't used it during the weekend, it had come in handly for this.

"Sure," she agreed.

She took a few minutes to read it before turning to look at me with a smile. "It's perfect. And I love how it reflects Christian's."

"It does? How do you know?"

"He asked me to check his yesterday. Apparently, it's been a while ever since someone had proofread any of his speeches, but he's not well practised with writing romantic declarations. I think it was very sweet of him. He doesn't want to screw up."

I beamed, feeling like I'd burst with happiness.

"I picked a good one."

"You did. And it's eerie how both of your vows complement one another. Just like the both of you do, I guess. Elliot and I have talked about it—how you've made each other happier."

I blushed.

"I think we've learnt a lot from one another."

"It shows. So, what else do you need?"

"A willing body," I said, wiggling my eyebrows.

"I'm sure Christian or Ros would be happy to assist you with that."

I chuckled.

"I want to give Christian a massage. A good relaxing back massage. The other day I realised he's never had one, and his job can make him so tense sometimes… And I'm the only one—aside from Mia—who can touch his back, so…" I rambled.

"I think it's very sweet," she assured me. "So you want to practise on me?"

"Yes, please. I've watched a bunch of YouTube videos, so I know the theory… now I just need to practise."

Without preamble, Kate took off her shirt, lay on her stomach on the bed and unhooked her bra.

Meanwhile, I found a small bottle of unscented lotion in the bathroom.

It was awkward at first, not because of Kate—I had seen her in underwear a million times—but because I was unsure of what to do.

Soon enough, I got the hang of it.

"Hmm.. forgive me if I start moaning. You're very good at this."

I chuckled.

"You'd better not. I'm sure Elliot would find the girl-on-girl action hot, but Christian doesn't like to share."

"Oh! Right there!" I snickered. "I mean it."

"I know. You've got quite the knot in here."

I massaged her back for twenty minutes before my hands were too tired to continue.

"That was great. You can have my back anytime you want."

"What about next Thursday, at your place?" I suggested as she redressed.

"Sure!"

Kate looked sleepy as we re-joined the rest of the party.

Everyone but Christian and Ros—who were working—were watching 'Just Go With It.'

"What was all that about?" asked me Christian as I bent down to kiss him.

"I'll tell you once you tell me where we're going for our honeymoon," I proposed after picking his lips.

"I'll hold you to it," he promised, pulling me to sit on his lap.

Tuesday morning, as we were having the breakfast Gail had prepared for us, Christian's phone rang. He was a busy man, and while he usually got a few—or several—calls after work, that was the first time it happened so early in the morning.

Frowning, he reached for his cell phone in his back pocket. I was half expecting him to hang up, but he looked at the caller's id with surprise and answered the phone.

"Kate?" he asked, bemused and slightly worried.

I didn't have my phone with me, and I wondered if she had tried to reach me first but couldn't.

"She's next to me," he said warily, eying me. He listened to Kate's words for several seconds. "Why? What did they write?"

What was going on?

As Christian heard Kate's long answer, he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"It's not a bad idea actually. I may hold you to it. I need to talk with my publicity guy, Sam, first."

He listened to her for a few more seconds.

"She's more likely to hear you than me," he told her, without the humour I would have expected to accompany such a statement.

He handed me the phone.

"Kate? What's up?"

"You're on the news, and it's not pretty. You know how paparazzi can be huge assholes," she answered with no qualms. "Just stay the hell away from online magazines, okay? Don't Google yourself or Christian! Ignorance is bliss."

"I'd rather know what's going on, Kate." Christian looked terribly worried. "What happened?"

"There are new pictures from both of you."

"Pictures?" I asked high-pitched.

I paled. Please don't let them have seen us coming out of the sex toys store.

"Of this weekend: you and Christian wearing the 'Bride and Groom to be' sashes. The wedding's not a secret anymore."

"Oh, thank God! It could have been worse. You scared me."

"Worse how? What have you been up to? Public sex?"

"Of course not! We're not exhibitionists! Tell me what they wrote about. Do they know the date? We made everyone involved sign NDAs."

Christian pointed at his watch.

I put Kate on speaker, and as we heard her answer, I went looking for my purse and we climbed into the elevator with Taylor and Sawyer.

"There's some speculation, but they don't know the date. Some are suggesting we went out to celebrate your engagement and you're planning on an expensive lavish wedding to take place sometime next year." I snorted. "But someone hit closer to home and insisted it was your bachelor/bachelorette party and you're getting married next weekend. Nobody seems to know that it's your birthday what we'll celebrate next Saturday."

"It's not that bad. So long as we can get married in peace."

Christian squeezed my hand, giving me his silent support as we walked towards the car. Taylor climbed in the front seat as Sawyer got ready to follow us in another vehicle.

"Well, there's more. That reporter also seems to think you're pregnant."

"Jeez. Cannot one marry for love nowadays?"

"They're just looking for a story that sells. Some have called you a gold digger; others admire your love story and think you're Seattle's own Cinderella."

"More like Bell. I kissed my monster and turned him into a prince," I joked, winking at my man.

He showed me his twitching palm and I smiled innocently.

"Anything else I should know?"

"Not really. Just… don't Google yourself. I mean it. It'll only drag you down. Enjoy your last two weeks as an unmarried woman and I'll see you on Thursday, okay?"

"Got it. I promise. Thanks for calling, Kate. See ya."

"Goodbye, Kate. Thank you," spoke Christian.

After having hung up, I turned to look at Christian. "I mean it. I'll be good."

He leaned to murmur in my ear, "Good girls get rewarded."

I hummed.

"What are you going to do about the news. What's the protocol?"

"I tend to ignore this stuff. It eventually goes away. But I'm usually the only affected one, and I'll be damned if I let them bad-mouth you. I'll let you know what the plan is as soon as we have one."

"Wouldn't it be better to let it rest? It will only be for the next two weeks."

"I'm afraid if we don't give the paparazzi anything they'll dig until they find out our wedding date. I trust my publicity guy, Sam, to know what's best. I'll call you later, okay?" he suggested as we arrived to my place of work.

"Alright. I love you, handsome. See you after work."

"I love you too, baby," he said before kissing me.

I climbed out of the car and hurried into the office, glad the press had better things to do than stalk little poor me in my workplace.

It was an hour later that Christian called me: we'd be taking Kate's offer to interview us, even if she had given Christian that suggestion as a joke. She'd drop by our apartment with Elliot to have dinner and write down something we were comfortable with.

Kate usually wrote about politics and economics, but The Seattle Times was ecstatic and looking forwards to publishing her story in the entertainment section.

That night, as we had dinner cooked by Gail, we spoke about what we were willing to share with the world. Kate wrote a draft and we worked on it together until it became something Christian and I were comfortable with, if not completely happy.

Christian was a businessman, not an artist, and he didn't fancy the fame we were getting.

Tuesday morning, Kate emailed us the link to her article—the only one I was allowed to read—and I opened it immediately.

Kate had written how we were to be married for love, and how our wedding party had surprised us with a little festivity in Aspen. She wrote about our plans to celebrate my birthday with our closest family members and friends, and lied about our wedding date, stating it would take place sometime next spring.

Trying to protect me from the press, Christian insisted we should claim we had no plans to start a family anytime soon, as I was barely in my early twenties. I wanted to prioritize our blooming relationship and my new job, while Christian wanted me all to himself for a bit longer and wasn't thinking about extending the family yet.

The day after the wedding, Sam would be giving a press release revealing we had tied the knot in a small and private event, and he'd add a picture or two.

The rest of the week seemed to fly by. Kate and Mia would call me once or twice a day, but my presence wasn't required for any more planning. On Thursday, while Christian was on therapy, Sawyer drove me to my old apartment. Not only Kate was waiting for me there, but also Mia. I massaged the blonde's back and answered any questions my bridesmaid had. Mia made us dinner and she insisted I work my magic on her next, and by the end of the night, I had been declared an expert masseuse.

Friday night, Christian insisted we stay up until midnight, and when the clock struck twelve, he was all the way inside me.

"Happy birthday, my love," he muttered against my neck as he made love to me.

On Saturday, we woke up later than usual and I was served breakfast in bed. I was apprehensive at first, until Christian informed me with much offence Gail had made us some chocolate muffins the day before.

We spent the morning enjoying each other's company, predicting we wouldn't have another moment of peace in the following week. We made love, cuddled, and fucked in the playroom, using my favourite toys.

At noon, Christian presented me with his gifts for me.

I opened the first box he handed me and gasped in surprise. Cautiously, I took the book from the top.

"Happy birthday, beautiful," said Christian.

"Christian! Thank you!" I reached up to kiss him. "I had managed to forget about these!"

In my hands, I held the three volumes of Pride and Prejudice's 1st edition Christian had bid for in the charity ball.

"This is amazing! I love it. I love you. So, so much!"

"I love you, too, baby."

"You're like my own Mr Darcy," I told him. "Much better than a Prince Charming."

He handed me the second box, smaller than the first. I opened it gingerly, revealing a matching necklace and earrings with pink tear-drop shaped precious stones.

"They're sapphires—September's gemstone," explained Christian.

"They're lovely," I muttered, caressing the necklace's pendant. "Thank you, Christian. They're so beautiful."

"Not as much as you."

Intending to use my new jewellery, I put on a light pink dress my mum had got me for my last birthday. It was elegant and modest, with a bateau neckline and a knee-length ample skirt.

"You look exquisite," muttered Christian as he hugged me from behind, staring at me from the mirror standing in front of us. "Sweet and innocent, like an angel waiting to be corrupted."

I smiled playfully.

"I've already been corrupted, Sir," I informed him as I turned around and wrapped my arms around his neck. "But I'm always open for more debauchery. We better behave today, though. My parents will be there, on top of yours, and I'm sure my mum will know what we're up to if we disappear."

"Excuse you!" he exclaimed mockingly offended. "You're the one who seduced me with your father in the house!"

"And you dragged me to your room all of the other times! You don't want to keep score with me, Mr Grey, because you'll lose."

"Oh, while that's true, I'm sure I'd be surprised with how depraved your mind really is."

I blushed.

"A woman is entitled her secrets. Now hurry up. We need to go!" I said, stepping away from him.

He smacked my ass.

Christian drove us in his favourite car, the R8, to his parents' house. I could see my father's car already parked in front. I knew Ryan was driving my mum and Bob from the airport. Grace and Carrick had been kind enough to offer them both a room in their house, allowing Christian and I to finish the preparations in peace, as well as enjoy each other's company with no audience or overbearing mothers.

As soon as we rang the doorbell, Mia opened the front door with enthusiasm.

"Happy birthday, Ana!" she screeched happily.

"Thank you, Mia," I answered as she wrapped her arms around me.

"Hi, Christian!" she welcomed him as she hugged him too.

"Hello, Mia."

In the living room, we found my dad, Grace and Carrick, who stood up immediately to greet us.

"Annie! Happy birthday," wished me Dad as he stepped forward to hug me. "I can't believe how grown-up you are," he whispered against my hair.

Christian's parents greeted me in kind before we were offered wine.

Soon enough, Kate, Elliot and Ethan arrived, followed by my mum and Bob.

"Look at you! My birthday girl!" exclaimed Mum exuberantly. "Happy birthday, baby! You look so happy! And look at that ring! Oh, if your father could see you now!"

She was her usual emotional self, and I appreciated how open she was about the pride and happiness she felt for me. What had embarrassed me as a teenager still made me blush, but it also made me beam.

We proceeded to the dining room, where lunch was as delicious and loud as usual. My parents looked like fish out of the water, but they relaxed soon enough. I knew how overwhelming my future family could be, but I had come to love it.

The best part of the afternoon was spent playing reverse charades: while one member of each team tried to guess the word or phrase, the rest of the group acted it without communicating verbally. The highlight of the party was Elliot 'bouncing off the walls,' literally.

In the end, my team—myself, Christian, Kate, Elliot and Dad—beat the other one—that included Mia, Ethan, Grace, Carrick, Mum and Bob.

On the evening, we had coffee, tea and cake: a chocolate masterpiece made by Mia coated in purple and blue buttercream, plus bubblegum pink ganache drip, and macaroons, lollipops and other candies on top.

"This is the best cake I've ever had, Mia," I complimented her. "You shouldn't go to work for someone; you should open your own place. Hmm… maybe a bakery."

"Thanks, Ana." She beamed.

After we all had cleaned our plates, and a few of the guys had had seconds, I was showered with presents. Dad got the honour to go first, gifting me a book I didn't already own. Next were Mum and Bob, who gave me a lovely beach dress and a white sunhat that had 'Wifey' written in gold on the brim.

"Beach attire? For the honeymoon? Do you know something I don't?" I asked her.

"No. Your fiancé is good at keeping secrets," Mum answered upset, "but I gathered you could use it when you come to visit us next."

"I think I may have a chance to use it soon. Ros subtly suggested I buy some bikinis."

"Sounds like she was very subtle, indeed," complained Christian. "I shouldn't have trusted her."

From Kate and Elliot, I got a pair of jeans with embroidered flowers. Underneath them, I found a rectangular box.

"You should open it later," suggested Kate.

"Alright," I muttered, blushing.

"Open what?" asked Elliot.

I was glad whatever embarrassing gift she had bought me hadn't been seen by my future brother in law.

I received more clothes and books, thanking everyone in turn. I wasn't a fan of being showered with gifts, but I tried to accept them all gracefully, as Christian and I had insisted we'd receive no wedding presents; instead, we had asked our guests to made donations for Coping Together.

We left soon afterwards, and Christian surprised me with a romantic dinner at Escala, just for the both of us.

"That was the best birthday ever," I muttered against Christian's neck later than night, as we lay naked in bed. "I'm looking forwards to the next ones."

Disclaimer: As stated before twenty-six times, I don't own the characters.

I can't remember the last time I played pool, as I'm not very good at it, so that scene was inspired by E L James' book.

Remember to check my Pinterest board for this story!

Thank you all so much for your very kind words!

Next chapter: the rehearsal and the wedding :D

Only three chapters and the epilogue to go :(

Recommendation of the day: Fifty Shades of All the Tea in China by showdog. It's abandoned, but if you just ignore the plot twist from the last chapters, you can imagine is complete.