a/n: [07-30-21] It's Ana and Christian's wedding day! Yaay! I can't believe it's been ten years ;D I'm so happy for them that I want to celebrate in a way, like making this oneshot. Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoy this little story. Some of the contents I took from Freed as told by Christian (July 8th). I'm sorry in advance for any mistake!

Disclaimer: Fifty Shades Trilogy and the companion books belong to EL James. This is a non-profit fanwork.

My Happily Ever After

.

"Are you really, really, reeeally sure, Steele?"

"Yes, Kate. I'm absolutely sure. Never been surer my entire life."

"But… this is serious, Ana."

"So is marriage."

Kate huffs. "Well…"

"I already agreed to be his wife. Don't you think it's a little too late to ask if I'm sure about moving in with him by now?"

"I know that. Just… you two met each other only five minutes ago. There's so much to know. He didn't pressure you to move in?"

"He didn't, in a sense," I start. "We are eager to live our lives together, but he was more impatient than me. So, I stood my ground. If he had his way, I'd move in right after he proposed to me weeks ago," I giggle.

Kate looks at me funny. "You love him all right."

I nod. It's the truth. I am madly in love with him.

"I guess I'm still in shock about your marriage and this moving in… It's so sudden. I feel like I've lost my best friend. And you, you're too young. You still have to live your life to the fullest before settling down."

She said that not unkindly. In fact, I know deep down Kate thinks of me as her sister she tries to protect. But I'm a big girl.

"Look, Kate, thank you for your concern. But I still live my life to the fullest. Actually, it's just started. By settling down with the love of my life," I wink at her.

"You're such a romantic soul, Steele," she chuckles.

"I am. I know it's sudden. My mom and dad said so, too. But, Kate, like I said to my father, he is my happily ever after. There's no one but him."

"You always wanted that, huh," she smiles wistfully, but then she nudged my shoulder. "Those problematic guys, Mr. Heathcliff, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Rochester—they really messed with your head."

I pout. "It's not that bad."

Kate gasps theatrically. "Come to think of it, Christian seemed like a well read guy. Remember the quote he gave you? It was his first gift, right? You have to admit, he was kinda romantic in a weird way."

"He is a bit weird, but he is mine."

"Yeah, Steele, no need to be territorial."

We burst in laughter.

"But, seriously, Ana, you're not scared?"

"Scared? About what?"

"Um, this whole living together stuff?"

"Well, I did live together with you our college days."

"Ha ha, funny, Steele," Kate sticks her tongue out at me.

"Yeah, it's a but frightening, but in a good way. I won't be sleep alone at night, and Christian will be the first person I see in the morning. It's thrilling."

"And stifling. You would know each other's habits and weaknesses."

"Oh, I know those already. And it's not that bad," I cough.

"Oh yeah, I forgot that you were practically living together when I'm away," she waggles her eyebrows.

"Jealous, Kate?"

She pinches my arm. "You wish. You finished?"

"This is the last box," I huff, wiping the sweat off my forehead. My subconscious and inner goddess wave their pom-poms in attempt to cheer me up. "Holy cow, I didn't know it would take more than an hour to pack because my stuff mainly still in the boxes. Why am I so tired?"

"You miss him, I can tell. I miss my man, too."

"Aw, Kate. How are you and Elliot?"

"Great." Kate sighs. "I don't know I could be this happy."

I reach for her hand, and squeeze it. "I'm happy for you, Kate."

She grins. "Enough of this mushy feeling, it's our girls' night! Let's hit a bar and got spent."

"Um, Kate, actually, let's have a night in. We could order a takeout?"

"What, why? His overbearingness is rubbing off on you?"

"No, but if we were out, we can't have a nice chat."

"Hm, you got a point. Pizza, then? Or you fancy Chinese tonight? There's a bottle of good wine in the fridge, courtesy of yours truly."

I beam at her. "Let's order pizza."

"Your usual?"

"With extra cheese."

Kate snickered. "Starving, are we?"

"You have no idea," I say with haggard tones.

Ordering done, she helps me move the box to the front door, so come tomorrow, it'll be easily picked up.

We down the wine happily.

"Thanks for helping me, Kate. I'll really miss our girls' night."

"Oh, Ana," she sniffles. "I will, too. Promise me we'll meet regularly, like this? Best friend forever, despite you being married?"

"I promise. And Kate, who's to say we couldn't be sisters in the future?"

She gives me her sweet smile. "I'll drink to that!"

Halfway through our chat, Kate excuses herself to the bathroom. My stomach is full from the pizza and wine. I check my phone, not hearing a peep from Christian. What's holding him? Does he miss me? Is he already sleeping?

I decide to text him.

I'm packed. Missing you.
Sleep well. No nightmares.
This is not a request.
I'm not there to hold you.
Love you.

His reply is almost instant.

CHRISTIAN
Dream of me.
I hope to dream of you.
No nightmares.

Oh, Christian. I worry about you.

Promise?

CHRISTIAN
No promises.
Just hope. And dreams.
And love. For you.

How could his text hold so much warmth, bring so much happiness for me?

You once said you don't do romance.
I'm so glad that you're wrong.
I'm swooning here!
I love you, Christian.
Goodnight xxx.

CHRISTIAN
Good night, Ana.
I like to make you swoon.
I love you. Always. x

Kate caught me staring teary-eyed at my Blackberry.

"What's wrong?"

"He's not here with me," I sniff. "That's so wrong."

She laughs. "Oh, Ana, you'll be fine! Imagine this as an exercise for the night before your wedding."

Right. Like it would help me getting used to it.

It didn't help me getting used to it.

For one, the family is far too loud. Last night they surrounded me and giving me some advice regarding our marriage. It's safe to say, I couldn't begin to remember the conversations without getting red in the face.

Yes. Today, I will marry the man of my dream.

Mia and Kate are waiting outside Christian's old room—which is being used for the bride room. They helped me while preparing themselves. It was fun watching them make a fuss with my make-up artist and hairstylist. No doubt my appearance is now up to their requirements.

So, this is what it feels like to have sisters.

In their stead now, my mom is standing behind me, looking into the mirror in front of us. For a hundred times it seems, she adjusts my bridal veil.

"I hope this wouldn't get you in an accident. Be careful out there, Ana. People tend to step on my veil back then in their enthusiasm."

I laugh. I don't want to hear about my clumsiness from my mom. "Okay."

"And don't forget to rest your feet once in a while. Don't force yourself."

"Got it."

"Oh, you are so beautiful, baby girl," she gushes again, wiping her tears off.

"Thanks, Mom."

She meets my gaze in the mirror, and gives me a heartfelt smile. "Look at you, you're all grown-up," she whispers, embracing me from behind.

There's always a comforting feeling whenever she hugs me.

Mom. I've missed her. I hug her hands tightly.

"Are you happy, honey?"

"Yes, Mom. Very."

"Then I'm happy for you. I'm sure your father is, too."

I consider her words for a while. I think I know who she is referring to, but I want to set it straight. "I know. Ray is the best dad a daughter could ask for."

She blinks, but smiles knowingly. "That's true. And you're the best gift that's been given to us, ever."

"Oh, Mom…"

We both get misty eyes, but then Carla clears her throat first and nagging me like a mother could. "Did you eat already, Ana? Don't forget to fill your stomach. Weddings are always strenuous and long. But don't get full either, honey, I don't want you to be sick."

"It's okay, Momma. You worry too much."

"Oh, darling, I'm always worried," she squeezes my shoulders. "Just remember, I'm here for you. I'm sorry I'm not the best mother for you all this time. I'm still trying. But I love you so much, baby girl. Always."

I beam at her. Hearing my mother's declaration of love calms my heart a little. "Thank you, Mommy."

A knock on the door startles us. "Yes?"

"It's me, Annie."

"Dad! Come on in."

Ray peeks in from the opened door. "You two decent?"

"Yes," Carla laughs. "Hello, Ray."

"Good afternoon, ladies," Ray bows playfully. But it looks hilarious in his stiff figure.

"Well, your dad's here, and it's cue for me to find my seat," Mom hugs me once more. She is really attentive today. "You have everything, right? Your bouquet?"

"Yep," I point out to the elegant arrangement of roses on the bed.

"Your veil? Oh, right, you wear it already. Your shoes? Make sure you rest your feet, honey."

"You already said that."

"Okay," she huffs. It's almost like she is the one getting married and not me. "Alright, I'll go now. Ray," she turns to Dad. "Please make sure she doesn't stumble."

"I know," Ray rolls his eyes.

"Ana, just call me if you need anything, okay honey?"

"Will do. Bye, Mom, for now."

"Oh, Ana," she kisses my cheek for like the tenth time. "Bye, you two."

"Don't forget to save me a dance later, Carla."

She hugs Dad and laughs, "Roger that."

And thus, my whirlwind of a mother leaves the room.

Ray chuckles. "Your mother is overbearing," he whispers conspiratorially, making me giggle.

"Dad, she is just doing her job."

"I'm glad." He gives me a once-over, and seems flustered. "You look breathtaking, Annie."

"Thank you, Dad."

Ray looks at me in silence. My dad's never been a talker, but he conveyed his feelings through his eyes. And right now, those hazel orbs gaze at me lovingly, like a father only could.

I feel my throat close in.

"Are you ready, Annie?"

"Ready as I'll ever be."

Ray looks at me with tender expression as I adjust my bouquet, feeling shy all of sudden.

"You know, I thought this day would never come."

I feign a gasp, "You thought I'll be an old maid, didn't you?"

Ray laughs. "No, Annie. It's just… I always think you as my little girl. My little angel. You used to curl up against me whenever I'm holding you," he chokes and my view is blurry.

"Oh, daddy…"

"But here you are. About to be whisked away by someone else."

"Christian will take a good care of me, and I him."

"I know, Annie," he takes a shuddering breath. "And I only wish happiness for you both."

"Thank you, daddy," I reach for his hand, the hand that always held me when I was feeling lonely. His hand is frail, but also firm. He is aged. How could I not notice this? "I'm happy you're here with me."

"Me, too, baby girl. I'm so proud and happy to be able to walk you down the aisle."

I hold his hand against my cheek, needing my daddy close. "Any advice for your daughter, dad?"

"You're a sensible woman, Annie. Besides, my only marriage failed long ago. I am not in a place to give you advice."

"Regardless, I still want you to guide me, daddy."

He smiles widely. "Okay, well, my only advice is to never take the time you two have for a granted. Don't waste any time when you pursue a happiness, Annie."

Oh, daddy…

I struggle to keep my tears at bay. But I don't want to burden the make-up artist, again.

"Thank you so much, dad. For everything."

Ray pats my hand. One of Alondra's crew lets us know that it's time. Dad helps me put my veil down as we walk to the pavilion. Mia and Kate waving at me in their designated place.

"It's time, Annie."

There's an expectant hush before the first tune of Chasing Cars starts. Mia steps inside slowly, followed by Kate. And my nerves are back in full force.

But dad's hand guides me through it all.

"Let's meet your future, Annie."

I smile at him. We start walking. Slowly. Dad is making sure I'm not on my own clumsy self. One steady step to the other. In my carefulness, I only watch the carpet beneath my feet this whole time.

But as always, in his presence, I feel the surge lightning up my body. I look up.

And our eyes meet.

He is nervous. I can tell. Did he think I won't show up? I can't help but beam at him. Yeah, I'm here, Christian. I will never leave you.

It's as if we're the only ones here.

He looks so captivating; not just his appearance, but the tender smile he wears for me.

Only me.

This is it. This is the part where the fairy tales end, and the narrator declares in flourish: and they lived happily ever after. But to us, this is not the ending.

All at once I could see our past, the events that's led to the now. Him and his issues, me and my problems. Our relationship hasn't been the easiest. It moved fast as light, but gazing at him now, I know for sure there's a deeper part of it. A part we would like to explore together, as one.

This is the very first part where our journey begins and our love continues. There's still a long road ahead of us. We don't know for sure if that road is jagged or smooth, narrow or wide, or where it would lead us. So long as we have each other, I'm sure we can conquer it.

He is my happily ever after. And I hope, I am his.