….

"So yeah. That's how we met. And remember my engagement? Aren't you at least glad that I waited to get married?" she questioned lightly. When the man only grunted, Ana, sighed.
Ana, Ray, and a pained-looking Christian were staring at one another. Well, Ana was staring at Ray who was staring at Christian still in the hospital bed. After Ana's conversation with her father a couple of days ago she figured that she had time until he came to visit. She had no clue that he was purchasing tickets for the next flight out to Seattle. She was surprised when an amused Taylor called her about her father being in front of Grey Enterprises.

This was where everyone was thirty minutes later.

"You're Christian, huh," Ray said glaring at the man. To be fair Christian looked much better in his sweatpants, hoodie, and a black beanie over his bald head. He looked much younger than the thirty-plus-year-old billionaire he was. Christian cleared his throat.

"Yes sir."

"Hmm."

Ana bit her lip.

"Daddy, why don't you-"

"Ana, why don't you head down to the cafeteria to get me something to drink? They got decent coffee here don't they?"

Ana looked worried and cut her eyes to Christian who offered her a rueful smile.

"I don't think I should-" Ana started only to be stopped by Christian.

"Ana? Come here please," Christian said kindly. She sighed before slowly walking over to Christian's right side of the bed. Her father was standing on the left with his arms crossed. Ana kept glancing at her father and Christina snorted a laugh before turning her head in his direction with his fingers.

"Hey," he said.

"Hi," she said back, eyes wide on her face.

"I didn't tell you today how beautiful you looked," he said softly, causing her to blush. She moved a stray piece of hair behind her ear.

"Christian, I must look a mess. I got to work late after-"

"Stop it. You look beautiful," he said this time seriously. Ana looked into his eyes and felt herself relax.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome," he said with a quirk of his lips. "Now, why don't you head to the cafeteria and get your dad some coffee? He and I can talk for a bit."

"But Christian, you just came out of an examination and-"

"Stop it, baby. I want to talk with him. I've been dying to meet him anyway. Besides, let me. I've got more rounds of chemo and I will be unable to talk with anyone for the rest of the week after tomorrow."
Ray frowned at this news and kept his mouth shut. Ana's lip wobbled.

"You have to go back so soon?"

This time he gave her a weak smile.

"I have to baby. We are fighting this aggressively. I don't want you here after tonight anyway. I want you to come back on Monday."
It was Thursday now and Ana's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Christian, that is the whole weekend! I can't be away from you that long. What if something happens?"
He shook his head before bringing her hands to his chapped lips.

"Baby, nothing is going to happen. You are going to leave me here tonight, spend the weekend with your father and come Monday afternoon I will be able to speak to you," he said with a forced smile. Tears rose in Ana's eyes. She could see him being strong, and that he didn't want her to see him at his worst.

"Christian,"

"Ana," he said gently, interrupting her. "You told me you'd listen to me when I was like this, yeah? I need you to listen to me. Please," he said almost desperately. Ana gave a quick nod before she sat up, and wiped her cheeks. She leaned over to kiss him quickly before forcing out a laugh.

"It looks like you'll be stuck with me this weekend then, dad," Ana said hoarsely. Ray had the decency to look sympathetic.

"You know I would love a tour of the city, Annie."
"I know." She then turned her attention back to Christian. "Well then. I'll go get your coffee then." She then turned and left the private room. When the door quietly closed Ray sat in the chair and studied Christian.

"I have to say that I've never seen Annie so emotional over a man like that. It's telling," he said after a moment. Christian gave a nod.

"Well sir, to be fair I've never felt this way over a woman like I do for Anastasia. And I don't see that changing," he said just as calmly. Ray studied the young man with gray eyes and a strong face. He could see why his daughter would find someone like him attractive. Ray inwardly smirked. Christian was very similar to the men his daughter used to read about in her romance books while in high school.

I guess the heart wants what it wants, Ray said to himself. Ray leaned back and tapped his fingers on the hand rests of his chair.

"I don't know you, Christian. All I know is what I've read. You're a billionaire, you have philanthropic pursuits and you've been photographed with famous women from around the world. You seem to be a bit of a playboy."
"I was," Christian answered honestly. "And I had fun doing it. But, I did have a serious girlfriend before. It was when I had cancer for the first time. And she left because of it. So, when I got better I decided to be single. And I did for a while. But several months before Ana came into the picture I was tired. I wanted to settle down and find something special. My parents have been married for over forty years. My sister is getting married, and I know my brother will be soon. I wanted to have real love. And I met your daughter one evening, I just knew from one look, that she was special. Not someone to be played with."

"But then you were diagnosed," Ray supplied, to which Christian sighed.

"I was. And I thought I could fight it in secret. But Ana wasn't having any of that. She told me point blank that it was all or nothing. And I've never loved, or respected a woman more," Christian said with a smile. Ray could see the young man was love-struck by his daughter and he was glad because he always felt his Annie deserved something better than what he could give her. He knew his wife would be proud.

"Well, I'm guessing that money affords you the best doctors to beat this thing, right?" he said gruffly.

"You could say that. Along with my mother who also works at this hospital."

"That's good."

Ray thought it over for a bit before holding out his hand.

"Well Christian, I'm sorry we had to meet under these circumstances but I want you to know that I'm glad to meet you."
Christian felt relieved. He could see the respect in Ray's gaze and it made him glad that he passed some test with Ana's father. He reached his hand out to shake it.

"You as well Mr. Steele."

Ray's lip quirked up a bit at the moniker.

"Son, I prefer Ray. I'm not that old."
Christian chuckled.

"Yes sir."

Before Christian could pull away his hand, however, Ray held it firmly.

"And Christian. I want you to know that cancer or not if you hurt my daughter in any way, I will make you wish you never met Anastasia. Do I make myself clear?"

Christian could see the deadly intent and he swallowed.

"Yes, Ray. I understand."
Ray held his gaze for a moment longer before letting go of his hand.

"Good. Now, what's good on the television?"

When Ana returned, she was stunned to see Christian and Ray laughing over an old Seinfeld episode.

"I'm back," she said airily as she handed the coffee to her father and slid beside Christian. She kissed his forehead and he smiled before wrapping his arm around her waist.

"You smell good."

She blushed before giggling.

"Christian stop."

"Yeah Christian. Please stop," Ray said wryly, keeping his eyes on the television and sipping his coffee. Ana rolled her eyes before looking down at Christian who smiled up at her.

"How is my company running?"

Ana took a deep breath.

"Good. Ros is of course wonderful, and we're taking on a bit more cases. It'll make your company look good philanthropic-wise."

"Oh? How so?"
"Well," Ana said as she snuggled closer to Christian, "We are taking on more green projects in addition to more minority cases. It'll show your company is truly trying to change the game and diversify corporations."
"That's good. I don't understand how people cannot see that working together from all different backgrounds creates new ideas and more wealth."
Ana smiled at that.

"Well, their loss."

"And my billionaire gain," Christian said smugly. She shook her head. Christian turned his gaze to Ray.

"Hey, Ray. Where are you staying?"
Ray turned his chair back to the both of them.

"I found a holiday inn and-"

"No," he said cutting him off. "Stay with Ana at the penthouse. There is plenty of room. We will be living there anyway when we're married. I'm just trying to get your daughter to move in."

Ana rolled her eyes.

"I just got the apartment, Christian."

"So? I'll pay for the lease. Just-"

"Actually I purchased it with my first check. I own it," she said with a satisfied smile. Ray looked at her in shock and Christian clutched at his heart.

"You're going to leave me?"
She lightly smacked his chest.

"Christian, stop. Besides I think it's good I own something in my name, before I get married to you."

"I know." Christian turned back to Ray.

"Sorry Ray, you're daughter is too distracting," he stated. Ray smirked.

"I can see that."

"Anyway, please stay with Ana at the penthouse. We have plenty of rooms, and they are all equipped for anyone to stay at any time. I also have armed guards and security."

Ray looked at the man.

"If you're sure?"

"I am," Christian said with an easy smile. "Since I'm not able to enjoy it at the moment, I figure someone else should."

Ray chuckled.

"Well, I have to say thank you, son. My fishing buddies will not believe this," he said before standing. Ray looked between the two before waving a hand towards the door.

"I'll wait outside for you Annie. Goodnight Christian. I'll stop by and see you before I leave."

Chrisitan looked surprised but gave a smile.

"I would like that."

As soon as Ray left Ana wrapped her arms around Christian's neck and kissed him slow and deep. Christian groaned before kissing her back, settling both hands around her waist. When he pulled away he spoke to her.

"I'm going to miss seeing your face for the next couple of days."

Ana teared up.

"You wouldn't have to if you'd let me come."

Christian shook his head.

"No. My mother and father will be here this weekend. I will make sure my mother calls you to keep you informed. I promise," he said quietly. Two fat tears ran down Ana's cheeks, and Christian shushed her before kissing them away.

"I hate it when you cry, baby."
"I know," she said closing her eyes.

"I can't help it. I hate seeing you here like this, Christian. I want you back home with me."

"I want that too. But for now, I'm going to need you to be strong for me. Keep my side of the bed warm. When I come home we will be together. And we'll plan the wedding, and talk about having babies," he said causing her to laugh wetly.

"Yeah?"

"Yep. I want at least three."
Ana's eyes widened.

"Three? Maybe settle for one first."

Christian however shook his head, and the way he bit his lip made Ana feel she would agree to whatever he wanted. Christian gave her another kiss, this one quick.

"Go. Call me, but if I don't answer-"

"I know. I will wait for your mother to call me tomorrow."

"Thank you."

The two stared at one another before Ana slowly stood from the bed and put on her coat. Before she left Christian grabbed her hand and kissed it.

"Laters baby."

Ana smiled.

"Laters."
…..

I'm so sorry! I took way too long. I understand if you're all so busy or dropped this story but life happens. You know how it is. Anyway, here's an update. I will try my best to give frequent updates but I don't want to make any more promises. Stay safe and I love you ALL.