I text Christian back. Yes we the party starts at 5:00pm. I found a wonderful present. I hate that

you will not be able to ride with me. I look forward to seeing you there.

Brett drops me at the front entrance of the Grey house and then goes to park the car. Grace

meets me at the door and takes me in an embrace immediately. " Oh Ana darling, you look very

well. Carrick has been telling me about all that has happened and how they are now saying

Christian paid them to kidnap you. My sweet girl how are you?"

I look at her and tears start streaming down my face. " Grace some days I feel like I am ok and

then other times I feel like I am loosing everything I have. My life is just falling apart. "

" Ana Carrick and the DA will not let them get away with what they did. Christian is so worried

about you. I am glad you are here to celebrate with us today. When will Christian be along?"

As we walk into the living room I tell her that I am not sure when he will be here because he

has ended up having to go into the office to work some issues out with Ross. When Kate

sees

me she jumps up from her seat and and pulls me into a big hug. I look at her she is so happy. I

envy her today. " Ana how are you? "

" Kate I am good today happy to be here to celebrate you and Elliot's news. I got this for you I

hope you don't mind but it gave me something to look forward too." I hand her the gift. We

walk together and sit down on the couch she was sitting in when I came in.

Carrick comes into the room carrying with him some Chanmpainge and some sparkling grape

juice. He has the largest grin on his face. I can tell that Kate and Elliot have shared there news.

He hands all of us a glass and juice is handed to Kate. " Well I hate that Christian is not hear

yet but, I want to make a toast to my first grandchild. Finally some sun shine breaking through

the clouds for us. " We all take a sip and I can't help but think about the good news. I am

glad that the baby is coming. I know it will be an exciting time waiting for his or her arrival.

Some more positive to think about than a pending criminal trial.

Christian arrives at 6:30 and I am so happy to see him. He looks a little tense maybe things at

the office didn't go as he had planned. As we sit down to eat I lean over and whisper to him.

" Is everything alright Christian? You look a little tense?" He looks over at me smiles and takes

my hand. " It didn't go as well as it should but, it will all work out. Let's enjoy the celebration and

we can talk tonight." I smile at him and I agree it has been a long time since we could just sit

our family and enjoy a meal and lots of laughing.

After dinner Carrick and Christian go out and sit on the terrace. Elliot takes Kate Mia and I out

on a boar ride.

" Dad Ross really doesn't think it's a good idea for Ana to come with me on this trip because she

just is still going through so much and needs me very much. She tells me I should stay back and

attend all the meetings here by computer. I think she is being unfair to Ana. She would be fine

as long as she is traveling with me."

" Christian, I am not sure Ana would be alright in another country in a hotel all day while you are

in meetings and such. We both heard from Flynn that she is still very much struggling and what

might happen if she went into a panic attack with no one around? Ana needs to be in familiar

places right now surrounded by all the people who love and support her. Yes she is a strong

young lady but right now she is more fragile than any of us really think."

" Yeah I know your right. It's just so hard right now I need to be in different places all at the same

time. I just feel like I need to attend these meetings in person. But, I can't leave Ana. "

" Christian have you spoken to Ana?"

" Yes she told me she understood and I should go. But, I could hear an edge of fear in her voice.

I am not sure what she would do if I left."

" Well you don't have to leave her alone. She is welcome to stay here for while you have to be

away. I think you need to decide which you feel most comfortable with both you and Ana. "

The boat ride was so fun I loved the feeling of the wind in my hair. As we get closer to the house

it looks like Christian and Carrick are finishing a very series conversation. Given all the new

revelations this week. It makes me feel uneasy.

" Well how was the boat ride? " Christian says and smiles at me as we make our way up on the

terrace. " It was nice the wind did get a little cold." I sit down next to Christian and the others

sit down as well. Grace comes out on and sits with us and we all look out to the water.

" Well Kate, Elliot do you have any names you are thinking of? Do you think you will find out if it's a

boy or girl?"

"Mom I am not sure about finding that out but, I think we might. No way no names yet much to

soon." Elliot answer's Grace.

Carrick looks over at me and smiles. " You know Ana I think you need a little time away from

Escala all the security and just be able to relax. What about you coming here and staying with

Grace and I for a week or so and just enjoy the lake, and the peace? We would love to have

you?

" That sounds very nice but, Christian may have to go on a trip for work and he has said I should

go with him. A change of a whole country. "

" Yes I can see where that would be a nice get away but, I think it might be a better idea for you

to stay closer to home.? Maybe while Christian goes you come and stay with us? "

I am not sure where this coming from but, I am not so sure I feel like being away from Christian.

" Thank you very much Carrick. I will consider your invitation.

At about 11:30 we all begin to head for home. Christian has sent my security back so I will just

ride with him back home. We say out good byes and head back to Seattle.