*Anastasia's POV*
I'm just slipping into my black pants and black and white polka-dotted shirt when I hear my phone ring. Grabbing it, I see that it's Christian.
"Hello?"
"Good morning, Anastasia."
"Good morning." I reply automatically while I slip on my black heels.
"I've gotten ahold of the doctor. We've got a doctor's appointment today at two."
I frown. Why couldn't he make it later?
"I don't know if I'll be able to leave that early on such short notice, Christian."
"I'm sure it'll be fine, Ana. Just talk to Elizabeth."
"Alright...wait...how do you know her name?" I don't remember ever mentioning it.
"You've mentioned it in passing."
"Have I?"
"Mmhmm...listen, Ana. Just talk to her this morning and shoot me a text when you find out."
I finish getting ready with a nervous stomach. I haven't been with the company long and it feels wrong asking to leave early on such short notice.
When I make it to work, I drop my handbag at my desk and head towards Elizabeth's office. The door is open, so I knock on the doorframe, getting her attention.
"Good morning, Elizabeth."
"Good morning, Ana. What can I do for you?"
I enter and have a seat across from her desk. "I was wondering if it was possible to leave a little after one today? I'll work through lunch. I've got a doctor's appointment."
Her eyes flick down to my stomach and she sits back in her chair. "Yes, I heard about that. Well...it isn't as if I could tell you no."
My eyebrows knit together. "What do you mean?"
She smiles. "Word's gotten out who the father is, Ana."
"What?" Is this really happening?
She rolls her eyes. "It wasn't hard for everyone to figure out when he came bursting through the door to see you yesterday."
"Why would the identity of my baby's father have anything to do with this?"
She shakes her head and I can see her jaw muscle ticking. She's annoyed.
"Listen, if it's a problem, I understand. I can call Christian and cancel-"
"No, no need, Ana. If you work through lunch, leaving at one should be fine." She looks down at her work and I know my times up.
I give an uncertain nod. "...Okay. Um, thank you."
I stand and make my way towards the door, only to hear her murmur, "Must be nice sealing your future by fucking a billionaire."
My legs stop, but only for a second, before I continue out of her office. My blood is boiling. She doesn't know anything about me.
Is this what everyone is going to think?
I make a bee line to the bathroom and hide in one of the stalls while I try to calm down. I'm so frustrated and upset with the situation, that tears start to fall.
Elizabeth has always been so friendly before. I don't understand why something like this would cause her to turn on me. She never seemed like the type that would be jealous. If she can act like this, I'm worried how the others will react. This job is going to be miserable if everyone is going to act the same way Elizabeth did.
*Christian's POV*
I'm sitting in a meeting with Ros and the coffee company from Portland we're thinking about buying when my phone vibrates on my counter. I look up to make sure they're still engrossed in the presentation before I look at my phone. It's Ana.
*Appointment is a go.*
I grin. *I'll pick you up at 1:15.*
*I can just meet you there. Just text me the address.*
My eyes narrow. *I will pick you up.*
*Christian...don't be difficult.*
Difficult? She thinks I'm being difficult?
*I want to be sure you and our baby make it safe and sound, Miss Steele. I'm driving. End of discussion.*
*I am more than capable of getting us there safely, Christian.*
*It's baby related.* I remind her. She said I could be as involved as I want and if I want to drive my girl and my baby to the baby appointment, then that's what I'll do.
*Fine.*
I smile at her response. She actually folded faster than I thought she would.
XxXxXx
"Andrea, I'm heading out. I'll be unavailable until about three or so. If there's an issue, call Ros." I'm not going to allow anyone to interrupt this appointment.
"Yes, sir. Enjoy your day."
I make my way out to my R8. I drove separately today, not wanting Taylor to come. I want to experience this with only Ana.
I pull outside of SIP at ten after one and park in the ten minute parking before making my way in.
The receptionist, Vanessa, pops out of her seat to greet me as soon as I'm in the door.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Grey. Is there anything I can get you?"
I wave her off. "No, Vanessa. I'll be leaving shortly."
I make my way back towards Anastasia's desk and I see her looking down at some paperwork while she chews her bottom lip. There's a 'v' etched on her forehead and I'm not close enough to tell if she's concentrating or upset about something. I hope she isn't feeling sick.
I ignore all the eyes on me and stop in front of her desk. She hasn't even noticed me, yet.
"Ana?"
Her head snaps up with a gasp. "Oh, hi, Christian. I must have lost track of time."
"How are you feeling?" I scan her over. Something doesn't feel right.
"I'm fine." She shrugs.
Bullshit. I have a seat across from her and take her hand in both of mine. "Tell me what's happened."
Her eyes scan the room before they return to my face. "I don't want to talk about it here."
Fair enough. If she's going to tell me, I won't press her for answers now. She'll tell me soon enough.
"Come on, then. Let's head to the car."
She stands and I see that in her other hand she has my old, blue blanket. My heart seems to swell and plummet at the same time. There's definitely a reason she's upset.
"Oh, Ana..." I reach over and slide the edge of the blanket through my fingers, taking comfort in the familiar fabric myself. "Let's get out of here."
She steps out from behind her desk and I put an arm around her, resting my hand on her opposite hip so I can escort her out. She doesn't fight me on it, but I don't know if it's because she's actually enjoying the closeness or if she just doesn't want to cause a scene in front of everyone else. It feels like it's been so long since I've been this close to her. The smell of her is overpowering my senses and all I want to do is attack her right now. Unfortunately, I can't. I've got to take this slow. I'm determined not to screw it up this time.
I open Anastasia's car door and let her slide in, before closing it for her. I make my way quickly around the car and slip into my seat, eager to hear why she's upset and hoping I can make it better.
The blanket is still folded in her lap while she plays with the corner. She's quiet as I pull out onto the street, but I'm determined to get it out of her.
"Tell me what happened, Ana."
"I went into Elizabeth's office to ask for the afternoon off and she behaved so strangely...and then she mumbled something on the way out, but I pretended not to hear her."
"What'd she say?"
"When I asked, she said it wasn't as if she could say no and I asked her what she meant by that. She said that word had gotten out on the identity of the father since you came by yesterday and when I asked what the identity of the baby's father had anything to do with it and she refused to say anything. Instead she just sat there and gritted her teeth like she was angry. I told her it wasn't a problem to cancel, but she told me that it was fine...and then on the way out..." Her voice fades and she sighs.
That bitch needs put in her place. She can't speak like that to Anastasia. For one, it's against HR policy to treat her differently because of the pregnancy and two, Elizabeth is suppose to be her supervisor. She shouldn't be speaking to her employees like that.
"Tell me what she mumbled."
"She mumbled something about how nice it must be that I'm securing my future by fucking a billionaire."
My foot hits the brake and we lurch forward a bit.
"Christian!"
"She said that? She fucking said that? She's gone. I won't have that, Anastasia. I won't allow anyone to speak to you like that." I'll ruin the bitch.
"Christian...please calm down." She reaches over and squeezes my bicep, the gesture automatically calming me.
"I'm sorry. Don't worry, Anastasia. I'll take care of it."
"No! Please don't get involved with my career, Christian. It's more than just Elizabeth."
I grit my teeth. "There were others?"
She shakes her head quickly. "No. No others. I just worry, that if she feels that way, that everyone is going to feel that way. It was one of the first things that came out of your mouth when you found out and then one of hers."
My gut twists guiltily. "I do not feel that way, Anastasia. I know you would never do that. I was wrong to say it and I didn't mean it. Anyone who thinks that way about you or says anything to you shouldn't matter enough for you to care. It means they don't know you and they don't deserve to know you. If anyone else says anything or treats you differently, I need you to tell me."
"Okay." Her voice is soft while she stares at her window. I know she doesn't want to talk about it anymore, so I'll let it go. I want this appointment to be a positive one.
XxXxXx
"I'll need you to get undressed and put this gown on, the opening towards the front. There's a sheet on the table that you can cover up with." The medical assistant explains.
Anastasia nods. "Thank you."
The medical assistant closes the door behind her as she makes her way out and Anastasia looks at me sheepishly.
"Would you mind turning around?"
My eyes almost pop out of my head. "You've got to be kidding! I know what you look like, Ana."
Her cheeks color. "I know...but, I'd just be more comfortable if you'd..." She trails off and points towards the opposite side of the room.
I let out a sigh. "Fine."
I turn and allow her to get herself undressed. Soon, I hear the shuffle of paper and she announces she's finished. When I turn back around, I see that she's sitting on the exam table, covered by the sheet.
I pull the chair from across the room closer to the table and have a seat while we wait for the doctor.
"Ana?"
"Yes?"
"I know you want to co-parent, but do you think that we could ever-"
"Knock, knock!" The doctor sticks her head in and sees that Anastasia is ready, so she slips in. "I'm Dr. Greene."
The doctor sticks her hand out and Anastasia shakes it. "Nice to meet you. I'm Ana."
I stand and offer Dr. Greene my hand. "Christian."
"Nice to meet both of you. I'll go ahead and do the examination first and then we'll do the transvaginal ultrasound. When we're finished, I'll go over a few things with both of you and answer any questions you might have. Does that sound alright?"
Ana nods. "Yes."
"Great. Go ahead and lie back, Ana."
XxXxXx
She just finished with Ana's examination and, after a small panic attack I had when I saw that her nipples were a darker color, everything is looking good.
"Go ahead and slide down the table and put your feet in the stirrups." Dr. Greene explains while she slips on some gloves and dims the lights. Ana slides down and I rearrange her pillow so that its under her head and comfortable for her. The doctor sits in the rolling stool at Ana's feet and picks up what I could only describe as a wand...or small dildo... placing some clear gel on it, before it disappears under the sheet.
"I'm going to insert it now. Try to stay relaxed."
Ana nods and her eyebrows knit together. Dr. Greene doesn't notice, however, because her eyes are fixed on the screen. All I can see it white and black static. The picture movies and I can see a black oblong circle in the middle with something white in the middle.
"Here we go. This," she points to the blob in the middle of the black space, "is your baby."
Holy. Fuck.
"That-that's our baby?" Anastasia asks.
"Yep. It looks like you're measuring on schedule...almost 7 weeks along."
"Oh, wow. Christian...do you see this?" She asks, not bothering to look away from the screen.
I grin. "Yes, baby. I see it." Incredible. It doesn't look like a human...more like a peanut. It's hard to believe that I can be so in love with a peanut. My grin widens at the thought.
Her hand wanders up to search for mine while she watches and I take it in both of mine, kissing the back of it while we both stare at the screen.
"You see this flicker...that's its heartbeat. Let's listen."
She hits a button and turns a knob and suddenly there's a wooshing sound.
"Christian..." Anastasia whispers, looking up at me with tears in her eyes.
"That's our baby." I tell her, kissing her forehead. The sound of our baby's heartbeat is music to my ears.
"Thank you, Ana." I sniffle, and Ana reaches up with her free hand to wipe the tear off my cheek. Her hand rests along my jaw line and her eyes are intense and full of conviction. Such a change from last weekend.
"I want to be with you, Ana. I want us to be a family. Please forgive me." I whisper, running my nose down the length of hers.
Her thumb rubs against the stubble along my jawline and she smiles up at me.
"It looks like your due date is going to be the twelfth of February." Dr. Greene's voice interrupts us for a second time.
Anastasia beams at me. "Maybe we'll have a valentine baby."
"That'd be one hell of a valentine."
XxXxXx
"Come to dinner with me." I urge, as I pull out of the parking space. She looks up from the ultrasound picture she's smiling at and blinks at me.
"I...I don't know." She's still conflicted, but I'm determined to change her mind.
"Please, Ana. It'll be strictly platonic. I want to feed you and talk about everything baby related. We have a lot to talk about."
She chews her bottom lip and mulls it over for a minute. "...okay. But nowhere fancy."
I grin. "IHOP it is."
"Mmm, IHOP sounds wonderful." She rubs her stomach in a circular pattern to emphasize her point. "I love their pancakes and blueberry syrup."
"Breakfast for dinner...I haven't done that since I was a kid. Maybe I'll join you."
She smiles over at me, but it fades.
"Christian?"
"Yes, Ana."
"I wanted to know...well...people are starting to find out about the baby and that you're the baby's father...I was just wondering...how do you feel about that?"
What the fuck does that supposed to mean? "What do you mean, Anastasia?"
"Well...I didn't know if...you'd want it getting out that you're having a child with a woman you've only known for a few months. Are you worried about your reputation? Is it going to negatively affect your business ventures?"
I can feel my anger rising. "I don't give a fuck about what anyone else thinks, Anastasia. I am the baby's father and I love both of you. It's no ones business how long we've known each other, and if a child out of wedlock is going to keep some bastard from doing business with me, then they can fuck off."
Looking over at her, she looks relieved. Did she really think I'd try to keep this a secret?
"You were honestly worried?"
She shrugs. "A little. I was worried you'd be ashamed of our baby."
"I know I reacted poorly on Saturday, but I would have thought this week would have showed you that I'm both excited and proud to be a father. I am not ashamed of either of you. The only thing I'm ashamed of is my initial reaction."
A long sigh escapes her mouth. "You're right. I'm sorry, Christian. You're putting extreme effort into showing me you want to be part of the baby's life and I appreciate it. Our baby needs both of us."
"Apology accepted, Miss Steele."
I pull into the parking lot of IHOP and see that it's pretty empty. It's only half passed three, so it's still early. It might be a good thing that it's quiet. We'll have some privacy.
I meet Anastasia on her side of the car and escort her into the restaurant by the small of her back. We're seated in a booth in the corner and I allow Ana to slide in before I sit across from her.
"So what are you going to get?" I ask, looking over my menu.
"I'm going to get pancakes and hashbrowns."
I look up at her and cock an eyebrow. "You need protein, Anastasia."
She rolls her eyes. "I'll be fine."
"What'd you have for lunch?"
"I...um..."
"Anastasia...please tell me you ate."
"Elizabeth requested that I work through lunch since I was leaving early, but I did have a pear on break."
I sit back in my booth and clench my jaw. "You mean to tell me that your supervisor forced you to go all day without food, being fully aware of your condition?" Elizabeth isn't going to know what fucking hit her. Jealousy is one thing, but forcing my girl and my baby to go hungry is too far.
"She didn't force me to do anything, Christian...and it's not a condition!"
I see the waitress is on her way over, so I hold my tongue.
"Are you two ready to order?"
I give her a nod. "She'll have a stack of pancakes with a side of hashbrowns and eggs, scrambled, well cooked. I'll have the breakfast sampler with my eggs scrambled as well, bacon extra crispy."
"And drinks?"
"We'll both have a milk and an orange juice."
"Make mine a chocolate milk." Anastasia states quickly.
I give her a hard look and she gives an overly sweet smile while she hands the waitress her menu.
"It'll be out shortly."
Her eyes leave mine and she looks up at the waitress. "Thank you."
When the waitress leaves, she turns on me. "I could have ordered for myself, Christian. I didn't want eggs."
"Anastasia...you need your protein. You heard Dr. Greene. It is imperative that you get your nutrients the first trimester, when the baby is the most fragile!"
She throws both of her hands up. "Fine. I don't want to fight about this. I should be use to your controlling behavior by now."
A smile forms on my face at her cheeky comment.
"So, I think we should tell our parents relatively soon, before it gets out and they hear it from someone else."
Well, she's just going to jump right into it, isn't she?
I give her a nod. "This weekend."
"I'll have to tell my mother over the phone, but I really feel like I should tell my dad face-to-face. I think I'll drive to Montesano in the morning and spend the day with him."
I frown. "Shouldn't we tell him together?"
"Oh...um...do you want to come, then?"
"I would like to, yes, but we aren't going to drive. We'll take Charlie Tango." Her being on the road for three hours is not safe.
"Charlie Tango?"
"My helicopter."
Her eyes widen in surprise, but she waits until our waitress drops our drinks off before answering.
"I've never been in a helicopter before."
"Well, I've never had a girl in my helicopter before."
She giggles and the sound makes me light up. I miss carefree Anastasia.
"So, I guess we'll tell your parents on Sunday?"
I nod. What a Sunday dinner that will be.
"What are you going to do about your apartment, Anastasia?" Move in with me.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, it's far too small for you and the baby."
She takes a sip of her orange juice and I watch her tongue come out to swipe at her lower lip. God, I want that mouth.
"I suppose you're right. I guess I'll start looking on Monday."
"Or you could move in with me. The apartment is big enough."
She shakes her head. "Um...no, I don't think that's a good idea."
Why the fuck not? "Why? We're having a baby together and the baby needs both of us."
"But, it'd be awkward. What if you find a new...lady friend...and choose to bring her back?"
I snort into my milk and wipe my mouth with my napkin. "Lady friend, Anastasia?"
"And while we're on the subject...I think it's imperative that we have a dating rule."
We're interrupted by the waitress and she takes far too long putting our food down. I'm about to snap at her about leaving us the fuck alone, but another customer comes in the door and she scurries off.
"A dating rule." I repeat, eager to know what the fuck she's talking about.
She nods. "Yes. Say...if one of us starts dating, there should be a three date rule before they're allowed access to the baby...and I think it'd be best if the other meets the person before the baby does."
I'm floored. My mouth is hanging open in shock and I close it quickly. "Why...why would we date other people?"
"We're not both going to be single for the rest of our lives, Christian."
"But, I love you and I love the baby. I don't want anyone else." She doesn't want me.
"No one said this was going to happen, Christian. I just want to put down boundaries in case it ever does."
I stab at my eggs. "Fine."
"Listen...I appreciate the offer, Christian...but I want my own apartment." She knows I'm pissed.
"At least let me help you look."
She regards me for a second.
"You have to look because of the baby, so technically, it's baby related. Let me help."
Her eyes narrow. "You know you can't use that as your excuse to get everything you want."
I give her my best pantie-dropper smile. "Come on, Ana. It'll be fun."
She shrugs. "Fine. I guess it wouldn't hurt."
*Ana's POV*
The doctor's appointment went better than I could have ever expected. It's so much more real now that we've seen the baby and heard its heartbeat. I'm honestly glad that Christian came with me and that we got to enjoy that special moment together. Dinner was kind of rocky, but we managed it without any screaming matches. I'm looking forward to seeing my father tomorrow, but I'm not looking forward to having to break the news to him. I'll give him a call when I get home so that he's aware I'll be in town.
"Christian...work is the other way." We've just pulled out of the parking lot and he's driving in the opposite direction of my car.
"I'm going to take you home."
"But, I need my car."
"It's already taken care of, Anastasia."
How? "But, I have the keys."
He looks over at me and grins. I give him a scowl back, annoyed that he had his minions move my car without asking.
"I wasn't aware that hot-wiring was a military requirement."
He chuckles. "More like an elective."
I giggle. It's hard to imagine Taylor stealing cars.
It's a quick drive to my apartment and he parks in the space next to my Pontiac.
"Well, it might have been hot-wired, but at least it wasn't stripped."
Christian rolls his eyes. "That's about all it's good for. Maybe I should've had Taylor take the death trap to the scrap yard."
"Hey! Don't hate on my car! It's much more than a heap of metal. I love my G6."
"Whatever you say, Miss Steele." He opens his door and proceeds to get out. Why?
"Hey!" I do the same, grabbing my handbag, and hurry to catch up with him. "What are you doing?"
"I'm walking you to your door, Miss Steele."
"I can do it myself. This isn't a date, Christian."
"Well, I'm still a gentleman and I would like to say goodnight to my baby."
Again with the baby stuff. He's using it to his advantage and it's irritating. "You can come to my door, but you won't come in."
We step into the elevator and he hits the button. "Who says I wanted to?"
I roll my eyes. "Just make it quick, Grey."
The doors open and he follows me to my door and waits patiently with his hands in his pockets while I unlock the door. It opens and I turn towards him, just in time to see him kneel.
"I thought you were joking! Out here?" I look up and down the hall, my cheeks reddening with embarrassment.
"No one is going to keep me from you or my baby...and that includes you." He raises my shirt and kisses my stomach.
"Hi, baby. It's Daddy. I loved seeing you today. If you were listening while your mommy and I were talking, I want you to know that you don't have to worry about any of it. I will never want anyone, but Mommy and I won't let another man marry your mommy or make you call him Daddy. I will always be your daddy and Mommy will always be your mommy. I love you, baby bear."
The way that he is speaking to the baby and the words he is speaking are making me emotional. I'm doing my best to hold back my tears by continuously swallowing, but when he kisses my stomach again, a few leak out and I hurry to wipe them away before he notices. He stands and brushes off his knees.
"Are you okay?" Why do I have to be so terrible at hiding my feelings?
"I'm fine. It's just been a long day."
He reaches up with his thumb and wipes a tear I've missed. "Do you want me to stay? I can comfort you."
I give him a genuine smile and sniffle. "No, I'm alright. I'll see you tomorrow."
"You're sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure. Thank you."
He wraps his arms around me and mine find their way around his waist while my face finds his neck and I breathe in deeply. I've missed his smell. Hell, I've missed his warmth and his touch. I miss him.
He pulls away and cups my cheek, caressing it with his thumb. "Tomorrow."
I nod.
"Goodnight, Anastasia." He leans in and gives me a kiss on my forehead before turning to leave.
"Goodnight, Christian." I call to him as he makes his way down the hall. I shut and lock my door behind me, leaning up against it.
What the hell am I going to do?
Up Next: The families find out.