We want to thank all of you for being so patient while life took us away from writing for awhile. I edited this while I was exhausted, so I hope there isn't too many mistakes! Sanjana and I hope that you enjoy this chapter, because it took awhile to get it cranked out!

Cheers!

Stephie and Sanjana

*Anastasia's POV*

Christian and I are in his helicopter on our way to Montesano to see my father. I have to admit that when I found out Christian was flying it himself, I got a bit of anxiety, but I know he would never put us in danger. Once we lifted and started moving, it was actually quite exhilarating. Seattle was so beautiful from the sky. I'm looking forward to seeing it lit up tonight when we return.

I called and told my dad that I was bringing Christian to meet him today. He thinks we're a couple and I didn't correct him. He doesn't need to know the complicated details of the mess we're in. Besides, it's just a label...and, although I don't really want to admit it, the way he's been acting the last week has me quickly crumbling. I refuse to make a decision either way until we've told both of our parents about the baby.

To be honest, I don't know how my father is going to take the news. I have never really disappointed him before; I've always been careful not to. I'm so worried he'll be disappointed in me. I can only hope that he likes Christian. Christian being financially stable is definitely going to be a major plus in the situation in my father's eyes. I'm sure he'll be grilling Christian a little, but he's probably already expecting that.

"Everything alright, Miss Steele?" Christian's voice comes over my cans and I turn my head to look at him, giving a slight nod.

"Just a little nervous."

"Me, too."

I giggle at his admission. He should probably be more nervous than me. Meeting a girl's father for the first time to tell him she's knocked up is probably not the best way of doing so, but there's not much we can do about it now.

"Nauseous?"

I give him a scowl. "Don't even mention it." Don't jinx me.

This morning, I was so nauseated that I thought I was going to have to cancel the trip. Luckily, it subsided after a couple hours.

"How do you think your father will react?"

"I don't know." I turned my head to look out the other window, chewing my lip. I don't want to think about it.

XxXxXx

When we land, I see a silver Audi and a man dressed in a suit waiting for us. Once Christian has shut the rotors off, he unbuckles himself and then proceeds to do the same with me before we climb out.

"Mr. Grey. Your car is ready." The man in the suit states, meeting us halfway. He hands Christian the keys and Christian gives him a nod.

"Great. We'll be back at 7:00 pm."

He escorts me to the car by the small of my back and opens my door for me.

My eyebrows knit together. "You're just going to leave it there?" It's right in the middle of the small airport.

He chuckles. "They'll take care of it."

I look back towards the helicopter and see what appears to be a mechanic in a blue button-down, navy pants, and brown work boots, make his way towards the helicopter.

"Alright." I slip into my seat and he surprises me by bending over me to secure my seat belt.

"You know I can manage myself, right?"

He gives me a cheeky grin and gives me a loud, wet kiss on my forehead. He straightens and shuts my door and makes his way over to his side where he buckles himself.

"All secured, Miss Steele?"

I shrug. "You tell me. You did it."

He turns the car on and gives me a playful scowl. "That mouth..."

XxXxXx

"That's the house." I state, grinning from ear-to-ear. As Christian pulls into the driveway of my childhood home, my heart warms. The familiar white house with front porch, red door, and black shutters always welcomes me home.

I unbuckle myself and allow Christian to open my door for me. "Thank you."

He shuts the door behind me and I take a second to take in my home again. "That's my room." I state, pointing to the second floor window. My father transformed the attic into a bedroom for me. At the time, mom wasn't happy about losing the storage space, but it was nice to have a place where I had privacy. The walls were sloped on both sides, and every once in awhile I'd accidentally hit my head while groggy after getting up in the morning, but it's still my favorite place in the world.

We make our way up to the front porch and I check the knob, knowing it'll be unlocked. He never locks it when he's home; a terrible habit I never got him to break. We enter and I shut the door behind me.

"Daddy?" I call out to the quiet house.

No answer.

"He must be in back."

Christian follows me through the house and to the French doors in the kitchen. My dad is out back in his workshop, no doubt carving something out of wood. He has his air compressor on and an air tool running, so I'm forced to shout over the noise.

"Dad!"

He jumps a bit and the air tool stops moving. "Hey, Annie!" He gives me a large smile and dusts himself off, standing from the low stool he was sitting on. I reach over and turn the large air compressor off and hear the familiar hissing sound as he disconnects the tool from the hose.

"I've missed you, kiddo." He pulls off his safety glasses and engulfs me in a bear hug, making me giggle.

"I've missed you, too, Daddy."

"How's everything going? Let me get a good look at you." He holds me at arms distance by my shoulders to give me a once over and then spins me around as I laugh. He does this every time I've been away. "You look great, Annie."

He spins me back around towards him and I smile up at him. "Thank you. Everything is great."

His eyes travel from mine to Christian, behind me. "And who's this?"

Christian immediately steps forward with his hand out. "I'm Christian Grey. Nice to meet you Mr. Steele."

Dad cocks and eyebrow at him and shakes his hand. "Hello, Christian. Grey...why does that sound familiar?"

Christian opens his mouth to speak, but I cut him off. "Oh...his older brother, Elliot, is dating Kate. You probably heard it from Mr. Kavanagh."

"How old are you, Christian? You certainly don't look twenty-two."

Christian gives him a polite smile. "I'm twenty-seven."

I watch my dad's eyes widen. I knew he'd think Christian was too old for me. "And so I take it you've graduated from a good college?"

"Well, no-" Christian looks put off.

"Uh huh. I see. And I suppose that-"

"Daddy! Why don't we discuss this at lunch? We want to take you to lunch. Why not get cleaned up?"

XxXxXx

We take my father to a nice diner and sit on the patio, enjoying the nice breeze and sun.

"So..." My father starts, eyeing Christian. "What are your intentions with my daughter?"

"I love her." I can tell that my father is shocked by his blunt admission. "I'm not going to beat around the bush about it, Mr. Steele. I love your daughter and I want to be with her. She means more to me than anyone."

Dad clears his throat and laces his fingers together letting them rest in his lap. "Anastasia is easy to love. What makes you think you're any different than others? Can you even support my daughter?"

"Dad!" I don't need any man to support me...at least not in the way my father is referring.

Christian takes a drink of his water and sits back in his chair. "Mr. Steele, I assure you that Ana would be well cared for if she and I ever decided to marry."

My father rolls his eyes. "That doesn't answer my question, Christian. I need to know how you intend to support her. You haven't even graduated college. What type of career could you possibly have?"

I can feel my cheeks reddening. I can't believe that this is happening. My father is acting like an oaf. He knows I would never want to depend on a man; especially after my mother acted the way she did as I was growing up. I suppose he has a right to be worried that I'd find a leech, but he should know that I am smarter than that.

"I dropped out of Harvard to start my own company, Mr. Steele. Now that company is the most successful company in Seattle."

"And what company would that be, Christian?"

Christian gives him a small smirk. Smug bastard. "Ever heard of Grey Enterprise Holdings? Grey House?"

My father almost chokes on his water. "I may have heard of it once or twice."

Christian's smirk widens. "Then like I said, I assure you that Anastasia will be cared for."

"How much money do you really make?"

"Daddy!" I admonish. I cannot believe he just asked that! "Where are your manners? Christian. Don't answer that!"

Christian chuckles. He actually finds this entertaining!

"No, it's quite alright, Ana. I am courting his daughter, so he deserves to know." Courting? I have to suppress a laugh at that. What we've done is anything, but courting.

"That's right, Annie. Just look at your menu so we can order." I scowl at my father, annoyed with him giving me an order. I pretend to look at my menu while they talk.

"Mr. Steele, I make roughly 100k..."

I hear my father snort and I yank down my menu. He is being so rude.

"...an hour." My head snaps towards Christian and, by the look on his face, I can tell he hesitated on purpose. Why are men so ridiculous?

"I see..." My father scratches his stubbled chin. "I hope that you don't expect Anastasia to be a housewife just because you're a millionaire."

Christian's jaw ticks and I know he's holding his temper. "First of all, I am a billionaire. I can afford my own staff without Anastasia having to do any work. Second of all, I don't expect Anastasia to do anything she doesn't want to do. I know how important working is to her and her worth ethic is incredible. I suppose she can thank you for that. Whatever Anastasia wants is what's going to happen. And I guarantee that I will support her through any decision she makes."

I find myself holding my breath as I watch my father regard Christian for a minute. He's either going to trample Christian for snapping at him like that or accept what he says and we move on. His face is unreadable and it could go either way at this point. After what seems like an eternity, my father gives a small nod.

"Alright, Christian. You seem like you've got your head on your shoulders. I'm willing to give you a chance. If you ever hurt my little girl though, I might have to kill you. And, I'm a marine. I know how to make it look like an accident."

Christian gives him a grin and I feel myself relaxing a bit. We order our food and I find my anxiety rising again. My upset stomach reminds me of why we are here and I have to tell myself not to eat much. The more I eat, the more that comes up when I feel like this. I know I'm getting antsy, but I try to hide it the best I can. Christian tries to calm me by slipping his hand into mine, but it does little to ease my anxiety.

When the waitress takes our plates away, I can feel my father's eyes on me.

"Annie?"

"Yes?" I look up at him, trying to act nonchalant, and take a sip of my iced tea.

"What is going on? Why are you so nervous?"

I chew my lip and tighten my grip on Christian's hand. "Well...Daddy...we have something to tell you."

His eyes dart to Christian and back to me. "Uh huh...and?"

"You see...well...I'm pregnant."

The blood drains from my father's face as his jaw drops open. "You're...wow." His eyes dart back to Christian and he gives him a scowl, like he's to blame. I almost laugh at the ridiculousness of it all.

His warm, brown eyes find mine and his face softens. "Annie...babygirl, I would have never wanted this for you so young..." He reaches for my hand and I gladly take it. "But, you know I will support you in every way I can."

I'm relieved by his response. I feel the immense pressure on my chest release itself. "Really?"

He smiles at me, his brown eyes twinkling. "Yes, Annie. Really. You are my babygirl and you're going to be having my grandbaby. How can I be angry?"

I find myself teary-eyed and I lean over to hug my father. He is such a sweet, understanding man; the only man I can depend on no matter what.

When we pull away, I see him teary-eyed as well and he clears his throat and sips his water to disguise his emotion. I blot my own eyes with my cloth napkin and see Dad point at Christian.

"I am depending on you. I'm not in Seattle so I can't watch over them, but you can. She is my daughter, therefore that baby is an extension of me and if anything happens to either one of them, I will hold you personally responsible."

Christian gives a nod. "Yes, sir. I understand. I take complete responsibility." Oh, brother. Now, there will be nothing holding him back from stalking me 24/7.

"When are you due, Annie?"

"February twelfth."

Dad grins. "You're going to be huge during the holidays."

I roll my eyes. "Thanks, Dad. Something to look forward to."

He laughs and squeezes my hand. "You'll be beautiful, babygirl."

XxXxXx

We spend the rest of the day at my father's house, where he and Christian bond over fishing, hiking, and sports. The two of them actually do have a lot in common and have already planned a weekend fishing trip in which Christian plans on asking Elliot and Mr. Kavanagh to attend. Part of me is annoyed, but I'm actually quite relieved that they're getting along. Even if Christian and I don't end up together, we're stuck with him for the rest of our lives, our child connecting us for eternity.

While they talk sports, I sneak off to my old room to call my mother. I'm honestly not that ecstatic about calling her. I really don't care how she feels and a part of me dreads having to speak to her.

I have a seat on my childhood bed and stare at my phone, trying to muster up enough courage to call her. Carla has a habit of finding the most inappropriate reaction for every situation. She is so unexpected.

Ugh, just get it over with, Steele!

Scrolling through my phone, I find her number and hit 'send'. I listen to it ring and wait for her to answer.

"Ana, sweetie!" She answers in her true Carla overly-enthusiastic style.

"Hello, Mom." I mumble, not matching her level of enthusiasm.

"I haven't spoken to you in ages; I've missed you, Ana." I hear her choking up and I close my eyes, annoyed by her already emotional state. I've said two words and she's already blubbering...I can't imagine how she's going to react when I tell her while I actually called.

"I'm sorry, Mom. I've been so busy...you know...with work and all." I trail off. Oh...and also getting knocked up. I get lost in my head a little as she prattles on happily about her newest husband, Bob, and how she's taken up pottery to fill up her time.

"Mom..." I try to get her to stop talking, but she ignores me. I'm not sure she's even taken a second to breathe. It's just like her to go on like this. She's always been selfish. As I continue to listen, I just become more angry.

"Mother!"

"I-hold on...wait until you hear what Bob did the other day..."

What. The. Hell. "I am pregnant!" I blurt out loudly and she immediately shuts up. I should have done that two minutes ago.

"What?" She breathes out.

"I am going to have a baby. I'm pregnant, Mom."

"How? I didn't even know you were seeing anyone." She states, shocked. Because it's non of your god-damned business.

"It's new."

"How many times have I told you how important birth control is, Anastasia?! Are you at least going to get married?" Mom's voice has turned cold.

"No...I don't now. That's not really important right now. Look, Mother. What happened has happened and he and I have both accepted it. I already love the baby and I'm not going to complicate things by worrying about what other people think."

I hear her start to cry on the other line and my anger shoots through my body. Tears fill my eyes, not from sadness, but from the anger that suddenly manifested itself.

"I never wanted you to turn out like me, Ana...but that's exactly what has happened. I raised you better than this!" She cries into the phone and I find my heart aching. I knew a part of her always regretting getting pregnant so young, but it's still upsetting to hear that you were a mistake.

A mixture of anger and pain causes my tears to flow and I want to throw my phone across the room just to relieve some of my frustration with her.

"For your information, Mother, I will never turn out like you. Why? Because I will never let my child feel the way you make me feel. I could never think of my child as a mistake and I would never put my child through what you put me through. My child will come first...before men, before money... before anything. And for the record, you had little to do with raising me. Daddy raised me to be a strong, independent woman who didn't depend on her mother for support...or anyone else for that matter. Ray did a better job at filling both roles when you couldn't even manage one. So don't ever think that you had any impact on the way I was raised. If you had any affect at all, it would be negative."

"What has gotten into you, Anastasia Rose? You never speak to your mother like that!" My mother barks.

"Becoming a mother myself has made me realized just how shitty of a mother you really are. Until you decide to start acting like a proper mother, I'll speak to you however I like." I end the phone call and toss it onto the bed, laying down on my pillow.

I feel the anger, disappointment, and hurt welling up even more and I find myself sobbing into my pillow not even a minute later. I feel a hand on my back, startling me, and I look up through blurry eyes too see Christian sitting next to me looking worried.

I sit up and throw my arms around his neck, burying my face into it. I take a deep, shaky breath, comforted by the familiar smell of him. He holds me tight and rocks us while he smooths my hair and I'm starting to relax so much that I could fall asleep right here. This crap is emotionally exhausting and it's sucking the life out of me. I am so thankful for Christian right now.

"I want to go home." I croak through a rough, scratchy voice. I just want to be in my own bed and sleep the rest of the day away.

"Alright, baby." I feel his lips press against the top of my head and he releases me with one of his arms, but leaves the other, keeping me firmly in place.

Suddenly, I hear faint ringing and realize he's on the phone.

"This is Grey. Yes. Is the helicopter ready? We were thinking of leaving earlier than we thought. Mmhmm...yes." His movement tells me he's slipping his phone back into his pocket.

"They said they can have it ready in 45. Let's get you cleaned up and say goodbye to your father, okay?"

I sniffle and reappear from his neck. I'm sure my mascara is running and my face is blotchy, but Christian doesn't seem to care one bit.

He really is a good man.

Christian's POV

Anastasia came to my apartment last night after we left her father's, but she refused to stay, so I had Taylor take her home. I'm beginning to wonder if I'll ever make any headway with the stubborn woman. I look over at said stubborn woman while we sit at a traffic light and I can't help, but notice how fidgety she seems to be. She's wearing a dress and playing along the hem with shaky hands. She seems more nervous about telling my parents than she was her own. I have a feeling that the way they treated her last time is playing into her feelings now. They seemed to warm up towards the end of dinner last week, so hopefully their warmth continues.

"Christian, darling, it's so nice to see you."

I roll my eyes playfully at my mother. "It's only been a week, Mother."

"So? A mother can't miss her rotten children every once in awhile?" She leans in and I allow her to kiss me on the cheek.

"If we are rotten, then the fault would be yours." I give her a large grin at my playful jab.

"It's always the mother's fault..." She teases back as she turns towards Anastasia. "Hello, Ana. Nice to see you."

"You too, Dr. Trevelyan." I can hear her voice tremble a little and hope that my mother hasn't caught on to her nervousness.

"The food is ready. Shall we head to the dining room?" My mom asks, not bothering to wait for us as her heels click across the wood flooring. I take Anastasia's hand and we follow her into the dining room, where Elliot, Kate, and Mia are already sitting.

We greet them quickly and have a seat. Anastasia and I barely just made it in time and I know my mother is a little annoyed. I'm always pushing the time when I come, but tonight I should have made sure to be punctual. We've got big news to share and I don't want my mother already annoyed with my usual antics. I need to make sure not to lock myself in my office to work before family dinners. I lose track of time and end up having to to rush.

The dinner is family style and we take turns scooping portions of each dish out before handing it to the next person. When we're all settled with our plates full, Mom stands and clears her throat.

"I must confess that I have a bit of an announcement to make. You all know that Dr. Stone and I both enjoy wine so much...well, we decided to partner up and buy a vineyard in California!" My mother is beaming as everyone is clapping and congratulating her. I clap as well, glad that she's finally taken the leap that she's talked about for so long.

"Now, this has been in the making for quite some time, but I didn't want to surprise any of you until we officially made our first wine under our name!"

Gretchen comes out with a couple bottles of red wine and as she hands it to my mother, I see in silver writing on the cream colored label 'Grey Stone Winery'. I suddenly have a feeling that my collection is going to house many of these bottles.

"I thought everyone could have a drink together!" My mother pops open the bottle and everyone claps at the first bottle opened. She pours the wine into the stemless glasses that Gretchen has brought and I suddenly realize that Ana can't drink any. I turn my head towards Anastasia and she looks up at me with wide, worried eyes.

My mother hands me a stemless glass and I take it and she begins to hand one to Anastasia.

"Oh, um, thank you. It looks lovely." Ana stampers and takes it.

We toast Mom and then all take a sip, but Ana puts hers down. Unfortunately, my mother notices and her eyebrows knit together.

"Ana? Aren't you going to try the wine?" My mother looks a little offended and I begin to feel guilty.

"Oh...um, well it looks great, but you see...I can't drink wine." Ana looks at me for help and I turn my head to look up at Mom. Ready or not...

"What do you mean, dear? You had no problem drinking it last week." There is ice in my mother's tone. She's accusing Anastasia and I feel my anger rising.

"Actually...she didn't. I drank hers." Kate mentions quietly.

My mother gives her a small scowl and Kate hides behind her glass of wine, taking a deep drink.

"Why lie, Anastasia? Why all the secrecy about something so trivial?"

"Uh...well..." Ana starts, red faced. I put my hand up to stop her and her jaw immediately clicks closed.

"Mother...we also have an announcement."

"Oh! Um, alright, darling. What is it?" Mom has a seat quickly and suddenly I have a lump in my throat. I clear my throat and take Ana's hand.

"Anastasia's pregnant."

My mother's eyes pop out of her head and her wine glass almost topples over on the table as her hand flies to her mouth.

"Son of a bitch." My dad swears under his breath while he throws himself back in his chair.

"Is it yours or that Ethan's?" My mother's snarky comment makes my blood boil.

"Of course it is mine, Mother! How dare you even accuse her of such a thing!"

"Well, she did show up with Kate's brother one Sunday and then you not long after...I just thought-"

"Well, you thought wrong." My tone is assertive, but quiet. I don't need to raise my voice to be heard.

"I need to use the restroom." Anastasia pulls her hand out of mine and I see that her eyes are full of unshed tears as she hurries off to the bathroom.

"Christian...are you sure about this? Maybe you should get a blood test just to be on the positive side..." I cannot believe my own mother is saying this.

"Do not tell me what to do. She is mine, the baby is mine. You know nothing about her or our relationship! She was mine before she even came to dinner with Ethan as a favor to him."

"Don't be so naive, son!" My father chirps in and I find myself wanting to flip the table at him. "There isn't one doubt in your mind that she could be doing this for the check? She claims you as the father and she's set for life! How many people have tried to take advantage of you in the past, Christian? Your mother is right. First, you need to make sure its yours and then you need to lawyer up and make sure she doesn't get more than the bare minimum."

I sit back in my chair, shell shocked. I can't believe this is happening. "You know...any other parent would be ecstatic to find out they're having a grandchild. I don't know what your fucking problem is, but you better snap the hell out of it if you ever want to see me or my family again."

My mother gasps. "Christian! We are your family!"

"Anastasia and our child have become my family. They come before anyone else. I love them both and will do everything in my power to keep them safe and happy. If that means cutting off any sort of relationship with you two because you can't seem to handle it, then so be it. I am choosing Ana and our baby over you."

I stand to leave and I see Kate stand, too.

"I've always admired you for the kindness and love you show everyone around you, but tonight has shown me a whole different side I don't care for. You are making Ana out to be some...gold digging harlot...when she's far from it. She has one of the purest souls I've ever met and you should be embarrassed by your actions! Do you think this is easy for her? She's twenty-two years old, fresh out of college and gotten the surprise of her life. Other woman would shatter over this, but she has taken it in stride and is taking responsibility for her actions...and so is Christian. You should be proud that your son is being responsible, level-headed, and supportive about this instead of tearing down the woman he loves who just so happens to be carrying his child. If you fight this, you will lose." Kate takes a deep breath, her chest rising and falling rapidly from her rush of adrenaline. She turns towards my brother and throws her napkin in her plate. "I'm sorry, baby, but I can't stay and be a part of this. I have to go." She side steps to leave and Elliot jumps up.

"Right behind you, babe." I watch them stomp out together and then decide to follow their lead.

"Do not dare contact me unless it's to apologize to Anastasia." I bark at them. When I enter the sitting room, I see Anastasia standing against the wall. She must have been listening.

"Come, baby. We're going home. You need to eat."

I take her hand and escort her towards the front door, stopping at the coat closet to retrieve our jackets and her handbag. Once we're in the car, I sit back in my seat and take a deep breath. I just need a quick breather.

I can feel her eyes on me, so I turn my head and make eye contact. Surprisingly, she has a small smile on her lips as she chews her bottom lip.

"You okay?" I ask her, confused.

Her smile widens and her lip pops back out. "You are the most incredible man I've ever encountered."

What?

She leans towards me in her seat and instinctively, I lean as well. She reaches up to cup my jaw with her hand and her lips find mine. I can feel my heart practically burst at the feel of her soft, full lips on mine and I waste no time reaching up to cup her face so I can deepen it.

We pull away panting and she smiles up at me. "Stay with me tonight."

Oh, fuck. "Yes, baby. Of course."

Her smile turns into a triumphant grin and she turns herself in her seat, leaning back and looks out the windshield. "Let's go."

She doesn't have to tell me twice.

I don't know what she's wanting out of tonight...if she just wants to cuddle or if she wants sex, but I'll be happy with either. I just want the intimacy back in our relationship, even if the sex isn't, yet. We're headed in the right direction and I couldn't be happier. The fight with my parents is immediately thrown to the back of my mind and I take Ana's hand in mine as we head out of the gated community.

She's mine, I am hers, the baby is ours, and we are a family. I am one lucky man.