A/N: Weee'rrreeeee baaackkkk! We want to thank all of you for your patience while we had to put this story on a long hiatus. We honestly didn't expect it to be so long, but life happens. Hopefully, you all didn't give up on us and that you'll like this new chapter. Enjoy!

Stephie and Sanjana

*Christian's POV*

It's been almost a week since we told my parents and I haven't heard from them since. A part of me is bothered by the fact that they haven't tried to apologize to Anastasia, but if it isn't genuine, then I don't want it to happen. I've promised Ray that I would take care of Anastasia and our child and I intend on doing just that. Ana and I have created a family together and they are my number one priority from now on. Although, I'm sure I'll miss my parents, I don't see myself breaking the silence until they truly apologize. If that's never...well...then so be it.

Anastasia and I are going apartment hunting this evening. I've spoken with a realtor and have a few close to my apartment that I want her to look at. I've begged her to look at the apartment a few floors below me, but she refuses. I know it's because she can't afford it on her own and she doesn't want me paying for anything. I'm hoping that she falls in love with one of these today and that the price won't be an issue.

"Baby...are you sure you don't want to just move in with me?" I give one last ditch effort to convince her.

She rolls her eyes, but there's a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Yes, Christian. I'm sure. Don't you think our relationship should be more stable before that happens? We haven't had the best history."

I run a hand through my messy locks and sigh. "Fine." I can't help, but feel a little hurt that my girl doesn't want to live with me. I've slept over at her house three times this week to be with her, and I just want her close to me. She has yet to say the 'L' word back to me, but it doesn't keep me from telling her and the baby that as much as I can. We're back together, and at this point, that's all I can ask for.

She makes her way over to me and reaches up to pull my hand out of my hair, holding it in both of hers. "If you keep doing that, you'll go bald before you're thirty. It isn't that I don't want to live with you...I just want to do this the right way this time. The last thing I want is for us to go too fast again and tear our family apart."

When I hear her say our family, a smile forms on my face. We're a family...and I'll do my best to be patient. She's placated me for now.

"Are you ready? Are you sure you want to wear heels?" I worry about her feet and back hurting or that she'll fall from being exhausted from walking in them.

She lets out a sigh. "Yes, Christian. My heels are fine." I eye her suspiciously and she laughs. I can't imagine heels being comfortable. "What if I promise to let you carry me if they get too bothersome?"

I give her a large smirk. "Deal. Let's go."

XxXxXx

We meet the realtor, Kemal Dennison, at the first apartment. He offered to meet us at his office so he could drive, but I don't know him and, with the exception of Taylor and me, I don't trust anyone with my girl and unborn child.

As we pull up, Anastasia's eyes widen. "Christian...how am I supposed to afford a place like this?" She notices the doorman and high end cars lined up, waiting for the valet to park them.

"You'd be surprised, Ana. Let's just have a look." In all honesty, I know that it's over her price range, but I'm hoping that she'll fall in love with one of these and money will no longer be an issue. "The realtor put a lot of time and effort into finding these apartments, Ana. Just humor him."

She sighs. "Fine."

I park in the visitor parking and we climb out and I grab her hand before heading inside. We're greeted by the doorman and I tell him my name.

"Oh, yes, Mr. Grey. Mr. Dennison is waiting for you in the lobby. Let me get the door for you." Out of the corner of my eye, I see Ana cock an eyebrow at me, but I do my best to ignore her.

Hand-in-hand we enter the lobby and I see a tall, bald, black man impeccably dressed in a navy blue pinstriped suit. Professional. I respect that.

I greet him and introduce him to Ana.

"It's nice to meet you, Miss Steele. I've got a few apartments set up for us to look at today. I really think you'll find one you'll love."

She gives him a polite smile. "I hope so. Please, call me, Ana."

"Alright, Ana. Call me Kemal."

I frown. I don't like the fucker being on a first name basis with my girl. Especially a good looking one. I wrap my arm around her waist and my free hand goes to her stomach to rub in light circles.

Mine.

We head up to the twelfth floor and step out of the large elevator into the cream carpeted hall. My eyes sweep over the light colored carpet and walls and notice that it's clean. No stains, no marks. That's a good sign.

We stop in front of the door labeled 1208 and he slips in the key before allowing us entry. As he opens the door, the first thing I notice is the open floor plan. It makes the apartment feel airy and crisp.

The walls are white, the cabinets a pale wood, and the appliances and furniture black. It has twenty-foot high sloped wood ceilings with skylights and large windows that show you the city below. There are black stairs that lead up to a loft and a second story. It's smaller than I'm used to, but anything is better than that tiny box she calls an apartment. I knew if I had us look at apartments too large, she might refuse to look at all. I really don't want her making this decision without me.

I watch Anastasia as she walks through the main level, her high heels clicking along the hard floor. Her arms are folded over her chest and her bottom lip is trapped between her teeth as she takes in the large space.

"This apartment is 2,100 square feet, two bedroom, two and a half bath. The kitchen has natural stone countertops that were just replaced two years ago. The master bedroom is on the main level. The second bedroom is upstairs and has its own bathroom as well. The loft is large enough to house an office and has built in bookcases to hold quite a few books. The owners will be taking their furniture with them, so unfortunately, you will have to provide your own furniture for the apartment."

"How much is this apartment?" Anastasia asks, opening some of the cabinets.

"It's $3,000 a month."

The cabinet closes with a crash and I wince.

"What?" Anastasia breathes, grabbing her chest.

"$3,000 a month, Ana. And in this neighborhood, that's a steal. You'll also have 24/7 access to the concierge, doorman, and the valet."

"And that doesn't by chance include utilities...renter's fees...etcetera?"

I roll my eyes.

"Um, no, Ana. I'm afraid that's extra."

"Uh huh." She states slowly, cocking her eyebrow at me.

"Money aside, what do you think of the place, Ana?" Don't make a scene.

"It's lovely, but I don't think that the glass sides on the banister above are very safe for a child."

Looking up, I see that she's right. I can't imagine the devastation that shattering glass could cause. Especially when our child could fall fifteen feet on said glass.

Nope.

No way.

NEXT.

XxXxXx

As I open the passenger door to my R8 to let Ana slide in, I can feel the cold aura around Anastasia as she passes me. She's pissed.

Maybe I should have had him ride with us. At least, then, she might have stowed her attitude for awhile longer.

I slip into my side and buckle my seat belt before turning on the vehicle. I chance a look at my girl and she's sitting in her seat, her arms crossed, and her jaw ticking. I can see that she's trying her best to keep calm.

"Ana?" I ask, wanting to get this over with.

"Just. Drive." She grits through her teeth.

"I think you'll really like this next one."

She lets out a rather unladylike snort and turns her head toward her window, effectively ignoring me.

The silent treatment.

This has never happened. Ana has never had an issue with telling me just how angry she is. It makes me wonder how much worse it'll be when she breaks her silence.

At the second apartment, Ana humors the realtor as I requested and even asks questions about the place.

This one is even larger than the last, with a larger loft and upstairs. It has marble floors, room for a separate dining section and large furniture. The floor is marble and the walls are gray. It's 3,000 square feet and is a two bedroom three bath. Unfortunately, there's no valet or 24/7 concierge, but there is a doorman.

"And how much is this one, dare I ask?" She asks, eyeing me.

"This apartment is $5,500 a month."

I watch her jaw tick again.

"Christian...will you explain to me how I'm going to pay for this? I cannot afford this."

"Maybe you can't, but we can."

"Fine." She grits between her teeth. "Then explain to me how these marble floors and open stairs are baby friendly?"

She switches gears and it's effective. I loved this apartment, but how can I love something that is a risk for my baby? I can't.

We head to the third and final apartment of the day and it's perfect for the baby. It's on one floor, has wood floors, and new cabinets and countertops. It has floor to ceiling windows that overlook Seattle and it's smaller, but feels cozy. I could even get used to this.

"This one is 2,000 square feet, two bedroom, two bath on one floor. This one is $3,250 a month and it doesn't have a valet, but it's only a block from Mr. Grey's apartment. In fact, if you look out this window, you can see Escala from here."

"Oh, wow." Anastasia looks pleasantly surprised by the news and my chest fills with hope.

She asks to see the bedrooms and I'm even more hopeful that she'll say yes. She didn't even bother to step outside of the main living area on the other two.

"So, do you like it?" I ask, trying to keep the hope out of my voice.

She chews her lip, unwilling to say.

I grin. "You do."

"What I'd like is to see apartments that I can afford with my paycheck."

Kemal quirks an eyebrow at her and then nods. "What can you afford, Ana?"

"Somewhere in the $1,000-$1,500 a month range."

He looks taken aback.

"Oh...well, let me look tonight and we'll see if there's anything I can show you. I must say, I don't know if it's possible to keep you in the vicinity that Mr. Grey is requesting with two bedrooms at that price. I'll do my best."

She gives him a smile. "Great...and there's nothing wrong with going farther out than what Christian wants. This is my apartment and my decision."

Once we're back in the car, Ana's silent treatment finally breaks.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" She hisses as I pull out into traffic.

A part of me feels like I should try to play dumb, but I know it won't do any good.

"What did you expect me to do, Anastasia? I'm not going to place my child in an apartment that I don't feel is safe."

"After how your parents acted...hell, Christian...after how you acted...do you honestly just expect me to allow you to pay for my rent?"

Fuck.

Here we go.

"Forget my fucking parents, Anastasia. Their opinions don't much matter in this situation and how many times do I fucking have to say I'm sorry before you stop bringing it up?"

"How am I just supposed to forget it, Christian? Your parents basically called me a gold digger and you accused me of purposely trapping you in a situation that you couldn't get out of."

"Stop being so damn salty, Anastasia. There's been enough salt shoved in that wound to cause pain for a fucking lifetime." I'm pissed. "You really do expect me to sit by the wayside and give up control over my child's safety? You can't even keep yourself fed, how the fuck are you going to keep our child safe in a bad neighborhood or shitty apartment?"

Anastasia grits her teeth and balls her hands into fists. "Talk about adding salt to wounds! So now, you're going to accuse me of being a terrible mother before this child is even here?"

I wince. "I didn't mean to come out like that. I just mean I'll worry a lot less if you're in a secure apartment in a safe part of town. Preferably, one that is close to me."

"God fucking forbid that the controlling bastard doesn't get his way." She throws daggers in my direction and her mouth fuels my anger.

"Watch your mouth!"

"Watch yours." She grits out in a low voice. I know this Anastasia. She's going to close up on me.

"You know, all of this wouldn't be an issue if you'd just move in with me."

"No."

I sigh, knowing that this escalated far too quickly.

"Listen, Ana. We both said some hurtful things that we didn't mean. Let's just take a few minutes and breathe a little and reassess this situation. Communicate like actual adults. Keeping the past off the table." I do my best to think level-headed for both of our benefit. We just got back together a week ago and I don't want her running off again.

She exhales deeply. "You're right. Let's cool down."

I reach for the switch on the radio and turn up the volume. Ed Sheeran's Perfect comes over the radio and I force myself to listen to the chorus, calming my heart beat and anger. The second verse comes on and I smile.

'Well, I found a woman,

Stronger than anyone I know.

She shares my dreams,

I hope that someday, she'll share her home.

I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets.

To carry love, to carry children of our own.

We are still kids,

But we're so in love.

Fighting against all odds,

I know we'll be alright this time.

Darling, just hold my hand.

Be my girl. I'll be your man.

I see my future in your eyes.'

I reach over and take her hand in mine and bring it to my lips.

"Christian, I'm sorry. I know you only want the best for baby bear and me."

I give her a genuine smile. "I'm sorry, too, baby."

"Will you at least humor me and come with me to see the apartments I can afford on my own?"

"Absolutely." I can't promise that I'll like any of them, but I'll try.

There is a part of me that still hopes that she'll choose the last one we looked at...or that possibly she'll decide to move in with me. I want to keep her close.

XxXxXx

I was able to convince Ana to stay in my bed, but we still have yet to have sex again. I'm aching for her, but I know that pushing her would be about the worst decision I could make right now. Our relationship is very fragile at the moment and I have to wait for her to come to me. I feel like I'm always waiting on Ana.

We're on our way to the first apartment and it's fifteen minutes from Escala. Too damn far. I try to remind myself to keep an open mind. I hope that if I keep an open mind, that my stubborn girl will do the same and she'll choose one of the apartments I chose for her.

When we pull up the apartment building, it doesn't look too shabby, but there doesn't look to be much security either. A key is needed to get in the entry door, but that's about the extent of it. As we walk into the lobby, my eyes automatically wander up to see if any security cameras are in the vicinity. I see one above the small mail boxes that you access with keys and I feel a little better about it. I wonder if they actually record or if it's just live.

If it's live, there must be a security office somewhere around here, maybe in the basement. I'm hoping that the owner has the common sense to tape the area, as well.

We head up to the third floor with Kemal and the first thing I notice when we step into the apartment are the large windows. It doesn't have high ceilings, but the windows help a lot with it. The beams along the ceiling are showing, but painted to match the surrounding walls. I immediately notice that these large beams have cracks and chips along the length of them and it gives me instant anxiety. The ventwork is also open and my first thought is water damage and mold.

There's no fucking way my family is staying in this shitty hole.

"Now, this apartment is 1,200 square feet. Two bedrooms, one bath, and all the appliances stay with the apartment. I know that it looks a little dated, but it's $1,300 a month, so it's in your price range, Ana."

I frown. I don't like this. I don't like this at all.

I stand in the middle of the room, hoping that we're not currently breathing in mold spores while Anastasia looks through the apartment. I pray that she doesn't like it.

"I love the look of the building, and I love the price. It's a little further to work than my current apartment, but I can work with it. It does look a little dated, but perhaps some fresh paint and window covering will help hide it."

"So, you like it?" The realtor asks. I shoot him daggers.

She cranes her neck to look around again and I notice her hand comes up to rest on her flat stomach. "Yea, it's definitely a contender."

I immediately worry that she can actually picture herself and baby bear here, already. No. She just can't. I can't let her live here.

Please let the next two be better than this.

We head to the second one, which is five minutes closer to Escala than the last. He states that the apartment is on the top floor of the apartment complex and it makes me feel a little better about the security. She'll be furthest away if some sociopath came in looking for trouble.

As soon as we step in the door, I take one look at the apartment and take her by the waist and steer her out.

"Nope. Absolutely not."

The apartment walls are exposed brick. Not only are the walls exposed, but there are obvious cracks along the brick and there is no real ceiling. The rafters and pipework for the plumbing can be seen running along above our heads. Who knows who's shitty water could burst out above their heads. The floor looks like it hasn't been touched in years, the gray paint on the old wood floor worn off in multiple places. Splinters. Lots and lots of splinters.

No fucking way.

"Christian…"

I shake my head. "No, Ana. I am not even going to try to humor you on this one. There's no way."

She sighs. "Fine."

"Alright." Kemal nods, looking a little worried. "I've got one more in your price range, Ana, but it's thirty minutes from the city center."

My heart plummets to my stomach. Thirty minutes. A half an hour to get to my girl and my baby if something were to happen to them.

"Ana…" Please don't consider this.

"Please. Let's just go look at it."

I swallow back the lump of panic in my throat and I nod. Just be patient, Grey.

Hopefully, it's a dump.

The ride out of the city is a quiet one and the ominous feeling I have in my stomach just keeps growing the closer we get to this apartment.

When we reach the building, the first thing I notice is just how tiny the building is. It's only two stories.

I frown as I look up at the building. I hate you.

We follow Kemal into the building and up the stairs. The apartment has no elevator. What. The. Fuck.

In the apartment, it seems dark. The walls are dark blue, the wood floor old and worn, and the ceiling is bare with a large sky light in the middle.

"This one is only 950 square feet, but it's $1,000 a month. There is only one bedroom, but the loft is large enough to house a bed."

Anastasia smiles. "It's cozy."

My veins run cold and I almost choke on my own saliva. My whole body feels numb and I can feel goosebumps spread over my limbs.

This can't be happening.

The kitchen is below the loft and it's tiny. Tinier than the kitchen she has in her apartment now.

"I love the built-in bookcase along the loft. I could live in my own little library." She smiles as she looks over every little detail.

The large, black gas stove sits against a wall away from everything in the kitchen. It looks like it's going to blow up at any second.

He shows her the bedroom and the tiny bathroom and it doesn't deter her in the slightest.

"But what about the drive to work?" I need to find a reason for her not to take it.

She shrugs. "It's cheap enough. The gas wouldn't be an issue."

"But what about winter? What about the ice? The rain. Thirty minutes is a long time to be driving in those conditions, Ana."

She gives me a smile. "Oh, Christian…" She rolls her eyes and it frustrates me further. "I've driven in those conditions before. I'm a big girl."

But…

"You really do love this place?"

She nods, looking around. "I do. I love the bookcase. The cozy feel of it all. I like that I can look out and not see skyscrapers. It feels peaceful, Christian."

I shake my head. "Please, Ana. No. Don't do this."

Her eyebrows knit together. "Christian, please don't throw a fit."

This can't be happening. She can't do this.

"Ana...please rethink this. You can't. You can't live out here. You can't live this far away from me. I need you closer. I'll do whatever I need to do. I'll build you a loft and a bookshelf. I'll buy some land and I'll build two fucking houses if you really want me to. Just don't move away. I mean it, Ana. I can't handle it." My panic is rising and I know that I'm practically begging her. Fuck, I'll get down on my hands and knees and beg her if I have to.

Worry lines etch into her pretty face and she wraps her arms around me. "Christian, it's okay. Calm down. I won't take it. Just relax. Take some breaths."

I swallow back my tears as relief floods through my system and I take some cleansing breaths. "You won't?" Swear it.

"I promise. We'll find something closer. Somehow."

My shoulder's sag in relief and I hug her to me. She isn't leaving me.