Chapter 16 - Carpe Diem
Ana's POV
When I woke up this morning, I was reminded of the weight around my ring finger. I hadn't gotten a real chance to look at it yet, but just judging from the weight, Christian definitely did not disappoint in size.
Christian's sleeping body was wrapped around me like a vine, so I had to wiggle out of his grasp to catch a glimpse of my ring.
I was stunned when the large diamond caught the sunlight. It was simply gorgeous. The main diamond was very large, but it wasn't gaudy. It was classy, elegant, and very me. Christian knew me so well. It was perfect.
I couldn't wait to tell all our family and friends, but I was a bit apprehensive because I didn't know how they would all react. Plus, this news would hopefully allow Christian and Carrick to patch things up. Every time I brought up talking to his father, Christian clammed up and changed the conversation. Oh well, they would both get over it soon.
I absolutely couldn't wait to tell Mia, Kate, and Karen. I knew all of them would want to help me plan my wedding, which was definitely going to be the event of the year. I was going to make sure of it.
If I could pick a perfect wedding location, it would definitely be at the Grey's estate. It held a lot of memories for Christian and me, and the landscape was breathtaking with the view of the Sound. I guess I'd have to talk to Christian about that first.
Ugh, I was just going to wake him up. I had too much on my mind, and I needed to discuss things with him!
When I finally got Christian to wake up, all he wanted to do is have sex with me. I definitely wouldn't be opposed to that on any other day, but there was just so much to talk about today!
"No funny business, Grey," I chastised him while he was attacking my neck with kisses.
He removed his lips from my neck and pouted like a sad puppy. That was not going to work on me, Grey!
I gave him a stern look, and he relented. "Do you like your ring?" he asked, changing the subject.
"It's just what I would've picked out for myself," I said, holding out my hand to admire it again. "You did ask my father, though right?"
"Yes, I asked your father for your hand," he affirmed, placing a soft kiss on my ring finger. "I'm very traditional that way."
"Good," I smiled, "I don't want Ray shooting you," I giggled. "And your parents?"
"I told my mom I was planning to propose to you." I wanted to ask about his dad, but I didn't want to kill the mood of such a lovely morning. So, I just chose to save that conversation for a later date.
"When was this?" I asked.
"Thanksgiving."
"What took you so long?" I said, raising an eyebrow at him.
He shrugged and replied, "Nervous, scared, anxious. A combination of all of those emotions."
"Well, I would've said yes in a heartbeat. Anyways, when are we planning on sharing the news?"
"I kind of want to keep you to myself for a little bit," he smirked, flipping my naked body on top of his.
He reached down to my core and whispered, "You're very, very wet for me, Anastasia."
"Mmmm," I managed to moan, as he circled my clit.
"I guess we could call our family right now," he murmured into my mouth.
"Don't you dare leave me hanging," I warned.
After our morning romp, I finally got on the phone to call my dad and tell him the good news.
"Hi, Annie," he answered.
"Hey, dad!" I greeted, "You're on speaker with Christian. We have some good news for you."
"What is it, Annie?" my dad asked, pretending like he didn't know what we were about to tell him.
"Well, Christian asked me to marry him yesterday. And I said yes."
"Congratulations. I'm so happy for the both of you."
"Thanks, Ray," Christian chimed in.
"Do you have a date for the wedding yet?" Ray chuckled.
"Daddy!" I screamed, "We haven't talked about that yet. We've only been engaged for a day."
Christian laughed along with my father.
"Well, Annie. Knowing you, I thought you'd already have the wedding planned already."
"Haha, very funny, Dad."
"We're hoping to have it soon," Christian smiled brightly at me, and I nodded my head affirming his statement.
"Yes, very soon," I echoed.
"That's great," Ray remarked, "I'll leave you two for now. I have some work to do."
"Okay, daddy. We'll keep you updated on all the wedding details. Love you."
"Love you too."
After I ended the call Christian inquired, "When were you thinking about having this wedding?"
"I would get married to you tomorrow if I could," I stated.
"We could always fly to Vegas right now. We'd be married by tomorrow."
"I highly doubt our family would be too happy about that," I retorted.
"No, they wouldn't," he agreed, "But if it would make you happy."
"I've always dreamed of a big wedding," I smiled, remembering my wedding fantasies as a young girl. "But there's also a part of me that just wants to be your wife."
"Then let's do it."
"Do what?"
"Get married right now."
"Are you crazy?"
"A little," he smiled smugly. "We could go to the courthouse and elope. It would be just us. Then in 6 months, we could have your dream wedding. Who says we can't make the commitment now?"
"Okay," I grin, "Let's get married."
Christian's POV
We were really doing this. We were really getting married. A lifetime with Ana didn't sound too bad. Anastasia Grey. Anastasia Rose Grey. A beautiful name for a beautiful girl.
Ana and I sent a mass text to all our friends. It was a selfie of us with Ana holding up her ring for everyone to see. We sent it to Kate, Karen, Mia, Jerry, and Ros with the caption 'soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Grey.'
We also made a quick call to my mom to tell her the good news. Thankfully, my father wasn't home to listen into that call, but Grace told me she was going to tell my father when he got home. I guess I was going to have to man up and talk to him eventually. But we didn't need to deal with any of that nonsense today.
After making the obligatory announcements to our friends and family, Ana and I shut off our phones. We didn't want any disturbances from the outside world. It was our special day, and we wanted it to be just us.
Ana and I were in a mad dash to get out of the door and to the courthouse. We were both giddy with excitement.
I threw on my best black suit, and Ana put on the only white gown she has in her closet. We hopped in the Range Rover, and I drove us to the courthouse, both of us ready to make the biggest commitment of our lives.
"The rings!" Ana shouted, "We don't have any rings!"
"Crap," I muttered, "Umm, quick detour to Cartier?"
"Ah, Mr. Grey," the jeweler that made Ana's ring recognized me when I walked into the store. "This must be her. Molto bella!"
"Mr. Ricci," I replied, "This is Anastasia Steele."
"Ana, this is Mr. Ricci. He's the one who designed your ring."
Mr. Ricci was a very flamboyant man, and his outfit reflected that. He was wearing a powder blue suit, a candy-striped tie, and tons of jewelry. I didn't think I had to worry about him hitting on Ana.
"Bellissima, Anastasia," he said, giving her a hug. He took her left hand and examined the ring. "I did a magnificent job, didn't I?"
"It's perfect, Mr. Ricci," Ana gushed.
"Oh, please, call me Luca," he said in his thick Italian accent.
"We're here to get wedding bands," I interjected.
"Oh, Mr. Grey!" he exclaimed, "You two love-birds getting married today? You're all dressed up!"
"Yes, we are," I beamed, "It's very last minute." I instinctively pulled Ana close to me. "We need these wedding bands as soon as possible."
"Anything for you and your beautiful bride," he cheered. "I'll bring out some selections." He then scattered off to the back room.
"Well, he's a character," Ana giggled.
"Now you know what I had to put up with to get you that ring," I joked.
"That makes me love it even more," she said, then gave me a peck on the cheek.
A few minutes later, Luca came back in with a tray full of the most extravagant rings.
"This is for the lady," he said, handing Ana the tray, "I'll come back with yours, Mr. Grey."
Ana held up a wedding band that probably cost more than people's homes.
"This looks like it could be some people's engagement ring," she remarked.
If my baby wanted another monster of a ring, that's what she was going to get.
"Do you like that one?" I asked, "Don't worry about the price. Get whatever you want."
"I think I want a more understated one," she stated.
Just then, Luca walked towards us with another tray of rings for me. "I think you'll find these to your liking, Mr. Grey."
In my tray of rings, there was an assortment of platinum bands all very simple in design, with subtle differences in shape. I wanted to see which one Ana picked first, so I could select one that complements hers.
"I'm going to go with this one," Ana smiled, holding a diamond wedding band set in platinum.
"Ahh, a wonderful choice, Anastasia," Luca praised. "It's one of the more simple ones. 2.5 carats of crystal clear diamonds set in platinum. Very classy for a woman like you."
2.5 carats! It was almost endearing that she thought that was 'understated.'
I selected a standard platinum band that seems like a nice fit with Ana's over-the-top one.
"Can you engrave these?" I asked Luca.
"Of course, Mr. Grey. What would you like engraved?"
I wanted to surprise Ana with the message on the inside of our rings, so I whispered what I wanted to Luca.
"Perfetto!" he exclaimed, "I should have these done within the hour."
"Thank you, Mr. Ricci," I said, handing him my black American Express card. I was probably about time I got a standing account at Cartier. After all, I was going to have a wife. And she was going to warrant many more gifts in the future.
After looking around the store, waiting for the rings to be completed, I ended up purchasing Ana an outrageous diamond necklace for her to wear to our wedding today. After all, a bride should be showered in diamonds.
"Christian," Ana grabbed my attention away from the diamonds on display, "Are we going to tell people that we got married?"
She nervously bit her lip, distracting me. "Christian!" she repeated.
"Sorry, baby, You know what it does to me when you bite your lip."
She blushed at my statement, and I continued, "It's up to you."
"Hey! Don't leave this on me. This is our decision."
"I think our whole family would be upset we got married without them," I replied.
"So you think it's best this day is just for us?"
"I think so. What do you think?"
"Honestly," she shrugged, "I'm fine either way. But I kind of think it's romantic to keep to ourselves, though. We won't have to deal with all the fanfare that comes with a big wedding. We can enjoy this time together."
She had a great point. A big wedding was going to consume our lives. We probably wouldn't have much time to just enjoy our engagement and just be us.
"That sounds perfect!" I smiled. "Do you want to forgo the rings for now?"
Ana made the cutest face when she was thinking. "I know you don't wear necklaces," she started, "But maybe we could put the rings around a chain, so we could wear it under our clothes. I already have an engagement ring, but you don't have anything. Although it would be hidden, I still want you to be marked as mine."
"I'll always be yours."
An hour and $300,000 later, Ana and I were on our way to the courthouse. The drive there felt like a blur. It was like a winter wonderland with snow softly falling on the windshield.
When we finally got there, I rushed to Ana's side of the car to pick her up, literally. I didn't think she would be able to walk in those heels in this snow.
Despite her initial protests to be carried in public, she couldn't stop laughing as I ran to the courthouse so we could both escape the cold.
I put her down when we got inside, and we threw off our heavy coats. The people waiting inside stared at us. Our incessant giggling and formal clothing were no doubt the cause.
"We want to get married," I informed the woman at the front desk.
"Do you have a marriage license?" the woman asked, her voice sharp.
"No," I replied.
"Well, you're going to need to apply for one," she said rudely, handing me a clipboard with a form.
"How long is this going to take to process?" I asked.
"A few days, usually."
"There must be a way to get this done today," I insisted, seeing a pout form on Ana's beautiful face.
"Well, you're going to need to talk to a judge about that."
Ugh, insufferable woman. So fucking rude and unhelpful.
Ana tugged on my arm to keep me from scowling at that woman. "That's okay, Christian. We'll wait a few days. It's no big deal."
I sighed and replied petulantly, "It has to be today."
"Christian, you heard that lady. Unless you see a judge around here, I don't think it'll happen."
God must have been making up for my shitty childhood because I saw a judge about to walk out the door, ready to leave.
"Excuse me! Excuse me," I said, chasing him down.
"Yes," he replied in a quintessential British accent.
"You're a judge, right?"
"Affirmative," he responded, "How can I help you?"
"I'm so sorry to inconvenience you, but do you see that woman over there?" I pointed to Ana, waiting off to the side, not wanting to embarrass herself like me. "Well, she's the love of my life, and we want to get married today. But we were just informed that marriage licenses take days to process. I was hoping you could help us."
The judge continued to stare at me like I was a man possessed. In a hushed whisper, I continued, "I don't know if you know who I am. But my name's Christian Grey. And I'm sure you'd find yourself very well compensated for helping us out."
"Mr. Grey," the judge smiled, "I know who you are. But I'd be more than happy to marry you two today. No compensation needed."
"Is there a reason why?" I asked, surprised he so easily agreed and without the money incentive no less.
"You remind me of my wife and I back in the day."
"Thank you so much, judge," I said and shook his hand, "I didn't catch your name."
"John Flynn."
With a random clerk at the courthouse for a witness, Ana and I were standing hand in hand, waiting to become man and wife.
"Do you, Christian Grey, take this woman to be your wife, to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"
"I will," I whispered without hesitation.
"Do you, Anastasia Steele, take this man to be your husband, to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?
"I will," she murmured, and a tear rolled down her face.
"Christian," John stated, "Repeat after me."
"I, Christian Trevelyan Grey, take you, Anastasia Rose Steele, to be my wife…"
"I, Christian Trevelyan Grey, take you, Anastasis Rose Steele, to be my wife." My voice cracked slightly, seeing happy tears rolling down my bride's cheeks.
"To have and to hold from this day forward…"
"To have and to hold from this day forward…"
"For better, for worse. For richer, for poorer. In sickness and in health..."
"For better, for worse. For richer, for poorer. In sickness and in health…" I ran my fingers over Ana's engagement ring, making sure this moment was really real.
"To love and to cherish till death do us part…"
"To love and to cherish till death do us part…" I was going to cherish her every day for as long as I was on this Earth. I promise.
John then turned to Ana. "Anastasia, please repeat after me."
"I, Anastasia Rose Steele, take you, Christian Trevelyan Grey, to be my husband…"
"I, Anastasia Rose Steele, take you, Christian Trevelyan Grey, to be my husband…" Her voice was soft and angelic. Another tear rolled down her cheek and I couldn't help but wipe it away.
"To have and to hold from this day forward…"
To have and to hold from this day forward…" she repeated.
"For better, for worse. For richer, for poorer. In sickness and in health…"
"For better, for worse. For richer, for poorer. In sickness and in health…" I could sense tears of my own coming to bay as well, but I didn't want the tears to come. I wanted to remember this moment in perfect clarity, so I could replay it in my mind.
I wanted to remember the crazy decision we made to get married. I wanted to remember the lengths I went through to get us married today. I wanted to remember the beaming smile on Ana's face. I wanted to remember how beautiful Ana looked in her dress and how radiant she was. But most of all I wanted to remember this exact moment. The moment when she vowed to love me forever. When she vowed to be my wife, my partner in life.
"To love and to cherish till death do us part…"
"To love and to cherish till death do us part," she murmured the final part of her vows.
"The rings?" John reminded me.
I had both of them in my suit pocket. I carefully took them both out and handed one to Ana.
"With this ring, I thee wed." I slid Ana's diamond sparkler on her ring finger above her engagement ring. Mine… The word her ring was engraved with.
"With this ring, I thee wed." Ana took my simple wedding band and placed it on my bare finger. Forever yours… The word my ring was engraved with.
"By the power vested in me by God and the State of Massachusetts, I now pronounce you husband and wife." The moment I'd been waiting forever for.
"You may now kiss the bride."
I lightly caressed Ana's face with both my hands. Her lip was quivering in anticipation. She wrapped her arms around my torso and presses her body against mine. This was my picture perfect moment.
When my lips met hers, everything else faded away. I forgot that we were in a city courtroom. I forgot that we weren't surrounded by friends or family. I forgot that she didn't have time to pick the perfect dress. I forgot that there weren't lavish decorations or flowers surrounding us. Because at the end of the day, none of that mattered.
My wife. Anastasia Rose Grey. Mr. and Mrs. Christian Grey.
The Boston Herald
Hello, Boston. We've got a young star on the rise – Christian Grey. He's the 19-year-old CEO of Grey Enterprises Holdings, already a multi-million dollar company. The recent Harvard dropout was recently spotted holding hands with his girlfriend, Anastasia Steele outside of the high-end jewelry store – Cartier.
Steele was sporting a very large diamond ring on her left hand, so it's safe to say that the young couple is engaged. Sorry ladies. Any chance of snagging away the sexy CEO from Anastasia Steele is long gone.
The couple looked very loved up as they exited Cartier. Reports say that Grey did not let Miss Steele leave his side, and was always touching or kissing her. Oh, young love… If the ring on Steele's finger is indeed an engagement ring, we wish them the best of luck.
We certainly can't wait for the wedding.
The Seattle Nooz
Alert! Alert! Alert!
Everyone's favorite hunk and brunette beauty are back and better than ever! That's right. You heard us! Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele are back!
The duo was photographed outside of Cartier, a luxury jewelry store. The two were seen leaving the store, laughing and kissing as Grey helped Steele get into their Range Rover in the light snowfall.
Oh, and did we forget to mention that Steele was sporting a very large diamond ring on her left hand. Is that an engagement ring we see? We sure think so.
We've reached out to Grey's company, GEH for comment, but they haven't gotten back to us yet. But it sure as hell looks like Grey sealed the deal. That is one huge rock!
Wedding details to come… Until next time…
The Washington Post
Christian Grey, the 19-year-old head of Grey Enterprises Holdings was seen yesterday outside a jewelry store with his girlfriend, Anastasia Steele.
But some are speculating that the two may be engaged. Miss Steele was photographed wearing a one-of-a-kind Cartier diamond ring on her left hand. An engagement ring perhaps.
A patron at the jewelry store said, "The two looked very loved up. Grey couldn't keep his hands off her, and she looked radiant."
An employee of the store said, "Grey spent almost half a million dollars on her. I'm not sure what the details of his purchase were, but the head jeweler was very busy in the back fulfilling a special request for Mr. Grey. It had to have been something special."
We reached out to GEH, but they declined to comment on Mr. Grey's personal life.
Ana's POV
"Ahh, Christian. Please. I need you inside of me," I moaned breathlessly.
"I am inside you," he smirked deviously, kissing the inside of my thigh.
"Not your fingers," I gasped, wriggling on the bed, "You, baby. I need you."
He left a trail of kisses from my hip to my neck, each one slow and deliberate.
"Please," I begged.
His lips hovered over mine, teasing me.
"I love you, Mrs. Grey," he murmured before plunging into me with one deep thrust.
"Ahhh!" I screamed at the sudden intrusion.
"That's it, baby," he breathed, "Scream for me."
He took one of my nipples into his mouth and took the small nub in between his teeth.
"God!" I cried, "Yes!"
"It's not God, baby," he smirked, "Just me."
I was too far gone to respond to his smart ass comment. Christian's thrusts were painstakingly slow, and I desperately needed more.
"Harder, Christian," I pleaded as beads of sweat formed on my skin.
"I want this to last," he whispered, "I want to make love to you."
He ran his lips along my neck, and I was in heaven.
I could feel my orgasm building up despite Christian's slow thrusts. My body was on fire, my need for Christian grew by the second.
"Christian!" I cried, "I… I… I…"
I couldn't find the words. I was completely overwhelmed. I'd never been this aroused or sensitive during sex. His slow movements were sending waves of electricity through my body.
I felt a powerful orgasm coming on, and Christian whispered into my ear, "Let it go."
"Ohhhh," I screamed as I reached my peak.
His thrusts didn't relent. I was on a perpetual high. My body was singing for him.
"I… I… love you," I cried.
I was in a state of complete and utter bliss. Christian continued his delicious torture on my body. I came. I came, again and again. I lost count of how many orgasms he gave me from his slow movements.
When I came down from my last high, I felt Christian spill himself into me, his body slumping on top of mine.
He must have been exhausted from holding his weight over me.
Still inside me, he rolled us over so we were in a spooning position. I was unable to form any coherent thoughts. My mind and body were mush.
My eyelids felt heavy and I found myself succumbing to sleep with my husband keeping me warm.
"I love you, Mrs. Grey," he whispered.
"Mmm. Love you too, Mr. Grey."
Christian's Phone
16 missed calls and 14 unread messages from Mom, Jerry Grant, Mia Grey, Elliot Grey, Dad
8:50 am
Grace: Christian, dear, I'm so happy for you and Ana. Please call your father.
9:01 am
Jerry: Shit C! You finally did it. Happy for the both of you.
9:03 am
Mia: Chrissy! So happy for you and Ana. Call me soon, I want to talk wedding!
9:07 am
Ros: You crazy kids! Ana must be insane to agree to marry you! Haha, only kidding boss man! Happy for you.
9:10 am
Elliot: Bro! So happy for you and Ana! Congrats! That's one hell of a ring.
9:22 am
Carrick: Congratulations to you and Ana.
11:45 am
Grace: Christian, I don't know why you aren't picking up the phone, but your father urgently wants to talk to you. Please speak to him. I hate the tension between you two.
6:28 pm
Jerry: Those pics outside of Cartier! You and Ana are getting married, aren't you? Don't think you and Ana can hide under those coats. I saw Ana's white dress, and I'm sure you went to Cartier to get wedding bands. Can't believe you're about to tie the knot. But congrats, dude!
6:34 pm
Elliot: Pics of you and Ana are everywhere. Some idiots from school even asked me if my little bro is engaged. Damn, C, you can't even deny the engagement. It's so obvious from the photos with that huge rock on Ana's finger.
6:38 pm
Ros: Hate to break it to you boss, but you and Ana won't be getting privacy anytime soon. The media is going crazy over the news of your engagement. Also, GEH is getting non-stop calls from media outlets, hoping to get a comment from us. I've been trying to fend them off, but the vultures won't stop harassing us. We're going to have to release a statement soon.
6:49 pm
Grace: Dear, the rumors of your engagement are all over the news in Seattle. There are pictures of you and Ana outside Cartier, and people are speculating. I just wanted to let you know honey. Some news outlets have been trying to get in contact with me to confirm the rumors. I haven't responded to any of them. Please call your mother. And don't forget your father.
6:57 pm
Mia: Christian! Answer my messages! You and Ana got papped outside Cartier. Everyone is talking about your engagement. It's all over the news. Oh and btw great job on the ring!
7:16 pm
Carrick: Call me. We need to talk.
8:01 pm
Ros: PR is going crazy over the news, Christian. We're going to have to release a statement by tomorrow morning. It can be brief, but we really need to confirm these rumors. The PR people have more important things to work on than addressing rumors about their CEO. I'll have someone draft a statement for your approval tomorrow morning. That is if you even show up to work!
Ana's Phone
25 missed calls and 30 unread messages from Grace Grey, Jerry Grant, Kate Kavanaugh, Mia Grey, Elliot Grey, Aunt Liv, Dad, Carrick Grey, Uncle Fitz
Karen Grant, Dad, Mia Grey, Elliot Grey, Carrick Grey
8:52 am
Grace: Congratulations, Ana! Carrick and I are so happy that you're in Christian's life and have agreed to be his wife. Welcome to the family. Xx
9:00 am
Jerry: Can't believe you're engaged, banana! So happy for you! Congrats, baby sis!
9:02 am
Kate: Ana Banana! You leave me a couple months and then get engaged! Ahhhhhhh!
9:03 am
Mia: Ahhh! I have a sister! Ana! Call me back! I'm so happy for you. And I can't wait to plan the wedding!
9:04 am
Kate: I can't wait to be a bridesmaid!
9:05 am
Kate: OMG! Also wedding planning! We have to talk soon Steele! Tell that mogul of a fiance that we have to go wedding dress shopping in Paris. Oh, we need to get you a custom dress!
9:06 am
Kate: Also, that rock girl! Christian did well.
9:08 am
Kate: Oh! I almost forgot to tell you how happy I am for you guys! And you really need to pick up your phone, Steele. We need some bff time. I feel like we haven't talked in forever! I miss you.
9:09 am
Ros: Happy for you Ana! Tell your fiance that he needs to get his head out of his ass now that you said yes. You should've seen him at work the last few weeks. It was hilarious. He was a ball of nerves pacing around his office all day and losing focus. Glad you said yes!
9:10 am
Karen: Ana! This is so wonderful. I'm so happy for you! You and Christian are the perfect couple.
9:12 am
Elliot: Thanks for making my little bro so happy. Congrats, new baby sis!
9:13 am
Karen: Pick up your phone girl! We need to start planning the wedding soon. Mom wants to help plan too!
9:14 am
Karen: Oh! Idea! You could have the wedding at the White House in the Rose Garden. I'm sure daddy would be happy to host.
9:15 am
Karen: Kate just texted me. She wants to do wedding dress shopping in Paris. We could go during spring break. Daddy said we can use the jet whenever we want.
9:17 am
Karen: I just talked to mom! She said she could call Vera Wang to design your wedding dress. And she might also do all the bridesmaid's dresses, too! Call me back! This is too exciting to wait any longer. And I love the ring! Send me a better picture! Ahhh! This is so exciting!
9:30 am
Olivia: Karen just told me the good news! Fitz and I are so happy for you, Ana. Fitz wanted to call you, but you know how busy he is. I'm sure he'll be in touch soon. I hope Karen isn't bombarding you with messages. She's really looking forward to helping you plan the wedding as am I. I have Vera Wang on speed dial if you need her. I love you, dear! XOXO Aunt Liv
11:47 am
Grace: Ana, dear, Christian isn't responding to his texts or answering his phone. Will you please remind him to call his father?
12:00 pm
Fitz: Sweet Ana! I hear congratulations are in order. Everyone at the White House is so happy for you. Karen cannot stop talking about a White House wedding. I'd be delighted to host the happy couple. Christian is a lucky man, and I think you found a good one in him. You three Harvard students need to come visit me for a weekend. I'm sure I can clear my schedule for you guys. Everyone in the administration sends you their best wishes. Call me when you can. - Uncle Fitz
6:26 pm
Jerry: Can't believe you two crazy kids are getting married. Don't even try to deny it. I saw the pics of you two outside Cartier. But don't worry, my lips are sealed. I know Christian's family and my family will go crazy if they know they weren't part of the wedding. Now I know why you two haven't responded to any texts all day. You've been too busy becoming Mrs. Grey. Love you, banana! Can't wait to see Mr. and Mrs. Grey tomorrow. Hahaha!
6:34 pm
Dad: Annie, I saw photos of you and Christian on the national news this afternoon. Your mother contacted me. I'm assuming she saw the same photos today too. She said she wants to talk to you, but I told her I'd let her know if you wish to speak to her. I know she's your mother, but she sounded like she wanted something from you. You're an adult now, so I'll let you make your own decision regarding contact with your mother. I don't want to put a damper on your day of celebration, so there's no rush in making a decision. I love you, Annie.
6:35 pm
Kate: Steele! You look stunning. You and Christian look like Hollywood's newest A-list couple. Perfection! Did the mogul spend obscene amounts of money on you? Haha. You must be super busy today, but you need to call your best friend back. Karen, Mia, and I have already started wedding planning for you.
6:40 pm
Ros: Damn, girl! You and boss man are quite the popular couple. GEH is getting a ton of calls just to confirm the engagement rumors fueled by the photos of you with that massive ring. I know you two must be busy, but tell Christian to text me back. I have a CEO who's M.I.A.
6:51 pm
Grace: Hi dear. You and Christian obviously aren't answering your phones today, but I wasn't sure if you turned on the news recently or even had the chance to go online. But your engagement rumors are everywhere. I just wanted to give you guys the heads up just in case you notice more paparazzi than normal tomorrow. Oh, and please tell Christian to call his father.
6:58 pm
Mia: I'm sure by now you already know about the photos. I guess any chances of keeping this engagement private has gone out the window. Anyways, I was talking to Karen about the wedding, and she thinks the White House's rose garden will be the perfect place. Plus, I'll get to hang out with the snack that is Jerry Grant again. Haha. I think that would be lovely, but it's really your choice in the end. I'm just here to help!
7:20 pm
Carrick: Hi Ana. I know I upset my son, but I really do want to talk to him. So if you could convince him to call me back, I would be so grateful. Congratulations on the engagement. I'm so thankful that Christian has someone like you in his life.