Chapter 21 - Kate

Ana's POV

"Hey Annie," my dad greeted me.

"Hey, daddy. Are you busy right now?" I asked, putting the phone on speaker.

"I'm never too busy for you. What's up?"

"Christian and I have some news for you."

"Good lord. Please tell me you're not pregnant."

Christian chuckled, "Not yet," and I elbowed him in the gut.

"I'm not pregnant, daddy. No grandchildren yet."

"You better get working on that soon. I'm not getting any younger, you know."

"Not you too," I huffed, "Christian already has baby fever."

"Good man."

"Anyways, daddy. We actually have something to share with you that doesn't involve my uterus… We're moving back to Seattle."

He was silent for a few moments before replying, "So now my daughter and son-in-law will be college dropouts."

"I'm not dropping out," I said matter-of-factly, "I'm going to take online classes on my own time. You're not upset, are you?"

Christian held my hand for moral support.

"I can't say I'm happy. But I know I can't stop you from making your own decisions. You're an adult, and I trust you. However, I hope you have something in mind that you want to do with your time. I don't want my daughter to be a glorified trophy wife. No offense to you, Christian."

"None taken, sir. But Ana's much too driven to do nothing with her life."

"Tell him, baby," he whispered into my ear.

"Well, I've decided to begin working on my very own fashion line. And I'm going to try to make a career out of it. I've got some great referrals for contacts in the fashion industry, and I'm sure hiring some consultants from Bain or McKinsey can't hurt too much."

"Wow, Annie. Then it looks like you've got everything figured out already. I'm proud of you."

"As am I, Mr. Steele. You should see some of her sketches. They're amazing. Expect to be getting an invite to New York Fashion Week."

"I don't think that's my type of scene, but I'm looking forward to seeing some of your work, Annie."

"I'll email you some pictures, Dad."

"Good. Now, are you two going to move back into Ana's apartment? Or were you looking for something bigger?"

"My apartment," I said.

"Something bigger," Christian replied.

"You two kids might need to have a conversation."

I furrowed my brows at him. "Yeah, it looks like we'll need to talk about our living arrangements. But I don't want to keep you for too long, daddy. You must have to get back to work. Bye, I love you."

"Bye, Ray," Christian said.

"Bye kids."

I hung up the phone and turned to Christian. "Why would we need a bigger place? Isn't my penthouse fine?"

"There's no room for the staff."

"Staff?"

"Taylor, Sawyer, the other guy I hired for you. That reminds me, he's starting tomorrow. His name's Ryan."

Ugh, he had to bring that up now?

"Why would we need room for the staff?"

"They're going to be staying with us."

"So now we need 24/7 security?"

"Frankly, yes. And if I'm going to ask Taylor, Sawyer, and Ryan to relocate to Seattle, the least we can do is give them a place to stay."

"So all three of them are going to be staying with us?"

"I think just Taylor and Sawyer. I don't trust Ryan yet. But I'll rent a place for him."

"Were you thinking of buying a house?"

"No, I don't think we need that much space. But I was thinking of the executive penthouse at Escala."

"That's like triple the size of my old apartment!"

He nodded. "I think it will be good for us. The staff can have their own wing. We wouldn't even notice them."

"When we have a baby, we're getting a house. No more bachelor penthouses for you."

"Who has the baby fever now?"

"Oh, shut up… Would it be okay if I hired a housekeeper? I might not have time to clean up after you anymore."

"That's a perfect idea. Maybe one that can cook too."

"Tired of my cooking already, Grey?"

"Never, but I definitely noticed the increase in takeout boxes over the last couple of weeks."

"You're right, I have been getting somewhat lazy… Jerry's going to miss us."

"We can designate a room for him. He's welcome anytime."

"At least we'll be closer to your parents. And Mia."

"How lovely," he said sarcastically.

"Christian Grey! You're so bad."

"I thought you liked when I was bad," he smirked.

"Why do all our conversations turn into something dirty?" I laughed.

"That's the sign of a healthy relationship, baby," he said, untying the bow on my wrap dress, completely exposing me.

He pressed his lips against my neck, and I shuddered. "Just fuck me already."

"Gladly, Mrs. Grey."

"You're so late for work now," I smiled, retying my dress and fixing my hair.

Christian smirked, buttoning his pants, "I think I can afford to play hooky for a little longer."

"You're cute… But don't you have to finalize plans for the Seattle office?"

"I guess so…" he pouted, "But I'd much rather go another round."

I gave him a final kiss before handing him his suit jacket. "Where's Taylor?"

"Downstairs, waiting in the car."

"Go," I insisted, "The sooner you do the sooner we can move back home. Which reminds me, I'll call your mom today and tell her the good news." I practically had to push him into the elevator.

"Good idea, baby. Love you! Bye!"

After making myself pancakes for breakfast, I called Grace.

"Hello, dear. What a pleasant surprise," she greeted me.

"Hi, Grace. How are you?"

"I'm well, dear. Actually, I have to ask you something."

"Go ahead."

"Did Christian talk to his father recently? I told Carrick he needed to call his son and apologize, but he said Christian wasn't taking his calls."

"He didn't mention anything, but I can ask him when he gets home."

"Oh, thank you, darling. I know Carrick has been difficult recently, but we're still family. I can't stand them not talking to each other… Oh, I'm sorry, dear. Did you need something?"

"No, but I just wanted to share some good news with you. Christian and I are planning to move back to Seattle."

She gasped, "Oh, how wonderful! We've all missed both of you terribly. But you especially, dear. Why the sudden change of scenery though?"

"GEH is investing in a tech company based in Seattle, so Christian has to oversee operations over there. GEH is also expanding, so we're opening a Seattle office."

"But what about college, dear? I hope my college dropout son isn't encouraging you to do the same."

"Quite the contrary, actually. He was actually the one encouraging me to finish at Harvard. I don't know if you've heard, but I'm investing my time into creating a fashion line."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea. That one sketch you showed Carolina was absolutely exquisite. I'd love to see more if you have any."

"I do," I affirmed, "I'll send you copies."

"Perfect… Oh, Ana. I'm so happy you're coming back. Would you be opposed to staying with us? I'll have two of my kids back!"

"As much as I would love that… I think Christian has other ideas. He wants to buy the executive penthouse at Escala. And your crazy son wants to have security live with us."

"That sure sounds like Christian."

"Yeah," I giggled, "It sure does."

"Well, the least you can do is come over for Sunday dinner. Mia will be over the moon to not have to talk to mom and dad all night."

"Of course, we'll be there. Oh, and before I forget, Christian and I were looking to hire a housekeeper who can also cook. Would you happen to know anyone?"

"I'll send you the number for the company I use. I'm sure you'll be able to find someone suitable."

"Thanks, Grace. That will save me so much time trying to find someone trustworthy."

"No problem, dear. When do you think you'll move back by? I want to throw you guys an engagement party. But seeing as you're already married, that might be too late."

"We were thinking of moving next week. And as for the engagement party… It would be lovely. There's still a long time until the big wedding. I think we could use some celebration."

"I love how you think, Ana. I'll start the preparations right away."

"Sounds good, Grace. I'll talk to you soon?"

"Yes, bye, dear."

"Bye, Grace."

Talking to Grace made me wish I had that kind of relationship with my own mother. Oh well, enough of the pity party…

I spent the next few hours working on designs and sketches until it was time for lunch. I texted Jerry to see if he wanted to grab a bite, but he said he was stuck in a study group for his government class. And I couldn't call Christian because I didn't want to bother him at work. I made him two hours late this morning. That definitely wasn't a good idea.

I could've cooked, but I was just too tired. So it looked like it would just be me and Sawyer today.

I ran upstairs to fetch a coat and some shoes when my phone started to ring. I ignored it to put on my nude Louboutins and Burberry trench coat when it rang again.

It was Kate. What the fuck? I hit decline and felt satisfied as I picked up a red Birkin bag and tossed my phone into it.

But to my dismay, it rang again. Oh, what the hell…

"Yes?" I said with venom in my voice.

"Oh, Ana. Oh, Ana. I'm so glad you picked up," she shouted frantically.

"What's wrong?" I said in a softer tone. She didn't sound well. Was she in danger?

"Ana, I'm so so sorry I was such a bitch before. I promise I won't try to take over your wedding. And I'm sorry I stormed out and was rude to Christian."

"Are you sorry for leaking that Christian and I were already married to the press?"

"What?" she said flabbergasted, "How did you… Ana…"

"It's nice to know I have friends that I can trust."

"Ana, please. I'm so sorry. I wasn't thinking right. I was just so upset. Please, you have to forgive me."

"Why should I?"

"Because I really need you right now. I really need a friend. Please. You can't abandon me now."

"Kate, what's going on?"

"I'm pregnant, Ana. And I got kicked out of Brown, and my parents cut me off. Please, you have to help me."

A part of me wanted to turn her away and tell her to go to hell. But we'd been friends our whole life. As much as I wanted to tell her to fuck off, I couldn't. I knew I just had to help her and her innocent child.

"Kate, where are you right now?"

"I'm at the train station. I'm waiting for the next train to Boston."

"Okay, please tell me when you're arriving. I'll pick you up okay?"

It sounded like she was sobbing over the phone. "Hey, Kate. It's okay. We'll get through this."

"Thank you, Ana."

Now, I had to tell Christian. He was not going to react well.

When I stepped outside into the brisk air, Sawyer was waiting outside the townhouse with one of Jerry's agents that was assigned to the house at all times.

"Mrs. Grey," he greeted me, "Where to?"

"Hi, Sawyer. Eataly for a salad then the train station please."

"Of course, ma'am. He opens the car door for me then gets in the driver's seat."

"Mrs. Grey, may I ask why we're going to the train station. I wasn't aware anyone was visiting. Mr. Grey didn't mention anything."

"It's very last minute. Mr. Grey doesn't know yet, but we're picking up Kate Kavanaugh."

"Umm, Mrs. Grey. Mr. Grey informed Taylor and me that we were to keep you from her at all costs."

"Oh, my husband's rather dramatic. She sort of betrayed my trust, but she's in a predicament. I really need to do this for her. And I would appreciate it if you let me tell Mr. Grey."

"I really shouldn't, Mrs. Grey."

"Oh, please. Christian's not going to fire you. Ease up."

"I wouldn't put it past him, Mrs. Grey."

"Don't worry. I'll vouch for you. He'll get over his grouchiness in a day or two. Don't worry, Sawyer… I hear you're getting a new partner tomorrow?"

"Yes, ma'am. His name's Ryan."

"Is that his first or last name?"

"His last name, ma'am."

"Is having two first names a necessity for being a CPO?" I laughed.

I saw Sawyer break a smile. "Matthew Ryan is his full name."

"Do you really think another CPO is necessary, Sawyer?"

"In my professional opinion, yes. Frankly, I'd put three guys on you."

"You're even crazier than Christian."

"In all honesty, Mr. Grey is worth quite a lot of money. And with all the threats he's been getting…"

"Threats?" I questioned.

Sawyer looked like he just revealed something he shouldn't have.

"Um, yes ma'am."

"Please don't tell Christian that. Because he just might be crazy enough to hire another one of you."

He nodded.

It looked like I had to talk to Christian about keeping things from me. And about my own safety. This was definitely why he was so insistent on another CPO for me.

After having a nice lunch by myself, I got a text from Kate saying she'd be arriving at the train station in twenty minutes.

With Sawyer by my side, we exited the restaurant. Along the way, I saw people trying to conceal the fact that they were taking pictures of me. People were just so obvious.

"Mrs. Grey," Sawyer got my attention, "We need to move fast. I don't feel comfortable with all these eyes on you."

Oh, the joys of being Mrs. Anastasia Grey.

Line break

"She should be arriving any minute, Sawyer. Sorry for making you wait." Sawyer and I were currently waiting for Kate to arrive at the train station.

"It's really no problem, Mrs. Grey."

"I assume my husband told you about our move to Seattle."

"Yes, ma'am."

"And you're okay relocating?"

"Of course, ma'am."

"Sawyer, if you ma'am me one more time I'm throwing you out of this car."

"Sorry, Mrs. Grey. Force of habit."

"Do you have family in Boston?"

"No. My parents live in New Jersey. And my younger brother is in the Air Force. He's currently stationed in Germany."

"You must miss him."

"All a part of the job, Mrs. Grey."

A few minutes later, Kate came running to the car with only a duffle bag in hand. She looked like a complete mess.

"Oh, Ana. Thank God you're here." She barreled towards me, crushing me in a hug. "I'm so sorry about the Nooz, I wasn't thinking right."

"It's okay, Kate," I tried to soothe her, "All that matters right now is that little baby."

"I can't do it, Ana. I can't be pregnant. It would be such an embarrassment. My family will be mortified."

Was she saying what I thought she was saying? "So you want an abortion?"

"Yes, Ana. There's no way I'm having this baby."

"Kate, are you sure? You should take some time to think if this is what you really want. Also, have you seen a doctor? It could be a false positive."

"I saw a doctor, Ana. I'm really pregnant."

"Kate, having an abortion isn't a decision you should make so rashly. Have you talked to the baby's father? Do you even know who he is?"

She didn't respond.

"Well?" I pressed.

"It was a drunken mistake. I never should have slept with him."

"Do you remember his name?"

"Yes, but we were both drunk out of our minds. I was at a frat party. The Yale football team was there. They had just played Brown in the afternoon. And… And I met this guy. Super hot, blonde, tall, sweet talker. We were talking then next thing you know we were in bed together. And we… We forgot the condom."

No, no, no. It couldn't be. Yale football team. Blonde, tall, a womanizer… Please, not Christian's brother. Anyone but Elliot.

"His name's Elliot."

And our lives just got a whole lot more complicated.

"Kate, did you happen to get his last name?"

"No, I didn't."

"And you're sure his name was Elliot?"

"I'm positive."

"Kate, you can't get an abortion without talking to him first."

"Why not?"

"Because Elliot is Christian's brother."

I brought Kate back home and got her settled into one of the spare bedrooms. I knew I was in for an earful when Christian came home.

I still abhorred the shit she did to me, but I couldn't abandon her now. That baby was Christian's family. My future niece or nephew.

"Kate, do you want anything to eat?" I asked her. She was consoling a pillow in her room.

"Yes, please," she said in a weak voice.

"How does mac & cheese sound?"

"Good."

Hopefully, Christian's favorite meal would calm him down when he saw that Kate was here.

"What the hell, Anastasia?" Christian screamed in a whisper at me, "Why is she in our house?"

"Christian, if you would just please let me explain."

"Go ahead," he scoffed.

"Hey, don't you dare take that tone with me. I know she betrayed us. Me. But she has a problem. And it concerns you too."

"Why would any of her problems concern me?"

"She's pregnant, Christian. It's Elliot's."

"What? How the fuck? How the hell does she even know Elliot? And for goodness sake, he couldn't remember to wrap it up?"

"It happened at a frat party after the Yale vs. Brown football game. You need to talk to Elliot. Kate wants to get an abortion."

"Like hell she is. She can't legally get an abortion without the father's consent. Can she?"

"I don't know Christian. I'm not a lawyer."

"I'll call one of my guys at work. And she needs to tell Elliot now. Or I will."

"Christian, give her some time," I argued, "She's still in shock. I don't think she'll want the abortion once she's had time to cope with the pregnancy. Give her some time."

"Fine," he pouted, "But if she doesn't tell Elliot by the end of the week. I will. He deserves to know he's going to be a father."

"I agree with you. I told her she needed to let Elliot know. That's the least she could do. But do you think Elliot would want this baby? He's…"

"Irresponsible, immature, and a flake." he finished my sentence.

"Exactly."

"I don't know, baby. But knowing Elliot, I think he'd want to know his son or daughter."

"He or she is going to be your niece or nephew."

He laughed softly, "I thought we'd be the first one in the family to give Grace some grandchildren."

"Looks like Elliot stole your thunder," I managed to smile.

"We better get working on that soon," Christian said in a husky voice.

Christian's attempts to subdue me were cut short by the oven alarm going off.

"Oh, that's the mac & cheese!"

Line break

Kate didn't want to get out of bed, so I had to bring her dinner. Christian and I were now sitting alone at the very large dining table.

"Where's Jerry?" Christian asked, making conversation.

"I think he's stuck in some study group."

"You think I could convince him to work for me?"

"Not a chance in hell," I chuckled, "A future president working for you? Funny."

"I'll have to tell him to run for Congress in Seattle."

"What? Don't want to give up your bromance?" I joked.

"Something like that…"

"I don't think senators or congressmen from the state of Washington ever contend for the presidency."

"That's a point well taken."

"He'll need to run in a big state. I bet you he follows in his father's footsteps. He'll run for the House or for the Senate in California. Then governor, or maybe straight to the White House."

"Planning world domination already?"

"Maybe one of our kids will be interested in politics one day. Uncle Fitz would be proud. You know, he was always hoping Karen would carry on the family name. He wanted her to become the first female president. But she hates politics. So much for his dreams."

"If we had a daughter, she'd rule the world."

"If we had a daughter, you'd lock her up until she was thirty."

"I might just have to do that."

After our meal, I grabbed some pints of Ben & Jerry's ice cream for dessert.

"I'm going to offer some to Kate. Nothing like a little ice cream can't fix, right?"

Christian rolled his eyes at me.

I quietly knocked on Kate's door so as to not startle her.

"Kate honey. Do you want some ice cream?"

She didn't answer, so I opened the door to find her sound asleep with an empty bowl next to her.

I picked up the dirty dish and went back downstairs.

"She's sleeping," I said in a whisper to Christian. "We should be quiet."

"If you say so," he rolled his eyes again.

"You know rolling your eyes is grounds for punishment," I smirked with a devilish grin.

"I thought you said we had to be quiet."

"Good point. We can save the punishment for later."

Line break

"So Ryan's starting tomorrow," Christian commented during a commercial break from Project Runway.

That reminded me about what Sawyer let slip to me today. I had to confront Christian about it.

"Yeah, about that… Tell me the truth, Christian. Have there been threats?"

"What?" he said in an unconvincing tone, "Ana, where'd you get that idea?"

"Christian," I said sternly, "You know I hate when you keep things from me. Why else would you suddenly feel compelled to hire another CPO? There has to be a reason."

"Ana, I don't want you to worry."

"Withholding information about my own safety makes me worry even more. Tell me," I coaxed.

"You really want to know?"

"Yes," I insisted.

"Okay, there have been kidnapping threats sent to my office. And I freaked out, okay."

I gave him a tender kiss on the cheek, "You can't keep things like this from me."

"I'm sorry," he apologized, "I just didn't want to stress you out. I know there is so much going on in our lives right now. The move, your fashion line, the wedding."

"I'm not going to break."

"I don't want to take the chance."

Christian went to his study to finish up some work, so I went to check on Kate again.

She was awake this time, cuddling her pillow with dry tears stained on her face.

"Hey, how are you doing?" I asked her.

"I can't tell him, Ana. I can't…" she cried hysterically.

"He deserves to know, Kate."

"What if he wants this baby, Ana? What then?"

"Do you not want this baby?"

"I can't, Ana. I mean, look at me. I'm not ready to be a mother. I can't even get my own life together. How am I supposed to take care of a child?"

"If Elliot wants the baby, you can't get an abortion, Kate. That's so wrong."

"Don't you think I know that, Ana? But what if he doesn't want it?"

"There are other options other than abortion. So many families that can't have children are dying to adopt. Look at Elliot, Christian, and Mia. They were all adopted. Grace and Carrick. Think about it. You could bring another family that much joy from the gift of a child."

"And if I still wanted the abortion… Would you support me?"

"No," I told her honestly, "I can't support that. That baby in there is my future niece or nephew. I'm not going to sit there and watch you kill it."

"Ana, please…"

"Kate, I recognize your right to choose. I'm not going to try and stop you. But morally… I can't support you. It's wrong." I paused, "Look, you need to talk to Elliot before making any decisions."

She looked at me like a sad, lost puppy. I rubbed her shoulder to soothe her and left her be, giving her some more time to think things through.

Christian's POV

"I don't give a fuck if you're busy, Elliot," I screamed into my phone, "You need to come to Boston. It's important."

"What the hell is this about, bro?"

"I can't tell you right now. But what I can tell you is that you have to come to Boston. And I wasn't asking."

"Oh, give me a break Christian," Elliot scoffs\ed, "Just because you're some hotshot CEO doesn't mean you can boss me around. I'm your brother, not your employee. And if I recall correctly, I am older than you."

"Elliot, I don't give a fuck. It's important for you to be here. I wouldn't be telling you to drop everything and come to Boston if it wasn't," I screamed.

"So are mom and dad coming too?"

"Why would they be?"

"Well, this is a family matter, isn't it?"

"This is a family matter only pertaining to you and your promiscuity."

"What are you insinuating?"

"Nothing, Elliot. Just get your ass here by tomorrow. I'll send a jet. Wheels up at 7 am. Don't be late."

"You know what Christian…"

I ended the call before he could finish his sentence. Fucking exasperating, that imbecile. First, he made the mistake of getting into bed with a whore like Kate Kavanagh. Then, he forgot to wrap it up and got the damn girl pregnant.

I heard a soft knock on the door, and Ana came in with a cup of tea for me.

"Talking to Elliot?" she asked.

"Yeah, I'm trying to get him to come here. I don't know if he will."

"You sounded pretty commandeering to me. I'll bet he'll be on that jet by morning."

She came to sit in my lap.

"How could he be so stupid? How could they be so stupid to do something this reckless?" he asked, tenderly caressing my face, "An innocent child doesn't deserve to be born into this mess."

"I don't think Kate wants the baby," she whispered.

"I already had that one figured out."

"I really hope Elliot wants to keep it."

"I hope so too," I said, pulling her into a hug.

"Sir," Taylor alerted me on our way to the office, "I got word from Stephan, the pilot. Elliot showed up at the tarmac a few minutes ago. The plane is set to depart soon. They'll arrive within the hour."

Finally, Elliot listened to something I told him to do.

"Would you like to pick him up yourself, or should I send a member of the security team to fetch him?" Taylor asked.

"We'll go get him, Taylor."

Ana's POV

Kate hadn't gotten out of bed since she arrived yesterday, and I was really concerned about her mental state right now.

I decided to bring her a full plate of breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, toast, and some fresh fruit. Maybe that would cheer her up.

"Hi, Kate," I said, entering her room, "I brought you breakfast." She didn't look like she wanted to take the plate, so I set it down on the nightstand.

"Come on," I tried to coerce her out of bed, "Let's get you dressed and ready for the day."

"I just want to stay in bed, Ana," she whined.

"Katherine, please. Get out of bed. Elliot's flying in today, and you can't look like a mess when he arrives."

"What? Why is he coming?"

"So you can tell him about the baby, obviously."

"I thought I was going to call him, Ana. I don't want to have this conversation face to face. We don't even know each other. It was just a one-night stand."

"Kate, he's Christian's brother. This baby is my family too. And if you don't want to tell him about the baby, I will."

"Ugh," she whined again, "This is so embarrassing, Ana."

"I'll be there for you when you tell him, okay?" I tried to soothe her by placing my hand on top of hers. "Everything will be just fine."

Or so I thought.