Chapter 23 - Seattle

Christian's POV

"Hey, I just talked to the dean," Elliot's voice rang through my phone.

"And what did he say?" I already knew what he said. I talked to him about Elliot finishing his degree at Yale via online classes. I didn't want Carrick to get upset at Elliot for dropping out like I did.

"He said I could take online classes for a year, and I'd still get my degree," Elliot said with excitement in his voice, "Isn't that great?"

"Yeah, that's great El. So when are you thinking of telling mom and dad?"

"I was thinking Sunday dinner. I'll need you and Ana to back me up."

"I think that's a good idea. Kate just got here yesterday. Do you want to invite her?"

"Hell, no dude. I don't think that's smart. Hell, she wants nothing to do with the child. I don't want her around our parents."

"She's staying with Ana and me. I want to get rid of her."

"Shit dude, sounds like a problem."

"It wouldn't be a fucking problem if you didn't knock her up!" I exclaimed.

"What do you want me to do? Invite her to stay with me? Because that sure as hell doesn't sound like a good idea. And if you want her gone so bad, just kick her out."

"Ana's the one who invited her to stay with us. She'd have my balls if I kicked her out," I reasoned.

Elliot laughed, "Can't Kate stay with her parents? They live in Seattle, right?"

"Ana told me that Kate's parents cut her off after she got kicked out of Brown. Apparently, Kate's not talking to them, and doesn't even want to tell them she's pregnant. If she did she'd just be more on the outs with her family," I replied.

"There's got to be something you can do, man. Like rent her an apartment or something. You're richer than shit, I'm sure you can afford it."

"It's not about the money, El. Ana wants to make sure Kate has a healthy and happy pregnancy for the sake of your child."

"Shit, if that's the case then I owe you guys one."

"Don't worry about it. I may not like it, but it's for you so…" I trailed off.

"Just come out and say it C, you love me," he teased.

"Don't get too far ahead of yourself," I chuckled, "Just get your ass to Seattle. I'll see you tomorrow."

"See you soon, bro."

I ended the call and sighed. This was going to be a long nine months.

Ana's POV

"Grace! It's so good to see you," I exclaimed and gave her a hug, "Christian wanted to be here, but he had to take care of something last minute at the new GEH building."

"Oh, don't you worry about him. I'm sure that boy will make an appearance eventually. I'm so glad you two are back for good."

"I am too," I gushed. "Is Mia still at school?"

"She should be home soon. She just got her driver's license and Christian sent her his old Audi, so I'm assuming she's taking the scenic route home." So that was where Christian's old R8 went.

"I hope she'll be here soon. I brought something to show you guys." I pulled out my sketchbook from my purse.

"Oh, dear," Grace squealed, "I've been waiting to see these."

Grace and I sat down over some tea and pastries while she looked over my designs.

"You did these all by yourself?" she asked.

"Yes," I answered, proudly.

"They're really all wonderful."

"Thank you. I'm planning on getting production started on some of the pieces next week. Which reminds me, you should come see my new office. It's absolutely stunning."

"Christian already showed me some pictures to make sure you would like it. But I'd love to see it in person."

"Sounds like a plan," I smiled.

I heard the sound of heels clicking on the marble floors and a deafening scream.

"Ana! Ana! Ana!" Mia came barreling towards me almost causing me to spill my cup of tea.

"Mia!"

"I can't believe you're really here! And back for good. We can go on weekly shopping trips now."

"Yes, weekly shopping trips are a must," I giggled.

"Yay!" Her eyes turned to my sketchbook in Grace's hands. "Oh my gosh! Are these yours?"

"Yeah, they are."

She took the book out of her mother's hands and flipped through it.

"I can so see this on a runway show. Paris, Milan, New York. Oh my God! Can I be a model?"

"I don't see why not," I smiled. I'd love to have Mia involved in any way she wanted. "If you want, you can come to my new office after school and help with the pre-production. I know you have such a keen eye for fashion."

"Yes, yes, yes! A thousand times yes!"

'Thank you,' Grace mouthed to me.

"Can you stay for dinner?" Grace asked me when Mia went upstairs to change out of her school uniform.

"Of course, Grace. Should I ask Christian to come over as well? He should be finishing up his work by now. And the poor man needs a break."

"Please, do. We all miss him dearly. Especially Carrick. Have you asked Christian if he's returned his call?"

Shit! I knew I forgot to do something. "Sorry, Grace. I completely forgot. I'll tell Christian to get his ass over here tonight. They need to work things out."

Christian's POV

Ana: Come to your parent's house for dinner tonight.

Christian: Is my dad going to be home?

Ana: Yes, and you two need to talk.

I needed an excuse.

Christian: I have work.

Ana: You can finish it tomorrow.

Christian: Ana, please…

Ana: You can't avoid your father forever.

Christian: Try me.

Ana: I wasn't asking.

Christian: Neither was I.

Ana: If you come, I'll let sir show me who's boss tonight.

Christian: Fine. I'll be there by 6.

Ana: Love you.

Christian: Love you too.

Damn it, that girl always got what she wanted.

"Taylor!" I shouted.

"Yes, Mr. Grey," he answered immediately, opening the door of my new office.

"We need to be at my parents' house soon. We'll leave in five minutes."

"I'll have the car ready, sir."

He closed the door, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I really didn't want to talk to my father. I knew I couldn't avoid him forever. I didn't want to hear his apologies about how he treated me when I dropped out of Harvard or for how he offended my wife when we got married. All I wanted to hear him say is that he was proud of me.

I was the CEO of a multi-million, soon to be multi-billion dollar company, and he hadn't said once that he was proud of me. I married the love of my life, a beautiful, smart, intelligent woman, and all he had to say was that I should've gotten a prenup. He didn't tell me that he was happy for me. He didn't tell me that he was proud of me.

Taylor was driving me to my parent's house. I was sitting in the back of the Audi going through work emails in comfortable silence. The ten missed calls from my father within the last few weeks did not go unnoticed.

"Um, Taylor…" I called, getting his attention.

"Yes, Mr. Grey?"

I took myself by surprise when I asked him a personal question. "Do you… Are you close with your father?"

It was funny. I spent all day with this man, but barely knew him. I was sure Anastasia had taken the time to ask Sawyer and Ryan all sorts of questions about their personal lives. But me on the other hand… Well, let's just say this was the first time I had asked Taylor anything remotely personal.

He looked surprised by my question but didn't flinch when he replied, "Yeah, I am. I'm close with both my parents actually. But it wasn't always that way."

"What do you mean?"

"My father was upset when I decided to enlist in the army instead of going to college. We didn't talk for about four years while I was in and out of Afghanistan. But then he got really sick, sir. We realized we were both being stubborn and petty. It took us a while, but we eventually made up."

"And how is he doing now?"

"He's doing much better, Mr. Grey. We were lucky."

"Good, I'm glad." I paused for a minute before continuing, "Taylor… Do you think I'm making a mistake not talking to my father?"

"I'd say every relationship is different. But in my opinion, holding a grudge is never ideal, especially if that person is family… Was what he did unforgivable?"

I thought about Carrick's two major missteps. While he may have said stupid, irrational, and hurtful things… He was still my father. It didn't erase everything he's done for me my whole life. Saving me. Adopting me. Giving me food. A home. A brother. An annoying baby sister. A whole family.

"No," I admitted.

"Then I think you know what you should do, Mr. Grey."

When I got to my parent's house, Ana greeted me at the door with a kiss.

"Hi handsome," she smiled, "I missed you today."

"I missed you too, baby."

"You're mom's finishing up dinner…"

"Christian!" Mia screamed from across the foyer.

"Go say hi to your sister first," Ana whispered.

I sighed, "Fine."

We were all gathered in the kitchen now. The smell of Mom's delicious home cooked meal filled the air. She was making my favorite mac & cheese. It was the same one Ana always made for me when I was stressed out after a day of work. She was the one who gave Ana the recipe.

"Christian," Mia babbled, "Ana said I could help at her workshop after school. Isn't that so cool? I can tell all my friends that I'm working on the next big fashion line. Oh my God, you have no idea how excited I am. I'm thinking classy but sassy. Like Chanel and Oscar de la Renta had a baby."

"That's great, Mia. We're all so lucky to be graced with your talent," I said dryly.

Mia rolled her eyes at me. It seemed that all the women in my family liked to do that to me.

"Christian," my mother got my attention, "Your father is finishing up some work in his study. I know he'd like to speak with you."

Ana gave me a stare, telling me everything her words didn't. She wanted me to go talk to him. My mother wanted me to go talk to him. Hell, I even wanted to go talk to him. However, I didn't think Mia even knew what's going on.

"Go," Ana mouthed to me.

Without saying a word, I got out of my seat and walked up the stairs. It was a familiar walk. I remembered countless times having to walk up here as a teenager to be reprimanded by Carrick. I was so fucking out of control until I met Ana. If that were my son… Hell, I didn't have a fucking clue how I would've handled it. I had to give Carrick some credit for that.

As always, I knocked on the door. However, for the first time, when I came up here, I didn't feel like a scared, fucked up little boy. I was a man now. A successful one, a happy one. For the first time in my whole life, I wasn't nervous to step into his office. He was the one who owed me an apology, not the other way around.

"Come in," I heard my father's booming voice through the thick wood of the door.

I opened the door slowly and cautiously. My father looked taken aback when he saw me.

"Uh… Christian," he stuttered, managing a smile, "I didn't expect you here."

"Didn't mom tell you I was coming?" I asked.

"No, she didn't."

I stood there awkwardly in the doorway.

"Please, Christian," he said eagerly, "Take a seat. I know we have a lot to talk about."

I tentatively walked across the room and sat in the plush leather chair directly across from his desk.

"Look, Dad…"

"Christian, I'm…"

We both stuttered at the same time.

"You first," I directed him.

"Okay," he befan, "I want to start off by telling you how sorry I am. About the college thing. And about the things I said about Ana. I truly didn't mean them. I'm so grateful for her. She brings out the best in you. And I don't know why I said it. I think I was just lashing out at you. I was so mad at you for dropping out of Harvard. And…"

"Dad, really, it's fine."

"No, no. Let me say my piece, son," he interjected, "Look, when Elliot chose Yale over Harvard I was crushed. I always wanted one of my kids to follow in my footsteps. But your brother wanted to blaze his own trail, I guess. And well, you weren't exactly a good kid. I mean, you were an outstanding student, but I just didn't think you could get your act together with all the drinking and the fighting. I never thought Harvard was an option for you. But then, when you met Ana, you became driven. You became a better person. You spent more time with your family. And you opened up to us a bit more. It was like you were finally coming out of your shell after all these years. Anyways, I remember you both talking about college. Harvard was Ana's goal, and it soon became yours. I just thought… Well, I just thought that my dream of having one of my kids attend college at my alma mater would become a reality. And I know I shouldn't have projected my hopes and dreams on you. That wasn't fair of me. You're allowed to make your own decisions. And your decision to drop out, it was one of the most ballsy, bold decisions you've ever made. And it damn sure paid off son."

Wow, I never thought I'd see the day that Carrick Grey got all soft on me.

"Thank you for saying that, Dad. And I have to apologize too. For not taking your calls when I should have. We're not perfect. But we are family. And you always have Mia to carry on your torch."

He laughed, "I love Mia. But she's definitely not cut out for college. Let alone Harvard."

"You might have a point there…"

My father gave me a warm smile. "I want you to have something," he declares. He opened a drawer on the bottom right of his desk, and pulled out an old velvet box. "This used to be your grandfather's. He gave it to me after I graduated law school. And now I'm giving it to you."

I opened the lid. At first glance, it was just an old watch. But I knew better.

"That watch was made in the 40's. Rolex only made twelve of them, and your grandfather was lucky enough to be the recipient of one."

I looked carefully at the extraordinary timepiece in front of me, amazed at how it stood the test of time. Most people who looked at this would just see an old watch. But after buying my fair share of overpriced watches, I knew this one would top the list of the most expensive watches I own. I'd have to get my insurance guy to appraise it, but I was thinking this could easily be worth $1.5 million now. No doubt.

Shouldn't my dad be giving this gift to Elliot? As someone who was going to graduate college and achieve that major milestone in his life.

"Dad… this is… I mean, shouldn't you be giving this to Elliot?"

He scoffed, "He wouldn't appreciate it like you would, son. Elliot would much rather receive a shiny new Piaget on his graduation day than this old thing. And even so, I really wanted you to have this. I know I never say this to you, but I want you to know I'm proud of you. I've always been proud of you."

He was proud of me. He was proud of me. He was proud of me. Four words I had been waiting to hear for… Forever. I could feel a tear threatening to pool out of my eye. Don't cry, Grey. Don't cry, Grey. Don't cry, Grey.

Before I started crying like an idiot, I got out of my seat and gave my old man a hug. At first, my dad was stunned. I had never allowed anyone but Ana to touch me like this. I just couldn't bear it. But after years of Ana healing me, I was finally ready to let my family in. To let my father in. My dad reciprocated the hug. It felt odd, but it didn't burn. We may not have fully healed, but it was a step forward.

"Maybe one day you'll pass it down to your own son."

"I hope so, dad."

Throughout dinner, my dad asked me every question he could think of about the business. And I enjoyed answering every single one of his questions. I told him about the plans for the new Seattle office, and my plans for the future. I told him about my plans to open offices in New York City and Los Angeles by the end of the year. And I even told him about starting a philanthropic wing of GEH. A mission to feed the world's hungry. A mission to provide cutting edge technology to the third world. Hell, I hadn't even told Ana some of this stuff yet. But when I looked at her, she gave me a beaming smile of approval. She was happy that my father and I had finally made up. My mom looked happy too.

"Have you spoken to Elliot recently?" Grace asked when she brought dessert to the table, "He said he was coming to visit soon."

"Yeah, didn't his semester just start?" Carrick asked, "He surely can't have a break already."

"I think Elliot has some big news for you guys," I revealed.

"What kind of news?" Mia asked intrusively.

I was ready to say something snarky back to my sister before Ana interrupted, "I think Elliot would be upset if he couldn't tell you all himself."

"Let's pray to God he doesn't drop out of college," Carrick joked.

"He's not, Dad. Don't worry," I said.

"So you know why Elliot's coming back?" he asked.

"Yes, Ana and I both know. But he really wants to tell you guys himself. He's planning on telling you at Sunday dinner."

"Oh!" Grace squealed, "All my beautiful children will be back together again. This is great!"

Little did she know, a bombshell was about to be dropped on her.

Ana's POV

Taylor was currently driving Christian and me home. Taylor and Sawyer were going to pick up my car tomorrow morning.

Christian looked relaxed. Tired, but relaxed. And judging from the pleasant dinner we just had, he must have had a good conversation with his father.

"How did the talk with your father go?" I asked in a whisper.

"Better than I thought it would. He apologized. I apologized. We hugged it out."

Woah, back up. Christian Grey apologized? That was a development. I was happy that he could find it in his heart to forgive his father. And a hug? Christian only ever allowed me to touch him. That must have been hard for him to let someone else in. I wrapped my arms around him, trying to support him in any way I could.

"I'm glad, Christian. Grace was beside herself."

"I know that now. I was being petty and stupid. I should've answered one of his many calls before. But everything's good now."

He rolled up his shirt sleeve and held out his wrist so I could see. Gone was the shiny new watch I bought him, and in its place was an old one. Beautiful, but very old.

"My dad gave this to me," he recounted, "It was his father's. And now it's mine."

I wrapped my arms around him. I knew all Christian's ever wanted was to gain approval from his parents, his dad especially. And this watch symbolized that.

"And you'll pass it down to our son someday?" I asked. With Kate expecting, I definitely had a little baby fever.

"Yes, I will."

Christian's POV

"This is your new place," I said, handing Elliot the keys. "A maid service will be here twice a week to pick up your shit, but please try to keep it clean."

Elliot's apartment was in downtown Seattle, a short drive from the GEH building. The apartment was totally child friendly, and I made sure there was enough space for a playroom and a nursery.

"Shit bro, this is fucking nice. Does it come with a chef too?"

"No you fucking idiot. I don't even have a chef. What makes you think I'd get you one."

"You have Ana. She's so much fucking better than a personal chef. I'm going to starve."

I laughed, "You're a big boy. I'm sure you know how to order takeout. And also, watch your fucking mouth, bro. You don't want your child talking like that."

He scoffed, "I've got what… eight to nine months before you'll have to wash out my mouth with soap."

"I'll actually do it. Don't test me," I said with a serious tone in my voice.

"Whatever, C. But in all honesty, thank you. This place is great."

"Good. And you've got everything settled with your online classes?"

"Yep. I'll have to go to UW once a week to meet with an academic advisor to make sure all my work's done. But otherwise, I'll be a Yale graduate next year."

"That's great, El. And before I forget, dinner's at 6. Don't be late."

"You didn't tell them yet, did you?"

"Of course, I didn't," I replied, "But they do know that you have an announcement to make."

"Fuck, I'm nervous as hell, dude. How do you think dad is going to react?"

"I see two options. Either he goes nuclear or he gives you a look of disapproval that would be a thousand times worse."

"Wow, thanks for the reassurance, C."

"Hey, I'm just telling you the truth. But I'm sure he'll come to terms with it eventually. And I wouldn't be too worried about how mom is going to react."

"I'm not worried about mom. It's dad I'm worried about. Some people still need their trust fund."

"I'll tell you what. If he really cuts you off, which I doubt he is, I'll give you mine."

"Rich bastard."

Ana's POV

Christian went to go show Elliot the apartment, Kate was still sleeping, and I was making my famous apple pie for the family dinner tonight.

A few hours later, and I had already put the pies in the oven and began cleaning the kitchen.

The ding of the elevator signaled Christian's arrival. As always, Taylor was right beside him. Christian greeted me with a kiss.

I asked Christian, "How did Elliot like the place?"

"He liked it. He'd be crazy not to. That's a piece of prime real estate."

"Does he want to change the décor? I can have the decorator on standby."

"I don't think Elliot cares much about that. Save your army of interior designers for our next piece of real estate."

"Our next piece of real estate?" I smirked and raised my eyebrow at him.

"I was thinking of buying a place in New York and Los Angeles. My people are telling me I need to diversify my portfolio. But we can save that discussion for later. Where's Kate by the way?"

"Still sleeping," I shrugged, looking at the clock on the oven. It was almost 2 pm. Someone needed to tell that girl to wake up.

Christian just rolled his eyes.

We couldn't help it. Christian and I were now digging into one of the many apple pies I made.

After eating our fair share of pie, I wrapped up the pies to bring to Grace's house. By the time we were done, it was almost 4 pm, and Kate still hadn't made an appearance. I was sure she was fine, but I should definitely go check on her and bring her some food. She must be starving.

I quickly tossed a kale salad together and added all of Kate's favorite toppings – tomatoes, avocadoes, cucumbers, red onions, and chicken.

When I went upstairs, I saw Kate still lying in bed in her pajamas. She looked miserable scrolling through her phone.

"Hey, I brought you some food. How are you feeling?" I asked.

"I'm so exhausted, Ana," she replied, "I really don't want to get up right now."

"Don't worry about it. I brought you some food. You need to eat." I laid the tray down on the bed and took a seat next to her. She immediately picked up the salad.

"Are you going to be okay by yourself tonight?" I asked her, "Christian and I are going to dinner at his parent's house."

"I'll be fine."

"If you need anything, please call me okay?"

"I will, Ana. And thank you so much again for letting me crash here with you guys. I know I'm not Christian's favorite person at the moment."

"No need to thank me…"

She gave me a warm smile. "I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow. If you… Maybe you'd like to…"

She didn't get to finish her sentence before I interrupted, "I'd love to come with you." I then broached a touchy subject, "I also should let you know that Elliot's back in town permanently now. I think he'd love to accompany you to the doctor's as well. I mean, if that's alright with you."

She sighed, appearing to think heavily about my question. She put on a brave face and says, "Sure. I don't see why not."

"Maybe it will give you guys a chance to get to know each other better." I was secretly hoping that Kate would come to her senses and want to be in the child's life.

"Ana, that sounds like a bad idea. It could get… messy."

"We're already in a huge mess." I sighed, "But if you really don't want Elliot there, just tell me."

She closed her eyes, as if she was thinking really hard. "He can come, I just don't want to spend any more time with him than I have to."