Thank you all for all for reading and your fucking awesome reviews. I love them; I wish I could respond to everyone all the time but I just can't. I do hope you understand. Someone asked me if I had a Pinterest page for this story. I hadn't thought about it but I may do it in my spare time, if I can find some. I'll let you know if I do though.

Those of you who follow and are part of the FB page I am active on know that I work and go to school full time so I have limited free time. This story is my free time. I average around 3,500 words a chapter which takes time to get out of my head and onto the screen. I know you get antsy when there's no consistency in updating. I'm in the same boat with the almost 800 stories I follow. Please be patient with me.

Can I just say I am completely floored by all the views the story has, it blows my mind. I appreciate all of you! So, this chapter took on a mind of its own and I debated for a few days but in the end I said fuck it. My story. I beg of you all not to jump to any crazy ass conclusions. I have been lucky up to this point with such kind readers, I don't want to get bombarded by scathing reviews because I will delete them without hesitation. I'd much rather you not review if you can't muster up anything kind to say. Regardless I hope you enjoy this update. I'll try to get something out quickly so as to not leaving you dangling from the cliff too long.

Chapter 18

"I love you, Christian. With every fiber of my being, I love you."

His lips press against mine sending me all the emotion that was building through this kiss.

"Ana, you have no idea how relieved I am and happy. I was worried that I was coming on too strong and would scare you off."

We lie close together, relishing the outcome of tonight's events, not a word spoken. The last thing I hear before my eyes close and I drift off to sleep is Christian's proclamation of love.

It's seriously fucking bright in here. We neglected to close the shades apparently but god damn …I look at my phone and see it's only eight in the morning. Why am I awake this early on a Saturday morning? I turn over in the hope of snuggling with Christian only to find his side empty. I hear faint voices and realize that Christian is talking to someone, but I can't hear too well as the bedroom door is closed. What the hell…I'm awake now I guess I'll drag my ass out of bed and see what the day will bring.

After brushing my teeth, I find one of Christian's t-shirts, slip on my yoga pants and head in the direction of the voices. I tiptoe down the hallway not wanting to alert anyone that I'm seriously eavesdropping. I can hear Christian, Taylor, and Keegan talking. Why in god's name is here this early?

"What the fuck am I supposed to do now, Christian? This bitch is stalking me. She's everywhere I go. There is something seriously wrong with this chick. It's not normal behavior."

"Settle down Keegan. Taylor has been looking into her background to see if we can find anything to use against her. Have you considered that she's telling the truth?"

I hear Taylor talking now. "Keegan, have you filed a police report on the damage? That should be the first step. I know you and Elliott are not as fanatical about security around your house as we are but did you get anything from the cameras?"

Hmm, this doesn't sound good. Keegan's ex-issue appears to be serious. I decide to make my presence known.

"Good morning gentlemen. Are you missing me Keegan, is that why you are here so early on a Saturday." I smile so he knows I'm just giving him a hard time. Good thing Christian spoke up first because I don't care what you say these two are scary identical.

"Sorry baby, did we wake you up?" Christian asks as he kisses the top of my head.

"No, actually the sun did. We forgot to close the shades," I say matter of fact.

"Shit, I got out of bed so quick I didn't think to close them. I'm still getting used to having you in my bed," He whispers that last little bit.

"Hi, Bitty, sorry to barge in on your sexy time but I needed Christian and Taylor's help."

"No worries. He's your brother…that's what family is for, right? You need refills on your coffee?"

I smell the coffee, so I make a break for the kitchen with the boys' coffee mugs. I know Gail isn't working today so after I bring out their coffee I make myself at home in the kitchen. The SubZero is ginormous and filled with all the healthy crap you can imagine. Christian is the antithesis of healthy. Who the hell eats kale. I can deal with spinach, but kale. Yuck! It's like eating fucking grass. The only things that should be eating grass do not have opposable thumbs.

Grabbing some eggs, bacon, and fruit, I decide to make my man some breakfast. I never pictured myself as the domestic type until now. You know who is domestic, Carla Steele. That woman is mad crazy about food and cleanliness. When we were kids, we would get an allowance for all the chores we'd do during the week. She had a fucking chart, and everything was color coded to for each of us kids. Certifiable she is. Harper never had money because she refused to do anything. Hunter was always helping out dad so that pretty much left Tanner and me. In my mind, I was a rich fucker as a kid. I'd hide my allowance from Harper. That bitch was always sneaking into my room looking for money for makeup and girly shit. Carla tried to tell her if she'd do the chores she'd get paid. Nope, not happening. She'd rather make my life a living hell than lift a single manicured finger. She's still a pig to this day, and I refuse to go in her room. I do love her despite her annoyances.

"I'm making breakfast, are you staying Keegan? Taylor?" I shout as I am digging through the cabinet looking for the pan I want to use.

"Count me in Itty Bitty," Keegan shouts with enthusiasm. I muse that he is not intimately familiar with the concept of a kitchen. Christian can't cook I know that much. Hello calling Gail Taylor, wonder woman chef and housekeeper extraordinaire.

Taylor peeks his head over the counter to where I am on the floor, "No thank you, Ana. Gail's waiting for me to take her out."

"Sir, if you need me just text me. I'll be back around noon."

The Doublemint Twins saunter into the kitchen evidently because the smell of food has made its way into the great room. Christian is in his pajamas still and damn if he doesn't look delish. That t-shirt leaves nothing to the imagination that's for damn sure. Even though these two are identical is it weird that I'm not attracted to Keegan. I wonder they feel the same way about Harper and me. Inquiring minds want to know this shit.

The tingling sensation I get lets me know that Christian is behind me. Hands on my boobs…yeah that better be him. I turn around so I can see his face. That beautiful smile.

"Did you sleep well, my love?" It would appear that Christian is feeling a tad bit amorous this morning because he is clearly happy to see me.

"I did. Your bed is extremely comfortable. I could sleep forever in that bed." I give him a kiss.

A throat clears, "Are we eating or are we making out. It smells good and getting cold." Keegan jokes.

We eat breakfast, and I listen to the bantering between the brothers. You'd think they were five years old…the punching and nipple pinching and insults. There's no doubt these two love each other. No one mentions the ex-girlfriend issue, and I'm not about to bring it up. I'm staying far away from that drama. Don't need it. Don't want it. That's Harper and Kate's scene, not mine.

The three of us spend the next two hours talking and getting to know one another better. What I really get a kick out of are the stupid jokes these two are telling. They have me rolling on the fucking floor. Christian may have a very serious take no prisoners, eat em up and spit em out public persona, but his private life is the polar opposite. He's pretty fucking funny.

After Keegan leaves, Christian and I shower together, getting dirty and clean at the same time. We finish getting ready to tackle whatever the day brings.

I hear my phone buzzing so I run and dive on the bed to get it. This could be interesting, "Babe, do you want to meet my parents for lunch? It's just the two of them."

"That sounds like a good idea, I'm sure they want to catch up with you. Where are we meeting them, I need to let Sawyer know since Taylor's with Gail."

"Looks like they want to go to Metropolitan Grill at one o'clock. Is that okay?"

"Whatever you want baby. I'm going to talk with Sawyer."

We arrive at the restaurant right on time, and I spot my parents waiting out front. Thank fuck Carla didn't want French food today because I could definitely murder a burger. I see my parents holding hands.

To say that my mom and dad love one another is the understatement of the century…twentieth or twenty-first. High school and college sweethearts, these two can hardly stand to be away from each other during the day. I am glad to be living in the same city again but seriously happy not to be living with them. Ever heard your parents having sex? Ever walked in on your parents having sex in the kitchen. How about the back patio…the home theater? You get what I'm talking about right. When I was a little kid, we used to spray our lab, Reggie, with a squirt bottle when he humped things. One time, I walked in on my parents having sex when they thought the door was locked. I calmly took the scene in, left, and returned with the dog's spray bottle. I then to squirted my dad with water. Worked just like it did on Reggie. So, wrong on so many levels.

How is it that Christian has known my parents for years, yet I'd never heard of him? He said met them several years back at one of Grace's charity events. I guess my dad and Carrick golf every week in addition to being managing partners at their law firm. To be fair, I was away for four years at college and everyone's life just kept moving forward.

"Hi, baby girl." My dad gives me a big hug. Damn, I love my dad.

"Hi, daddy. Hey, ma. Thanks for inviting us to lunch." I hug my mom while dad and Christian shake hands.

"Anastasia, you look beautiful. I'm so happy to see you." My mom kisses my cheek and has this sly grin on her face. I can feel an embarrassing story on the horizon. Please don't let it be anything about periods, boobs, sex or the time I lost my top at the water park in California.

"Christian, it is wonderful to see you again. Ray and I are so happy about you and Ana. Thank you for helping her with the new job. I know she is beyond grateful."

"Carla, I'm the one who's grateful. She's brilliant and will make a significant impact to our bottom line. Shall we find our table?"

The waiter brings out my burger, and I can't take my eyes off it. I take a bite, and I'm pretty sure I just came. This is the best fucking burger ever! Christian orders some foofy salmon salad, of course. Salad does a body good because when I look at him clothed or naked, I just can't control the naughty thoughts running through my head.

Mom is lobbing questions at us like she's a member of the U.S. volleyball team. Poor Christian, he's hanging in there, though. I'm listening to them talk, and I end up daydreaming about shower sex and kitchen counter sex…oh car sex. We've gotta give that a shot.

"Ana….hello Ana." My mom rudely interrupts my vivid sex daydream.

"Yes, I'm sorry. What were you saying?"

"I asked Christian if you both were planning on attending Grace and Carrick's fundraiser ball for the Joyful Foundation."

"Well mom, I don't know. Someone hasn't mentioned anything about it. Are we planning to attend….dear?" I'm just yanking his chain.

"I'm sorry, baby. I was going to talk to you about it this weekend. Your mom just beat me to it. Would you like to go with me? It's being held at the art museum this year."

"Oh, I would love to. I suppose I have to dress up, huh?"

Everyone laughs, "Yes, Ana you need to wear a dress. Is your foot going to be alright by then?"

Oh, fuck my life.

"When is it? I'm already walking without the boot. It was a tiny fracture and doesn't even hurt, so I'm sure I'll be able to squeeze my foot in some CFMs for you to wrap around your neck."

My mother gasps and her face turns red. Christian is choking on his water. OH MY GOD! I said that out loud. What the ever loving fuck is wrong with me. I have completely lost my mind. It's a damn good thing my dad stepped away to take a call.

"Mom, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say that out loud. I…I'm…. Jesus. I just want to crawl under the table."

No need for me to worry about Carla embarrassing me. Nope, I'm doing a pretty fucking good job on my own. Christian is trying very hard to contain his amusement. This is all his fault, all this smut going through my head all the damn time. I blame it on Big Dick and the Twins.

"Anastasia, no need to be embarrassed. The stories I could tell you about dad and me…"

"No! Please, don't. Somethings are best left unsaid."

"So, what did I miss," Dad asks when he sits back down.

"We were just talking about shoes, daddy. Boring stuff."

"Yes, well that is definitely not my thing. Unless…those high heel shoes are on your mother's feet, wrapped around my neck."

"Oh kill me now please!" This is where I get it from…my father has no shame nor does he have a filter.

"Raymond Steele, stop it. We don't want to embarrass the kids. Are you guys ready to go? Dad and I have some errands to run, and we're meeting Bill and Janice for dinner at the club."

I can't move my ass out of the restaurant quick enough and I certainly can't blame my mouth on alcohol consumption. No, that's all me. Sober Ana. We say our goodbyes and Sawyer drives us back to Escala so I can find a hole a crawl in it.

It's after four when we get home. I wander into the theater and plop down on the oversized couch. Emotionally worn out but I'm raring to go in the time to get laid department. My nether region is feeling more like a deserted island.

"Baby, what do you feel like doing tonight? We could go out, stay in. What do you think?"

"I could make us dinner and we could stay in, watch a movie. Is that okay with you?" I am a pretty good cook if I don't say so myself. Thank you Carla Steele and your fucking French cooking.

"Fine with me my love. I have some work to do for a bit so I'll be in my office."

I watch him take long strides down the hall toward the first door on the right; his sanctuary. God damn I love his ass in those jeans. Deciding this is a very good time to chill the fuck out, I go to the library and look through the vast floor to ceiling shelves looking for the right book. When I finally find what I'm looking for, I settle in on the softest, oversized sofa I have ever sat my ass in. I've only been reading for a short time when I hear yelling. Christ, what the fuck is going on now? I hear Taylor and Sawyer talking while King Composure is yelling from the top of his lungs. God damn his voice is menacing. Remind me not to get him angry at me. I'm not moving from this spot.

Not ten seconds later I hear my phone ringing, and I know its Harper calling.

"What's up sissy?" She doesn't say anything, and all I hear is sniffling and yelling in the background.

"Harper, what the fuck is wrong?"

"Oh my god Ana. Where are you?"

"I'm at Christian's. Why, what's wrong, why are you crying?"

"I'm at University of Washington Medical Center. Keegan was shot."

No sooner does she tell me when I hear the library door fly open and Christian comes barreling in with tears in his eyes.

"Anastasia, we have to go. Now!"

"Okay, let's go. Harper just called me and told me. Where's Taylor, neither one of us can drive."

"He's waiting at the curb. Hurry Ana, please."

I grab my purse, and we run into the elevator. I'm still on the phone with my sister trying to make sure she's okay. When she tells me, she's not hurt I let her know we're on the way.

We make it to the street and jump in the car. Taylor is driving, and Sawyer is riding shotgun. Christian is shaking but hasn't said a word. I unbuckle myself and climb on his lap and take his face in my hands.

"Christian, baby look at me. I love you. Everything is going to be alright, Keegan is strong. Stay positive. We'll be at the hospital soon, just hang in there baby."

He wraps his arms around me and his head falls against my chest. I can tell he's crying. This is breaking my heart. I don't even know if Keegan is alive.

"Taylor is Keegan…is he…"

"He's alive. Elliott called me as soon as the ambulance arrived. I stayed on the phone with him until they left in the ambulance. Dr. Trevelyan let me know they were taking him into surgery as soon as they arrived. She'll be waiting for Christian in the surgery waiting room."

There's no worse feeling than helplessness. Seeing Christian like this is breaking my heart. I can't imagine what he must be feeling. I know if that were Harper I would be losing my shit about now.

Taylor is definitely breaking land speed records because we aren't in the car ten minutes when we arrive at the ER entrance. He comes to a screeching halt, so I climb off Christian, open the door and pull him out. Sawyer is right behind us while Taylor parks the car. We rush through the double doors and ask the receptionist where we can find the family.

She directs us down a hallway, and I see Harper leaning up against a wall with her head in her hands. I hear his parents talking to the police as we enter the waiting area. The place is filled with police, but all I can think about is what I can do for Christian and my sister. I find Kate, and she hugs me tight. I ask her if she and Elliott are okay. She assures me they aren't physically harmed. She lets me know that she called my parents, and they are on the way.

Christian is with his parents and Elliott, so Kate, and I go to Harper. I need to make sure she is alright. We pull her into the room, and I bring her some water and tissues. She's a mess. She has to be traumatized by this. None of us has been exposed to anything like this before.

I crouch down in front of her, taking her hands in mine. She looks up, and I expect her to be quiet, but she starts telling me what happened. Harper has always been the most level-headed one.

"I was out with Keegan, and we decided to go to his place to play pool and hang out, but when we walked in through the garage, there was this chick standing in the hallway with a gun. I froze not knowing who she was. I thought maybe she was a burglar and maybe there was someone else with her. Keegan recognized her right away."

"Jesus fuck…it was the ex, right?"

"Bunny boiler is more like it. The bitch is certifiable. She starts telling him how much she loves him still and begging him to take her back so she doesn't have to raise their baby alone. He's standing there trying to figure out how to get us out of this situation. She's calling me every nasty name she could. Accusing me of taking him away from her and it's all my fault. I realized this was the same girl who accosted me when I was coming out of Nordstrom a few days ago."

"What? When did this happen, how come I didn't know about this? What the ever loving fuck is going on. Is she really pregnant with his kid?"

"Ana, settle down and listen. He's not sure about the baby or if she's really even pregnant. Anyway, Keegan is trying to talk to her and calm her down because she's waving the gun around like it's a fucking banana peel. I'm not moving and all the sudden I hear Kate and Elliott drive up. I know they're going to come in right behind us. She starts to freak out, screaming at me 'why did you have to take him away from me. He loves me not you. You ruined everything'. By this time, I'm practically in tears…fear, adrenaline, call it what you will, but I was fucking terrified. Elliott comes in with Kate on his back, and they're laughing until they see me and Keegan frozen in place."

"What happened?" I'm desperate to know more.

"Keegan was trying to get her to put the gun down, but she started coming closer to us. I think he was afraid she was going to shoot me so he stepped in front of me. He's a giant so of course, she couldn't see me. He told Elliott and Kate to go back to the kitchen. I think that pissed her off more when all the sudden the gun just went off. I saw him drop down to his knees holding his stomach. Elliott's CPO hit her from behind, grabbed the gun and had her in a chock hold. Kate called 911 and here we are."

The police begin to leave, and I see my dad and Carrick talking to one of the detectives in the hall. My mom comes in to make sure that Harper, Kate and I are alright. We assure her that no one is hurt. Harper seems to be calming down a little, so I leave her with Kate and mom to go find Christian. Grace is sitting next to us, tears streaming down her face, Elliott is holding her hand.

"Grace, can I get you anything? Some water or coffee perhaps?"

"No, Ana darling I'm fine. Please check on Christian, he's with Taylor and Sawyer. He's not said much to me since he arrived and I don't want him shutting down. Ask Taylor if he's called Dr. Flynn and if he hasn't he needs to."

Dr. Flynn…Oh yeah, the psychiatrist. "Do we know anything about Keegan?" I can't imagine if something were to happen to him how devastated this family would be, but especially Christian. For those who aren't a twin, it's hard to explain the connection we have. It's something entirely different from our relationships with our other siblings.

After roaming the stark white hallway, I find my love in an empty patient room…the two ninjas standing guard outside. The door is closed, so I can only imagine what condition Christian is in.

"Taylor, Grace wanted me to find out if you've called Dr. Flynn and if not, would you, please. She's worried about him." I nod toward the door.

"I have called him Ana. Is there any news yet?"

"Nothing as of two minutes ago. I told Grace I'd check on him. How is he?"

"As good as can be expected. Normally he is always in control of his emotions and the situation, but I fear this is too much for him. His brother is…well everyone knows how those two feel." Taylor is visibly shaken up…this big strong, special forces marine is just as human as the rest of us.

"Alright, I'm going to check on him. Please interrupt if there's news. Thank you for taking care of him…both of you." They nod and continue to stand stoic at the door.

Not sure of what I will find, I open the door slowly. I see Christian sitting in a chair, staring out the window. There's complete silence. I walk to him and wrap my arms around him from behind. He takes hold of my hands and kisses the back of them both.

"Love, can I get you anything. Do you need some water?" All I get is a small nod.

"Okay, hang on I'll be right back." I go back to the door and poke my head out and ask one of them to bring us some water.

"Baby, do you want to talk? I'm here if you do. I don't want you to hold all inside. I love you, Christian."

He starts to cry these big crocodile tears which then makes me begin to cry. I want to take away his pain but I'm not sure if that's possible at this moment so I hold him tight. A few minutes go by, and there's a knock on the door.

"Here you go, Ana. Let us know if you need anything else."

"Thanks, Sawyer."

I hand one cup to Christian, and he takes a big drink. I lean up against the window sill and take him in. His eyes are red and puffy. Can't blame him. Crying sucks everything out of you. Whenever I cry a lot, I get fucking headaches that kick my ass. That's why I'm a walking pharmacy. Don't leave home without the migraine meds or Ibuprofen.

"Anastasia, what if he doesn't make it?" Christian looks up, his gray eyes meeting my blue ones.

"Think positive babe. He's at the best hospital with the best doctors taking care of him. He's young and strong. Only positive thoughts love."

We sit together in silence for about an hour, gazing at the world passing by, when he tells me he would like to check on his family.

I open the door, and Taylor lets us know that Dr. Flynn is in the waiting area with everyone should Christian need him. We walk hand in hand back to where our families are gathered, consoling one another, but they are all talking animatedly. I hear Elliott chuckle.

As we enter the room, no one stops talking. They smile and go back to their story telling. I think they are trying to do anything but think of what's happening in the operating room about fifty feet from us.

Christian leans down and kisses his mom. She smiles but it's not a typical Grace Grey smile. There's pain written all over her face. Elliott stands and embraces Christian and whispers something in his ear and he nods. They do that man pat thing they do, and he goes to sit next to the good Dr. Flynn. Christian's only told me bits and pieces why he and Keegan see him. Something I've neglected to let you know is that all four of the Grey kids are biological siblings but adopted. Grace had ovarian cancer in her early twenties and obviously couldn't get pregnant. A story for another time.

My dad and Carrick come in and take their places next to their wives. He lets us know that Mia is on her way back from San Francisco and should arrive at SeaTac in about an hour. Christian sent his plane for her since she was visiting some friends for the weekend.

I look around the room and see these two families who have banded together as one. I'm a lucky bitch to have these people in my life and a man who loves me. Everything has happened so fucking fast. I lean over and give Christian a kiss and tell him I love him. I see a figure out of the corner of my eye walking toward us.

"Family of Keegan Grey." The man in blue scrubs calls out.