Here you go! Nice long chapter.
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Chapter 17: Fifty's Birthday
Ana woke early on Tuesday morning. She wanted to think it was because it was because it was her treasured husband's birthday but the truth is her stomach feeling unsettled and their baby was sitting on her bladder. She groaned as she rushed to the bathroom to empty the contents of her stomach before relieving her bladder.
She didn't understand why she had suddenly started feeling sick. She hadn't suffered any morning sickness with this baby so why would she suddenly have it at thirteen and a half weeks? She rinsed her mouth out before heading back into the bedroom and saw it was seven thirty and Christian was still asleep. She smiled and slowly climbed back into bed next to him.
Since she knew she wouldn't get back to sleep, she lay there and admired her husband for a few minutes. He really was the perfect man, from his perfect face and his perfect body to his wonderful personality and loving nature.
"See something you like Mrs Grey?" he asked without opening his eyes.
"Very much, Mr Grey. I see the most handsome man in the world in my bed," she smiled leaning forward to kiss him. He opened his eyes and looked up at her. "Happy birthday, my love."
"Thank you, baby. This is always the best bit of my birthday. Waking up next to you. Even if you did leave me to throw up for the third time this week." He scolded softly.
"I thought I'd gotten away with that," she said guiltily.
"Ana, this makes no sense. You didn't have any before and with the others you didn't have any morning sickness after twelve weeks. Maybe we should go see Doctor Greene, make sure you're ok?" he suggested. She knew there was no arguing with him.
"Ok, but not today. It's your birthday so today will be about you. Though I'm sure it's nothing."
"It's better to be safe than sorry, baby," he pulled her close and kissed her forehead.
"I know. So what would the birthday boy like for breakfast?" she asked seductively. He grinned.
"I think I'll have my favourite course first," he replied.
"And what would that be?" she grinned.
"You!" and they were lost.
... ... ...
"It's a beautiful day and I can't stop myself from smiling
If we're drinking, then I'm buying
And I know there's no denying
It's a beautiful day, the sun is up, the music's playing
And even if it started raining
You won't hear this boy complaining
'Cause I'm glad that you're the one who got away
It's a beautiful day," Ana sang along to the radio as she prepared breakfast, dancing around the kitchen. Ted and Phoebe stood in the doorway watching their mother mouths hanging open before slowly turning into smiles as they saw their father walk in from the other room and wrap his arms around her; dancing with her around the kitchen.
As the song finished, Christian dipped his wife and kissed her before they noticed their children in the doorway. They all started laughing at the happy mood that was filling up the house.
"Morning, kids," Ana said going over to give them a kiss on the cheek, careful to only touch Phoebe's cheek.
"Morning," they said together walking over to the breakfast bar where their father was.
"What'ya cooking?" Phoebe asked.
"I'm cooking an omlette for me and your father. Would you like one?" Ana asked. Both children nodded. Shortly after Ana started cooking, Nick, James and Ashley entered the kitchen. They all said good morning but no-one mentioned Christian's birthday.
Ana put omlette's down in front of everyone and they tucked in.
"So, are you two doing anything special today?" Ted asked his parents. Ana and Christian looked at each other.
"We were thinking of maybe spending the day together. Grace and Carrick are stopping by for dinner other than that not much. How about you?" Ana answered. Ted shrugged.
"Not a lot. Might go and hang out with the guys." He replied.
"I was thinking about going round Ava's," Phoebe said.
"Dylan wanted to practice baseball ready for when we're back at school," Nick added.
"I was planning on going swimming with Callie," James joined in.
"I have soccer practice," Ashley finished.
All the children laughing to themselves and trying to contain their smiles when they saw the look on their fathers face. He thought they had forgotten his birthday and he didn't like that. He wanted to spend the day with them but if they had plans he wouldn't interfere. He looked up surprised when all five and his wife burst out into laughter.
"What?"
"Oh, dad you are so easy to tease," Phoebe giggled.
"What do you mean?" he asked confused. They were teasing him?
"Like we could forget about your birthday," James said calming down from his laughter slightly. Christian smiled as his children hugged him one by one, even Phoebe, though it was a quick hug.
"Happy birthday, dad," she said as she kissed his cheek.
"Oh you are all hilarious. So I take it you don't really have any plans?" he enquired.
"Nope, only what you want to do," Nick said.
"As long as it's appropriate for us children," Ted winked knowing what his parents like to get up to when they thought no one noticed them disappear. Ana was still trying to calm down from her laughter and Christian joined in. Life was getting good for the Grey family. He loved every minute of it.
... ... ...
Christian POV
Today is going to be a lovely day; I just love spending time with my family. The kids said we could do anything I wanted to do but the truth is, I just wanted to spend the day with them. So I got them all to choose a different activity we could do.
Teddy decided we would watch a movie first with chocolate milk and sweets and popcorn. Everyone agreed and I couldn't help but grin. We decided to watch one of our family favourites; Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted. Though if I have to listen to my kids constantly singing 'Afro Circus' I think I'm going to go crazy!
I sat next to Ana, who is curled up on her side trying to get comfortable. I'm worried about her, this pregnancy had started really well but now she's feeling sick a lot and she can't sit still for two minutes before feeling uncomfortable and moving into a different position. She finally got settled and we pressed the 'play' button.
Teddy and Phoebe were lying on their stomachs, something they have always done for family movies, Nick and James are on the bean bags we keep in here while Ashley was sitting on my other side.
Halfway through, Ana excused herself to go to the bathroom so I took the opportunity to get some more popcorn and chocolate milk. I wouldn't normally let them have this much but what can I say? I'm feeling generous. I must be getting soft in my old age. I'll be 50 in two years time.
When we both get back to the lounge it's getting to our favourite art of the movie; the firework scene where all the animals are doing the circus act. The kids laugh along with it and I can't help but smile. I just know today is going to be the best birthday ever and it's not even midday yet.
... ... ...
Ana POV
I look at my husband as he sits in the garden watching our children as they run around the meadow. By the time our movie had finished, it was lunch time and Phoebe decided she and her brothers would make a picnic for their father. We are sitting on our picnic rug together eating some chocolate covered strawberries while the kids decided to run around for a little while. Christian can't wipe his ridiculous grin off his face and therefore, I can't wipe off mine.
"You're staring at me Mrs Grey," he says without looking at me.
"You're worth staring at Mr Grey," I answer. He really is breathtaking and sitting here in our meadow, on our picnic rug with the sun shining down on him, he looks edible. But I will have to wait until later to give him my birthday present; I don't think our children will appreciate seeing what I've got planned. Christian suddenly moves and next thing I know, I am pinned beneath him with my arms above my head.
"It's rude to stare, Anastasia," he whispers seductively. I tingle as he says this. He rubs his nose against mine. "Perhaps I should teach you some manners."
"Hmm, that sounds like a good idea. Though I think the kids may have a problem with that." He laughs his carefree laugh.
"I know. This is why I am going to punish you later. And I promise it will be deliciously slow. And you will be sore." I giggle beneath him. He sits up and goes back to watching our children run around. I have no idea what game they're playing but they get Christian to join in.
My husband runs around chasing each one and I laugh as he catches Ashley and picks him up, spinning him around. This is definitely the fifty I love the most.
When they get tired, they all rejoin me on the picnic blanket and have some water. We make small talk as Nick decides what he wants to do. I think it's really nice that Christian let the kids decide what we do for his birthday but I know it's because he just wants to spend time with them; not caring what we are doing.
I need to go to the bathroom again so I leave my family to drink their water and eat anything else that's left. Phoebe was hungry and ate the majority of the picnic. Naturally, this made Christian happy. I know he feels guilty for what happened and hates that this had to happen in order for her to eat properly again but it wasn't his fault. Jack Hyde is a manipulative bastard and though I hate to admit it, if he really wanted to get to my daughter, he would have found a way one way or another. I'm just glad Christian and Taylor found her as soon as they could.
As I head back out to the meadow I hear my cell go off. I hadn't realised I left it in the kitchen after breakfast. I pick it up and see four missed calls from Grace and six from Mia. Oops. I call Grace back straight away and she answers on the second ring.
"Ana! Thank God, I was getting worried about you."
"Sorry Grace. My cell was in the kitchen and we were in the meadow." I explain. She was just calling to check what time everyone was coming over for dinner. Christian knew his parents are coming over but he doesn't know I invited Kate, Elliot, Ava and Mia. It will be a nice surprise. We confirm that they should come round between five thirty and six and hang up. I delete the missed calls in case Christian sees them, worry that something's wrong, and check my e-mails.
Since its Christian's birthday I'd obviously decided to take the day off work, leaving Hannah to deal with anything in my absence. I'll go back in tomorrow though since it is the summer vacation and I'm pregnant I'll be taking one or two days off each week and only be a couple of hours the days I do go in. I know my kids will be spending time with their friends but it will be nice to be at home and see them.
Back in the meadow I learn that Nick has decided that we are going out to see the Seattle Great Wheel. He's always like going on that waterfront Ferris wheel ever since Christian and I took him, Ted and Phoebe when he was about five. Grave and Carrick were looking after James for us that day.
We all pile into the car and we're off, Christian getting Taylor to book the tickets as we drove so all we need to do is pick them up when we get there. Of course, Christian would order the VIP tickets. Apparently, the VIP section only allows up to four people in it but Christian manages to allow five to go on. Phoebe has a fear of heights and won't go on it so I decide to sit with her allowing the boys to be on top of the universe together.
Sitting on a bench nearby, Taylor, Sawyer and Jenson lingering behind us, I get a chance to talk to my daughter.
"So, you ok, sweetie?" she nods. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing. Why? Does it seem like something is?"
"No, you're just very quiet."
"I'm thinking." She suddenly looks unsure. "Mum, do you like Kenny?" Her question surprises me.
"Yes, I do. I thought you knew that?"
"Yeah. I guess I never know what to think when he's around. Does dad make you feel all tingly? Make you breathless just by looking at him? Do you get butterflies in your tummy?"
"Yes, yes and yes. Though at the moment I've a baby in my tummy," I joke and she laughs. "Phoebe I love your father and he loves me and no matter how much time we spend together, I still feel like the twenty-one year old naive girl who fell into his office, falling in love every minute I spend with him."
"How did you know he was the one?"
"He never gave up on me. Every chance he got he wanted to be with me and show me how much he loved me. Where's all this come from?" she shrugs.
"Ever since he asked me out the other night, I've felt different. He's always there for me and supporting me in any way he can and he respects my boundaries. It's weird, I get butterflies every time I see him and when we're apart he's all I can think of. I sound silly don't I?"
"No you don't. You sound like someone who is making some progress and I'm proud of you." I wrap my arm around her shoulder, a gesture I know she can take, and kiss her temple. "I love you Phoebe."
"Love you too, mum."
... ... ...
Christian POV
I'm slightly annoyed and happy that Nick chose to go on the Seattle Ferris Wheel today. Annoyed because he know his sister doesn't like heights and will refuse to come on, meaning Ana will stay with her. Happy because it gives me a chance to spend time talking to my sons without my girls being around.
"So boys, we're nearly at the top," I say as we near the highest point of the wheel. "We are master of the universe."
"It's amazing, dad. Good choice Nick," Ted comments.
"Thank you, I know. I love it up here. I wish we never have to go down," Nick answers.
"Me too, but we can't leave your mother and sister forever can we?" I ask.
"No. Mommy needs us. And I can't live without Phoebe," Ashley says. I smile. He and Phoebe have always been close and he never gave up on her when she refused to talk.
"Yes, Ashley. Mommy does need us. We have to be there for her when your little brother or sister arrives."
"Are you nervous, dad? Having to go through it all again? I mean you're no spring chicken," Ted teases.
"I will admit I am a little nervous. But I was nervous when your mother was pregnant with each of you. I'm scared I'm going to screw up and let you down." I admit to my sons. We stop when we are right at the top and I overlook our city. It truly is astounding.
"Dad, you haven't screwed up bringing us up. We love you and we couldn't have asked for more," Nick kindly says. The others nod in agreement.
"Yeah, I mean who doesn't love a cell phone tracking, security obsessive dad?" Ted winks. We laugh. I notice James is very quiet and ask him if he's ok. He's just admiring the view from the top of the world.
"Dad? Do you think mom's going to have a boy or a girl?" he suddenly asks. That's a good question. While I love my sons, I would love to have another little girl with my wife. Maybe the spitting image of her since Phoebe has my hair and eyes.
"I don't know what we could be having but I hope we get a little girl. Don't get me wrong, I love you boys but I'd love to have another little princess to spoil and Phoebe's growing up too fast. You all are."
"Really? You want a girl. Disney Princesses and tea parties? Going crazy when she goes on her first date and interrogating the boy who would dare ask her out?" Ted asked not believing what I'm saying.
"Disney Princesses and tea parties are only worth doing if it's with my little girl. I'd do anything to put smiles on all your faces and that's what made Phoebe smile. As for boys, I would send Taylor or another member of security with her for the first time. I honestly thought I'd go crazy when I found out your mother and I were expecting a girl when she was pregnant with Phoebe but it's not been too bad. We've had our ups and downs but that's every father and daughter in this world."
"Maybe with Phoebe you just got lucky. There's no guarantee this one would be anything like her."
"As long as she doesn't jump of the back of the boat when we go sailing when I tell her not to, I don't care what she's like. She'll be my little girl. Any way it's too early to tell at the moment, we have to wait until twenty-two weeks. Though I'm sure we're having a girl."
"Yeah, I'd love to have another sister. A little one that I can help protect. It's not easy when your sister is older than you," James says. I wrap my arm around his shoulder and laugh. He does protect his big sister; I remember how he and Nick went crazy on Barrell after Phoebe went missing.
All too soon, we reach the bottom of the wheel and are getting off. I look around for my wife and daughter and panic when I don't see them. I see Taylor, Sawyer and Jenson standing by a bench near the wheel and they don't seem too bothered by the fact my wife and daughter are nowhere in sight. I storm over to them, my sons following closely behind, and demand they tell me what's going on. I calm down when Taylor tells me Ana needed the toilet and she couldn't wait for us to get off. Shortly after, I see them coming out of the restrooms nearby and take my wife in my arms.
"Hey guys. Did you have fun?" she asks.
"Yeah, we love it up there." Nick answers.
"Good. Did you talk about much or just admire the view?"
"Yes. And we have decided that you are having a little girl so dad can spoil her rotten since we're all getting older and the boy to girl ratio is unfair," James says causing the others to laugh. Thanks son, I'm in trouble now.
... ... ...
Ana POV
I give the look to Christian once James finished talking. He knows that I won't allow him to over spoil this child; we will treat them the same as the others. Though deep down I know I will let him spoil our child if it's a girl; he's wanted another little girl since we had Nick and James to even the numbers a little. He really wanted Ashley to be a girl but luckily wasn't completely disappointed he was a boy. He was just happy our son was healthy.
"So what's next?" I ask.
"James? I think it's your turn to choose," Christian looks at our fourth child. James thinks for a few minutes and decides we're going to walk along the river. I walk next to my husband.
"So, we're having a spoilt little girl are we?" I ask when the kids are out of earshot.
"I just said it would be nice to have another little girl since we've already got four sons. And it's no secret I'll want to spoil her, like I did with Phoebe."
"Yes, such a shame Phoebe is more like me and doesn't need all the add-ons to be happy. She's just grateful to have a family that loves her," I answer. While Phoebe enjoys shopping more than I ever have, she doesn't really like been given loads of stuff she feels she doesn't need or deserve. I learnt that's why she lied to Christian and I about her accounting test results for so long; Christian gives our kids a present for nearly every good grade they get.
"Well, maybe this little one will be more like me and love to spend money." He smiles at the thought. "Though maybe not too much. Remember the credit card incident?" He frowns at that thought.
Christian gave our kids credit cards one summer and was disappointed when Phoebe didn't spend a lot. The boys spent so much one time; my husband actually put a limit on there. He was not happy when he learnt James had spent nearly $5000 in the space of a week. I certainly wasn't happy and told Christian he was never given our children credit cards until they are old enough to understand money management and spend their money wisely.
"Look, I know we don't need to but why not just save it? We don't have to spend a lot of money just because we have it. We can look at it as supporting our grandchildren and great-grandchildren and even our great-great-grandchildren."
"Ana, we have enough money to support the next ten generations of Grey. We can afford to spend our money on whatever we want." He argues. I sigh. We never have and I doubt we ever will see eye-to-eye on the money issue.
"Let's not talk about money. We will never see eye-to-eye and I don't want to argue. Especially on your birthday." He wraps his arm around my shoulders as we walk behind our children. I love moments like this, just me and my family doing what normal families do.
Of course, our lovely day has to be ruined by someone recognising Christian and suddenly we have plenty of people with camera's getting in our face. Luckily we aren't too far from the car and Taylor, Sawyer and Jenson are able to help the kids back to it before the photographers see them. Christian grabs my hand and drags me along, telling me to climb in the front while he gets behind the wheel. He turns to look at the kids.
"Are you all alright?" he asks concerned. He hates that our children always have to deal with paparazzi and other annoying people just because we're rich and he's well known in the business world. Even after all these years my husband is still a very private person so the newspapers and magazines offer large amounts of money to any reporter that can get even a small bit of information on him. It just proves that some people are so greedy they will even attack children to get something.
"We're fine dad. Taylor got us out of the way before anyone noticed us," Ted answered his father. Christian nodded and started the car.
"Right, we still have two hours before your grandparents are due round for dinner. What shall we do, Ashley?" Christian asks as he started driving home. He frowns when Ashley said he wanted us to go to the park to play soccer. I know Christians going to turn him down and make us play in the meadow at home so I quietly remind him that he promised the kids we could do what they want to do. Ashley wants to go to the park to play soccer so I think that is what we should do.
"Please, dad?" Phoebe asks. "Don't let that ruin our day."
"But why go to the park when we have a perfectly good meadow at home that is plenty big enough?" my husband negotiates.
"Because, after we've kicked yours and security's butt at soccer we can go and chill on the swings," Nick says. My children love the swings at the parks; you would think they were all five again. I look at him, silently pleading with him to not let them down. He rolls his eyes (hypocrite!) and turns the car to head to the park.
An hour later I'm laughing as my four sons beat Christian, Taylor, Sawyer and Jenson at soccer. Phoebe and I were referees and sneakily allowed goals when we shouldn't have; it's not like it's a world cup game. I also have a sneaky suspicion Christian told our (embarrassed) security guards to go easy on his boys; even though I knew they didn't need to with Ashley playing the way he does. I'm just grateful we didn't have any more paparazzi turn up; well if they did they wouldn't have got more than us doing normal family activities with each other. What would be the headline? CHRISTIAN GREY PLAYS SOCCER? I don't think so.
By the time we get home, I ache everywhere. I don't understand it. I've been sat down most of the day. Maybe I've just been sitting awkwardly. Grace and Carrick aren't due to arrive for another half hour so I decide to take a very quick shower, telling Christian he can't join me otherwise we won't be downstairs tonight. As the hot water washes over me, I almost feel lonely. The shower is definitely too big without him.
I reach the bottom of the stairs just in time. Grace and Carrick have just walked through the door. I greet them with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Grace whispers that Kate and Elliot are outside with Ava and Mia. I smile and lead them into the family room, where Christian and the kids are playing cards, texting Kate when I get there to tell her to come in quietly.
Christian greets his parents warmly, giving his mother one of the hugs she spent so long without. It makes me smile every time I see them share that special moment like a mother and son should. I couldn't bear not being able to hold Teddy, Nick or James so I can only imagine the pain she went through for those twenty-four years.
I see Kate in the corner of my eye, lingering in the doorway behind Christian and subtly hold up one finger to tell her to wait. Once Christian and Grace break apart from their hug, I wrap my arm around him.
"No Mia?" Christian asks. Obviously since Mia lives Grace and Carrick, Christian would have expected her to come along, especially since she hasn't been too good lately. Grace and Carrick smile knowingly.
"Funny you should mention Mia," I say, nodding slightly to let them all know they can enter.
"You invited the whole family?" Christian asks surprised. I smiled guiltily. "I thought we agreed we'd keep it small?"
"I know but I wanted to surprise you. I thought it'd be nice for us all to sit together. Just an informal family dinner in our dining room. Not worrying about dressing up or anyone seeing us in a fancy restaurant. Just you, me, the kids and your family with Gail's cooking," I say. Me smiles and kisses me sweetly.
"Thank you," he whispers and I melt in his arms.
... ... ...
Grace POV
I am so glad Ana managed to pull off this little surprise. I know Christian can read his wife like a book so the fact he never suspected she invited everyone for his birthday is amazingly wonderful. He kisses her and thanks her for this little surprise. I can't help but smile. This woman is the reason my son is so happy with his life and helped him to accept touch. Together they've given me five beautiful grandchildren and there's another one on the way.
After Christian greets everyone, we all head off to the dining room. I notice that Christian still has Phoebe right next to him; my guess is to monitor what she's eating, but allows Ana to sit next to Kate while Carrick sits next to him so they can talk. I sit with the girls. Ava sits next to Phoebe (big surprise there) and the boys sit around everyone else. Poor boys. I sometimes think they feel left out since there are more of them and only one sister so she gets their fathers attention. Especially considering what happened back in May.
The conversation is kept light and simple. It's a very nice family atmosphere and one I want to hold onto.
"So Ana, fancy a spa day anytime soon?" Mia asked. I roll my eyes. She's been determined to find someone to go to the spa with her and Kate's had to turn her down countless times because the amount of work she's got to get done in such a short deadline. I doubt Ana will accept because she's never been one to go to the spa and she spends a lot of time working as well.
"As fun as that would be, I can't Mia. I'm very busy with work at the moment; I want to get as much done as I can before Christian forces me to go on maternity leave. And with it being the summer vacation I want to spend time with the kids when they're not out with their friends." Ana explains.
"Mia, stop pestering everyone," I say then an idea pops into my head. We're all planning a secret surprise ball for Christian and Anastasia for their wedding anniversary. Maybe I can convince Ana to go that afternoon with Mia saying it will just shut her up. Maybe the day before so she doesn't get suspicious. "Though, maybe it will be nice for the three of you to get pampered," I turn to Kate, making sure to include her.
"I really would like to, but work is getting so busy."
"Tell you what, Ana your anniversary is coming up isn't it?" she nods. "Why don't you all go out then? You know, get all pampered ready for dinner round mine and Carrick's?" I suggest, hoping she doesn't get suspicious. I don't think she suspects anything since she looks deep in thought.
"I suppose it would be nice. I guess I should look presentable for my anniversary dinner shouldn't I?" she giggles. We laugh with her and the girls talk times and salons. I smile to myself.
"What do you mean you and Matt broke up?" I hear Phoebe ask Ava. I look at my two granddaughters, deep in conversation.
"I mean that because you're my best friend and since Nicky is Matt's best friend he feels we can't be together because it would make everything awkward when everyone's hanging out."
"I didn't mean for that to happen. I'm sorry Ava," Phoebe sounds really apologetic. Ava just shrugs.
"Don't worry about it. He obviously didn't like me enough to put all that aside so what's the point in crying about it?" I narrow my eyes. Ava doesn't seem bothered but by her tone, I can tell there's something else.
"But you have been crying about it, haven't you?" Phoebe seems to know. Ava just nods.
"I'll tell you details later," Ava whispers so no one else can hear. I realise then that there is more to Ava's relationship than everyone else thought.
... ... ...
Phoebe POV
I feel so bad that Matt felt the need to break up with Ava because Nicky and I didn't work out. But I also feel slightly glad since she got out of it now and not have the awkwardness be a dark cloud over their heads for any longer than necessary.
After dinner, we all sit in the family room to give dad his presents. It's so difficult buying mom and dad presents because they have everything, literally. Aunt Kate and Uncle Elliot bought him a new suit that he can wear to work, including a dark grey tie, dad's favourite colour. He and mom share a look when they see the tie. I don't want to know what that was about.
Aunt Mia wasn't able to get him anything since she has been so busy lately so she was kind of sharing grandma and grandpa's gift. They got tickets for mom and dad to have a weekend getaway to New York starting this Saturday since they haven't had much chance to be together lately. Though I know it's also partly so the family can finalise all the plans for their anniversary ball without worrying about them overhearing. My brothers and I will stay with our grandparents since mom and dad have always been against us having a nanny; mom wanted to bring us up not some other wannabe mother to rich kids. Besides, it will be nice to spend time with them.
Mom gave dad a new watch since his old one was damaged beyond repair when he took it off at work and an employee accidentally stepped on it. I have no idea how that was managed. It's a silver watch with a white face and black numbers and I must admit it looks pretty fancy. He smiled as he saw it was engraved on the back;
My darling husband,
Made with timeless love
Happy Birthday
Love Ana
XXX
Mom does have a way with words.
My brothers and I never know what to get dad so we did what we do every year. Handmade cards and some sort of handmade craft that he can put up somewhere. Sometimes the final product isn't very good but he loves it anyway because it 'shows we care and love him enough to put in the effort'.
Ted has done a drawing of dad's helicopter, Charlie Tango, all in black and white flying above Seattle at night. It's very clever how he did all the shading to make I look like its night time.
Nick and James decided to work together at finding a rare model of an Audi R8, dad's favourite car that none of us are allowed to drive. It's bigger than I thought it was going to be and by the looks of it, quite expensive.
Ashley found a 'make your own helicopter' kit and mom helped him build it and paint it like Charlie Tango. Bless him, it didn't turn out the way he'd hoped but you can see dad clearly loves it since Ashley put so much hard work into it.
I find it really hard every year to get my dad a decent gift. It's like asking someone to tell you the square root of pi without using a calculator. I know he appreciates wine but since I am underage, I had to get mom to help me. Since I know nothing about wine that help was greatly appreciated. After plenty of discussion mom agreed to buy a bottle of Bollinger Grande Année Rosé 1999 that I can give to him. Apparently they had it while on the jet going on their honeymoon and went they got back to their Escala apartment after the honeymoon. It's one of dad's favourite so I think he'll like it. I also made dad some paper flowers; I know it's a bit childlike but one of our favourite memories from us growing up is dad waking up on his birthday and finding a bouquet of paper flowers waiting for him. It always makes him smile.
He thanks us all and gives us all a hug before opening the wine and pouring a glass out for all the adults except mom.
Unfortunately, I don't get a chance to ask Ava what else happened with Matt because she soon left with Aunt Kate and Uncle Elliot. I'll grill her about it soon though, hopefully before the beach trip on Saturday since he's going to be there. So will Nicky! Ugh, I'm so grateful Kenny accepted my invitation.
Shortly after everyone leaves I decide to head up to bed. I feel so tired and I haven't even done anything overly tiring today.
... ... ...
Christian POV
Once my family leave, Phoebe decides to go to bed. The boys plan on watching some TV first and I decide to leave them be. If they had school tomorrow I would be stricter but since they haven't got to be up early for anything I'll let them stay up. However, they know they must be in bed by eleven.
Ana is tugging on my hand trying to lead me upstairs. She seems to be grinning mischievously and very eager to get me on my own upstairs in our bedroom. I follow her, curious as to what she's thinking. Once I'm in our room, she locks the door and I think I know what she wants to do. Good thing our room is soundproof; that's been proven many times by my beautiful wife.
"I thought I could give you my second present," she says. "The one not appropriate to be opened in front of family,"
"And what would that be?" I play along.
"Me. I know you don't like to share," she smiles and she hands me a box. I think this has become a bit of a tradition. I open it and find my old ripped jeans I used to wear in the playroom in Escala, nipple clamps, a butt plug, our old favourite silver tie, the silver balls I use when I spank her and a vibrator. I smile at her.
"I think you should get into position by the door. Don't forget you've still got your punishment for manners," I say as I head to the bathroom to get my jeans on and decide what I'm going to do with my wife tonight and what toys I shall use out of the choice she's given. I do love my toys. Best. Birthday. Ever!
... ... ...
Finally! Spent weeks trying to get this finished so here you go! I don't know when the next update will be but I hope I don't keep you too long. I hope to update every two weeks or so but please be patient if I don't manage it.
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