Whoop whoop! Part 2 of your double upload that is Christian and Anastasia's wedding anniversary. This chapter is the ball...

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Chapter 21: Anniversary (Part 2)

Christian POV

Ana and I get back home at exactly five thirty. I'm surprised considering we got back a little later than planned. We quickly shower and get dressed. Mum said I had to wear my tuxedo and Ana had to wear one of her nice gowns. A bit over the top for a family dinner if you ask me but who am I to argue with my parents. Probably, knowing our luck, Mia took over and decided it was to be some fancy family dinner.

The kids are already dressed and are waiting for us downstairs. My boys all look so dashing in their suits but Phoebe is absolutely stunning. She's wearing a peach coloured dress that had layers of fabric going down the skirt with blends of pink and yellow. There's a strap attached to the top of her dress that goes around her neck and attaches to the fabric just by her shoulder. It's not her usual style but she still looks amazing.

But not nearly as amazing as my beautiful sexy wife. She's in a pale pink dress with a slit going up the leg, stopping just above her knee with a silver belt settling just on top of her bump. She has no straps on her dress but has a simple wrap to place around her shoulders. All dressed up for dinner.

Instead of meeting at the restaurant dad had booked, it was agreed that we would all meet at my parent's house first, as apparently our family had some gifts for us that couldn't be taken to a restaurant. I'm a little frustrated at that as both Ana and I said we didn't want anything.

We all climb into the limo we had hired to head off to my parent's house. The kids comment on how beautiful their mother looks and I pretend to be hurt that they didn't comment on how I look in my tux, even though they've seen me wear it numerous times.

I did ask Phoebe if we needed to pick up Kenny but her mood changed and told me he was meeting us there. Strange, has something happened between them?

Taylor turns through the gate and drives up to the front of the house. We all climb out of the car and my mother greets us at the front door. She's wearing a beautiful emerald green dress that makes her look years younger. She kisses me on the cheek and hugs Ana and the kids, commenting on how wonderful they look before leading us into the house.

"Ok, your father and I lied to you. We're not going out to dinner; we're staying here and thought we'd eat outside, since it's such a lovely evening. Kids why don't you go and see your grandfather and see if he needs any help," Mother says. Now I am suspicious. The phone rings and she goes to answer it, leaving Ana and I alone.

"Shall we go and find your family?" she asks, resting her hand on her little bump.

"Our family. Yes, hopefully Kate and Elliot are here so we can get this over with quicker so I can get you home and take you to bed," I say.

"Always the romantic, Mr Grey," she teases. I take her hand, lead her towards the back of the house, and out into the garden.

"SURPRISE!"

My parent's back yard is filled with people! Hundreds of people all cheering and clapping my wife and me. They have set up a large tent with tables all around and a stage waiting for a band. It looks like we're at one of the 'Coping Together' balls they host every year. There's a banner above the stage saying:

Christian & Anastasia
Congratulations on your 20th Anniversary!

I look into the crowd and see our children at the front, all grinning widely and clapping. I smile as does Ana and we make our way down to greet all the guests. We see Mia and my parents first.

"So, do you like your surprise?" Mia asks.

"It's lovely. Thank you," Ana says. "The dress code makes sense now." They laugh.

"Well, we wish we could take all the credit, but this was your children's idea. Carrick and I just helped them with setting up and giving them recommendations."

"Really?" I look around and my children seem to have disappeared. Probably hiding from me as part of some joke.

"They decided they would give you time to calm so you can playfully be angry," mother seems to be reading my mind.

"Oh, I'll find them. And I'll get them," I joke. Ana laughs and we move off to greet our other guests.

I didn't realise we knew so many people. I don't even know a quarter of them because they are associates with Ana and Grey Publishing. I must admit it feels strange to have my wife introducing me to people at a function like this; it's normally the other way around.

We are finally seated at seven o'clock for dinner. I am obviously next to my wife and we are sharing the table with my mother, my father, Mia, Kate Elliot and Ethan. I look around for Ana's parent's but don't see them anywhere. She looks around too and seems upset that she can't see them.

"We did invite them, but Bob broke his leg and can't travel, so Carla's looking after him," my mother whispers to me, knowing what I was thinking. I nod and wrap my arms around my wife.

"She put Bob before me again," she says hurt. I guess she heard what my mother just said.

"Well, I'm here so is that acceptable?" we hear a familiar voice behind us and turn to see Ray. Ana jumped up to wrap her arms around him.

"Of course it is, Daddy! It's so good to see you," Ana says.

"Ray, I'm glad you came," I say, standing to shake his hand.

"I'm glad I made it. Nearly didn't because I couldn't find a nice suit."

"Dad you could wear jeans, I wouldn't care because you're here!" Ana is smiling so wide I fear her face might split in two.

"I couldn't wear jeans to a thing like this Ana. I wouldn't want to stand out," we laugh. "So where are my grandchildren?" he asks. He adores our kids as much as they adore him; it's just a shame they don't get to see each other very often.

"Hiding from Christian," Grace says. "They're giving the chance to 'calm down' from their special surprise." Ray laughs as does everyone else at the table.

"Understandably I guess," he teases. "So Ana, what's this?" he asks gesturing to her bump. She places her hand on our baby and grins even more.

"What do you think it is?" she asks, not sarcastically.

"It looks like you're having another baby?" he grins too. She just nods and he wraps his arms around her again. I smile at their exchange. I hope my daughter and I will be that close when she's older and having children. I sit back down and shortly after, they do as well. Though Ray has to jump up again.

"Grandpa!" My children have reappeared and hugging Ray.

"We're so glad you made it," Ted says making me proud and his mother smile.

"Me too. So how are you all? Avoiding your father's wrath?" he jokes.

"Yeah, but we figured he's calmed down now so we can come and see you," Phoebe says smiling.

"I will get you all for this, you know," I joke. I'm not mad at them. How could I be? They've put so much thought and effort into organising this for their mother and I that I'm prepared to overlook the secrets, just this once. Phoebe comes over and kisses me on the cheek.

"You'll have to catch us first, daddy and we still have more surprises for you," she says before standing upright and walking over to the table next to our with her brothers. They're sitting with Ava and a couple of friends they had invited so they wouldn't get bored amongst all the adults. I do notice that Phoebe and Kenny aren't sitting together and they're not even looking at each other. How odd.

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Phoebe POV

I'm so glad my parents like the ball so far. It took us months to plan for it and I'm so pleased my father isn't angry. Though Grandma assured me he wouldn't be because he knows how much thought and effort goes into these things that he'd appreciate what we've done.

My brothers and I decided to let them sit with our aunts, uncle, and grandparents while we sit with Ava and a couple of friend's grandma allowed us to invite. I have invited Kenny but lately he's been a bit distant. He came to Ashley game today but his head wasn't in it and he's hardly said a word to me all day. Therefore I asked Rebecca (who Ava invited) if we could swap seats so I'm still next to Ava but also next to Ashley instead of Kenny. If he's going to be distant, I'm not going to sit next to him. Though I feel guilty because he clearly looks hurt that I've moved away from him.

After we've eaten dinner, my grandfather stands up to go on the stage to make a speech and my grandmother joins him. Ted was going to make a speech too but we thought that since we got our surprise to do, it make be a bit too much for him.

"Twenty years ago, my son was made one of the happiest men on earth," Grandpa starts. "He married my beautiful daughter-in-law Anastasia and made me and his mother very proud. Christian, we are both glad you found your happily ever after and Ana we can't thank you enough for bringing our son out of the dark and into the light. The pair of you have graced us both with five grandchildren and have another one on the way, which has everyone excited, especially my Grace as she gets another grandchild to spoil. You have both faced challenges and had your fair share of problems but you've worked through it and have done amazingly well. I can see that you are as happy in your marriage as Grace and I and we both hope you have many more years to come. Christian never let this incredible woman go and Ana if gets too much give him a smack for me." Everyone laughs at my grandfather's joke there. "Look after your amazing children and you've been incredible aunt and uncle to Ava. Please remember though that this whole idea was your children so your mother and I would love for you not to kill us," he grins and everyone laughs again.

"Thanks Grandpa!" Ted says loudly.

"You're welcome Ted. Just making sure your dad knows the truth," he winks. "But on a serious note, before Anastasia came into his life, Grace and I were worried about our son. We never thought he'd find happiness and caused great concern. We couldn't be prouder of you more than we are now, Christian and Ana know that we love you very much and the day you joined our family was one of the happiest." Mum and dad look at each other and smile. Grandpa raises his hand in the air holding a glass of champagne. "So everyone please raise your glasses to Christian and Anastasia Grey. May they have at least another twenty years of happiness!" everyone raises their glasses and toasts my parents. Once everyone's had a drink my grandmothers takes the microphone from my grandfather.

"Thank you Carrick. That was lovely. Now Christian, Ana, there is another surprise for you from your children so may I ask you to come onto the dance floor?" She continues to talk but distracted when Kenny has secretly swaps places with Ava and whispers in my ear.

"Good luck. You'll be great." I smile and thank him.

"Ted, Phoebe, Nick, James, Ashley would you come up on the stage, please?" I hear my grandmother ask. This is it. Our surprise for our parents. Kenny was going to help me out with this but since he's been distant lately, I let him off. My brothers and I stand and head towards the stage and then I see Kenny grabbing my arm and walking alongside me.

"I promised you I'd help. And I keep my promises," he whispered. I smile at him and continue walking though I need to know what's wrong with him.

"Ok, thanks. But can you please tell me what's going on? It's killing me thinking something's wrong."

"Something is wrong but I'll tell you after this. Let's do this for your parents first. Ok?" I nod in agreement, as we, all stand on the stage. Mum and dad can be clearly seen in the centre of the dance floor looking confused as to why they're there. Ted sits at the piano and the boys pick up their instrument that they've to play over the years. I take the microphone to introduce our plan.

"Hi, everyone. Every year on their wedding anniversary, my brothers and I have sat with my parents to watch their wedding video. It's something they like to do to remind themselves of that special day. However, there is one part of the video that is my absolute favourite and that is watching my parent's first dance as man and wife. So as a special treat for mum and dad, my brothers and I are going to perform their song for them, with help from my friend, Kenny." I quickly turn to nod to Ted before I change my mind and so no one can see the nerves that are clearly visible on my face.

Ted starts playing the tune to 'When You Tell Me That You Love Me" by Westlife. One of my mother's favourite bands. When the time is right, Kenny starts singing while my brothers play musical instruments, except Ashley; who is standing next to me as he wants to sing.

KENNY: "I wanna call the stars
Down from the sky
I wanna live a day
That never dies
I wanna change the world
Only for you
All the impossible
I wanna do."

PHOEBE: "I wanna hold you close
Under the rain
I wanna kiss your smile
And feel the pain
I know what's beautiful
Looking at you
In a world of lies
You are the truth."

BOTH: "And baby
Everytime you touch me
I become a hero
I'll make you safe
No matter where you are
And bring you
Everything you ask for
Nothing is above me
I'm shining like a candle in the dark
When you tell me that you love me."

Since Ashley wanted to sing, we let him sing the next verse. I look at the dance floor and noticed my parents are dancing together, looking into each other's eyes and smiling.

ASHLEY: "I wanna make you see
Just what I was
Show you the loneliness
And what it does."

PHOEBE: "You walked into my life
to stop my tears
everything's easy now
I have you here."

Ted, Nick and James join in for the next chorus so all six of us are singing together. Its sounds better than when we rehearsed.

ALL:"And baby
Everytime you touch me
I become a hero
I'll make you safe
No matter where you are
And bring you
Everything you ask for
Nothing is above me
I'm shining like a candle in the dark
When you tell me that you love me."

PHOEBE: "In a world without you
I would always hunger
All I need is your love to make me stronger."

ALL:Everytime you touch me
I become a hero
I'll make you safe
No matter where you are
And bring you
Everything you ask for
Nothing is above me
I'm shining like a candle in the dark
When you tell me that you love me."

PHOEBE & KENNY: "You love me
When you tell me that you love me."

Kenny and I finish off the song as it had become quite emotional in rehearsals as we were so close and I believed I was falling in love with him. However, this time, it felt different. I felt whole with him, even though there was something wrong. Everyone stands from their seats and gives us applause and mum and dad look up at us, smiling so wide their faces could split in two! It occurs to me that this is the first time I've sang since the show and it's the first time in years that dad ahs actually heard me sing. Mum is crying again and dad looks so proud.

Our grandparents come up the stage to introduce the band we have hired for this evening, allowing us to exit the stage, straight into our parents arms.

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Ana POV

I cannot hold it in anymore. I am crying because I have the most amazing children in the world. They have been so thoughtful with their gifts to us this year that I can't help but squeeze them tight when they come off the stage. They all look happy but Phoebe is definitely relieved. Performing in front of her classmates and their parent's is completely different to performing in front of hundreds of friends and associates of her father and me. I look at Christian and I can see he wants to cry but manages to hold it in, unlike me. Damn hormones.

"I am so proud of all of you!" I cry as I hug them. Even Phoebe who gladly hugs me back.

"As am I," Christian smiles. "That was absolutely beautiful. Phoebe you have an incredible voice." He wraps his arms around her and holds her tight.

"Dad," she moans. He's either squeezing her too tight or she can't take anymore touch. Either way he releases her and apologises.

We all make our way back to the table where Kate, Elliot, Mia, Ethan and my dad are still sitting and as we approach they stand to congratulate our children for doing so well up on the stage. Phoebe blushes at all the compliments and looks around. I'm not sure what she's looking for but she seems upset suddenly. I look around and see that Kenny has slipped away. I wonder what's going on between those two, as things have seemed different over the last couple of days.

Grace and Carrick join us at the table and ask if anyone else wants drinks. Most of my brother and sisters ask for more wine while Mia and I ask for some juice. Christian, Elliot and Ethan offer to help Carrick order drinks while they tell Grace to sit down. For the next half an hour or so people have to get drinks from the bar themselves as the catering service are still clearing away after dinner. Phoebe comes and sits next to me while my sons go off to talk to their friends that they invited. I have no idea where Ava and Rebecca have gone.

"You alright Cupcake?" I ask. She seems down. Looking up at me, she nods and gives me a sad smile. "What's wrong?"

"It's Kenny. He's been distant lately and I've asked him what's wrong and he said he'd tell me after your surprise but he's disappeared." I wrap my arm around her and pull her to me.

"I'm sure he's fine, Cupcake. Maybe he's just tired?"

"I don't know mum. He's just seems different. I'm scared he doesn't like me anymore."

"Oh, sweetie. I'm sure that's not the case. He wouldn't be here if that was true would he?" she shrugs. I'm lost for words. The men return with drinks and I'm grateful when Christian hands me my orange juice and he gives Phoebe a glass of water. She takes it gratefully and offers him his chair back, but he holds up his hand signalling she can stay there. She quietly sips her water.

"You ok, Phoebe?" he asks hr. She just nods. "What's wrong?" she sighs. I can tell she doesn't want to repeat herself so I place my hand on his leg and shake my head. He gives me a confused look but leaves it for now. "Ana? Want to go and mingle with our guests?" I really don't want to move because I'm comfortable but as this is half my ball I should talk to the guests who have joined my husband and I to celebrate our anniversary.

"You going to be ok baby?" I ask Phoebe standing and placing my hand in Christian. She just nods and tells us to go.

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Christian POV

After an hour of talking to our guests and making boring conversation about business, I use Ana as an excuse to sit down for a while. She's been on her feet an awful lot and I want her to take it easy, especially while pregnant. When we are finally sitting down alone I ask her about Phoebe and she tell me about her conversation while I was getting drinks. My poor baby girl. I hope Kenny's not like that as I know it will break my daughter's heart. Maybe I can talk to her. I look around but I can't see her anywhere.

"Maybe she's in the bathroom?" Ana suggests. I decide to check just in case. However, she's not there so I head back out to where all the guests are. Ana's not at the table but I see her on the dance floor dancing with her father. I watch her, she's so happy and carefree I can't help but smile. I decide that after a dance with Carrick, Jose (who I didn't even realise was here) and our sons I decide it's my turn to dance with my beautiful sexy wife.

"Did you find her?" Ana asks once she's in my arms. I shake my head and look around again. I find Ava, Rebecca and my son's friends but no Phoebe. I can't see Kenny wither. Maybe he found her and is talking to her now? I'm immediately put at ease when I see her re-enter the party from the direction of the boathouse. She's with Kenny and she seems happier. I'm hoping the reason they came from that direction is because they were talking and decided to sit by the water. I know my daughter is responsible so I 'm not going to insult her by thinking otherwise.

She and Kenny join the other couples on the dance floor and dance together. I must admit, Kenny is a good dancer as he leads Phoebe around the dance floor effortlessly. They are so cute together. After the dance finishes I see Ashley go over to them, they laugh before Phoebe takes his hand, and they dance together. Aww that is the sweetest thing ever. Once their dance is over I ask my wife to excuse me so I can ask my daughter for a dance. Ana smiles and says she's going to sit down for a while anyway as her feet are starting to hurt again.

"Hi Phoebe. Kenny," I say. They are wrapped in each other's arms and break apart when I approach.

"Hey, dad," she smiles.

"Kenny, can I steal my daughter for a dance?" I ask holding out my hand. Phoebe smiles and takes it and I lead her to the centre of the dance floor. "So, you seem happier," I state.

"Yeah. I found Kenny and he explained why he's been so distant lately."

"Oh yeah? Why is that?" I'm curious if she's going to get hurt.

"It's something to do with his mum. Apparently there's been some sort of complication in the case against her and he and his dad have been warned that unless they can find the solid piece of evidence they need she may be released."

"I thought they had all the evidence they needed to put her in jail?"

"So did I but apparently some timeline doesn't match up or something so they've got to revaluate the evidence and Kenny and his dads statements. They may have to go back to England for a while until it's sorted. He just didn't want to worry me not realising he did by not telling me."

"I understand that feeling. However, I've learnt that keeping this from your mother does make her worry more, so I've stopped trying to hide things. What else did he say? I know that look on your face."

"He's scared she's going to get out dad. No, he's terrified."

"If everything they've said is true and they still have the evidence, she won't." I try to reassure her but it's not an easy task. I remember Ana was terrified after the Jack Hyde incident twenty years ago.

"Anyway, moving on. Have you enjoyed your evening?" Phoebe changes the subject. I chuckle and kiss her forehead.

"It has been a wonderful evening. Your mother and I have had a really good time and we are so proud of you and the boys. Thank you, Cupcake."

Our dance finishes and Phoebe is asked to dance by Carrick, then Ray. At midnight all the guests and children that are still awake head towards the water for a firework display. It is truly magnificent and I hold my wife tightly as we admire the beautiful colours. Once that's finished we head back up o house to say good-bye to our guests with my parents.

When the last guest has gone, it's nearly one in the morning. Ashley and James went to bed in one of my parent's spare room's at around ten. We sent James' girlfriend Callie home at around half nine as her parent's didn't want her home too late but Ashley's friend from soccer, Jackson, is staying with us for the night. He went to bed the same time as Ashley. Ana's been up to check on them a few times and they were all sleeping peacefully. Ana and I join my parents in my father's study with Kate, Elliot, Mia and Ethan and it's then I realise that Nick and his best friend Dylan are still up.

"Nick, I think you should go up to bed now, please. It's late," I say. He nods and tells Dylan to follow him up the stairs to his room that he stays in when round my parents. He and James share a room so I tell him to make sure he's quiet. Ava and Rebecca are going home with Kate and Elliot so that just leaves Phoebe, Kenny, Teddy and Ted's friend Tyler. Since it's not fair to send Kenny home so late, my parent's offered him a room for tonight which he was forced to accept because we wanted to make sure he was safe.

Kate and Elliot head off home with Ava, Rebecca and Ethan after wishing Ana and I a happy anniversary one more time. Mia heads off to bed because she's tired, I'm actually surprised she stayed up this late actually. After kissing us goodbye, Teddy and Phoebe also head up to bed, Tyler and Kenny following. I've been reassured that Kenny is not sharing a room with Phoebe, but she is showing him where he will sleep while he's here. I relax a bit knowing my parents are ensuring nothing happens. Not that it would. I trust my daughter.

Ana and I sneak upstairs to check on our children, to find they've all fallen asleep before going home. We've been given orders to pick them up tomorrow evening and spend tonight and tomorrow together. Even though we spent the whole day together it will be nice to have tomorrow too.

When we get home, I decide we're not going to be sleeping straight away and carry my beautiful wife to our bedroom to give her my anniversary gift...

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Ok the next chapter is written but needs to be proof read and re-arranged slightly as something's in there won't make sense as I've moved some things around in this story.

Please review though as I love hearing what you all think!