Chapter 15

16 months later …

*A POV*

After 16 months, I'm glad to be back in Seattle. No one knows that I'm coming home today. The last 16 months in Africa have been amazing, I've learned so much have had my eyes opened to everything around me, how fortunate I truly am to have everything in life, like my wonderful family and friends.

Now here I am back in Seattle. Tonight it's Kate and Elliot's rehearsal dinner for their wedding and no one knows I'm back, I told Kate that I wouldn't be able to fly back in until just before the wedding, so that I could surprise her.

And then there's Christian. Christian and I got a lot closer this past year. We've keep in touch with each other, frequently exchanging emails and if I'm lucky to have a strong service signal in the area, we sometimes Skype. I'm so excited, I can't wait to see all of my friends and family again!

*C POV*

I'm very happy for my brother. Tonight it's Kate and Elliot's rehearsal dinner and unfortunately Ana can't make it due to her flight having some technical difficulties. But she said she would be here by tomorrow morning. I can't wait to see her again after such a long time. My feelings for Ana have only grown stronger since before, especially now that we've gotten so close to each other. She's been doing fine out there in Africa. I visited her once while she was there and she took me for some local sightseeing. That was definitely one of the best days of my entire life.

While she was gone, I made some changes. I completely have up my dominant lifestyle and turned my playroom into a magnificent personal library; since Ana said that one of her favorite things to do is read books, especially classical novels.

I'm almost ready to leave for tonight's party, now heading down to my garage with Taylor. Arriving at the Four Seasons Hotel, I spot my family and friends who have already been seated, so I head straight to my parents to greet them.

"Christian darling!" my mom exclaims standing up from her chair giving me a hug and kissing my cheek.

"Hey mom" after I greet my mom I turn to my father we shake hands. I take a seat between Jack and James.

Jack has finally found 'the one' in Elizabeth Morgan. And James has got his eye on Ashley, one of Kate's friend. The only one missing is me with Ana in my arms. The rehearsal dinner has begun, and out of the corner of my eye, I see some movement in the entrance of the ballroom doors.

And my breath is taken away from me at the sight before me.

I can't believe what I'm seeing, it's Ana. Oh my god, she's here. When did she arrived? Why didn't she tell me!?

There's nothing more I want to do right now than run to her, and kiss her on hold her tightly in my arms and never let her go again. But I have to keep my cool.

Ana make her way to her parents table, Kate jumps up in her seat and runs towards Ana, hugging her tightly with tears in her eyes at the sight of her best friend. Our eyes lock and she smiles over at me, I smile brightly back.

God she's still beautiful as she ever was. I stand up and make my way over to her.

"Miss Steele, I'm so glad you could make it" I smirk at her.

"Of course Mr. Grey, I wouldn't miss this for the world" Ana says smirking right back at me. After few moments of having a stare down between us, I let out a laugh and move to hug her.

The rehearsal dinner went off without a hitch. Ana is seated by her friends and parents, while I am sitting with my friends and family.

"Bro, this is your chance. Ana's finally back" Elliot says. I didn't realize that he was by my side.

"I don't know Elliot" I sigh. Because honestly, I really don't know what to do at the moment. All I know is that Ana is back. And that's all matters right now.

"Well Chris, you better be quick. Because you're not the one who's in line" Elliot says pointing in the direction of some douche bag, and I growl at him. 'fuck off, she's mine'

"Yeah" I ground out between my teeth as Elliot smirks at me.

I see Ana walking towards me and I smile widely at her.

"Why you didn't tell me you were coming today?" I ask as soon as she's standing in front of me.

"I'm sorry about that. I just really wanted to surprise all of you" Ana says apologetically.

"It's ok" I smile "I just wish you had told me so I could come and get you from the airport" I say a little sad. Ana smiles softly.

"So, how's the world of mergers and acquisitions" Ana asks smirking at me.

"Same old same old. Boring meetings and firing someone's ass" I smirk back and she giggles. 'God, how I've miss that sweet sound'.

"so, are you planning on going back to Africa?" I ask hoping she'll tell me she plans to stay here for good.

"No. I think I'm going to stick around. I'd miss my friends and family way too much" YES! Thank fuck for that!

The night goes by much quicker than I want. Elliot is going to stay at my apartment and the girls are going to stay at Kate and Elliot's apartment. Tomorrow is the wedding and I can't wait to see Ana again. I feel more alive than I have in the past 16 months, knowing that she's back.

After Elliot and I arrive back at my apartment, we have a little more to drink and then head to bed. I still can't wipe the beaming smile from my face. I sleep well without interruptions of my nightmares. All that I dream of is a certain blue eyed-brunette and all around sexy goddess. Miss Anastasia Steele is without a doubt…The love of my life.