Anastasia

It's crazy to think that it's already the first of December. This holiday season has already been so fulfilling getting to spend it with Ellie and Christian's family. I've always loved the holidays, but being the only child to parents has always made our holidays quiet and relaxing. This year, it has been full of loved ones, laughter, and chaos. I love it. I've come to realize just how important family is and I know that soon I'll be agreeing to Christian's request to have more children. I want to wait to bring it up until after the holidays, but it's obvious that we both want this long term commitment and so children together are inevitable. I'm already twenty-six years old and if we want multiple, I know I better start soon. Hopefully Ellie will respond well to a new baby. I know she wants one, but having one in the house might make her change her mind. I know it's important to make sure she gets her fair share of attention. I don't want her to think she's been thrown to the side so we can make a family together. She's our first baby, even though I missed most of her life, I plan to make up for it by being there for every single thing I can. Every game, every recital, every play, concert, activity... I'll be there.

Kate and I are out shopping for Christmas and I cannot deny that I am completely enjoying being able to pick things out for Ellie and Christian without keeping to a budget. I'm not really a spender, but since it's Christmas and it's for them, I want to go all out. I want to spoil Christian like he spoils us all.

"What do you think of this?" Kate is holding up a red lingerie set with white faux fur.

I laugh. "For you or for Elliot?"

She gives me a grin. "For me to wear. For Elliot to worship me like the goddess I am."

My head falls back with a laugh. "That sounds like a solid plan. You'll look great in it."

"You should find yourself something for Christmas. Hide it under some clothes. Give Christian something to unwrap." She gives me a wink.

I cock an eyebrow at her. "You really think I should be spending money on something I'll probably wear once?"

"With any luck, you'll only wear it once cause he'll rip it off your body."

I shake my head.

"Come on, Steele. He's been a good boy. He deserves something hot and sexy."

I chew my thumbnail and look around. "He does like red." I don't really have any lingerie other than some cute bras and underwear.

"Red it is. Let's look."

Twenty minutes later, I'm holding a red lace lingerie set with a lace see-through bra that stops along my ribs, a garter belt, and lace thong underwear that hides nothing. "I've never worn anything like this before, Kate."

She rolls her eyes. "That's the point. Blow him away. When you wear it, don't let him know you have it on... and then at the end of the night ask him for help with a zipper or something and when it's revealed, watch as the man falls to his knees."

I laugh. "You really have this all figured out."

She shrugs. "I'm not new to this. I've been trying to seduce Elliot into keeping me for his wife for years."

Shaking my head, I make my way to the register to pay for the delicate, yet expensive piece. I'm hoping he doesn't look at the account until after Christmas cause it'll ruin the surprise when he sees the name of the lingerie store. I made him promise that this month neither of us would look so that it doesn't ruin our presents for each other. I just have to hope he keeps his promise.

By the time we start our way back to Kate's SUV, we're both struggling to carry all of our bags even with Luca's help. I hate that he has to follow behind us wherever we go, but I'm thankful that he stayed put outside each store we went to. Christian doesn't force him to drive us, but he does trail us in a separate car. It's a new normal that I'm going to have to get used to and I do my best not to take it out on the security, because they're just doing their job.

It's snowing when we leave and it's starting to blanket the ground already. I'm just glad it's not icy. Even though the snow is cold, I feel warm and happy, the snow just a huge reminder that it's Christmas time. Christian had a professional decorator come the day after Thanksgiving and the house is decorated impeccably for the season. I can't wait to get home and sit in front of the giant window in the living room with a hot chocolate while the Christmas tree and fireplace are lit. I live in a fucking dreamland. I've died and gone to Heaven.

*Shopped til we dropped! On our way home. Snowing like crazy so it might take a little.* I send Christian a text while we wait for the car to warm up.

*Okay, baby. BE CAREFUL.*

Before I can respond, Kate's phone begins to ring through the car sound system and I roll my eyes when I see Christian's name pop up on the center screen.

"Hi!" Kate answers. "What can we do for you, Christian?"

"It's snowing."

"Well spotted, Grey."

"Will you be able to drive okay? Luca can drive you home."

Kate rolls her eyes. "I've been driving in this for a decade, Christian. It's not deep, yet. We'll be fine. I promise to get your woman home safe and sound."

"I need to make sure Elliot's woman does the same." His comment makes me smile. He's adorable.

"You're too cute, baby." I tell him.

"Yes, so sweet future brother-in-law! I promise we'll be okay. I'll go slow. If it gets iffy, I promise to pull over and let Luca take over." She looks in the rearview mirror and I turn to look out the back, seeing him staring at our car while his thumb drums on his steering wheel. I'm unsure if he's getting antsy or if he's listening to some music, but I'm hoping the latter.

Christian sighs. "Please be careful, Kate... and I'll see you soon, baby. Love you."

"We love you, too!" Kate states, making both of us laugh before she disconnects the call.

XxXxXx

Kate pulls around our circular driveway and up to the door, letting me out at the steps. Luca pulls behind her and helps me with my bags while I say goodbye to Kate.

"Text me when you're home."

She gives me a smile and there is something in her eyes that I can't decipher. It puts me on edge.

"Kate? What's wrong."

Her eyes begin to water and she laughs, wiping her tears. "Nothing, Ana. It's just been a great day."

I shake my head at my emotional friend and grin. "You're not about to tell me your pregnant, are you?"

"Oh, Jesus no, Ana! I am not about to have a Napa wedding when I can't drink! Baby making is for the honeymoon."

I laugh. " Alright, well, this is just one of many great days, so calm your ass down."

Grinning, she shakes her head at me. "Love you, bestie."

Giggling, I reach in and squeeze her hand. "Love you, too, boo."

I find myself shaking my head at my nutty best friend who seems to have lost her everloving mind while I make my way up the steps to the front door. I find Luca putting the bags in the entryway.

"Thank you, Luca. I appreciate you."

He gives me a nod. "Always a pleasure, Ms. Steele. Enjoy your evening." He doesn't linger and heads out, letting me shut the door and set the security system behind him.

Smiling, I take a deep, cleansing breath and I can smell the fireplace going. I love that Christian is ahead of me and already has it going. He quickly caught onto my love for the fireplace and his attention to all things me makes me feel incredibly special. I slip my shoes off and quickly look through the bags, grabbing the ones with Ellie's Christmas presents in them so I can show him.

"Christian?" I call through the house.

"By the fire, baby!"

I grin at the sound of his voice, excited to get to enjoy my gorgeous man in front of the fire tonight. I hurry in, excited to show him what I found, but the paper bags drop to the floor when I find him.

"Christian..."

"Baby..."

"What are you doing?"

"Come here, beautiful."

I stand, frozen in my spot. The living room is decorated so richly for Christmas, the lights low, letting the soft yellow glow of the Christmas tree and the fireplace light up the room. There are soft blankets and pillows thrown all over the floor and in front of the fireplace is my boyfriend, down on one knee. He's wearing a cream cableknit sweater and darkwash jeans, looking like he just stepped out of a catalogue.

"This isn't funny." I whisper.

His eyebrows knit together. "No, it's not. Come here, baby. It's okay." He offers a hand to me.

I stare at his open hand. "Christian." I'm shaking. It feels bittersweet. Why does my heart hurt? Why is he doing this to me? He knows how badly I want this. "You're going to break my heart." I whisper.

He shakes his head. "No. Never. I'm serious."

"You're proposing?"

A soft smile forms on his face.

"Are you really?"

He chuckles and offers me his hand again. "Come here before I get arthritis in my knee."

I wipe a tear off my cheek on my way to him. When I reach him, I kneel down in front of him and he relaxes back on both knees, matching me.

He takes my hands. "There's my girl. You okay?"

I'm panting and shaking, but I nod. I'm shocked.

"I never thought I'd be doing this... I never thought that marriage was in the cards for me. I couldn't imagine ever feeling so deeply for someone to do this, but you've changed everything."

"Really?" I swallow hard, trying to keep the sobs away. I just can't comprehend that he's changed his mind.

"Yes, baby. Our souls fit so cohesively, that it's hard to remember what life was like before you. You make me a better person and you make us a better family. I couldn't imagine a better mother for Eloise. She was meant to be yours... and you're meant to be ours. I can't bear to think of life without you anymore. I trust you with everything I have. My heart, my soul, my daughter, and my life... I'm giving you everything... but I'm a selfish bastard. I want yours in return. I want all of you and I want it forever. I want to give you my name and I want you to be proud to wear my ring. I want you to be proud to be mine and me to be yours."

I find myself sobbing and Christian does his best to wipe the tears, but they keep falling. "Oh, Christian, I already have. I've given you everything of me. If you leave, I have nothing left. I belong to you already and if you need me to, I'll shout it from the rooftop for everyone to hear." I giggle through my tears. "I want to be bound to you in every way I can."

He nods and I see he's getting teary-eyed himself. "Then marry me. Be my wife. Bind yourself to me."

I shiver at his words. I never thought I'd hear him say them. "This is really happening."

"If you say yes, baby."

"You haven't asked. You told me to. I'm stubborn, but not that stubborn. I'll do what I'm told."

He laughs. His deep smooth laugh that warms me from the inside out. "Will you marry me, Anastasia?"

"Ask me again." I can't get enough of it.

He reaches beside him for the leather box and opens it, pushing himself up on one knee again. "Anastasia, will you become my wife?"

Biting my lip, I nod. "Yes."

Christian

I breathe out, letting her words sink into me. I've been so damn nervous all day about how this was going to go and then seeing Anastasia's initial reaction had me stroking right in front of her. It took me a minute to realize she was just in shock and didn't believe that it was really happening.

When I reach out for her left hand to slip her promise ring off, I'm still shaking from the adrenaline.

Seeing my shaky hands, Anastasia frowns. "Are you sure this is what you want?" Her hand is shaky in mine, too, but she's hammered my words from this summer into her head so much that it's hard for her to let them go. It's my fault, I know. I'm sure I'll have to reassure her more than once, but there's nothing I want more. I need her.

After I slip her promise ring onto her right hand, I cup her face and press a soft kiss to her lips. "I've never been so sure of anything in all my life. You're it for me. I've come clean to your father and told him that you were just trying to protect me and I asked for your hand and when he agreed, I ran off and bought you a ring the next day. I was so excited, that I ended up ruining our announcement by telling Elliot and Kate before I even asked you."

She grins while I hold her face in my hands. "You didn't work on Black Friday! Is that why Kate was a teary mess when she dropped me off?"

I laugh. "Damn Kate. I told her to keep you busy for a few hours. She wasn't supposed to blow our cover."

"She didn't. I just thought she was happy and excited about the holidays and her wedding."

I kiss her soft and slow, enjoying the feel of her lips against mine. "I need my ring on your finger."

I release her face and pull the cushion cut diamond with a halo of diamonds round it out of its box. It's set in a platinum band and I know it'll be beautiful on her finger. When I slip it onto her finger, I see that I'm right. The large diamond on her delicate, thin finger is stunning.

"Jesus, Christian."

I smile. "Do you like it?"

She giggles. "Are you kidding? It's gorgeous! Wow. Christian! It's as wide as my finger! I can't believe this is happening." She cups the back of my neck with her hand and pulls me to her, kissing me. Her other hand grips the front of my sweater to keep me in place and so I let my hands wander down to the hem of her shirt, slipping my hands inside so I can find her warm skin. She moans when my palms find the skin on her back.

Breaking the kiss, she nuzzles my nose with hers. She's panting and I love seeing the wild look in those blue eyes of hers. When she breathes my name, I have her on her back, pressing her into the blankets behind her before she can even take another breath. I have the severe need to seal our engagement; she can't change her mind.

I leave open-mouthed kisses down her throat and and up her jaw until I find her earlobe to nibble.

"Babygirl..." I whisper it in her ear, nibbling on the skin behind her ear. Her back bows and I swear she just fucking purred at the action.

She grabs at my sweater and starts to yank it up my body. "I need you, Christian. Please. Fuck. I need you..."

I press another kiss to her neck and look down at her so I get a second look at her wild eyes and heated cheeks. I love when she looks like this. It's my favorite look on my girl.

With a frustrated growl, she shoves my shoulders and I'm so surprised that I find myself on my back with her straddling me before I comprehend what has happened. She grinds into me while she pins me down by my chest. "I said I need you." She shimmies back enough to pop the button of my jeans open and unzip my pants. Fuck, she's so sexy.

"You're going to take what you want? Just like that?" I cock an eyebrow up at her, entertained by her aggressiveness.

"Just like that." She gives me a nod and grins when she's able to pull out what she wants. She reaches back in after my dick emerges and I grunt a little, feeling her soft, warm fingers around my sac. I lift my hips and shimmy my bottoms down a little so she doesn't cut my fucking ball sac on my zipper. She hums. "Thank you."

I can't help, but chuckle a little. "You're welcome."

Leaning down, her tongue circles around the head of my dick. I moan. "More, babygirl. I know you can take more." I hold the back of her head and encourage her to take what she can. I let her work me for a few minutes, but when I get too close, I yank her up and roll us over.

She pouts. "Christian..."

I kiss her. "I'm not coming until I'm inside of you. It's my turn to take what I need."

Anastasia

As we lay naked tangled up in all of the blankets and pillows in the living room, I know I should be drowsy by now, but I'm too excited. I can't believe Christian wants to marry me. I'm going to be a wife! I'm going to be married to the love of my life and we're going to parent Ellie together and hopefully make more babies together. I'm really going to get my happily ever after. I'm smart enough to know that it's not going to be all laughter and roses, but my worst day with them is better than my best day with anyone else. It's going to be a hell of a ride with Christian, but I am so ready.

I stare at my hand that is resting on his chest while we snuggle up. It's so hard to comprehend that the ring is my engagement ring. I'm going to be Anastasia Grey. Christian's breathing is slow and even, his body completely relaxed after our long rounds of lovemaking.

"Anastasia Grey." I whisper my name out loud, hoping it makes it more real.

Christian groans, making me startle. "You're going to make me hard."

"I thought you were sleeping."

"Dozing." He turns his head and gives me a drowsy smile. "You wore me out, baby."

"Sleep, handsome." I run my hand over his naked chest. "You deserve it."

He reaches for my hand on his chest and brings it to his mouth, pressing a kiss to my palm. "Tell me when you're going to marry me."

My heart flutters with him just saying it and I bite my lip. "Oh, my goodness." I'm breathless. "How long do you want to wait?"

"Hmm..." He thinks. "About a week."

I laugh, surprised. "A week? Baby... I can't wait to marry you, but I need longer than a week. I don't care about having a large or extravagant wedding, but I do want one and I want a dress and Kate as a bridesmaid. I want to walk down the aisle to you and Ellie."

He runs his fingers down my arm. "New Years Eve, then. I want to start the year with you as my wife."

"Wow. I... I don't know how- Kate and I are so busy with hers, Christian! I need to respect that. Kate has been waiting for so long for hers... I can't take that away from her by being selfish." I don't want to break her heart by railroading her with this. She deserves her time.

He continues to caress my arm, looking unaffected and unbothered. "Just listen. We'll have a small wedding on New Year's Eve at our home in Aspen. We'll have our families come and enjoy the holiday with us. I'll hire someone to do all the work and you can continue to help Kate. On New Years day, you and I will jet off for our honeymoon and leave the rest of the family to holiday without us."

"Aspen? You have a home in Aspen?" I'm still stuck in the first part of all of this.

"Mmhmm. Colorado... New York... California. Even one in Italy."

"ITALY?" I'm dying.

He chuckles. "Yes, Italy. We'll go when it's warmer. For our honeymoon, I need you in itty bitty bikinis."

I giggle. "Itty bitty, huh?"

He nods and runs his index finger down the center of my body. "We'll never see those fuckers again, so let them stare. I'll be all over you anyway."

I sigh. I want to marry him asap, but I don't want to upset Kate. "I want to... but, I need to talk to Kate first. I can't do this if this is going to upset her. I won't ruin the wedding she's been waiting years for."

He searches my eyes. "Fine. But I'm not waiting forever, Ana."

I laugh. "Forever? Christian, two weeks ago you were refusing to get married at all."

"And now there's nothing I want more. I'm not a patient man."

I pout. "But what if you change your mind again?"

"Never. I'll never change my mind. My heart is set on you, Ana. Marry me on the thirty-first. Run off with me to Aruba so I can have you to myself afterward. I'll find us an oceanfront villa somewhere where I can feel you up in the crystal clear water so that everyone knows your mine."

I feel like my smile is so large my face might break. It sounds like a dream. "Let me talk to Kate and then I'll let you tell me more."

I'm so damn spoiled. I know I should be refusing to let him spend his money on me like that, but I want this. I want him on the beach, too. I want my mouth on those sexy strong shoulders that freckle when he's tanned. Hell, I want my mouth on the parts of him that will be below his tan line. Just him and me for days at a time. I want that. I want to be selfish.

Teaser? Just Ask.