Exciting Bewilderments

Ted's POV:

"Shit, let's go," Lily says urgently. I can't see what has spooked her, and before I know it she has one hell of a grip on my wrist and is leading me down the poorly lit grassed area.

"What are we running from?" I ask Lily, but she doesn't respond. She is struggling to run in her heels as they sink into the grass. She throws them off and really picks up the pace. She still has a tight grip on me, and I am now grateful for all those early sports training sessions at school. Lily is unusually fast on her feet. We don't stop until we are by the small wharf at the end of my grandparent's property.

"Lily, what has you so freaked?" I ask to take a look back. The area is so poorly lit out here that I can't see anyone. Lily is panting a little.

"It was that just that guy that was bidding against you that's all" My suspicions are confirmed.

"Zachary Bornstein? Who is he?" I ask exasperated.

"How do you know his name? Do you know him already?" I notice that there is a strange sense of horror in her voice.

"No, my cousin Ava told me his name, and that you would kill her if he won. Was he from your school? What did he mean to you and why did we need to run?" My tone is quite insistent, but I am desperate for answers. I can't explain the sudden need to be told everything, but it is so raw and unrelenting.

"Yes, he is from my school and was just some jerk. Zac was a pretty massive deal at school, and every girl wanted him. That is except me, but one day he asked me out, and in retrospect, I don't know what I was thinking, but I agreed" I feel an emotion that I have never felt before. Jealousy. I clench my hands and place them on my sides.

"And what happened on the date?" I question.

"We went out for dinner and then took me to the lookout. He started to get rather fresh, and when I told him to stop, he kept trying to kiss me, and then when he wouldn't stop, I kind of hurt him" My anger, is somewhat eased at the fact that she retaliated against him.

"How did you 'kind of hurt him'?"

"I kneed him where it hurts most" She comments and then giggles a little. A surge of pride for her engulfs me.

"And is that it?"

"No. He then told people at school, that I was a nasty piece of work and that he rejected me, even after I supposedly tried to push myself on him. He tried to make my last couple of months at school hell." She shrugs. Lily seems so different right now compared to the girl I met at GEH. "Which then led me to try to get him back, I started to see his best friend, which is the guy my mothers didn't approve of and engaged in a few other co-curricular activities, and yes..." An almost evil grin forms on her face.

"I am sorry that you got treated as such, some guys can be such assholes" I sympathize.

"It's okay. Zachary was just….."

"Oh come off it Lily, you wanted me. Every one knew it. Little bright and sporty Lily, who just wanted to be noticed. I was doing a public service." It is the most arrogant tone of voice I have ever heard and then in the dim light we make out the face of Zachary. He has the most conceited look on his face. Oh how I would love to wipe it off his face.

"Zachary Bornstein, pleased to make your acquaintance. I believe from what I have read in the media you are Ted Grey." He holds out his hand, but I look at him straight in the eye and don't raise my hand to shake his. "Seriously now let us not be rude. Let's face this as grown-ups Ted. Besides, if you had gone to school here, we would have probably been friends and on the same sporting teams. There is no reason why we can't be friends now"

"Same sporting teams maybe, but friends would be doubtful, impossible even" The thought of being friends with him actually repulses me.

"Nice show in front the girl. I think you actually have her going, and good luck trying to get into those iron clad panties. Why don't you call me, when you finally come to your senses? You can come out with me and some of my buddies. It will be fun." If I thought he was smug and arrogant before, then it was nothing compared to his attitude now. Unpatrolled anger builds up and without thinking; I punch him with my tightly clenched fist, wiping the smug grin off his face. Zachary falls to the ground, and blood is starting to run out of his lip.

"You bastard, you hit me! I am going to have my father's lawyers come after you." Zachary yells out.

"I don't think so, unless you want to make life hard for yourself." A voice says.

Christian's POV:

After watching Ted dance with Lily, I whispered into Ana's ear. "Come, I have a surprise for you." I lead Ana to the direction of the boat house.

"Christian I know what this is about. I don't know if it is so much of a surprise" She comments. I look at her and grin. She has no idea.

"Besides, I have some matters that I need to discuss with you. Did you know that Ted was interested in Ros and Gwen's daughter? Does Ros? Also, Can you stop going on about me needing to be careful and stay home while you are away for six days, to who knows where? I am more than capable of looking after myself, and Dr. Greene has told you that I am doing brilliantly, and so is the baby" Ana rants. I hope this isn't the next of her pregnancy mood changes.

"Anastasia, stop, you are making my palm twitchy and I have other plans. I am happy to discuss all of your issues tomorrow but," I am suddenly interjected.

"Issues? I don't have issues!" Ana argues back. I stop and raise her face by putting my hand under her chin.

"Anastasia, let's discuss all of this later in detail, but in a nutshell. Firstly, yes I knew that Ted was interested in Lily and discussed the auction. He is a level headed kid and won't do anything to hurt anyone. Secondly, I only want to make sure you are safe and not overdoing it. You and this baby are way too special to me. I couldn't handle something happening to you while I am going to be so far away" I try to reason with Ana.

"You are going far away? How far?" Ana looks up at me lost. I am regretting the destination now, but I chose it as I knew that it would provide the adventure that Ted is craving and would allow us to further bond.

"Rather far, but I can change it if you want or you could come" I offer but regret it immediately. I don't want Ana to try the activities I have planned.

"No. I will be fine, plus I have to work. I have only just taken over Grey Publishing and will be having to make maternity leave soon". That is something else I need to talk to Ana about, I want her to take at least a year off work, or better still give up work. But I know I need to be selective about my timing.

"Also, I have Mia, Kate plus your mother to keep my company, and a whole security team to wrap me up in cotton wool." Ana gives me a little smirk. Actually that gives me an idea, but I will tell Ana about that later. I lead her to the boat house and open the door. The scent was glorious. I lead her up to the second level, making sure she doesn't lose her footing.

The smile on her face says a thousand words. "Christian, it's beautiful, very hearts and flowers. It looks like the time you proposed to me up here?" Ana says with her back to me and inspecting the flowers and the little lights I have had put up. When she turns to face me, I am on one knee. Ana mouth forms a perfect 'o'.

"Anastasia Rose Steele Grey, will you marry me again, on our anniversary?" I look at Ana and present her with a second engagement ring.

"Yes," Ana says and nods at the same time. A large smile grows on my face, and I stand up and twirl Ana around. I slip the ring on her right hand as indicated by Ana.

"So Husband, do you have any plans on how we will be married again?" Ana enquires.

"I want to make all your dreams come true. Do you have any wishes? Is there anything you want or long for?" I ask.

"I don't know, you have sprung this all on me so suddenly, but I do have a couple of ideas that would make it perfect." Ana's crystal blue eyes are glistening. Oh how, I am going to love making her every day better than the last.

"Turn around; I want to take this dress off you." Ana starts to turn when we hear a strange noise outside. Actually someone is shouting. My instinct tells me to go and investigate.

"Stay here, I will be back" I order Ana. I don't want her to move.

When I exit the boathouse and look towards the wharf, I find Taylor standing with Ted and Lily, and some kid on the floor, bleeding. Ted looks angry as fuck. Hell, he looks as angry as I get. Who knew that possible?

"I don't think so, unless you want to make life hard for yourself." Taylor is saying.

"What is going on?" I approach the scene, grateful that Taylor was around.

"Mr. Grey, this young gentleman on the ground was just going to make his way home, and be grateful that he got what was coming to him." The young man on the floor, whom I realize is the other bidder on Lily, gets up and gives Ted a scornful look.

"No way, you cannot threaten me" He spits back.

"Your father is running for Governor isn't he?" Taylor probes.

"Yes... so?"

"I don't think it would be good for his campaign if it was leaked to the media how his son was treating young women." Taylor is cool and in control as usual. The young man on the floor gets up and walks off to the exit. Taylor motions for Ryan to ensure he leaves.

"Ted, I want a full explanation of what happened tonight from you, tomorrow morning. Lily, your parents will be wondering where you are. Ted, please escort Lily back to the ball." I watch as they walk up the path to the tent.

"Taylor, report" I say bluntly.

"That jerk, had agitated young Lily and been disrespectful to her for some time. Ted was only protecting her. I can have a full report on your desk tomorrow if you like" I consider Taylor's offer but realize that it isn't what I need.

"That won't be necessary I will have Ted give me a full report tomorrow." Taylor is surprised as am I.

"Would you like me to get a background check on Lily?" This is a funny question. Normally I would say yes, but I have known her adoptive parents longer than she has and I know aspects of her life from Ros. Gosh I even helped them adopt her, but then I would rather not take any chances.…

"Yes, might as well, but it can wait till the morning. I am pretty familiar with Lily's background. Also, Taylor, thank you for protecting my son." I unquestionably need to give him a pay rise

"I would never hear the end of it from Gail if I didn't" Taylor remarks

"And I would never hear the end of it from Ana if I didn't also" Taylor, and I exchange a rare smile.

I allow Taylor to go about his duties, making sure that a close eye is kept on Ted and Lily and to make sure that Zachary doesn't try and re-enter the premises again. I turn on my heel and re-enter the boat house. On the second level, Ana is there, sitting down and tapping her fingers on the side of the couch. The very sight of her, a little angry, is enough to make me want to combust there and then.

"So you finally decided to come back, Husband. There I was, thinking I would have to do something myself about how I am feeling" Ana teases.

"Wife, I am in no mood for your smart mouth"

"Ooohhh... So domineering aren't you."

"Oh Ana, how right you are."

Ted's POV:

I walk quietly with Lily, escorting her back to the ball. Along the way, I pick up her discarded shoes and pass them back to her.

"Thanks." She says with a shy smile as she puts her shoes back on.

When we are a few feet from the ballroom, Lily stops and turns to face me. She looks serious and feisty all again. I wonder if she realizes how sexy and beautiful she looks like that.

"Ted, you know that Zac was right, don't you." She seems so sad now.

"Right about what?" Damn she is confusing. I need to talk to the male members of my family about girls and ask them how does one, understand them, during our all males week away.

"You and Zac would have been friends if things had been different." She reasons. I am instantly annoyed. "Ted, I didn't want to come to this ball with you because you are so similar to Zac."

"Excuse me. You think I am similar to that asshole?" I am repulsed at the mere thought.

"Look, You're both sons of insanely rich men and heirs to a fortune that would fund a small country, your both athletic, terribly popular and could have any girl. I am an adopted girl who got lucky." Oh, please don't make up any more lame excuses.

"Maybe 'if' things had been different, we would already be a couple and planning on living with each other in Massachusetts. In addition, you wouldn't be standing there making up lame excuses and trying to hide the fact that you like me." Before she can say anything back, I take her hand and walk her to the middle of the dance floor.

"Dance with me again" I don't really ask her, and Lily's expression is unreadable. I don't know if she wants to dance with me again or if she is doing it because we are in public, and doesn't want to make any type of scene. A slow song, 'The Way You Look Tonight ' starts to play and we get a little closer, moving rhythmically to the song.

"Ted thank you for punching Zac. No one's stood up for me like that before" She says softly.

"Not a problem, you don't deserve to be treated like that. Also, you need to understand that not all guys are like him, and I am not Zac. If you don't believe me try me out, I will even throw in a return policy if you like." I try to convince her. We both stop as the music comes to an end.

"I am going to see if I can find my mother's" Lily says politely. She turns to walk away and takes one step before turning back to face me and swiftly moves and kisses me. It was quick, but it was enough, to make my body respond. I feel a desperate longing. A longing to kiss her again, and passionately. I have never felt like this before. I step off the dance floor, and I can't see her, nor can I see either of her parents. Rather I see Ava. I walk over to her I need to know everything she knows about Lily.

"Nice dancing cousin. You have some pretty smooth moves, plus that was a sweet little public display of affection just then" Ava raises her eyebrows. I frown but it doesn't hide the fact that I am blushing now.

"How did you convince Lily to do the dance auction?"

"You want to know the honest truth?" Ava says cautiously

"Yes"

"I told her that you would bid on her, and it would piss of Zachary. It would be her way at getting back at him. But I am sure that she did enjoy the dance." I don't know how I feel about this, but stuff it, I couldn't care that she did it out of revenge.

"Ava, I need to know everything you know about Lily. What is her favorite color, movie, everything." Ava regards me cautiously but fills me in.

# # # # #

"Ted, we need to leave. Your father is waiting downstairs for you." Taylor informs me from my door. Actually, I should have been downstairs ten minutes ago to leave for Sea-Tac, but I have been pre-occupied. I know Lily would have received my specially chosen package by now.

"I will be right down." I reply. As I am walking downstairs, I find my father and mother engaged in a more than a casual goodbye kiss. My father has become more and more concerned about leaving my mother. What trouble could my mother get into while we are gone? She is 5 months pregnant.

My phone beeps just before I reach the last step of the stairs. A large smile forms on my face.

*Interesting choice of flowers. Thank you but I am still not ready to start anything*

The smile on my face is turned upside down. I thought the originality of the rainbow dyed roses would be a winner, but alas it isn't. Good thing I don't give up easily. I consider texting her back, but instead decide to ring her. My parents don't look ready to be parted anyway.

Lily: Hello Ted.

Ted: I am glad that you liked the flowers. I wanted to get you something original. I have noted that you are not ready to start anything, but I am going away until Saturday, will you be ready that evening to date me?"

I think I know her answer, but I can at least try.

Lily: Nice try, but No.

Ted: I am not Zachary.

My voice is forceful. Wow, I wonder if I have ever used that tone before.

Lily: So you are going away, we'll have a fun and safe trip

Ted: Safe trip can I infer that you want me to be back home and in one piece, so we can finally have a date together?

Lily: Very smooth, I am just concerned about you from one human to another. I am not a monster.

Ted: Oh I know that, in fact you are an extremely beautiful and bright young lady.

Lily: Still not working for me.

Ted: But I hope eventually it will.

Lily: Well I am sure that you need to be leaving. I will see you when you get back…

Lily again slips up. I know subconsciously she is interested in me. She just needs to admit to it.

Lily: I mean I will see you at Grey House, not going in terms of going out of anything.

I desperately try to stifle my laugh but fail miserably.

Lily: I can't believe you are laughing at me. I can't believe….. I can't think straight damn it!

Lily's voice is quiet. I doubt that I am supposed to hear her.

Ted: I can still hear you. Maybe you can't think straight because you are not following your heart.

I hear a large groan, and then the line goes dead. I try to ring it back, but the call keeps failing this is a strange feeling. She didn't sound good beforehand. Maybe something happened. I rush to my dad's study, glad that he is occupied with my mother and search through the address book he keeps on his desk. I find her home number and ring her.

Lily: Hello?

Ted: Oh thank God, you are okay. You had me worried. The line went dead so quickly.

Lily: I threw my phone against the wall, and I have seemed to have broken it.

This gives me an idea. "Ted, we need to go are you ready?" My dad calls out.

Lily: You need to go.

Ted: I know. Bye

Lily: Bye

"Dad I will be a second" I reply. I quickly run to where O'Connor is and ask him to do me a favor.

Returning to the main room and find my parents still in each other's arms. Mom is getting a little emotional. Though, it is Dad's demeanor at the moment that actually gets my attention.

"Mom, don't worry I will look after dad and bring him back in one piece" My mom giggles at my comment, and it seems to break the sad mood.

"Are we ready?" I ask Dad. His lips thin when he looks at his watch. His sadness and concern over leaving Mom is now filled with apprehension. My mother is now looking at him curiously. Dad ignores my question.

"Dad, are we leaving now?" I ask as the doorbell rings. Dad seems to relax a little. Sawyer walks past us to answer it, and that is when we all hear a familiar voice.

"Mom, I am glad you made it in time. I will get security to get your bag" My dad goes over and welcomes my grandmother.

"Thank you and I hope you boys have a great time. I think this annual trip is a phenomenal idea." My grandmother comments, she is literally glowing.

"Bags?" My mother questions angrily. Dad stands rigidly and looks rather displeased at my mother right now. I suddenly realize what my father has done.

"Excuse us would you" My father asks us. He takes my mother's hand and leads her to the study. Grandma and I both look at each other.

"Didn't your father tell your mother about me staying here with her?" My grandmother questions.

"No. I don't believe so. I didn't know anything about this" I inform her. We both look to the closed door of the study. We can only guess what is being said.

Ana's POV:

"You have organized for me to be baby sat by your mother?" I scold. I can't believe he would even consider this, let alone organize it and spring it on me the minute he needs to leave.

"Anastasia, you are not being baby sat. My mother is just going to make sure you are well. She is a doctor and can check that you and the baby are doing well"

"Otherwise, I am being baby sat" I restate.

"Anastasia, I am not going to back down. My mother will stay here, with you until I return" Christian looks like he is about to go thermo-nuclear and it usually made me heel, but not anymore.

"So are you going to give your remaining CPO's, leave then?" I challenge.

"No, they will be here and watching over you and my mother." Christian isn't looking like he plans to back down anytime soon.

"I don't need nor want a baby sitter. End this or the second you are in the air, I will grab my backpack and stay at a hotel for the week." I hiss. Christian narrows his eyes, and his lips thin. Oh my, he is going completely thermo-nuclear. I have forgotten how mad he can get. Stay strong Ana.

"Anastasia, stop acting like a child." Christian warns.

"But, you're treating me like a child. I am not a child, nor am I twenty-one anymore. I am almost forty." She rebuts.

"No, I am treating you like my pregnant wife who is yet to learn her limits. Anastasia, I will not change my mind, and if you are willing to go through with your threat, then I will cancel this trip right now and stay here." My mouth drops in shock.

"You wouldn't. Would you? Ted has being looking forward to this trip, as have your brother and dad." I stress. Christian is glaring at me. He doesn't need to answer my question. I know his answer.

"Fine, I will agree to be baby sat" I roll my eyes upward and start to walk towards the door. I know Christian is right behind me.

"Please do as your told Anastasia. I only want to keep you and the baby safe" Christian says softly, but he is ordering me. Quickly he gives me a swift whack on my backside, and he has the most seductive look on his face. Every muscle in my body responds deliciously. Oh how does he do that?

Grace looks contemptuous at Christian as we rejoin her and Ted in the main room. Christian, who wouldn't back down with me, will certainly not be swayed by his mother.

"Ana, I am so sorry that my turning up unannounced upset you. I would have thought my son, considering the past, would have been wiser. I will be leaving and will see you at dinner, with Mia, Kate and Ava tonight" Grace has practically ignored Christian and is getting ready to leave.

"Grace, please do not go. Please stay its fine. You being here will keep Christian's blood pressure down and the company will be diverting. Please stay" I tell her sincerely. Grace is hesitant but agrees.

Christian's POV:

"Shit dad you got lucky just then" Ted comments as get into the Audi SUV.

"I know" I give out a large sigh of relief.

Though, I was adamant that I would not leave if Ana didn't agree to my mother staying. I figure between my mother and security, I will only worry about my wife fifty percent of what I would originally. Taylor, Markinson and Sawyer are coming with us on this trip, whilst O'Connor and Ryan will stay in Seattle with Ana.

Elliot and my father are already waiting for us when we arrive at the hanger. "Finally, you both get here. I thought you didn't do late! Did you have some tension to release before you left the sound, little bro?" Elliot smirks. I am used to his unwitting comments, but I rather he wouldn't be so crude in front of Ted. It is his mother after all.

The four of us board the plane and sit down. We are served coffee and muffins by the stewardess as our pilot announces we will be leaving in several minutes. My phone beeps informing me that I have an email.

To: Christian Grey

From: Anastasia Grey

Subject: safe and wrapped up in cotton wool

Dear Christian.

I am emailing you to inform you I am safe at work. Ryan is keeping a close eye on me. I am having dinner with Kate, Ava, Mia and your mother, at our house. We will not be going out tonight.

Do my plans meet your high safety standards or is my backside still in danger?

Anastasia Grey

CEO Grey Publishing

From: Christian Grey

To: Anastasia Grey

Subject: your backside

Dear Anastasia.

I am afraid your back side is never safe with me around, but for the time being yes. I am glad that you are finally listening and will be safe. I couldn't cope with anything happening to you. We have lost so much time. I couldn't bear to lose you again.

I will be in the air for hours, but will call you once I land.

Christian Grey

Madly in love but missing his wife already, CEO Grey Enterprise Holdings.

I turn my phone off as we are about to be taxied out and notice Ted is studying his phone, rather intently.

"Expecting a message there Ted?" I enquire.

"Umm... yes... no... Yeah. Just a friend from New York, I will turn my phone off. I am sure he will text while we are in the air and I will just get it when land" I can't help but grin at Ted. He is a terrible liar.

"He or She?" Elliot's asks the question that we were all thinking. Ted gets embarrassed and then runs his fingers through his hair.

"Okay as the male members of my family, I need your help. Actually I need advice on girls. I just don't understand them. In fact, I have a thousand questions" Ted requests. Elliot, my dad and I look at each other, knowing that we are going to have to help. Fuck what a motley crew we are to give advice, expect my dad. He has been in a loving relationship and stable marriage for over 40 years. Though, he doesn't have a wide experience with women. Then there is me and Elliot. I don't know if we are the best people to offer advice on women, but here it goes.

"Okay Ted, we have a long flight ahead of us. Shoot away" I tell him.

"A long flight? We exactly are going?" My father asks. I look over at him and grin. Its one place Taylor and I considered that we could have some real boy time.

Authors Note:

I hope you are all still enjoying this story. Thanks to Crystal9034 for her contributions. Please review…

Maria Amore