Renewal, Rejoice and Retreat.
Christians POV:
Elliot and I wait at the hanger as the GEH jet is taxied in. I am desperate to hold Ana, take her home make love to her over and over, then chastise her for lying to me, though we have promised that us four will go out for dinner together. Mia left for Paris from Las Vegas, but has promised that she will return for Christmas, and possibly thanksgiving.
Kate and Ana both come down the stairs, hand in hand. Elliot leaves my side and greets Kate. Regardless of our indifferent history, she has made my brother insanely happy. Ana is moving slowly towards me, and I match her slow movements. I want to close the space between us.
"Welcome home Mrs. Grey. I trust you had a safe trip" I tell her calmly and then pull her into my arms.
"Thank you, Mr. Grey. May I assume from your calm tone that you are not angry with me, have finally come to accept I can look after myself and am perfectly safe with the protection of your appointed CPO?" Ana questions me.
"Maybe I learnt to keep a closer eye on you" Ana gives me a horrid look. "Anastasia, just promise me that you don't intend to any more wild trips whilst you are pregnant. I do trust you, but you need not take such chances at the moment." Ana is about to argue back when Elliot interrupts us.
"Are you two ready? We are hungry!" Elliot calls out. I take Ana's hand and commence to walk, but Ana is standing her ground.
"We will talk about this later" I tell Anastasia.
"Fine, we can talk all you want but don't expect me to comply like one of your old submissives." Ana statement angers me.
"I told you I didn't marry a submissive, you are my wife"
"Yes, a wife that never promised to obey" Ana reminds me. She is glaring at me, angrily. Elliot and Kate are looking at us impatiently, and both are taking note of our manner.
"Come we need to go. Also, stop glaring at me. You are sexy as hell like that, and regardless of the situations that Taylor has had to put up with over the years from me, I doubt he would like to see me take you in the back seat of the SUV, and I don't want anyone to see what is mine." I look at Ana, and I can tell she is put off. She isn't saying anything.
"Do you still want to go to dinner with Elliot and Kate? Or do you just want me to take you home?" I ask softly.
"It will take us an hour to get home, and I am hungry now." Ana comments putting her hand on her ever growing stomach.
"Music to my ears, come let me feed you and our baby. And we can discuss this further when we get home." I inform her
#####
"Does anyone want any desert?" I offer, but before anyone is able to accept Taylor stands at the door of our private dining room. Ana looks a little concerned as he only interrupts social events like this if it is something noteworthy.
"If you all may excuse me." I stand up, and Ana touches my hand out of concern. "Do not worry I will come back and tell you if anything is happening." I give her my most reassuring smile possible. Taylor walks out of the room, and I follow him to a secluded section of the restaurant.
"Sawyer has just contacted me and informed me that Ted and Lily are stuck on top of the old Ferris wheel by the Seattle Wharf." I look at Taylor as if I don't even comprehend what he is saying.
"Stuck on a Ferris wheel?" I ask just to be sure. I am not sure is I should be worried or humored.
"Yes. No harm has come to them, and they are in excellent spirits. They have been unable to get the wheel to work, but are still trying, and the fire brigade is being called in to assist." Taylor informs me. I raise my eyebrows; I guess Ted got what he wanted. Some time alone with Lily, though we have to face the negatives of what could happen, the media.
"Taylor is there much media attention?" I ask
"Only some local media and that is because there has been some controversy as to whether the wheel should be knocked down or not"
"Are Ted or Lily in any sort of danger? Any at all?" I ask just to make sure.
"No. At least, not from what we can determine."
I wonder if Ana and I should go down there. There is still a lot of media attention around Ana and I, but there has been more on Ted lately. He has been proclaimed as one of the most handsome and eligible young bachelors of Seattle, according to every gossip magazine in the nation. I am pretty sure that if Ana and I turn up, we would catch the attention of some sleazy paparazzi, and I don't think my son would want that type of attention on this first date with Lily.
"Taylor organize for Ryan and O'Connor to join Sawyer. Just in case. I will talk to Ana and see if she wants to go down there" Taylor gets on his phone and swiftly relocated our security personnel. When I re-enter the private dining room, I notice that it is tense, and no one is talking.
"Well it seems Ted, and Lily decided to ride the old Ferris wheel and it broke down, with them at the top" All three of them look at me surprised. The silence isn't broken until Elliot laughs a little. "They are not in any danger, but do you want to go down there? They are trying to restart the wheel, and the fire brigade is being called in. Taylor is instructing for further security to go down to the scene to keep the media at bay." I ask Ana.
"You both can't go; it will turn into a circus. You two are the number one magazine sellers at the moment." Kate warns.
Ana covers her face, unsure about what to do. "Call Ted, I want to hear from him that he is okay" Ana requests.
I pick up my phone and Ted answers on the first ring. I uncharacteristically put the call on the speaker so Ana can hear.
Ted: I guess you heard.
Christian: Yes we've heard, and you are on speaker
Elliot: Ted, I hear you are reaching new heights, skydiving wasn't enough for you? Surely you can think of better ways of getting time alone with girls, without security watching.
Ted: Very funny Uncle Elliot, and personally Lily and I just prefer to call it hanging around with a view.
Ana: Ted, are you okay, honey? What can we do?
Ted: Mom, we are fine. Lily has told her parents where we are, and Ros has already arrived. Don't come down to the wharf. There are some media here already.
Christian: Ted once they get you down, you and Lily are to go straight to Sawyer. They will escort you the car, where we will be waiting. I have called for extra security. I will contact Ros.
Ted: We understand and don't worry, we are not going anywhere.
Christian: Good. I will see soon.
Ted: Okay bye.
Ana: Bye Ted. See you soon
I pay the bill and call Ros. She is going to meet us there and agrees that we need to avoid any media attention. Elliot and Kate decide to go home. Regardless of our concern, we stay in the car about a third of a mile away, and have security fill us in with what is happening.
"So is this a good time to discuss your issues?" Ana questions. I narrow my eyes at Ana, angrily. She sighs. "Christian I accept your point of view, and I will not go away with the girls without you knowing, especially while pregnant. However, I will from time to time go out with my girlfriends. In fact, Kate and I are thinking about going to Mexico sometime next year once I have stopped nursing. You have to stop wanting to control me."
"Anastasia, it is not just about control, it is about safety. You know I have issues about safety, and I can't survive without you again." I can't believe we are still going over this same old argument. Ana appears to give up arguing and places her head on my shoulder. I wrap my arm around her and keep her close.
"You seem tired" I tell her.
"I am tired all the time these days. Dr. Greene said that it would happen, especially since I am an older mother." Ana informs me.
"When did she say that?" I remember the content of all her appointments, and I don't recall this ever being said.
"While you were overseas, I had a scheduled appointment" Ana yawns.
"Maybe you should go on maternity leave earlier. You can take as long as you desire. I think a year at the minimum." I offer. Ana sits up straight obviously appalled at my suggestion.
"Don't be ridiculous Christian I can't, and besides I intend to return to work once the baby is six months old, and I am no longer nursing. We have gone over this, and if you recall, I initially I only intended to take a few of months off." Ana reminds me.
"I would rather you took a year off at least." I restate.
"Christian, I have just taken over Grey Publishing. CEO's can't and don't take a year off. " Ana says forcefully.
"They can and do if their bosses also happen to be their husbands. Also, you stayed home with Ted until he was in school fulltime. Why won't you do it for this baby?" I ask. I may sound like I am accusing her, but I just want her to understand.
"Things were different then. I stayed home because I was a single parent at the time. Things are different now, unless you don't intend on being with me again." Ana comments. Her comment annoys me to no end.
"Don't be ridiculously Anastasia. You, Ted and this baby are my life." I reprimand.
"So if we are both going to be working, then do tell, how we are going to meet the needs of a young child at the same time? Do you want to hire a nanny or a babysitter? Or do you intend for us to take our child to work with us?" I probe.
"I thought maybe we could do a combination. I can work from home part of the week, and I am hoping that maybe Gail can take on some babysitting duties. I trust her as do you." Ana points out.
"I agree. I will talk to Gail and hire extra help around the house. I can also take the baby into work once and while" Ana looks at me happy and surprised. "Don't give me that look, as if you are shocked, you know that I want to be hands on with this child." I give Ana a quick kiss which promises to escalate except the fact that Ted, Lily and Ros are finally approaching us. Ana gets out of the car and throws her arms around Ted, relieved that he is back on the ground.
We drive everyone home, and I am amazed by how relaxed both Ted and Lily are. In fact, they are blushing a little. When we all finally arrive home, Ana goes upstairs to sleep, and I follow Ted into the kitchen.
"Want a soft drink or something Ted?" I offer.
"Sure" Ted replies
I pour myself a glass of wine and pass Ted a Coke. "So care to tell me what happened up in the Ferris wheel and then why you both were literally glowing in the car?"
"Nothing happened. Well except we talked, and then held hands and I kissed her"
"You kissed Lily?"
"Yes I just told you that I did and then she kissed me back. She has agreed to see me again, tomorrow in fact." Ted is now sporting a large smile.
"Good for you" I look over at him then tilt my head to the side and wonder if this is when I am supposed to talk to him about sex.
"Thanks. I genuinely like Lily. More than I have liked anyone ever." Ted looks sincere, and I can literally see the passion engulfing him.
"Ted, you do know about... you know... safe sex. Don't you?" This is a curious feeling of dread. I had always spoken openly about sex to my past submissives and Ana, but I now I am struggling to find the right words to say.
"Yes Dad, I did attend the necessary sexual education classes at school and Mom, and I have spoken about it." Ted rolls his eyes. I take a deep breath and find the confidence to keep going.
"Good, I just want you to be safe and any girl you may be with. Now please never tell your mother this, but if you need condoms or anything... I will put some in the bottom drawer in your bathroom." Ted is looking at me as if I have lost my mind.
"Are you encouraging me to have sex?"
"No way! I just know that I was once your age and hope you know that you can always ask me for advice if you need it. I am going to see how your mother is doing. Good night Ted, sleep well."
"Night Dad"
# # # # #
July 31st – Christian and Ana's anniversary – Renewal of Vows.
Ted's POV:
"Ted, are you ready?" Lily asks as she enters my room. "Your family asked me to tell you to be downstairs in ten minutes. She looks perfect in her above the knee cream colored ruffled cocktail dress. The dress only goes over one shoulder, and she looks hot. I love her hair down and free.
"Wow you look amazing." I tell her and Lily blushes.
"Very smooth Ted"
"No, you do. You are so perfect." I softly kiss her and embrace her. "These last two months, with you have been perfect."
"And to think I almost never even went out with you" Lily giggles.
"Yes, I know. Good thing you finally saw sense" I tell her with mock seriousness.
"Your tie is all wonky" Lily observes.
"I know. I can't seem to adjust it. I am all thumbs" I tell her.
"Ted relax, you are a ball of nerves. You need to relax" She tells me as she fixes my tie. I wrap my arms around her and kiss her softly. These six weeks with Lily have been some of the best in my life.
"I am glad you agreed to come today. Thank you" I smile at her.
"To be honest I am a little nervous to be here. Am I the only non-Grey family member in attendance?" Lily asks apprehensively.
"No, Taylor, Sawyer and Gail will be there also, but it is mainly only family" Lily gulps nervously. "But I am so happy that you are here."
Today at our home, my parents are going to renew their vows, and I am giving my mother away, to my father. It is an extremely small affair, and my parents allowed me to have Lily join me.
"There, your tie is perfect now. You look fabulous" Lily tells me.
Lily and I walk downstairs, hand in hand, where my entire family is waiting for my mother and Aunt Kate. My aunt is helping my mother get dressed. I had expected my father to look nervous, but there he is calm and with the largest smile on his face, talking to Elliot and my grandfather. Ava comes over and starts to talk to Lily as I approach my father, Elliot and grandfather.
"Everything ready?" I enquire, but I can't keep my eyes off Lily.
"Yes, the only thing we are waiting on is your mother and my wife, so if we do this in the next three hours we are making excellent time" Uncle Elliot laughs.
"If they are not down here in the next twenty minutes, I will go upstairs and carry Ana downstairs, no matter what state of dress she is in." My father lips form a tight line looking at his watch.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay at with your grandmother and I this weekend Ted? You don't have to be alone while your parents are away"
"No, that is fine. I need to start getting ready for college, anyway. I leave in nineteen days. I need to get myself organized, decide what to take and what to leave, you know that type of stuff" My Uncle Elliot and grandfather nod, but my father frowns sadly. We both look at each other, not saying a word, but I know what he is thinking.
"So I see things are going well with you and Lily. Was it my world famous advice?" My Uncle asks to gloat.
"Oh you wish Uncle Elliot." I heckle, and causing my father and grandfather to laugh.
"Finally" my dad states as my aunt Kate walks down the stairs.
"Everyone needs to go outside. Ted wait here" Aunt Kate orders everyone. I wave to Lily as she walks outside with my cousin and Aunt Mia.
I look up and watch my six months pregnant mother walk down. She is glowing in her white knee length dress, and her hair put up.
"You look beautiful mom" I kiss her cheek. "Are you ready?
"Yes and you look exceptionally dashing. Lily is very lucky to have you. Have you asked her yet?" My mom asks
"No, but I will." I take a few deep breathes and smile at my mother. "So mother, are you ready to marry my father again?"
"Definitely" My mouth is biting her lip a little nervously.
Soft music plays as I walk my mother out the French doors to the side garden, where flowers have bloomed all around, and my family is standing. When we reach my father, I shake his hand and then kiss my mother's cheek as I step aside and take my place next to Lily. I reach for her hand and hold it tight. I look at her, and my heart beats faster. She encompasses my whole world. The next time I look up I hear my father, restate his vows as he did over eighteen years ago.
"I solemnly vow that I will safeguard and hold dear and deep in my heart our union and you. I promise to love you faithfully, forsaking all others, through the good times and the bad, in sickness and in health, regardless of where life takes us. I will protect you, trust you, and respect you. I will share in your joys and sorrows and comfort you in times of need. I promise to cherish you and uphold your hopes and dreams and keep you safe at my side. All that is mine is now yours. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love from this moment on for as long as we both shall live"
Both my parents kiss and we all clap. Everyone congratulates them, and after posing for possibly several hundred photos, we move inside, where a lavish dinner is being served. I lead Lily to her chair, where we both click glass and join my family in conversation.
An hour later, I notice my father is getting restless. He has been whispering into my mother's ear more than usual, and I know he is ready to leave. After saying good bye to my parents, everyone leaves the house, and Lily and I are left alone. Her parents are away, taking care of some Grey Enterprise business and so she would be alone at home.
"Why don't you stay the night? At least you won't be alone" I reason with her.
"Are you sure that would be okay?" We are both nervous.
"Yes" We both look at each other and then start to kiss. Really kiss each other.
"Take me upstairs" Lily's voice is soft. I pull her into an embrace and take her upstairs.
# # # #
Afterwards, we both lie naked with our bodies entwined. I smooth out her glorious hair that has gotten messed up during sex. We are both so close to sleep and she looks angelic.
"I love you Lily." I finally confess to her my true feelings.
"What?" Lily responds
"I love you. You own my heart. I want you to live with me when we go to college." Lily doesn't respond but smiles. She moves closer to me and falls asleep, as do I.
When I wake up the sun is shining in my bedroom and I feel incredible. I rich over to the other side of the bed, but I don't feel Lily. Worried I sit up and look around. It is then where I find the letter with my name on it..
Ana's POV:
"I am so excited about this weekend," I tell Christian. I feel like it is our honeymoon all over again. Christian looks as spectacular as he did the day we got married.
"I am so glad you wore this tie" I stroke his silver tie, my all-time favorite tie.
"I am just glad that I got to wear it again. In fact, I intend to use it again, on you. Have you guessed where we are going for the weekend?" Christian asks
"Yes, Christian it was obvious when I saw you in this tie" I smile at him. I can't wait to go back, it has been so long.
Authors Note: As promised here is the next chapter with 24 hours. I am off to write the next one right now. Thanks to Crystal9034 and please review.