Was it worth it?
Christians POV:
I put my cell phone away, satisfied that all of my plans are being implemented perfectly. I have known that one day I would need to take care of this situation, and privately I have been looking forward to this day. It is tomorrow that I may struggle with. Ana has her hands on her hips, unimpressed by my intentions. What my perfect wife doesn't realize is how enticing she is when she is angry. If I wasn't on such a tight schedule I would have my wicked way with her. Fuck I am getting hard just thinking about it. I know Ana would successfully put up a resistance to me right now.
"Christian, please tell me you are not going to do this!" Ana pleads with me. I know she thinks I am being harsh, but I am only doing this to ensure my daughter is going to be cared for and in light of Josh's medical history; I need to make sure of a few things.
"Ana, I need to do this, besides I am not going alone" I state causing Ana's expression to give away her astonishment and concern.
"Who else is going with you?" Ana demands to know
"Taylor, Sawyer, Ted, Elliot and Marcus" I reply nonchalantly.
"At least Carrick is smart enough not to participate" Ana spits and then rolls her eyes. Fuck! My hand immediately starts to twitch. Damn, I am excited enough. I check my watch, and I can only grimace.
"Hey don't start with the eye rolling, especially now when don't have time to rectify your behavior, and you know that my father is too old to assist. That is why Ava's husband, Marcus offered to participate." I scold.
"I can't believe this," Ana says.
"What is going on with you two?" I look up and see Phoebe walking down the stairs worried. This is the last thing I wanted, especially in light of the fact that she is getting married tomorrow. I was hoping to leave the house and return before our extended family dinner. This way Phoebe wouldn't have noticed.
"Nothing" Ana and I both say in unison.
"Is that why I can hear you both from my soon to be former bedroom?" Phoebe questions.
"I need to go out, but I will be back in a couple of hours." I inform my wife and daughter.
"You are going out? But tomorrow …" Phoebe pleads. I look at my daughter, and she looks upset. The last thing I wanted to do is to let her the day before she gets married, but I am doing this for her.
"Phoebe, I will be back soon. I am sorry that I have to leave, but it is extremely important. I will be home in plenty of time for dinner with the family." I reassure Phoebe before kissing her forehead and then kissing Ana.
"Anastasia, you should know that even though I have to leave, I will make good on your eye rolling and behavior" I tell her softly into her ear.
"I sure hope so" She replies. I grin at her and then leave. Taylor and Sawyer are already at the door waiting for me, and we exit before Phoebe can question me further.
Taylor and sawyer, even though they are getting on in years also, made a personal request to accompany me. They watched Phoebe growing up and adore her. They like me just want to ensure she is going to be cared for. We drive out of the house, towards Elliot's house and I text Ted.
*Has the operation commenced? How is our subject doing?*
A few seconds later, I receive a text back.
*Subject has arrived and the first test in being put into place. Marcus and I will be watching him like a hawk.*
Ana would be appalled if she knew exactly what we were doing. Actually she would more than freak out, she would deny me. We once argued over whether or not to allow Phoebe to date once and Ana and I didn't have sex for five nights. Those were some of the hardest days of my life, ever since she returned to me twenty- two years ago. To have the love of your life, lie down next to you and them not be intimate out of anger, is hell on earth. I know I promised to never keep Ana in dark when we reunited, but this time I think it is best to.
Elliot is already at the front of his house, when I arrive and promptly enters the car. He and I have had a secret pack when it has come to our daughters. We both make sure they are cared for and treated well, and ensure their partners know that we expect them to take care of them. We did something similar, to what we are doing today, when Ava was about to marry Marcus, but I have stepped it up with Phoebe.
I missed out so much with Ted due to my stupidity that when I was lucky enough to have another child, I protected Phoebe so much and made sure she knew how much I loved her. She was a remarkable child, though was sensitive. My daughter had her moments, but she did everything to make us proud. I hope Phoebe realizes that I would be proud of her no matter what.
"Christian, level with me before we do this. Are you now one hundred percent supportive of this relationship and the wedding tomorrow?" Elliot starts to interrogate. Kate has rubbed off on him. I once wouldn't admit it, but I have to acknowledge that my brother knows me too well.
"Would I have preferred Phoebe to have taken a different course in her love life? Then the answer is yes, but I cannot stop her nor will I interfere anymore. I know how much she loves Josh, and he loves her; therefore I can only give them both my endless support. I refuse to be a contributing source of my daughter's sadness ever again." I confess.
"So we are going to make sure Phoebe is never miserable again?" Elliot asks to further interrogate.
"I would give my entire fortune away to make that happen, but fate isn't able to be bribed. So we are making sure that Joshua knows that we won't tolerate him ever making Phoebe upset."
"Poor guy. Josh is going to be shitting himself. I remember Marcus's face when we spoke to him the night before he married Ava. It is going to be even worse for Josh." Elliot laughs out loud. "Does Phoebe know what we are dong tonight?"
"No."
"Good. Phoebe often has had us all wrapped around her little finger that when we see her at dinner she would likely be scathing as would our wife's." Elliot's accurately comments. Phoebe was born when our children, Ted and Ava, were in their late teens, so all attention was focused on her. She has been precious to us all.
We arrive at the bar and are directed to the private room in the back as planned. Elliot and I haven't even finished half of our beer, when Ted and Marcus enter with Josh.
"Christian, Elliot… I didn't expect to see you both today. Nor did I expect to see you, Taylor and Sawyer." Josh observes nervously. Phoebe and Josh had decided to skip having a rehearsal dinner, and instead have a rather large party after the wedding ceremony tomorrow. It was their wish to celebrate actually being married, not about to be married.
"Why don't you take a seat Josh?" I demand more than offer, signalling to a chair opposite me. Sawyer looks at me and gives me a nod before leaving the room. Josh agrees to sit down, but obviously becomes tense when Ted and Marcus do not sit next to him. Rather, Ted has sat next to me and Marcus next to Elliot. The scene becomes complete when Sawyer returns so he and Taylor can sit next to Josh. The poor fucker is sandwiched in.
"Dad maybe this is taking things a little far. He is starting to sweat" Ted whispers into my ear. I narrow my eyes at my son and shake my head.
"When Ruby and Macie are about to get married, do you intend to go easy on their future husbands?" I question him quietly. So Josh doesn't hear.
"No." Ted admits and then straightens up. I refocus my attention on the man that will soon be my son in law.
"Joshua, I am glad you were able to join us. I hope we are not taking you away from your family"
" mother and father are both resting up for tomorrow. My sister and her family are touring the city. They all actually expected me to go out today with Ted and some of our old New York friends who have arrived." Josh explains.
"Have you been out already?" I probe though I already know the answer.
"Ted and Marcus and I did just go out actually" I notice a couple of beads of sweat are starting to form on his forehead.
"Where did you both go?"
"Go?" Josh asks and just avoids stuttering.
"Yes. Where did you go?" I ask annoyed at his reluctance to answer my question.
"We went to a strip joint, but we didn't enter." Josh advises me.
"Smart move buddy. Last time you both went to one of those places didn't you both get arrested? Seriously Ted, Marcus and Josh, your respective partners would give you all an at home vasectomy." Elliot mocks, laughing at his comment.
"We got picked up by police, but we were never arrested. Ted and I were seventeen, and I have to admit the victim of our hormones. Those places do not interest me at all. I was surprised when we arrived. Ted and Marcus can confirm my unwillingness to enter."
"So if those places don't interest you, then what does?" I inquire. Josh starts to look at the people assembled, and I know I am starting to intimidate him.
"I am sorry, but I am not sure exactly what you mean, but if you are…." Josh tries to explain, but I cut him off. I already have my answer to that part of my investigation. A waitress then walks in with seven bottles of water, a large bottle of bourbon, and seven glasses. She pours us all a generous amount of the amber liquid and places one in front us all. I pick up my strong drink and start to drink, as does the other male members of my family and Taylor. Sawyer doesn't drink since he is driving.
"Are you not thirsty?" I inquire.
"I cannot drink this," Josh says and pushes the glass of amber liquid away. Instead, he grabs one of the bottles of water and commences to drink it.
"The world health organization states that two drinks a week is not harmful" I inform him.
"No, thank you. I can't risk it. Phoebe...I promised"
"Good," I reply.
"I am sorry for talking out of turn here, but what is all this? Christian you seem ...exasperated" Josh inquiries.
"We are just having a drink, before tomorrow, when you become an official member of our family. You haven't seen my brother when he is genuinely angry and annoyed. You might think again about marrying my niece?" Elliot grins.
"So this is some sort of assessment? Alright I am for it. I am after all going to be marring your one and only daughter. I didn't want to go into the strip joint that Ted and Marcus took me to as I have no interest in any other woman besides Phoebe. I won't drink as it will increase my chances of harming my health. I owe it to Phoebe to do whatever I can, to be as healthy as possible, for her and myself. I want to ensure that I can be here to care for her." Mentally I tick off that he has passed these two factors.
"What if Phoebe wants to have children?" Ted then asks unplanned. Interesting question.
"Then I hope she will want to have them with me," Josh says trying to lighten the mood but fails.
"So you are interested in having children then?" I probe.
"I hope to, but I will leave it to fate and Phoebe. If she wants to have children with me, then I won't deprive her."
"She is still very young." I remind him.
"Like Ana was" Elliot says quickly, whilst Josh shakes his head.
"Obviously you are all now trying to determine if I going to treat Phoebe right. I would hope that I would have proven that by now." Josh asks to seek clarification.
"That is only partially why you are here." I inform him.
"Consider this a family tradition. One that my brother here and I started when my daughter got married, to Marcus." Elliot then looks at Marcus who nods.
"You'd be smart to listen. It makes being married to one of the Grey family girls, a lot more peaceful" Marcus advises.
"Josh, we are forewarning you" Taylor now pipes up.
"If you ever do anything to hurt Phoebe, then you are going to have to contend with us. She is my youngest child. She was born into the family when her brother and first cousin Ava was sixteen and eighteen, so she is our little girl and is extremely special to us all." I inform him.
"I understand that. She is extremely special to me also. She is my all! My everything!" Josh emphasizes.
"Then treat her as such. Always" Ted adds.
"If you don't, then I will make your life a living hell." I affirm.
"Josh, of course you know my brother is wrong don't you?" Elliot adds. I narrow my eyes at my brother and growl quietly, but his expression doesn't change. Rather he continues to talk. "What my brother, master of the universe, means is that if you don't treat Phoebe as the centre of your universe, then WE will make your life a living hell."
"Yes I understand. None of you have anything to worry about, in regards to me with Phoebe." I analyze my soon to be son-in-laws expression, and I am convinced that he gets the picture.
"Okay gentlemen, I think our mission is complete, and our message has been delivered, loud and clear. We have a dinner to attend at the sound, and we don't want to worry our wife's. Josh, I have Ryan outside who will make sure you get home safely. I can't take the risk of my daughter's fiancé getting hurt before the wedding. We will see you in the afternoon tomorrow at Bellevue, and do not be late."
"I won't." Josh articulates adamantly.
"I will make sure he is on time" Ted adds.
Everyone starts to exit the small private room in the bar, but I linger as there is one more thing that needs to be said. "Josh" I call him back, so it is only us two in the room.
"Yes Mr Grey" Josh looks frightened now. More than he did with the other male members of my family. I can't help but snigger and shake my head a little. I know his formal reference to me is a result of the scene.
"Ana and I have ensured our daughter has had everything and that she knew how much she is loved. Phoebe was never lonely or wanted for anything growing up. I indulged her while Ana made sure she appreciated everything. We have shown her many parts of the world, and whilst we protected her, we never shielded her from the reality of the world we lived in" I explain.
"Phoebe often tells me that she has been the luckiest person, having you and Ana as parents." Josh says to complement us.
"Nonetheless I have to admit that you give her something that I and her mother never can. You make her whole. Just like Ana does for me and I do for her. I realize that now. I have for a little while now." I tell Josh.
"Thank you. You should also know that Phoebe loves you and Ana so much. You both and Ted mean the world to her. I will uphold her always"
"Oh I know you will, or else we will be true to our word and make your death look like an accident." I say glaring at him and once I have successfully intimated him again, I laugh and pat him on his arm. "Come on Josh, Ryan is waiting to take you back to the hotel."
Phoebe's POV:
"And lastly your veil" Lily tells me. I asked her to be my maid of honor, whilst Josh asked Ted to be his best man. I had considered asking one of my friends or Ava, but I liked the idea of Ted and Lily being besides us as we get married. We extended it further by me asking Ruby to be my junior bridesmaid and Eli being a junior groomsman. Josh is Eli's godfather after all. Not wanting to leave Macie out, she is our flower girl. Though she will walk down with Ruby, or Lily, and then sit with our family. Ted and Lily's babysitter will be in attendance also, and will care for her during the ceremony if the need arises. She is only fifteen months old, and keeping her still for the entire ceremony might be hard, even though she has had a long nap already today. Ava and Ruby are currently in the other room putting her hair into piggy tail and ribbons, however; we are holding off putting her dress on her till the last minute.
"How do you feel? Do you want a glass of water?" Lily asks
"Water? I think vodka might be more appropriate right now, considering the amount of butterflies in my stomach..." I joke, making us both break into laughter. "I don't know how I feel t to be honest. I am nervous and excited at the same time, though I am happier that today is finally here." I admit. It has been about three months since Josh and I got engaged, and I am so glad everything has gotten organized so quickly.
I look at the clock and take note that there are only about thirty minutes left before we start the wedding. My mother had been helping me get ready with Lily, but then excused herself when it became obvious my father was struggling with his mixed emotions today. I know that my mother is off somewhere settling his nerves, but I honestly do not want to think about how she is achieving her goal. Actually I do know how this she is calming my father down. I swear my parents are as active as teenagers, and the truth of the matter is that I love that they still long for each other, even after all these years.
"Can we enter?" I hear my father at the door.
"Sure" I call out. As my parents open the door, I turn to face them so they can see me. They both stop and look at me. My father looks at me for the longest time while my mother is looking up trying not to cry.
"I am going to check on how Ava and Ruby are getting on with Macie," Lily says, leaving the room to give me some private time with my parents.
"Mom, please don't cry. If you cry, then I will cry" I plead, walking towards her and hugging her.
"It is just that you look so beautiful, and you are getting married." My mother explains. I look to my dad for help, but I know he is sharing my mother's sentiments.
"We are extremely happy for you princess. It is just that we are going to miss not having you at home anymore" My mother elaborates.
"You both do recall that I spent four years over east at college, and I am moving like a mile away. You and dad will be able to run or walk over to my house." I remind them. Josh and I stayed at my parents' house on the sound while we sought out our own home. We looked for just over a month before our real-estate agent finally found the perfect home according to our wish list. It had everything, and as fate would have it; it was the closest house on the market to my parents. Our new home is smaller than my parents, and Teddy and Lily's house, but we prefer it that way. It does have an impressive amount of yard space and most importantly, a stable. I have started riding again, thanks' to Josh's unplanned intervention and because of his early wedding present of my second ever horse.
"Dad, I still work at Grey enterprise, and you will see me every day, and Mom, we have lunch together at least twice a week. I am not disappearing, and consider how often we have family dinners." I remind them, and then change my strategy to keep us all from getting emotional. "Also, think about the amount of privacy you both will have now"
"Huh?" My mother says.
"I am not five anymore! I am well aware of how much you both…" I stop and think about an appropriate word I can utilities, "….. desire each other. I only hope Josh, and I am still as active as you both are, years to come"
"Hhhhmmm" My father says almost inaudibly, but my mother and I both hear him.
"Dad, I find it humorous that you would have preferred me to have been a virgin until his age of thirty, considering your activity level with Mom"
"Phoebe, don't be ridiculous" my father scolds. "I never preferred you to be a virgin until you are thirty ...forty or fifty would have been much more preferable." I am about to roll my eyes, when my father holds out a familiar box.
"We have a present for you. We gave Josh a pair of cufflinks with a J and P entwined, as per family tradition, and now this is for you. We hoped that you would want to wear it today." Slowly I open the box and all the air leaves my lungs. Inside is a flawless platinum necklace with diamonds embedded in it.
"It is breathtaking," I remark as my parents take the box off me and place my new piece of jewellery on me.
"Good, since breathtaking is exactly how everyone is going to describe you when you start to walk down his aisle." My father tells me as my mother struggles to not get emotional again.
"Phoebe you are partially right about your mother and me looking forward to having some quiet time together. We are going to take a long break; though we are not sure exactly when we will leave. We intend on going through Central America, then South America, and if we still feel like traveling we will keep going or return home" My father informs me.
"That's fantastic, but what about Grey Publishing and Grey Enterprise? Also, why are you not sure about the date?" I question.
"I am retiring from Grey Publishing. I may do some writing, but I want to travel with your father, and be around for our grandchildren and help support you and Ted. I want to be there no matter what happens in the future." My mother advises me.
"Oh Mom, thank you" I tell her throwing my arms around her. "What about you, dad?"
"I am able to monitor Grey Enterprise from anywhere on the planet. But since your mother has agreed to retire then I am going to decrease my workload also. I am turning over the day to day operations of the company to Ted, especially while I am overseas with your mother. Now the reason we aren't sure about our departure date, is because I do not want to leave until we know that you and Josh are settled. I am assigning Taylor and Gail to care for you two while we are gone. Taylor will make sure you are safe, and Gail will make sure you eat." Oh my how over controlling can my father be and why do I love him so much for it?
"So it basically will be like having you both live with Josh and I?" I say raising my eyebrows. My father doesn't need to answer my question. I know the answer.
"So you've told Fifi the fantastic news then," Ted says now standing at the door, with our professional photographer behind him. "Yes, baby sister, I am going to be your new boss. I like my coffee black in the morning and I prefer a flat white in the afternoon."
"Maybe I should resurrect Phoebe Grace Enterprises?" I say return his mock.
"Fifi, you look beautiful," Ted says coming over and kissing my cheek.
"Thanks Teddy"
"Excuse me, Mr and Mrs Grey, did you still want a family photo?" The photographer asks from the door.
"Yes. Please enter" We take a few photos that are reminiscent of those we took when Ted married Lily. We will be taking photos with the whole family after the ceremony, but I know this photo of us four is important to my parents.
Lily, Ruby and Macie, rejoin us, and I take a moment to watch Ted with his wife and girls. He and Lily still love each other so much, like our parents, and I am reminded once more how lucky I have been to grow up and be witness to so much love. I watch as he dotes over his girls. I wish Eli was up here, but I know he is downstairs, fulfilling his role as junior groomsman.
"The wedding planner has started to request the guests gather for the ceremony. Mom, can I escort you downstairs?" Ted offers.
"Please"
The music starts and I watch as Ruby walks down the aisle holding Marcie's hand. My little fifteen month old niece is having a marvelous time throwing petals everywhere. Then walks down Lily. Even from a distance I can tell her eyes are focused on Ted's and his on hers.
"Ready, Phoebe?" My father asks with his arm around mine.
"Most definitely." I reply smiling. I know that I am marrying the perfect man for me. "Are you ready, dad?"
"I don't know. I may walk you down to the end of the aisle, and then find that I can't let go of your hand." My father confesses.
We start to walk down the aisle, and the only thing my eyes want to look at is my groom. Josh smiles broadly and once we are at the end of the aisle, he walks towards us.
"You are so beautiful" Josh says quietly to me, and then focuses his attention to my father, who is still holding my hand. "Thank you Christian. I promise Phoebe will be the center of my world." My father then successfully lets go of my hand and places it in Josh's hand.
"I love you Princess Phoebe" My father whisper into my ear before kissing my cheek.
"Love you too daddy" I tell him. We both smile and stifle our laugh over how we have referenced each other.
Josh and I decided on a tradition wedding ceremony though we decided to write our own vows.
"I, Phoebe Grace Grey, take you Joshua Harris to be my lawfully wedded husband. I promise to love you endlessly, to support you when your strength is challenged and to ask for your help in my weakness. I will stand by you for all the days of our life's and be everything you need and deserve. You make my joys greater, my sorrows bearable, and my spirit soar. From this day forward, you are my husband and companion, I promise to be a loving and faithful wife for the rest of our lives.
"I Joshua Harris, take you Phoebe Grace Grey to be my lawfully wedded wife. I promise to cherish, honor, respect you always and l uphold all your dreams and aspirations. I will be faithful and honest always. You have brought me more peace and hope than any man ever deserves. My happiest days have been those that we have been together. Your smile, your passion and compassion, your beauty, your laughter, your sense of adventure, your intelligence, your courage and your faith in me, enrich me in every moment I spend with you. You are the center of my universe, and I promise to love you more each day.
We exchange rings and our priest declares us husband and wife. I can hear our friends and family clapping, but I phase that out, as does Josh, the only thing we focus on, is each other as our lips meet and we share our first intimate moment, as husband and wife.
# # # #
Two Years Later
"Not much longer, just keep breathing. " Josh coaches me through my contraction and the midwife checks the progress of my labor.
"Okay Phoebe you are seven centimeters dilated. You labor is progressing extremely well, and the baby's head is engaged. I will let your doctor know." My nurse updates me politely before exiting the room.
"YES! They got a home run! The Yankees are dominating!" Ted calls out from the side of the room. "Josh, did you see that hit?" Ted asks now turning around and focusing on us both.
"No, I am kind of busy here," Josh says.
"Oh yeah... sorry. " Ted says calmly. He and Lily have had the twins, and then Macie, so labor doesn't seem like a major thing to him. I have had the unfortunate luck of a bad time of falling into labor when my husband and brother were at our house watching the baseball game on TV with Eli. Their regular boy time, as they call it. Ted had Eli driven home, and then accompanied Josh, and I to the hospital, to provide support.
"Ted, have you spoken to our parents? I thought they would be back by now". Regardless of how much independence I have sought and how much I have grown as a person, especially in the two years that Josh and I have been married, I seriously want my parents right now, especially my mother.
"They are on their way. There is no way on earth that they are going to miss being here for the birth. Don't forget that they even cut short their trip to be here" Ted reassures me.
Our parents have recently returned from the second extended trip. Their first trip to Central America and South America lasted for about four months, thought they were in constant contact with us all. It was such a success that they planned to go to Asia for even longer, but when I told them that I was pregnant, they changed their itinerary.
Josh and I hadn't spoken much about having children before we got pregnant. I had been on the pill, and even though I was taking it daily, somehow managed to fall pregnant. My obstetrician pointed out that nothing was guaranteed besides abstinence, and I obviously was not that! Josh and I had been thrilled with my condition, as had both our families.
I start to watch the game, with my brother and Husband, whilst they both hold my hands, comforting me.
"You know if the baby is a boy, you could name him Ted after me," Ted says grinning.
"You wish! Besides we have decided on the name" I inform my brother.
"So you both do know the gender of the baby. I knew it. Is it a boy isn't it?" Ted probes.
"You will find out real soon, once your new nephew or niece, is born"
About thirty minutes later, my parents rush into my hospital room. They had been in Portland today, inspecting the work WSU have been doing for over the past forty years in the development of agriculture, which is being implemented in Durfar, Africa.
"Finally! I thought you both weren't going to arrive in time" I tell them off.
"Don't be ridiculous, of course we were going to make it!" My father chastises me back, but then tenderly kisses my forehead. Mom goes to my other side and as soon as she gets the chance, hugs me tightly.
"How are you?" she asks worried.
"Not too bad. Josh convinced me to have an epidural, which I am so happy about since my waters have now broken. Though I have to admit that I am scared now."
"What of?" My father asks curious.
"Scared of being a parent. What if I am a bad parent?" I say expressing my concern.
"Don't be silly, I don't think you would be able to be a bad parent, and you have all the family support in the world. Your baby is going to be so lucky to have you and Josh as parents." My father says comforting me and complimenting both Josh and I.
# # # #
I haven't been able to wipe the smile off my face since our little girl was born over two hours ago. We have informed our family but requested they don't come to the hospital until this evening. Only my parents have met our little angel. Josh's mother, sister and his father are all intending on flying over to meet the new addition to our family. Our baby girl starts to cry, and Josh jumps up and holds her tight.
"Hey there, Carrie Grace Harris, there is no need to get upset. Are you hungry?" Josh asks. We decided to name our little girl after my grandparent, with Carrie being the female version of Carrick. MY grandparents are thankfully still doing extremely well, and I can't wait to show them their newest, great grandchild.
"Pass her to me, I will try to feed her" I can't hide my glee when Carrie latches on immediately. What a relief!
"I can't tell you how happy I am," Josh tells me.
"Me either. I didn't know this level of happiness was possible!" I admit.
"Everything that has happened to us in the past has been leading to this moment. Everything has been worth the effort" Josh evaluates. I lean over and kiss my husband, allowing each other to possess each other.
Authors Note: And here is the end! Do you all want an epilogue say several years in the future?