To have and to hold

Christians POV:

"Okay I will tell you everything" I tell Ana.

The day before the wedding:

Unlike Phoebes' wedding to Josh, the mood around the house is a lot more relaxed. Ana and I were thrilled when they asked to be married here at the sound. Originally we had expected that they would want to go get married at Bellevue, like every Grey wedding since Ana and I got married, but Phoebe didn't want to. She attributed her wish to be married by the meadow since that area of our home holds so many treasured memories, and it didn't feel right to be married at Bellevue since her grandparents were no longer alive.

"Enter" I call out after I hear a knock at the door of my study. Taylor enters. He has made the trip up from California, with Gail, for tomorrows wedding.

"Right on time. I am glad you're here" I extend my hand out and shakes Taylor's hand.

"Oh I have been looking forward to this. Am I right in assuming that nor Ana and Phoebe are here at the moment?" Taylor and I grin at each other. I don't need to answer his question. He already knows the answer. Taylor is coming with me, but is going to hang back with Ted. Only I will talk to Craig. I couldn't deny them both, to at least be in attendance.

"We need to go, or else we will miss Craig" I have been informed that he has just picked up his suit for tomorrow, gone to a jewellery shop, probably to pick something up for Phoebe and has stopped off at a local coffee shop off lake Washington that he, Carrie and Phoebe frequent on the weekends, with Ted, Lily and their children. It is only about a quarter of a mile from Ted's house.

"Ted. Right on time" I comment as Taylor, and I exit the house.

"I will drive." Ted announces. He has parked his car right in front of the house. I nod, knowing that this is probably a smart idea. I may have toned down my pre-wedding warning, but I still want to catch him unaware.

We find Craig at the back of the café, in a rather private section. He doesn't react when he notices us. I approach him while ted and Taylor take a table close by.

"Christian, or should I refer to you as Mr Grey, for this exercise?" Craig comments.

"That isn't paramount right now" I reply trying to read him. "You knew that I would be coming"

"I two coffees with cream, no sugar and two blueberry muffins" A waitress states and placing the contents of her tray in front of us.

"I ordered for us. I am glad that I got my timing right. I hope I passed" Craig informs me.

"Phoebe told you, didn't she?" I question.

"Phoebe once recounted the story of when you talked to Joshua the day before their wedding. I knew Phoebe was going to be out with Ana this morning, so I figured that this would be the time you would seek me out. I hope the setting is appropriate." Craig fills me in.

"Yes. It will do"

"So have I at least passed that part of the test?" Craig questions. I cock my head to the side at his question,

"Craig this is not a test. Firstly I want you to understand that tomorrow you are going to marry my daughter. I expect her to be treated and loved appropriately. I may be not be as young as I once was, but I won't stand for her ever being hurt. I will make you regret it if you ever hurt her in any form. If it isn't me then others will make you regret it" I warn.

"I understand. Is that why Ted and Taylor are here?"

"Something like that."

"Christian I won't ever hurt Phoebe. I love her too much. You know this already and to be honest, if you ever had the modest belief I didn't, I doubt that I would still be around." Craig tells me sincerely. I have never had any doubt of his love for Phoebe, and he is right if I thought he didn't, then I would have transferred him to the other side of the country. However, my concerns lie elsewhere. One that was brought to my attention on our flight back from Mexico.

"You are going to be a father in three months" I state blandly, giving his scope to respond according to his feelings.

"Yes." Craig's voice is soft, he eyes are glowing, and a large smile has taken over his face.

"And a step father as of tomorrow"

"I know" Craig's expression doesn't change. He still looks as if he is on cloud nine.

"Carrie expressed some concerns to me a few months ago." Craig smile disappears and appears confused.

"She hasn't said anything to me or Phoebe!" I knew that Carrie wouldn't say anything to Phoebe. She wouldn't want to worry her mother.

"I will give it to you straight Craig. My granddaughter has concerns that she isn't going to be as loved when baby is born. She fears that you will love the baby more than her"

"That isn't going to happen. I have told Carrie that I love her like my own daughter. She is an outstanding kid, and I am so proud of her. When I proposed to Phoebe, I asked her to allow me to help raise Carrie, and that I loved her. As far as I am concerned she will be my child after tomorrow as much as this child Phoebe is carrying is."

"If I hear that even for a second that you don't treat Carrie as such, I will intervene!" I warn regardless of Craig's honest speech.

"It isn't ever going to happen, and if it did, then I understand that I will deserve it. I wish she wouldn't feel so conflicted about calling me dad, but I respect her wishes. It doesn't change how I feel. " Craig then looks out on to Lake Washington then to me. "Christian. I will return in a minute. I want to show you something" Craig gets up and walk off into his car. He opens the boot of his car and returns with two.

"Christian, tomorrow I intend to give this to Phoebe as soon once we have left our reception and are on our way to our honeymoon" Craig passes me a box and gestures for me to open it. Inside is a bracelet with a heart pendant. "Open the heart pendant"

I open the pendant and find it has been inscribed. "My heart belongs to you forever and ever!" It is a simple inscription but perfect. I am glad that he isn't giving her a necklace. Ana and I have purchased one from Cartier for Phoebe which is based on her wedding dress.

"I also intend to give this to Carrie" I cock my head to the side and take the second box. I open it and look at the piece of jewellery and open the pendant.

"It is beautiful. I ought to need to get back to the sound. Ana and Phoebe will be home soon with Carrie. I will see you tomorrow. Do not be late!" I caution him.

"I won't. Also, Christian it wasn't Phoebe who warned and reminded me that you were going to come and see me today. It was Carrie. She told me she didn't want me to be scared or worried" I nod and acknowledge the fact.

"When is Craig giving Carrie the necklace?" Ana asks.

"I am not sure. Sometime today." I inform her and then pull her into my arms. "So are you still mad at me for talking to Craig yesterday?"

"Yes" I grin salaciously at Ana.

"Then take it out on me, in bed tonight"

Phoebe's POV:

"You ready angel?" I ask Carrie. She turns to face me, and I don't think I could be more proud of her right now. She looks so grown up with half her hair up and the rest in loose curls. The designer did a beautiful job on her dress. We chose a dusty rose color, floor length chiffon dress with a pleated empire waist adorned with rosettes on the right shoulder. It is the perfect balance for her age. She is a little too old to be a flower girl but too young to be an older style dress. Craig and I decided to have a small wedding party. In fact, Carrie is the only member besides us. I didn't need a maid of honor and Craig doesn't have a best man. Our wedding as per our wishes is more intimate and about us as a family. We have asked Ted and Lily to sign the marriage certificate.

"Yes, but grandpa looks a little nervous" She points to my father who is standing at the doorway. I can't help but grin as he runs his hands through his hair. My mother is frowning at him, and trying to re-organize his hair.

"Maybe we ought to get this show on the road before your grandfather pulls his hair out" I tell my daughter causing us both to laugh as we slowly start to walk to meet my parents.

"Your grandfather is going to up the security detail on you at the reception today!" I tell her seriously

"Why?" Carrie asks concerned.

"Because you look so beautiful that he is going to worry about all the boys here trying to dance with you." I tell my daughter, causing my daughter and I laugh. It's the most therapeutic laugh.

"Thanks mom. You look phenomenal. I am surprised you are so relaxed. Dad told me that when you married him you were nervous." Carrie recites.

"I was, but I was younger, and your dad had not long recovered from his surgery. Also, our wedding was rather large." I explain.

"Do you think Craig is nervous?"

"Maybe. Can you keep a secret?" I probe.

"Yes"

"I am a little nervous right now." I admit.

"But you are happy aren't you?" Carrie asks

"Very."

# # # #

"Phoebe and Craig will now recite their vows and exchange rings as a sign of their union" Father Keating announces.

"I, Phoebe Grace Grey Harris, take you Craig Joseph Bailey, to be my beloved husband. I promise to help shoulder our challenges because through them, we'll emerge stronger. I promise to be your partner in all things and to share with you the joys of life. With you, they will be that much sweeter. I promise to you perfect love and perfect trust I promise to nurture your dreams and our family, because through them your soul shines."

I slide the wedding ring on Craig finger, and then slowly look up at. I become so lost in his eyes.

"I, Craig Joseph Bailey, take you Phoebe Grace Grey Harris, to be my cherished wife. I promise to encourage your compassion, uniqueness and help shoulder any challenges that may come our way.
There is nothing we cannot face if we stand together. I promise to be an active and loving husband and father, to our unborn child, Carrie and any other children we may have. I promise to you perfect love and perfect trust. For one lifetime with you could never be enough."

Craig carefully puts on wedding ring on me, and in a show of affection raises my hand to kiss my hand and wedding finger. I fight to hold back tears, knowing that I am likely to shed a few in a few moments.

"Craig and Phoebe, have now vowed to love each other. They have requested that they make a significant vow today." Our priest announces. I can tell all our guests are surprised by this announcement. "Carrie, would you please stand in between your mother and step-father"

Carrie slowly moves and stands in between us. Her facial expression gives away that she has no idea of what is going on. This was Craig's idea. He came up with the idea over a month ago, when we found out that Carrie was concerned that we wouldn't love her as much as the new child since she wasn't Craig's biological child. We have tried to reassure her as much as possible that this isn't the case. I wouldn't be marrying Craig right now if I even had the smallest suspicion that this was true. This vow to Carrie is to prove to that we will always love her more than she can ever know. Craig and I both a take one of her hands. I nod to Craig to start.

"Carrie, your mother and I vow to love you more than the world. You are growing up to be an incredible young lady, and we are privileged to raise, guide and love you along the way. We promise to support you in everything you attempt and will ensure you have every opportunity. Most of all, we promise to love you. You mean the world to us. Never ever think that we could love another child more than you. Carrie, you are an imperative part of our family. You are our daughter, and are going to be an elder sister, to this baby and any other children that we may have." I close my eyes fighting to keep my tears at bay as Craig reaches into his pocket. Together we open the box, showing her the necklace with the heart locket.

"Carrie, this is a symbol of our love for you. It represents the love that your father and I you had for you, and now the love that Craig and I have for you as your parents. We love you angel" I can't help it, but tears start to run down my face. Craig's eyes are all red as if Carries now. "You are so incredible, and we are so road of you"

Craig then puts the necklace on Carrie, and instructs her to open its. Inside is two photos. The first is one of Josh, Carrie and I. It was taken when she was about six years old. The second photo is more recent and is of Carrie, Craig and me.

"Thank you. I love you both also. I know that dad would be rally happy that Craig is in our lives now." Carrie tells us trying not to cry. I try, but I can't help but cry, and the three of us wrap our arms around us.

"I now declare you both as Husband and wife, and a family" Father Keating announces. Craig and I walk down the aisle, with Carrie right behind us, and it becomes apparent how many of our family and guests have gotten emotional.

Christian POV

I return to my table and take my seat, next to my brother, after having danced the last song with Carrie. The reception is going brilliantly and has a decidedly light-hearted and fun atmosphere. The complete opposite of the emotion filled ceremony. There is laughter and smiles everywhere you turn.

"The ladies did a damn good job on this reception" Elliot comments filling up my glass of wine. Ana, Kate and Mia, collaborated with Phoebe on the reception. The event is tasteful, elegant whilst respects the distinctiveness of Phoebe and Craig.

"That they did" I smile with pride as I see Ana talking to some friends. Even thought she had help, it was obvious that Ana was the driving force who planned this reception. I still wonder till this day how I got so damn lucky to have this woman by my side.

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice that Elliot is smirking at me. Regardless of his age, he reminds me of the smug twenty year old he once was.

"Something entertaining you?" I query, using my well-practiced CEO voice.

"Oh, just thinking." Elliot says nonchalant and gestures causally. Do I dare ask?

"Thinking? That might be a first." I alright. "Entertain me, what were you think?"

"Your hair!" Elliot states. I can't help but smirk at him. I have been graced with the luck of never losing my hair.

"Reminiscing to a time when you had more?" I mock, and laughing at his expense.

"Nice one little bro. I was actually wondering how long it is going to take before you are completely bald." Elliot states unusually seriously, but cocky. I narrow my eyes at him, which only makes him even arrogant.

"I was just watching you dance with Carrie. She is looking more and more like Ana every day. Carrie is going to be a stunning looking young lady. Plus in a few years she is going to be a teenager, and in several years she will be off at college. Yep all the boys are going to be knocking on her door!" I become a little unsettled in my seat. Elliot knows how to out my buttons! I look around to locate Carrie, but before I do I find Emma, Elliot's granddaughter.

"That is true, but I believe you have forgotten that your granddaughter is already a teenager, and from the looks of it already, she has boys knocking on her door" I point to the side of the dance floor, where Emma is standing there talking to a couple of boys, of similar age. I can't help but smirk as the smug look on Elliot's face is wiped away.

"Oh Elliot!" I shake my head, enjoying the moment. I have to admit that even at our age we take joy at mocking each other, and I hate to lose. However, I narrow my eyes and my lips form a hard line, when he his chess smile grows on his face.

"Excuse me, but who was that behind my granddaughter and now walking towards the dance floor with some boy?" Elliot questions. I look over to where he is now point, and low and behold, there is Macie, with some boy. He is certainly a few years older than him and smiling as he dances with Macie.

"Who is that boy?" I ask.

"And who is that other boy now dancing with my granddaughter?" Elliot questions. We both look at each other and together call out "Sawyer!"

# # # #

"Mom and Dad, I have emailed you both and Sawyer a copy of our itinerary. Leighton has also given Sawyer a hard copy. We will have our cell phones with us the whole time, so we will be contactable constantly. Our flight isn't scheduled till mid-afternoon, and we will be at our house" Phoebe recites. She is obviously nervous about leaving Carrie for two weeks. It is going to be the longest that they have ever been apart. We are upstairs' in her old bedroom, having a short period of privacy before she and Craig leave the wedding.

"I don't understand, why you and Craig aren't flying out straight away. You are both get to go to Spain, France and Italy." Carrie states.

"We want to spend the night here in Seattle, at our home." Phoebe explains to Carrie "However Miss Carrie that is not what I wanted to talk to you about. Now, do not forget that your music lessons have changed to Tuesday after school and your French tutor is on Thursdays at four. I have arranged for her to go to your grandparents house, so do not forget!"

"I won't."

"Also, Mom and Dad, when you both go over to New York with Carrie next weekend, can you please make sure she takes enough warm clothes. Carrie has a habit of not packing sufficient clothes"

"Mom! Please! I know all this, and I know how to pack." Carrie groans.

"Carrie sweetheart, your mom is just worried about you." Craig comments trying to ease Carrie annoyance and Phoebe stress.

"Let's make a deal. Your dad and I will look after Carrie, Craig you look after our daughter!" Ana negotiates. We say good bye to Craig and Phoebe and leave the bedroom to say goodbye in privacy. They are going to make their exit after Phoebe throws her bouquet from the top of the stairs.

Outside the bedroom, I wrap my arms around Ana and bury my nose in her hair. "I hope all the guests leave soon. I want to take this dress off you." I whisper into her ear.

"Do you have your old jeans ready" Ana asks, making my smile.

"Always! I even have our silver balls ready" Ana makes an appreciative groan and fuck! She is biting her lip. I desperately want to take her to our bedroom, lock that door and not come out until the morning. We hear the bedroom door open and out comes Carrie. She looks a mixed of happy and sad.

"Come here Angel," Ana tells her and together we wrap our arms around our grandfather.

"Are you doing okay?" I ask.

"Yes, it is only two weeks, and at least I get to stay with you two." Carrie says politely. "Grandpa and Grandma, there is something I want to do, but I need your help to make it happen. Tomorrow." Carrie requests and then fills us in on her plans. Ana and I look at each other and nod.

"We will help" I reply.

Carrie's POV

My grandparents drop me off in front of my house and drive to the back of the house, where they are going to put my plans into action. My grandmother, rang my mom and Craig, and told them that in all the excitement, that I had left part of my school uniform, school books and even my laptop at home and that I wanted to pick them up, and anything else I might have forgotten that I have left behind.

"Morning, Carrie" Leighton opens the door for me and greets me.

"Morning. Is my mom and Craig awake?" I ask. When I suggested my plan to my grandparents, they suggested that we not come over until at least mid-morning. It is ten in the morning now.

"Yes. They are expecting you and are in the main room"

"Thank you." I head straight to the main room where my mom s cuddled up to Craig, drinking fruit juice and coffee.

"Angel!" My mom calls out when she sees me.

"Carrie, want a drink?" Craig asks.

"No, I am fine." I tell them going over and hugging them both.

"Your grandparents said that you left some of your school stuff behind. Is it all in your bedroom?" My mother asks.

"To be honest, no. I didn't forget anything at home." I confess. My mother and Craig sit up.

"You lied? You never lie!" My mother states. "Is this because we are leaving today for two weeks?"

"No…"

"Carrie, we can ring you every day. We can Skype" Craig explains.

"Mom and Craig, I am not upset that you are both leaving. I get it. You both just got married and are coming back. Actually I am here because I have a surprise for you both. Though it might be more for Craig actually, but I hope you both consider it a gift for you both."

"A surprise?" Craig asks

"Yeah. Its outside." I smile, excited to show him, and hope he doesn't say no.

Authors Note: I will re-edit this chapter tomorrow. Hope you enjoy it. Only one more chapter to go and then this story will finally come to an end. Yes I do mean it this time! review if you wish.