Okay, so this is the last chapter. There is nothing else to say and write. Time to move on... back to Ocean's apart.. eventually

Birthdays and Family

Phoebes POV:

Nothing could wipe the smile off our daughters face tonight. She has lightly touched the pink diamond tiara that adorns her hair more times than I can count; making sure it's still there since we left our home. The tiara is an extravagant gift from my parents. Josh and I did joke that we should at least be thankful that Carries newest accessory isn't more elaborate than it is, due to the weight more diamonds would have caused. Tonight we celebrate her seventh birthday in the most elaborate, Grey family, fashion. Tonight the Grey family, along with many of our Carries school friends with their parents; and our family friends are convening at the sound, for a Disney princess birthday party ball. The only downside is that neither of Josh's parents was able to fly over for tonight, but have promised Carrie that they will be in town for her actual birthday on Tuesday.

My parents have always played a significant role in the birthday celebrations of their grandchildren, though final say always remained with the child's parents. In light of Josh's slow but steady decline in his health, we both agree to delegate the preparations and celebrations to my parents. Treating this nothing less than important than a major deal, my father sat Carrie down and asked her to imagine the perfect seventh birthday party over six weeks ago. My mother who attempts keeps my dad grounded was present at their little meeting, but even she stated that she couldn't deny Carrie.

My suspicions that my dad took liberties in making this event even more extravagant than the vast limits of our daughter's imagination when we arrive at the sound and the gates are two fo my parent's security team dressed in costume. I can't help but laugh out. Ryan and Reynolds are dressed as royal guards. My father probably has offered them a bonus for this. Carrie squeals excited. Ryan opens our car door for us and informs us that alternative transport up the driveway has been organized. Josh and I look at each other, both us thinking how way over the top this is, but we out our thoughts aside when we see how excited Carrie is.

"It looks like Cinderellas carriage? Can I keep it?"

"No" Josh and I respond simultaneously. Carrie frowns but then shrugs.

"Oh well. At least it is mine for tonight." Josh helps Carrie up into the carriage just in time before she jumped up herself. He gets in himself then holds his hand out, helping me up.

The private road leading to my parent's house seems longer thankfully for Carrie. My parents are standing by the side of the house the leads to the backyard where the party is being held. Carrie runs towards my parents, who of course welcome her with open arms.

"Hi, Grandma and Grandpa! I love the carriage! Where did you get it?" She asks, talking way too fast. The excitement is already engulfing her.

"It wasn't us," My mother informs us. My dad who is enjoying seeing Carrie's joy, looks a little put out, wishing it had been him.

"It was us." From the side appears Adam and Aubrey Harris, Joshua's parents. I didn't think Carrie could smile more than she was, but alas it has grown. I love her smile. She inherited from Josh.

"Nanna and Pop, you are here!" Carrie almost jumps into their arms. While Carrie is emotionally closer to my parents; I am glad that she has kept a close relationship with Josh's parents even though they live on the other issue of the country. Josh and I quickly get over the shock of their appearance and welcome them after Carrie has let go of them.

"We wouldn't miss your seventh birthday party for the world. We flew in last night to surprise you. Is it a good surprise?"

"Very good! It's excellent now that I have all my grandparents here!"

"If you run inside you will even find your Aunty and cousins flew in from New York also," Aubrey advises Carrie.

"Mom and Dad, can I go and say hello ?"Carrie asks bouncing on the stop. She is over excited and hasn't even actually entered to the party area.

"Of course," Josh replies. Carrie runs off leaving us to greet our parents properly. Josh's parents look at their son concerned. Aubrey has taken his hand and his father and his shoulder on Josh's shoulder.

"How are you feeling son?"

"Great. I am fantastic. I am looking forward to celebrating my daughter's birthday, even more so now that you are both here. Carrie is going to declare this her greatest birthday having all her family members here. However, it is going to take a month to get feet back on earth and grounded after being spoilt by all her grandparents. So I may not feel so great tomorrow." Josh doesn't answer his parents question directly. He knows that they're asking about his health. Josh is sick of everything one asking and walking around the topic. He still has so much life in him, but it's as if everyone thinks of him as being on the verge of death.

"Joshua Harris that isn't what I meant!" Everyone but Aubrey grins as she scolds him as if he was a little child.

"Yes I know, Mom." Josh wraps his arm lovingly around his mother and kisses her, which at least seems to soothe her a little. "We can talk about all that later. No now. Tonight is a celebration. You of people should be celebrating! You once believed that I would never get married and give you a grandchild. At least 95% of our conversations during my late twenties up until the day I proposed to Phoebe, was in regards to me getting married and settling down."

"I swear Joshua Harris, you drove me crazy, with all your antics. You were lucky that I spent 5% talking to about other topics." Aubrey replies sharply, but I know this isn't how she is feeling. The look in her eyes gives it away.

"Mom, the other 5% of our conversations, was regarding how great it was that my sister was married and then how she had given you grandchildren," Josh comments seriously then laughs, before hugging his mother properly. "Oh mother, I loved every one of those conversations."

"Phoebe I thank the Lord every day for you. However, you manage to survive; married and living with my son here for almost ten years is beyond me. " Aubrey replies comically, but then it hits her what she just said. The silence is deadly. Aubrey covers her mouth with her hand, desperately wishing that she could take back what she just said. I look away, not wanting anyone to witness my eyes water.

It is Josh that breaks the deadly silence. "So dad, you said that you were helping the DA in New York with a case and mom, what about the appointment you couldn't avoid today... Both situations that would prevent your attendance tonight." Josh points out with his distinctive tone.

"We lied… rather well" Adam Harris commented seriously though proud of himself for getting one over Josh. "Beside's it wasn't a complete lie. We did promise our granddaughter to be here on the day of her birthday and still intend on doing so."

"Good one." Josh wraps his arm around my waist once more and pulls me close. His parents divorced not long before Josh got sick the first time and while I know his mother probably is yet to forgive Adam's affairs, at least they are civil and polite to each other these days. Adam manning up and saving Josh nine years ago restored their friendship and their wish to be hospitable to each other for their grandchildren. "I am so glad that you two are here."

"That's good to hear son, especially as your mother and I were hoping to stay with you and Phoebe until we fly out on Wednesday." Josh smiles and nods. We wouldn't have it any other way.

"I will contact our housekeeper and have two of the guest rooms prepared."

"Should we head to the party?" My mother suggests while my dad wraps his arm around her back. We walk to my parent's immense backyard that has been converted into a magical kingdom. There are flowers everywhere, and rounds tables with a long table for the children. There are white pony's giving the kids rides, face painting, a large castle jumping castle, and actors dressed up in the most elaborate Disney princess and prince costumes. I wonder if my father flew them in from Disney land directly. I chase that thought out of my mind knowing that it is within his power.

Carrie is on cloud nine. Our daughter is with her friends and cousins. The girls are happily dressed up as princesses. Some of the boys in neatly dressed in shirts and pants, though a fair number of them are wearing prince like costumes, probably at the instance of their mother's. They run to the kid's table once their party food is served. There is an array of child-friendly food though I do note there is an extensive assortment of healthy food. Trust my father.

"Phoebe, come and sit. You need to eat," My dad requests, though in actuality is ordering me. I look to the side, and already seated is Josh with his parents, my mother, Ted, Lilly, Ros, Gwen, Uncle Elliot, Aunt Kate, Aunt Mia, Ava and her husband, and lastly, though by no means the least, my treasured grandmother. I have wanted to ask her, ever since we learned of the downturn in Josh's health, how she had managed to live these past years without her beloved Carrick Grey and though it is evident she misses him every day, how she managed to keep going. If this question wouldn't upset or worry her, I might have had the courage to do so.

"You know if you had to give me a dollar for each time you said that to me, then even yourself would be broke," I respond to my father.

"If it resulted in you eating each time then it would be money well spent... and don't roll your eyes!" My dad smirks knowing what my response was going to be before I did.

Waiters dressed as various Disney characters and jesters serve the first course to all the adult tables. "I wonder if I could get my granddaughter Emma to sneak me some party food." Elliot ponders.

"Lelliot only you would want kids party food over salmon. I should have allocated you a seat at the children's table. It would have been entertaining to watch you lose to young children in their party games."

"Are you challenging me to a competition of sorts, little brother?"

"Possibly" My dad and uncle smirk at each other, though only receive looks of mild annoyance from my mother and aunt. My mom, trying to take the focus away from them inform Josh and me, that after the kids have dated, a couple of professional party host's are going to play several games with them.

"I believe there are a couple of games that require an adult to help a child. We both have grandchildren here tonight." My dad announced, throwing coal into the fire.

"Bring it on... in fact maybe we can put a wager on it."

"Oh for Pete's sake, I live to be more than one hundred and witness my two supposedly mature sons still acting like children." Everyone is silent for a few seconds before laughing out loud at my grandmother's statement. Grace Trevelyn Grey is the most cherished person in the world, to everyone in our family.

# # # #

Josh and I stand next Carrie as everyone sings happy birthday and she cuts into her birthday cake. In keeping with the lavish theme, her cake is a large, beautifully decorated castle with all the Disney princesses surrounding it and a carriage at the front. Carrie didn't even know where to cut into it. Deciding to cut the top layer, Josh then whispers into her ear. 'Make a wish Angel."

"I already have!" The staff takes the cake away to be cut and slices bought out for everyone. We had expected her to run toward her friends, continuing to play as they had done for hours. None of the children look day to slow down, neither do their parents. I am glad my father invited all the children's parents now as it meant that the adults have not arrived at a certain time to pick up their kids. Thus time constraints are not limiting their fun. Instead, Carrie glances at us hesitantly, not committing to leaving our side, even after being encouraged to do so. In fact, she becomes a little worried, looking around. Carrie doesn't relax until she spots her grandfather, Christian Grey approach us. He nods at her, avoiding any contact with either Josh or me.

"If you would allow me to take a moment of your time." My father announces. Regardless of his age, he still commands the room, and in an instance, all attention is focused on him. "When my granddaughter spoke to Ana and I, over the matter of her birthday party and the theme of the ball was selected, Carrie made a special request. In each Disney movie, there was always a grand ball, where the princess got to dance with her prince. Now while I am not willing to allow my youngest granddaughter here to dance with a boy, just yet... If ever... there is someone she would like to dance with." Carrie breathes out and turns to face us.

"Daddy, will you dance with me?"

"It would be my utmost pleasure and honor, angel."

My father stands next to me as we watch Carrie and Josh dance. Regardless of the height difference, they dance around the dance floor easily. Josh even twirls Carrie several times, much to her joy. However, the thing I observe most is that neither of them stops smiling at each other. It is so mesmerizing that I don't even notice that the song has stopped and are joined by all the other girls and their fathers until my own takes my hand and asks me to dance with him.

"Thank you, dad, and to mom. Carrie has loved her party. We all have!" I have to thank my mother personally the second I see her. Though, I don't think thanking them would even be sufficient.

"It's been our pleasure. You know how much we love to indulge our children and grandchildren."

"Oh, that I do."

"I am glad Carrie got her dance." My father whispers wistfully. I look at my him curiously. Dad quickly composes himself, registering that I heard what he just said. I want to ask him what he means, but we are interrupted.

"Did you enjoy your dance?" My dad asks Carrie.

"Yes. Very much. Can I go play with my friends?" Carrie enquires.

"Only if I can I have my husband back?" I remark.

"You can," Carrie replies laughing and running off. My father lets go of my hand and seeks out my mother. In a matter of seconds, he has her on the dance floor. Mom always says that she can't dance, but with my father, she dances beautifully.

"Dance with me Miss Phoebe," I giggle at Josh reference.

"You haven't called me that in a very long time and I don't know if my husband would approve." I tease.

"Oh, he approves alright. In fact, I think he would demand it!"

Twenty years later

Christians POV:

"Grandpa are you sure you are up to this?" I narrow my eyes at Carrie's query. I understand she is concerned, but regardless of my age, I am perfectly capable of this task. Nothing would keep me from fulfilling it.

"Of course I am. I have been looking forward to this day." I stand and kiss Carrie before she takes my right arm and then the left arm of her Uncle Ted.

"Ready?" Ted asks. Carrie nods trying to keep her tears at bay. The three of us commence walking from the back door our home by the sound, as the music plays. All heads turn to face us.

We walk Carrie just a few feet from the start of the aisle, where Craig, her loving step dad is waiting for her. Neither Ted nor I let go of her straight away. Carrie looks at her uncle. Ted has been an incredible uncle to her, filling the void that Josh left when he died. He did step back a little when Craig and Phoebe married, but he was always there. Ted often told her stories about her father growing up.

"You are so beautiful Carrie. Your father would be so proud of you. Aunt Lily and I love you so much."

"Thanks, Uncle Ted. I love you both too." Carrie hugs Ted and then turns to me. With my thumb, I softly wipe the few tears have started to run down her cheek.

"There has only been two other brides that have been able to compete with how gorgeous you look, your grandmother and your mother. Oliver is one damn lucky man."

"Thank you, grandpa. I heard that you were in fine form when you spoke to him yesterday." I chuckle. I warned Josh and then Craig before they married Phoebe that they had better look after my daughter or face my wrath. I did the same when Ruby got married. It was only fair and necessary to do the same for Carrie, regardless of my age. "Nice one grandpa. I felt honored that you did that for me."

"You are so loved."

"I know. I remember you telling me that the night my father died."

"The day your father died, he had you make certain promises. One which is applicable now." I remind Carrie, though I know that she hasn't forgotten. She breathes in deep and nods. Just like promised her I have never told anyone that she promised her dad to look to the side and closes her eyes. While I the objective part of my mind tells me that Carries deceased father's soul couldn't have been standing next to her just then, I am aware if there were any chance, then Josh would have been. Carrie's looks at me with glassy eyes, but a large smile. "I think he is here."

"Me too." I nod to Craig who step towards, Carrie. He lifts her veil and kisses her. "Are you ready sweetheart?"

"Yes. Can you give me away?"

"Nothing would give me so much joy and sadness."

# # # #

Phoebes POV:

My dad took the chair next to me as Carrie and Craig had their father and daughter dance. They took joint dancing lessons and have made a bit of a show of it. Chrissy has already stated that she wants Craig to do the same when she gets married, a comment that almost sent Craig off the edge. He has had a hard time letting go of Carrie, let alone Chrissy. Our youngest starts college next year, and that is going to be tough. I laugh at Craig and Carrie move around the dance floor. Nothing could replace Josh in Carrie's heart, but Craig has done a fantastic job of being her father ever since.

"Carrie is a pretty good dancer," my dad comments.

"She got her dancing talents for her father, and probably you. Definitely, not from me." I laugh. I only ever attempted to do a handful of dance lessons when I decide that martial arts and gymnastics were much more my forte. I think my dance teacher was relieved when I stopped attending lessons.

"I am glad Josh and Carrie got their dance," My father utters. I turn to face my dad, wondering if his age is catching up to him and if he reliables he just called Craig, Josh. It isn't until I look at him that I know that he has made no mistake.

"What do you mean?" I probe.

"I think my old age has weakened my ability to keep quiet. I didn't mean anything."

"Dad don't lie to me; it's not in your nature. What do you mean got their dance? Tell me. Please." Dad sighs inwardly. It's an almost silent and unnoticeable action, but one I recognize. "Tell me, dad."

"Carrie's seventh birthday. When your mom and I spoke to her about what she wanted to do to celebrate it, the only thing she wanted was to have a special dance with her father. Carrie wanted it to be like the one brides had with their father, but she didn't want anyone to know. Your mother and I then came up with the idea of a Disney ball. It's allowed for an appropriate theme for a seven-year-old party, us to indulge Carrie and meant that her wish could come true. Carrie danced with Josh, her beloved father. Carrie wanted a memory of her dancing at a grand event with Josh because she knew he wouldn't be here today. Just them two. Now at her actual wedding, Carrie is getting to dance with Craig, the man who has been her father for the last seventeen years." I struggle to prevent the tears racing down my face. I can't cry. I can't cry.

"Thank you" I take my dads hand and hold it. "Thank you for giving Carrie that memory. It's very special. Did Josh know? Did you ever tell him, about Carrie's request and the meaning of that dance?"

"I never told Josh. I am unsure if Carrie said anything to him. I don't believe so." My father becomes a little uncomfortable. It then when it hits me.

"Hang on, Carrie didn't know that Josh was sick at the time of her birthday. We told her after her birthday, after our holiday to Florida. That was a few weeks after Carrie's party." I recall. My father noticeably sighs.

"Your mother and I had hoped I would never have to tell you this. When you and Josh told Carrie that he was sick, Carrie didn't become overly emotional did she?"

"No," I remember every second of this sad memory.

"She was upset, but relatively calm right?"

"Yes," I state slowly, mentally preparing myself to hear the rest.

"Carrie suspected something. She already knew that Josh was sick, very sick. That is why Carrie asked to have a dance with her father. If you recall several months before her birthday, she was the flower girl at one of your friend's wedding, and she was enamored by the event, particularly the dancing. Carrie told us that she thought that Josh was sick, but didn't want to tell anyone. She said she knew that if it were his kidney like last time, then it would be bad." I slump my shoulders. We never kept it a secret that Josh had received a transplant and that without it, he would have died, from our daughter. Maybe that was a mistake.

"Oh, my gosh. My poor little girl. Dad, why didn't you tell me?"

" Your mother and I didn't deny Carrie's suspicions; we didn't confirm it. We just told her that we thought of her idea of dancing with her father as beautiful and that we should make it into a grand ball like in all those Disney movies that she loved so much". Dad's long answer doesn't answer my question.

"But why didn't you mention to me that Carrie was suspicious?" I probe. I hate to think she was living in worry.

"Phoebe, you had commenced going through the hardest period of your life. The first man that you loved, outside of the family, was dying. I wanted to protect you. Your mother and I handled Carrie. She was all right."

"I know. I am so glad Carrie has had you and mom in her life. You both have been the greatest grandparents. I fear how she, I, Ted...everyone will cope if you or mom are to…" My father stops me from speaking.

"Death comes us all to eventually. Your mother and I are in our eighties and nineties now. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? Just make sure you live Phoebe. Love every day!"

Christian's POV: Christian and Josh. Christian was seeing Josh before he died in the hospital.

A parent never wants to bury one of their children. It is known as the worst pains to suffer through. It has been one of my biggest worries along with losing Ana again. No one ever discusses what the Second worst horror would be, but I know now. It's to watch one of your children live through the pain of watching their beloved partner die. Ana and I are living through that moment right now, we are watching the pain in Phoebe's eyes, as she is forced to say goodbye to her husband, a man she has given her entire heart. I pick up Carrie and hold her close. Her eyes seem older. She knows what is coming. They often comment that children don't understand death, but they're far more aware than we give them credit. Ted has walked in. He is pale. I would never have expected Joshua Harris to bring so much love and joy to my family.

I enter Josh's hospital room. My family is outside making plans, preparing, and anything else they need to do. Truth be told; they are trying to keep themselves busy. It's a sure-fire way to prevent any emotion from bubbling before Josh passes.

"Can I take a seat?" Josh nods. He takes several deep breaths before commencing to talk.

"Christian, I am sorry. I promised you that I would never hurt Phoebe. I fear that I am hurting her in the worst way."

"You are," I confirm, though only because it is the truth. There is no denying this. "You have fought a good battle, and you have brought so much love and joy into my daughter's life. You helped give Carrie life. Also, you have been an amazing friend to Ted. I am so thankful to you."

"I am the one that is thankful. Christian, i need to ask you. I need to know the truth. Are you disappointed that Phoebe fell in love and married me? Deep down do you wish she had been with someone else?"

"For a while I did. Especially during those early months after you both announced your relationship. You already know how I felt during that time." This is old news. Ted and I were especially appalled by their relationship at first. "While I accepted and supported your relationship after you reunited with Phoebe in New York and returned to Seattle, as a father I did think that maybe a younger man would be better for my outgoing daughter."

"I am glad you said that for a while, can I interpret that you eventually changed your mind right?" I nod, confirming Josh's statement immediately.

"The day you both returned from your honeymoon, Ana and I came over. She wanted to see you both, and I wanted to check in. See for myself if everything was 'well.' I had walked into the house and Phoebe came around the corner straight up to me. She looked glorious. She was happy. Honestly happy. You walked into the main room, and Phoebe started to glow, even more. You both were. I didn't think it was possible for anyone to love someone as much as I loved Ana but there it was. I knew then that you two were meant to be. The age difference didn't matter so much. As you both lived your life's together and had Carrie, I wasn't t at all disappointed. I am glad that you two fell in love and got married to each other."

"Thank you Christian. All that means a lot to me."

"No, I need to thank you, Josh. You made Phoebe happy and whole. You helped give us Carrie. You have kept my son in check although the same time was his partner in crime. I know more about your escapades that you would like." Boy, do I ever. Josh and Ted were always together growing up, so he featured a lot in the security reports I received on Ted. These two sure knew how to find trouble but each time managed to weasel their way out. "Joshua I promise, Ana and I will always be there for Phoebe and Carrie. We will get them through this time. I will make sure they are loved and cared for. Carrie will have everything she needs and wants. Ana and I will be there for her."

"I need you do something." I nod immediately. "Every Christmas and Phoebe's birthday, I have taken Carrie out to buy her mom a gift. Carrie takes awhile to choose something. She likes to think about what to give Phoebe, then goes shopping to compare all her choices, then have a hot chocolate or a milkshake, depending on the season, then finally makes a decision. It can take some time, but Carrie hates to buy something on the spot for Phoebe unless it's the perfect gift."

"Of course. Ana and I will love to do that." I would do anything for Carrie.

"Also Carrie is acting brave right now but is hurting. She is going to need love and time. Also, I don't want her to stay here and watch me die. Take Carrie back to the sound. She loves being there. Keep her happy for as long as you can and promise me you will help her find her smile soon after."

"I will do everything I can. We all will."

"Thank you, Christian. To you and Ana. Goodbye." Josh struggles but holds his hand out. I take it and shake it.

"Goodbye Joshua." I stand up and walk to the door but turn around. There is one last thing I need to say to him, one last thing he must hear "Joshua, I want you to know that I love you like my own son. I have so for many years."