A/N: Thank you for all your wonderful reviews and support! Here's the next chapter for you.
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Chapter 8: Birthday Party
~one week later~
"Happy birthday Ana!"
Ana beamed widely as she stood in the great room at Escala with Christian by her side and Lucia in her arms. Grace, Carrick, Mia, Elliot, Ethan and Kate all entered through the foyer, holding wrapped gifts, balloons and baked treats for a little birthday get-together. The whole Grey clan along with Kate and Ethan had insisted upon throwing a party at Escala for Ana's 22nd birthday, and Ana had agreed as long as they kept the attendance within family and close friends. Ray was going to be driving down from Montesano a little bit later, which Ana couldn't have been happier about - today was going to be an amazing day, she just knew it.
And the whole family could finally come and meet Lucia too. It was a win-win.
"Happy birthday, darling," Grace smiled warmly as she gave Ana a hug. She then turned and smiled at Lucia. "And how are you today, Lucia?"
Lucia was still a bit shy around new people, but she obviously recognized Grace from the hospital. She offered her a meek smile before burying her face in Ana's shoulder, causing the two women to chuckle.
"Oh, she's just as cute as I remember her," Grace said, pressing a hand to her heart. "She looks beautiful today."
Ana had dressed Lucia up in an adorable little white and blue dress with tights and Mary Jane shoes. Christian had also pulled her hair back in a ponytail along with a cute yellow headband with flower decals. Ana was initially surprised that Christian had offered to do Lucia's hair, but considering how talented he had always been when braiding her own hair, she shouldn't have been too surprised he was good at that sort of thing.
"Oh my God, she is so cute guys," Mia squealed, smiling widely and clasping her hands together as she gazed excitedly at Lucia. "I can't believe you two are foster parents now!"
"Calm down, Mia - it's not that exciting," Christian said to his sister, though he smiled as he said it.
"Ana Banana!" Elliot hugged Ana right after Grace. "Happy birthday!"
"Thanks Elliot," Ana smiled brightly at her brother-in-law. "How's your arm doing?"
"Much better, thank you," Elliot pushed his sleeve up and showed her the jagged scar on his bicep. "The doctors say I'm completely healed now, even though I'm still terrified whenever I take two steps outside my apartment."
"Baby, you're not that bad," Kate hooked her arm through Elliot's right one, smiling admonishingly at him. "He was a bit nervous going outside at first, but he's been getting a lot better over the last few weeks."
"Being a little nervous is understandable, Elliot - that's nothing to be ashamed of," Grace said to her son soothingly. "You've gone through a lot, and you still need some time to process everything."
"Yeah, and you can try to look on the bright side of it all," Christian said, taking Lucia out of Ana's arms and into his own. Lucia immediately wrapped her little arms around Christian's neck. "If you weren't attacked in front of that bar in the Jungle, Ana and I would have never gotten a foster child."
The entire Grey family beamed widely at Christian and Lucia. They had never seen Christian speak affectionately about any child, let alone carry one in his arms, so it was an endearing moment to say the least.
"There could be another bright side too, you know," Carrick said, looking at Elliot pointedly. "You can't sidestep this whole issue forever, Elliot."
"I know Dad," Elliot said, rolling his eyes and shaking his head at his father. Ana looked between them, frowning slightly.
"What are you talking about?" she asked.
"The guy who attacked Elliot," Kate explained, and Ana looked at her. "Carrick wants Elliot to press charges of assault and battery against him. Elliot has a solid case, since there were several witnesses to his attack and everything, so he could probably get the guy about five years in prison." She grimaced slightly, looking a bit awkward. "Elliot doesn't want to, though."
"Can we please not talk about this now?" Elliot said quietly, giving Kate a pointed look.
"Why wouldn't you want to try to put the guy in prison?" Christian frowned at his brother, perplexed. "I'd think you of all people would want justice to be served."
"I just want to forget it ever even happened," Elliot said firmly. "That night was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life and I don't want to relive it. Ever."
"So you don't care if this guy goes free?" Christian asked him incredulously, bordering on angry. "If he goes out into the world and does the same thing he did to you to someone else? You could honestly live with yourself if you allowed that to happen?"
"Oh, so suddenly it's my responsibility when a mentally-unstable drug addict attacks a person?" Elliot asked heatedly. Before Christian could respond, however, they heard the elevators ding from the foyer. Everyone turned around to see Ray Steele step into the great room, smiling brightly with a small wrapped present in his hand.
"Hi everyone. I hope I'm not too late," he said, gazing around the room with a genial smile on his face.
"Daddy!" Ana beamed, rushing toward Ray and throwing her arms around him. "I missed you!"
"I missed you too, baby girl," Ray pulled away first and smiled lovingly at her. "Happy birthday."
"Thanks Dad."
"Let's talk about this later, alright boys?" Carrick said quietly to Elliot and Christian. "It's Ana's birthday today - we don't want to spoil it with petty arguments."
"Fine," Elliot sighed, relenting.
"Want to go meet Ray, Lucia?" Christian asked the little girl in his arms. She responded by clutching her tiny arms tighter around his neck as he hoisted her up, grinning. "Well then, come on, sweetheart."
The next couple hours or so passed by with cake, presents, friendly conversation, and Lucia being doted upon by the entire Grey family and Ray. Christian was initially worried about how Lucia was going to manage being around so many unfamiliar faces, but she seemed to be doing okay so far. After being introduced to Ray in particular, Lucia seemed to come out of her shell a bit more, much to Ana and Christian's delight. It seemed like this birthday was going to be a happy celebration after all.
"She's beautiful, Christian," Carrick said to his son as they stood in the kitchen. They both watched as Lucia brought out all her toys into the great room to show to Ray, who was sitting on the couch and watching her in amusement. Everybody else stood around the great room, talking and laughing with each other. "Do you and Ana know her story yet?"
"Not really. Welch managed to dig up a little information about her mother, but apart from that there really isn't anything concrete to go on," Christian said, taking a sip of his coffee.
"The doctor at Children's said that she was likely abused?" Carrick asked, his expression serious.
"Yeah," Christian nodded, his mouth a hard line as he glanced down at his feet. "She's been doing a lot better since she came to live in Escala with me and Ana, but it's hard to say whether or not we're helping her in the long run." He looked up again, and watched as Lucia held up her stuffed elephant excitedly for Ray to examine.
"You can't know that, Christian - not yet," Carrick explained patiently. "The effects of abuse can manifest in many different ways, but it may turn out that Lucia doesn't even remember what was done to her. She is young enough to not be affected by what may have happened to her."
"She was my age when -" Christian began, but then stopped himself, not wanting to continue that thought. Carrick seemed to understand, however.
"I know," he said quietly. "But you turned out okay, didn't you?"
Christian didn't say anything, but just grimaced to himself. At that moment, Elliot appeared.
"Hey," he said to them, going to the fridge and opening it, looking for something to eat. "What are you guys talking about?"
"Lucia," Christian said simply.
"Oh," Elliot nodded, reappearing out of the fridge with a can of Pepsi in his hand. "I don't know if I've told you this yet, Christian, but seriously - what you and Ana are doing for that little girl is really great. I don't think I could even do something like that."
"Thanks, man."
"Elliot, we still need to talk about your case against that Credd guy," Carrick said firmly to Elliot, who groaned.
"Seriously - you want to do this now?" he asked exasperatedly. "You said it yourself, we don't want to spoil Ana's birthday party."
"This whole thing isn't going to go away just because you want it to, Elliot," Carrick admonished. "Just let me represent you - I'm sure we can have this problem over and done within a matter of weeks."
"It's not that," Elliot shook his head. "Just forget it, Dad."
"You don't want to revisit what happened," Christian stated, and Elliot looked up at him, clearly surprised. "It's understandable, Elliot - that whole experience of being stabbed was terrifying for you, and I get how rehashing it all in court is something you want to avoid however long you can."
Elliot continued to stare at Christian for a few seconds before making a derisive sound. "What the hell, man? First you're yelling at me to take the guy to court, and now you're being super nice and understanding?" He gave his brother a perplexed look. "I don't get your brain."
Christian smiled as Carrick chuckled slightly. "Sorry El. But for the record I do think you should press charges against this guy, even if doing it does scare you. You'll be happier for it in the long run."
"Christian's right, son," Carrick said, nodding. "Facing all this is frightening, but it'll help you gain closure. I've seen it happen many times with clients who have undergone abuse or severe trauma going to court."
Elliot still looked a bit uncomfortable. "…We'd have to go down there, though, wouldn't we? To the police station in The Jungle where I was attacked?"
"Probably, yes," Carrick affirmed solemnly. Elliot still looked a bit nervous, so Christian decided to speak up:
"If it'll make you feel more comfortable, Elliot, I can come with you and Dad to the police station. I'll bring some of my security team too, just in case."
Elliot seemed a bit relieved by that suggestion, though he stared at Christian in surprise. "You'd do that for me?"
"Of course I would," Christian said immediately. "You're my brother, and I'll be there to support you no matter what."
Elliot still looked a bit surprised, but after a moment managed a small smile. "…Alright, thanks man. I should have some time next week to go down to the police station. I'll give you and Dad a call."
"Thank you, Elliot," Carrick said, smiling in relief. "We'll get through all this together - as a family."
"Right," Elliot nodded, turning toward the great room, where everyone else was congregated. "You know, maybe we can file a missing person's report on Christian Grey when we're at the police station… since clearly my brother was kidnapped and an imposter is in his place."
Carrick laughed, and Christian couldn't help but smile too as Elliot walked back over to where Mia and Grace were chatting. Ana was nearby talking to Gail, and when she glanced over and caught Christian's eye, she smiled brightly. Christian felt his heart catch in his chest as he smiled back.
"That was very kind of you, son," Carrick said sincerely, clasping his hand on Christian's shoulder. Christian looked over at him. "I know Elliot was just joking around, but we've all noticed the change you've undergone within the last few months. It's good to see you so happy."
Christian couldn't help but smile. "Thanks Dad - I am happy." He glanced over at Lucia, who was still playing with Ray over by the couch. "For a lot of reasons."
Carrick chuckled, understanding what he meant. "Yep, kids'll do that to you."
Christian smiled again; it was true, bringing Lucia into his home had changed his perspective on lot of things - namely, his ability to love. Only a few short months ago, he had married the love of his life, his beautiful Anastasia, and he had truly believed that he could never feel a stronger sense of love than when he had made her his wife. However, being a foster parent to Lucia this past month or so had managed to bring out another form of love in him, one he had never thought he would feel even after falling for Ana. It was almost like a paternal love - a strong and fervent desire to protect and care for Lucia like she was his own.
It was a new feeling to experience, but one he could definitely get used to.
Several hours later, the party finally began to wind down. The birthday cake had already been eaten, and Ana had opened up all her birthday presents. Grace and Carrick had gifted her a free day at the spa (not Esclava thankfully), Mia a beautiful pair of suede Louboutins, Kate and Elliot some nice cashmere sweaters, and Ray a gorgeous hand-carved jewelry box made from cherry wood. Nothing could top Christian's gift, however - he had completely surprised her by giving her the keys to her very own white 2012 Audi R8. Ana was so surprised and excited by this gift she had practically burst into tears, and she only managed to calm down once Lucia had crawled onto her lap and gave her a hug.
Evening had fallen, and everyone had finally left to go home (except Ray, who was staying in one of the guest rooms for the night before heading back to Montesano). Ana was currently helping Gail clean up the mess that was made after the party, which thankfully wasn't too bad. It only took a few minutes of effort to gather up all the empty plates and cups and throw them away.
"Ana?" Gail approached Ana in the great room with several envelopes in her hand. "Some mail came in this afternoon for Mr. Grey - do you know where he is?"
"I think he's in his study right now," Ana said. "I can go bring it to him if you want."
"Oh, thank you dear. I can finish cleaning up out here too, if you'd like," Gail offered kindly, giving Ana the envelopes, and she smiled.
"Deal."
Ana walked up the staircase toward where Christian's study was, but when she knocked on his closed door, there was no answer.
"Christian?" Ana opened the door slightly and peeked inside, only to find it empty. She frowned in confusion.
"I'm in here!" Christian's voice sounded from a few doors down, where Lucia's bedroom was. Ana walked over to her doorway, only to find Christian sitting on Lucia's bed with Lucia on his lap, one arm wrapped around her waist and an open picture book in his other hand. Ana smiled warmly at the two of them.
"Hi baby," Christian grinned at his wife. He set the picture book down before standing up, hoisting Lucia up in his arms. "We were just reading a book."
"I noticed," Ana smiled, stepping toward them and tickling Lucia's tummy, causing her to squirm and giggle. "Looked like fun."
"I was thinking of giving her a bath before putting her to bed," Christian suggested. "She hasn't had one all week, and she's had a pretty busy day today with the party and everything."
"That's a good idea," Ana nodded. "Let me go change first, and I can come in and help you."
"Thanks, baby."
Lucia started babbling something that sounded like "Danks, bay-bee!"
Christian and Ana both chuckled at that, loving how adorable Lucia was.
Just as Ana was about to head over to the master bedroom so she could change into more comfortable clothes, she remembered the mail she was supposed to have given to Christian. Instead of going back and giving it to Christian himself, she decided to just go to his study again and put it on his desk. She figured he'd find it there later.
Once in his study, Ana walked around to the front of his desk and set the mail down by his keyboard. She realized he must have been working in here earlier since his computer was on and the browser was still open.
Ana inadvertently glanced at his monitor, not expecting to find anything particularly important, but the moment her eyes landed on the headline at the top of the web page, her heart began to pound loudly in her chest:
Adoption Laws in the State of Washington
Ana could only stare at the computer screen, surprised - Christian wanted to learn about adoption laws? There was only one explanation as to why he was doing that… Ana always knew this was going to be something the two of them needed to talk about at some point, but she still felt a bit blindsided by it. Were they ready to start talking about this?
Could she and Christian really adopt Lucia?
Ana looked at the computer screen for a few more seconds before shaking her head slightly and making a move to leave Christian's study. She walked to their bedroom, her mind still swimming with what she had seen.
A/N: I hope you all enjoyed that chapter! If so, please review :)
December is finally here! I'm going to be pretty busy around the holiday season, and I probably won't have as much time to write as I've had in the past. I'll do my best to update at least once a week, but please don't be upset if there are larger gaps between updates.
Also, a special shout out to all the amazing ladies in the Top Five Favorite Completed Fifty Shades of Grey Fan Fiction Stories Facebook Group for voting my story Inalienable Circumstances as #3 of the top five best FSOG stories in November! Thank you all so much for your love and support - it means more to me than I can say!
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