CHAPTER 29 - Locked down together - Round 2
Ana closes her eyes as the warm water washes over her whole body. As she stands there, in the steam, she feels unbelievably serene and totally at ease with herself, probably for the very first time of her life.
What a difference a day makes; yesterday morning, she woke up full of doubts, unsure what would happen when Christian would be back home. And here she is today, more sure than ever about what she wants: she wants Christian Grey.
Falling asleep in his arms, surrounded by his scent, was just pure bliss. Just thinking about him now and how she feels next to him makes her blush.
The discussion that they had yesterday proved to her that Christian is also very serious and committed in the budding relationship, as well as being very thoughtful with her and about her lack of experience.
Ana is still scared about losing her virginity, but she knows that Christian will be tender and supportive when this moment happens; because it will happen, sooner or later. This desire inside her is too strong, and she sees in Christian's eyes that same fire, even though he keeps it to himself, probably not to scare her.
But there is not only desire between them, there is so much more, more than words can explain. Ana knows deep in her heart and soul that her life is with this wonderful man and his two amazing children.
Ana woke up twice this morning. The first time, around 5am, she opened her eyes feeling extremely well, without really understanding why. And then she saw him, lying next to her, such a good looking man, so strong and sweet, and what probably makes him so special, such a good father. Ana admired his figure for a few minutes, feeling so lucky to have met him, then she fell back to sleep, peaceful.
The second time she woke up, Teddy was there as well. The little boy did not seem shocked or surprised about finding Christian in Ana's bed. And he definitely seemed okay with Ana officially being his father's girlfriend now.
Now Ana wonders how Phoebe is going to react. She knows that Phoebe appreciates her, there is no doubt about it. But being her father's girlfriend is different from being her nanny or her friend. Ana exhales slowly, not willing to think too much about potential clouds in an otherwise immaculate blue sky.
She quickly turns off the water, and goes out of the shower stall, grabbing a warm green towel from the heating rack. Back in her room, Ana checks the time on her phone; if she hurries, she might be able to get ready before the boys wake Phoebe up.
Ana and Christian did not work out today, but Ana would like to spend the morning outside, doing sports with the children and Christian if he is game. So she chooses to wear black leggings this morning, with a pink light cotton tee shirt with her pair of white tennis shoes.
When she is dressed, as she walks out of her door, she hears Teddy's laugh coming from his sister's room. Then she hears Phoebe. "Teddy, stop touching my pancakes!"
And then she hears their father "Come here, buddy, leave your sister alone."
Ana walks in the direction of the voices and then stops, standing by the half opened door. It warms Ana's heart to see these three people in that room, the most important people in her life now. A long time ago, Ana had a family of her own, before tragedy hit. Her mother, her father, and her little brother Mateo. Then she learnt to survive with her grandmother. It was difficult, but she understands now what her grandmother tried to tell her during all these years, it is there in front of her eyes: life goes on. With love, laughter, and so much hope for better tomorrows.
As she stands there, three choices lie before Ana right this moment: she could leave them be and go in the kitchen to clean, or she could just stand there a little longer, watching them from afar. And then she could just choose to be part of it. And that's exactly what she chooses, without any hesitation; she has to be with them, her new family.
As she gets in slowly, Christian smiles at her, inviting her to come next to him. Phoebe is in her bed. On the other side, Teddy is standing next to Christian who is sitting in the rocking chair. Ana comes closer, sitting on Phoebe's bed, like she does when they read a story together.
"Good morning Ana!" Phoebe says, smiling.
"Good morning Phoebe! We were lucky this morning, the boys both spoiled us with breakfasts in bed." Ana says, smiling.
She nods, her mouth full.
Christian bends down a little and takes Ana's hand in his, surprising her. "Phoebe, there is something that we would like to tell you…"
But before he can finish what he was about to say, Teddy announces "Daddy and Ana are boyfriend and girlfriend now."
"Teddy!" Christian chastises.
"What? You are." The little boy looks at his father, frowning. Then he goes on, talking to his sister again "And Daddy will sometimes sleep in Ana's bedroom, and sometimes she will sleep in his."
"Oh God!" Ana cannot help whispering, blushing a little.
Phoebe still hasn't said anything. She is silently eating her pancake.
"Phoebe, your brother beat me to it, but what I wanted to ask you is: is it okay with you if Ana becomes Daddy's girlfriend?"
Phoebe does not answer immediately, as she is still chewing. It feels like an eternity for Ana. Until finally, the little girl replies "Of course, Daddy."
"You don't look surprised, honey" Christian notices.
Phoebe answers matter-of-factly "Of course not Daddy. You and Ana hold hands, and kiss. That's what a girlfriend and a boyfriend do."
"You saw us holding hands?" Ana asks, taken aback.
"Yes. During uncle Elliot's game. And yesterday at the pool." Phoebe explains.
"Oh" Ana lets go of Christian's hand to hide her face with her hands.
"And…?" Christian keeps asking. But he does not have time to finish as Phoebe goes on.
"Well, last Sunday, I saw you kissing as I was looking outside my window." Phoebe simply says. "But that is okay, Daddy, Ana, I think this is great." Phoebe reassures them.
Christian and Ana look at each other, smiling lightly. These children are amazing, Ana cannot help thinking.
"We are happy, baby. Because you know, if this is a problem for you, we can discuss about it." Christian volunteers.
"No, no problem." Phoebe confirms, smiling. Ana extends her hand to hold Phoebe's.
"No problem for me too." Teddy echoes his sister. Christian rubs his son's hair. Then he casually asks "So what have you planned for us, today, Ana?"
Ana, still moved by the children's approval, clears her throat before answering "Well, I thought maybe we could go outside, and walk through the meadow. The children built a few things that we need to place there, such as insect shelters and bird-seed dispensers. And then we can play games outdoors, the weather should be great today."
"That sounds great; Can I come with?" Christian asks childishly.
"I don't know." Ana decides to tease him a little bit. "Teddy, Phoebe, what do you think? Can Daddy spend the day with us?"
"Yes!" they both answer enthusiastically.
"Okay then" Ana says, looking in Christian's direction. He looks happy, mirroring what Ana feels deep inside.
"What do you think about a barbecue today then? We could have hamburgers, and sausages, maybe?" he then asks.
"Yes! I love hamburgers!" Teddy answers excitingly.
"And you Phoebe?" Ana asks.
"Yes, I love barbecues." She simply says. "Granps is the one who usually cooks though." She adds sadly.
"I will prepare it, I often helped Grandpa when I was young so this will be as good as when he does it. All I will need is for you guys to prepare the French fries. Can you do it?" Christian asks.
"Of course." Ana confirms.
"Me too" Teddy answers.
"And what would you like to do this afternoon, Phoebe, Teddy?"
"We still have a few eggs to prepare, Ana, for Sunday." Phoebe answers.
"You're right, we have to do that." Ana agrees. "And then we will see what we feel like doing."
When Phoebe is done eating her breakfast, Christian takes the tray to bring it downstairs, followed by Teddy. Ana stays behind a bit, with Phoebe.
"So, everything is okay Phoebe?" Ana asks just to be sure.
"Yes Ana. I like it when we do things the four of us together." She confirms. "And now that you are Daddy's girlfriend, we can do that every day forever and ever and ever."
And this is definitely Ana's dearest wish right now, to enjoy life with her new family, forever, and ever and ever.
Author's note: Sorry for the hiatus, I just changed jobs and countries. Now I should be able to post more regularly.