Wounds to Bind Chapter 57 – "I shall do one thing in this life – one thing certain – that is, love you, and long for you, and keep wanting you till I die." Thomas Hardy, Far from the Madding Crowd

June 9 – APOV

I wear the clothes Shawn picked out. The blue dress and carnation sweater prompt me to send a selfie to Mary and Cassie. He's fixed my hair in a perfect angel braid. However, I arrive a few minutes late because I'm working out logistics with Prescott and Bonner. Prescott will be the advance scout, Bonner will accompany me inside. They will both linger on the periphery of the bridal shower. Two of Christian's men are coordinating the outside security.

This shower, hosted by Kate's girl cousins and their families, is held at the Cast Iron Studios in downtown Bellevue. Prescott keeps the valets and Elliot's employees at least ten feet from me. I don't see Christian and wonder if he will be here?

I compliment Mia on her choice of venue. I was worried about the place when I saw the huge metal doors, but it is obvious Elliot's men feel comfortable here. I'm thankful for the stairs lesson when I see the staircase wind down to the main level. High ceilings, reclaimed woods and a zinc-topped 15-foot bar are offset by the vintage metal works. Mia explained the cousins invited 125 relatives, Elliot's crew and Kate's coworkers. Jeez! That's a wedding reception number not a wedding shower number! However, if I meet them now, I might remember some of them at the wedding.

When everyone has arrived except Christian, Mia distributes index cards. She instructs us to write our names and four different numbers. She claims the answers are for questions like: how many hours until Kate and Elliot argue again, or how many pieces of luggage Kate wants to pack for honeymoon, or how many toasts will be conducted at the wedding. I don't trust Mia. In case it's a matter of having to do shots, I keep my numbers low: one, two, three and four. I should like surprises …but I don't. Several surprises in my life have been unpleasant…Mom and Dad's divorce, Stephen Morton, José's almost kiss, the red room of pain, Elena, Jack, Leila, Elliot's black eye, Stephen's attempted kidnapping and death…and now Christian's unexplained disappearance. Journal this event and discuss it with Mary. Send Cassie the particulars with a selfie. I go to the bar and order a sparkling water with lime twist.

"How many days," a blonde asked. I check her out as much as she checks me out. She's obviously a cousin since she bears a resemblance to Kate.

"Until the wedding? Until the release of the next J.K. Rowling novel? Until the end of days?" I tease.

"How many days you've been sober," she looked at my non–alcoholic drink. "There's good champagne punch for those of us not afraid to drink."

"I'm not much of a drinker," I explained.

"You're Ana, aren't you? Kate's Maid of Honor?" The blonde's curiosity is barely hidden in her voice.

"Yes," I don't offer to shake. I don't ask her name. I don't care. I don't want to play friendly.

"Any time you get tired, sick or bored with wedding details, be sure to let Kate's girl cousins know. There's a dozen of us who would kill to walk down the aisle with Christian Grey. As a matter of fact, several of us are willing to bribe you to back out."

"What makes you think I'm doing this to be near Christian?" I mentally count to ten.

"Oh pleaszzzzz," she intoned. "Everyone knows the Maid of Honor can get courtesy fucks from the Best Man if she's inclined…or if he's inclined. I'm just saying if you'd rather fuck a bridesmaid… step out of the wedding and give one of us a chance at Gorgeous Grey."

"What if he would rather fuck a groomsman?" I snapped. "Never mind the question, it was rude. You obviously have not seen the tabloids which have outed us as a couple."

She frowned. "I heard rumors he was gay…but I saw the picture of you kissing him. I also heard rumors you have lunches at the Capital Grille with his female VP."

"Ana," Elliot appeared and swept me into a bone–crushing hug. "I see you've meet Allison, Kate's cousin."

"Allison…interesting to meet you." I offer my hand to shake hers. She's a limp–wristed bitch. Of course, I'm employing the patented crushing handshake taught to me by ex-Army Raymond Steele. I'm heartened to see her wince. Cassie would be so disappointed in my too hard and too long handshake.

"What have you two been discussing?" Elliot asked, a wary look in his eyes.

"Well, I must work on my public persona. Allison was asking if I was an alcoholic or a lesbian. Kate's girl cousins want me to drop out of the wedding so one of them has a shot at your brother." I left the bar and headed for Kate, to say hello and hug.

Mia gathers everyone's attention and announces the winners for the icebreaker question. "I asked everyone to write down four numbers. Some of you wrote really large numbers, some of you kept your numbers between one and ten. We're not guessing how many times they will do it on their honeymoon or how many pieces of luggage Kate's taking on the honeymoon. The questions are, for a two-hour cocktail party, how much ice, glasses, drinks and cocktail napkins are needed per guest. Ana, the Maid of Honor, won two of the questions – ice: one pound. and how many drinks: three. Drake, friend of the groom, wins the question about glasses with the answer of three. Morgan, friend of the groom, wins with the number of cocktail napkins: three. The most extravagant answers were offered by Nathan, Allison, Jessica and Kyle who guessed 100, 270, 345 and 86 for the questions. We think you need to meet one another because that would be a wild cocktail party!" The room broke into laughter.

"Just to break the ice a little more, all single men form a line by the bar, according to height. All the single ladies form a line according to height across from them. Some of Kate's aunts requested a quick speed dating event…they are worried their daughters and sons will not have dates for the wedding. You will shake hands with the person across from you, exchanging your name and three likes, one dislike. When the timer goes, the guy moves to the end of the line and all the men advance one space. Then you will shake hands with person across from you. When the time ends, the first guy moves to the end of the line, the men advance a space and we begin again."

I shook my head NO at Kate. She nodded and pointed for me to get my ass in line. I apply to Bonner to back me up. She says she can watch me easier if I'm in line and not circulating the room.

Jeez. I need to learn to be fashionably late so I don't participate in things like this. I'm glad Christian is missing for this nonsense. I'm seriously going to find Kate's aunts and make their lives miserable. I would make all of them miserable if I claimed a relationship with Christian…but since he's not here...

"My name is Drake; my mother got it from a TV soap opera." He has dark curly hair, green dancing eyes and a great smile. He was about five foot ten and had a bodybuilding physique.

"Hello, my name is Anastasia. I swear my mother got it from watching tennis finals featuring Martina Navratilova."

"I'm a coffee drinker, pizza addict and I can cook comfort food like hamburgers, macaroni and cheese, meatloaf, cheese omelets." Drake smiled. "I hate spam emails."

"I prefer tea to coffee, but I will drink both. I am a pizza addict also. My signature dish is lasagna, although I have fans of my Italian Beef Stew and my chicken parmigiana." I returned his smile. "I hate spam emails also."

"Are you staying around for the buffet afterward?" Drake asked.

"I am," I admit.

"I'm dying of curiosity about why you guessed so low on the icebreaker questions." Drake grinned.

"I knew the questions were bogus…none of us would wait for weeks to learn the answers to Mia's questionable questions." I smiled.

He smiled and shook my hand goodbye when our time ends. Drake moves down to the end of the line and I have a new person to meet.

"My name is Lewis, single, never had a long-term relationship because I've been too busy studying and working for my law license. I'm a junior associate at Grey and Dawson Legal Group." His handshake is firm, which matches the firm, physically fit body. His voice is melodious. He's nice looking also with sandy brown hair and warm brown eyes. He is dressed better than two thirds of the men attending the shower.

"My name is Ana. I'm a copy editor at Grey Publishing."

"I like hiking, camping and fishing. I want to learn ballroom dancing." Lewis offered. "I hate the garter toss at weddings."

"I like camping and fishing. I'm working on the hiking part. I hate the bouquet toss. I took dancing lessons because of Kate and Elliot's wedding. How do you know Kate and Elliot?" I asked.

"I attended Seattle Prep with Elliot. We got into a lot of trouble in our high school years. How do you know the happy couple?" He has a sweet smile.

"Kate and I attended WSUV together. We were roommates until Kate and Elliot became engaged. I'm her Maid of Honor." I explained to a quick handshake goodbye. Lewis moves to the end of the line.

The next man was nice looking, presentably dressed, but… "My name is Nathan," he shook my hand.

"My name is Ana, and please don't take this the wrong way, but I don't feel comfortable talking to you."

"Why is that?" He tried to sound wounded.

"My eyes are up here," I gestured to my face, "not located on my breasts," I explained.

"I hate drama queens," he snapped.

"I hate creepers," I deliberately reached in my clutch purse and sanitized my hands with Purell in front of him. He took advantage of the remaining time to leer at me. "I should warn you the last creeper who leered at me was shot dead…three shots…center mass. If you don't believe me, allow me to get my bodyguard." I beckoned Bonner.

"Situation?" Bonner moved next to me.

"A creeper who is bothering me," I nodded at Nathan.

"Prescott doesn't like you being in this lineup. We've had no time to vet any of these guests. You're done as far as I'm concerned."

I let Bonner escort me back to Kate and Elliot. I think everyone is pleased when the damn speed dating event is over. While Prescott and Anders talk, I ask Kate to engineer an introduction between Nathan and Allison.

"You are a bad girl…" Kate whispered gleefully to me. "They SO deserve each other. He's a creeper and she's a bitch. Elliot said she was rude to you."

"Later, I don't want you to kill her now. I'm not wearing burial appropriate shoes." I laughed. Bonner rolled her eyes.

Mia passed out presents to the winners of the ice breaker. I received a bottle of white wine and a bottle of red. I put them under my assigned seating for the buffet.

"Welcome to a Stock-The-Bar shower for Kate and Elliot. Thank you for your gifts for them like wine and booze, barware, glassware, etc. We have champagne punch or beer with some appetizers. We are eating later, so don't stuff yourselves now. We're playing Name that Drink. I'll list the ingredients of a drink and the first person to know what the drink is, call it out. If you are right, you get a prize. Once all the prizes are given out, you can steal a prize."

"First drink – Crème de Cacao, triple sec, half and half." Mia read from a card.

"Velvet hammer," one of Elliot's employees got it right. Mia grabbed present number one and passed it to him.

"Second drink: Orange juice…" Mia read from a card.

"Screwdriver," Carrick called out.

"…vodka," Mia read. "Dad won that one. Come collect present number two. Third drink: Galliano…"

"Harvey Wallbanger," Frannie shouted.

"Grandma won that one," Mia announced. Carrick doubled back and collected present number three for her.

"Fourth drink: Drambuie…" Mia listed.

"Rusty Nail," Theo shouted.

"I'm sensing a theme," Elliot whispered.

Mia laughed. "You're all a bunch of alcoholics! Grandpa Theo wins that one." Carrick doubled back again and collected present number four for Theo. "Next one: white rum, cognac, triple sec, lemon…"

"Between the Sheets!" Called out one of Kate's cousins.

"Correct!" Mia sent present number five on its way through the crowd to her. "Next one: vodka, champagne and pineapple juice…"

"Flirtini!" Kate guessed.

"Very Sex in the City of you, Kate. Correct." Carrick collected Kate's present. "Next one: Vodka, Peach Schnapps, orange juice…"

"Sex on the Beach!" One of Elliot's employees shouted.

"Correct," Mia grinned. "You all have dirty minds, too." Grace came to collect the last present and deliver it. "Next one…"

Grace peeked over Mia's shoulder. "NO!" She took the card. She took the next one. She took the next one, and the next one, and the next one, and the next one.

Carrick took the cards from Grace. "MIA GRACE GREY!" He frowned at her and put the cards in his pants pocket. Grace finally delivered the presents to the people who won.

Elliot looked at Kate with a frown on his face. She whispered in his ear, "Blow job, orgasm, slippery nipple, quick fuck, screaming orgasm, and possibly hanky panky."

"You have a dirty mouth, Miss Kate…I don't want to know how you know the names of those drinks." Elliot winked at me and I blushed.

"Since Mom and Dad took away SIX fun ones, and since Kate seems to know the names of them…"

"MIA!" Carrick yelled.

"What? I'm announcing the next drink: Galliano and crème de cacao." Mia read the ingredients.

"Golden Cadillac," one of Kate's cousins guessed. Grace delivered that present while Carrick stood over Mia's shoulder to veto any possible risqué titled drinks.

"Correct," Mia announced. "Last one for a prize, and then the stealing begins. Next: vodka, Kahlua…"

"White Russian," another cousin guessed. Grace delivered it.

"Correct," Mia agreed. "Guinness and champagne."

"Black Velvet," I called out.

"Correct, how did you know that?" Mia is surprised.

"First created after the death of Prince Albert, it was supposed to resemble the black or purple armbands worn by mourners. Although they didn't have Guinness when it was created, they did have stout and champagne." I explain.

"Well, for that, you get to steal a prezzie," Mia pointed out the location of various packages.

"I'm stealing from Kate," I took her package. Servers circulated with trays of appetizers and with pitchers of beer and champagne punch.

Twenty more drink combinations later…Mia called the end of the game.

Everyone opened their prizes which were themed shot glasses shaped like boots, cacti, lab beakers, skulls, etc. Christian appeared, wearing jeans and a white shirt. He slipped our present into the pile and sat next to me in the chair Elliot pulled provided. "Later, I'll tell you why I was late," he murmured.

"I'm glad you made it. Will you get me a sparkling water with lime twist?" I asked. Christian looked around at the plethora of Elliot's male employees and didn't argue about getting me something stronger. "Plus," I reached out and took his hand, pulling him down to whisper in his ear. "…a word of warning…several of Kate's female cousins are waiting to pounce on you. You better take your dad or grandpa to the bar with you."

Christian kissed my cheek and collected both Carrick and Theo to accompany him.

Mia handed Elliot the set of recipe cards and a Bartending for Dummies book. "You must retrieve the risqué ones from Mom and Dad."

"I'm not asking Dad for a recipe for a Screaming Orgasm," Elliot refused. "The book or what we research on the web will be fine."

Mia created Booze Bingo cards – but instead of numbers, she listed potential gifts the couple might receive during the shower. She explained everyone needed to pay attention. She covered the ways a person could win, horizontal, vertical, diagonal or four corners. Everyone except the bride and groom was eligible to play. From the stack of gifts on and below the gift table, Booze Bingo would yield a few winners. Once the prizes were distributed, then winners were able to steal a prize. Stealing prizes would occur until all the shower gifts were opened. Guests with a prize in their possession at the end of the opening of shower gifts won that prize.

Mia and I write down gifts as Elliot and Kate opened them. Frannie and Kate's grandmothers, Alice and Meg, carry presents to them. Some presents they can't carry, so Christian and Carrick haul them over to Elliot and Kate. Grace and Celeste circulate the room, showing some of the gifts to the attendees.

Elliot and Kate received every possible tool, glass, bottle of booze, etc., needed to stock a bar. They received a pair of mini key chain personal breathalyzers along with matching, monogrammed his and her silver plate flasks. They received a round patio beverage tub with a bourbon and beer BBQ sauce gift set. They opened a rolling beer container, a traveling bar set, and a traveling wine set with tools. Someone with no taste gave them a hideous monogram metal wine cork holder to hang on the wall in their bar. Mia said something in French, and I gave Christian a look. "She said it's hideous," Christian whispered in my ear.

I nodded but then caught Allison's glare and almost laughed. I would not be surprised if she was the purchaser of that tacky gift.

Kate's coworkers purchased fifteen different ice cube trays and a tote to hold them: squares, triangles, spheres, Dr. Who, Legos, guitars, octopus, penguins, dinosaurs, ABCs and 123s, penis, boobs, pickup trucks and tools. Elliot's employees gifted DIY beer brewing equipment.

Christian and I gave them a case of Sancerre. Grace and Carrick gave them a silver ice bucket, with tongs and scoop. Mia and Ethan gave them a wine bottle thermometer, a set of silver wine coasters and wine charms. Eamon and Celeste gave them a set of monogrammed bar towels. Kate's aunts and uncles gifted a Waterford and silver martini set with serving tray and a dozen Waterford martini glasses. Theo and Frannie gave them a dozen Waterford champagne flutes. One set of Kate's grandparents, Edward and Meg Kavanagh, gave them a dozen Waterford highball glasses. The other set of Kate's grandparents, Mitch and Alice Cantrell, gave them a dozen Waterford Tom Collins glasses. I giggled …what…no coupe glasses?

That giggle netted me a raised eyebrow from Christian. I shook my head no at him. I think my errant thought would lose its laugh factor in translation. At the end of Booze Bingo, the winners opened their prizes to find themed church keys: a flip flop, shark, starfish, anchor, mermaid, lobster, seal and sea turtle. "Whew," Christian murmured, "I'm glad I didn't win any of those."

"Don't be rude," I chide him, "but please have a look at the bottles of wine I won earlier. You have me worried now."

Mia created the party menu with the men in mind: Caprese Salad, Antipasti Salad, Balsamic-Marinated, Grilled London Broil, Grilled Jumbo Shrimp and Scallops, Golden Pan-Fried Three Cheese Raviolis, Tricolor Cheese Tortellini Skewers, Grilled Portobello Mushroom Slices, Grilled Corn on the Cob, and Lemon-Lime Cream Tartlets. Lunch is served two-sided buffet style, and the wedding party, parents, grandparents and relatives are first. I'm sandwiched between Mia and Christian in the serving line. He's sandwiched between me and Grace. He's pleased when I fill my plate. I took some of everything except the raviolis and corn on the cob. I'm precariously balancing my dinner plate, a salad plate, and a tartlet on my way back to the table. Bonner takes pity on me, and keeps me from losing my tartlet.

Theo, Frannie, Carrick, Grace, Mia, me, Kate, Elliot, Christian, Ethan, Celeste and Eamon with Kate's two sets of grandparents fill the head table. I noted several of the single men who had been in pursuit of me have backed off several paces while the females attempting to circle Christian have increased. "This is bullshit," Christian mutters, moving Mia's place card next to Elliot and Ethan. He puts his place card at the seat between Grace and me. "I don't want to talk business with Eamon."

We're seated, talking when Mia approaches the table. She leans down and gives Christian a kiss on the check. "Thank you," she whispered.

"My pleasure, sis," He smiles back at her. We're busy eating and I didn't realize I was hungry. Christian approves of my appetite. I'm employing my best-learned manners. I've taken lots of pictures to send to Cassie. She will be impressed. Christian's not impressed with Mia's wine selections. "Use them for cooking or making vinaigrettes for salads," he grimaces. I giggle, which causes Grace to smile.

"So what did I miss," Christian observes Prescott and Bonner.

"I met a rude cousin of Kate's, a rude employee of Elliot's, won the ice breaker which netted me two bottles of wine you've panned, and guessed an unusual drink recipe." I sipped my water. "What were you doing?"

"Having a conversation with my doppelganger. I'll tell you later, when there aren't several dozen people watching us. I like that dress." I just smiled and ate my dinner. But the best part is when I brush Christian's wondering fingers off my leg.

He grinned and whispered a very naughty suggestion in my ear. I shook my head and whispered… "Conversation first."

"Happy is the bride the sun shines on," Frannie quips, before consuming her drink. We've been discussing how we've had rain six out of the last nine days in June.

I tell Kate it's an old saying based on the belief women get pregnant faster in the spring, summer and fall. Kate sets an alert on her phone to check her birth control stash when she gets home. I tell her consider the shot, it's so much better than worrying about taking/missing pills.

XXX

Carrick, Grace and I are sequestered in Christian's SUV. Taylor prowls the perimeter. Prescott and Bonner wait by the SUV which brought us.

"She what?" Grace asked for clarification.

"Elena accepted the SEC and IRS plea bargains last week. The judge accepted her allocution. The SEC and IRS agreed to have her serve time concurrently with her Washington plea bargain for promoting prostitution. She accepted their plea deal late Friday afternoon. Her sentence is 25 years to life. She has to serve a minimum of twenty years before she is eligible for parole. After six weeks of intake at WCCW, Gig Harbor, she's in general population. She will be able to work, and able to earn good time. The first time she misbehaves, she's in solitary for 30 days. The second time she's moved to medium security. The third time she's moved to max security. She's penniless, all her seized funds go to pay restitution and fines or have been seized by the SEC and IRS." Christian reported. "Lauren Hudson and Olivia Blandino have been offered misdemeanors with community service in exchange for testifying against Elena. They are prohibited from future communication with Elena."

"Is that why you were late to Elliot and Kate's shower?" Grace frowned.

"Yes and no. I was late because I was meeting with my doppelganger, Isaac Reynolds. He was Elena's long-time lover before her arrest in December. He's tall, lean, light brown curls and light eyes. The minute she was arrested, he managed to make any evidence of her sexual activities with underage boys disappear. He claims she has no proof there was anything between us, other than the partnership which I dissolved in September. He will testify she spent a great deal of money remaking him in my image because she was obsessed. She dyed his hair copper and bought him grey contacts. She bought him clothes like what I wear. He has before and after pictures for proof."

"Did you know about her proclivities?" Carrick asked me.

"Christian told me she seduced him. I knew she was a madam because she tried to recruit me as a prostitute at the Coping Together event last year. She doesn't like me. I don't like her. I helped the SEC investigate her for securities fraud. I had an issue with her pretending to be Christian's friend and your friend while she was using you." I explained.

Carrick and Grace consider what I've said. "So where does this leave us?" Grace queried.

"She has no contact orders for the Grey, Trevelyan, Kavanagh, Steele and Adams families, any Grey-owned business, subsidiary or residence. She has no-contact orders for her ex-ensemble and ex-client list. The no-contact orders are on file with the Department of Corrections. If she attempts to contact you, let the police know. We will have updated copies of the no-contact orders before the wedding."

"What about Hyde?" Carrick inquired.

"He was charged and arraigned for two counts of attempted first-degree murder in the sabotage of Charlie Tango. NTSB recommended he be charged with destruction of private property. Eurostar recommends selling Charlie Tango I for parts instead of the extensive repair to the engines. The WAG is considering their recommendation. Hyde was charged and arraigned for twenty-eight counts of sexual assault, a dozen counts of blackmail, fifty counts of cybercrimes and invasion of privacy, grand larceny for stealing $250,000 in funds and jewels from his girlfriend, and stalking and threatening Ana. He was charged with flight to avoid prosecution and identity theft. The SEC and IRS expects he will accept a plea deal where he serves all charges concurrently. The DA is offering two counts of life with the possibility of parole for the attempted murder. My legal team expects he will serve a minimum of thirty years for all charges before he's eligible for parole. The attempted murder charges put him in max security."

"I heard Elizabeth Morgan sold her home and possessions, moving to her parents in Virginia. She has been given probation in exchange for testimony against him. Hyde's been issued no-contact orders. She's been issued no-contact orders. Once he pleads to all the deals and counts, Elizabeth's money will be returned. He sold the jewels." Christian smiled. "I would tell you we are safe…but there's another issue, which is why I've been gone."

Christian explains about the grad student who was kidnapped in Brazil. Currently he and security staff are housed on a boat with a helipad in international waters off the coast of Brazil. When they meet in Rio, they fly from the ship to a helipad in Rio where the kidnap and ransom team take them to a secluded compound. Christian explains Grey House removed all employees from unsafe living situations around the world and brought them home to the U.S. His other grad students will be assigned to projects in the United States. He has no intention of endangering their lives. He also explains there will be no announcement of the kidnapping or the safe restoration of his employee to his family in order to prevent copycat kidnappings.

"We're supposed to exchange kidnap funds for our employee on late Thursday afternoon. I'll be back in town on Sunday with any luck. Until then, I need all of you to follow the directives of your close protection detail." Christian requested. "I'm sorry this has been a year of hell. I hope things calm down until we can get Elliot married, but I may send a set of six bodyguards with them on their honeymoon to ensure safety."

"Nothing personal son, but the way women watched you, I think you need to keep your security in place for a long, long time." Grace opined.

"Have them keep the daggers out of Ana's back while you are at it," Carrick advised.

"I don't think that is possible, but thank you for the suggestion," I smiled at Carrick. Christian smiled a wan smile, but reached for my hand and gave it a squeeze.

XXX

"I need to work, can you read for a while or do something at Escala?" Christian suggested.

"No, Mr. Grey," I walked to his SUV. "I told you, there will be a conversation.'

"Just so you know," he opened the door to the SUV. "We're discussing why you didn't stay at Escala while I was gone."

"Just so you know, you're explaining why you didn't tell me my life was in danger which warranted me staying at Escala." I crossed my legs, revealing a lace–topped stocking. "I'm just reminding you what's at stake if you lie or prevaricate." I pulled my dress down.

XXX

"Ground rules: no yelling, no throwing phones, no demanding I 'obey' your commands," I elucidate.

"Ground rules: no running, no shutting down, no being obstinate and not hearing me," Christian countered. "Now, why didn't you stay at Escala like I wanted you to?"

"Why didn't you tell me you wanted me to stay at Escala, instead of leaving Gail to break the news to me, and leaving Ros to explain everything?" I crossed my arms over my chest.

"Answer my question first," Christian admonished.

"You gone on business and Jack Hyde in the wind explained the need for extra security, not why you needed me at Escala. If I had stayed at Escala – your family would have wondered if there was more going on that they didn't know about. They would have asked questions I could not answer." I shrugged. "Now, answer my question? Why didn't you tell me instead of relying on Gail and Ros? You knew you were leaving early Monday morning, because you had Gail pack 10 days of clothes for you. If you had time for sex on Monday morning, you had time to tell me about the situation. Instead, you sex me, kiss me goodbye, and let others relay your messages."

"I'm sorry you fee; I used sex to avoid conversation. I didn't think of it as 'sex'. I thought I made love with the woman I love before I had to leave her. I didn't know when I would see you again and I didn't want to blow past a day when I said I'd be home and upset or worry you more."

"I admit I'm not the easiest person to rouse. I admit I loved the lengthy luxurious sex with you that morning. However, you should have asked me to stay at Escala until you returned. Instead, it sounded like orders relayed by others. Since we're in the midst of being honest with one another…I don't like the cold sterile feel of Escala. I don't feel comfortable here, alone for an extended length of time. Sleeping alone in your bed would have made me stress more than you know. Being in my own home with my things around me…it was where I belonged, where I felt safe. Why didn't you call or Skype or email while you were gone?"

"I didn't dare contact you because I had no guarantee the connections were secure. Which by the way, is one of the things I'm addressing for future."

"Business mind off…relationship mind on. Do you think the kidnappers got the idea from Stephen trying to kidnap me?"

"Perhaps. We found information in Jack Hyde's paperwork about the fellowship students. He may or may not have sold their information to potential kidnappers. Grey House is working on recalling all of our employees who are located overseas. We don't want this happening again."

"I agree to increased security, so you don't worry about me when you should be worrying about other people." I sat in his lap and put my arms around him. "But, when you return to Brazil, I'm returning to my condo."

"I can accept that…if you will stay here with me until I must leave again," Christian kissed me senseless. Good point well made.

June 11 – APOV

Christian kisses me goodbye again. He and Jason are flying out of Seattle for Rio. He won't be in contact this week while he's trying to get his employee freed. Ros is taking all meetings Christian had scheduled. Carrick and Grace did not tell anyone our reason for being out of communications since the shower. We're just holding our breath until it is resolved and everyone is safely returned home. Christian does not care about the money, but the kidnap and ransom team are still in play. They've put two patrol boats around the ship at sea to ensure there is no attempt to hijack the boat or its passengers. They have 24/7 teams around the airfield when the helicopter takes off and lands. They have 24/7 teams surrounding the GEH jet to ensure it is not sabotaged either.

Prescott takes me from Escala to work. I don't bother with yoga today. I know I need it to clear my mind. Hannah and I will work very hard this week to get as much cleared off my desk as possible. Prescott knows I'm working late, and she will arrange for dinner for us.

June 15 – APOV

Ros called me at six a.m. "The GEH jet touches down at Boeing Field in 45 minutes. All of our people are onboard; our grad student's parents will meet him at the field. Christian's parents and I will be there. We're trying to keep it quiet so people just think it was a standard business trip. Christian is going to his parents' house. He'll remain there until Monday morning when it's time to report to work. I expect he will call or email you when he catches his breath. Be kind to him, Ana. I know you're crazy about him and worried when Charlie Tango crashed."

XXX

'Baby," Christian croaked into the phone. "Please come to my parents' home. The pool house will be ours. You need swimsuits, sundresses, lingerie, and casual clothes for the weekend and work clothes for Monday."

"I'll be there by one, with my suitcase in hand," I promise him. "You know I have my final dress fitting tomorrow morning and we're working on the seating chart tomorrow afternoon? Otherwise, I can hide out at your parents." I call Bonner and tell her what I need from my condo. I call Prescott and Hannah into my office and tell them I'm leaving at noon for the weekend. Both of them are off at that time. I'll see them at nine on Monday morning.

June 16 – APOV

Mia has been bitch about the three–inch heels we're wearing for the wedding. Celeste refused to conduct her final fitting until she changed into the right shoes. They both act like this is my fault. "I don't know what your issue is, but Kate chose the three–inch heels the first part of March. I've worn three-inch heels to practice dancing and walking. I'm wearing three-inch heels to dress fittings. I'm wearing three-inch heels to the wedding. I'm glad my final dress fitting is done – because I don't feel like having lunch with either of you right now! Tell Kate I'll see her at 1:30 at Grey Calendars to finish the seating arrangements." I grab my things and leave.

When I reach the parking area, Christian calls. "Can we talk?"

"You picked a lousy time for a conversation. Your sister just pissed me off. I'm blowing off lunch with the ladies. We had final dress fittings this morning. This afternoon we're supposed to finalize the seating chart for the reception. At this point – I'm ready to assign seats in alphabetical order."

"You don't want to go, do you?' Christian commiserates.

"If I say I'm sick of wedding preparations, will you think I'm a hateful creature?" I asked.

"No, I'm sick of these conclaves also. I'm spending the afternoon with Elliot. We're picking up Kate's wedding gift and the gifts for the wedding party and ushers." He sighed.

"As God is my witness, I'm eloping," I thought.

"Do you want to elope?" Christian seems startled.

"OH MY GOD, did I say that aloud?" I'm embarrassed.

"Yes you did," he laughed. "The question is, do you mean it?"

"I do mean it. When I'm ready to get married, it's either elope or live together. I'm SO NOT going through this crap again…never, ever. I'll shoot myself if it takes more than 72 hours to arrange an elopement. I'm not having Mother freaking over details like Celeste." I assure him.

"I think you'll find it takes longer because you need a marriage license," Christian laughed again. "Can I negotiate 96 hours?"

"How about lunch at my condo? We can have dinner and a quiet night there?" I ignore his question.

Maybe tomorrow we can go sailing. I need downtime before I tackle business this next week. I need to free my weekend for the bachelor and bachelorette parties. We need to go over the logistics for the weekend." Christian reminded me.

"I'll meet you for lunch in twenty minutes," I sighed.

"Be gentle with Mia if you can. She and Ethan are having a rough patch at the moment. He's working sixty hour weeks to be able to take time off for the bachelor weekend and for Kate's wedding. Sawyer said he fell asleep while they were talking on the phone last night. She trashed her smart phone when she realized he was asleep. Unfortunately for her, I don't keep spares of her phone in stock. Consequently, she has to buy a new phone today. Since she lives on her phone…being out of communication with friends is causing her a lot of angst."

June 17 – APOV

Christian woke me just minutes before six.

"I can't stay," he announced. "I'm on my way to Northwest. Mom says Grandpa Theo may have had a cardio-vascular incident."

'I'm sorry," I whisper.

Christian grabs me and hugs me. He buries his nose in my hair, the smell seems to calm him. "It's not that I don't want to be here with you, and it's not that I don't want you there with me, but I don't know what's going on. I must go…Grandma and Mom need me right now."

"I'll say a prayer for your grandpa," I kiss him goodbye which is interrupted when his phone rings. I groaned in frustration.

"I do understand," his phone rang again. "I have to take this, it's Mom." He kissed me goodbye and headed to the elevator. "Mom, I'm on my way there…I'll be there in fifteen minutes." The elevator doors closed.

Christian called about two o'clock. Grandpa Theo had a bad case of indigestion, no cardiac involvement. Christian is going home to Escala for some rest and to decompress. I give him air hugs and tell him I'll come to Escala if he wants. I can work while he works. We can rest, eat, hydrate, exercise, etc. as needed. Christian is thrilled with my offer.

June 18 – APOV

"I know you don't celebrate, Christian, but happy birthday…I have 29 kisses for you for your birthday…on various places of your body." I wrapped my arms and legs around him and kissed all over his face and neck.

Christian groaned with frustration. He is available for breakfast this morning, but after that he's busy with Grey House. I remind him I'm busy also, trying to clear my desk. We're on our way to Vegas Friday for the bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Tomorrow night I will vent to Mary about wedding crap getting on my nerves. Wednesday Shawn and Harley are coming to the condo. Shawn is helping me pack for the weekend. Friday begins the final countdown to the wedding.

June 20 – APOV

Mia asked me to attend a surprise lunch for Christian's birthday at Grey House. She knows he's working 24/7 and doesn't have time for a family dinner. Mia arranged a lovely gourmet lunch buffet. We are seated in a private conference room with corner windows which gave us an excellent view. Ros and Gwen, Andrea and Barney, Taylor and Gail, Kate and Elliot, Mia and Ethan, Carrick and Grace and I help Christian celebrate his twenty-ninth birthday. Welch, Sawyer and Prescott join us before it is over.

When it was time for Christian to open presents, I'm pleased at my choice of a white embossed box with a grey ribbon. The card features a ship, with some quote about calm seas and fair weather for his life voyage. We have had a tumultuous year…he could use some calm. Christian exclaimed over Elliot, Kate and my present to him: a solar–powered remote control helicopter. Elliot had it painted exactly like Charlie Tango. Christian thanks us.

Conversation for the rest of lunch centers on the wedding. We're ten days out and eager for summer and sunshine. Elliot said the weather is why they chose an indoor wedding and reception. He's praying we have sunshine and not rain when we line up for the outdoor photos.

Grace reminds him summer never officially begins in Seattle until the Fourth of July.

Christian reminds the wedding party we are wheels up at noon at Boeing Field on Friday. Carrick and Grace try to get me to tell them the party details, but I smile and shake my head. Christian and I worked this out, we won't be making headlines for bad behavior.

XXX

Christian pulls me into his office at the end of lunch. "Thank you for my birthday present. But I need something else for my birthday."

"Like what, Mr. Grey," I fluttered my eyelashes at him.

"I need to work, I have piles of things to clear from my desk before the end of the fiscal year. I need you in my life. I want you in my life. I need you in my bed… it's not just sex… I don't sleep well without you. I'm just embarrassed by the never-ending bullshit that seems to surround my life and I don't know how to ask you to forgive me."

I stepped closer and my hand caressed his face. "I love you. I want to be with you if you are honest and talk to me. We're twelve days out from the wedding and I've got to clear my desk also. I can read and work while you work. I can sleep while you sleep. We'll eat healthy, exercise together, hydrate…and get all the laughs we can while we can. Let me grab fifteen days of clothes and toiletries and I'll come to Escala tonight."

He kissed me senseless…his kisses were not gentle, but possessive and demanding and thankful. Then he stole my panties!

Oh boy… I know I have a spare week of undies at Escala…but I'd better pack 30 days of panties…between combustion, shredding and theft…I must ensure my ass is covered this week!