I can't believe I let Mia talk me into celebrating my birthday, my birthday was in June, and today is after all July 10th a little late to be celebrating if you ask me. But I told myself I was going to spend more time with my family, Mia promised it's just the family so I can't really complain, I'm already spending the weekend at Bellevue, the only difference is there will be cake and Mia promised it will chocolate cake. So stop moaning Grey.

I knew it, I'm going to kill that girl, just family, so why are there a couple of cars I don't recognize. I take a deep breath walking in, toss my bag on the stairs and make my way to the kitchen. Well, there's a sight I never thought I'll see today. Ana and my mom cooking together or rather making a salad.

"Christian, you made it." Mia screeches. Ana lifts her head to look at me while biting at that lip. God, I think my heart just stopped. While walking towards Ana, I absent-mindedly hug my mom and say hello. The whole room gasps and it takes me a second to realize what I did. I look at my mom and she's on the verge of tears. I'm trying to think of something to say to break the tension a bit when Ana comes to my rescue.

"You certainly know how to make an entrance Chrissie." Elliot won't be Elliot if he doesn't jump on this.

"I can't even call you Chris and Ana gets to call you Chrissie." My dad jumps in.

"When you look like that you can call him anything you want." Ana blushes red. As I've noticed she's never being good with compliments. I see my mom looking at Ana with a certain reverence; everyone knows she's the reason for my new outlook on life.

GRACE

Every time Ana looks at Cary she starts giggling, I must admit he looks funny in this license to grill apron and chef hat. You couldn't miss Christian's excitement, finding out Ana was here today.

When Dr. Monroe told me about Ana case, I never thought she would be the girl my son hurt. Elliot came to take me out to lunch the same day I saw Ana talking to Dr. Monroe.

As I was walking out to meet Elliot I saw him hugging Ana, Elliot introduced me to her before asking Ana what she was doing at the hospital. When she told him she was there for a check-up, I put two and two together. Her reluctance to answer the question and the pleading look she gave me told me she didn't want Elliot to know.

I got to know her quite well during lunch, such a beautiful girl. I knew Christian was beating himself up over what he did and I wasn't going to make him feel any more guilt over it.

"He looks happy," Cary comments watching Christian play football with Elliot and the girls.

"Yes, he's going to have to be very patient, it's obvious that he loves her. But it's going to take her a while to get there."

"I remember asking him to put something in place to settle any lawsuits that she might file. He told he was hoping she would, but knowing her it wasn't something to worry about."

"Cary."

"I know, I know, after meeting her I understood what he meant. God, at the time I thought he'd lost his mind. She's truly something else."

"I pray and hope she gives him a chance."

"Well, he's got his work cut out for him. But I've never known anyone more determined. He might just succeed."

The barbecue is a lively affair, the boys claim that the girls cheated to win the game. I don't blame them, at one point Ana jumped on Christian back and his only reaction was to laugh at Elliot who was screaming at him to stop Mia from scoring a touchdown, Elliot wasn't doing much to get away from Kate either.

Kate is perfect for Elliot, God knows that boy needs a strong woman to put up with him. Mia brings out a chocolate cake Ana baked for the occasion.

"Wow, where did you get this from Mia?" Christian asks.

"Ana baked it."

"Don't tell Gail but this is the best." No one here disagrees with him. This is really wonderful. Kate is trying to steal Elliot's piece and he's having none of it.

"What happened to sharing?"

" I don't see you sharing," Ana tells Kate. Kate sticks her tongue out Ana. "Steele it's been a while since you baked one of these. You should bake them more often."

" Sure, as long as you help." Elliot barks out a laugh. Kate elbows him.

" Hey I can help"

"Yeah licking the bowl." Ana retorts.

I watch Ana play with Christian's hair, he's trying hard to show that it doesn't affect him. It's an intimate gesture and he's having a hard time viewing it otherwise. Ana comments he needs a haircut. Kate says Ana can give him one, which my boy quickly agrees to. Ana promises to give him one on Tuesday after work, to which Christian counters what's wrong with tomorrow. Ana replies she's got dinner after work with a writer. Christian is trying hard to compose himself but is failing miserably, this is what I mean, patience. I need to have a talk with him.

Ana leaves shortly after to meet Ray who is in Seattle to meet some old army buddies. Kate lays into him, I guess she didn't miss Christian's anger about Ana's dinner.

"Look I'm not your biggest fun, but it's obvious how you feel about Ana. Considering how cut up you were about hurting her. You'd be a fool to do it again. And you are no fool. That's the only reason I'm not telling Ana to run the other direction." Christian looks angry. Kate pays no mind and continues. " You're going to have to be patient, you broke her trust and it's going to take time for her to trust you again. You're acting as though her life should revolve around you."

"Look, bro, the girl is going to want her pound of flesh, with most girls you buy them a few gifts and you are on your way. I don't need to tell you Ana is not like that. You are used to getting your way that is not going to fly here. When it comes to Ana, you my dear brother are not the boss the sooner you get that in your head the easier this will go."

"Moneybags, you might find this hard to believe, but I'm really trying to help you here. Ana is one of the most grounded people I know. After one semester with her, my father wanted to meet Ana. He wanted to meet the girl who had grounded his daughter. I learned to be more responsible when it came to money, spend more time with my family, realize the friends I had weren't really friends. I learned the difference between friends and acquaintances. Ana worked throughout college, never wanted a handout, insisted on paying rent even after my father had told her there was no need. She hardly ever went out, preferred to stay in reading and when we did, if there were 50 guys at the club,40 would be interested. Ana didn't notice a single one, 4 years of college she never showed a single interest in anyone. You can understand that it's going to take a lot of work on your part for her to trust you again. You were the first guy she showed interest in." Kate doesn't finish her sentence she doesn't need to, I believe my son understands just how hard he's going to have to work. He's in love

With the girl, being friends with someone you are in love with is hard. Christian's next words confirm that fear.

"I'm just scared that some guy would come in and sweep her off her feet while I'm trying to gain her trust.

"Moneybags, you men can read each other when it comes to us women. Do you believe any guy that comes sniffing around isn't going to see you are interested, how many of them would go to tow to tow with you. And if they are brave enough to take you on, I will like to see them try the rest of us." My son chuckles at this and quietly thanks, Kate.

CHRISTIAN

Elliot and Kate left a while ago, Mia is in her room. I'm sitting in the kitchen with my mom, still thinking about what Kate said. I've never being a patient man. But it was a lack of patience that got me into this mess in the first place. I wanted Ana desperately, knowing I was no good for her, I should have taken a step back worked on myself. Anyway, what's done is done no point rehashing shit I can't change. I'm going to concentrate on what I can change. "I'm going to become a man worthy of Ana's love."

"You are son." I didn't realize I said that out loud. "Kate is right, if you truly want her you are going to have to fight for her. Us woman love nothing more than a man that fights for us." I give my mom a hug.

"Thanks, mom, I'm going to turn in. Goodnight."

"Goodnight son."

AN: I decided to let Elena herself tell you what Ana missing. Let me know what you think.