CPOV
"All ready" I asked Ana as we put the last box into the car.
"Yes, we just need to pick the tree up now."
I kissed her lips before opening the door for her to get in.
"Thank you."
"See you Sunday afternoon Taylor. Say hello to Sophie for me" I told him as I walked around to my door. He was probably thinking of ways he could sneak to Winchester Falls without me knowing.
Ryan would be following us until we were out of the city. I know it's a risk, us being without security but I promised Ana when I took her home that it would be just the two of us.
Ana pulled out into the early afternoon traffic and headed out of the city.
"Do you think it will work" Ana asked me as I pulled the satellite phone out from where I had placed it in the glove compartment.
"I hope so but if not, I'm sure my tech guys could come up with something" I laughed.
"You gave them the impossible task."
"No I just asked them to come up with a phone that could work in a remote place where you can't get a signal. If they do get it to work, I might still turn it off because I enjoy the solitude up there especially when we get snowed in."
"Being snowed in is a lot of fun especially when we are naked in front of the fire."
"Ana, I don't want to go all the way to Winchester Falls with a hard on."
"Yes especially if it freezes like that" she giggled as we pulled onto the road that lead to the tree lot.
There were a lot less trees than when we had come only five days ago. It's a good job Ana had already chosen her tree to take.
Getting out I did my coat up, feeling the cold hit my hands before my gloves went on. My body was soon lovely and warm in the coat Ana had given to me this morning. I don't really receive many gifts, everyone already thinking I have everything but Ana constantly surprises me and each gift from her is very welcome and very special.
"Welcome. Malcolm has already cut the tree down this morning" the elderly lady greeted us.
She called to a younger man who must be her son, to bring the tree out as she went to pick up a wreath.
"There you go my dear, Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas to you too and thank you" Ana said before hugging the lady.
The tree was soon strapped to the roof of the car and we were on our way again.
The radio was on and Christmas music played through the speakers. Ana was so much happier than when I visited her at work on Monday, so much more relaxed as if she had finally been released of a burden that was dragging her down.
As we approached the signs for Winchester Falls, Ana opened her window slightly. The cold air poured through the gap but so did the smells. Crisp cool air, the smell of the trees surrounding us. All welcoming us home.
"Wow, they like lights" I said looking at the beaming smile on Ana's face that she was back, she was home.
Every house was lit up, the lights reflecting off the snow that had been crushed underfoot by the children playing in the yards.
We pulled up outside the station, even this had lights on.
"Look" Ana pointed over to where the diner was.
Beside it was a giant Christmas tree, all lit up with the gently falling snow resting on its branches.
"Are you going to admire our tree forever" we heard from the front of the station.
Ana was out the door and quickly wrapped up in the arms of her father.
"No tears, they will freeze" he told her, before hugging his daughter tighter.
"Hi Christian."
"Hi Ray, it's good to be back."
"It's good to have you both back, come inside."
We followed him into the warmth of the station as Ana hugged Kelly. She made a fuss of Boomer whose tail was wagging so fast, it looked sure to take off. He sniffed me as I stroked him before going back to lay in front of the heater, next to Kelly's desk.
"You two all ready for some fun" Kelly laughed.
"Chaos more like" Ray mumbled.
"You love it really" Kelly teased him but Ray just shrugged.
"He loves it" Ana whispered as I wrapped my arm around her waist. "How has it been round here."
"It been pretty quiet. Luke soon got the new tyres when his car spent the week with me. I didn't get called out once for stupidity so I was thinking about impounding it permanently. Unfortunately around here a car is essential."
"I wouldn't fancy walking everywhere, especially from my house."
"Ana you wouldn't have done anything to lose your car in the first place" Kelly told her.
You could tell by the smile on Ray's face that he was very proud of that fact.
"Have you two eaten" Ray asked.
"No, I tried to have a sandwich before we left but I was too excited to eat it" Ana told him.
"Come on then let me buy you two lunch."
"Did Hank do the road" Ana asked him as we walked towards the diner.
"Yes, he left about an hour ago. It was snowing this morning, so pointless to plough a road that would be full of snow again come lunchtime."
"He needs to send me the bill that always seems to gets lost" she looked pointedly at her Dad.
He just smiled at her before he opened the door to the diner and we all stepped inside. I made sure I kissed Ana under the mistletoe that was still hung over the door.
"Aunt Ana" Cally squealed and ran straight for Ana's outstretched arms.
"Hello baby girl, what have you been up to."
"I was a star in my school play and everyone had to follow me" she giggled.
"Yes. She still expects them to follow her now even though the play is over, bossy madam" Leisa said as she came from around the counter and hugged her friend.
"Hi Christian" Leisa greeted me as I said hello.
We made our way towards an empty table as Cally ran to tell Jose that Ana was back.
He was soon out from the kitchen, hugging my girl too. Ana was well loved in this little town as every person who passed our table had to let on to her and tell her how lovely it was to see her back.
"What drinks can I get you all" Leisa asked us.
Two coffees and a tea for my girl were ordered. Ana wanted a sandwich that she said she would eat this time and have something bigger once the tree was up.
"Will we get through" I asked Ana as the snow started to get heavy.
"Yes, but we will need to leave soon."
"See you tomorrow Dad" Ana told him when we were back at the car.
"Up bright and early."
"Not a chance. We don't have to run to the office tomorrow so we will be here when I'm properly awake."
"I will see you tomorrow night then" he teased before closing Ana's door when she was inside.
She stuck her tongue out to him before starting the car.
The drive up the mountain if I was driving, would probably have been deadly. Ana knew every corner, every curve and we were soon pulling up in front of the house.
"Tree or boxes first" I asked her.
"Tree. We'll leave it on the porch to get rid of the snow off it and then the fire will dry it out once inside."
Making sure we were both wrapped up, we got out of the car. The snow was welcoming us or pelting us now as we rushed to remove the tree from the roof. Moving it to the porch, Ana opened the front door before we rushed back for the boxes and my case.
Ana has everything she needs up here, so I brought some clothes that I would leave here also. When the door was closed and the snow and wind left outside, I turned to Ana who was already getting the fire started. Soon the crackling of the fire and the warmth spread out into the room.
"Welcome home baby" I said, wrapping my arms around her waist.
"Welcome home Christian."
The heat spread throughout the house as I put my case down in Ana's bedroom. This would be ours for the next few days and then again on Christmas. Our family always went to Aspen for new year but this year we are staying put. It seemed silly to swap one mountain for an other and I'm sure there are places around here to ski if we really wanted to.
"I like the tub" I told Ana when I placed my things in her bathroom. "No blinds."
"No need when I'm up here. No walking trails nearby and someone would have to climb up the tallest tree to see anything."
I looked out of the bathroom window, to the garden below. My helicopter was there once although it wouldn't probably be noticeable until the spring as the crater that the crash created, had been filled in with snow.
"Ready to put a third tree up" Ana asked, holding her hand to me.
Taking it, we made our way back out into the cold but only long enough this time to retrieve the tree and place the wreath on the door. We placed the tree onto the stand making sure it was secure and not going anywhere. Ana brought out a box of decorations but knowing what she was like with the trees, I took a step back and watched my perfectionist do her magic until the tree was perfect.
"Do you have lights for outside" I asked.
"They're already up."
"I didn't even see them" I said as she walked back to the front door and she hit a switch.
The reason I hadn't seen them was they had been covered in snow. As they warmed, the snow melted so all along the edge of the roof and the top of the porch, the lights were revealed. Even the rail across the front of the porch had lights, all that had been hiding until now.
"Dad does them every year when he puts his own up. He knows I love to do the tree so he leaves that for me."
"You will probably see this house for miles" I smiled when I saw the lights on the back deck also.
"If you haven't realised by now, this town goes a little over board with Christmas lights."
"It's perfect though" I said, placing a kiss on her lips.
As we ate dinner that night, the snow continued to fall outside the window. It was so peaceful, something I enjoyed immensely after the noise of the city.
…
"Last night was a first" I said waking up with Ana's head on my chest.
"I'm sure we have made love more than once, many times in fact" she giggled before kissing my chest.
"I mean, making love to you in this bed. We never got further than the living room floor or the couch. Although making love to you in front of the fire was very special, something I would like to repeat."
"Tonight" Ana mumbled against my chest.
"Tonight."
…
Wrapping up warm, we waited until the plough had departed. Ana had asked Hank for the bill but he just laughed and told her to ask her Dad. No luck there.
We drove into town, the snow banked up on the sides of the roads as we went. There were a lot more people here that yesterday, more than I think I had ever seen before in this town as we headed for Ana's old school.
"We get a lot of visitors from neighbouring towns" Ana told me.
"And neighbouring city's" I smiled.
Elliot wanted to come this weekend but he has a project that he has to finish before Christmas. That and he was going to ask Kate out.
"It's a bit smaller than my old high school" I told Ana as we got out of the car.
"I bet there were more staff at your high school than students here. This isn't just a high school though, there is room here for every age from preschool to Seniors."
"In one building."
"No, this is the high school part. There are buildings around the other side so you don't have a five year old mixing with seniors."
"If they were anything like my old high school football team, the five year old would probably play better."
"Come on" she laughed as we made our way through the crowds and to her Dad, who was observing what was going on.
There was a stage set up, across the field which was playing music loud enough to dislodge the snow from the surrounding mountains. Stalls were selling home-made gifts, Ice carvings were in progress although at this stage, I couldn't tell you what they would become. There was even someone selling Christmas trees.
"We could have gotten your tree from here" I said to Ana but she shook her head.
"Where we got our trees from is where my family have gotten them, since I was a baby."
"Tradition."
"There is a lot of tradition in this town, a lot doesn't change. If it's not broke don't fix it my grandmother would always say."
"Good morning you two" Ray greeted us as Ana hugged her Dad.
"Morning Dad, any mischief so far."
"None that I'm aware of. Oh I came prepared, something from you."
He pulled from his pocket a carrot, making Ana laugh.
"Thanks Dad, I will make sure I keep it on me at all times."
"Do that, you never know when it might come in handy."
Ray was called away when the road started to get congested so we started to look around.
"Don't you two look lovely together" we heard behind us.
Turning, we came face to face with Mrs March.
"I think so" Ana told her, wrapping her arm around my waist. "I'm surprised you're not with the band."
"Oh, they can wait a bit longer for me to get on the piano. It's a bit chilly around here."
"I hadn't noticed" I laughed.
"Stand still long enough round here and you will freeze. Enjoy the festival" she said, squeezing my cheeks before leaving me with a laughing Ana.
"I bet she has been dying to do that since Thanksgiving."
"Shush you" I kissed her lips to silence the giggles.
"Love you cheeky boy" I pulled back looking into her beautiful smiling face.
"Love you too Ana."
We headed over to where Jose was selling warm drinks with Cally.
"Is the diner shut" I asked him.
"No it's still open but it's nice to have a warm drink between here at there."
"Tea and black coffee please Jose" Ana asked him. "What are you eating Miss Cally."
"Chocolate, do you want some."
She held the half eaten bar up to Ana who shook her head. She then held it up to me.
"Too early for me with chocolate, you enjoy it" she smiled and continued to eat.
Sipping our drinks, we headed over to where a crowd had gathered in front of the stage, passing craft stalls which were packed with children all wanting to paint their own pots or have their faces painted. There was a large mountain that was in the process of being inflated with stairs up one side and a slide down the other. I wonder if adults can go on that.
Standing behind Ana, I wrapped my arms around her waist, making sure not to spill my hot drink on her.
Soon a woman who Ana said was the mayoress came onto the stage to open the festival.
Welcome to Winchester Falls annual Snowflake Festival.
It's lovely to see so many faces, old and new.
"Who are you calling old" Mrs March called over to her, making everyone laugh.
Ok I will rephrase that Mrs March. It's nice to see so many of our townsfolk and new faces from out of town who have come to enjoy our festival. Where ever you have come from today, you're more than welcome.
All we ask is you have a good time, stay safe and don't give Chief Steele anymore grey hairs.
Poor Ray was having his cheeks squeezed as he tried to stay off to the side but Mrs March found him anyway.
Once the mayoress had left the stage, the crowd dispersed. We looked around the stalls, Ana picking up a shawl which she liked and would keep up here. I gave the money to the lady behind the stall while Ana was talking to a younger couple.
"Come on Baby" I said taking her hand.
"I need to pay Christian."
"Already done" I told her as we went to the next stall.
She just smiled, rolling her eyes before kissing my cheek.
We passed the snowmen and dogs by the looks of some of them, that the children were making and the horse drawn sleigh that was taking people around the field.
Our destination was Daryl. I thought he would have been manning the beer tent that was already full at this time of day but his stall was log chopping. Seeing who could chop the most logs properly in the time limit to win a carved wooden bear.
"Look who's back" he smiled to Ana and gave her a hug.
"I see you're looking after her well" Daryl said shaking my hand.
"Very well" Ana smiled.
"Hi Ana" two men walked up to us. I remember them from the last time I was here but they were both in trouble with Ray then and getting out of the back of his car.
"Hi Joe, Luke. This is my boyfriend Christian. Christian, Joe, Luke and I were at school together."
"A pleasure to meet you" I said shaking both of their hands. If my memory is correct, these two are friends of Ana's ex.
"You too, see you around" they said before disappearing into the crowd.
"Are you going to show everyone how to chop logs Ana."
"She can't chop a log, she's tiny" an elder man said but from the smile on both Ana's and his face, I could tell he was teasing her.
"Is that a challenge old man" she giggled.
"I would say always but you're a Steele. You take after your Dad and Grandparents, made of strong stuff these Steele's" he said to me.
"I know."
Ana kissed my lips before going over to where the old man had logs laid out to cut.
"Down the middle" she said, receiving a nod.
I had my phone out recording her as when the man told her to go, she sliced through six logs with the axe before her time was up. Elliot is going to have a fit when he sees this.
"Now that is the target to beat and I can guarantee it won't be easy" Daryl laughed as Ana ran back over to me and was in my arms again.
"You're brilliant Miss Steele do you know that" she shrugged her shoulders smiling before kissing my lips.
"I'll beat her" the man called Joe said, walking past us towards Daryl.
"You sure, because you can't chop logs for shit."
"I said I will do it."
"Come on Joe" we heard behind us as Luke and Paul were stood with some other men.
His eyes were on Ana or what he could see of her as she was wrapped in my arms.
"Hey Daryl, can I have my logs for my fire."
"Sure, I will get Pete to load them up when you're leaving. I will know which are yours as they will be the only ones cut straight."
I don't think Joe was happy with Daryl's answer but with axe in hand he turned toward the logs.
"Go."
Daryl was right, he couldn't chop for shit. One is all he got straight and he was pissed when Daryl told us that we could have Joe's too to burn the embarrassment away.
"If they all cut the logs like Joe, I will put the bear in the trunk too."
Ana's face lit up as she smiled nodding.
We left the logs and walked over to where the pond was. It was frozen and already had skaters on it.
"Do you skate" Ana asked me.
"No never."
"They have little penguins to push around to keep you upright."
"Yes if I was about two Ana, if you want to skate we will."
"No it's fine plus I don't want you busting any ribs. I have plans for you tonight when we burn those logs and I don't want you indisposed."
"Plans" I asked, intrigued to what these plans were.
If it ended up with my cock inside Ana then count me in.
"You will have to wait for this evening when you can unwrap your early Christmas gift."
Ana pulled her head down to mine, whispering "It's a gift for your eyes only" before her lips met mine.
I deepened the kiss, as my tongue met hers. I could feel my cock stirring in my jeans but it soon calmed down when Ana's name was called.
"Ana" we heard again, that made us pull apart.
It wasn't her name being called that pissed me off, it was the way it was said.
"Can we help you" I said to Paul.
"No. I'd like to talk to Ana. Alone."
"Our talks alone were over a long time ago Paul. If you have something to say to me you can say it in front of my boyfriend."
"Boyfriend" he huffed. "I never knew you were that type of girl."
"And what type of girl is that" she asked him.
"Someone who was with somebody for their money."
I stepped forward, pissed that he would say that about my girl, about Ana. She placed her hand on to my chest, shaking her head.
"This is what he does Christian. Paul likes to play games, make himself the victim. Antagonize someone and then complain when someone hits back or it doesn't go the way he planned. He did it when he was balls deep in Leila and blamed me for not being there. You need to seriously grow up Paul."
"My name was in all the papers and it's your fault" he said angrily.
"Really, my fault. I think you need to go and speak to your girlfriend. Where do you think the reporter got all her information from, who do you think named you. Leila. So go and blame her for dragging your name through the mud because the blame lies solely at her feet."
He knew what Ana said was the truth because his shoulders sagged but he still wasn't giving up.
"She was never my girlfriend, you were. Ana please, all I want to do is talk."
"She has given you her answer, so back off" I told him, pulling Ana closer to me. Over my dead body would he get a second alone with her,
"Go away Paul, leave me alone. Don't speak to me, just go away."
He had his chance, he blew it and now Ana is mine and I will never give her up.
"Come on Christian, there is a steak sandwich with my name on it at the diner."
I kissed her hand and wrapped my arm around Ana as we made our way to the diner, ignoring him behind.
"Do I need to put someone in a cell for the night" Ray asked when we reached him.
He must have been watching what was going on. I have no doubt that Ray would have been over if Paul had touched Ana but he would have had to get in a queue behind me, for people punching him first.
"No Dad, leave it. I'm making an early new years resolution to ignore people who don't matter any more."
"You do that sweetheart but as your Dad, I will still keep an eye on him."
We walked into the diner, making sure I stole my kiss before we found a table. Leisa called from behind the counter to ask what we wanted.
"What is it you said you wanted" I asked Ana.
"Steak sandwich, it's lovely."
"Two steak sandwiches" I called to Leisa, who nodded.
The place was busy with people coming in from the cold, especially now the snow was gently falling outside the window.
"Christian" Leisa called me, holding up our sandwiches.
She was rushed off her feet but seemed to be in her element. I took the sandwiches leaving a $100 dollars behind the counter when she said that we didn't own anything.
"You will be in trouble for doing that" Ana told me, obviously seeing what I had done while Leisa served another customer.
"If she doesn't want it, she can put it into Cally's piggy bank."
"You're an amazing man Christian Grey" Ana told me as she kissed my lips before taking a bite of her sandwich.
It was delicious and every bite was gone. In fact I could have eaten more than one but Leisa was busy enough without me asking for more. The snow was off and on but seemed to ease when we opened the door to leave.
"CHRISTIAN GREY" Leisa shouted behind us as we exited the diner.
I just waved at her, as she waved the money in her hand.
"Told you."
We walked back towards the festival. The band now playing with a very good Mrs March on the piano.
"She's amazing" I laughed.
"Yes, she used to be the music teacher at the school before teaching piano at home when she retired."
I spun Ana around, making her laugh as we joined other couples on the wooden floor that had been laid in front of the band.
"I love you Ana, so much."
"I love you too Christian. I have never been happier than I am with you."
Cradling her face within my hands, I brought my lips down to hers. She pulled me closer as I enjoyed our kiss which went uninterrupted this time. We continued to dance throughout, resting our foreheads together when we broke apart.
"I was right, you two do look good together" Mrs March said as I let go of my girlfriend.
"Mr March, would you do me the honour of this dance."
"Keep hold of this one although I will borrow him for a few minutes" she told Ana before taking my hand.
While Mrs March and I, who I finally found out was called Doris moved around the dance floor, Ana danced with Jose. We swapped over when the song finished, so I once again had Ana in my arms.
The afternoon had been going so well until we heard a loud scream and a lot of laughing.
"And so the chaos begins" Ana laughed as we looked over to what was once a proud mountain, now slowly deflating with children still atop. They didn't care, they thought it was part of a ride as they slowly came down to earth.
"What's going on" Ray asked coming through.
Some of the kids had decided to disconnected it from the fan, thinking it would be like a balloon and simply blow away. Ray let their parents deal with it, telling them how dangerous it was especially with the younger children still being on there. Soon the mountain was up again and the fun continued, while someone kept guard on the fan.
"We have yet to visit Santa" Ana told me, leading me over to where a majority of the children were.
Santa was sat in a sleigh with two reindeer in front who were happily munching on their feed in front of them.
"Santa is that food for the reindeer" a little boy asked, making Ana laugh.
"That's the little boy who set them free last year" she whispered.
"Yes that is Tommy, so let them feed. If they run away then we cannot go and pick the presents up" Santa told him.
He was happy with the answer but still was looking longingly at the reindeer as if he wanted them free.
"Tommy" Ana called him, holding a carrot out for him to take.
He walked toward Ana, placing his hand flat as she directed to which the Reindeer ate the carrot from.
"He ate it" Tommy laughed.
"Yes I'm surprised they can fly with all the carrots they eat but they must be special to get them off the ground."
While Ana gave a carrot to the reindeer that had yet to receive one, the other was sniffing and nibbling at her coat pocket. We had forgotten all about the carrot that Ray had given Ana earlier in the day and this reindeer was on a mission to retrieve it.
"Wait, wait." Ana laughed, picking the carrot from the floor where it had fallen before breaking it in half and giving it to them.
"Look at the state of my coat, I need to get a new one now" she laughed seeing the pocket that had been ripped on one side and the stuffing that was poking through.
Ana bought me a new coat for here so I'm sure I can reciprocate when we get home.
The light was starting to fade when Ana told her Dad that we were heading home. The logs had all been put into the trunk with a lot more than we originally asked for. Only my girlfriends were chopped straight as a lot of the men had tried after visiting the beer tent first.
We put the bear onto the deck next to the logs. Ana said that they would need to dry out before going into the wood store and then onto the fire. She knows what she's talking about so I will go with Ana.
"Are you ok Ana" I asked, when we shut the outside out and locked the door.
"I'm fine Christian. I've had so much fun today, ignoring idiots they don't count. We will have to get you on the logs next time."
"Knowing my luck, the head would've flew off the axe backwards and impaled someone."
"You're not that bad" she giggled as I wrapped my arms around her.
"No, I will have a go next time. You might have to give me some tips on how to get a perfect cut though."
"I will. Can you do the fire while I go and get out of these jeans, they're a bit wet at the bottom."
"Go, but don't be too long. I'm eager for this early present that I get to open."
I watched Ana leave the room before I turned to the fire.
…
Ana came back into the room, in her robe. She had brushed her hair so it was down around her breast and she looked so beautiful.
"Are you ready for your present" Ana asked as she walked over to meet me in front of the fire.
All I could do was nod before Ana placed my hands on the tie of her gown.
"Open it then."
I did as she asked, pulling the tie open before pushing it from her shoulders. I swallowed at the vision in front of me.
Trailing my fingers over her covered breast, down to the panties and groaned when I saw the stockings she was wearing.
I wrapped my arms around her, crashing my mouth to hers in a passionate kiss. This time, there was no taming my cock which was growing harder against Ana, the more our kiss continued.
"Stay here" I said, leaving us both panting as I went into the spare bedroom.
Taking the bedding and pillows from the bed I made my way back to the living room and set everything down in front of the fire. Pulling the two throws from the back of the couches I laid them down too, making a cosy bed for us on the floor.
"This is a present that keeps on giving."
Pulling the ribbon on the front of her bra, it opened revealing her breast to me. That joined her dressing gown as I took both breasts into my hands. Ana arched her back as I ran my thumbs over her nipples feeling them pebble under my touch. My hands moved down her body until I was knelt in front of her, admiring the beauty before me.
"I think I have one present left to open."
I looked up to Ana who was watching what I would do, the stockings would be staying on but my goal needed to be unwrapped. Taking a ribbon on each hip, I pulled before her panties fell to the floor.
"Now my gift is unwrapped, I'd like to play."
I moved my arm around the back of her thighs, scooping her up to lay on the bed I had made on the floor. I kissed up her stockened legs, loving the feeling of them under my lips, my hands.
When my mouth reached my goal. I suckled gently on Ana's clit, her moans echoing around the room.
"Christian" she moaned but I wouldn't be stopped in the task of making her fall apart.
"CHRISTIAN" Ana shouted as her orgasm washed over her, leaving her a panting mess on the floor.
While Ana caught her breath, I quickly shed my clothes. Moving up her body once more, our lips joined with our body's following.
I groaned as she squeezed my cock, her name on my lips.
She was made for me, our bodies moving in sync together. I never thought I would find someone like Ana. Someone who wanted just me, saw just me but I have and I will never let anyone take her away.
As we both fell over the edge together, our names and our declaration of love heard against the crackle of the fire. I knew despite the short time we had know each other, I would ask her a question. A question I would need to ask Ray first.
Thank you for reading.
I was working out how many weeks between meeting and proposing in the originally trilogy and i think I Believe is a week longer than that by the time he finally asks the question. I have a lot to get into this story before then.
Until next time
Take care
Caroline.