Chapter 13

Apov

Walking into his parents' house holding hands I'm still reeling in the fact that I have a boyfriend. I feel like I'm falling for him so fast and it frightens me a little. I want to stay here or the month to figure out where and what we are doing. I have a couple song ideas I need to write down. It's the middle of July now and people don't realize it takes almost a whole year of planning for a tour. I just finished my last one right before I came here so now begins the process of writing, recording, and planning.

"Ana, baby before we go in for breakfast you said you wanted to discuss with me on the next step." Christian asks as he stops us and pulls me around to his front. His adams apple is bobbing up and down. Is he nervous?"

"Well we both said we are going to be open and honest with each other. I want to make this work between us, I have a month off before I need to be home in Nashville to start planning my next tour. I would like to stay around here to work on us, all I will need is a piano. I heard of a great hot.."

He stops me talking with his lips on mine and pulls me tighter to him.

"Baby no need for a hotel you are my girlfriend why don't you stay with me?" Is he asking me to move in?

"Are you asking me to move in?"

He blushes before he speaks "Well yes and no, I have a five bedroom penthouse so I have the room. Moving in with me would be in my bedroom but you could stay in one of the extra rooms I have. I liked sleeping with you last night as it's the first night I have slept through in years without a nightmare. We both said we needed to be close to each other so why should you stay in a hotel when I have all the necessities at my place? I have top of the line security so the press wont hound you and most of all a piano."

He's right but what about Sawyer and my home on wheels? Why not I only live once.

"Yes, I will stay with you." He picks me up and swings me around as I squeal in laughter. "We are so crazy." I tell him as he slides me down his front to my feet.

"Just for each other baby. Your legs will be the death of me in those shorts." I'm wearing my jean shorts and Johnny cash t shirt as it's a little warm out today. He winks as he opens the front door and walks in, however I feel as I'm being pulled in.

"Good morning dears did you two sleep comfortably last night?" Grace asks us as we walk into the kitchen.

"Yes, Grace we did; do you need any help with breakfast? I love to cook it's a hobby of mine."

"Sweetheart if you want to cut the fruit for the fruit salad that would be great."

"Mom, Ana is going to be staying in Seattle for a while, can she keep her motorhome here?" Christian asks as I gasp and turn to him. He looks to me and shrugs his shoulders "What"

"Well I need to ask your father, but I don't see why not. Where will she be staying?"

"With me while we figure our relationship out."

"Hmm well that makes sense as your home is already set up for security, and you have the room. My piece of advice is don't rush into things so fast, take your time and cherish every moment."

"We will sure try mom, I'm going to go find Elliott." He pinches my butt and kisses me before he leaves. I look to his mother as she is giggling and shaking her head.

"That boy is head over heels for you sweetheart. He can become very possessive so please just be there for him, and be patient. I just ask one thing please don't break his heart."

"Grace, I have the best intentions and I think I feel the same way. We revealed everything to each other last night so we know each other's past and nothing can scare us away from each other. I promise he will always be put first before myself."

"Who will baby?" Christian asks as he walks back in with Elliott and his father following.

"You" I tell him as I place my hand on his heart and lean up and kiss him. I try to pull away quickly as I hear a room full of gasps. Christian is keeping a hold of my hand and has the biggest Cheshire grin on his face. Grace has tears coming down and everyone is staring at my hand. I lean up and kiss him again and pull away to help grab the food.

I hear Grace whispering to him as I turn my head to look at him he pulls her in for a hug.

"You my sweetheart have done more than you know." I jump startled as Carrick whispers in my ear as I follow him to the dining room. Mia comes running in and takes a seat as everyone else follows, Sawyer and Taylor being the last ones.

Sawyer pulls me aside and whispers in my ear. "Ana, I have to take the motorhome back this week for a checkup and I don't want to leave you here alone."

"I forgot, well I will go back with you and then we can fly back." He nods as we walk back in and Christian helps me sit next to him by pulling his chair out for me. I sit and he follows and pulls his chair right up next to his and places his hand on my thigh.

"Everything alright?" He whispers in my ear.

"Yes, I forgot the motorhome is due for maintenance so I need to ride back with Sawyer and then we will fly back here after we have turned it in. I'm sorry I forgot please don't be upset with me."

"I'm not but can I go with you? I've never had a vacation since I started GEH and I would love to see Nashville."

"Yes, I would love it if you came with me, we have to leave tomorrow morning."

"That's fine Taylor can go after Brunch and get more clothes for he and I and meet us back here." He kisses me and I realize everyone heard our conversation and I blush crimson.

"So, Ana, after you left high school, how did your career take off?" Carrick asks me and I relive the memories of getting through the abuse, the performances, the signing of my contract.

"Wow, you signed your contract the same day Christian signed his first one to start his company. I know you said your mother abandoned you at birth, but where is your father if you don't mind me asking." Grace asks me and I admire her grace and beauty. Christian rubs my thigh and is looking sheepishly at me. I squeeze his hand in return before I respond.

"My father died six months after the contract from lung cancer. So, I have been on my own now for about four years, except for Sawyer my trusted bodyguard and my band."

"I'm so sorry dear well you have us now whenever you need us we will be here." She squeezes my hand and I can't help but just nod as I feel so chocked up. I have always felt like I didn't belong and as of yesterday, I feel like this is where I'm supposed to be.

"Mia, have you decided what you are going to do for money. Your mother and I agreed last night with Christian that taking away your credit cards will be beneficial in learning the value of respect, and money."

"No, but I will get a job. Ana I know I said this already but I am extremely sorry for my actions and I hope with time you can sincerely forgive me. I know you said last night you did but I know the memories are still there and it's easier said than done."

"Mia you're right I and I have the scar to prove it, but it will get better with time."

"Well little sis if you want you can come to my office and help with office duties." Elliott asks her and she nods in acceptance. I think I know what might cheer her up.

"Mia, I need to go to the mall today and pick up some more exercise clothes as mine were ripped today. Would you like to go with me?"

"Really?" I nod as she is jumping up and down and Sawyer bangs his head on the table.

"Sawyer what's wrong with you dude?"

"Elliott going with Ana is hell and I can't imagine what it will be like with two of them."

"In that case baby Taylor and I are going with you as I don't feel comfortable after this morning."

"What happened this morning?" Carrick asks and I hesitate as I don't want more drama.

"Well someone in a black dodge was aiming for me or Ana while we were running this morning." Christian tells him and Elliott pales as he swipes his forehead and Carrick stands up abruptly.

"Well then Elliott has put a restraining order on Kate, Jose, and Lilly this morning as there was damage to his property. Ana I would recommend the same with you and Christian and if you want with your attack only being six years you still have time to press charges."

"I don't know I don't want more media attention or anything else to happen."

"Ana, if you don't stand up to them it will continue as they think they can get away with it. Trust me I know and have proof of it myself." Mia tells me as she shows me her scar on her arm. Carrick flinches his fist as Grace looks on with sad eyes. "I told my parents last night everything and handed over all the evidence I have on them."

"Well then Carrick yes let's proceed and you are all right. It wouldn't set a good impression if I let them continue."

"Great I will have papers for you to sign when you return from the mall."

"Christian, I'm going to watch the game here if you want to hang out instead of go to the mall."

"No, I'm going with my girlfriend and my sister."

"Ana when is awards season?" Grace asks as we are finishing up and I'm so full.

"It just finished and I have to have my new album in by Christmas to be eligible for nominations. I already have about four to five songs in my head."

"Oh, I can't wait to hear them darling."

"Did you want to come with us to the stores?"

"No darling I'm tired as I didn't sleep well with all these revelations coming out yesterday. I'm going to go lay down but I will see you guys for dinner?"

"Yes, and I'm making it my treat. Homemade fried chicken and all the trimmings."

"Oh, yes it's worth going shopping with you today." Sawyer says as his eyes glaze over and hums in appreciation. I stand up and Christian grabs my hand as him and I go to the motorhome to get my purse.

"Ana baby you don't need your purse, I want to spoil you let me buy you your things you need please."

"Christian I'm not with you for that, I have my own." I don't even know how much he's worth.

"I know that, and I have waited six years to spoil my girl and I want to please baby. I know we haven't discussed money yet but you will want for nothing. You really don't know anything monetary about me, do you?" He asks me as he has a smile on his face.

"No, I only dreamt of your grey eyes for the last six years. I was so focused on writing and recording that I never read the tabloids or news. I didn't know your name till last night."

"Baby trust me sitting here talking has made me more money than you realize." He tells me as he pulls me to his lap to sit on it. He searches my eyes and leans in to kiss me. Why is it fireworks every time?

"Mmmm, ok fine you win, but no complaining like Sawyer does. We will need to stop by the grocery store on the way home to get dinner for me to make everyone."

"Yes, baby it will be my pleasure and maybe we can look at some lingerie?" He asks bashfully.

"Mmm yes as I need to know what my boyfriend would like." I whisper to him as I nibble his ear and I hear him let out a puff of air as there is knocking on the door.

I grab my phone and put it in my pocket so I can jot the notes down for my song ideas as we load into Christian's SUV. Elliot climbs in and Christian raises his eyebrow at him.

"I need some new work clothes so no time like the present."

Cpov

I have never shopped with a girl before except my mother and Sawyer is smirking at me as I'm holding so many clothes in my hands. Taylor had the forethought to call ahead and have Neiman Marcus close for a couple of hours so she can shop to hearts delight. Elliott went off on his own and thank Christ as I don't want to hear his mouth as we are walking to the lingerie section. Taylor is looking at the children's section for his daughter and Mia is in the shoes. Sawyer is gay and Ana takes all the clothes from my hands and hands them to him.

"Sawyer, can you have them start packaging everything up while I shop privately with Christian?"

"Yes, I don't mind if you make your famous turtle cheesecake for desert?"

"Deal". She giggles as she grabs my hand and we walk together.

"Sawyer, they have my credit card on file and if you want you can pick put some clothes or something for you."

"I may take you up on that offer for hazard pay."

We make it to the department and a half our later I'm hard and Ana is flushed. She has numerous lace baby dolls, garter belts, bras, well basically everything.

Walking out everyone is carrying bags and Elliott's eyes widen as he met us at the car.

"Damn Ana Banana you can shop." It makes me proud knowing can do this for her.

"Yes, and now just you wait gentlemen my other specialty will be revealed tonight. Cooking is my other obsession beside singing and I love to share it. I've always wanted to open a southern diner but maybe in a couple of years or so."

"Anything you want baby you can achieve." I kiss her as we pull in the grocery lot and see it's packed.

"Ana just give me the list and I'll run in and get everything, if Mia will help me." Sawyer asks her and I give Mia the look. She better after I bought her clothes today after I took her card away.

"Yes, of course as you don't know where the things are in this store."

Ana gets a phone call from her manager Molly and as she takes it Elliott talks with me.

"Dad said the restraining orders will be in place tomorrow morning and that it may be actually good with you going to Nashville with Ana. The criminal charges will also be delivered at the same time. With all the proof, they would be stupid to fight it."

"Yes, they would be as dad showed it all to me. I'm sorry about Kate though."

"I'm good it's for the better I will find the person that's meant for me. I think yours is right next to you." He whispers as she hangs up and I nod to him as I know it already.

"Everything alright?"

"Yes, just news stations wanting to interview me now that they have my speech on video. Apparently, it's making wave lengths."

"Ana the speech you gave touched every person there including me." Elliott tells her and I kiss her temple as I'm so proud of her.

"Are you going to do the interview?" I ask her

"No, not yet as she believes just a statement will suffice and then in a couple months after the criminal charges go through I should do it. She thinks if there is an ending to the stout would be better."

"I agree it would be a fairy tale ending." I tell her as she kisses me on the lips.

Sawyer and Mia make their way into the car and we head off.

Arriving at my parents Mia takes the groceries in the kitchen and I help Ana with her bags into the motorhome as I collapse on the bed. This is the most comfortable bed I have ever laid on.

"Christian I have to start preparing dinner you can take a nap in here if you want. This is as much yours as it is mine."

"Are you sure baby?"

"Yes, I want to spoil you like you do me."

"Yes, I will take a nap if you don't mind." She leans down and kisses me quickly on the lips. I wait till she leaves to text Taylor my plan of romance. Two hours later after a refreshing nap and setting up the motorhome for my hearts and flowers I walk into the house and my mouth waters at the smell.

Walking into the kitchen her back is turned as she preparing the chicken on the platter. She jumps as she turns and places her hand on her chest.

"You scared me did you have a good nap sweetie?"

"Yes, I did and I have a surprise for you later."

"You do what is it?"

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you would it. On another note, Baby that food smells wonderful and I am in a treat for tonight."

"Yes, you are and Sawyer says we are leaving no later than seven in the morning for Nashville."

"Taylor dropped off everything I need and I told the office I would be out for the week and the jet will arrive next Sunday a week from today to pick us up."

"I'm so excited to be on the road with you."

"Me too baby" as I help her with the dishes and everyone takes their seat and all you can hear is moaning as this is the best food I have ever had.

"Ana the dinner was wonderful it was the best I have had in a long time."

"Thank you, Grace, I'll help clean up."

"No, you cooked I will clean, you go retire for the evening you are leaving in the morning. I won't see you guys before you leave as I have to be at the hospital early. Be safe all of you and call when you arrive." My mother tells us as she hugs Ana and kisses my cheek. I pull her in for a hug as she gasps.

"Don't let her go my baby boy."

"I won't mom I love you."

"Love you to sweetheart."

Elliott slaps my back and kisses Ana on the cheek as we make our way out.

"Ana baby your food was the best I've ever had I loved it. Now for your surprise keep your eyes closed."

I pick her up and carry her in to the tea lights everywhere and the rose pedals on the bed. Champagne chilling in the bucket and soft classical music playing in the background.

I put her down and I'm sweating I'm so nervous.

"You can open them"

She opens and gasps as her hand flies to her mouth.

"Christian how did you, when did you."

"Ana I know this is so fast and sudden but I love you with everything I have." I tell her as I can't keep it in anymore.

"Christian I love you to so much." I stare at her disbelieving as I never thought I would hear those words.

"Say it again" I ask her as I pull her to me.

"Christian I love you, I am I love with you. Will you make love to me? I'm ready."