APOV

"Christian, are you going to say anything?"

Christian slowly stands up; his moves are robotic. He's checked out; it looks like he's sleep walking. I realize as he walks slowly towards the front door what his intentions are and I feel the anger rising inside of me. He's leaving me again, only this time with no words. He doesn't even have the decency to look me in the eye.

Yes, this is what he does. He can't handle the news of him being a father, so he takes the easy way out. He leaves. How easy for him. I couldn't leave, I couldn't escape my body that had our baby growing inside of me and the alternative for me personally was not an option. I think about the time that I was alone, when I needed him, and I can't hold my tongue.

I walk behind him and shout, "Yes. That's right Christian, leave! That's your modus operandi isn't it?!"

My words stop Christian in his tracks. He turns around and has a look of confusion as he looks around while he takes in his surroundings.

Why?

He marches back towards me and I take two steps back.

Christian growls, "What did you just say to me?"

"You heard me! Go, leave. It's what you do!"

Christian closes his eyes and when they open they are full of rage as he shouts, "Yeah, just like having a baby without telling the father is what you do!"

Slap!

My hand is stinging as I realize that I just slapped Christian.

Oh. My. God.

CPOV

The stars I see are not the fireworks from Ana's kiss, rather they are from Ana's hard hand across my face. She slapped me. She fucking slapped me. I turn away, I walk out the door and slam it shut. I pace outside for what seems like a lifetime. I don't know what to do. What I do know is that I lost Ana because I walked out on her and here I am, history repeating itself, or so it seems. I will not make that same mistake again.

I need to put myself in Ana's shoes. I cannot begin to imagine how she felt, being left alone and carrying her baby, my baby, our baby. Hell, I would have slapped me too, among other things. I rush the door and see Ana standing there, still in shock, surprised but grateful that she hasn't shed a tear.

I approach her slowly and say, "Ana, I'm sorry. I don't know what I'm doing. I'm just so confused."

"You're confused? You're confused? How do you think I felt when I found out that I was going to have your baby? I was alone, I was scared and...and you left me Christian! You left me!"

"But why...I mean, you could have told me. Why didn't you tell me?"

"Why didn't I tell you? Why didn't I tell you?! Of all the unmitigated gall!"

"Yes, Ana, why?"

"Oh, I don't believe you, Christian. You stand here before me and you have the nerve to ask me that?"

APOV

He stands there wide-eyed and simply nods.

Help me, I don't want to regret my words. I close my eyes and count to ten backwards...ten, nine, eight, seven, six,...

"Ana? Say something. Please."

I explode and let him have it, both barrels, guns blazing. "Why the hell did you leave me Christian?! I loved you, more than anything or anyone, I loved you and gave you my heart and you left me. I left Noah for you because I fell in love with you, I fell hard! I want to know why Christian! Tell me why!"

"Ana, I'm sorry. I needed to sort out some things in my life and I wasn't sure that I could do it with you around me. I...I needed help Ana and I think I'm better now, that's why I'm here."

"So what? Does this mean I'm supposed to drop everything and just let you back in my life?" I exclaim.

"Well, you could have told me that I'm a father, that I have a daughter."

"Why the hell would I bother to tell you that you have a daughter?"

"I could have helped you, Ana."

"Do you think I wanted you to stay with me out of some moral obligation? I wanted you to stay with me because you loved me, not because I was having your baby, but you didn't even give me a chance to tell you because...you left me. Why, Christian? Why? I loved you, I needed you. I was a just a kid and I was pregnant with your baby!"

Christian is at a loss for words, in complete shock. Obviously this news is too much for him to process. I have no pity whatsoever for him.

"Well? Say something!" I demand.

He remains silent but I know he's thinking, he's over thinking things. He has that same look on his face, the one that he has just as we're about to change our power stroke, while we're racing.

"You're hanging at the catch again. Christian! Quit over thinking things and just say it!"

"Jesus, Ana, what do you want me to say?"

"Just say what's on your mind, dammit! Quit hanging and spit it out already!"

"Ana, I love you and I want you back. Please, baby, I was wrong. I was so fucking wrong to leave you."

"Well, it's a little late for sorry, Christian. I've been to hell and back and by the grace of God, I've survived and I'm stronger for it. I'm not that same little girl that you claimed to have fallen in love with. I've changed Christian, in so many ways."

"I've changed too, Ana. Can't you see that? That's why I came back. I want you, Ana. I want us to be together."

"Seriously? You can't just walk in here and expect me to allow you back into my life so we can pick up where we left off."

Christian cocks his head sideways as if he can't understand what I'm saying.

"What do you expect? Do think I'm going to fall at your feet? I have a life, a happy life, and I built it without you."

"Ana, I'm an ass. I know that, I don't expect you to just accept me back into your life but...we have a child, a daughter. Do you expect me to just walk out and never return? I want to be a part of her life, I want to be a part of your life. I want us to be together, as a family."

He slowly steps closer to me and caresses my cheek. I instinctively lean into his touch. Oh how I've missed it.

Wake up, Steele, the man left you!

"Christian, please. I...I can't do this. My heart can't take it. I swear if it wasn't for little Kristen I don't know how I would have survived. Being pregnant with my daughter..."

"Our daughter," Christian quickly chimes in.

"Our daughter," I say as I correct myself, "It saved me. It forced me to step up because I had someone depending on me. I can't go through that kind of heartbreak again, Christian. I couldn't take it and it wouldn't be fair to me or to my baby."

"Our baby," Christian corrects me again.

"Please, Ana, I need you. I need Kristen, too. I need you both in my life."

"No, Christian, I've heard this all before and you broke me. My heart was broken and my soul was shattered. You'll end up leaving me, I know you will."

"Ana, please. I give you my word, my solemn vow. I'm not going anywhere."

"Really? And why the hell should I believe you now?" I ask as I break away from his embrace.

"I want you to marry me, Ana! That's why!"

A/N

Sorry in advance for the long A/N but I gotta do what I gotta do!

This update is dedicated to Heather SB, (yes, I feel very privileged!) Brianna M, Christina F, Julie R, to all my face book friends who make me laugh so hard I want to pee my pants and to all my Beautiful Bomer Babes; Sherry, Susana, Toni, Monica M, Nuw Riter, Jo T, Nani, Ordlas, Kayla, Liz S, Christie B, Rachel L, Carrie, Clare, Amy, Klcm, Sue, Gwen, Holly, Clare, Henrika and yes, you too Vip! PLEASE forgive me if I forgot anyone.

Wattle, the speed in which you research and post photos that are relevant to the topic of the moment amazes me and I'm grateful for your friendship. You always make me smile. Thanks babe!

To my Secret Scribbler, the lovely Maria, thank you for your wonderful story. I love your sense of humor and you inspire me more than you can ever know.

Gracias Susana for being my comadre, I still remember asking you if I could use your FF name 'MzSuzieQ' in my "Meet At Graduation" story and look where we are now? It's crazy isn't it?! :D

Shannon S, I thank you again for sharing your talent with me. Don't give up on your dreams!

To SusieCC who is 'Constantly Coming', I'm so glad that you are home and enjoying motherhood. Little CJ is a lucky little boy to have such a lovely, silly, funny, passionate and loving mommy. He is in the BEST hands ever!

To my readers and reviewers; I love you all. I'm humbled guys, really I am. The fact that you enjoy my little stories...well, geez...it just blows my mind.

A special shout out to my girl ShadyGreySteele, she made my day yesterday and I have to say, she had me fan girling! If you are not familiar with her stories, you are missing out. Give them a go, you won't be disappointed!

Geez, I sound like I'm giving some sort of acceptance speech or something. It's a good thing I don't do this on a regular basis...least I hope I don't!

Sorry for the short update. The next one will be a bit longer.

Hugs,

Rosie :D