CPOV

I wake up to the sounds of thunder and see the lightning flicker as it lights up the Seattle night.

The storm was so bad that the weather advisory suggested that everyone within the city limits remain where they are. The City of Seattle's Public Works division closed a few of the main roads that lead to our home.

I purchased a home on the Sound, somewhat near the home that Ana was living in. She didn't want to sell hers and thought it would be a good investment property. It hurt me to no end, the fact that she wanted to hold on to her house. I thought to myself that perhaps she was holding on to it as her security in case we didn't work out. That thought makes my heart ache, which is exactly why I wanted us to stay in the same area, only I wanted a tighter security perimeter for my family.

I get out of bed, careful not to disturb or wake Ana. I'm about to walk out the door when I hear her moan, "Christian, come back. No, please don't leave me."

Fuck! She's reaching out for me and I'm not there. She's having a nightmare and I'm the reason why. I quickly rush to her side and climb back in bed; I take her hand in mine and kiss her head.

"It's ok, baby, I'm here. I'm never leaving you," I whisper to her. I stay in bed for another ten minutes, waiting for her to go back into a deep sleep and then I leave our bedroom.

I head downstairs to the kitchen and pour myself a glass of water. I'm extra quiet as I don't want to wake our guests.

Ana and I hosted dinner for my parents and the Shepherds last night. Carolyn is as kind as ever and little Sienna and Kristen get along marvelously. Noah and I, not so much.

Ana and I have been married for a little over two years and Noah still hasn't let his guard down. I can feel the tension every time we are together, in the same room. He's polite enough, but deep down, he knows I'm still a fuckup and I'm damn lucky that Ana found it in her heart to forgive me.

He's right and I can't hate the guy for that; he's only looking out for Ana. God forbid if something were to happen to me, I know that Noah and Carolyn would look after my family.

I hear a noise and turn quickly to see who it can be.

"What are you doing up, Stroke?" Noah asks as he reaches for a glass.

"I was thirsty, I wanted a glass of water."

"Yeah? Me too," Noah says with a tone that shows he's trying to remain civil, but I can hear anger bubbling over.

I'm so tired of this shit. I just want to have it out with him once and for all and be done with it. I take a deep breath and decide now's as good a time as any and we're alone, so why not.

"Look, Shepherd, it's been long enough. If you've got something to say, say it now and be done with it. I'm trying very hard to be nice, for Ana's and my daughter's sakes. You've done more than enough for my wife and daughter in my absence and I hate you for it, but at the same time, I could not be more grateful to you and to Carolyn. You took care of my family. So here we are, fucking spit it out, man."

I don't have a moment to react when I feel Noah push me against the wall, his arm under my chin. I'm startled by his actions but I don't move. The anger in his eyes is something I've seen in my reflection. Thankfully, I no longer have the anger, it's gone, thanks to Ana and my baby girl. They've made me feel worthy, they've redeemed me.

I can easily break free from Noah's grasp and break his nose but I won't; he has something to say and I'll listen. His nostrils are flaring, I can hear his heart racing. He takes a deep breath and says, "I swear if you hurt her again, as God as my witness, I'll kill you."

I did my part, I was kind enough not to break his nose, but I will not allow him to threaten my life, especially since he's a guest in my own home.

I break free from his grasp and say, "Don't threaten me, Shepherd. I understand that your warning comes from a good place and believe me, if anything were to happen to me, I know that I wouldn't have to worry because you'd take care of Ana and my baby girl, so I'll let this go. But know this, I am not going anywhere. I know Ana still has her concerns but..."

Noah doesn't give me an opportunity to finish.

He interrupts me and says, "You weren't there, Grey. You didn't see her fall apart, you didn't see the Doctor slice her open as they took Kristen out of her womb. You didn't see any of the real pain that she was dealing with after you left her like the fucked up coward that you were. Yeah, you're here now, big fucking deal. Let's see how long you last when another challenge bitch slaps you in the face. Can you take it? Only time will tell. You're on notice Stroke, I'm watching you, one wrong move and I will ruin you! Believe it, fucker!"

And with those words, Noah storms out of the kitchen. I stand there stunned. Unable to move or to process what just happened.

Shit.

I deserve that and then some. I don't deserve Ana, God knows I don't, but I don't care, I'm a selfish man and she is my wife. I will do everything in my power to ensure that our family will be happy and safe!

After I've gathered myself together, I walk quietly back to the bedroom. I'm still pissed off at Noah for cursing me out in my own home. My anger is obviously misdirected because if I'm pissed at anyone it's myself. How could I have done that to Ana? She does deserve better, much better!

I quietly open our bedroom door and gaze upon the wonder that is Anastasia Grey, my wife. She looks beautiful, glowing in the light of the full moon. She moves slightly, extending her arm as though she's reaching out for someone, me.

"Mmm...Christian."

I move quickly, getting into bed, sliding next to her. She wraps her arms around me and mumbles, "Mmmmmmmmm, love you Christian."

Her proclamation is all I need. Yes, she deserves better and I am going to do my best to be the "better" that she so richly deserves.

I kiss her head and fall into a deep and comforting sleep.

APOV

I wake up to the sounds of thunder and the sight of lightning flashing in the window. I love the sound of the pouring rain but I fear the thunder and lightning might frighten little Kristen.

I pad quietly towards her bedroom and take a peek inside. She's sound asleep. My beautiful little angel, she's perfect. I still cannot believe that our baby girl is four years old. She'll be starting pre-school at her new school soon.

I walk towards her bed and bend down and kiss her head. I walk out of her bedroom quietly closing the door, and head towards the kitchen. I smile as I think about the "discussion" that Christian and I had recently regarding Kristen.

Christian was against our baby girl attending school and insisted that we hire someone to teach her in the privacy of our home. We butted heads over that for a bit, but I eventually won. I know he has her best interest at heart and I know that the Grey name is very well-known, but I was and still am determined to give our baby girl as normal a life as possible.

I'd quietly enrolled Kristen in public school, wanting to keep things as normal as possible for her, but when Christian returned from his business trip and found out, he quietly took her out of school and insisted that we enroll her in a private school.

Kristen wasn't happy about being taken out of class by her father and she was more upset at the fact that she wasn't going to see her "special friend" Mason anymore. I think Christian was relieved that his baby girl wouldn't see Mason. He's already extremely over protective and I can tell that he is going to be butting heads with his daughter as grows up. She will challenge him every step of the way.

The rain storm is relentless, the thunder and lightning continue as I hear the rainfall. I pour myself a glass of water and take a drink. I recall the countless thunderstorms that I endured on my own, when I was pregnant. Sure I had Noah and Carolyn but still, I was alone.

I'm happy that Christian and I have managed to work our way through our pasts and I'm certain the future will lead us to better things. I place the glass on the counter and decide to play the piano. I head towards the music room. I usually play at night when everyone is asleep, but I've not touched the keys in such a long time. I don't even know what I plan to play, I just let my fingers guide me...

I'm so tired of being here
Suppressed by all my childish fears
And if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
Cause your presence still lingers here
And it won't leave me alone
These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have
All of me
You used to captivate me
By your resonating light
Now I'm bound by the life you left behind
Your face it haunts
My once pleasant dreams
Your voice it chased away
All the sanity in me
These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have
All of me
I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone
But though you're still with me
I've been alone all along
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I held you hand through all of these years
But you still have
All of me

I hang my head after I play. I feel emotionally drained as I recall the many nights I played this song over and over again. I feel him - he's here. I stand quickly and turn to face him.

He's crushed; he knows.

"I'm sorry, Christian, I didn't mean to..."

"That was beautiful, Ana. I had no idea that you played."

"I don't really, I just sort of fool around a bit."

"No, trust me, you play very well."

"If you say so."

"When did you start playing?" he asks as he walks towards me.

"I'm sorry. It's not what you think, Christian. I'm not there anymore, I'm just...I love you so much, Christian."

He opens his arms and I run towards him and start to cry.

"Oh Ana, I'm never going to forgive myself for what I did to you. For a moment, I thought you were going to run past me and take our daughter with you."

"Christian, that song. Why I play, it was sort of..."

Christian cups my chin, looks down at me, and says, "Sort of what?"

"It's helped me. When I was alone, it was my..."

"Your coping mechanism?"

"Yes, I guess so. My therapy, if you will. At least until I got into, erm...other things."

"Let's not go there. What matters is you're here, I'm here. We have our baby girl and that's all that matters, isn't Ana?" he asks and I hear a trace of doubt in his voice.

"Christian, I'm not going anywhere. We made a vow, remember. You're stuck with me."

I hear Christian let out a deep breath that he must have been holding.

"Christian, please believe me. I'm not going anywhere."

"What about Kristen? She's been so...I don't know how to explain it. So distant. I can't understand why and it's breaking my heart, Ana. I'm her father and I love her so much."

"Don't worry about that. She's just wanting more mommy time. That's all."

"You think so?" he asks with hope in his eyes.

"Of course."

"It's not just mommy she wants, Ana. She loves Grace and don't even get me started on how much she wants to be like her Aunt Mia."

"Mia! Oh gosh, I completely forgot. Mia asked to spend the day with Kristen tomorrow. I need to get up early and have her ready. She said she has a belated birthday surprise for her. Kristen is so excited."

"See? She can't wait to spend time with my sister, yet when I ask for a hug, it's like pulling teeth."

"Don't worry Christian, she'll work her way back. It's a girl thing, she prefers to be with girls, that's all it is."

"Well, I love my daughter and would do almost anything to make her happy and spend time with her but I will not have a sex change operation."

"Well, thank goodness for that. Now enough of this doom and gloom. Your daughter loves you very much Christian, it's just a phase. Pretty soon, she'll be a daddy's girl again. I promise."

"Oh Ana, I want to believe you, really I do, but after all I've put you through, I fear you're going to come to your senses and figure out that I'm no good for you and that's the real reason Kristen won't ever come around. I'll come home one day and you'll be gone, forever. I would die if that happened. I can't live without you, baby."

"And I without you, Christian. Come, enough of this crazy talk. Let's get to bed."

"Yes, you need some sleep. You were a wonderful hostess tonight, Ana. My parents love you more and more each day that passes and I know they love to see how happy I am. I get it now. Especially since we have Kristen, all I want is for our baby girl to be happy."

"She is happy, all she needs is our love and guidance and she'll be fine. Let's talk about this later, I want to get you into bed," I say as I take his hand and lead the way.

He stops and pulls me to him, "Why the rush, Mrs. Grey?"

"You know exactly why, Mr. Grey."

"That I do, let's get a move on," he states as he lifts me in his arms and whisks me away for some fun.

We wake up the following morning and have breakfast with Noah and Carolyn. I can feel the tension that is always around when Christian and Noah are in the room together.

Oh yes, they can pretend all they want but I know what's going on. I can feel it. I'm sure if Carolyn and I took our daughters from here, these two grown men would have a knock down, drag out, no holds barred type of fight.

Christian decides to head out to the office and he says his good-byes to Noah, Carolyn and little Sienna who loves her Uncle Christian. I think it bothers Noah to see the bond that his daughter has with Christian, but it makes me feel good and hopefully it gives Christian piece of mind, knowing that his goddaughter loves him, even though his own daughter still keeps him at bay.

Just as Christian is about to leave, Noah stands and exclaims, "Christian, wait a sec."

"Why is he going to office on a Saturday, Ana?" Carolyn whispers to me.

"He's a workaholic, you know that, Carolyn," I whisper in return as I watch the showdown that's about to take place, right before my eyes.

Christian turns and waits for Noah to approach and I see everything in slow motion. This is it, they're finally going to come to blows and there's nothing I can do to stop it. Once I realize what's about to happen, I stand quickly as I attempt to break up the ensuing brawl.

I hear a loud crash and everyone turns to face me. I knocked over my chair and smashed my teacup over Sienna's little toy.

"Ana!" Carolyn exclaims, "Are you ok? Why did you jump up out of your chair like that?"

Noah and Christian smile at me; they know what was on my mind and I couldn't have been more wrong than I was at that moment.

"Here," Carolyn says, "Let me clean this up."

"Oh Carolyn, I'm so sorry."

"Ana, it's a happy meal toy, for goodness sakes."

"But still..." I say, as I look up to see Noah and Christian, still deep in their quiet discussion.

At least they're not yelling at one another or throwing punches. Then something happens that catches me completely by surprise. Christian extends his hand and for a moment, a very brief moment, Christian's hand is out there alone.

I'm begging Noah, practically willing him to please take Christian's hand. "Please, Noah, shake his hand. End this stupid grudge. Christian is my husband and we're never going to part, accept this and move on!"

Noah finally extends his hand and they shake. It was brief but it's a start. This is a good sign.

Mia arrives and takes Kristen with her, along with Kristen's security detail. This is something that Christian and I did agree on. I do have my concerns and feel that security is necessary, so long as the security team is at an acceptable distance. Like I said, I want my daughter to have as normal a life as possible.

After Mia leaves, Carolyn goes to Kristen's bedroom to collect little Miss Sienna who refuses to go home.
I take this opportunity to speak to Noah, one on one. He's sitting at the breakfast bar, finishing his coffee. I sit on the bar stool next to him and take a deep breath.

Noah looks at me and says, "Something's on your mind. Say it, Ana."

"Noah," I say softly as I take his hand in mine, "You have to stop this. Kristen can feel your animosity towards her father. She picks up on that and takes it out on him."

"What? That's ridiculous. I can't have that strong of an impact over her feelings for...him!"

"Noah, listen to yourself. Of course you have an impact, you won't even say his name. You address my husband as Stroke or him. Just the way you say him, it's there Noah.

"Kristen might be a child but she senses your...anger or hate or resentment or whatever grudge you're holding against him. You need to stop this. You're making it difficult for them to bond, Noah."

"I'm sorry, Ana, it's not my intention. Though come to think of it, why should I make it easy on him, after what he's put you through?!"

"Noah, this has to stop. You can't do this anymore. You want me happy, you want Kristen happy? Then stop this at once. She needs her father and you have to stop undermining their relationship. Are we clear?"

Noah lifts his hand to my lips and says, "Stay, I only want to protect you. You know that, don't you?"

"I do, Noah, but that's not your job. I'm happy and I love Christian and we are together. Accept that and move on."

Noah smiles and stands from the bar stool; I stand and we embrace.

"I'm sorry, Ana, and for what it's worth, that brief conversation that Christian and I had, was to discuss a business merger and perhaps see if we can be..."

"Friends?!" Carolyn calls out. "Oh, please let this work out."

"Carolyn, have you been after Noah about this as well?"

"Of course I have. I love Noah but sometimes he can be quite stubborn. I'm glad you were able to talk sense into him, Ana."

Noah stands and walks towards Carolyn; he dips her and gives her the longest, most romantic kiss.

He stands her back on her feet and she says, "Wow! What was that for?"

Noah smiles and says, "For putting up with your stubborn husband and for all the lectures and for getting me to finally accept that Stroke is in love with Ana and that he won't hurt her anymore. I love you, Carolyn."

Carolyn smiles, hugs Noah, and says, "I love you too, Noah. Let's get our baby girl and go home now."

Christian returns from the office early which gives us some much-needed alone time. We enjoy a light lunch and some afternoon delight. I hear Christian sigh as he lies on my back, his body against mine, skin on skin. It feels wonderful, especially after he made me come, over and over again. It felt good to be as loud as I wanted to be without worrying about Kristen.

"What is it, baby?" Christian asks.

"Heaven."

"Heaven?"

"Yes, being here with you. Your body against mine, after we make love. It's perfect. I love you so much and I'm so happy."

"Me too, Ana. I love you and I love being with you, holding you close. There's nothing like it" he replies as he nibbles and kisses the spot on my neck that makes me giggle. He sighs, sounding quite sated, lays his head down on my back, using his body as my blanket, and we both fall into a deep sleep.

I awake and realize the sun is going down. Shoot! We slept the afternoon away!

"Christian, we have to get up! Mia should be dropping off Kristen soon! Get some clothes on," I say as I jump out of bed and start dressing, leaving Christian behind.

Once I'm decent, I fly downstairs and I hear the doorbell ring. Perfect timing!

I call out to Gail, "I've got the door!"

Gail is hot on my tail as I open the door. Mia saunters in and says, "Everyone, it's my pleasure to introduce my beautiful niece, Kristen, diva extraordinaire!"

My jaw drops as Kristen sashays in, looking as cute as can be. Mia has transformed little Kristen into a mini Audrey Hepburn circa Breakfast at Tiffany's!

Mia goes on to say, "The lovely Kristen G is looking fabulous tonight! Her glasses are Jackie O, the hair is Audrey Hepburn, a la Breakfast at Tiffany's. Oh! Do check out her sparkling tiara! Her little black dress is proof positive that everything is more fabulous with lots and lots of tulle. Somebody should call up that Devil woman at Vogue Magazine and warn her that her replacement is on the way and she's wearing her buttkicking Mary Janes. Watch out fashion world, Kristen G is taking over."

Kristen giggles and looks at me with a huge smile. I look to Mia who is beaming with pride.

"Well?" Mia squeals, "What do you think?"

"Mia, she looks..."

"Adorable!" Gail exclaims in delight.

"Mommy? Do you like it?" Kristen asks with her big grey eyes full of doubt.

"Kristen, you look beautiful, just like your Auntie Mia."

"I look beautiful, like you, mommy," Kristen says as she runs into my arms.

I spin her around and say, "Let me see. Can you twirl around and walk like a model?"

"Huh?" Kristen asks.

"Come on sweetie, I'm sure Auntie Mia has taught you how to walk the catwalk."

"Oh? The catwalk? Sure mommy, watch this!" Kristen says as she walks in exaggerated steps.

Gail, Mia, and I giggle as she shakes her little butt.

Kristen turns and says, "Come on everyone, walk like me!"

We follow Kristen and stomp down the catwalk as we laugh and giggle.

"Shoulders back, heads up, chest out! Be fierce!" Kristen calls out.

We all laugh as we realize that Kristen has become our walking coach.

"What in the hell is my daughter wearing and why is she yelling, 'chest out'?!" Christian yells as he approaches us.

Mia turns and says, "Uh oh, this party is over. See ya, Ana. Bye, Kristen, bye Gail."

Mia walks past Christian and says, "Calm down, big brother, we're just having a little fun!"

And with those words, Mia is gone and Gail disappears. Leaving me and Kristen to face the Lord of the Manor, alone.

"Ana, what in the hell is my baby girl wearing?! What did Mia do to our daughter?! The last thing I want is another Mia walking around, if she thinks..."

Kristen cries out, "It's just a dress and I like it and I hate that you took me out of my school and I miss Mason! You're mean!"

Christian approaches our daughter and says, "Oh baby girl, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to..."

"No, leave me alone!" Kristen shouts as she runs upstairs to her room.

I stand there in shock. What the heck just happened? We were all having fun when...

"Ana, what have I done? She hates me."

A/N

Ana's song was "My Immortal" by Evanescence.

Special thanks to Evyn Rae Ward, author of "Fifty Shades of Cluster-FK" and the very beautiful Miss Samantha Sam, for describing in great detail what Little Miss Kristin is wearing. Check out my Facebook page for my visual snippets. I know many authors have a Pinterest page for their stories and I appreciate you asking me to set one up for my stories as well, but really, I'm a total airhead with very little time on my hands and this is as far as my 'techie' skills will take me. :D

Thank you to FictionFetish and StayOriginal for the lovely reviews. I believe you are first time reviewers for this story. I apologize if I'm incorrect, I've been out sorts recently and I usually try really hard to reply to all of my reviews, but that's been rather difficult of late, as you probably can tell by my lack of updates.

The good news is, my final chapter is almost complete!

Love and hugs,

Rosie