AN: This chapter took a different direction that I planned, but It's something that many readers have asked about in the past. ;)
Ana
"I'm excited about tonight!" I stop applying my lipstick and turn around and smile over at Christian.
"Me too, baby. It will be nice to get out of the house," he smiles before tucking his shirt into his suit pants.
I agree and turn back towards the mirror and swipe the last coat of pale pink lipstick to my lips.
It has been two weeks since my run-in with Mia. When I came home that afternoon, I told Christian what happened. He wasn't too pleased to hear about Mia's explanation or lack of an explanation he said.
"What kind of lame excuse was that?" He hissed while pacing through our bedroom.
"I don't know. I don't know what to think. I'm still so angry at them," I murmur.
"Well, you have every right to be pissed at them! They left their kids for Christ sake!" he growled.
I sigh and shake my head. I don't want to think about it. I am still hurt about them abandoning the kids, but I'm really starting to miss Mia's friendship. I want to move on from the situation, but it's still so fresh.
Time. It will just take time.
I sigh again and put the situation in the back of my mind.
Today is going to be fun. It is Priscilla's birthday today, and Greyson is throwing her a birthday party that is going to be held in their backyard. He originally wanted it to be a surprise party, but it turns out Greyson cannot keep secrets from his girlfriend. She quickly found out a few days after he started planning the party due to accidentally leaving the guest list on the kitchen table.
I still chuckle at the phone conversation that I had with her a week ago. Priscilla couldn't stop laughing at how pissed off Greyson was on how he stupidly forgot to take the guest list with him to the office that day. She told me that he couldn't stop pouting the rest of the night.
They are having an outdoor party, and their list of guests is in the range of 100-150 people including some of Greyson's business partners.
Since it's a themed garden party, I decided on a mint floral chiffon maternity dress with tan wedges. My hair is curled and pinned off to the side, and my makeup is light. I finish placing the diamond studs in my ears that Greyson and Priscilla purchased for me. He surprised me with the beautiful earrings at my surprise baby shower a week ago.
It was an ordinary Friday. Christian came home from work and told me that we were going out for an early dinner. After we both got dressed, he drove about twenty minutes before stopping at a considerable mansion instead of a restaurant. I look over at him confused because I thought that we were going to dinner. It turned out to be a huge surprise baby shower for us. The house he took me too ended up being Grace's parents' house. I previously met them a month ago when they came by to meet their grandson for the first time.
His grandparents went all out for my baby shower. It was a blue and gray elephant themed shower, complete with games, an extensive buffet and lots of gifts. We received diapers, wipes, bottles, pacifiers, onesies, bibs, clothes, swaddle blankets, diaper bag, carriers, baby swing, bouncer, toys, and numerous gift sets. We have everything we could ever need for this little one and Christian, and I are internally grateful for everyone's generosity.
All the men left for a while, and they returned when it was time to open all the gifts. After all the gifts were opened, Greyson and Priscilla also wanted me to have something for myself. The earrings were beautiful, and I couldn't stop thanking them afterward.
The biggest surprise of the shower was when Jack showed up with all the men. He even got us a few gifts for the baby, which was also very surprising. The entire time Christian was speechless with his behavior since he always showed hostility towards us in the past. It's like he did a complete 180 overnight.
"Are you ready?"
Christian breaks me out of my thoughts. He is dressed in a light blue button-up with black slacks and dress shoes. He looks yummy as always.
"Yes," I smile as I pick up my clutch and follow him out of the door.
"Wow. Every time I come here, this house still blows me away," I say in awe.
The pristine house is two-story that has black shutters and full windows. The home has five bedrooms and four bathrooms. I was surprised on how big the house is for just the two of them, but Priscilla said that they wanted a big house so when people came to visit they would have enough room for them to stay the night, especially on big occasions such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.
"I know. Hopefully, someday I can give you something like this," he says while parking the car.
"No. It's too big. I would be happy with something smaller," I smile over at him.
He smiles and slowly runs his index finger down my cheekbone. "I want to give you everything," he murmurs.
"I don't want everything. All I need is you," I whisper as I stare into his gray eyes.
"You know we have a generous amount of savings now. When do you want to start looking for places?" he asks suddenly.
"For houses?" I frown.
"Yes, for houses. We have enough to put down for a deposit," he nods.
"Yeah, but we only just moved in with your parents. We completed a nursery and were just now getting back on our feet. I don't think it's the right time. How about next year?" I offer.
He sighs and runs his hand through his hair. "Your right. Maybe it's too soon."
I smile and place my hand in his. "I do want our own home, but we should wait until the baby is a little older and we know for sure we would be able to afford to live on our own."
"Right. I'm getting ahead of myself," Christian sighs.
"It's okay. I'm excited that we are on our way to owning something. It's just going to take a little bit more time," I smile and lean over and kiss his cheek.
"What was that?"
"A kiss," I frown.
He smiles and shakes his head and then points to his lips.
I giggle and kiss his lips. He starts to deepen the kiss, but we both jump up in surprise when there is a sudden knock on his side of the window.
"Are you guys getting out anytime soon?" Elliot yells.
I start to laugh when I see him making faces while his nose is smashed against the window.
"Get your ugly mug off my window you dick," Christian chuckles while hitting the glass with his fist.
Elliot sticks his tongue out and steps back so Christian can open the door.
"Ana, you're here!" Addison shrieks and practically runs over and hugs me.
I giggle and hug her back. "You look amazing!"
Addison is wearing a long white and rose pattern maxi dress. Her hair is down in loose curls.
"Thank you! I love your dress. Hi, baby," she smiles as she rubs my stomach.
"Not too long now," I sigh.
"How far along are you again?" she asks.
"Thirty-six weeks. Four more weeks to go," I say in relief.
"I can't wait until he is here," she says before walking into Elliot's arms.
"And mine," we suddenly hear a sickly-sweet voice behind us.
I turn around and almost roll my eyes at Kate and what she is wearing. It's a white dress that shows off her cleavage and upper thigh. It's so tight that I can see her barely-there baby bump that is starting to form. Her strawberry blond hair is down in waves, and she has way too much makeup on.
Christian scowls at her while I try not to do the same.
"Yes, your baby too, Kate," Addison gives her an annoyed smile before turning back to her boyfriend.
"Hello, Elliot," she bites her lip while rubbing his arm.
Elliot grimaces and then gives her a tight smile while trying to move away from her. "Hey," is all he says before turning his back to her and brings Addison to his chest. She smiles up at him, and Elliot does the same before kissing her nose.
Kate scoffs and storms away and walks back into the house. I huff out a laugh, and Addison does the same.
"Why the hell are you still friends with her again?" Christian rolls his eyes and turns towards Addison.
"I don't know. I haven't talked to her since I found out what she did to Ethan and Mia. Greyson invited her father, and I guess she wanted to come as well. Her parents couldn't come though," she rolls her eyes.
"Come on you guys. Let's go find the birthday girl," Addison shrieks and grabs my hand and leads me into the house.
The interior of the house is fantastic. It has a vast open floor plan with dark hardwood floors, high ceilings, and a beautiful chandelier that hangs above the white couches in the living room. There is also a big white furry rug that dominates the living room floor.
I smile when I spot Greyson and Priscilla walking towards all of us. Priscilla looks amazing as always. She is wearing a long-sleeved sheer black dress that emphasizes her curves perfectly. What I love about her outfit is the elegant flower pattern that is sown throughout the dress. Her hair is straightened, and her height almost matches her boyfriends in her black high heels.
Grayson opted for a black button-up shirt that is rolled up to his elbows, jeans and oxford shoes. He also grew out his hair a little since the last time I saw him. He winks at me before kissing my cheek.
"Good to see you again, sis," he says in his Australian accent.
"You too," I say before kissing him on the cheek.
He turns towards Christian, and they shake hands. Priscilla gives me one of her bear hugs and then rubs my bump.
"I'm so glad you guys could make it. I'm sure you're getting pretty tired?" she smiles as she continues to rub my bump.
"I am. Four more weeks," I groan and then giggle.
"Ana, Christian," Elena suddenly appears from the kitchen.
"How are you dear?" She asks before hugging me.
"I'm great. It's nice to see you again, Mr. Lincoln," I shake hands with Priscilla's dad who I just met a few weeks back.
"Likewise. Call me, Richard," he winks at me before shaking hands with Christian.
We all stand in the living room and talk about our week. Priscilla and I talk baby, while Addison and Elliot talk to Greyson and Elliot. Elena pulls me into a conversation about what my plans are for our delivery. To be honest, I haven't even thought about a birth plan yet. I am for sure not wanting a natural birth, so I tell her that I am more than likely wanting to get an epidural instead of going natural.
"I had a water birth with Priscilla. Let me tell you, I for sure regret going that route. The pain was unbearable for what I could remember. I'm sure getting an epidural would be better," Elena explains.
"Yeah, I need to talk to my doctor about our options. I'm not looking forward to labor since this is my first time, I don't know what to expect," I laugh nervously.
"Don't worry dear. Labor is hard, but it will be worth it when you hold your baby for the first time," Elena smiles reassuringly.
I smile and rub my stomach. Yes, it will.
"Has anyone seen Carrick?" Christian asks a little while later.
"Oh! We have been so caught up talking, we forgot about everyone else outside. Let's go outside and mingle," Priscilla gasps and drags Grayson to the backyard.
Grayson chuckles and gestures to all of us to come outside. Christian takes my hand and leads me to the large backyard where the party is being held.
There is a vast white tent in the middle of the yard. There are comfortable looking white couches and ottomans spread throughout the tent so that guests are able to sit down and mingle with each other. There are also several round tables that are placed in front of the couches.
The tables have crisp white tablecloths, white placemats, silverware and fresh flowers that are in beautiful glass vases for the centerpieces along with candles on the side. The path to the tent is lined with decorative lanterns that hang from the trees. Off to the side of the tent, there is a long table that lines a spread of various finger foods and refreshments. Numerous servers are standing behind the table, ready to help the guests in getting their food and drinks.
Christian leads me to the table, and I smile up at the young man who is helping pass out the refreshments.
"What would you like Miss?" he asks politely.
I look down and see that there is champagne, iced tea, iced water, lemonade, and what seems to be diverse kinds of cocktails.
"I will have a lemonade. Thank you," I smile.
He nods and pours me a glass and hands it to me. Christian asks for a glass of water. After we have our drinks, we head down the line and see several types of delicious finger foods to choose. There are caprese skewers, crostini, peach & goat cheese that are drizzled with honey & topped with basil, a bruschetta bar, mini croissant sandwiches and herbed chicken salad tea sandwiches.
There is also a dessert spread of cut watermelon skewers, strawberry shortcakes, strawberry brownie kabobs, caramel apple dip, and cranberry-walnut pinwheels.
My mouth starts to water when I see all the yummy food in front of me. I eagerly ask for a little bit of everything. Christian chuckles when he sees my plate full of food.
"What? The baby is hungry," I scowl as I take the plate from the young women who have finished adding a watermelon skewer to my dish.
Christian puts his hands up and laughs. I smirk and follow him to one of the tables. We set our plates and drinks down, and he helps me into my chair before he sits down.
"This looks so good," I groan when I taste one of the mini croissant sandwiches.
"Don't do that," Christian scowls and discreetly adjusts himself under the table.
"I can't help it," I giggle and groan again after I finish the sandwich.
Christian takes a deep breath and glares at me before starting on his food. He mumbles under his breath that sound like he is saying; sexy minx. I laugh again and look around the tent. Everyone is either at the tables eating or sitting with their drinks on the couches.
I notice Jack off into the distance, talking with a few men in similar outfits of dress pants and dress shirts. He spots me and raises his glass and gives me a small smile. I give him one back and pick up another sandwich.
I spot Grace and Carrick walking towards us with their plate of food. They look elegant as always. Grace is wearing a floral print crepe dress with matches wedges, and her hair is in her usual chignon. Carrick is dressed in a light blue button-up shirt, cream-colored slacks and oxford shoes.
"Hi, Grace!" I smile as they sit down at the table in front of us.
"Hi! Are you guys enjoying yourself so far?" Grace smiles before sipping her champagne.
"We are so far," I nod and take a sip of my lemonade.
Addison and Elliot walk over and sit down a little while later. We all talk, laugh and eat our food for the next thirty minutes. I look over at Christian and smile as he talks with his father. Their relationship has drastically improved since we moved in with them. I smile and place my hand into his when he laughs at something Carrick said. He turns towards me and winks before squeezing my hand gently.
I sit there and sigh contently. I never thought this would be my life. When we were living in the shelter and out on the streets, I never thought that our life would turn out this way.
I never thought we would be a part of such a wonderful family like the Greys.
I never thought that we would have a home filled with love and happiness.
It's like living in a dream. A dream that I don't want to wake up from.
It's as if Christian is reading my thoughts, he pulls me towards him and kisses my head softly. I kiss his cheek and cuddle up beside him and continue to listen to the conversation around me.
A few hours later, all the guests are sitting around the couches talking and laughing with each other. Priscilla opened all her gifts and cut her birthday cake an hour ago, so everyone is now relaxing inside of the tent.
It is getting dark now, and it's almost time for sunset. I look out towards the sky and see a mix of red and orange. I can just spot the water from a distance, and the sight is breathtaking. I smile when I feel Christian's arms wrap around my waist from behind.
He whispers I love you in my ear as we gently sway from side to side.
"I love you too. So much," I whisper and close my eyes.
I hear ruffling behind me, but before I can turn my head towards the sound, Christian distracts me by kissing my neck.
Christian suddenly whispers in my ear, "I've known you my whole life. Loved you since I was little. You know everything about me. The good and the bad. You know all my faults. My weaknesses and all my strengths."
I smile and lean my cheek into his cheek, so they are touching.
He continues to whisper in my ear softly. "You're my best friend. You're the only women I want to wake up to every morning. The only women I want. Forever."
My lip trembles at his words. I want to kiss him and tell him that he is also all those things to me, but before I can take his arms off from around my waist, so I can turn around, his arms fall to his side, and he steps back.
I turn around and gasp when I see him get down on one knee. Tears glisten in his eyes when he looks up at me. I choke back a sob when I see him take out a ring box from his pocket. He smiles and opens the box to reveal the most perfect ring. It has a simple silver band with a round diamond in the center. It's perfect.
"Will you marry me?"
"Yes!" I immediately say as I carefully fall to my knees and kiss him.
He kisses me as tears run down my face. He stops and leans back but since I'm so emotional, I lean my head into his chest and continue to sob.
"Hey, come here," he whispers into my hair.
I gasp and lean my head back. He takes out the ring from the box and places it on my trembling finger. Tears fall faster down my face as I stare down at my ring.
"It's perfect. Oh, Christian," I laugh and cry simultaneously.
"I love you, baby," he smiles and kisses my forehead.
"I love you too."
I laugh as the tent opens back up and we see everyone clapping and cheering. Priscilla and Addison are jumping up and down in joy as Grace is sobbing in Carrick's chest while he beams over at us. Greyson and Elliot are smiling and clapping along with everyone else. I see that bitch, Kate off to the side rolling her eyes and stares at her nails looking bored.
Christian raises my hand and yells, "She said yes!"
Everyone claps harder making me blush and smile wider. Christian smiles back at me before leaning down and places his forehead on mine and stares at me with love.
I'm getting married!
AN: Pinterest is update with tons of pictures from this chapter.
Thanks for reading. See you next time.