APOV

The newspapers had stopped being delivered and the TV had not been switched on since we watched Elliot walk out onto that stage. I was being kept away from anything that could cause me stress and I was perfectly happy with that.

Christian and I had attended my scan as planned, looking forward to seeing our children again. Dr Scott said before he took my blood pressure that he had a feeling it would be raised, and he was right.

It was lovely to see our children again, see how much they had grown in the short time since we had last seen them. They were putting on weight, our little girl still a lot smaller than her brother but she's growing and that's all we can wish for, for now.

Christian had been to work, leaving me with a small army, although he had flown back every night. He was here now though, staying until tomorrow when we would drive into the city together for my meeting with Hannah. It had to be put back with all the press and drama that had gone on, and I was excited to be finally handing over my work.

We could fly tomorrow if I wasn't so pregnant but Dr Scott has advised against it for now. I enjoy the drive though, having Christian to myself for a little while.

"Ana, do you want your tea out there or in here."

"Out here please" I called to Christian as he stepped down off my deck.

I did giggle watching him approach before he did a detour after the male duck landed on the pond in front of him, taking the long way around before he sat down by my side.

"He won't hurt you," I said, smiling as the duck approached, taking the little pieces of corn from my hand.

"It's the way he looks at me, letting me know if he gets me on his own, I'm done for."

I couldn't stop laughing, a needed distraction to what was going on in the world beyond my trees. Once Christian had been brave enough to hold his hand out with corn in too, I settled in closer to his side.

"What time is it. Do we need to get the barbecue out yet," I asked him.

"Your dad and I can get it out when he arrives. You're not lifting anything, Ana," he told me, poking my side gently when I rolled my eyes.

Today was my special day. In a way it was like my second birthday, my real birthday being in just a few weeks time. Today though always felt like my rebirth, my goal accomplished, remission reached.

"We have about thirty minutes before everyone arrives, relax," he told me, kissing the top of my head.

"We still need a name for our daughter," I told him. "Most of our name choices so far, have been for our son."

"I know, what about Josie, after José. I know it's not the female version but it sounds close."

"Josie Rosie Grey," I said, laughing, poor child. "I love José, but if we used his name, it would have to be his proper name, not another version of it."

"For our son," he asked, placing his hand onto my stomach.

"I'm not sure, I still like Elliot or Charlie for this little man."

"Future children," he asked, making me sit up to face him.

"I'm not sure there will be any more after these two Christian," I told him, placing my hands on my stomach, covering his. "I would love more, don't get me wrong but my doctor said at the start, one pregnancy would be tough enough on my body, that's why I went for the IVF when I did. He told me the older I got, the more risks there would be. I don't want to think about what could happen if we tried and it all went wrong the next time" I said quietly, not wanting to think about not being here to see my children grow up.

"Ana, having you and these two are more than I could ever wish for. If there does come a point when we would like another child, adoption is an option."

"I know and it's something I would like to look into, one day."

We sat in silence after that, enjoying holding each other before our peace was shattered by the arrival of José and his dad.

"I think José needs to invest in a new car," Christian said, shock on his face as the exhaust let out a loud bang and the quacking ducks scattered.

"One day that car's going to blow up with us in it," Pop's said, quickly getting as far away from the car as he could, and I couldn't agree more.

"Pop's we've been saying the same thing for years" I laughed, getting to my feet before hugging the old man.

"I think I will buy my son a car for Christmas. He can't refuse it if it's a gift."

"I will go in on it" I laughed, kissing his cheek.

"Nothing wrong with my car that a good kick won't fix."

"I think if you kick that car, something will fall off. It's only being held together with rust" Christian added, making me laugh.

"All right all right you lot, I came here to celebrate not have my poor car picked on," he told us all, patting his car which decided to drop some rust onto my driveway.

I pointed to it laughing before I was pulled into a hug by my friend.

"Forget about the stupid car, how are you," he asked, placing his hand onto my stomach from where he had just been kicked.

"I'm fine, enjoying the peace before we head into the city tomorrow."

"Are you flying?" he asked.

"No, we're going to enjoy a nice quiet drive, being surrounded by guards," I said, knowing that there was security all around me now.

"I'm glad," he told me. "That woman's unbalanced and needs to keep away."

"What has she done now," I asked, feeling Christian stiffen behind me. He had been on the phone with Taylor when I went outside to sit by the pond. What they were talking about, I didn't know.

"Nothing Ana, apart from having her usual tantrum because her privacy is being invaded. It would actually be rather funny watching her meltdown if she hadn't tried to hurt my friends."

"I know you're all keeping me away from stress, but I would've enjoyed watching that."

"Watching her on mute would be ok, hearing her words though, it shows us all how much the real her was hidden. She's vile" Christian told me.

"No more stress talk, where do you want this" Pops asked, holding up a cheesecake.

"On the table with a spoon please," I told him, following his laughter into the house.

"At least wait until everyone else is here."

"I'm supposed to eat often, build my babies up."

He went straight to the kitchen cabinets removing a plate and spoon. Soon I was enjoying the cheesecake while everyone else started to arrive.

"Hello sweetheart," my dad said, coming into the kitchen and kissed the top of my head.

I mumbled a hello around the spoon that was in my mouth, but the cheesecake was forgotten when the vase of yellow tulips was placed in front of me. I stood as quickly as I could, before being wrapped in my dad's arms.

"Thank you" was all I could say, as my dad held me.

I know mum would've loved to be here, but she will be here soon enough, coming for my birthday and staying for who knows how long. I hope she doesn't rush back too soon as I miss having my mum by my side.

As dad and I let each other go, I picked one of the tulips up out of the vase bringing it to my nose. I took a sniff, smelling nothing, which brought a smile to my face.

"No sneezing" Christian asked, smiling himself.

"No, they're perfect, for me anyway."

I heard the gate announce someone was here, but it didn't buzz so I knew it was someone who had the code. Stepping onto the porch, I smiled seeing Sky's car approaching and much to my surprise she wasn't alone.

Elliot had been here, only a few days ago to speak about the plans for my house. It was good to see him then and it was especially good to see him now, smiling at my friend.

"Have you been picking up hitch-hikers?" I asked, hearing Elliot laugh.

"No, I just thought I would bring my partner in crime with me," Sky said, kissing my cheek before she too gave me a small bunch of yellow tulips.

"Thank you, I will add them to dads."

"Elliot" Christian said, surprise in his voice, obviously not knowing himself that his brother was coming today.

"Don't mind if I gatecrash the party do you or are you sick of the sight of me by now" Elliot teased.

"You're more than welcome Elliot, it's good to see you again," I said, smiling as Christian wrapped his arm around me.

"Naa, I'm sick of the sight of you," Christian said making his brother laugh.

"I'll speak to Ana then, ignoring you."

"I love it when you two are together" I laughed, as we made our way into my house.

…

My garden was soon filling up with friends and family, fellow survivors too.

Thomas, Abby and the children arrived while the barbecue was being removed from the shed. Once Thomas has said hello, he rushed to help while Abby stayed with me.

"It's good to see him out and about," I told her.

"It is, for his sanity and mine" she laughed. "Thomas doesn't do staying still for too long, the children are starting to take after him. Speaking of children, how long."

"Two months, I feel like I've been pregnant forever, then some-days it feels like yesterday I was stepping into the fertility clinic for the first time."

"I know what you mean about time, we've been parents to Joshua for two years next month. I still remember visiting him in the home, hoping he would like us," she told me, smiling at her son who was chasing José around.

"He came straight over and sat on your knee. I don't think you can get any more acknowledgement than that, that he was meant to be yours."

"I know" she laughed, kissing Daisy's forehead. "This one was just the same. As soon as Thomas picked her up, her cries quietened, and she was soon asleep in his arms."

I smiled hearing Thomas laugh, happy that he was able to have the family he wanted despite not being able to conceive himself. Maybe one day in the future Christian and I could offer a child in need a home too.

...

Coming from the bathroom, I made my way into the kitchen, wanting to pick my sweater up before I went back outside. My path was blocked though as I nearly walked into Sky and Elliot whose lips were locked together, arms wrapped around each other, both oblivious to anyone else who was here.

"Eh, hmm."

They both looked at me, guilty looks on their faces, although I had a smile on my own.

"Sorry to disturb you but could I just grab my sweater."

"Here you go Ana" Elliot said, passing it to me.

"Thank you, carry on," I told him, giggling to myself as I walked away.

I don't know when that happened but I'm so glad that it has.

"What has you giggling," Christian asked as he pulled me down onto his lap.

I tried to move, fearing the chair we were sat on would give way, but he held me tightly to him.

"I'm happy for them."

"Who," he asked, looking around at everyone here, before settling on Elliot and Sky as they emerged from my house, hand in hand. "About time."

"I agree, they both deserve happiness."

He kissed my lips, agreeing with me.

"They won't go public yet because he's still married but I'm sure they will as soon as they can."

"Whenever they do, I hope they have a quieter time than we have had. I'm worried about going to Seattle" I confessed, lifting my head from his shoulder.

"I'll keep you safe Ana."

"I know you will Christian. It's going to be crazy though as soon as word gets out that we're both there. You said yourself the press is camped out waiting for any sight of us."

"It needs to be controlled then."

"What do you mean," I asked.

"I want to take you out for dinner, maybe take in a show, film. I want to do all that without anyone getting too close to us and especially you."

"I'm surrounded by an army most days Christian."

"I know but when we're in the city, I think we'll need some extra recruits."

…

"Have you spoken to your mum?" dad asked, as I laughed at Christian and Elliot's antics at the barbecue.

"Yes, I spoke to her this morning. We both had a good cry" I said, turning to him.

"Tears of joy, I hope."

"Yes, for the most part. Mum always feels guilty when she's can't be here. No matter how much I wished she lived closer to me, she's always on the end of the phone, just like you are when I need you. Mum has her life in Florida with Bob though, but I know she's always with me."

"You two are very close, closer than any mother and daughter that I know. That was the first thing that drew me to the both of you, that incredible bond that you share."

I smiled knowing he was right. No matter what I go through, she has always been there to hold my hand. She was there for every day of my cancer, there for all my IVF appointments, flying in just for the day sometimes so she was there for me. Mum will be here soon, here to celebrate the birth of my children, just like she was when she was here to celebrate the success of my IVF too.

…

"Where are the blankets going," Sky asked me.

"Same place as last year. Have you forgotten or have those kisses frazzled your brain?"

"Anastasia Steele, shush," she told me, laughing as she followed me to the small hill.

I say hill, it's just a mound of earth that has grassed over but it's perfect for me to lay against where I won't be lay flat.

"So, you and Elliot," I asked, taking a seat on one of the blankets.

Everyone was staying for the last part of our evening, something dad and I did often when I was little. Laying back in the grass and gazing at the stars. It will be dark out here once the house lights have been turned off and being away from town, we won't have any light pollution to ruin our view.

"We've kissed, three times or two and a bit because you walked into the kitchen at the wrong time."

"Well excuse me. It's my house and I didn't expect to walk in and find you two snogging."

"Snogging" she repeated, laughing. "That's what you get from writing too many Brits in your books, snogging."

"Ok, kissing then, making out, call it what you want, your lips were still locked together" I giggled, laying back on the blanket as Sky lay down by my side.

"I like him, really like him and although he's going through hell with that witch, I want to be there for him. Apart from the kisses, all we've done is hug. He wants to be free of her before it goes any further."

"Has a court date been set?" I asked.

"Yes. He got a call from his dad on the way up here, they're booked in, in a couple of weeks. She's told Elliot that she refuses to go to court though, and she will sign the papers so she doesn't have to. The papers she's been given will leave her with nothing, so if she wants to fight for even a penny, she will have to go to court for it."

"How's Elliot taking that."

"He wants his day in court. He can't stand the sight of her but he will see her, just to watch her suffer. I will be there, both in support of him and to file any suits against her if there is a single mention of your name again. If it gets that far, that is."

"Thank you."

"Ana, there is nothing to thank me for. I doubt I would've been here without you, without your support and encouragement on my darkest days. Those days are hopefully gone, and I can't wait to be able to celebrate a day like this every year."

"I'll be right there with you celebrating," I told her, as we were soon joined by everyone else.

…

"Are you cold?" Christian asked as I lay with my head on his chest, looking at the stars up above.

"A little, but I'm happy here," I told him, snuggling in closer.

I felt movement to my other side then as a blanket was thrown over us both by Elliot.

"Thank you" I laughed as the blanket half covered my head.

"You're welcome, we can't have you catching a cold."

"I'm fine Elliot, I'm very cosy," I said, kissing Christian's chest as he pulled me closer to him. "Toasty and warm now too."

"Will we see any shooting stars?" Joshua asked.

"I'm not sure but make a wish if you do," I told him, seeing his big smile.

We didn't see any shooting stars, well I didn't anyway as I fell asleep in Christian's arms. I would apologise to everyone for being rude, but I know I would have just been told to shush.

…

Driving through the streets of Seattle brought on excitement and also anxiety. I was going to hand my finished book over to Hannah, which was the exciting part, knowing the press were hanging around everywhere, brought on the stress I didn't need. There would be no book tour with this one and although I love to meet and speak to those who have enjoyed my work, I think with everything that's been going on, not doing a book tour is a good thing. Hannah thought of another option, doing a Q&A through social media. It won't be live but in a way, it's the best way for me to connect with my readers and for us to be in complete control. Any question which is not about my book will be ignored.

"Sir, Reynolds has reported that there are a small group of photographers outside of SIP," Taylor told us.

"Hannah said they have been there all week, taking the chance that we'll be there."

"Looks like they will be lucky today," Christian told me. "Get onto Welch, Taylor. I want additional security that will give us safe passage in and out."

"Do you want them held back?" he asked.

"We go in heavy and it will be us getting the backlash. They can take their pictures, ask questions although they might not get the answers they want. Going in, they won't have had time for others to come, getting out I can guarantee the crowd will be larger."

"There is a car-park around the back which has got security barriers," I told him.

"Do you want to go in that way?" Christian asked me.

"No, let them ask their questions, no hiding remember. We have the car-park as an option if the group grows too big."

Taylor was soon on the phone, calling in back up as we passed by Grey House on our way to SIP.

"I think everyone is there," I told him, seeing the large crowd that had gathered. "It won't take them long to get down the street though."

It didn't take us much longer either to arrive outside of SIP. There was paparazzi here, although their numbers were minute compared to the crowd we had just seen.

"Stay close baby," Christian told me as we watched Taylor and Luke get out. Reynolds was here too, and they were closely followed by Prescott and Owen who pulled up just behind.

"Miss Steele, Mr Grey, congratulations on the pregnancy, how long until the babies are due" was the first question that was asked as soon as we stepped from the car.

I looked to Christian before looking back to the young woman who had asked the question, being practically pushed out of the way by some of her older peers.

"A few months," I told her as we continued to walk toward the doors of SIP, Christian's hand latched onto mine.

"What has you visiting here today," a man asked as we reached the door.

"To hand my finished book over."

That was the last thing I said as we were ushered inside, security blocking the way now of anyone who tried to follow us.

"Ana, are you alright" Hannah greeted me.

"I'm fine, Hannah, this is Christian Grey, my boyfriend. Christian this is Hannah, my publisher, editor and complete saint when it comes to not asking if the book is ready yet."

"A pleasure to meet you" Christian laughed, shaking Hannah's hand.

"You too."

"Are they always like that?" I asked as Hannah led us away from reception and towards her office.

"They ask questions of anyone who entered, even some of our authors. None of the staff says a word. We have had a lot of mail for you though, most though we have not had time to check."

"It's ok, whenever you have time. You're not here to be postmen and women."

"No, we're not but some that we have read, have given us a good laugh or two… please take a seat" she gestured to the two chairs facing her desk, once we had been both ushered inside her office.

"Here you go, it's all yours now," I told her, placing my finished book onto her desk before taking my seat.

"I have to be honest, I have been dying to find out what happens next."

"You could've asked" I laughed.

"And ruin the surprise. That's what I love about books, especially yours, the surprise around every corner."

"Well, there are a few shocks and surprises in that one" I confessed.

"I look forward to reading it," she told me, quickly flicking through it, before placing it back down. "Mr Roach has asked me to ask you."

"If I will sign up for more," I said, finishing her sentence.

"Yes, you're our highest rated author and I know you said you would not be writing more for a while, but in the future."

"I will write more, when that will be I don't know. I could probably write a best seller about our lives at the moment" I said, laughing when I heard Christian snort.

That was Elliot's suggestion for my next book, which we had spoken about yesterday. Although it would make a good story, writing about everything that had happened to myself and those I was closest to, maybe a bit close to home.

"Whatever you write Ana."

"You will read it first," I told her. "When I find the time to sit down, plan out my next book or even put pen to paper, I will be in touch and we can go from there. Having twins running around the house though, it may be a while."

"We'll be here waiting, don't worry."

…

"Are you hungry?" Christian asked as we left SIP out of the back, missing the crowd that had grown substantially at the front.

"I am, are you going into work today."

"No, not until Monday. I have caught up on anything I needed too, working from home."

"I like that you think my little cabin hidden in the woods is home" I smiled, before kissing his lips.

"It has become home, especially with you there. We can breathe there, not worry about someone jumping out of a bush to take our photo."

"Move your things in then, move in with me. I know it's a commute every day, but I like having you at home."

"I'd like that Ana, very much, although I think most of my things are already there. There may be the odd night I might have to stay in Seattle if I'm working late or have a late or early meeting. I will get home as much as I can though."

"I can live with that."

...

Christian took me to the Space Needle after putting in just a two-minute call. Any other person would have to commit bribery to get a table that fast but they were only too happy to accommodate us.

Following the maître d' to the table, we ignored all the gawping faces we passed. There would be no doubt that our location would be out there, and a crowd assembled when we leave. For now, though, I wanted to ignore everyone else and enjoy lunch with my boyfriend.

We ordered, and our meal was quickly brought out. There is no waiting for someone who's rich or famous I suppose. Don't get me wrong, I had money, more than I could probably spend in my lifetime but I was used to the quiet life and meals out unless I was on a book tour consisted of a burger followed by cobbler at the local diner with dad, Sky or José.

"To us," Christian said, clinking his glass of water to mine.

"To us, the four of us," I told him, clinking my glass to his back.

Lunch was delicious. Our children seemed to think so too as they became very active when it was time for me to eat. There were many smiles and lots of laughter between us both as we felt our children move. We didn't hide our relationship, and everyone around could see how much we loved each other, how much we loved the children I carried.

Kissing me before we got into the car, Christian held me to him tight. If anyone saw us, we ignored them and although a camera flash or two went off, no one went to demand the photos be deleted.

Our car quickly passed the large crowd that had grown, leaving the camera flashes in our wake. We were heading home, to Escala anyway for a few days but the next time I went back to Montesano, Christian was coming home with me, and what was left of his things here, would be coming home too.

Thank you for reading.

Until next time, take care.

Caroline.