APOV
"She's going to the chapel and she's going to get married" José sang coming into the nursery where both my children now resided.
"Don't give up the day job, besides I don't think those are the right lyrics" I told him, laughing, hearing the girls laugh too.
"Don't ruin my singing or my version of it" he complained going over to Emily's tank.
Today was the day I had longed for, ever since my children arrived. Today we would take them both home, although Elliot has been well enough to go home for the past week. We couldn't separate them, it wasn't fair, and we worried about Emily's progress if she was separated from her brother. It was agreed that when we left, we all would together. Today though before we leave, my children will be christened in the small chapel here in the hospital. That would be happening after I married Christian there too.
Father Simon had said a prayer for our children and me when I was ill so he was only too happy to help with our ceremony today. Neither of us wanted a big wedding, we didn't want to wait either. When we finally go home today, we will all be Grey's.
"When are you going to have a honeymoon," Mia asked burping Elliot.
"When these two graduate," I told her, not wanting to think about being away from them for even an hour, never mind a day.
We'll have our time together when our children sleep. I was actually looking forward to being in our own bed, and as I had been cleared myself with my doctor, I was looking forward to being with Christian again.
"Knock knock," My dad said, coming into the nursery. "How are you all doing."
"Good, they've been fed so I hope they both sleep through being dunked."
"They will be fine, shouldn't the bride be getting ready by now."
"I was feeding these two. You can take them to daddy now," I told him, and I could hear the excitement in my voice as I knew it wouldn't be long before I was back with their daddy too.
I watched José carefully pick Emily up, placing a little kiss on her forehead. He would normally be fighting with Sky on who gets to hold her but for now, Sky just like Mia was remaining with me.
It seemed strange at first seeing Emily without a tube in her nose, being able to pick her up without snagging a wire and setting an alarm off. The only alarms that would go off now were the breathing sensor mats that they had been laid on, had I not turned them off before. We had them at home, Christian had gone out and purchased two of everything we had needed while we were here. I'm in agreement with him on the mats because god forbid either of them ever stopped breathing, we would know straight away.
"Nervous," Sky asked, smiling at me as we made our way to the parent's room, the last time I will ever spend any time in here.
"No, I'm excited to get married, have the babies christened and then finally go home."
"This must be the first wedding I've been to where there is no reception after, not a big one anyway" Mia laughed
"That's not me, us either. We just want to go home together as a family, besides lunch is all planned for at Escala so you will be fed."
"Yes, I will finally get to see how the other half live with their multi Million-dollar penthouse" Sky declared
"How much did your apartment cost," I asked her, knowing it had a nice price tag too when she bought it.
"Touché" she laughed. "Just think, when you all go home today, you will all be Grey's."
"Yes, that I can't wait for."
It's been weeks since Christian proposed, and it's been weeks of fun and madness as my mum and his got together to plan our big day. Mum and Grace have become thick as thieves, always planning something else. I love having mum here and I will miss her when she finally goes home, not yet though as today we go home as a family, come Monday, my mum will be back in Montesano too.
Our house is finished, in time like Elliot said it would and I couldn't wait until we could enjoy our home and relax for a little bit, in between feeds that is.
I reached for my dress as mum came into the room.
"Here sweetheart, let me," she told me as Sky stepped back to let my mum help me into my dress.
She fastened all the little pearl buttons at the back as I stood in front of the mirror, smiling.
"You look beautiful Ana. My brother is a very lucky man," Mia told me when I turned around to face them.
"We're both lucky to have found each other," I told her.
"I never thought you would be getting married in a hospital chapel, but I can't think of anything more perfect especially after the past few months."
"I know, I suppose if Christian Grey asks, they give" Sky laughed, as I thought of the hospital administrator bending over backwards to help him when he offered a donation to the maternity and children's departments. "He asked, and you gave."
"As if I would ever say no."
A knock came on the door then as my mother went to see who it was.
"Are you ready sweetheart, your dads here."
"Yes, I'm ready," I told her as dad stepped into the room.
When we left, I was arm in arm with my mum and dad as Sky and Mia walked closely behind. I had barely got to know Mia before the babies were born but we had gotten close in the time since then. Although Sky is my maid of honour, I wanted Mia with me too. Both of my parents would give me away today as it didn't feel right not having my mum by my side where she has always been.
We made our way through the corridors which once had been a nightmare to Christian. Today they were leading me closer to him, instead of pulling me away.
As we approached the chapel, I thanked what must be the twentieth person who congratulated us on my day. Some might not know me, some could do, either way, our good news would be out there any way today.
"Are you ready Anastasia?" Father Simon asked as he greeted us at the door.
"Yes, I'm ready."
He stepped inside and soon the organ started playing, our cue to start making our way inside.
As I walked to the end of the aisle, my parents on either side, I could do nothing but smile at the sight that greeted me. As I held a small bouquet of flowers in my hand, Christian held our children in his.
I could see Elliot wide awake and looking around, Emily fast asleep after her feed. They were both a big part of our day, and even when Christian carefully passed our children to his parent's so he could take my hand in his, we could still hear Elliot babbling away.
Our wedding would not be long, we didn't want it that way so although we wrote our own vows, our ceremony was traditional.
We said our I Do's and our vows, placing a ring on each other's fingers. Our smiles never leaving our faces when we were pronounced man and wife.
"You may now kiss the bride," Father Simon said, as Christian's hands came up to cup my face.
"I love you, Mrs Grey," he said before placing his lips onto mine.
"As I love you," I told him before I deepened the kiss.
Cheers went up around the room, startling our sleeping girl. She let out a wail of protest before soon falling back to sleep again once she was in her father arms.
I took Elliot from Grace as José continued to snap away with his camera. They would be beautiful photos and I couldn't wait to see them.
Watching our children be christened was a beautiful sight. They are loved so much, especially by their godparents Elliot, Sky, Mia and José. Emily slept through it in Sky's arms, not even waking when the water was placed on her forehead. Elliot was the one who protested, not liking to get wet at all. He had been like that when we had bathed them, kicking more water in his want to be out, soaking his daddy in the process. Emily had just laid there, enjoying being free of the wires and tubes no doubt when I washed her.
"Ready to go home" Christian asked as we all started to leave the chapel.
"I am, I forgot what the world is like outside of this place," I told him, strapping Emily into her car seat for the first time.
It looked ridiculous as she was still so tiny and this seat although the smallest one you could buy, looked too big for her. Elliot had filled out well, so he just looked like a newborn being taken home. The fact that he was nearly two months old was not lost on me. They would both be in newborn clothing for some time to come. With their grandmother's and Aunt's shopping spree though, we wouldn't have to worry about running out of clothes anytime soon.
As we left the chapel, Christian held Emily's car seat in one hand, holding my hand with his other. Elliot held his nephew, keeping him close to him.
The baby seats both had blankets covering them, so no one could see our babies or try and take photos of them. As we headed for the back exit of the hospital we were surrounded by security, hospital and our own.
A press release had been put out at the time of our marriage, hoping that it would put some of the press off, sending them scouring churches in the area. It worked for some but not all as when we finally emerged from the hospital, a large group of the press were still here.
They were shouting questions at us, although with the amount of security Christian had brought in, they could get nowhere near us or our children. I got into the waiting car as Christian strapped both of our children in on either side of me before he climbed in also.
"Happy to be free" Christian asked.
"Happy and nervous" I confessed, telling him of my worries of no longer having Louisa and the other nurses around if we ever needed help.
"Mum is on speed dial so don't worry about that. That's if she doesn't move in like your mum."
"That wouldn't surprise me, the way they are together" I laughed.
Escala was soon within sight. Our convoy of cars following us into the garage below.
"Who will be staying here tonight," I asked Christian.
"Besides your mum dad and Bob, no one that I know of unless some of the others crash here."
"Does that bother you, having everyone in a place where it just used to be you."
"No Ana, on my own I needed the space to breathe. I have all the space I could ever need with you and our children in Montesano. Although I will keep it if I need to stay in Seattle for business, this place is no longer home."
"I can't wait to go home," I said, squeezing his hand, as we stopped, and our security got out.
"I know how you feel. If our mothers hadn't gone to so much trouble with our wedding, I would've said go straight there. This is our compromise for not ditching them."
"They would've only followed us," I told him, before he got out of the car, leaning back in to pick Emily's seat up.
"We have high walls, guarded gates and killer ducks, they would have had no chance of getting in."
I was laughing as I got out of the car, taking Elliot with me. I hope the children like ducks because I don't think they have any plans to stray somewhere else.
"Wow, couldn't you get one bigger" Sky said, aloud, looking around the large living room at Escala.
"He was born with it, besides how do you know how big it is," Elliot asked Sky, teasing his girlfriend.
"Elliot Grey, behave," Grace told him.
"He is, look he's asleep," Elliot said about his namesake.
I had to laugh at Elliot, smile too as his arm wrapped around Sky. They were a couple, it was official for everyone to see, especially since his divorce came through. Her, I don't want to think about that bitch today, I will think about her suffering another day.
"Mum this looks lovely," I told her, walking towards the large table where food had been laid out.
"I wasn't the only one to do it, Grace and Gail were fully in on this too."
"I know," I told her, kissing her cheek.
"My daughter, a married woman, a mother. I thought I would never see this day" she smiled bringing her hand to my cheek.
"I wouldn't be here mum without your strength."
"Oh no sweetheart, that's all you. Everyone has seen it, especially over the last nine months. It's very fitting for your wedding and christening to be today."
"I know, that's why we choose today."
Today was the original due date that I was given so long ago. I have to pinch myself sometimes when I think of how my life has changed since then.
"If the children had been due a week later, I would've been saying trick or treat as well as congratulations," she told me, smiling as she brought me from my thoughts.
I laughed, as Mum wrapped her arms around me. I had had enough tricks for one lifetime, I would just revel in the treats.
"You will have to have two anniversary celebrations."
"Why," I asked Elliot.
"While I take these two trick or treating when they're older and fill them with sugar, you two can go out and celebrate your anniversary again."
"Please no rotting my children's teeth" Christian protested.
"That's fine, I will take the cute kids out to get lots of candy and then I can eat it all myself."
Just as he had finished his sentence Emily let out a cry. I think she needed feeding, but uncle Elliot took it another way.
"Alright, alright, I will share," he said, picking Emily up before quickly handing her over to her daddy when he could smell the stench coming from her diaper.
"Come here baby girl, let's go and get you changed and then we can eat" Christian said, kissing our daughter's tiny head before he disappeared into what once was his bedroom. It's still a bedroom but our bedroom is now over 90 minutes away.
…
The food was delicious, what I ate of it as I spent most of the time, trying to keep it out of my son's hands. He has a fierce grip, not letting go, especially when it's my hair that he holds.
"Having fun there Ana?" my dad asked, laughing, thankfully taking my son from me while I finished my meal.
Speeches were a must we were told, no matter the size of the wedding. It was my mother though, who started the speeches off.
"Ok, I know this is not traditional at a wedding reception, but I'd like to say a few words before I start blubbering," my mum said, standing.
Before she had even said anything else, I could feel myself welling up.
"Twenty-four years ago, I was given a beautiful gift, one that I treasure every day. I've watched you grow from this tiny baby Ana, into the beautiful woman who I was so proud to stand with today. You're the strongest person I have ever known, you proved that by fighting to carry those two and to still be here with us" she sobbed, looking down at my children. "They couldn't wish for anything more than to have the best parents they were given, you and Christian…. Christian, thank you, not just for making my daughter so happy but for wanting to be here. Your start together might not have been a normal one but you both took what you were given and created this beautiful love between you. To Ana and Christian, to my grand-babies, I love you all" she said, raising her glass. I think she did anyway as I was fighting through my tears.
I stood wrapping my arms around my mum as Christian wrapped his arms around us both. I knew today would be emotional, I just didn't realise how much.
I don't think there was a dry eye in this apartment, although there were tears of another kind when after my dad had spoken, Elliot started his speech.
…
"We're going home," I told my babies after I had fed and changed them, and they were strapped into their car seats again.
The moment I had waited for so long had arrived and looking at the smile on Christian's face as he put his jacket on, my excitement was contagious.
We left the bedroom, being showered in paper confetti by Elliot, covering us all.
"I know what you'll be doing once we leave, the brush is in the cupboard" Christian told his brother, pulling a bit of confetti out of his daughters' hair.
"It's worth it" he smiled. "I hope you like the house, it's all ready for you."
"I'm sure we'll love it, thank you," I told him.
"No, thank you, for making my brother so happy."
I kissed his cheek, before taking Christian's hand. We both held a car seat in the other as we headed for the elevator where the rest of our family were. They would stay up here, as having a large group of us in the parking garage would just draw attention as the group of press had grown outside. They still didn't know where we lived, obviously thinking we were going to be staying here.
We had the countryside instead of a balcony waiting for us, a log cabin instead of these steel and concrete walls.
"I will see you next week," my mum said as I hugged her goodbye.
"I will see you, you too," I told my dad before saying goodbye to Bob who would be back off to Florida tomorrow. "Thanks for letting me borrow mum for a while longer."
"Like she would be anywhere else. You all stay safe and healthy" he said, the last bit mainly for me.
"We will, have a good trip home."
"I'm going home in a private jet, you can't get a better flight than that" he laughed before hugging me goodbye.
As we stepped into the elevator, I blew my mum a kiss goodbye. She placed it over her heart before blowing a kiss back. As the doors closed, we were finally on our way home.
…
The children slept all the way home, while I sat with Christian's arm wrapped around me.
"I never got chance to take my dress off," I told him, looking at the cream and lace gown I wore.
"No, that's my job when we're all settled in and our children are tucked up in their bassinets. I can remove it, button by button before making love to my wife."
"Christian" I groaned, wanting to jump him there and then. It had been so long since we were together, but instead of making love once I had been cleared, we decided we wanted to wait for our wedding night.
"No interruptions" he whispered in my ear, making me laugh not groan this time.
"We have two newborn babies. Yes, they're nearly two months old but they're still newborn to me. We work on their clock, not ours."
"I know," he said, smiling. "I can't wait to get them home."
I cuddled back into his side, although I sat up when we approached the familiar gates of home. Some things were different here now, although a lot was still the same.
Same pond, although it had a fence around it now. It was low enough that it would keep the children safe but would not interrupt our view of it or injure the ducks when landing. Also, as we made our way up to the house, we passed two cottages which would be for staff.
I never had staff before, never really needed it on my own, but Christian was adamant that security although being discrete, was on site all the time. They would have a place to stay, as would Taylor and Gail.
Gail is someone who I had learnt to rely on while in the hospital. She kept us fed for one, making sure that we ate properly and not the slop that was offered there. She also kept us clothed, bringing in fresh daily and anything else we needed. We asked whether they wanted to move with us, as Taylor's job is wherever Christian would be. They were both only too happy to come, looking for a quieter pace of life while they're here.
"Oh my god," I said, putting my hand to my mouth when I stepped out of the car.
"I think that's my sentiments exactly," Christian said as he took in our home too.
You would never know that this house had not always been here, the size it was now I mean. The extension was seamless, and I couldn't wait to explore within.
"Let's get these two out," I said, turning back to the car. I didn't get far before I was scooped up in Christian's arms earning a squeal out of me.
"I know it's your home."
"Our home" I corrected him before being shushed by his lips.
"As I said, I know it was your home which is now ours but as my wife, I would still like to carry you over the threshold."
"Take me home then husband," I said, before kissing him.
He carried me into the house, placing my feet down once we were inside. Christian left me for a moment before going to collect our children from the car. I got Emily out of her car seat while Christian held Elliot, now it was time to explore.
We walked through the living room, now double its size from the last time I had been in here. I smiled seeing the photo's that lined the walls, some that had not been here before. Our children, Christian and me, José's addition to our home no doubt. From their arrival to a photo he had taken of me in a rocking chair with both of my children just days ago, our journey was here to see.
What was once my small library, the wall had been pushed back to make it bigger and bookshelves now filled the walls ready to be filled. My friend was here too as a photo of tulips filled one wall.
The kitchen, I couldn't wait to cook in. It was modern but not out of place in its surroundings.
"I can't believe how much they have gotten done. To bring in more furniture too."
"Elliot wanted it so we could just move straight back in, he certainly achieved that."
We carefully navigated the stairs so as not to disturb the sleeping babies we held. The first room we went to was our own.
"He didn't touch this, but he did add a few additions to the nursery I'm told."
"Let's go and look then," I told him, leaving the new bedrooms for now as we walked toward the nursery.
Inside the walls had been painted, although there was now no smell around. Two cribs side by side and above them in beautifully carved wooden letters was Emily and Elliot.
"My dad or Elliot," I asked."
"I think a bit of them both. Your rocking chair is there, although there are now two.
"Are you sure Elliot didn't build this room bigger as it all fits."
"No, apart from painting and the few touches here and there, it's the same room."
I looked over towards the bathroom, stunned by what I saw. A third crib, larger than the other two that had been placed in a little alcove by the bathroom door.
"Why three, I thought we only had two," I asked, confusion in my voice.
"I know why there is a third. Either my brother or your dad must have thought it essential with the way they are together" Christian said, placing Elliot down. He took Emily from my arms, placing her by his side. Pulling a blanket from one of the shelves, he covered them both.
I smiled, looking at my children as they seemed to reach for the other. I know as they grow their bond will too.
Stepping back from them, I was soon in Christian's arms.
"Welcome home Mrs Grey," he said, placing a kiss to my lips.
"It's lovely to be here, with you as your wife, with our children. What did Dorothy say, there's no place like home."
He laughed, bringing his lips to mine, as his hold tightened on me. I got lost in the kiss, knowing my life would always be like this, I was so happy to be home.
Thank you for reading.
There is only a couple of chapters left of this story. It will be sad to leave them behind, but their story has almost been told. I haven't forgotten about Kate though, we will hear more of her next chapter.
Until next time, take care.
Caroline.