Thank Gosh!

Ana's POV:

I take a deep breath and summon up all the courage I can muster. Get it together Steele! Time to be a grown-up. I hold my head up but have to focus on each step as I enter the doors of SIP. It is my first day back at work after….. well everything!. It's like I have lived through a lifetime of emotion and drama these past few months. I feel like I am drowning as the feeling of worry escalates. I fear that everyone is going to be staring at me. No doubt my they would have all read the newspaper headlines. Claire, as usual, is sitting at the reception desk. We have always been on friendly terms, and while I want to maintain this relationship, I don't want to build on it right now. I offer her a warm smile and then point to my watch letting her know that I am running late. Maybe she won't realize that I am lying. My journey to my office is short, but I pretend to look busy, studying my phone so that I don't make eye contact with any of my coworkers. I can tell that they are staring at me when I walk past but trying not to hide their curious glances. I need to get past this uncomfortable period. It should only last a day, right? I hadn't seen any of them since I went on leave before I was supposed to marry the man they all know their boss. I wonder if they think that Christian is likely to sell the company now out of retribution.

"Ana, it's so good to see you," Hannah comments professionally though slightly overly excited. "I will get you a cup of tea." Before I can refuse she rushes off. Oh well, a cup of tea would be nice along with a big dose of privacy and silence to get me back into the swing of work. At least my office feels familiar and comfortable I commence going through my correspondence and my emails, as my assistant returns with my tea.

"Here's your tea. I will email your authors on your behalf and let them know that you are back. I know that they will be thrilled."

"Thank you... I would like to meet with them over the next few weeks. I want to make it clear to them that I am back on board after my extended absence and to see where they are at with their next books, sales, etc. Can you make those appointments for me? I am happy to start the meetings in the next couple of days."

"I will get on it right away. Is there anything else?"

"Not that I can think of, though I might need your help in a few hours to dig me out from all these papers and documents once I have finally gotten through them all." I signal to all the mail that has piled up. Hannah and I laugh lightly " Until then no. Thanks for the tea."

"Anytime. I will go and make these calls. And Ana. "I look up and quietly sigh. I was hoping that there wouldn't be any uncomfortable moments between Hannah and me. "...I am so glad you are back. Very thankful.." I breath out relieved.

"Thanks, it's good to be back."

"Can I say something else?" Hannah's voice is cautious and I prepare myself. Maybe she thinks that I am going to lose my job since I didn't marry the guy that own the company and therefore so will she.

"Of course," I comment though I wish she wouldn't. I don't want to be rude.

"Never, ever go away again. I mean it Ana. One more day working for John Buccaneer and I was either going to jump from the fourth floor or go back to living in my childhood bedroom in Iowa. Ana never leave again!"

I can't help but chuckle. John is SIPs chief accountant, and while he is proficient at his job, he has the social graces of an insect. "I will do my best!"

# # # #

The morning goes quickly and quietly allowing me to get through the majority of my correspondence. I check my phone before I head upstairs. Christian said he would email or call me in regards to the rehearsal dinner for Kate and Elliot. Strange that he hasn't. When Christian says he will do something, he usually does. I arrive at Roach's office and am redirected to the board room. He asked me earlier to meet with me. Not surprising considering the circumstances. I wonder how he will approach the topic of me being Christians ex.

I open the boardroom door and almost forget to breathe. There standing there with my boss is his boss. My once lover and fiancee, and now? Friend? Either way, he is the soon to be brother in law of my best friend, Christian Grey. Damn, he looks good. At least I look decent. My feet even forget that they are sore after being out of heels for so long.

"Ana, good, you are here. We can start." Roach announces apparently eager to speed up whatever this is. He points to a chair. I am sitting on the opposite side of Christian and Roach is at the head of the table. Strange I would have thought Christian would take that seat, but this would be by design. So much easier for him to read me like an open book.

Christian passes me the same manila folder. It's the same one that he gave me weeks ago. The one that I didn't open. I left it on my bedside table this morning. Without a doubt, it is the very same. The edge is a little worn and bent from where I have rubbed and played with it considering whether to open it or not.

"You will need to open the envelope." Christian declares. He rests back on the chair and waits. I don't move. Roach's assistant enters and places what I suspect is duplicate papers in front of him and Christian. They both open their files, though Christian doesn't even pay it much attention while Roach is examining it though he seems familiar with it.

"Open the envelope Anastasia." Christian requests again, though his voice is soft but ever so commanding.

I sigh and pull out the documents. There are over a dozen pieces of paper; however, the first page tells me the nature of the materials. I go numb, as I read page after page. The last page is already signed by Christian. I can't believe this... What? Fuck! Why on earth?

"Congratulation Ana. SIP is yours!" Roach declares.

I look up dumbfounded. I am vaguely aware of the conversation that then transpires between him and Christian. Roach mentions something about retiring when I take over, and something about a transition period for me. I think Christian states that he will be on hand to help.. at least I think that is what they say.

"Excuse me, Roach, would you give Christian and me a few minutes to discuss this. Alone." I request though I don't even look at him. Instead, Christian and I are glaring at each other. Both of us trying to determine what is going through our minds.

"I will be in my office." Roach walks out. I wait till I hear the door close before I speak.

"Why?" I ask quietly.

"Because this company is yours. At first, I purchased it to keep you safe, and then as a gift to you after we got married."

"We didn't get married," I state a little underrated

"I consider that a technicality. There is still time..." Open my mouth to reply but Christian recommences to talk. "Ana, it's only right that I hand over this company to you. I will provide you with all the assistance, access to personnel and training that you will need."

"While that is generous, I don't want this."

"You would be brilliant. I doubt that anyone else can pick a book like you. You would make this company profitable. I want you to run this SIP. You can run it independently or as a subsidiary of GEH. The choice is yours."

"I have only been working for five of months, and I have been on leave for practically three months weeks. I am no way ready to run a publishing company." I stress. I know that Christian was able to walk out of college and set up a billion dollar company, but that is him. Not me.

"You are right!" I raise my eyebrows. No argument or co-excision He agrees? "Maybe you are not ready at the moment to be a CEO right now but you will eventually. The paperwork isn't dated. When you are ready, then you can sign and fill in the date. Until then SIP can remain under the Grey Enterprise Umbrella with an interim CEO."

"That is very accommodating of you," I mutter surprised.

"I had a good teacher," Christian replies with a slight smile on his face, complimenting me.

"It may take me years to want or be able to run this company. If ever."

"I repeat... whenever you are ready, then the offer will be there. I mean it Ana. "

"Thank you."

"You're welcome Anastasia" Christian's eyes become soft. Oh, I have missed them. To be honest, I have missed everything about him.

"I shouldn't hold you up. You probably have a full schedule today, especially since you were absent from work on my account on Friday." I stand expecting Christian to do the same, but he doesn't.

"I caught up on the weekend. I can assure you that I am free until two o'clock." Christian remains seated.

"Okay but it's my first day back at work. I have a mountain of correspondence to get through and even more authors to contact. Manuscripts to familiarize myself with. I am going to be locked in my office all day and tomorrow."

"Understood. Then taking that into consideration, I will take you to lunch on Wednesday." Same old Christian. Domineering, and never playing fair.

"I can't."

"Ana, please not this again. I thought we started to make some headway in Connecticut."

"We did but... " I roll my eyes. I don't know what to say to him half the time. "Christian, it's not that. I already have plans." Christian cocks his head to the side, though also narrows his eyes. He thinks I am seeing another guy. "Grace. I am having lunch with Grace. She called me."

"Oh. You're having lunch with my mother?"

"Yes."

"Interesting."

# # # #

I have been nursing my gin and tonic for almost an hour, while I watch Kate, Elliott and some of our mutual friends on the dance floor. Regardless of the slowness of my drinking, I am still a light weight. I have had about five drinks tonight and am tipsy. I finally agreed to come out after Kate hounded me. I have avoided being the third wheel by using the events of my failed wedding, and then work. But after three months of having been back at SIP, I ran out of excuses, and I missed Kate. She moved in with Elliot a couple of weeks ago. I suspect that she would have done so sooner with it wasn't for me. I have stayed in the Pike Market apartment; however, I ought to move out or at least force Kate to accept rent.

Kate and Elliot are getting married in a few months. I am the maid of honor, while Christian is the best man and of course, this has required us to spend some time together. We have been amicable ever since the trip to Connecticut, and he continues to strive to fight for me. To Christian's credit, he is yet to mention his offer to gift SIP to me. He hasn't even crashed the occasional lunches that I have had with his mother even though I know he is aware each time I meet with her.

I smile as Kate walks towards me while Elliot walks off in the direction of the bathroom. "Hey, you going to come out and dance?" Kate questions. She is looking radiant, and I feel a twinge of jealousy while being happy for her at the same time.

"No. I am still a lousy dancer. In the interests of public safety, I will remain where I can do the least harm."

"You know you use to dance extremely well with..."

"Kavanagh, stop.!" I interrupt her. I can't believe that she was about to say that. Kate undeterred by abruptness or the annoyance in my voice continues to stare at me until she heads to the bar, ordering two more drinks.

"Have another drink with me!" Kate requests standing next to me again. I nod. Kate, never one to waste a moment, swallows the entire contents of her drink before mine even touches my lips.

"Ana I can't believe that I am going to say this, but it is for the greater good. Stop being so damn pig-headed and go back to the mogul."

I spit out my drink, having had the misfortune to been drinking at the time.

"What?"

I look at Kate, expecting her head will do a complete three hundred and sixty-degree rotation. When I returned from Connecticut, I sat her down. Having found peace, I was finally ready to tell Kate the entire truth, of course; with a couple of bottles of wine and the biggest tub of ice cream I could find. For the first time, Kate was speechless, though her emotions were apparent in her expression. I told her about how Christian wanted me as a submissive, then him wanting more, to Leila and the events in the apartment, Christian fears of me being hurt, the whole reason I choose not to go through with the wedding, the trip to Connecticut.. everything.

"I can't believe I am saying this either." Kate quickly orders another round drinks. Vodka shooters this time. "Drink." I comply, though it adds to the alcohol we have already consumed.

"Steele I am hoping that you are drunk enough now to accept the truth. You have moped around the apartment, and everywhere you have been since July, but even more so since you returned from Connecticut. You have admitted that you understand why Christian did what he did, even if you still don't like it. Which you shouldn't! But then you always end with how much you love and miss him. Elliot is even sick of Christian telling him how much he loves and misses you."

"Sometimes it is not enough..."

"You are not drunk enough. Where is Sawyer?... Oh, there he is. Hey, can you get another round of these shots."

Sawyer comes into close view and doesn't look too happy at Kate's request. "Sawyer, trust me. Getting another round will make yours and Taylor's life easier." Sawyer glances at me, and I nod. Kate doesn't say anything until he arrives with our drinks, but she doesn't look away.

"Drink again."

"Kate... this isn't going to change anything."

"Maybe, but I am doing this in hope that your stubbornness is put aside for at least a few hours. Ana, I … look I love you. You are my sister in every sense. Hell, I even love you more than my brother. I think you should be with Christian. You glow when you talk about him, it's in your eyes, even when you are mad at him, Though if you can't; if you truly believe that you can never get back to where you are, then you need to let Christian go completely. Find someone else, and then let him move on. Maybe Christian will find someone else.. eventually."

"Ready to go back on the dance floor baby?" All my attention was focused on Kate words that I didn't see Elliott come back from the bathroom.

"Sure!" Kate responds kissing him. They are the king and queen of public displays of affection. "Are you sure you won't join us on the dance floor?"

"No thank you. I think that is taking the third wheel way too far. In fact, I am going to ask Sawyer to take me home."

"You can go back to our place if you want." Kate offers.

"No. Thank you, but no. Though how about I come over during the week? I can cook you both dinner and make sure everything in the kitchen still works," I joke. Neither of them can cook although like Christian seems to have every appliance created by man.

"Oh yes, please! Thank you. Please. How about you come over Monday evening, then Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and then also this weekend to cook?"

"Sorry, Kate, I love you baby, but you can't cook to save your life." Elliott's comment gains him an elbowing from Kate. I laugh at them both and kiss them goodbye.

"Thank you, Sawyer, for driving me. I didn't fancy catching a cab."

"It is my job, but you're welcome Miss S... sorry Ana." I smile briefly but look out the window. When I become bored watching the city lights. I pull out my cell phone, and before I know it, I have Christian's number on the display. I stare at it. I don't know for how long, but we arrive back at the Pike Market apartment before I look at anything else.

"Ana, we are here."

"Oh.. yes.. of course." I get out of the car, start walking up to the stairs and fish my key out of my bag. However, something compels me to turn back to the car.

# # # #

Christian's POV:

My body forces my eyes to open, and I am surprised by what I see. For months, sleep has been rare, and I have woken up in darkness. My mind, my conscience and my heart never allowing me the respite to allow me to sleep longer than a few hours at a time. However, today is different. I look up at my ceiling. My room is flooded with light. Did I sleep all night? I don't ponder this thought too long when I feel the duvet move. I look to my side and blink. At first, I don't believe what I am seeing. Ana? My Ana? I stretch my arm out and touch her softly, to make sure I am not hallucinating. If I am dreaming, then I pray I never wake up.

It's her. Ana is here. She is here. I can't explain why nor do I know when she got here, but that is secondary. Right now Ana.. my Ana is here. I shuffle closer to her. I don't dare pull Ana close to me for fear of waking her. I lie next to her and watch her sleep. An hour passes. It's been one of the happiest of my life. I raise my head and kissed Ana's forehead; I don't want to wake her, but I couldn't stop myself. I had to touch her again.

"Hi," Ana utters softly waking up.

"Hi." I am suddenly aware that a broad smile has cemented itself on my face. "I was so scared that you were a dream or a hallucination."

"I should have called you, but it was kind of a spur of the moment thing. Sawyer contacted Taylor for me and let me in. Don't be mad at them for not telling you I was coming over." Mad at Sawyer and Taylor for helping Ana into my penthouse and my bed? Fuck no! I am going to give them a big fat bonus! "When I arrived, it was late, and you were asleep. I borrowed one of your shirts and slipped into your bed."

I watch Ana carefully as I move closer to her and wrap my arms around her holding her close. When she doesn't flinch nor asks me to stop, I kiss her lips. They feel as beautiful as always. I grab her hand and place it my chest. An area that I haven't let anyone touch since the day, I should have married Ana.

"You are here!"

"Yes. Can you thank you soon to be sister in law for that." Kate? "I will tell you about it later." I desperately want to know what Kate did and for how long Ana is here for, but I want just to enjoy having her here first.

"I will be sure to thank her." Fuck, I don't know how I could thank someone enough. I know I will pay for their honeymoon... Elliot hasn't made any plans yet. Maybe send them to Bora Bora or something along those lines.

"I'm so tired. I haven't slept well or much in so long."

"Me either. Sleep sweet Ana." I pull her close to me. Ana is already half asleep when she rubs my chest. Sleep finds her quickly. Faster than ever before. Fuck she mustn't have been sleeping lately. I watch her until I can't help but sleep also.

# # # #

"What time is it?" Ana mumbles softly. I find myself becoming lost in her perfect blue eyes as she opens them. Finally awake.

"It's almost midday."

"That late? I must have been more tired than I thought." Ana looks shocked at first but then just smiles slightly. I nod. I smile, overjoyed that she has slept so late. She looks well rested. Even I feel well rested.

"I woke up a couple of hours ago and couldn't bring myself to wake you up." Ana regards me cautiously. She raises her hand and runs her fingers over my cheek.

"Christian your eyes are red. Have you been crying?" I avoid looking into Ana's eyes, but I know that I can't deny the truth.

"When I woke up an hour ago and saw you were still in bed with me, I knew that it wasn't a dream. I was so scared that you would be gone. It was the first time since the day we were supposed to get married that my heart didn't feel dark or hollow. It hurt. I hadn't felt so happy, safe, forgiven and loved since the last night I spent with you.. two days before we were to be married."

"See I told you, you had a heart."

"Only because you put it there. Ana, it only beats when you are with me."

"Sounds dangerous." Instinctively I grab Ana's hand as she commences to get up. I haven't been in a bed with her for so long that I don't want this time to end. "Christian, I need to get up."

"I don't want you to. I want to keep you in my bed... our bed. It is Saturday. Neither of us needs to be at work." I point out, believing to have won't his argument. I manage to get on her back, holding her down. I want to kiss her, feel her.. have her, although I don't know if she would be ready. I don't want to push my luck.

"Except I need to go to the bathroom," Ana giggles. It's like a gift.

"A full bladder will make your orgasm even more intense," I advise salaciously.

"I will keep that in mind, but I have to go.. Now. Rather urgently too. I had a little too much to drink last night." Begrudgingly I let Ana get up. My blue shirt has never looked so good. I think I will invest in some shorter shirts. This way when Ana borrows them, I can get a view of her delectable ass.

"Should I make us some breakfast or lunch considering the time?" Ana asks coming out of the bathroom. I want to eat though I want to throw myself at her. My mind in full of ideas.

"Ana, we need to talk. I need to know what is happening." I wave my hands. If this is some cruel joke, some tease then I think I would shrivel up and die.

"Oh yeah. I did say that I would explain my sudden appearance. Well fifty, in a nutshell, I drank a bit and then my best friend and your soon to be sister in law, basically told me to get my head into gear. To either move on properly, or to do what I wanted to do. To finally act on the fact that I still love you, and you are the only one for me. I took the latter of Kate's advice." I never thought that I would be so thankful for Katherine intrusive nature. For the rest of my life, I will be eternally grateful. Not only will I pay for their honeymoon but I intend to ensure they are upgraded, wined, dined and everything. Hell, I think I will even gift my share of Elliott's company to him. This will increase Elliott's income, and help to secure them financially. They can even have a child as soon as they wish. I know that will make them both rather happy. It's the fairest thing I can do.

"Thank gosh for Katherine Kavanagh."

"Those are words that I never expected to hear from you."

"And words I may be saying for the rest of my life."

"So now that I am here. What should we do today?" I smile wickedly.

"Two things come to mind. We can either get up and have breakfast, or we can delay eating and see where we go in bed" I swallow praying hard that I am not pressing my luck. But I have given Ana an out should she not feel ready to be intimate. Having her eat as soon as possible is also one of my top priorities. She has lost weight.

"And for the second time in less than twelve hours I take the latter."

"As you wish." I tug at the hem of the shirt Ana is wearing and pull it off her. I do like my clothes on Ana put I much prefer to take them off.

Author's Note: I hope you all enjoyed and happy that you got a HEA. This ends the story and my career as a FF writer. I may still do one shots, but not a story again like the other saga's I have written. Thank you for following me you all. I appreciate it. I have spent years writing and whilst I have loved it, all those hours need to be spent on me now. I day I might write another long story but not right now…

Thank you. And of course…. Review if you wish.

Also many thanks to MrsCTGrey who beta'ed this story! THANKYOU