A/N: Here's a flashback story. This takes place the night of the helicopter crash. Told in Grace's POV .
I do not own the characters. They belong to E.L. James. This is only for fun.
~o0o~
Home Sweet Home.
As the reality of the evening's event has hit me yet again, relief washes over me. I sob softly into Carrick's chest. Carrick holds me, his eyes still brimming with unshed tears.
"Long night," he softy says to me
"That's the understatement of the century, Counselor," I remark back with a little smile.
"Are you alright?" He gazes at me with loving concern.
"Our son is alive and safe. That makes me alright," I say, thinking back to just an hour or so earlier….
~o0o~
I don't think I have ever been so frightened in my life. I love my children with ever fiber of my being. If anything were to happen to Elliot, Christian or Mia, I don't know how I could go on. My children are my life. Thank goodness Elliot and Mia were with us. I needed my family with me.
Mia seemed quite smitten with Kate's brother. He seems a bit unsure of her. Mia is a delightful spirited girl, but she can overwhelm you with her boundless enthusiasm. I wonder if Ethan is up to that challenge. Seems like he may have some reservations about her.
Elliot and Kate are adorable together. Perhaps my randy son has finally found a girl who can keep him in place for more than a two week period. It looks to me that Kate may be just the one to tame my wild son. She is an intelligent and no nonsense young lady and I believe that's just what Elliot needs. I like her.
~o0o~
Tonight were all of my worst nightmares come true. When we got the call that Christian was missing; it felt like the wind was knocked out of me and I was gasping for air. This simply couldn't be happening. As the hours ticked away, I felt more and more despair settling in, but I knew my son was out there and he was alive. I would accept no other outcome. He was alive. I knew it. My heart felt as if it was on hold until he came home to us.
While looking at Ana, that darling girl, my heart broke. I knew there was a special bond between them at the Coping Together Gala. At the table and throughout the night, I noticed their secret glances and their shy smiles at each other. Christian always has a hand on her. It was like he had to touch her, needed to be connected to her. They looked so very happy and so much in love. When they danced together, it was as if no one else was in the room, they were in their own world. It warmed my heart to witness this new love blooming in front of us.
As we sat waiting for news, any news...I watched Ana trying to comfort herself by rocking in front of the fireplace. I knew she was barely holding herself together but she was trying to be brave for my son. I saw the look of concern on Mrs. Jones' face when handing her a cup of tea. Being around Christian and Ana on a daily basis, Mrs. Jones obviously knew there was something very special between them too. It was apparent that the staff adored Ana and cared deeply for my son.
My heart began to beat again when Christian walked through those elevator doors. Alive. Dirty. Safe. I could breathe again. I couldn't control my emotions when I came barreling after him and wrapped my arms tightly around him. I know that kind of physical contact is unacceptable for my son with his complicated issues, but I couldn't help myself. All restraint was gone.
But another miracle happened… he held me back. He wrapped his arms around me and held me…gently rocking me, assuring me that he was there. He was alive. He was okay. Like a loving son comforting his mother would.
He showed me affection when I needed it the most. Deep down and in the only way he's capable, I know Christian loves us; he just doesn't have the ability to demonstrate it. He's been closed off for so long. This change in Christian was remarkable.
I wondered about his look of confusion when he realized we were all there for him. Where else would I be? I had to be there… it was the closest I had to physically being with my lost son. That penthouse was the only link I had to him.
As he glanced around the room, in disbelief, I thought noticed his eyes on Ana's friend, Jose. For a split second he looked angry…jealous maybe? How could that be? No, I must have imagined that. That sweet girl only has eyes for my enigmatic son. There is absolutely no doubt about that. Surely he knows that too.
~o0o~
Now he's home, safe and sound. No doubt in the loving arms of his Ana. It's time for me to finally rest in the loving arms of the man who has been my pillar strength for so many years. I turn to Carrick in our bed.
"She's the one, Carrick. There's no doubt in my mind. I know she's the one. Did you see it? The way she touched him? Did you see it? It was astounding. When Ana went to Christian she touched his chest, he didn't even flinch. He allowed it. He trusts her, Carrick. That darling girl was able to break through a barrier we thought was unbreakable. Somehow she has earned his trust. He knows she won't hurt him."
"Yes, I did notice. Quite astonishing, considering his haphephobia. You know, when Ana and I danced at the Gala, she confessed to me that he told her of some of his horrific childhood past. I was quite surprised with that revelation. That something Christian never discusses, even with us. I'm grateful he's found someone he feels comfortable confiding to."
"Did you see the way he looks at her? He simply can not take his eyes off of her. Carrick, they are meant to be. Perhaps he can finally lay some of his demons to rest. Our dreams of Christian having a full life, a happy ending with love and a family of his own may actually be a reality someday."
"You're such a romantic. Yes, I've seen the way he looks at her. Much like the way I look at you, my darling. I've never seen our son so buoyant. It's a joy to witness. Someday… perhaps he'll have his happy ending. There's something special between the two of them and she is a lovely girl. But let's not get ahead of ourselves, Grace. They haven't been together very long. Don't book the chapel just yet. It's a bit soon to be talking about heading down the aisle."
"Of course, Cary. Goodnight, my love." I close my eyes and feel content.