Author's note: Still having problems with internet connection, so I'll post what I've got while I can.

Chapter Twenty-seven

"Why was Benjamin fucking Huan in this apartment and I didn't know about it?"

His posture rigid in defense, Taylor nevertheless doesn't flinch as he says, "Because informing you would have been a waste of your time and mine."

They've been together long enough that Christian's anger at this insubordination is kept to a clipped, "Explain yourself."

"Your current orders regarding Mrs. Grey are that I'm to keep her safe in this apartment, and take another of our team with me to ensure her safety when she's on the move. When Mrs. Grey let me know that her assistant was ill and that Mr. Huan would be taking their place for now, I assessed the risk and decided it was minimal. Just in case I was wrong, I've been within earshot the entire time. Even then, I was that far away only after being ordered to stand down." With a slight smile, Taylor concludes, "Apparently, I was 'hovering' too much."

"So, you don't trust the fucker, either?"

"No, sir. A clean background check does not necessarily indicate a virtuous mind. But I believe he's harmless, or he would never have got past the reception desk."

Imagining a pissed off Ana ordering Taylor to leave the room, so her colleague would feel more at ease, Christian at first smiles, then shakes his head and says, "She still thinks everyone is basically good."

Relaxing somewhat, Taylor says, "I would think that you, of all people, would not begrudge her that trait."

Finally at ease, Christian laughs and says, "True enough. Any suggestions what to do about Huan?"

"I suggest you do nothing, sir. I don't know exactly what happened when you got here, but that kid was just about shitting his pants when I saw him out. I don't think he'll even be able to face Ana for a while, let alone consider anything that would earn him a black eye at her hands."

Chuckling at the image, Christian then frowns and says, "He was surreptitiously checking her out, the cheeky fucker, so I made it known that I didn't approve. And, yes, Ana also reprimanded me for not trusting her to take care of herself." Running a frustrated hand through his hair, he then continues, "I just…fuck, I know she could just about kick my ass if it came to that, but I can't not worry about her twenty-four hours a day. It's not in me."

Eyeing his boss speculatively, Taylor asks, "Another suggestion, sir?" At Christian's wary nod, he says, "Give yourself a fucking break. In the short time Ana's been with us, you've achieved an almost miraculous transformation. The man who pursued her all the way to Georgia is not the man before me now."

Everyone close to him has said something similar, so Christian inclines his head in modest agreement and says, "Yeah, Ana says that, too. And frequently asks that I not change too much. Can you believe it?"

With a knowing smile, Taylor says, "I can. She fell in love with that guy who couldn't let her go."

Actually feeling better about himself, Christian concedes, "Yeah, I guess so." Smiling, he then says, "Enough about me. Have you given any thought to my offer? What did your real boss say?"

Smiling at the last few words, Taylor says, "Gail and I would be thrilled to use the new house for the wedding and reception, thank you. It's proving quite difficult to find a venue during the festive season."

Clapping his hands once in celebration, Christian says, "Excellent! When?"

With a grimace, Taylor asks, "Is New Year's too soon?"

With a wide grin, Christian reassures him, "Considering I organized my own reception in two days, it's almost too long. I'll already contracted a wedding planner, hoping that you'd agree. I'll have her call Gail and get the ball rolling. And don't even think about trying to pay for anything."

Whatever protest Taylor was about to utter is put on hold when Ana knocks lightly on the door of Christian's study. She nods a greeting to Taylor and says to Christian, "Couldn't wait for me, huh?"

Standing and holding out one arm in welcome, Christian draws Ana to his side and quickly kisses her before saying, "I waited. Jason and I were discussing another matter."

Immediately wary, Ana asks, "What have you done? I told you that I can handle men like Ben."

Smiling at her perhaps justified mistrust, Christian explains, "That's the conclusion we came to, as well. The matter is closed."

Appeased, Ana says, "Oh. Well, that's good. Thank you. Want to do the honors?"

"We both can. But shouldn't Gail be here for this, too?"

"You're right." Ana releases Christian and texts Gail.

"Sir?"

Smiling, Christian says to Taylor, "You'll just have to wait."

Gail soon enters, drying her hands on her apron. When she looks to Taylor, he only shrugs, so she asks, "Something wrong?"

Christian picks up the large envelope from his desk and offers a corner to Ana. Together, they pass it to Gail as he explains, "You've both been so amazing recently, going above and beyond your already extensive duties. So we've decided that we're not taking either of you on this upcoming trip. Instead, we'd like you to have a real vacation; two weeks with nothing to worry about but what to order from room service."

With slightly trembling hands, Gail accepts the envelope and opens it with Taylor looking over her shoulder. Suddenly wondering if it's too much, when neither of them react, Ana says, "Please accept it. You've been so good to us. We just want to let you know how much we appreciate you. I know it's traditional to have the honeymoon after the wedding, but it's the twenty-first century, so we thought…"

She doesn't finish. Gail lifts her head to reveal a tear-filled smile and says "I've never been to Hawaii," as Taylor embraces her.

Relieved that their gift has been well received, Ana again slips her arm around Christian's waist, and then has to release him as Gail, still weeping grateful tears, reaches out for her. As the women embrace, Taylor shakes Christian's hand, saying, "Thank you, sir. I didn't dare hope for two whole weeks. Gail was hoping to go to Hawaii, but it didn't seem worth it if we couldn't get more time off."

As always, uncomfortable with emotional displays, Christian merely says, "You're welcome. You've earned it." As the women release each other, and smiles abound, he continues, "Something else; once we all move into the new place, I want to put you in charge of in-house security. It's essentially the same role you have now – full autonomy and seniority over the team – but you'll no longer have to also shadow me everywhere I go. It'll be much like what you've been doing this week, except you'll be working almost normal hours, including vacation time, and you won't have to follow Ana when she goes shopping." With a wide grin, he concludes, "Though I suspect that you'll have to start accompanying Gail."

Again drawing Gail into his arms, Taylor says, "Maybe I won't mind that so much. Seriously, thank you; both of you. My job has never allowed the luxury of normal hours and regular vacations."

Feigning indignation, Christian says, "Hardly regular, Jason; you'll be flying first class and staying at a five star resort."

Taylor laughs – Ana realizing only in that moment that she doesn't hear that sound nearly often enough – and says, "My mistake; an irregular vacation, then."

Smiling, Christian says, "There's one more thing."

At Gail's sharp intake of breath, they all look at her and she blushes, saying, "Sorry; not sure I can take much more of this."

Christian chuckles and says, "I'm afraid you'll have to. Ana and I intend to let you both know how much we appreciate you." Unveiling the architectural plans, he announces, "Elliot's final draft of what will be your living quarters. It took some doing, and obviously your rooms will be smaller than those in the main house, but he's managed to make it a fairly luxurious three-bedroom residence; master, guest and…" When they all lean in, it's to see that Christian's finger is pointing to the words Sophie's Room. When Gail and Taylor both look to him for confirmation, he explains, "She can stay with us whenever it suits both of you and Jennifer, including after school and on weekends. I'd like…we'd like, our kids to grow up together, if that works for you."

Gail hiccups a sob and buries her face in Taylor's chest. Even the big man himself is clearly moved, though not to tears. His voice is strained, as if with great emotion, when he says, "Yes, that'll work for us, thank you."

Christian is smiling at them when Ana takes his hand. When he glances at her, she nods towards the door. Catching on, he says, "Right. We'll leave you to it. This copy of the plans is for you. Obviously, we can make minor adjustments if something doesn't suit, but we can discuss that later. Let us know when dinner is ready. No hurry."

Gail doesn't even lift her head to say, "Thank you."

Ana is woken by gentle kisses on her eyelids, then lips, and Christian softly crooning, "Dear Ana, won't you open up your eyes? Dear Ana, won't you let me see you smile?"

Wondering how she could have had the misfortune to fall for a morning person, she bites back her "Fuck off" reply and instead protests, "How can you acknowledge my need for rest, then wake me at…" Glancing at the clock, she almost screams, "Fuck! Six in the morning on a Saturday! Are you insane?"

Unrepentant, Christian grins and says, "Flynn says no. But I'm sure we could get a second opinion that would contradict him. Come on, Adorable Ana; we're heading to the airport."

"What? Why? We're not leaving until next week."

"True. But someone is arriving this morning, and we need to greet them."

Sitting up, because she knows all too well that Christian won't be stopped when he's in this excited, happy mood, Ana grumbles, "And I suppose you're not going to tell me who it is?"

"Nope. Hurry up. The skies are relatively clear, but winter has arrived a little early, so dress warm. And grab a snack. We'll have breakfast when we get back, and then head straight back out again to miss the crowds."

Even with Christian hovering, it doesn't take Ana long to follow those instructions: black stretch slacks over support leggings, a venetian-red sweater dress and her recently acquired – courtesy of Christian stocking her closet with designer clothes suitable for her fuller figure – black nautical coat from Balenciaga Vault. By that time Christian is ready in jeans, rust sweater and full-length black woolen coat, and waiting with gloves and a warm hat for her.

Underway in the minivan Christian has hired for the purpose, and still sleepy, Ana leans against his shoulder and guesses, "It's my Mom, isn't it?"

Christian kisses her temple and says, "And Bob, yes. You're still far too clever. Everyone's coming over for movie night, but I thought you might enjoy your mother being here for our vacation shopping spree. With your help, I'm hoping to persuade Carla to let us buy her a new wardrobe, too."

"It's worth a try. But she…we…I'd known Kate a while before she realized that, when I said that I didn't have any money, it did not mean that I hadn't had time to withdraw cash from my account. Bob's business is doing well, but they're both proud people. You could have your work cut out for you."

Undaunted, Christian smiles and says, "Perhaps. But I can be very persuasive."

Lifting her face for a kiss, which he readily bestows on her, Ana then says, "True." Again resting her head on him, she mutters, "Wake me when we get there."

Ana doesn't quite manage to doze on the way. And the bracing November air is enough that she's well and truly awake by the time they spot Carla and Bob. Having not seen her daughter in the flesh for a couple of months, Carla is volubly excited about everything; from Ana's glowing good health and burgeoning baby bump, to the joys of travelling in the GEH jet, and the fact that their overseas trip is only a week away. While the two women catch up, the guys take care of the luggage under Taylor's watchful eye. By the time they reach Escala, a few familiar faces of diehard paparazzi are gathered outside the parking garage. Thankfully, they don't know the vehicle, so everyone makes it into the building without incident.

After a sumptuous breakfast, they're getting ready to head out again when Ana notices Christian deep in conversation with Bob. She hangs back for a second, giving them privacy, but Christian sees her, smiles and motions her over to quietly reveal, "Bob's onboard; Carla doesn't stand a chance."

Realizing that he's talking about treating her Mom to an entire new travel wardrobe, Ana is genuinely pleased and bestows a kiss on Bob's cheek, saying, "Thank you. I've been dying for an excuse to really spoil her."

A little embarrassed by the unusual sign of affection, Bob says, "Yes, well, your Mom has often expressed regret that the two of you haven't had enough time together…ever. You're too sweet to hold it against her, and I doubt that one vacation will erase all her guilt, but I want her to have that chance. So I'm ready to do what I can to ensure this trip becomes a happy memory for both of you."

Crying her first happy tears of the day, Ana takes it one step further and actually hugs Bob for the first time since she's met him. She trusts that her husband is mostly joking when, after a few seconds, Christian cheerfully teases, "Okay, enough of that. You're both married."

It's exactly the right tone to make Ana laugh and she releases her current stepfather as she dries her eyes and says, "Thanks, Bob."

Clearly also moved by the new level of intimacy between them, Bob is obviously talking about more than just clothes shopping when he warmly promises, "Like Christian says, I'm onboard."

Travelling securely from one boutique fashion store to the next, it doesn't take Ana long to realize, "So, northern hemisphere?"

Christian smiles and says, "Yes. Have you guessed, yet?"

Ana thought she knew after the first shop assistant showed her garments from only the winter catalogue and she tentatively asks, "England?"

Christian's smile broadens and he confirms, "Yes."

Having been handed one of her life's dreams, Ana's cognitive powers desert her, leaving her mind blank for a second. Then she notices the look on Carla's face and says, "You knew."

"Yes, sweetie." Then turning to Christian, Carla smilingly explains, "Her apparent lack of gratitude is a good sign. It means she's too happy to form sentences."

"Yes, I'm aware of…" Whatever Christian had been going to say is cut off by Ana practically throwing herself at him. He laughs as he catches her in his arms, saying, "Whoa, baby, remember you're two people. The poor kid will wonder what the hell is happening."

Her face buried against his neck, Ana mutters, "They'll just have to get used to it, because I'm married to the most wonderful man in the world."

After a leisurely lunch downtown, and hours buying everything necessary for two weeks of a British winter, the tired but happy foursome and their minders are heading back to Escala; the guys amicably chatting about everything from fishing to football. Sitting behind them, arm in arm, the women are just enjoying the friendly atmosphere when Carla whispers, "Lord, how that man loves you."

Unable to discern her mother's tone, Ana offers a noncommittal, "Yes, he does."

Squeezing her daughter's hand a little tighter, Carla quietly reassures, "A good thing, sweetie. I worried…you seemed so completely enamored of him that I at first worried it was a little one-sided. But he's so attentive that I'm almost jealous. And something has changed. He seems…not more affectionate, exactly…."

When Carla stalls, Ana smiles and murmurs, "He's more relaxed. I decided to trust him. And somehow that means he's finally able to trust me, too; no longer worrying that I'm going to leave him."

Nodding, Carla whispers, "Yes, that's it. He used to look at you with an almost haunted expression. But now I see only love when he stares at you…he does that a lot, doesn't he?"

Ana giggles, prompting a glance and a smile from Christian before he returns to his conversation with Bob. "Unfortunately, yes; sometimes even when I'm sleeping." Suddenly serious, she softly asks, "So, you're not worried about us, anymore?"

With a gentle smile, Carla says, "I'm your mother; I'll always worry about you. But I no longer worry about you loving Christian too much. He's hooked."

Proving that he's been multitasking the entire time, Christian says, with a smile and a wink "Yes, I am," before again returning to his conversation.

Where Credit's Due: The song Christian wakes Ana with is his version of a couple of lines from "Dear Prudence" by The Beatles.