Chapter Thirty-two

Ana's eyes prove bigger than her stomach, and Christian is again finishing her meal when she asks, "Is everything on our itinerary for me alone?"

Looking at Carla, deep in conversation with Bree, he reveals, "I offered, but she insisted that being here was enough, because Savannah seems increasingly too far away from us as your pregnancy progresses."

"No, darling, I was asking for you; what are we doing for you?"

Smiling down at her, there is nothing but sincerity in his voice when Christian promises, "Seeing you safe and well is all I need, baby."

Too moved by his earnest declaration to at first continue, Ana swallows too much emotion and says, "Still, I'd rather we do some stuff that you'd enjoy; something to do with music, maybe? I'll end up feeling like shit if we don't."

With a pointed glance at Carla, Christian quietly cautions, "Watch your language." Then addressing Nigel, now standing nearby while Lea eats, he asks, "How long to Aldeburgh from here?"

"Uh, about thirty minutes, sir. Change of plans?"

Smiling at his grateful wife, Christian says, "Yes. Today is No Plan Day. There's a free concert this afternoon on the beach. But we need to be back in Thetford by three."

Glancing at his watch, Nigel says, "Then we'd better leave right away."

Getting Carla's attention, Christian announces, "Come on, ladies. You can finish that in the car. We have a short, unscheduled stop."

Utterly confused, Carla asks, "What? Why?"

Still with an apparently unstoppable smile, Christian is looking at Ana as he says, "Because your daughter is teaching me the joys of spontaneity."

On the short drive to Aldeburgh, Christian explains why it's associated with the brilliant composer Benjamin Britten, and concludes, "We should get there just in time to hear an orchestra playing part of one of his operas. The Four Sea Interludes are variously entitled Dawn, Sunday Morning, Moonlight and Storm."

With a wary expression, Carla asks, "How long will this take?"

"Not a fan of classical music, Carla?" When she only shrugs, Christian says, "You can relax. It'll take about twenty minutes. We have to return to Thetford in time for your daughter to swing through the trees."

They've already discussed Go Ape and Carla has consented to be photographer for the duration…from the ground. "It's not really dangerous, is it?"

Strangely comforted by the thought, Ana confidently declares, "If it were, Christian wouldn't be okay with it, Mom."

Seemingly now at ease with his decision, Christian assures, "I'll stay with her, Carla."

That apparently settles the matter to Carla's satisfaction. They soon arrive at another perfect seaside town; Aldeburgh. Ana isn't very surprised when Carla begs off to do yet more shopping, merely smiling at Christian's caution to return in time or risk being left behind. As he watches the three women head to the nearest store, he shakes his head and says, "I don't think your Mom is afraid of me at all."

Thrilled that he and Carla are getting along so well – one of her concerns before they'd left home – Ana gently teases, "Either it's a family trait, or you're just not that scary, Mr. Grey."

Taking Ana in his arms, tenderly forcing her hands behind her back and pulling her hard up against his apparently ready and willing body, Christian quietly promises, "Very soon, I'll remind you just how scary I can be."

Her senses reeling from this unusually public display of kinky affection, Ana is almost dizzy with desire as she squeaks, "Okay."

His face split with a delighted grin at the effect he has on her, Christian just laughs and hauls her towards the shore, an unobtrusive Nigel close behind. Lost in the sights around them, Ana trusts her feet to his guidance. There are more Christmas decorations here than she'd seen in Southwold, and she idly wonders why. As they merge with the crowd on the beach, within sight of the small orchestra, Christian brings them to a halt and whispers, "Put your hands on your hips."

Curious, Ana does as bid, asking, "And?"

Manhandling her for a second, pushing her hands a little further back and adjusting her elbows, he then instructs, "Now stick out your belly."

Working out that this will announce her pregnancy to any and all who see her, Ana waits for the reason why as he then motions that she should precede him. They're approaching a huge metal sculpture, about twelve feet high, that looks like a broken scallop shell. The broad base of the exquisite piece is apparently intended as a seat, because it's covered with music lovers and buffed to a sparkling sheen from constant use. Christian chooses his target and takes a moment to check Ana's appearance before winking at her, then turning to address the young man, "Excuse me, sir. Would you mind?"

Following Christian's open-handed gesture to his obviously pregnant wife, the youth's expression turns from sullen hostility to contrition in a second, and he leaps up, nudging his friend as he does so, saying, "Uh, yeah. Of course."

Mortified to be so used, Ana blushes and mumbles "Thank you," as the gentleman smile and nod before moving away to seek another place of rest. Sitting down, with Christian's assistance, she complains, "That wasn't nice."

Clearly pleased with himself, Christian joins her as he says, "Of course it was. The kid feels like a hero, and all he had to do was stand up. I'm glad to see that chivalry is not quite dead in modern Britain."

Her entire being suffused with happiness, Ana smiles and asks, "And if he hadn't stood up?"

Mirroring her smile, it's impossible to tell if he's joking when he quietly vows, "Then we would have found out how well I can keep my promise of never hitting someone in anger."

When he then leans his back against the pleasantly curved metal and offers Ana an arm, she snuggles into his side, warmed by everything about him, and says, "This is pretty."

"It was made in tribute to Britten." Pointing up above them, he explains, "Can't quite see it from here, but there's a quote from his most famous opera punched out along the top; 'I hear those voices that will not be drowned.'"

Again awed by this man beside her, Ana asks, "How do you know so much?"

Christian laughs a little and says, "That one was luck. The owner of Adnams brewery helped pay for it, so I found out when I was researching Southwold. Apparently, the sculpture is not popular with the locals."

"I like it."

With a quiet smile, Christian says, "Wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that you're here in my arms, would it?"

"Perhaps. I love you, Christian."

He's heard those last four words every day for several months, yet this simple assertion, in a sincere tone – and it's always sincere – still takes his breath away.

The music starts then, so Ana leans her head on his shoulder to enjoy it; trusting that, if her talented husband wants to be here, the experience will be worth the journey.

Christian takes a moment to calm his breathing, then kisses the top of her head and says, "Thank you, Anastasia."

The first interlude pierces Ana's chest with something like optimism…perhaps even eager anticipation. Thankfully, for the uneducated like her, the musicians leave a pause long enough to announce the next passage of music, but short enough to preclude distracting applause. The second doesn't sit well with her, and she resolves to ask Christian about it later. The third – she remembers is called "Moonlight" – sounds absolutely perfect to her untrained ear, and she feels almost as if the two of them are alone…three of them, for the baby then starts writhing and kicking, as if he's dancing. She silently lets Christian know, so that he can rest a hand on her abdomen and feel the movements; an activity for which he apparently has endless enthusiasm.

The abrupt and violent start of "Storm" is a shock, no doubt intentionally; Ana can easily picture waves building and crashing. Remembering this is from an opera, she's suddenly afraid for the protagonists. But then the crescendo eases somewhat and, in her mind's eye, she sees a slight parting of the storm clouds, revealing a hopeful patch of blue sky. However, it's short-lived, and she imagines a tiny boat being swamped by impossibly large waves as the music again builds, then suddenly concludes with a crushing blow.

Almost immediately, the entire foreshore comes to life with appropriately thunderous applause. As it eventually dies down, Ana asks Christian, "They don't make it, do they?"

"The opera is a tragedy." Christian hesitates before nervously asking, "You're interested?"

Opera is not something that has ever appealed to her in the past, but suddenly it feels almost like a need. "I am. Will we have time while we're here?"

"You'd accompany me to the opera?"

Smiling at his disbelief, Ana says, "Yes, please."

Still unsure, Christian says, "I didn't think you'd ever want to."

Not sure what's changed, except that almost anything is more fun with Christian beside her, Ana shrugs and suggests, "Maybe I've matured."

Christian smiles and says, "All right, baby; the opera it is. But it had better wait until you're not hormonal and weeping every day, or your sobs will drown out the arias."

Ana pokes that ticklish spot on his ribs as she again accuses, "Not nice, Grey."

Laughing, Christian springs to his feet, out of reach, and helps her to stand as he says, "No, but accurate." Hand in hand, on their way back to the car, he asks, "So, you enjoyed it?"

"I did, except for…was the second one 'Sunday Morning'?"

"Yeah, they fucked that up a little. It was…they should have made it livelier. The rest was well done, though. What was your favorite?"

His question a little too keen, Ana guesses that he's hoping it will be the same as hers. So she grins and suggests, "On three, we both say which one we like the most." Christian also grins and nods his assent. Ana counts, "One…two…," and then they both exclaim, "Moonlight!"

Delighted, Christian laughs and gestures to their son as he points out, "A family favorite, then."

They both grin like kids for a while. Then Ana asks, "They really like this Britten guy, huh?"

"Today is his birthday. So the entire weekend is devoted to celebrating his works. But, yes, they like him. He lived here for quite a while, and built a now internationally famous concert hall nearby. The centenary of his birth is in a couple of years. I imagine the festivities will go on all year for that one."

"Can we come back here, then? I feel bad that I'm dragging you away so soon."

Kissing her forehead, Christian then says, "Sure, if you still want to. But don't feel bad, baby. I had a wonderful time. Sharing music with you is perhaps the most intimate thing we do."

They're approaching the Range Rover, and the women are already waiting, so Ana lowers her voice to say, "I dunno; we've done some fairly intimate things." Of course, she'd understood his real meaning, but is too happy not to turn it into a game.

As usual, Christian quickly proves that he will always win this particular game. Leaning close, his warm breath against her ear sending a shudder of pleasure through her, he whispers, "Tonight, I'm going to fuck you by moonlight in Thetford forest." The power of her sudden need for him causing her step to falter from the trembling in her legs, Ana is still unable to speak when he quietly asks, "Intimate enough for you, baby?"

Her only answer is a blissful smile.

Carla shrewdly appraises her daughter's appearance as they approach and asks, "You two were listening to music, right?"

Ana giggles and says, "Yes, Mom. It was really good. Christian is taking me to the opera after the baby is born."

Climbing into the car, Carla says, "You're on your own with that one, kiddo. Your late grandfather took me one time when I was in my teens. I think he hoped that I might share his love for it, but I fell asleep."

Helping Ana into her seat, Christian asks, "Which one was it?"

Clearly unimpressed, Carla waves it away and says, "Oh, who the hell knows; something with a clown singing…I mean, an actual clown! Can you believe it?"

Christian, his eyes sparkling with barely suppressed humor, reveals, "Pagliacci; not one of my favorites, though it remains popular." As he takes his seat, he continues, "There's a 'Pagliacci Pizza' near my parent's place. Their gourmet pizzas are delicious, and the pasta dishes even more so. Perhaps that might ease your pain, Carla?"

Looking only at Ana, Carla's smile indicates she's not upset when she asks, "Why do I feel like he's laughing at me?"

Their gentle, teasing manner sending her happiness to new heights, Ana laughs and says, "Welcome to my world."

Carla levels a powerless glare at Christian before returning her attention to her new best friend, Bree, as this time Lea takes the wheel.

Returning to Thetford, the still persistent sun streaming in through the car windows, and enough carbohydrates in her belly for the coming week, Ana simply cannot stay awake. Her eyelids flickering in an attempt to fight it, the last thing she sees is Christian smiling at her as he mouths, "Sleep."

She wakes to see that they're outside Wereham House, and Christian is at her open door, saying, "Just time to freshen up before we head for the trees."

He's already unclipped her seatbelt. Yawning, Ana almost falls out of the car, thankfully steadied by his strong arm. "Sorry…sleepy."

His expression a little too intent, he asks, "Need more rest, baby?"

So she knows that he's still worried about Go Ape. Only Nigel is nearby, so Ana guesses that the others are already inside. "You've researched this?"

"Yes."

"Including any injuries that have ever happened?"

"Yes." When Ana says nothing else, a suddenly aloof Christian clinically explains, "One fatality; of unrelated natural causes. The adult course can leave bruises, scratches and cuts, and is open to serious injury from falling. But the junior course doesn't allow for such injuries, and every participant must wear a helmet."

"Can you be okay with this? You must know that I would never proceed if it will really make you anxious." She knows that Christian will once again be everything she needs when his expression suddenly relaxes and he thumps his chest with clenched fists. When he's done, Ana moves into his embrace as she seductively asks, "You Tarzan?"

She can see that the title pleases him, from the sudden flare of desire in his eyes. Holding her close, Christian says only "Yes," but their close contact confirms that he's imagining far more; she can actually feel his erection growing between them.

"Do we have time?"

Almost ferociously kissing her, Christian abruptly releases her and says, "No. But you'd better pee, because you'll be harnessed to a steel cable for the next hour or so."

Once again whisked away in his wake (how many times since they met?), Ana is determined to gain the upper hand, and appreciatively murmurs, "Mmm…harnessed to a steel cable."

Christian hisses in surprise and rocks to a standstill. Glancing around, seeing only a studiously inattentive Nigel, he closes the tiny gap between them and smiles his pride as he warmly avows, "Oh, I love you, Anastasia." Ana knows that she's won this round when he kisses the tip of her nose and promises, "Tonight."

Ten minutes later, everyone except Bree is back in the car. This December afternoon, Thetford forest is still mostly sunny, but very chilly within the shade of the tall trees. Even without the large sign and gorilla statue near the gate, it's easy to see that they're in the right place by the many and varied wooden paths through the treetops, vanishing into the distance. They're greeted by the young manager, Anthony, who explains the basics and points them towards the safety briefing. Glancing above them, at the many rowdy "gorillas", he concludes, "As you can tell, several of your group are already participating in the adult and junior course. Assuming you've understood the basics, you can proceed when you're ready."

Shaking the guy's hand, Christian says, "Thank you. I understand that you stayed open another week, just so we could enjoy this?"

"Well, it was Pru's doing. But, yes. Thank you, for making it worth my while. My supervisor is thrilled that this final day for the season is such a success."

When he's gone, Christian answers Ana's confusion with, "They normally close for winter, but Prudence nagged him into staying open long enough for this. Only your relatives are here today."

"And you paid for it all…presumably and then some?" He's still smiling in answer when she exclaims, "Wait; her full name is Prudence?"

Christian laughs and says, "I know; defies belief, doesn't it?"

Ana also laughs and points out, "Like your name."

"Hey, I've been in a church."

"You mean, yesterday?"

"Yes." Again taking her hand, he says, "Come on. Let's get this over with, before I lose my nerve."

Kitted up in gloves, helmet and harness, and well-versed in safety procedures, they make their way to the first tree. Pru is waiting and greets them with, "Don't you love what the straps do for your twigs and berries, Christian?" Winking at Ana, she adds, "Not that he needs any help in that area."

Ana knows that Christian has decided to let the crass comments roll off his back when he gestures to Pru's groin and says, "Sadly, not so flattering to the slightly overweight female form."

Pru's mouth drops open and her eyes widen in shock, then she bursts out laughing and says, "So, you do have a sense of humor? Then this should be a hoot. I thought it'd be best if I go first; show you how easy it is, then Ana, followed by you?"

"Perfect."

Ana takes a moment, before following Pru up to the first platform, to offer Christian a sincere, "Thank you."

He shrugs and says, "If I'm here, I might as well have fun." Gently shoving her, he adds, "Now, stop stalling." So Ana is laughing as she climbs the narrow, enclosed wooden staircase.

The first obstacle is relatively easy; wooden stepping stones in tic-tac-toe shapes. The second is only slightly more challenging; a narrow offset pattern of planks, which Ana likewise traverses with ease. Starting to wonder if the entire course is a little too easy for an adult, Ana eventually balks at row upon row of horizontal logs, secured at each end by a sturdy rope, but otherwise swinging free. Pru, of course, easily makes it to the other side and turns to wait for her.

Just putting her foot on the first log means that Ana stumbles and almost falls, except that Christian's sudden grip on the back of her harness would never have permitted it. "I'm okay."

"You're sure?"

At her nod, Christian releases her and gives her some room to try again. From the other platform, Pru calls out, "Just relax, Ana. It's much easier than it looks."

Ana can almost feel Christian's tension as a tangible force. Yet somehow, having him with her, even in his concerned mode, gives her the strength to move forward. Of course, she finds that Pru was right; relaxing shows why the challenge is within the abilities of the average child.

The rest of the hour is pure fun, with Pru and Christian constantly teasing each other, mostly as if Ana isn't even there, and all of them occasionally waving to Carla, filming from below. At one point, Christian taps Ana's shoulder and points in the distance, where a deer…a stag, stands resplendent in the last of the day's sunlight. The final obstacle again sets Ana's heart racing; an almost endless zip-line down to a pile of what looks like woodchips. She's unconsciously rubbing her belly in concern for her unborn child when Pru says, "It's real gradual, babe. You'll land as gentle as a feather. But, if you really can't do it, we can cut you free and lower you down."

With only two people permitted on each platform, the women are alone. When Ana nervously glances back towards Christian, he moves to join them, but she waves him away, glad that she sounds certain when she reassures him, "I'm okay."

She then nods to Pru, who beams at her and says, "That's m' girl. Remember to have fun, okay?"

Forcing a smile, Ana says, "I will. Besides, if I back out now, Christian would never let me forget it."

Pru laughs and says, "And that. See you on the ground." With that, she's gone, smiling and waving as she zips towards the ground.

Christian almost sprints across the rope bridge to Ana's side and enfolds her in his arms to ask, "Okay, baby?"

Her eyes glued to Pru's dwindling form, relieved to see that the descent is indeed fairly sedate, Ana nods and says, "Okay. Just got scared for Blip. But it actually looks like fun, doesn't it?"

His tone resigned, Christian says, "No. I don't know how the fuck you talked me into this."

Ana smiles at the memory of how tender he'd been last night, and says, "Apparently, you're too much of a gentleman to refuse a weeping woman."

Also smiling, he says "True, so it's just as well you're too much of a lady to use it against me," then lowers his lips to hers for a lingering reaffirmation of their love.

"Will you two hurry up? It's monkeys out here, now!"

Laughing at Pru's outraged tone, clearly audible even from so far below them, Ana mouths, "Monkeys?"

Grinning, Christian explains, "Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey. She's right." Stepping back a little, he gestures to the zip-line and says, "After you, ma'am."

Determined to follow Pru's advice about having fun, Ana trusts in the ability of the harness to keep her safe as she lets herself fall off the platform, daring, "Catch me if you can!"

She knows very well that her safety conscious husband would never consider violating the rules enough to add his weight to the cable while she's on it. So the mixture of concern, sexual frustration and admiration on his face as she sails away from him means that she's laughing for pure joy as she gently but clumsily lands. An overjoyed Pru is immediately by her side and helps her get clear, then signals Christian.

Watching him glide to the ground and easily land on his feet – a task apparently beyond her – Ana marvels that he can somehow perform even this activity gracefully. His competence fuels her desire for him, already at a steady hum just from being with him all day. A tired but happy (and horny) Ana is still brushing woodchips from her clothing when Christian wraps her in his arms and warmly declares, "We are never doing that again."

Where credit's due: To AriadneInNaxos, for suggesting Aldeburgh. Thank you.