Chapter Thirty-three

Christian is helping Ana out of her harness inside the equipment room of Go Ape. They're effectively alone, being the last participants in the tree top adventure for the entire year, but he still takes the precaution of lowering his voice to run his fingertips over the straps and appreciatively murmur, "I like this; might get one."

Despite being assured by different professionals that Ana is effectively healthy and robust, they've not been in the playroom since Ana's surgery; his choice, not hers. Her heart beating faster in anticipation at the thought that he might be past his fear of hurting her if they indulge in anything other than light bondage, Ana asks, "You think…you're ready for more?"

With a hesitant smile, Christian says, "Maybe. I mean, if you can make like a gorilla, you're not that fragile, are you?"

Relieved that her patient acceptance of his trepidation appears to be paying off, Ana grins and says, "Now you tell me; when we're away from home for two weeks!"

Christian smiles, embraces her and says, "Thanks, for being so understanding. I still occasionally have nightmares about seeing them cut into your brain."

Ana cheerfully reminds him, "A sight that you never witnessed, because they put up that curtain to block your view."

Reaching a hand down to cup her butt, he gently warns, "Well enough to play means well enough for punishment, Anastasia."

Beaming up at her apparently now kinky-as-ever husband, Ana says, "I hope so. It's not nearly as much fun torturing you if I know that there'll be no consequences." They've talked as if her punishments have continued uninterrupted. But, presumably for the same reason as his reluctance to play, Christian hasn't seriously taken his hand to her ass in a very long time. Of course, he could have continued with different punishments; he's always been creative that way, but he hasn't even done that. Ana didn't broach the subject with him, because she also hasn't felt the need for it; what with her illness, surgery and now pregnancy, then the media shit-storm that ensued. All of these factors have restricted her lifestyle more than even her self-confessed control freak husband would ever dare. But now, knowing that Christian is considering resuming Domestic Discipline, she's once again eager and, again, amazed at this need that had remained dormant within her psyche until their fateful meeting.

Nothing but love in his voice, Christian observes, "You're brave when we're thousands of miles from home."

Literally thrilled to be able to play her favorite game again – awakening Angry/playful Christian – Ana declares, "Like I said; you're not that scary, Grey."

One eyebrow raised, Christian calmly asks, "Is that consent, baby?"

Only now nervous, having learned to be wary of that "innocent" tone, Ana thinks about it for a few moments; despite it not always being easy accepting punishment from her husband, she's more certain than ever that it's ultimately the best thing…for both of them. "Uh, yes."

His voice rich with promise, Christian instructs, "Say it, in your own words, so that I'll know we're in accord."

"We'll discuss the parameters before proceeding?"

A nod and, "Of course."

"And not while we're on vacation? I don't want Mom knowing about this."

His eyes widening for a second, Christian promises, "Fuck, no."

A steady hum of excitement, like electricity, running through her veins, Ana is pleased that her voice remains steady when she says, "Husband, I hereby consent to you disciplining me as you see fit, so that I can be a better wife." On a whim, she adds, "And mother."

His tone warm, Christian says, "Those are some good words, baby. I'm so proud of you. But you barely put a foot wrong nowadays. I'll have my work cut out for me finding any transgressions."

Pleased that he's noticed her efforts, Ana says, "Maybe I've just got better at hiding it when I misbehave?"

With a knowing smile, Christian says, "Or, maybe it causes you genuine distress to disappoint me?"

It had taken Ana a while to realize this fact, even longer to accept it, and she still feels something like…betrayal of self to acknowledge it. "You've always known that about me, haven't you?"

"Almost always, yes." Hesitating only a second, Christian confesses, "Perhaps because I feel the same way."

A brisk knock on the door is the only warning they get before Pru enters, sees them in each other's arms and says, "No wonder you're taking so long. I thought maybe the buckles were proving too much for you." With a lecherous grin, she adds, "Need a few minutes?"

Releasing Ana to instead take her hand, Christian jokes, "Yes. Fuck off, Pru-dence."

Looking genuinely upset for the first time since they met, Pru protests, "No one calls me that. I hate it."

Clearly untroubled, Christian brusquely counters, "Then perhaps you'll remember that before yet again interrupting me when I'm speaking with my wife." Ana recognizes Dominant Christian in the last few words, and is suddenly worried that she'll need to intervene.

Pru's pique disappears in an instant, and she cheerfully declares to Ana, "He's deliciously domineering, isn't he?"

Considering the topic of their conversation just before Pru entered, Ana is powerless to stop her resulting laughter. Christian is glowering at both of them as he coolly says, "Time for dinner, I think."

Pru laughs and clutches her chest as she says, "Oh, be still my beating heart." In the next breath continuing, "Hurry up. I'll take Carla in with me. She's freezing."

When she's gone, Christian shakes his head and says, "Another one who's not afraid of me. Am I losing my touch?"

He seems genuinely concerned, so Ana points out, "Near as I can tell, before meeting me, most of the women you encountered were either sycophants who couldn't wait to work for you, or true submissives. I'm afraid, Mr. Grey, that most women are not so easily intimidated."

Tracing the line of her face with a gentle caress, Christian's gaze again expresses only love when he says, "Clearly." Then leading her out the door, he continues, "Come on. If you recall, I have after-dinner plans."

It's only a short walk to the High Lodge in Thetford forest, where they're having an early dinner. As they approach the huge building, now decorated with hundreds of Christmas lights as the day ends, Ana can hear rowdy celebration within and asks Christian, "My family?"

"Yes, baby; what's left of them. Some had to return home, of course. I'm afraid there're enough of them left to form a scary mob. Some of them even brought their children today; the little monkeys you saw in the trees earlier."

Of course, Christian holds the door open for her, so Ana is first to enter and is greeted by applause and cheers, that soon dissolves into congratulatory ape sounds. Embarrassed, as always, at being the center of attention, Ana is wishing she could just disappear when Christian puts a gentle guiding hand on her lower back and whispers, "If you sit down, they'll shut the fuck up."

Only then realizing that standing still and blushing is only encouraging them, Ana gratefully lets him guide her to the vacant chair near Ann Lambert. By some silent cue, probably their arrival, the meal is then served. Christian leans close and says, "My apologies, beforehand. This is more of a cafeteria than a restaurant, though the food is homemade. You know that I didn't have much time to set this up."

Mortified that he feels like it might not be enough for her, after all that he's already done to make this trip something she'll treasure forever, Ana rests her hand on his and says, "Thank you, darling. Every new day with you is still the best day of my life."

Apparently, it's enough, because Christian actually looks a little embarrassed at her praise, and they eat their deliciously appropriate hot soup and fresh bread while chatting with those nearest them. Next, Ana learns of another British treasure; Cornish pasties. As dessert is served, Christian quietly instructs her, "Leave some room; part of my plans include a sweet treat."

Almost full, but not wanting to miss out on apple crumble with custard, she counters, "Half each?"

Humor sparkling in his eyes, Christian haggles, "Two thirds for me?"

"Deal."

After the meal, Ana has time for mingling. Soon with a question for Christian, she goes in search of him and eventually finds him squatting down, chatting with a young girl. "So, you're Ana's cousin?"

With an amused glance at what must be her father, the child laughs and shakes her head, saying, "No. Guess again."

"Her niece?"

With another giggle, the girl insists, "No."

Throwing his hands up in surrender, Christian says, "I give up. You'll have to tell me."

"I'm her auntie, silly."

Smacking his forehead with his palm, Christian exclaims, "Auntie! Of course." Then extending his hand in greeting, he says, "A pleasure to meet you, Aunt Lucy. I'm Christian."

As they rather formally shake hands, Christian catches sight of Ana and stands, saying, "Gotta go; your niece is looking for me." Approaching Ana, he accepts her into his embrace and says, "Have you worked out yet who's who? It's beyond me."

Ana laughs and says, "Nope. Some of them say they're my cousin, but it's actually third cousin twice removed or some such thing, so I've given up. Hey, what's this Electric Forest that they're talking about?"

Showing the infuriating smile, that means he won't reveal the surprise until he's ready, Christian says, "Go pee and put your coat on; you're about to find out."

"I've just been."

"Oh, I wondered where you'd got to."

Smiling, Ana asks, "Miss me?"

"Always, baby."

Ana then wonders which one of them is the Pied Piper when, after Christian helps with her coat, the children in the room follow them en masse – armed with flashlights against the dark and layers of clothing against the cold – dragging weary parents with them. It's immediately evident what the Electric Forest is; the nearby play equipment is brightly lit up against a stunning backdrop of the tallest trees in the forest, now illuminated by multi-hued spotlights. The spectacle quite takes Ana's breath away. She's still staring, as children run past her to participate, when Christian's gentle, guiding hand is again at her back and he says, "Come on, baby, the real show is inside the forest."

The path is easy to follow, and they have headlamps for the darker areas. Ana holds Christian's hand as they first walk beneath a canopy of lanterns, then under the same platforms they traversed earlier, past countless disco balls highlighted by spotlights that make the forest actually sparkle with pinpoints of light, plus a sound and light show that renders everyone speechless, because it's not just light; music is playing throughout, creating a feast for the senses as they meander along the path. And most of it is interactive, meaning that the delighted squeals of happy children and the happy laughter of childish adults add to the symphony. Eventually, they reach an open area dotted with child-friendly fires, where several families are already toasting marshmallows, and there's hot chocolate available. Smiling, Ana asks, "My sweet treat?"

"Exactly."

They linger for a while, sipping cocoa and roasting marshmallows, which are greedily gobbled up by the nearest child. Christian, of course, is careful that no sticky fingers or mouths are injured by the almost molten sugary treats. The stragglers catch up with them; among them, Carla, who leaves Ann Lambert's side to approach the couple as she exclaims, "This is amazing!"

Christian offers her his seat as he asks, "Hot chocolate?"

"Oh, yes, please." Watching him walk over to the concession stand, Carla says, "Think I'll turn in early tonight, kiddo."

"You okay, Mom?"

Smiling, Carla says, "I am tired. But it's more…let's just say, if Bob were here in this romantic setting, you kids would be on your own, so I'll give you some alone time. Think Christian will mind?"

Embarrassed at even the inference of her Mom having sex, Ana is blushing from more than the fire when she says, "Uh, no. I don't think he'll mind. Thanks, Mom."

When Christian soon returns with her steaming beverage, Carla says, "Thank you. Okay if I borrow the car and head back to the inn after this?"

With a glance at Ana, who merely smiles, Christian replies, "Uh, yes, so long as you don't mind if one our team drives you? No offence, Carla, but these are unfamiliar roads and…"

Holding up a hand to forestall his explanation, Carla says, "That's fine. Thank you, Christian, for another wonderful day."

Beaming, Christian says, "Truly my pleasure."

After finishing her drink, Carla excuses herself to catch up with Ann Lambert again. Lost in thought, Ana is staring after her mother, where she is now approaching the older woman sitting in the wheelchair; pushed by her carer, Jerry. Of course, Christian notices her subdued mood and quietly asks, "One of your reasons to be sad?"

Ana turns her gaze to him and offers a weak smile to reassure him before asking, "I presume you know why Ann needs a wheelchair?"

Carefully appraising her expression, Christian says, "Yes, baby. I checked; there's nothing to be done. We won't see her after this trip. That's one of the reasons she was so keen to help with this weekend."

Lifting her shoulders, as if physically shrugging of her mood, Ana smiles and says, "She insists that, as we're on this planet for such a short time, we should have fun whenever possible."

Christian means every word when he says, "I knew I liked that woman. Can I do anything?"

As usual, their hands are joined, so Ana offers an affectionate pressure as she says, "You're already doing it, thank you. I can't believe we got here only yesterday. I already feel so much more relaxed, as if I must have imagined all the drama."

His eyes shining with joy, Christian lifts her hand to his lips for a second. "Good." Then, with a twinkle in his eye, he holds out her gloves and asks, "Ready to proceed, Mrs. Grey?"

Catching on, a smiling Ana dons her gloves and nods to Nigel hovering nearby as she quietly asks, "Does he know not to look for us if we suddenly disappear?"

Standing, even as he helps her to do so, Christian offers her that carefree grin she loves so much and says, "Trust me."

It's not long before Ana realizes that Christian is making a game of their escape from the crowd. Several times, she notices that they're temporarily alone on the path, so looks expectantly up at him. But he only grins and shakes his head. She's enthusiastic enough to almost consider sex without him when he – of course waiting until she's distracted by the beauty of the sound and light extravaganza – seductively whispers in her ear, "Playtime."

With a moan, as everything south of her belly seems to clench and melt at the same time, Ana is whisked off the path and into the forest. The headlamps mean they can sort of see where they're going. Still, Christian proceeds with caution, leading Ana through the undergrowth. Finally satisfied with their location, he pushes her back against a tree, trapping her body with his. With a grin, he turns off first her headlamp and then his, leaving only the residual light from the trail they've left behind. And then he's kissing her. Already giddy with desire, Ana's heightened senses take in everything: the heat of his lips, the delicious taste of chocolate still in his mouth, and the insistent rigidity of his probing tongue; an appetizer for what's to come. When he draws back from her enough to permit conversation, she begs, "Please, Christian, I need you inside me."

Christian chuckles and says, "Not quite yet, baby. Let me know if you're getting cold, okay?"

There's no point arguing with him when he's intent on giving her pleasure. So, as her always generous husband drops to his knees on the forest floor, Ana merely groans, "Okay."

The shock, as the bitingly cold air hits her exposed groin, is a singular experience, but it's quickly forgotten when Christian greedily puts his warm mouth to her; licking, sucking and nipping at her with an expertise born of practice and a desire to please her. So that, only seconds later, Ana feels the muscles tightening within, signaling the start of her orgasm. Not hopeful that he'll comply, she can't hold back a piteous, "Christian, please."

Amazingly, he hears her. In the soft light, she sees his face, lifted towards her; his eyes almost black with lust and the evidence of her readiness glistening on his upturned lips, before he casually wipes it away with his hand. Why the hell is that so freaking hot?

Standing, amusement evident in his voice, Christian says, "You win, baby. Turn around and hold on to the tree; find something to bite down on if you don't want to scare the kiddies."

Grateful that he's compliant, Ana giggles for pure joy and proposes, "The howling banshee of Thetford forest?"

Surprised to hear a condom wrapper opening behind her, Ana laughs again when Christian then growls "Fuck, it's cold," before suggesting "The screaming beast with two backs," then fulfilling the promise his tongue made only minutes ago. Finally with Christian exactly where she wants him, Ana sighs her pleasure just as he then says, "Better; much warmer. This is gonna be quick, baby, or I really will freeze my balls off."

Moments away from climaxing at the exquisite fullness within her, Ana gasps, "Please."

It's all the permission he needs and the only sounds then heard could be any animal in any forest, as Christian fucks his wife under the night sky. Lost in ecstasy, it takes Ana a few seconds to realize that the falling droplets are in fact snowflakes. They're a soundless, ephemeral herald of winter; floating down from the heavens and melting on contact with any surface, as if too precious for this world. Christian stills for a moment and, his voice hushed with awe, says, "Well, that's a first."

Ana laughs, too happy for words, then silently encourages him with gentle movements of her hips. Once again lost in her, Christian quickly guides them both to the finish, Ana biting down on the quilted collar of her coat to stifle her scream as pleasure explodes within her, just before Christian grunts and holds himself still for a moment, then thrusts into her a few more times with renewed desperation. Collapsing across her back, his outstretched hands grasping the tree trunk to support his weight, he exclaims, "Fuck, I love fucking you!"

Reaching back to caress his face, though she sadly can't feel it through the glove, Ana laughs, "My husband; the romantic."

Christian withdraws from her, first helping Ana to cover up before taking care of his own state of undress, as he says, "We didn't quite get to do it by moonlight, but I enjoyed it."

Still marveling at the light snowfall, Ana says, "Me, too. Oh, why the condom?"

With that slightly mocking grin; the one that means she should have guessed, he says, "No towel, baby, and the nearest bathroom is a decent walk. I thought you'd be more comfortable this way."

He's right; she should have guessed that it would be for her benefit. So she smiles and says, "I love you."

His eyes blaze with renewed passion for a second, but then he offers her his hand and says, "Come on. Romantic as this was, I risk frostbite of a vital part of my anatomy if we try for round two."

Laughing yet again, Ana says, "Well, I wouldn't want that; I'm quite fond of that particular part of your anatomy."

Appropriately smug, Christian switches on their headlamps as he says, "I've noticed."

They manage to rejoin the path unseen – except, of course, for a quietly smiling Nigel – by which time the snow has already stopped, leaving only dampness on the ground. On entering a large clearing, surrounded by tall beech trees currently illuminated by constantly changing colored spotlights, they're greeted by a loud, "Hey, hey! What have you two been up to?" Then looking to the rest of his group, mostly young men like himself, he adds "Guess they got lost," to appreciative laughter.

Identifying who's speaking, Ana whispers to Christian "Cousin Darryl," even as she taps his hand twice, in an effort to forestall any unpleasantness.

Christian returns the gesture, proving that he's in control, smiles and says, "No, we knew exactly where we were, Darryl." Then looking only at Ana, he continues, "As for what we were doing, that would be none of your business."

It's exactly the right thing to say, because it's met with more laughter and they all spend some time at the interactive display; choosing what color to "paint" the trees. When it's Ana's turn, she steps up to the controls and smilingly asks Christian, "What's your favorite color?"

He returns her smile and says, "I'll give you a clue; before meeting you I didn't have one."

Somehow certain that she's guessed correctly, Ana can't help the proud blush to her cheeks as she lowers her gaze and presses the buttons that will turn all the beech trees blue, like her eyes, before shyly looking to Christian for his approval.

Christian tenderly kisses her and says, "Good guess, baby."

It's the last exhibit, and everyone meets back at the High Lodge for another hot drink, followed by tearful goodbyes. Having saved the most difficult farewell for last, it honestly doesn't feel like a choice when Ana drops to her knees by Ann Lambert's wheelchair and rests her head in the matriarch's lap as she says, "I'm so glad I met you."

Gently stroking Ana's hair, Ann tearfully says, "And I'm thrilled to have met you, child. I never thought that I'd be lucky enough to actually see little Frankie's baby girl with my own eyes." Looking to Jerry, ever vigilant beside her, Ann then asks, "My purse?" When it's in her hands, she fetches a faded photo and says to Ana, "I'd like you to have this, please. It's no use to me where I'm going."

Ana is then holding a photo she's seen before; her father holding her as a baby. "He sent you this?"

"My brother did. I told you why he and your grandmother left. But we remained good friends even after Francis was born, so they kept in touch as he grew. I have others. I'll send them all to your mother when I've finished my memoirs."

Ana finds the courage to ask, "I'll know then, won't I?"

"Yes, dear."

Determined not to cry any more tears, Ana stands to embrace her, but Ann stops her. "No, please, I want to say goodbye on my feet."

When Jerry moves to assist, Ana says, "It's okay. I'm stronger than I look."

Smiling kindly at her he stops and says, "Evidently."

Grateful that months of working out with Christian has strengthened her formerly slack muscles, Ana easily supports Ann as they embrace. "Goodbye."

"Goodbye, Anastasia."

Christian tolerates an embrace from Ann before guiding her into the wheelchair, looking embarrassed at something she says. As they head to the car, Ana asks, "What did she say?"

Smiling down at her, he reveals, "That she's glad you've found someone who appreciates how wonderful you are."

"Oh. Why did you look so uncomfortable about that?"

With a shrug, Christian explains, "I'm not sure I do. You deserve so much more than I can give you."

Her eyes burning, Ana begs, "Darling, please; I've cried enough this evening."

Ducking his head in apology, Christian helps her into the car, then buckles up and instructs Nigel, "Take twenty minutes to get back to the inn, and give us some privacy."

"Yes, sir."

With the car underway, and music playing only in the front seat, Christian says, "You strong enough to discuss your other reasons to be sad?"

Ana considers for a moment, then nods and says, "I thought my Dad was about twenty-four when he died, but he was only twenty."

At first confused, Christian then asks, "A reason to be sad, because you've already outlived him?"

"Yeah, it seems…his life was just starting. It feels so wrong that my adult life is just beginning and I'm already older than he was at the end of his."

"It is wrong, sweetheart. That's not how it's supposed to happen." When this doesn't seem to ease her mood, he adds, "But that God of yours says that he still exists in some form?"

A wary, "Yes."

"Then he hasn't really ended. He's still with you."

"Yeah, I guess so."

"You need a reminder. Where's his grave?"

"He doesn't have one. Mom got permission to scatter his ashes on the base where he was killed. She says that being a soldier was…the only thing he was more proud of was me."

Despite her resolution to discuss this without weeping, she then needs his comfort for a while. When she's calmed down, Christian says, "We can do that; go to the base. Is once a year often enough?"

Moisture again filling her eyes at his generosity, Ana asks, "Can Mom come with us?"

"Of course, baby."

"Thank you."

They sit quietly for a while, embracing as best they can over the armrest, then Christian gently prompts, "There's more?"

"Yes. My grandfather was disowned for marrying my grandmother. That's how they ended up in the US with no family." When Christian only patiently waits for more, Ana continues, "They were of very differing social classes; Grandpa was born rich. Plus, they were both teenagers and she was already pregnant with my father. But it was more…his family was…is, staunchly Catholic and she was not prepared to convert."

When she doesn't continue, Christian says, "Grace and Carrick have a similar problem, in that she's religious and he's an atheist."

Buoyed by his relaxed tone, Ana eagerly asks, "What did they do?"

"Mom had us all baptized when we joined the family, but we've never been forced to go to church. When we were old enough to understand, they both explained their differing views, without prejudice, and we got to choose."

"How did that work out?"

"Mia still accompanies Grace on Sunday mornings; Christmas and Easter, too. Elliot went for several years…though, I suspect, mainly to meet girls. And I stayed home for quiet time with Carrick; some of my fondest memories, by the way. We'd go fishing, golfing, hiking. On rainy days, he'd pretend to read the paper while I played piano." With a grin, he adds, "I was even less keen on an audience back then."

Her face lit with hope, Ana asks, "Can we do that?"

"Of course, baby. I'm sorry. You're not devout, so it didn't occur to me that you might be worried about this. What did you think I'd do?"

Ana sheepishly confesses, "I was afraid that you'd get stubborn and not let me baptize our son, and there's…I have a favor to ask of you."

His expression suddenly grim, Christian says, "I'm not becoming a churchgoer now, Ana. Not even for you; not unless you truly need it."

"No, it's…I checked; one of the godparents can be an outsider. You would only have to attend for the ceremony. I just really like the idea of…it's silly. I'm sorry."

"Just tell me, Ana. Nothing you want is silly, if it's a true desire."

Taking a deep breath, Ana says, "I know that you're going to be a wonderful father; that no child could be safer than in your care. So I really like the idea of you sort of being responsible for their soul, too."

"Even though I don't believe they have one?"

"Even so."

"I wouldn't have to start attending service?"

"No."

"And you won't ever drag our kid along?"

Ana laughs at the idea of a copper-haired boy being literally dragged, kicking and screaming, over the threshold of a church, and says, "No."

"Okay, Anastasia, I'll be godparent for our son. Who's the insider?"

"Oh, God, I hadn't considered that. I'll have to check if both Grace and Carla can do it, or there'll be a war."

Christian chuckles and says, "Good point." Then kissing her, he asks, "Anything else bothering you?"

"No, thank you. Oh, but I thought you handled that incident with Darryl very well. I'm surprised you're already okay with people knowing when we…you know."

Following her glance for a moment, to their driver, Christian smirks and says, "Baby, he's not listening, and he already knows, remember?" When she only blushes, he adds, "Oh, I love you, Anastasia. My turn?"

"Uh, okay."

Smiling, he says, "Relax, baby; still no complaints. I've been thinking about the Discipline; I meant it when I said you hardly put a foot wrong nowadays. You're almost always on time, unless you have an excellent reason for being late. And you remember to call, so I won't get anxious. Now that you remember to pick up after yourself, Gail's job is a lot easier. Our entire team comment on how cooperative you are; insisting that they've never had it so good. Despite the fact that we still sometimes disagree, I feel as if you respect my opinion. And I really like that you're confident enough to occasionally tease me." Suddenly nervous, he concludes, "I don't want to mess with that. But I do agree that you still need…we still need, me in control, so I'm content to do that for us. But I want to get it right this time."

"We didn't before?"

"No, baby. I was using my old life as a guideline and, as I've said before, what I had then barely compares with the level of sharing we have. But I didn't know anything else at the time. I want to proceed as more of a team, while keeping punishments and play completely separate…perhaps except for the maintenance spankings, as they're more to ensure you don't suffer physical damage and, as you've discovered, they're efficient stress relief, for both of us."

Digesting all this information for a while, Ana eventually asks, "You mean separate like when you've punished me in the past, but then we don't have sex after you've comforted me?"

"Yes."

"You're scared?"

"Yes, I…the stand-alone punishments are harder on me, because…well, fuck, imagine having to punish me and then leave me alone with my pain?"

It takes a little while to imagine how she could possibly punish Christian, but then she remembers his haggard appearance when he'd turned up on her doorstep that June morning, on his knees, and she knows that leaving him alone is the worst thing she could ever do. "Yeah, I wouldn't like that." Suddenly smiling, Ana says, "I've got an idea."

"Please."

"At work…actually, even while I was studying, I'd make a list of things-to-do." With a rueful grin, Ana confesses, "I don't always achieve it. Sometimes it's impossible, but mostly I let myself get distracted by one thing or another and procrastinate about the less appealing chores on my list."

Finally looking optimistic, Christian says, "I love it. How often would I check that you're following the list?"

"Uh…daily? That will really give me the push I need to get things done. You'll match the punishment with the crime?"

"Of course. And we'll have to be flexible as your pregnancy progresses." They're quiet for a while, and then Christian says, "I think this could work. We have enough trust now to make sure that neither of us suffers too much during the process." Then managing an almost stern expression, he concludes, "Oh, but you'll still need to show me the proper respect, wife."

Somehow more confident than ever, knowing that she'll once again be subject to Christian's twitching palm, Ana's glare is even less convincing when she says, "So long as you extend me the same courtesy, husband."

Lifting her hand to his lips, for a lingering but gentle kiss, Christian then promises, "Yes, ma'am."