Where credit's due: AriadneInNaxos, for ongoing travel guidance, including suggesting Buxton. And my darling husband, for coming up with "Malaysian situation", as something that might occupy an entrepreneur's mind. I know, I normally put this at the end, but I didn't want to kill the mood.

Chapter Thirty-four

Having managed to convince Christian that hovering while Bree performs her daily assessment of Ana's health wasn't helping – particularly with the blood pressure reading – the two women are alone the next morning during the exam when Bree says, "Hmm."

Ana's heart is beating a little faster as she asks, "Hmm?"

"Oh, sorry. You're retaining a little water is all." Gesturing to the small fortune in platinum and diamonds on Ana's left hand, she says, "Better remove those while you can. Though it's probably temporary; a reaction to your diet yesterday. Are you planning to eat like that for the duration?"

Ana laughs and says, "No. I've never eaten like that before. It was oatmeal and fresh fruit this morning. I think yesterday was about Christian wanting to make sure that I feel like I'm on vacation." Eventually noticing that she's nervously biting her bottom lip, Ana voices her concern, "Do we have to tell him about this? He tends to worry, and might overreact."

"It's entirely up to you, Mrs. Grey…sorry; Ana. He's bound to notice if you remove your rings, though. Would you like me to fetch him and we can tell him together? So long as you drink plenty of water, watch your diet and get at least thirty minutes of light exercise every day, it shouldn't prove problematic."

"Yes, please. He knows you're good at your job, or you wouldn't be here. So I think he'll listen to you."

Christian is predictably concerned at the news, but takes it well; merely asking what needs to be done. When Bree is gone, he kneels in front of Ana, where she's sitting on the edge of the bed, and says, "I'm sorry, baby."

He seems genuinely remorseful, so Ana resists the urge to laugh at the notion that he could possibly be to blame. "Hardly your fault if I have slightly swollen ankles, darling."

Running an exasperated hand through his hair, he says, "But it is. I got so carried away with showing you a good time, that I actually forgot about what's important. Fuck, I didn't even monitor how much you had to eat and drink yesterday."

Capturing his hands in hers, Ana insists, "Hey, my mental health is just as important as my physical health. And I told you; it worked. I feel so much better already. You haven't done anything wrong." When he still looks troubled, she uses one of his tricks. "Say it back to me, so I'll know you've heard me."

He smiles a little at that and asserts, "I haven't done anything wrong. But I will pay more attention to your diet from now on."

"Christian, please don't go overboard. I had such a good time yesterday. I really don't enjoy feeling nervous at mealtimes."

Immediately back to distressed, Christian exclaims, "Still? What the fuck, Ana? I haven't nagged about food in months. And, even then, it was exempt from punishments, exactly because it made you nervous."

Willing calm, to counter his growing anxiety, Ana quietly says, "I know you haven't nagged me, and I'm very grateful for that." Trying for levity, she adds, "Our son has taken over that role for you; demanding food at all hours." Again serious, she continues, "But, when we dine together, you still scrutinize every bite I take. And, if I don't finish my meal, I can almost hear you deciding whether or not to try and persuade me to finish. I just want to not have to worry about it."

Pulling his hands from hers; physically and emotionally retreating from her, Christian looks ready to do violence, though Ana knows that it would not be directed at her. Only seconds later, all the fight seems to go out of him. He rests his head on her lap and wraps his arms around her waist as he confesses, "I know you understand that I'm doing my best. But it too often feels like I take one step forward and three steps back."

Instead of rehashing discussions they've had many times before, Ana runs her fingers soothingly through his hair and gently reminds him, "I'm still here, Mr. Grey, and I'm still yours."

Lifting his head, so that she'll see the love in his eyes, Christian passionately agrees, "Yes, you are."

Her heart again beating faster at the intensity of his declaration, Ana asks, "Not that I mind, but I thought we were leaving soon?"

Grabbing her wrists in that iron grip that means all discussion is over, Christian forces her back onto the bed, even as he stretches out beside her and says, "Carla will be running late. We have time."

In fact, when they eventually make their way to the Range Rover, Carla and Bree are already in their seats and Carla teases, "Have trouble getting out of bed, this morning, Christian?"

Ana knows that he's already getting over his intense need for privacy when Christian cheerfully replies, "Not that it's any of your business, Carla, but I often have trouble getting out of bed since meeting your daughter. Now behave yourself, or I'll tell you why."

Ana is then amazed to hear her mom actually giggle – very disturbing – before Carla returns her attention to Bree; apparently, and thankfully, content to remain oblivious of the details of her daughter's sex life.

Though clear, it's a bitterly cold morning for punting on the River Cam in Cambridge. When Ana, Christian, Carla and Lea are helped into the shallow boat by their experienced punter, it's to see that everyone has a couple of blankets and – heavenly – a hot water bottle. Sitting down and cocooning herself in warmth, Ana compliments Christian, "You really do think of everything, don't you?"

Christian laughs as he sits beside her, silently insisting that she take his hot water bottle, and says, "Love to take the credit, babe. But it's all part of their service."

Their entertaining and effusive pilot/guide, a self-professed "struggling" student, is not only adept at dodging the dangerous first-time punters, but incredibly knowledgeable about the river, bridges, universities and other ancient buildings they see along the way. It's a wonderful, relaxing interlude, with even Carla transfixed by the beauty surrounding her, and taking several photos, including one of Ana snuggled into Christian, a blanket around their shoulders, as they enjoy the tour.

They're met on shore by another guide, who informs them, "You've time for a refreshment break before our walk."

Relieved that she'll have time to visit the bathroom, with her compressed bladder now demanding attention several times a day, Ana soon returns with Lea to see that Christian has not only bought a hot drink for her, but a snack as well, and he grins, asking, "Want me to look away while you eat?"

Surprised that he'd mention their food issues in public, Ana quickly realizes that his comment doesn't actually give much away. She guesses that her intentions must somehow be apparent, because Christian is silently daring her with one eyebrow raised. Her heart hammering against her ribs at her own audacity, she darts her tongue out at him.

Christian's eyebrows shoot up for a second in surprise, though he doesn't appear to react in any other way. But she knows him well; the vein throbbing a little too hard at the base of his throat, the flaring of his nostrils as he struggles to control his suddenly rapid breathing, and the darkening of his eyes as her defiance turns him on. Confident that he could now tolerate her raising the stakes in their perpetual game of playful seduction, Ana is nevertheless surprised and relieved when, seconds later, he smiles and kisses her cheek, sending her senses into turmoil when he practically purrs, "Bad girl."

She knows that his gray Crombie wool and cashmere coat is concealing a burgeoning erection when he hisses in surprise at her whispered reply, "Only for you, Sir."

They're both grinning like kids, and it feels like their relationship has achieved a new closeness, when they join Carla for the impromptu morning tea. Later, while Christian is disposing thoughtfully of all their trash, Carla comments, "That was a little intense."

Not sure where this is going, Ana hedges, "What do you mean?"

"His reaction when you poked out your tongue. I swear it got warmer for a few seconds."

Shocked to again be alluding to sex in a conversation with her mother, Ana manages a small laugh and reveals, "Yeah. He, uh, likes it when I'm cheeky."

With Christian returning, Carla raises her voice enough so that he'll hear her comment "Then I'd say you've married the right man," before heading over to chat with their guide for the upcoming walking tour.

Christian raises one eyebrow in question to Ana. Mindful of the fact that, until recently, he was a very private person, she nervously explains, "Mom, uh, noticed your reaction to my teasing. She thinks it's just as well that you like it."

One arm around Ana's shoulders in reassurance, Christian looks to his mother-in-law and raises his voice to declare, "Carla, your daughter would test the patience of a saint."

Carla laughs and agrees, "True enough."

Then looking only at Ana, he continues, "And I'm never likely to be a candidate for canonization."

Laughter in her voice, Carla asks, "You kids need some more alone time?"

Escorting Ana over, and offering Carla his free arm, which she readily accepts, Christian nods an instruction to their guide and cheerfully replies, "Thanks. I'll let you know."

The walking tour ends just as Ana's stomach is beginning to demand lunch. They enjoy a leisurely meal at a charming café alongside the river, discussing the highlights of their morning.

Eventually, all six of them are back in the Range Rover, heading north. Carla is sharing her many photos of Cambridge with Bree. Christian is tapping away at his laptop, using the downtime for work. When Ana nudges his elbow, he glances over to see that she's resting a hand over their son. Smiling, he reaches out to feel the movements; something that still fills him with awe, and comments, "He doesn't like to let you relax, does he?"

"Just like his father."

His grin confirming that he knows the answer, Christian asks, "You'd prefer I left you alone more often?"

Fighting the urge to giggle at his playfulness, Ana vigorously shakes her head as she admits, "No."

Leaning over to kiss her, Christian then says, "That's what I thought." Reluctantly returning his attention to the screen in front of him, he adds, "Unfortunately, you and Junior will have to entertain yourselves for a little while longer, then you'll again have my undivided attention."

Still with laughter in her voice, Ana asks, "We're calling him Junior, now?"

"Well, we can hardly keep calling him Blip." Holding up one palm and indicating the distance on his wrist with the other hand, Christian proudly points out, "He's now about this big."

Still attached to the name she gave their son when he was only an embryo, Ana is too happy at Christian's obvious love for their child to be concerned, and says, "Perhaps we can agree to disagree on this one." Nodding to his computer, she adds, "Now get back to ensuring his future."

Christian's eyes flare with passion at her domineering tone, but he only smiles and says "Yes, ma'am," before doing as instructed.

After one of their thankfully planned toilet breaks, Ana returns from the restrooms to see Christian looking worried and deep in conversation with Nigel. On seeing her, Christian makes a visible effort towards nonchalance and reveals, "Blizzard forecast for Wednesday evening; might have to cancel part of our trip."

"Which part?"

With a grimace, Christian reveals, "Overnight stay in Cockermouth."

With only serious expressions facing her, Ana ignores her inner child's urge to giggle at the name and asks, "What's at Cockermouth?"

"It's the birthplace of William Wordsworth; a pretty town, and the route there is beautiful, but could well be snowed in by the time we need to leave on Thursday, which would seriously mess with the rest of my plans." With a shrug, Christian adds, "I put the northern part of the country at the start of our trip, in hopes of avoiding this, but the weather isn't cooperating."

Surprised that it actually works, Ana stares at their minders until they give them some privacy, with only a nod in reply to her silent command. Then stepping into Christian's welcoming embrace, she asks, "What do you think I need to make this trip a success?"

"Uh…well, I'm hoping you'll say settings from some of your favorite books? That's kind of why we're here."

Smiling, Ana asserts, "You, darling; I need you."

She can see that he's heard her, because the furrows leave his brow and his smile is shy as he asks, "Just me?"

Beaming, Ana confirms, "Uh, huh."

Christian's smile widens before he kisses her well enough to make her dizzy, then whispers, "Don't worry; I won't tell Carla."

The next town they enter carries the signposted "warning" that they are now entering Robin Hood country, so Ana asks Christian, "This stop is for you?"

He inclines his head and replies, "As per your request. Okay?"

Thrilled that he was selfish enough to think of it, Ana says, "Yes, thank you. So this story is one of your favorites?"

"Absolutely. Plus, it'll kill Elliot that I've been here and he hasn't."

Floating on happiness, Ana says, "Well, that's good enough reason right there."

They spend a lovely couple of hours almost, but not quite, recapturing the magic of Christian's first encounter with the legend of Robin Hood, including some incredibly cheesy photos of him in various heroic poses. Of course, it turns out to be fun for Ana, too; just seeing this playful side of her workaholic husband, which is still too rare. Back in the car, Ana pleads, "We're not doing too much more walking today, are we?"

Patting his lap, to indicate that he'll massage her feet, Christian laughs, "No, sweetheart." Then raising his voice just a little, he continues, "Though Buxton is a market town, so Carla might find her second wind when we get there."

Carla has heard and asks, "Market town?"

"Yes, ma'am. I'm assured, some of the best shopping in the country." When Carla returns her attention to Bree, Christian whispers to Ana, "That should ensure us a quiet evening."

The interior climate adjusted for comfort, her luxury leather chair reclined and her aching feet receiving expert relief from Christian's warm hands, Ana has no hope of staying awake.

She's woken by his gentle caress on her cheek and the soft call of her name. When her eyes blink open to see his smiling face, he explains, "We're entering the Peak District, baby. You don't want to miss this."

Several references to The Peaks, from some of her favorite novels, running through her head, Ana says "Oh, thank you," and sits up, reaching for her camera as she does so.

"Nigel will stop where he considers it the perfect spot for a panorama picture, and just give him some warning if you want to stop anywhere else for a photo-op."

Still sleepy, Ana doesn't quite have the strength to withstand his kindness and blushes, lowering her gaze as she mutters, "You're too good to me."

Lifting her face to his with a firm hand under her chin, Christian growls, "Cut that shit out."

"Annie?"

Concerned at the unease in Carla's voice, even as she worries about the sudden tension evident in Christian at being overheard, Ana is about to reassure her mother when Christian stops her with a gesture and says, "My apologies, Carla, for losing my temper. I have few complaints about Anastasia. But one of the things that causes me genuine distress is that she doesn't feel worthy of anything I give her. Perhaps you can explain it to me?"

Carla seems to relax at his words and, with obvious regret, says, "I don't suppose she's used to being spoiled. For various reasons, I was never in a position to give her everything she deserves, and…and I didn't even notice when she stopped asking."

All that's necessary is for Ana to turn her wide-eyed, silent plea towards Christian and he succinctly commands, "Stop the car."

A few minutes later – they had to wait that long because Christian insisted everyone dress against the cold – Ana and her mother are embracing a short distance from the car, with Carla tearfully apologizing for years of neglect, while her daughter just as tearfully tries to mollify her.

Standing far enough away to give them some privacy, his hooded stare on both of them, Christian doesn't at first hear what Bree exits the car to ask him. "What?"

Stamping her feet against the bitter cold, Bree says, "I asked if you can leave her alone for a couple of hours."

Too upset by Ana's obvious distress to bother with politeness, Christian snaps, "What the fuck are you talking about?"

"They need some time together, without your influence. I suggest some retail therapy in Buxton; just until dinner."

"You're a shrink, now?"

"No. But I've worked with all kinds of people, who've had all kinds of problems." Reaching out to almost touch Christian's shoulder, his body betraying him with the slightest of tension, Bree continues, "Everyone has symptoms; some more evident than others. Your wife's inability to accept your generosity is one. Just doin' what you're doing will cure her of that, eventually. But my decades of experience tell me that it will happen quicker with Carla's help. She wants the best for her too, you know?"

Still reluctant to trust anyone except Ana, Christian quietly concedes, "Yeah, I guess so; doesn't mean she can achieve it, though. Ana's been let down in the past."

"Still, Carla deserves this chance to makes things right. I'm guessing that's part of why you invited her along."

Finally relaxed about the woman's interference, Christian smiles a little and says, "You really do know people. Okay; retail therapy it is, if Ana's not too tired." His smile widens and he adds, "I suppose you'll expect an impressive bonus for the counseling session?"

Bree smiles and says, "It would have to be good. Last bonus I was offered was a marriage proposal."

Christian chuckles at that and says, "I take it you politely declined?"

The only answer is a wistful, "No."

Christian knows, from her file, that the career woman has never married. Surprised, he begins "But…," before realizing that he's prying.

With a sad smile, Bree reveals, "He was already dying when I accepted. We didn't have time for the actual ceremony."

Christian also knows people, and comments, "You meant it; you wanted to marry him." At her nod, he smiles, hoping she'll know it's a compliment when he then says, "You can't tell shit by looking at a woman, can you?"

Retreating to the shelter of the car, Bree breathes a laugh and says, "No, sir."

When Ana and Carla finally head towards him, arm-in-arm and smiling, Christian opens the doors for them as he says, "I've been thinking, baby; how about you two gals hit the retail outlets without me? That way I can get some real work done, and you can buy me a Christmas gift."

"I got you something in Southwold, though I'm not sure it's enough."

"Oh?"

Using his own words against him, Ana says, "Not a secret; a surprise. I had it shipped back home with a bunch of other stuff." At his expression, she admonishes, "And no checking bank records to try and guess. You'll ruin the surprise."

Caught out, Christian laughs and says, "Fair enough." Climbing into his seat when the women are secure, he asks, "So, what do you think? Are your feet up for just a little more walking?"

With a glance at Carla, receiving an enthusiastic nod in reply, Ana says, "That'd be lovely, thank you. I still have lots of gift-shopping to do and we definitely won't have time when we get back. Will we meet you somewhere for dinner?"

"We're staying and dining at the Old Hall Hotel, so you can take both Lea and Nigel with you, because I won't be leaving our room."

After checking in and freshening up in their sumptuous suite – complete with four-poster bed – Ana is standing within Christian's embrace, soaking up the heat from the pre-lit fire in the ornate fireplace, when she asks, "You'll be okay?"

"Fuck, Ana, it's only for a couple of hours. We've been apart for days, before now."

Reaching up to smooth the lines from his forehead, she says, "I know. But any time away from you seems bad when we've been together all day."

Relaxing, Christian confesses, "I'm glad it's not just me. Buxton's biggest crime problem is anti-social behavior, which I'm guessing translates as rowdy tourists, so I'm going to get stuck into work and not worry about you, okay?"

"Okay. Wait; you checked the crime stats for this evening's shopping spree?"

"Not exactly. I checked the crime stats for every town on our itinerary."

Almost shocked at this level of care, even as she realizes that it shouldn't surprise her, Ana then caresses the side of his face as she shakes her head in wonder and asks, "How do you have the time to be that obsessive?"

Recognizing it as a compliment, Christian smiles and says, "Well, I had help. Plus, I don't waste all my time on sleeping, like you do."

She's preparing for an attack on his sensitive ribs when a knock on the door announces her escort, and she tells Lea, "One minute." Then wrapping her arms around her husband, Ana lies, "I won't miss you; not one little bit."

Christian grins and counters, "Who are you, again?"

They're still kissing when Lea's second knock finally gets Ana's feet moving towards the door.

Amazingly, Christian is able to focus on work, even knowing that Ana is roaming strange streets without him. He's still pondering the Malaysian situation when a slight noise at the door heralds her return. With a quiet smile at his own cleverness, he doesn't even look up; ostensibly focusing even harder on the screen before him. He hears her hesitate at the door, her whispered "Thanks," presumably to Lea, a crinkling sound that he guesses are purchases being placed on the floor, then her tiny footsteps as she "sneaks" towards him. Only when her hands are reaching to cover his eyes does he spring into action, whirling and dragging her, squealing, onto his lap.

"Christian! You bastard! You knew I was there the whole time!"

Thrilled that it went so well, he can't stop the grin that seems to spread over his entire face. "How could I not, with you stomping across the room like that?"

It they weren't tangled in each other, Christian is certain that she'd angrily cross her arms as she pouts, "I do not stomp."

He wonders if it's really a choice when he warmly avows, "God, I love you."

Something about his declaration, perhaps everything, immediately appeases Ana and she's gazing at him with such love that it actually hurts his chest. Standing with her in his arms, the weight of her and their son still an easy burden to bear, he heads towards the bed, but is stopped by her, "Uh, darling; dinner? I came back because Blip is hungry."

Not genuinely concerned what they call him at this stage, Christian corrects her, "Junior."

"Either way, he and I are hungry."

Her welfare, and that of their son, is one of the few things guaranteed to override his sex drive. Still, he's surprised how much it still hurts being rejected by her when he places Ana gently on her feet and complains, "I'd heard that kids kill your sex life. No one told me it starts before they're born."

Laughter in her voice, Ana protests, "Oh, no. Please don't pout."

"Well, fuck, Ana; we've only fucked twice a day since we got here."

Trying to appease him with her palms on his chest; a gesture that somehow thrills and comforts him at the same time, Ana says, "I know, darling. But it's only for…what; ten more days? We've gone longer than that without sex completely." Whatever thought she then has makes her a little nervous, and she continues, "Uh, maybe, if we're going to have some time apart like this, you could masturbate? I won't mind. I know that you'll still want me afterwards."

It's the subject that he has discussed only with Flynn and, despite ultimately trusting Ana to go easy on him, he still can't manage more than a mumbled, "I can't."

He can see that she's utterly confused, even before she asks, "What? What do you mean?"

Shrugging out of her embrace, he curses the blush he can feel burning his ears as he says, "I can't! Okay? I tried when we were…the weeks after your surgery. But it was fucking excruciating; took me ages to come, and I didn't particularly enjoy it. Apparently, it's no longer fun unless I at least have your voice in my ear."

He knows that Ana has understood when she's clearly fighting the urge to laugh; exactly why he'd been reluctant to share this with her. "This wasn't a problem before we met?"

Wishing there was some way to back out of this conversation, Christian pouts, "Of course not. I could fuck, then wank, then fuck again for hours on end." Finally, there it is, the ability to laugh at himself, and he can feel the smile twitching at the corners of his mouth as he spreads his arms wide and declares, "You've ruined me."

The seductive warmth of her reply seems to go straight to his dick when she says, "I still prefer to believe that I've restored you." Then glancing at the four poster bed, Ana asks, "Did you check it out?"

Marveling that she already knows him so well, Christian smiles and says, "Maybe. It appears quite solid." His suddenly hot blood pulsing faster round his body, he fervently prays, "Please, God, let us be considering the same thing."

Again resting her hands on his chest, Ana smiles and says, "Well, it will mean an embarrassing conversation with Bree in the morning; explaining the ligature marks on my wrists and ankles. But, if you're okay with that, then so am I."

His dick rock hard at the image of Ana standing, spread-eagled and tied to two of the ornate bedposts, her beautiful face stretched in ecstasy, with only golden firelight illuminating the sheen of sweat on her naked body, Christian can't help the frustrated groan – more of a whimper – that escapes his lips before he gulps, "I'm okay with that."