Author's note: Had a reader ask about Ana's pregnancy, and I thought you might be wondering, too. So many of us are writing a pregnant Ana at the moment, that even I get confused! My version became pregnant late June 2011, so is due late March 2012. She's currently about six months along.

The objects mentioned are real, as is the cosmological anomaly..that's got you wondering, hasn't it?;-)

Thank you, for reading.

Chapter Forty-nine

Ana is woken by a torrent of kisses on her back, shoulder and neck. "Wake up, baby. You're missing the birthday of your lord."

Struggling towards consciousness, Ana turns over, into his arms, as she mutters, "Yes, my lord."

He chuckles and says, "I like the way you think. But I meant your other lord; the son of God one."

Ana laughs, blushes and says, "Oops."

With that incredibly self-satisfied grin—the one that says he knows she wants him—Christian asks, "Dreaming of me again, baby?"

Not willing to give him ammunition this early, Ana lies, "Nope."

Reaching around to rest a hand on her bare ass, he chides, "You know how I feel about lying, Mrs. Grey."

Wriggling her butt against his hand, Ana asks, "Change your mind?"

It hadn't been quite an argument. But Christian's decision to wait until well after their baby is born, before resuming Discipline, had become a heated discussion; with Ana somehow feeling neglected—even undesirable—as a result of his pronouncement, despite the physical punishments being something she'd abhorred at one time. Eventually, he'd won by wiping the frustrated tears from her cheeks and gently pointing out that the fact she couldn't calmly discuss it proved his point; her ever-changing hormone levels were partly controlling her behavior, and would do so for some time yet. Once she'd calmed down, Ana had realized that, yet again, he'd chosen to be exactly what she needs. Because a new closeness was developing between them, as if they're almost becoming one in their common goal to be good parents.

Removing his hand, Christian's expression is suddenly closed as he sadly breathes, "No."

Resting her palm on his clothed chest, Ana pleads, "Just playing, darling. I'm sorry."

He only hesitates a moment before offering his first gift—a huge smile. "Okay." Then smacking her ass once, anyway, he adds, "Hurry up and come downstairs. Breakfast is ready, then we can get to the important stuff; opening gifts."

Suddenly nervous, despite them having discussed it, Christian is almost to the door when Ana asks, "You haven't gone overboard? We agreed, right?"

"Yes, baby; one gift now and another, much less expensive one to be opened at my parents' place tonight. I promised."

Still wary; he's just too smart not to have found some loophole, Ana nevertheless says, "Thank you. I just…you've already given me so much."

Even as he speaks, too much emotion is filling Ana's throat and burning her eyes. "Not as much as you've given me, my love."

So he has to return and comfort her. Finally recovered, Ana says, "I'm going to be a basket case by tonight, aren't I?"

Smoothing her wild hair, and wiping away her tears, Christian tenderly declares, "Yes. But you're my basket case."

Even the paparazzi appear to be taking the day off, with no one waiting outside the gate when they leave for Bellevue—chauffeured and protected this evening by the only single member of their team; Luke Sawyer. It had taken the press two days to work out that Ana and Christian were back in the country and the newest residents of North Beach, Seattle. Since then, any car entering or exiting the thankfully fortified gates has been photographed many times—in the hope that one of the shots will be worth money—and the debate on Ana's health, and that of the baby, has resumed with a vengeance. Grateful of this momentary reprieve, for her sake, Christian breathes a sigh of relief and lifts Ana's hand to his lips for a moment, in celebration.

She smiles at the gesture, then frowns a little and asks, "You won't make a scene, will you?"

He suspects what she's referring to, but asks, "Whatever do you mean, wife?"

"Ethan will be there."

That fucker. Granted, no man would seem good enough for his baby sister. But surely there must be someone better than the Kavanagh male? Christian had not been thrilled, on returning from the UK, to find that Mia and Ethan are practically joined at the hip nowadays, and the housewarming dinner party (the newly outfitted nursery was a big hit) had been fraught with tension because of his obvious mistrust of the young man. But it's just so damn fast; in two weeks their on again/off again relationship has suddenly become serious? Yes, I know how hypocritical that sounds, but it's Mia.

"Please, Christian?"

His mood darkening at her attempted manipulation, he growls, "What the fuck do you want from me? I've already promised never to hit anyone in anger."

At least she has the decency to appear chastened. "I just…I'm thinking of Grace."

Of course. His mother would never want anyone to feel uncomfortable in her home. As ever, the mere mention of her name a soothing balm on Christian, he smiles and reveals, "Dad says that a lady is someone who does what they can to put a guest at ease; any guest."

"Yep, that's Grace."

He considers for a moment, then promises, "All right; best behavior, for Grace and Mia's sake…assuming Kavanagh also behaves himself."

Breathing an audible sigh of relief, Ana says, "Thank you, darling."

It really is amazing, this feeling of…it's beyond words, what pleasing Ana does for him; it's the best feeling in the world. He really would do anything for her, and knows that he can trust her to never ask for too much. Smiling, because he can't stop himself, Christian tenderly quotes, "Power is like being a lady...if you have to tell people you are, you aren't."

Ana laughs lightly and agrees, "I guess so." Her brow crinkling, as she tries to place the quote—he loves how she does that—she soon confesses, "I've heard it, but I can't recall from where."

"Margaret Thatcher."

"Oh, right…wait, were you talking about me, or Grace?"

"Well, it applies to both, but I was speaking of you, baby."

"You think I'm a lady?"

"I know you are." When she appears doubtful, he reminds her, "And we've just had another demonstration of your power. How many people can change my mind?"

She laughs at that and concedes, "Well, that's true." He's a little worried when she then goes quiet and leans on his shoulder, as if for comfort, so he waits patiently and is rewarded with her soft, "Will you freak out if I start seeing Madeline again?"

If he's guessed right, she's about to make him very happy; it's the one thing he hasn't been brave enough to mention, for fear of making it worse. "About your low self-esteem?"

Lifting her surprised face to look at him, Ana can only say, "How…?"

Hoping to make the entire process stress-free, Christian grins and borrows her words. "I know you like to think you're some sort of dark, mysterious individual, Mrs. Grey. But you're really not that complicated."

She's smiling as he finishes and then asks, "So, you're not upset?"

"I'm upset every time you dismiss a compliment, doubt your prodigious intelligence, or appear uncomfortable when I spend money on you. But, no, I'm not upset that you've chosen to do something about it; only grateful. I am curious as to the timing?"

"Well, I can feel that it's getting better." Bestowing on him one of her light-up-the-universe smiles, she continues, "I imagine that even a few more years with you would convince me that I'm a goddess amongst mere mortals. But we really only have a few months, don't we?"

"I thought that, too; I'm not the only one who needs to heal before becoming a parent."

She gifts him that smile again and brags, "We're going to be amazing parents, aren't we?"

From the driver's seat, comes the reply, "Yes, ma'am."

Ana giggles and says, "Thank you, Luke."

Sawyer meets her gaze for a moment in the rear vision mirror as he says, "You're welcome, ma'am. We're almost there."

On entering the house, Christian marvels that the women greet each other as if it's been weeks since they last spoke, despite the fact that Ana accompanied Grace to a church service only last night, and Kate was at the new house just yesterday.

Meanwhile, Carrick asks him, "Still dry?"

"Yeah, Dad. At least until the baby is born."

"Ginger ale, then?"

"Thanks. Is Mia already cooking?"

"Yeah, and she has a sous chef this year."

Mia is an excellent cook, almost officially a qualified chef, but will only step into the family kitchen if she can cook alone; the others having learned, from painful experience, that it's best to let her be. "What, she finally allowed Gretchen to help out?"

"No. She's in there, side by side with Ethan, and not throwing anything at him. If you have a moment, you should really poke your head in there; it's a sight to behold. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe it. He appears to be a calming influence on her." Christian is too surprised for it not to show on his face, and Carrick chuckles before continuing, "I know. Maybe there's something to this young man, after all."

His opinion of Ethan improving one notch, Christian cautiously says, "Maybe."

When they each have a glass in hand Carrick proposes the simple toast, "Merry Christmas, son."

Christian accepts the toast, then grins and says, "You know you can hug me nowadays, right?"

Acutely embarrassed, Carrick stares into his glass as he says, "Uh, I wasn't sure. I didn't want to push it. And I..." Finally taking a deep breath, he steps forward and embraces Christian in possibly the most awkward hug in history.

"Merry Christmas, Dad."

A hand still resting on Christian's shoulder, as if, now that he can show affection for his troubled son, he doesn't want to let him go, Carrick agrees, "Yes, it is."

Christian spots Grace watching them, on the verge of tears. Rolling his eyes, he attempts to lighten the mood with, "Not you, too; Ana's crying every ten minutes."

Rubbing a hand over her belly, Ana says, "And peeing every twenty. Speaking of which, would you excuse me?"

Kate says, "C'mon, Steele; I'll walk with you."

"Uh, okay. But I'm not an invalid."

"Don't be stupid. I've already had two drinks. You'll be lucky if I let you go first."

Of course, the nearest bathroom is big enough that they can continue the conversation through the toilet door while they take it in turn to pee. Kate drops her clutch purse on exiting the cubicle, "Fuck! Maybe I should wait before having that third glass of champagne?"

As she stands, Ana can only stare at what had been concealed on a long chain around Kate's neck; a diamond ring. "What the fuck is that?"

Quickly shoving it back inside her dress—of course, far too late—Kate says, "Nothing. Just forget it, okay? Let's get back to the others."

Ana grabs Kate's arm, stopping her from leaving the small room, and asks, "Kate, is that an engagement ring?"

She can see that Kate is wondering what lie to tell her, but then her best friend sighs and says, "My own fucking fault, isn't it? I didn't want to be without it. He proposed while you were away."

"And you accepted?"

"Uh, huh."

Utterly confused, Ana asks, "And you didn't tell me because?"

Gesturing to Ana's baby bump, Kate explains, "Because you've got a lot going on right now, with the baby and…and your cancer, and the constant attention from the press, and then your aunt died. El and I decided that we can wait until things settle down before making an official announcement."

Such a loving, selfless thing to do, but all Ana can feel is hurt, that her best friend felt the need to keep this from her, and the first tears of the night fill her eyes. With a hissed "Fuck," Kate embraces her, adding, "Please don't cry, sweetie. I was only thinking of you."

Struggling to regain her composure, Ana says, "Exactly. You should have been thinking of yourself and Elliot, not me."

Withdrawing enough to meet Ana's gaze, Kate says, "Well, you've always looked out for me. I figured it was time to repay the favor."

Drying her eyes, Ana commands, "Put the ring on. Oh, but wash your hands, first."

The immediate light in Kate's eyes confirms how much she wants to display the ring, but she asks, "You sure?"

Ana makes them both laugh with, "Yes, I'm fucking sure; hygiene is important." When Kate has meekly done as instructed, Ana takes her hand and admires the simple solitaire diamond ring before earnestly declaring, "It's beautiful."

Suddenly shy, Kate says, "Well, it's nowhere near as expensive as yours, but I like it."

Ana lightly punches her in the arm as she says, "Don't start that shit. Anything I own is yours if you need it. You know that."

"Yeah, I know; and back at you, Steele…fuck, I keep doing that, don't I?"

Ana giggles and agrees, "Yeah, it pisses off Christian no end."

"He's complained?"

"No. He still has some notion of eternal obligation where you're concerned. But I can tell when he's pissed, which is pretty damn often since we got back."

Suddenly wary, Kate asks, "But not at you?"

Smiling, so Kate will believe her, Ana says, "No, not at me; mostly the press…no offence. He's a little over attentive as my due date approaches, but he's being kind of wonderful at the moment."

Just then a knock at the door startles both of them and Christian's voice asks, "Baby, you okay in there? You've been ages."

Ana claps a hand over her mouth, to stop the abrupt giggle, whispers "Like I said; over attentive," then more loudly says, "I'm fine, darling; just chatting. Would you mind fetching Elliot, please?"

In the few, silent seconds that follow, Ana knows he's considering trying the door. But with an "All right," he's gone.

Ana smiles and explains to Kate, "If you hear him say that, it means he's obeying under duress."

"But he does obey you?"

Concerned by the question, Ana frowns and says, "You're not still worried about him? Christian has bent over backwards to be what I need, altering almost every aspect of his life, and you still don't fucking trust him?"

Immediately contrite, Kate insists, "No, it's not that. It's just…you'd say I'm a strong woman, right? Not someone to take shit from anyone?"

Finally catching on, Ana suggests, "But you also feel like you want to do what pleases Elliot?"

"Yeah. Not weird? I mean…I know that Christian…he only had the contracts before you, right?"

"Yeah. And thanks, again, for keeping quiet about that. I'd have people photographing me eating my granola if that news broke. And, no, it's not weird; not in my limited experience of love, anyway. I'm sure Elliot feels the same way about you. And Christian maintains that the main difference between kink and mainstream relationships is that kinky couples usually know what to expect from each other before they proceed."

"And that's what you two are; a kinky couple?"

Blushing, wishing that she wasn't—which never helps—Ana says, "Uh, I don't mind discussing this with you, but I think it's a conversation bigger than this bathroom." When the knock on the door is accompanied by Elliot's concerned voice, she grins and adds, "Timing." Opening the door, she greets him with a punch in the arm and "angrily" asks, "How could you let Kate keep this a secret from me?"

Looking from Kate to Ana and back again, Elliot stammers, "Uh…well, I…Kate said…"

Kate smiles and reveals, "She's messing with you, baby."

"Oh." Squeezing past Ana to gather Kate in his arms, he asks, "What happened to keeping it secret for now?"

Ana reveals, "The ring had a mind of its own. I saw it and interrogated her. It's up to you, of course, but I think you should announce this evening. It would make Grace and Carrick's year."

Elliot glances back at her to say, "Oh, I think you and Christian have already managed that. But, thank you; we'll think about it. May I have a moment alone with my fiancée?"

Ana shuts the door on the sight of Kate standing on tip toes to accept Elliot's kiss. She's not very surprised to find Christian hovering nearby, just out of earshot. His face is a picture of concern and he greets her with, "Okay, baby? You've been crying. Is Kate all right?"

Glancing around, to make sure they're alone, Ana moves into his willing arms and whispers, "They're engaged."

"Really? No accounting for some men's taste, is there?" Laughing, as he shields his ticklish ribs from her questing fingers, he adds, "Good for him. About time he stopped shagging his way through the phonebook." Even more than "arse", "shag" is Christian's favorite British word, and he's used it often since they got back less than a week ago.

Familiar enough with this house by now, Ana knows which nearby door to lead him through for extra privacy, then says, "I'm going to tell Kate something of our lifestyle." As Christian's expression predictably darkens with displeasure, she continues, "I mean, she sort of already knows, because she found that page of the original contract. But I want to be able to discuss it with her…hopefully without blushing. I'm not actually asking, but I won't do this if you really can't tolerate it."

She counts to twelve before he slowly nods and says, "All right."

Surprised, Ana can only say, "That's it?"

Christian shrugs and says, "Miss Kavanagh has already proven that, despite her profession, she can keep a secret. And I've never had genuine cause to doubt her loyalty to you. But these factors are basically irrelevant, because I trust you."

Ana can feel the wide smile spreading across her face, presumably accompanied by a lovesick, doe-eyed expression, and she says, "You trust me?"

With a smug grin, Christian heads past her to lock the door as he says, "Yes. And, right now, you're going to show your appreciation by bending over and gripping the back of that sofa, like a good wife should, so I can have my appetizer."

It's incredible how just a few words from him can send a streak of pleasure, like fire or electricity, straight to her groin. Ana cannot help a small whimper of anticipatory pleasure as she does exactly as instructed. "Oh, God. Yes, please."

They return to the small gathering within seconds of Kate and Elliot. The slight flush to Kate's skin confirms that Ana and Christian weren't the only ones to sneak a quickie before dinner. Carrick merely raises an eyebrow in response to their prolonged absence, but Grace is in her cups enough to mutter something about her home being turned into a "den of iniquity," prompting a knowing glance between the two brothers, and further darkening Kate's cheeks. There is no ring on her finger, so Ana takes the first opportunity to privately ask her friend, "Well?"

Appearing uncharacteristically nervous, Kate's eyes dart around as she says, "Later; with the toasts. Apparently, it's tradition that they all say something after dinner."

"You okay? You want this, right?"

"Yeah, I do…can't recall wanting anything this much, actually. But…once we tell people, it's real, right?"

Suddenly understanding, Ana laughs and asks, "Remember how panicked I was the night he proposed?"

Kate also laughs and says, "Yeah. You were freaking out, Stee…shit; Grey." Her eyes go wide and she hisses, "Fuck, we might both have that name, if I don't keep mine. We'd be like real sisters."

Ana wonders if the deep love she feels for her friend is then evident on her face as she says, "I know." With no words sufficient to express what she's feeling, Kate puts her glass aside so she can properly embrace Ana.

"Hey, hey; what's this? Room for one more?"

With no real malice in her voice, Kate quickly wipes away the few happy tears and releases Ana as she says, "Fuck off, Elliot. You don't deserve either of us, let alone both."

With a ready grin, Elliot kisses her cheek and says, "Well, that's certainly true. Come on; dinner's about to be served and Mia will flay us with a filleting knife if we make her wait."

The meal is magnificent, and Mia blushes a little under the flood of well-earned praise; bashfully glancing at Ethan as she mutters an acceptance. As the last morsel of dessert (chestnut and whisky mousse with chocolate and walnut biscuit and chocolate sauce) passes grateful lips, Carrick lifts his glass and is about to speak when Elliot stands and says, "Uh, mind if I go first this year, Dad?" When Carrick nods and lowers his glass, Elliot swallows his nerves and looks only at Kate as he says, "Before she comes to her senses and changes her mind, I'd like all of you to know that Katherine Kavanagh has accepted my proposal of marriage; we're engaged and plan to wed in the summer." Then leaning down, he murmurs "Kiss me, Kate," and she gleefully obliges.

So the customary toasts are forgotten as everyone leaves their seats to congratulate the happy couple. When they've recovered, and Kate is now wearing the ring, Carrick says, "Well, I think this warrants the good scotch." A glance at Gretchen is enough to facilitate his plan and everyone who is imbibing soon has a generous measure of whiskey. Carrick again lifts his glass and whatever he might have been going to say earlier is replaced by, "To Kate and Elliot; it's about time." The cheeky toast is echoed by everyone and then he declares, "Time for gifts."

This was always Christian's least favorite part of the year. As a child he mistrusted gifts; the more extravagant they were, the bigger his fear that they, or he, would be taken away at any moment. And, as an adult, anything his family bought him was nothing compared to what he could buy himself. Though he enjoys giving, he's always struggled to know how much to spend; finding that the unveiling was often followed by a shocked glance and a stammered response of "You shouldn't have," and he'd come to view the entire exchange with something like dread.

For several years now he's staffed out the responsibility to Andrea, who has done a superlative job of helping him fake it. But being with Ana has changed even this aspect of his life. Suddenly, he wants to be involved. When he broke the news that her shopping skills were no longer required, Andrea found the courage to confess that she'd always hated that part of her job; feeling as if she was enabling his attempts to distance himself from people. Not every employee can speak to him like that, but she's earned the right. Still, her impertinence could not go unanswered, so he'd punished her with a particularly large Christmas bonus. He smiles, on remembering her shocked expression when she'd opened the envelope, and is drawn out of his reverie by Ana's gentle, "What's so funny?"

"Just glad that I have you to help me shop."

Smiling, Ana says "You're welcome," and places a wrapped box in his hands. "Merry Christmas, husband."

He'd kept it in his breast pocket, and hands over the small gift as he kisses her and says, "Merry Christmas, wife."

How does she do it? Every gift she's given him touches his heart and increases his love for her; this time a roll-out piano keyboard—all eighty-eight keys—and Ana is explaining, "The guy assured me that it will be like travelling with a full-sized piano, yet it can fit in your briefcase. All you have to do is download some software onto your laptop and hook it up."

Fuck, that urge to cry again. Only Ana can do that to him. Instead, he breathes a trembling sigh and says, "Thank you, baby. Your turn."

Apparently satisfied that he's happy, Ana is smiling as she unwraps the Heaven Gold pen. "Oh, Christian! It's beautiful. Is this…is it real gold?"

"Twenty-four carat, baby." Pointing to the ornate clip, featuring three shapes; a flower, diamond and heart, he adds, "Real diamonds, too—nothing less for you."

Too shocked to moderate her volume, Ana exclaims, "But…that means the bra…wait, they're real diamonds, too?"

Kate has overheard and asks, "Describe it to me."

"Uh, well…it's kind of blue…turquoise, really, and has these strands of—God, they're real pearls, aren't they? Christian, you shouldn't have."

He grins and says, "I get that a lot this time of year."

When Kate then describes the bra in great detail, Ana can only nod. Looking at Christian—for the first time with something like awe—Kate exclaims, "Fuck me; you bought the Fantasy Treasure bra!"

Mia squeals and exclaims, "Oh, my God! That sold for two and a half million dollars."

Bemused by this sudden interest in Ana's underwear, Christian smirks and reveals, "Just a little over, actually."

"Will someone please tell me what is going on?"

It's Carrick who explains to Grace, "Every year Victoria's Secret releases an exclusive garment to herald their annual fashion show. The bra is comprised of precious metals and gems, and fetches a ridiculous price." Then gazing at Christian, with obvious pride, he concludes, "Apparently, this year, our youngest son was the fool who paid too much for it."

Crossing her arms, Grace demands, "And you know all this because?"

Carrick puts an arm around Grace's shoulders, apparently unconcerned that her pique is genuine, and teases, "Because I'm old, not dead."

Elliot crinkles his nose in disgust and says, "Moving on." Offering a gift to Christian, he adds, "Bro?" Christian trepidatiously opens it (Elliot being known for appalling joke gifts like dribble cups and wobbly golf balls) and is pleasantly surprised by the Handspresso unit. "Now you can stop bitching about how much you miss a decent cup of coffee when we go hiking."

No electricity is permitted on their hikes—the point being to reconnect with nature—so Christian asks, "No batteries?"

"Nope. All you need is hot water and a strong right arm. You must have that by now, even though you've finally found someone who'll have sex with you."

"Elliot!"

The guilty party grimaces and mutters "Sorry, Mom," even as he massages his ribs where Kate elbowed him. Looking genuinely contrite, Elliot adds, "Sorry, Ana."

She's used to the brothers' banter by now and merely shrugs. But, at her first opportunity, Ana whispers to Christian, "Can I tell him I'm not your first?"

"Why?"

"Because he kind of pisses me off."

Christian grins and murmurs, "Yeah, he'll do that. No. I'll tell him."

Satisfied that the matter is closed, she points to the gift in his hands—from Mia and Ethan—and asks, "What have you got there; wallet?"

Showing it off, he reveals, "Not just a wallet; a tungsten and carbon-fiber creation with a biometric lock. Only my fingerprint will unlock it." Mia only ever buys him clothing, so he lifts it in celebration to Ethan, and says, "Thank you. I hadn't heard about this one."

Ethan shrugs and says, "I just asked myself what a billionaire might need; a way to protect his money, right?"

Christian chuckles and agrees, "Just so." Then more loudly announces, "Which reminds me; security on the house is now established, so you'll all need to swing by and enter your prints into the system, also pick up a transmitter that will automatically open the gates as you approach."

"Is that really necessary?"

"Yes, Mom; even more so after March. You won't want to be delayed by keys and calls from the gate if we have an emergency."

It's not often that Grace is chastised by Christian, but she takes it well. "You're right. Tuesday soon enough?"

"Thank you."

Normal, exuberant conversation soon resumes, and Ana is still admiring her solid gold pen. "It really is beautiful, thank you."

Christian smiles and explains, "Made to commemorate the alignment of planets that's due to happen next year, but it reminded me of the astronomical event that occurred earlier this year; Mars, Jupiter, Venus and Mercury grouped together in the sky, with Jupiter and Venus appearing to come together and almost touch around the day we met."

Not that astronomy is her strong suit, but Ana hadn't heard anything about this. "For real?"

"For real."

Staring at the line of ornaments on the pen clip with a fresh outlook, Ana asserts, "You really are very romantic when you put your mind to it, aren't you?"

Taking one of her hands in his, Christian says, "Well, I have my own personal Venus to inspire me."

"She was the goddess of love and beauty."

"Exactly."

Ana can't seem to stop smiling. "And Jupiter is the king of gods."

"Well, obviously. You need to remember that he's also the god of lightning and storms, but he does his best."

Blissfully content, Ana reminds him, "And you need to remember that I love even his stormy side."

"Lucky Jupiter."

After everyone has appropriately gushed over their new possessions, they settle in for an evening of nothing more strenuous than a game of table tennis; Ethan proving to be even better than Mia, and not afraid of showing it. Elliot appears wary when his brother suggests a moonlit walk, but complies. When there's no chance of anyone overhearing them, Christian gets straight to the point. "You need to stop that bullshit about Ana being my first. It's always pissed me off, but that's of no consequence next to the fact that it now bothers my wife."

"What, she's not your first?"

"Not even nearly. She knows and doesn't mind. But she can't stand you spouting off like that, when you have no fucking idea what you're talking about." Hoping to ease the sting a little, he quips, "Though you're spot on about the enlarged muscles in my right arm; before meeting Ana I was a champion wanker."

"Truer words, bro; truer words." Then losing the grin, and clearly skeptical, Elliot asks, "Well, how many; five…ten?"

Christian reveals enough of the truth to convey his point. "Multiply those and you'll be close, though even I don't know the actual number. Some I was with only as long as it took to do the deed, others were with me for months, one woman for two years."

"Bullshit." When Christian merely stares at him, one eyebrow raised, Elliot asks, "Well, how come we never met any of these mystery women…wait, it was women, right?"

Rolling his eyes, Christian says, "Yes, Elliot, I've never been gay; some of us are a little fussy where we put our dicks. Oh, does Kate know that you're not that fussy?"

"Yes, but that's all in the past now, and how the fuck do you know that?"

A shrug and, "You think Mia was the only one I watched out for? Your taste in men is worse than your taste in women…sorry, was; you and Kate are a good match, I think."

"Thanks, Bro." Then shaking his head, Elliot says, "So, seriously; fifty? And you didn't answer my fucking question…ha; fucking question."

"Elliot Grey, you are a child in a man's body. I said at least fifty, and you never met them because I didn't care enough about any of them to introduce them to my family. They were part of a very simple and self-devised therapy to help me function in the real world."

"Fucking your stress away?"

"Essentially, yes. Though Flynn never approved and is much happier with my current method."

"Fucking Ana, instead?" At Christian's ferocious glare, he quickly amends, "Sorry. Uh, making love with your wife?"

Somewhat appeased by his genuine contrition, Christian says, "How about you just never speak of Ana in that context?" At Elliot's compliant nod, he continues, "And I meant being whatever the fuck Ana needs. Nothing has given me greater pleasure, not my money or possessions, nor scores of willing women. If you haven't worked it out already, you soon will."

Gazing back at the house, Elliot says, "Oh, I know. Fuck, do you think Kate suspects that she has my balls on a platter…or could have them if she asked nicely?"

"She doesn't suspect, bro; she knows. Good thing is, I'm betting she feels the same way about you. And…a little advice, now that you know I wasn't a virgin into my twenties?"

"Uh…okay."

"Where's the trust?" Losing the grin, Christian then says, "Remind Kate, every day, why you're with her and not one of the other women, men or goats, okay?"

Grinning and shoving his brother, Elliot protests, "Goats? Fuck off." Suddenly serious, he continues, "That is good advice, thanks. That's what you do for Ana?"

A rueful shrug and Christian confesses, "I try, but life has battered self-love out of her. She's getting better, but still struggles to accept compliments and shit like that."

"What does Flynn say?"

Finding a reason to smile, Christian says, "That I must be doing something right, because Ana's confidence is improving all the time. And she'll resume seeing her own therapist in the New Year, to further help her get over this. We want to be ready when the baby is born."

"Christian, I…"

When the silence extends for several seconds, Christian prompts, "Yeah?"

Taking a deep breath, Elliot says, "I know that I haven't always been the best brother, but I do love you, and you're going to be fucking amazing as a father."

It's more affection than has ever passed between them and suddenly it's all too much for Christian. "Fuck off."

A flicker of pain crosses his eyes and Elliot points an accusing finger at Christian as he says, "That was fucked up. I was being nice."

Christian watches his brother stride towards the house for a moment, then races to catch up as he pleads, "Elliot? Elliot, I'm sorry. You know I don't do well with…oh, fuck; anything."

Turning to face him, Elliot's smile appears genuine as he says, "Yeah, I know. But now you owe me."

Bracing, and offering his arm for their traditional retribution of called punches to the shoulder, Christian says, "Okay. How many?"

"One."

"One punch? Okay. Give it your best shot."

"One hug and one 'I love you'. And fucking mean it."

Horrified, for they've never had that type of relationship, Christian hedges, "Ten punches?" When Elliot's grin widens and he shakes his head, Christian practically begs, "Twenty?" But it's no good. Finally, he snarls his outrage and steps into his first embrace with his brother. Neither of them lessen the impact with a back slap, and Elliot is the one to shuffle out of it. Then he silently waits until Christian finds the courage to say, "You drive me fucking mental at times, but you are a good brother, Elliot, and I love you."

For a moment the joker of the family silently expresses only love for his brother, then he claps Christian on the shoulder and teases, "You sure you like girls, bro? 'Cos that sounded pretty gay."

Satisfied that all is well between them, Christian heads towards the house as he says, "Not girls; just one girl. And you'd better save your dick for Kate, too. Or you really will need that platter."

Elliot is by his shoulder and says, "Yeah, I know. Maybe I should see Flynn again for a while? I don't want to fuck this up."

Too shocked for his legs to keep working, Christian stops and asks, "When the fuck did you see Flynn?"

Elliot grins and says, "You think Christian Grey is the only adopted kid with issues? I was heading for disaster, but he helped me get over my addiction."

It takes Christian several seconds to work it out. "Sex?"

Elliot's smile broadens and he jokes, "Eww, you're my brother, dude." Then he more seriously continues, "Yeah. I didn't actually fuck any goats, but certainly anything on two legs, and…and I'm fucking lucky that I didn't catch anything real nasty, because I wasn't always careful how I went about it. If you've been keeping tabs on me you know that some of the fuckers then became addicted to me."

He's never discussed it with anyone. But Christian had personally dealt with the young man who'd been harassing his brother for weeks; the lovesick fool going so far as to trash Elliot's car one night. As expected, he was a coward, because one decent beating had ended the saga. "Yeah, I know. I'm glad you got help. I didn't know what to do."

"Mom made me go see Flynn. She reminded me how much he'd helped you." The grin returns as he reveals, "Mostly I want to throttle him."

Also smiling, Christian says, "You'd be at the end of a long line." They then see Kate appear on the landing, and he adds, "Looks like it's time to go."

They're again moving as Elliot says, "Oh, yeah; Kate wants to swing by her parents' place and give them the news in person."

"Want a ride? I didn't see your car. Sawyer can drop us home, then take you on to Shoreline."

"Nah, that's okay; we'll catch a cab. I suppose you know the Kavanaghs' actual address?"

"With a phone call I can even tell you the current value of their home. I know it's over five million. She's definitely not after your money."

As they approach Kate, Elliot loudly says, "Christian agrees that you want me for my sexual prowess, babe."

Kate crosses her arms and says, "Well, it sure as fuck isn't for your timekeeping skills. We were supposed to leave twenty minutes ago. I've been looking everywhere for you."

Christian intercedes, "My apologies, Ms. Kavanagh. I felt the need to explain a few things to my brother, now that he's finally decided to settle down. He shouldn't give you any trouble now."

Playing along and, as usual, playing for laughs, Elliot hangs his head and mutters, "Sorry, dear. Won't happen again, dear."

Humor sparkling in her eyes, Kate commands, "Get in that house and say goodbye, then fetch my coat."

Bobbing his head and tugging his forelock, Elliot dances around her, saying, "Yes, dear. Sorry, dear."

When he's gone, Christian says, "He's an idiot. But he does love you."

Gazing where Elliot had been only moments before, Kate fondly says, "I guess that makes me an idiot, too. Because I love him right back. It almost scares me how much."

With a quiet smile, Christian says, "Then you're made of sterner stuff than I am, because it still terrifies me how much I love Ana."

Finally meeting his gaze, Kate asks, "But it's worth taking this risk?"

"Every minute of every day." Climbing the few stairs and placing a chaste kiss on her cheek, Christian concludes, "Welcome to the family, Kate."