Chapter Forty: Love Spell

The Grey Residence: 5:30PM

Two Weeks into Tedmera Era

Ana was setting the placemats at her table for her family's regular Sunday dinner. She loved when Ted, Phoebe, Christian, and she put all of their other stuff to the side to come together and share the highs and lows of their week. The holidays and the summer were the only times they got to do this anymore since Phoebe was a way at school. Every now and then Teddy would come through just to make her happy.

"Something smells good, what are you cooking Mrs. Grey?" Christian strode towards his wife and placed a kiss on her lips.

"Pot roast," she answered once Christian pulled away. She licked her lips savor his taste. She stepped away and went back the kitchen. She grabbed the salad and brought it to the table. Christian cut on some music; it was slow, and peaceful. It set the perfect vibe for the evening. She looked over to Christian who was looking at his phone with an odd look on his face. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing … uh, Ted wants to know if it's okay if he brings Tam to dinner." Christian took a deep breath he knew that Ana liked this dinner to be kept to close family only. However the more that he talked to Ted he realized that his son saw this woman as his family. He wanted her incorporated into this part of his life.

"He does?" Ana asked as she thought of the proper thing to say. "Tell him that's fine," she conceded. She didn't want to alienate her son but she did feel kind of put out that Tamera would be at something she considered a family event. Christian looked at his wife's face, even though her words were kind, the sadness in her beautiful eyes and he was worried.

"You know that if and when Teddy gets married he'd probably want his wife to join in on these dinners. Consider this practice for those times." Ana glared at her husband, since when was he the understanding one.

"So are you saying that he's going to marry Tamera?" She arched her eyebrow.

"No, that's do what I'm saying, but… would it be bad if he did? Tamera's a terrific young lady you should be proud that your son picked someone so good to pair himself with."

"I know how good Tamera is. I love that girl she's so sweet. I just think that … I'm worried that they may not make it and I know that Tam keeps Ted grounded. I worry what will happen if something separates them, I don't know how Ted will react to it. The whole situation just worries me." Ana heard the timer in the kitchen go off she went to take her roast out of the oven.

"It gets that, but you can't help who you fall for. They were so close it was bound to happen. I say just like nature run its course and you do your thing little woman and guide him and make sure our boy doesn't make some of the mistakes I made with you." Christian chucked and Ana couldn't help but grin.

"And what mistakes did you make with me?" Christian gave Ana that look.

"In the beginning I was too controlling, too jealous, and so so possessive." He wrapped his arms around Ana's waist from behind and inhaled her heavenly scent.

"You're still all of those things Christian," Ana took a staggered breath still after all this years it took literally less than a second for her husband to get under her skin. "And I love you in spite of yourself. I had no choice as soon as I met you I was under your spell."

"If you feel that way what makes you think those kids don't feel the same way. They may be under a spell just as strong as ours." Christian kissed Ana's neck and she tilted her head further to the side so that he could get better access to her flesh.

"No … nobody, has a bond as strong as ours Christian … it's all consuming and radiates throughout every fiber of my flesh." Ana turned around so she could kiss her husband.

"I'd like to explore every one of the inch of those radiating fibers of flesh," Christian said before deepening the kiss with his wife. Before their activities could intensify they heard the opening of their main door and Teddy stormed in alone. He was wearing an intense frown. Ana and Christian shared a look of concern.

"Teddy?" Ana asked concerned. "You okay baby?" Teddy sat down at the table as he phone just rang and rang. After the third time it rang he picked up the phone and moved into the living room. Being the nosy creature that Ana was she secretly followed him.

"You said you didn't want to come so I came alone Tam. I thought that was what you wanted." Ted took a seat at the piano and looked out the window. His tone sounded so hurt, this was the main thing Ana was worried about. "But they said you could come … I don't get why you think you'd be overstepping? My family loves you and you've been over plenty of times. Whatever you got what you wanted." Teddy pressed on a couple of the keys on the piano. After a few seconds he hung up the phone without saying goodbye to Tam. He shoved his phone in his pocket then ran his hands through his hair. Teddy gazed out the window and Ana's heart broke for him.

"Sweetheart, I'm about to serve dinner. You wanna grab your seat?" Ted nodded but didn't look at his mom.

"Yeah mom, I'll be there in a minute," Teddy mumbled. Ana went to leave Teddy with his thoughts but she couldn't leave him there in misery.

"Sweetie whatever it is that's bothering you … I'm sure that it will all work out in the wash." Teddy looked up at his mother with watery eyes.

"Thanks mom." He looked up at her with such a pitiful puppy dog look in his eyes. She kissed her son on the top of his head and finally left him alone. She reentered the dining room Christian and Phoebe were already sitting down and waiting. Pheebs was showing her dad something on her phone. Ana reached into her purse, grabbed her phone and exited the room as soon as she entered it. She couldn't believe she was about to do this, she promised herself she wouldn't get involved. She called the familiar number and listened to phone ring.

"Hello?" Tamera answered her phone. She sounded dry and depressed.

"Hey Tamera, we need to talk." Ana closed and locked the door to office to ensure privacy. She didn't want anyone eavesdropping on anything but this talk was long overdue.

Author's Note: Hey I hope you like the new chapter! OMG 500 reviews I love you all so much thank you for reading and taking the time to review! What do you think Ana wants to talk to Tammy about? A penny for your thoughts!