Chapter 37

APOV

I can't believe I'm engaged! If you had told me I would be here a few months ago, I would have laughed. But I fell in love when I least expected it. Christian and I decided not to go on the hot air balloon ride. Instead, we opted to stay at the house and enjoy each other's company.

At one point we're sitting in the jacuzzi on the deck of the house and Christian is holding me in his arms. "What do you think people are going to say when we get home?" I ask him.

"I think they are going to be jealous of me." He makes me laugh.

"Yeah, I'm sure it's you people will be jealous of. Does anyone else know?"

"Just Taylor and Gail. I wanted you to have a nice surprise. And, I don't want you to worry about a single thing. Do you hear me? I will spend the rest of my life taking care of you."

"Christian, you are incredibly sweet but I don't want to take advantage of you. I would hate to do that. But, I will agree to move into Escala with you. I mean, it's no Cornelius Apartments, but I guess I can deal with it."

"Is that so, Miss Steele?" He starts to tickle me relentlessly.

I am squealing and screaming trying to wrestle out of his hold. "You're going to make me pee!" I am half laughing and half screaming. Then I deliver the coups de grâce and splash him.

He stops suddenly and pushes back his now sopping wet hair. "Oh no, you didn't!"

I yelp again and jump out of the jacuzzi when he goes to grab me. I'm standing on the deck feeling exhilarated. "You'll have to catch me!"

He gives me his lopsided smirk and like a jungle cat he jumps out of the tub and chases me. I screech and run into the house. He's on my heels as I sprint through the living room and up the stairs.

Christian catches up with me, grabs me by the waist, and throws me on his bed. "Looks like I caught you, baby." He smiles at me mischievously, "Are you ready to pay the piper?" Damn, he takes my breath away.

We get back home Sunday afternoon and I decide to call Ray and tell him the good news. "Hi, Dad!"

"Hi, Honey. How are you?"

"I am wonderful. Dad, I have some good news."

"Oh yeah, what's that?"

"I'm getting married. Christian proposed to me over the weekend."

"Married? Honey, don't you think it's a little soon? I haven't even met him yet. You've only been dating him for, what? A few weeks?"

"I know. It looks crazy but we both love each other and that's not going to go away."

"Listen, Annie, you're a smart young woman and I know you love him but I don't want you to get put in a position you will regret later. Why don't you take the time to get to know each other first?"

"Dad, you and Mom were married for how long before you got divorced? I know with every fiber of my being this is the right thing for me to do."

"You're an adult and I can't forbid you, so I will support you in whatever you do. But, if you ever need anything or need any help you are always welcome to come back home."

"Thank you, Dad. I love you."

"I love you too, Sweetheart. You two need to visit me soon."

"I will, bye."

"Bye, honey."

Christian wanted to tell his parents about our engagement in person so we're heading to Bellevue to visit them.

We get to their house and go to sit in the living room with Grace, Carrick, and Mia. A few minutes later Mia notices my ring.

" .God! Ana, is that what I think it is?" I blush and look down at my hand.

Christian smiles at me and gives me a sweet kiss on the cheek. "It is, Mia." He elaborates, "I asked Ana to marry me this weekend and she said yes. That's why we're here."

"Ana! I'm so happy for you guys!" Mia jumps up and gives me a bear hug.

"Christian, may we have a word with you in my study?" Carrick asks, his voice is grim.

Christian goes to get up, "I'll be right back baby."

Per her request, I am telling Mia how Christian proposed when we hear raised voices from Carrick's study. At the same time, we look at each other and freeze.

"That doesn't sound good," I say.

Mia's face twists uncomfortably, "No, it definitely does not."

Just as I am about to ask Mia what we should do, the shouting gets louder. We hear a door slam and Christian bursts back into the living room. "Ana, we're leaving."

"Christian is everything…" I go to ask him however, I am interrupted.

"Christian! Come back here!" Grace strides into the room with concern etched on her face. "We don't mean to upset you. We're just looking out for your best interests."

"Mom, if you were looking out for my best interests you would support us."

"Christian…" Now Carrick walks into the room. "Think about what we're saying. Washington is a community property state. If anything were to happen, it would cost you 50% of everything."

Then the realization hits me. They are talking about a prenup. I don't have a chance to say anything before Christian whisks me out of the house and into his car. Before I know it, he's driving back to Escala.

"Is everything OK?" I timidly ask but I know the answer. I have never seen Christian so angry.

"No, it's not." He responds tersely.

"You know, I don't mind signing a prenup." I offer.

"Anastasia, you are going to do no such thing. Having you sign a prenup says I don't trust you or our relationship. It's insulting to you and to our marriage."

"I know, but honestly, I am bringing nothing into this marriage. I don't even own a car. I did nothing to live like this with you."

"Ana, I love you and I want to take care of you and provide for you for the rest of my life. I don't ever want you to have to worry about paying rent or bills. I want you to be able to indulge in any whim you have."

I can tell Christian wants to hear no part of this discussion. Maybe he will cool down. I hope other people are happy we are engaged. I didn't exactly get a warm and fuzzy feeling from Grace and Carrick.