So, this is the second-to-last chapter of the story. I hope you liked it, even though a lot of you told me you wish my chapters were longer. I have ADHD so I like to say I write for my attention span. :-) Thank you for reading my story, and your reviews and messages. I am terrible about responding but I do want you to know how much I appreciate you. Thank you! ~~ Jujukeck

Chapter 38

KPOV

The engagement between Ana and Christian has been rather soon but Ana is level-headed so I know she wouldn't do anything unless she was 100% positive about it. I'm excited that we're going to be sisters-in-law! Ana asked me to be her Matron of Honor. I don't think I've ever seen her so happy.

It's Tuesday and Ana and I are meeting for lunch. Mr. Moneybags has already assigned her a driver - more of a bodyguard - so she doesn't have to walk anywhere. I open up this week's gossip magazine and can't miss the headline: "Christian Grey's Fiance - Lucky Lady or Greedy Gold Digger?" I can't believe what I am reading! All these people are commenting about how Ana is a money grubber and they don't even know her. They never met her before!

I meet Ana at the Purple Cafe at 1. She's waiting for me at the table and jumps up to hug me. "Oh, I've missed you, Kate."

"I've missed you too, Steele. So let me see the ring!" Ana shows me the ring. "Ana, it's gorgeous. He did a good job."

"Yeah, he did." She gives me a sad smile but tries to disguise it.

"Alright, I know you too well. What's wrong?"

Ana's eyes fill with tears. "You are the only person that's happy for us. Ray thinks it's too soon and Christian's parents think I'm just a gold-digger."

"Oh, no. What happened?" Poor thing. Ana is the least materialistic person I know.

"When we told his parents they asked to talk to him right away and they tried to get him to sign a prenup. They got into a loud argument and Christian and I left. I told him I would sign it but he won't hear any of it. And all the tabloids are saying the same thing."

"Ana, the important thing is Christian doesn't think you are a gold-digger. Who cares what everyone else thinks?"

"I know, I just wanted everyone to be happy with us and celebrate. You know?"

"I'm sure they are happy; they are just protecting their son. You would do the same thing. Albeit they could have approached it differently."

"It makes me think maybe Christian and I shouldn't get married." Her voice cracks and I know she's close to crying.

"Ana, do you love him?"

"With all my heart."

"Does he love you?"

"Yeah, he does."

"When you think of life without him, how do you feel?"

"Sad. Scared."

"Then that's all that matters. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees with life. So we have to live each moment to the fullest. Don't let anyone's false opinion tell you differently. They aren't the ones in the relationship. You and Christian are the ones whose feelings need to be considered."

"Oh, thank you, Kate. That means so much to me."

"You're my best friend. I'll support you through everything." Ana and I finish our lunch talking about the latest gossip and other lighter topics. We laugh a lot which I think Ana really needed. We leave promising to have lunch with each other more often.

EPOV

Kate told me the news about Ana and Christian getting engaged. I guess he has really changed. It makes me glad. "Grey."

"Hey, bro. Congrats, man."

"Yeah, thanks."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, Elliot. I am busy."

"Bull shit, Christian. After 24 years, I like to think I know you at least a little bit."

He sighs in exasperation. "Fine. Mom and Dad want me to have Ana sign a prenup."

"Well, that doesn't sound so bad."

"First, they decided to talk to me about it right after we told them we were engaged so now Ana thinks they don't like her. And, second, I don't want her to sign a prenup. What is that saying before we even start our marriage? That I don't trust her and am afraid she's going to take too much money if we were to divorce? I made a promise to provide for Ana for the rest of her life and I am going to do that."

"I know, but they are only looking out for you. Think of it from their side, the first girl you ever date and bring home is when you're 28 and then after only a few weeks of being together you propose. They probably think you knocked her up too."

"Why is it so hard to believe we love each other? Why does it have to mean she's only after my money or she is pregnant. Is it so hard to understand?"

"Yeah, Christian, it kind of is. Up until a few weeks ago, most people thought you were some gay recluse. You've never opened yourself up to anyone you never even went out in public with someone who wasn't your staff, a business connection, or family."

"To tell you the truth, I didn't even think I was capable of love until I met Anastasia. She has turned my world upside down in a very good way."

"I know, I could tell there was something between you and Ana in L.A. But you have to let everyone else wrap their heads around this."

"You have a point. I hate it when you're right."

"Don't worry, I won't let you forget."

"I don't doubt it."

CPOV

I decide to meet with my parents alone to talk about the idea of a prenup. I arrive at Bellevue and park my R8 in front of the house. "Christian, sweetheart, I'm glad you're here." My mom says as I lean down and give her a chaste kiss on the cheek.

"Mother." I greet her. I still feel prickly about what happened the last time I was here. I don't want to have to be forced to choose between my family and Ana.

I sit with my parents in my father's study in awkward silence. My mom is the first to speak. "Christian, I am so sorry we hurt you."

"It's not me you should be apologizing to; it's Ana. You gave her the impression you think she is only with me for my money. That couldn't be farther from the truth."

She looks at me with apprehension. "Oh, no, we don't think that. Anastasia is a wonderful young woman. It's just that this has all happened so fast and, well, you know the saying 'love is blind'."

"I'm not acting foolishly here. I love Ana with all my heart and soul. I never thought I would ever find anyone like her. She is the love of my life - the only love of my life. I know you want me to protect my assets but Mom, Dad, if Ana is not in my life then everything is worthless. I don't want to start our marriage with that feeling."

"We are just looking out for you, Son." My father adds in his best lawyer-speak.

"I know you are. Ana said she would sign a prenup. It's me who doesn't want it. I have more money than I know what to do with. If it goes to provide for Ana then I am happy."

"Christian, we owe you and Ana an apology. We are truly happy for the both of you. I hoped but I was afraid I would never see you get married. It warms my heart." My mom has tears in her eyes as she says it.

"I know, Mom."