Sorry for posing so late. I hope you all are well. Only three more chapters after this.
Anastasia's POV:
It's Friday and Taylor is coming home today. He had to stay longer because they needed to do another surgery because the bleeding started again. Christian gave Gail the week off to spend with him and are both flying in on Charlie Tango. Luke, Charlie, Christian and I are going to have a little welcome home celebration. It won't be another week until he can get back to work, but Ryan is working out well. Christian is actually taking him on full time. I'm getting together the ingredients for an extreme chocolate cake and dinner for us. I'm making a turkey breast, mashed potatoes, green beans and mac and cheese. I know Christian loves mac and cheese and my grandmother had the best recipe. I start the turkey and hour before everything else. Taylor and Gail should be here at six, which gives me two hours to cook. I give the boys a fake job of decoration because I don't need them in my kitchen distracting me. Every now and then, I see Christian and Luke failing miserably to do one of their tasks. I give Christian a little bit of credit due to his broken leg, but still, blowing up balloons is not a difficult task. I could only imagine what it's going to be like when we are setting up for our kids' birthday parties. I put everything in the warmer and start baking the cake. I preheat the oven before making the batter. I use a circular pan, but I have loads of batter left over so I grab another and fill the rest.
"Boys" I call and they take their time getting to the kitchen.
"I swear, if I never blow another balloon in my life, it will be too soon." Luke mutters making Christian laugh.
"Amen." They high five and I smile. They have become close this week since Taylor has been absent.
"I thought my boys could use a treat." I give the both one of the beaters with batter on it and they enjoy. My next task is making the icing. Chocolate butter cream icing to be exact. I use a spatula since the boys are still licking off the batter. I finish the icing as the timer goes off. I almost forget to use an oven mitt, but I grab it and take out both pans. The cake is cooked perfectly and I leave them to cool. I grab a block of chocolate and grate some pieces to sprinkle on and around the cake.
"Now that you two are done, go and set the table."
"Yes, mom." Luke mutters and Christian high fives him again. I shake my head and start to wash the dishes I've already used. Twenty minutes until Taylor will get here which is perfect. I run into the guest room which Christian and I have moved into while he has the cast on. I pull on a pair of jean/leggings and a grey t-shirt. It's a little cold so in the house so I grab a black blazer. Christian always says it weird that I don't wear shoes all the time when we have company. Charlie arrives five minutes before six and helps me frost and decorate the cakes. We wait by the door with a glass of champagne each and two extra for Gail and Taylor. I feel bad for Ryan because he's still learning the job and can't be considered part of the team yet. I made him a plate and gave it to him in Taylor's office. He smiled and thanked me.
Taylor walks through the door and we all yell "surprise", startling the both of them. Taylor blushes and smiles.
"You didn't have to." he said and I hand him a glass of champagne and Charlie hands one to Gail.
"To friends." I toast.
"To friends." We clink glasses and take a sip. Taylor and Gail follow us to the dining table and he takes a seat at the head of the table.
"This table is a lot better with more people." Charlie says referring to last Friday. Everyone puts a good amount of food on their plate and I make another toast.
"To Jason."
"To Jason." Everyone's copies me and we clink glasses yet again before digging into our food. Everyone compliments me on it and Christian especially loves the mac and cheese.
"Gail, I'm sorry to say this, but this mac and cheese trumps yours." She jokingly pouts before responding to him.
"I know this is amazing! Would you mind swapping recipes?" She directs the last part at me.
"How about you and I work together and make a recipe book for Escala."
"I think that's a very good idea." she responds and we decide to do it this week while we look after our men.
"So Charlie, are you sad to be leaving SIP?" Christian inquirers.
"Yes, very much, but in a way, I haven't really left." She winks at me and I wink back.
"I had to make that clear to Ana." I blush.
"Charlie, I've been meaning to ask if you want to take a course of painting nails or something. I figure we should know how to do something in case someone gets sick." Christian looks at me and smiles.
"That's a very wise idea, Anastasia." I blush again. I have never been good with compliments.
"Sounds like fun. I'll do some research tonight."
"Great." It's silent for a few moments before Christian speaks up again.
"I can't wait until you see your offices." We decide that in a week from now we will go and figure everything out. Christian has gifted us both the task of decorating them as we please. I'm starting to get really excited about my new job. Once we finish dinner Gail and Charlie help me clear the plates before bringing out the cake.
"Cake too? You shouldn't spoil me, Annie."
"If you don't want any, that means more for me."
"No, I definitely want some." He licks his lips and pats his tummy. We are half way through out second pieces of cake when Luke stands to his feet.
"Attention everyone." Everyone looks at him quizzically, but I know exactly what's going on. I quietly pull out my phone and hit record.
"The best day of my life was when Charlie agreed to go on our first date. She understands my work and loves me no matter what. She is the most amazing girl I have ever met and wish to spend the rest of my life with her." He drops to one knee and pulls out a box. "Charlie will you do the honour of spending the rest of your life with me?" He opens the box and produces a rose gold tear shaped engagement ring.
"Yes. Yes." She mutters and we clap. Luke stands to his feet and pulls her in close planting a kiss on her. Christian turns to me and winks. I guess Christian knew as well. I'll have to ask them when Charlie and Luke leave. Once they pull apart the girls huddle together and the boys do as well. Charlie shows off the ring and we gasp in amazement. It's not over the top extravagant, but it is beautiful.
"So do you think spring? Summer? Fall? Winter?" Gail asks excited.
"I don't know, but I think a mid fall wedding would be beautiful."
"I agree."
"I can't believe the both of us are getting married!" Charlie says and I look over at Gail.
"Hey don't look at me like that. You have to remember Jason has been married once already and it didn't work out in his favour. We will get married someday, but when he's ready."
"I'm sorry." She gives me a hug and I smile.
"We can go dress shopping together."
"Oh my god, that will make it so much better. This way everyone won't be focused on me."
"We should do to New York. Christian has a place there and they would have beautiful dresses." It hits me that she will not have the same price range for dress that Christian will have. I'm going to gift her the money to buy an amazing wedding dress. Maybe I can also convince Christian to pay for a wedding.
"I think that would be fun."
"Ah so you, Gail, Katherine, Mia and whoever you need to bring." I say with a huge smile on my face.
"I don't have anyone to bring. You guys are my closest friends."
"There is nothing wrong with that." I smile. We drink some more champagne and talk about themes. I am set on Marie Antoinette where Charlie doesn't know what to do. I don't blame her she was only proposed to an hour ago. I ask what kind of dress she wants and she says simple. I'm not sure if that because she wants a simple dress of can only afford a simple dress. I say I want a lace dress nothing too much, but I'm not 100% sure and will know the dress when I see it. I ask them both then and there if they want to be my bridesmaids. They say yes and I am overjoyed. I have no doubt that Taylor, Luke and Elliot will be Christian's grooms men. I want Mia to be a part of my bridal party so maybe I can convince Christian to ask Ethan.
"Will you be my Maid of Honour?" This question takes me by surprise.
"Of course."
"And Gail will you be a bridesmaid?"
"Always a bridesmaid and never a bride. Of course I will." She says the first part jokingly. I have gotten more planning done for the wedding tonight than the month I have been engaged. I am conflicted between having a lot of time until the wedding and not having any time at all. Gail and Taylor retire to their room before Charlie and Luke leave, which is shortly afterwards.
"Looks like there will be another wedding." I smile at Christian.
"I know. I wanted to talk to you about paying for this wedding." Christian takes me by surprise.
"I was going to ask the same thing."
"So it's settled then?"
"Yes. I was thinking you can pay for the wedding as a gift and I can pay for her dress as a gift."
"I think that's perfect."
"I also want to talk to you about going on a girls' trip to New York to go shopping for the wedding."
"I can't come."
"No, you can't come." He pouts.
"It's going to be a surprise, Christian."
"Fine." I give him a kiss, cuddling into his chest, and fall asleep.
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