Teddy and Family

By Cindra

Chapter 7

A/N: Still Ana. But you'll get your Teddy fix too. And the fall of bachelor for life Adam Welch is at hand…

Cin Xxx

Disclaimer: EL James and sometimes SMeyer (I love to play with her characters but with my AU spin on them from my other story. Sorry folks I don't do Cannon ever. Like, Love it, Hate it…you have been warned ^^) own it all I'm just having fun with the characters, but the OC ones and story ideas are all mine.

Still Ana

I'm a pro at juggling a little one in one arm and working my phone with my free hand. I run my thumb over the screen to unlock it. "Hi Baby."

"Hi Mommy! It's snowing! We built a snowman! We're having mac and cheese, tomato soup, and grilled cheese for dinner." Teddy's excited little voice answers a mile a minute.

Hope's wide eyed and listening to him. She's tilting her little head to the side, it's so adorable, even Chris is chuckling.

"Parker's with Luke and Logan in the sky room. They came home with lots of stuff and for some reason neither one of them can sit down, but they aren't telling why. Is the Disney Princess castle bed for Hope? They're saying naughty words trying to put it together. The Grans, Jose, and Ava were in the way because they're putting away clothes. Lots and lots of clothes in her closet. I gave her some of my plushies and books for her Mommy to read to her, because bedtime stories and plushies are important for good dreams. The sky room is a good choice because there's the door that goes to the other room with sky windows, so she can be close to her mommy. Now the Grans, Jose, and Ava are in the other room putting away the mommy clothes. It took them forever to get all of the stuff upstairs, even with the elevator. They had to use the stairs for the furniture, because the Grans were hogging it. Oh, and they put all of the Frozen stuff back in the hanger, because it was snowing and getting all covered up. TJ saved a whole bunch of mommy being on TV. He's got it set in case mommy gets to be on TV again. He just left with Sam. Barney left a while ago because Andrea and Ros called him."

Oh Crap and I was going to break my faux pas gently. Baby brother is gonna pay for that. I wisely go over and settle back down in the easy chair. Shit! Ros has called all hands on deck? I didn't cause that much trouble with my rant did I?

"Teddy?" Chris is burning off the meds and wide awake after that eye-opening bit of info.

"Hi, Daddy! Did they fix you again?" Teddy answers excitedly, happy to hear his Daddy's voice.

"I'm on the mend, buddy. Did you see Mommy on the TV?" He shoots me his what-the-fuck-did-you-do CEO stare. I steel myself against it and school my features to remain innocent.

"I'm happy that they fixed you, Daddy. Uh-huh, mommy was on all the channels…Mommy was scary mad…like when they yell and take my picture." He chimes back.

"Mommy was scary mad and it's on the TV was it?" Chris echoes, narrowing his eyes at me.

I cross my eyes at him and blow him a spectacular raspberry.

"They said mean things that's why she was so mad…"

"Then good for Mommy." Chris's eyes darken to that of predator and prey, but he can't pounce because they've got him strapped to the bed. I stick my tongue at him again and he growls.

"If you can't say anything nice…"

"Then no say nothin at all…" Hope finally chimes into the conversation with her tiny bell like voice.

"Hey? Was that Hope? Hi Hope! I'm Theodore, but you can call me Teddy!" My being on TV evaporates from his head and he's now focused on Hope. "Mommy, let me see Hope on Skype?! I have my tablet in my lap…" He demands, so like his Daddy.

"Let me see Hope what, Theodore?" Chris focuses on Teddy and not what he can't have and calls him on his manners.

"Um…sorry, Mommy. May I see Hope, please?" He asks again in a more subdued tone.

"Hi Teddy." Hope chimes.

"Give me a sec you two and I'll set up skype." I have to end the call and then call up the skype app to call my baby boy.

He answers in seconds and the two of them can finally see each another. "Hi!" He waves from my phone's screen and I can tell that he's headed upstairs to show her everything with the tablet.

"Hi Teddy!" Hope's waving back and smiling. Yet another female smitten with a Grey man.

"Teddy, say hello to Daddy." I turn the phone so that he can see Chris.

"Hi, Daddy! Wow! You got Owies on the other side this time!" He's taking in all of Chris's bandaged parts and I can just imagine the worried frown on his face.

"So it seems, buddy. Though, this is the last time…" Chris hates to see him go from giddy to upset.

"Promise, Daddy?" Teddy doesn't believe him.

"I raise the white flag. I concede defeat. Yes, son, I promise to let everyone else handle the big projects from now on." He seems sincere this time and I hope that he keeps his promise. He's big on keeping them and it's rare that he ever breaks his word, so maybe he's finally learned his lesson.

"Have to pinkie promise…" Hope frowns over at Chris, she is big with the pinkie promises.

"I'll seal the deal when they let me go home." Chris chuckles.

"Gran Grace called Nana Ella. Aunt Mia and Kate can't watch Lelliot and Ethan because they're gonna have babies, so they need help. Good thing our house is as big as a castle, because all the rooms are nearly full." He's back to avidly reporting again and I turn the phone so that the two of them can chatter at each other.

Chris groans and closes his eyes. "Can't we just hire nurses?"

"Daddy, be nice." Teddy heard his muttering.

"Expert care will get them better faster is all I'm saying and it's not like we live miles away either. Try within shouting distance. We all live on Grey Estates. Grey Meadows is just the crowning glory of it." Chris isn't ready for the Christmas invasion yet and this one would be weeks instead of a day or two.

"I'll talk to Grace, before all of you are released." I'll go insane with all of them there and they'll monopolize my babies. Hired Nurses it will be.

"Please, baby. I'll go out of my mind." He's pleading with me and I can see the desperation in his eyes.

Chris loves everyone in our family no question, but he also likes his space. It's why he came up with Grey Estates to begin with. No one would leave us alone. They were practically living with us at times, so to create the much needed privacy that we both craved and needed Grey Estates was born. He bought out all of our surrounding neighbors had Elliot and his crew go to town renovating all of the houses, none of which were small by any means. He had the whole area gated and secured and from then on it was known as Grey Estates. Mia and Ethan were already living next door to us, because she fell in love with the property and Victorian next to our place. Elliot and Kate had Ava on the way and they moved into the property next to them and so it went until everyone in the family were settled and we got our peace back.

"Babe, let me handle this. It'll be fine. No one is going to go crazy. Besides, Elliot and Ethan have been banned from Grey Meadows until I deem otherwise. Being broken doesn't change anything. I'll have Jason arrange for an army of nurses to take care of them while they mend." I reassure him that this nightmare is never gonna come to be. "Grace might rule over Grey Manor, but she doesn't rule over Grey Meadows. If she wants to baby Elliot and keep an eye on Mia then they can move in there…I am not going to pamper them when they've been off-roading and going out in the Harley using the sidecar with my baby boy and those are only what I know. Paul stopped talking as soon as we reached Seattle Grace."

"The fun rides were a no-no too?" Teddy stops chattering with Hope and focuses on me for a second or two.

"It's a big no-no and your uncles know this, so they're banned from Grey Meadows." I nod. Chris has gone dead quiet, so I know that he's just as furious with them as I am.

"We'll hire gay male nurses…" Chris mutters darkly.

"Brilliant idea, Babe! I'll get Paul and Jose on that and we'll make it happen. There are a few that I know of Liza, Dolly, and Cheri moonlight at Calliope, but they're registered nurse practitioners. They adore Elliot and Ethan. I'm sure that they'd be thrilled to take care of them." I grin wickedly.

The door opens and Angel walks into the room.

Wow! She looks fantastic! She's wearing an ice blue cashmere sweater, leggings, Uggs, and a swing cashmere wool coat. Thank heavens they chose the natural look, she's a natural beauty and doesn't need paint to enhance her features. Poor Adam! They must have made Franco come to give her a new look because her silver blonde hair looks fabulous! She's like a living breathing Elsa.

"Mommy!" Hope's ecstatic to see Angel and lifts her arms up towards her. "Bye, my Mommy's back!"

"Baby!" Angel races over and scoops her up and rains kisses all over her face. "I'm so happy that you're feeling better!"

"You look pretty like Elsa. Doctor Grace made me lots better. We go home with Ana. See Teddy. I got's princess castle bed and toys!" Hope is ready to see her new home. "Chris got's owies. He has stay. Jason stay too..."

"I'll watch over him." Carrick walks in with Ray. "Chris is my boy."

"You be a good daddy then…I be Hope." Hope flashes him a smile.

"A pleasure to meet you, Hope. I'm Cary and this fellow beside me is Ana's father Ray…" Carrick is smitten too.

"I see Ray and Jason in book!" Hope clearly recognizes my Dad.

"Ray and Jason were my Daddy's friends…" Angel smiles at my Dad. "I have a thick memory book filled with pictures and things that Daddy saved. We look at it often."

"Your grandpa was a good man and a great friend. We lost touch after you turned five…He was an excellent carpenter and builder. I wanted him to work with me, but he wanted a quiet life and set up his own shop in Tacoma…" Dad's still getting over the shock that his friend is dead and how much Angel looks like her mother, but with her father's eyes.

"Daddy loved his workshop and made wonderful pieces of furniture. It kept his mind clear of the scars that being a soldier left in his head. He didn't like to go to reunions. The cane that he had to use to walk and prostatic lower leg were a constant reminder of what he went through his last tour in Iraq. Mom and I lived a happy life in a house with a big yard. He never forgot either of you and would bring out the scrapbook to show me his brothers in arms. He followed yours and Jason's lives from a far. He'd been seeing a therapist to help him with his PTSD and was at the point where he could reach out to the two of you again. They were on the way to attend a gala event where he knew the two of you would be when a drunk driver killed them both instantly. I was still attending UW Seattle working on my teaching degree in early childhood education while being seven months pregnant with Hope…His note in their will said that I could go to either of you and you would take us in…that my baby and I would be loved and taken care of…" Angel smiles sadly, hugging Hope close.

"Angel, Jason and I both thought that Pat had changed his mind. It never even dawned on either of us that something tragic had happened. We knew that Pat had severe PTSD and honored his wishes to stay clear until he was ready…" Dad's eyes are haunted, but he's well-schooled in covering his emotions. "Why didn't you come to either of us?"

"Daddy. Jason works for us as our General and you run a shipping empire. She didn't want to burden either of you with her and Hope. That and our security is tighter than the first family. It's near to impossible to walk up to any of us…" I roll my eyes. Men are so clueless.

"Mommy, that's rude. Be nice." I completely forgot that I had Teddy still on the phone.

"Sorry, Teddybear. I'll be good." I blow him a kiss.

"I gotta go. Dinners ready. Are ya coming home soon?" Teddy can't wait to meet Hope in person.

"In a little bit, baby. Maybe an hour or so, but in time to tuck you in and read you a story." I promise and take the phone to Chris

"Goodnight, Teddybear. Love you. I'll be home tomorrow, buddy." Chris tells him goodnight and makes a promise that I hope Grace or Paul can make happen, because if he has to stay more than one night he'll go postal.

"Night, Daddy. Love you." Teddy echoes back, not commenting on Chris's being home tomorrow, because he doesn't believe that they'll let him, not with all those injuries.

"Mommy? Can I talk to Hope really fast, please?"

"Teddy, you'll see her in a little while. She's with her Mommy…go eat your dinner." I can hear them calling him.

"Please…"

"Fine, but just a minute." I walk over to Angel and Hope, who are bonding with Dad. He's got Hope cuddled in his arms. Grandbaby number five. Well, I've always wanted a baby sister.

"Angel, meet Teddy. Teddy this is Angel. Hope's mom." I hold up the phone so she can see my little boy.

"Mommy! That be Teddy!" Hope waves at Teddy and blows him kisses.

I glance up and see that Jason is getting all of it on his phone.

Adam's got take out from The Mile High. Thank god, that's one grumbling session that I get to skip about Hospital food and how he's not gonna eat it.

"Hi Miss Angel. They've got everything ready here for you and Hope. My Grans and Aunt Gail wanna meet you both really bad. Mommy has to get Daddy tucked in first, because he's got bad owies and has to stay there in Hospital. Because Nana Grace is his mommy and won't let him come home yet." Teddy's face grins at Angel and Hope on the screen. I hear them call him again by his full name. "Yikes! Nana Ella used my whole name! Bye! See you when you get home!" And my little guy wisely ends the Skype session.

"Ella's getting the hang of being a grandma." Ray's grinning at Chris.

"She's a natural at it and he adores her." Chris grins back. "I called her Mom the other day and she burst into tears. Teddy growled at me because he thought that I'd been growly with her again. He's so protective…Baby, aren't you going to introduce us?" He reminds me that he and Angel have yet to be properly introduced.

"Like his Daddy." I grin. "Sorry. Christian, this is Angel Sanders. Angel this is Christian Grey my other half."

"Hello, Angel. I'd greet you properly, but evidently they thought I was a danger to myself and strapped down my arms. I had a battle with a ladder today and the ladder won." Chris smiles warmly at her, as she smiles timidly at him. "Your daughter is adorable. You're going to have to fight off the grandmothers and my sisters with a stick."

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Grey." Angel's heard Chris in a mood, so it's a given that she's a little timid around him. "Um…Hope's never had grandparents, so she'll welcome the attention…I can't tell you how…"

"Your father saved two men that are like fathers to me and Ray's Ana's dad that's a debt that can never be repaid. My baby wouldn't be here today…I wouldn't have Teddy or the triplets if he hadn't saved them…It's Christian. You're family now. You and Hope will never have to worry about anything again. If you wish to go back to school and finish your degree. Say the word and I will make it happen. We have a niece and new sister to welcome into the fold." Chris schools his tone to gentle, as he can see that she's as skittish a cat.

Well, that and Adam is shooting him a look, clearly saying Mine be nice. He's standing there with takeout and hasn't moved. Adam's nervous? That's a first? Is he scared of Hope? He's fantastic with the kids?

"Angel, Hope, welcome to the Grey-Steele-James-Taylor-Kavanagh family." Carrick has been quietly watching everyone and sitting in the chair beside Chris.

"That's five Mothers, five Fathers, countless siblings, and nieces and nephews. That's not including the rest of the clan of our army of big brothers and contingent of big sisters of sorts. Believe me. You are not alone and never will be." I give her a brief run-down of the clan then turn to Adam. "We're starving, Adam. Get in here. I hope that you brought a child friendly meal for Hope."

"I brought the menu with me. I know Kate and Mia crave any manner of foods, so I told them to just load me up. Elliot, Ethan, and Ryan have no end to their stomachs so there was that factor also. I got your favorites. Angel loves classic American so I chose that for her. You can't go wrong with Mac and cheese and sliders, so I chose that for Hope. Teddy, Gabe, and Ava love that choice so I went by that. I'm still recovering from the prep team experience, so I'm a little shell-shocked." Adam does look like he's been on the front lines. His hair is sticking up like he's been pulling it out and his eyes look pained and haunted. He goes over to the table by the couch and begins to unload dinner.

"Poor Big brother…it couldn't have been that bad…" I croon.

"Yes, yes, it could and was…" Angel nods vigorously, eyes wide.

"Be lucky that I even remembered to get dinner. It was that much of an excruciating ordeal. Black Ops wasn't that bad. I don't for the life of me know how Angel survived the onslaught that never seemed to ebb. I'll have to see Flynn for PTSD therapy. Never again with the prep team. No, Mia, Kate, Jose, or butt grabbing Franco. Angel, Hope, fine. In a nanosecond. Them I'd face a pit of venomous vipers first." Adam collapses on the couch face down.

"They've taken out, Welch!" Chris can't believe his eyes. "Nothing phases Adam Welch. He's unshakable and my sisters and Jose have neutralized one of my top guys!"

"He need big hugs and lots of kisses." Hope's pointing at Adam. "Down please, Grandpa."

"Sure, sweet pea." Ray sets her down on her feet.

She races over to Adam and uses his jacket as leverage to crawl up onto his back. "I make him better."

This is too cute for words.

She's hugging his neck and kissing his cheek. "Mommy. It no working." She sits up and sniffles.

I don't think Adam knows what to do, because he's staying really still. I can just barely see him looking at Angel as if asking for permission.

"Adam, her hugs are the cure for everything." Angel's smile is all that he needs to roll so that he's now on his back and she's cuddled on his chest.

"Hello, Princess, thank you. I needed the hugs and kisses like you wouldn't believe." He melts as soon as Hope looks shyly up at him then burrows closer to him. "All princesses need to eat in order to rule their kingdoms. Are you hungry? I brought mac and cheese, sliders, and smiley fries." He kisses the top of her curls, keeping his arms securely around her so she doesn't fall off his chest.

"I like Mac and Cheese." She looks up at him puzzled, but nods shyly. "What be slider and fries no smile. They like crinkle sticks."

"They're mini-cheese burgers and fries that are round with smiley faces, see baby." Angel's getting her dinner for her and is holding up a slider and fry for her inspection.

The adorable little pixie sits up and claps her tiny hands, squealing in delight, as if she's discovered ice-cream for the first time ever. "Cheesy burgers my size! No have to share with Mommy! Happy fry and Mac and Cheese too! Hope likes! Yummy!"

Adam gets down with her on the floor so that she can sit in his lap while she happily digs into her meal. "She's a healthy eater."

"She's usually ravenous after an asthma episode. Hope has no issue with food. She loves just about everything you put in front of her. You have to watch her like a hawk or she'll steal from your plate, just to see what you're eating. She's learned her lesson about drinking without asking. Carrie my neighbor had ice coffee. Hope snuck a sip, now anything brown is yucky. I'm still trying to show her that coco, chocolate shakes, and milk…are good."

"Brown drink…" Hope wrinkles her button nose and makes a face of disgust. "Yucky!"

"Well, good thing that I brought apple juice…" Adam was about to set a small shake in front of her, but hastily sets an apple juice box beside her little hand instead.

"She's gonna run circles around, Teddy." Chris and I both chuckle.

He sighs in relief when Grace joins us. "Mom, I'm starving. Think you can unstrap me now with all the family here? It's not like I'm a danger to myself or alone. I feel like a mental patient with these straps."

"What did you do, Christian Alexander?" Grace is giving Chris the look and folding her arms.

"Uh-oh, he in trouble with his Mommy." Hope chimes between bites of her food.

"I wanted Ana and they kept her from me…" Chris turns into a sulky little boy when he's sick or hurt. Today is no exception.

"She was watching Hope while you were in recovery, because she isn't allowed to see you until they get you settled back here in your room. A fact that you very well know…" Grace is checking his chart. "I'll have them bring you some soup, Jell-O, and juice. Nothing heavy until the meds have completely cleared out of your system." She unstraps him and he's finally free to move his arm.

"Got it covered, Doctor T." Adam holds up a bag with his free hand. "Chicken soup, Jell-O, and green tea. I have Mac and cheese, but that's not bland by any means. Sorry, boss."

"More for me." I grin as I ready our dinner and carry the plates over to the bedside table. "Double bacon Cheeseburger, truffle fries, four cheese bacon Mac and Cheese, and double chocolate milk shake. Thank you, Adam."

"Yeah, Welch. Thanks a lot…" Chris mutters darkly.

"Be good and I'll sneak you some leftovers if they leave any." I growl in his ear.

Chris glowers and starts in on his soup.

"That was very thoughtful of you to feed everyone, thank you very much, Adam." Grace is plating food for her and Carrick.

Dad, Jason, and Angel are all also digging in to the variety that Adam's brought us.

"Eat." Hope is feeding Adam her fries and bites of her sliders.

"Yum, thank you princess." He's past the worst hurtle. Hope adores him. Now, Angel might just let him court her. "I thought that I would save the hospital staff the migraine and feed the grouchy lion…I mean boss…" He smirks, ignoring Chris's glare. "Ros sends her regards. She won the betting pool."

Chris counted to ten before growling. "How much?"

"Well, practically all of the executive staff of GEH wanted in, so the kitty wasn't small…couple thousand at least. Most of them had you falling off the roof or ladder. She's the only one that came up with a ladder falling on you…Those were long odds and she's cashing in big." Adam's enjoying something that he rarely has a chance to do, teasing Chris.

"They do know that I still sign the checks don't they, especially the big end of the year…" I shoot him a look and he wisely shuts up. "I take a leave to watch over my family and GEH turns into an illegal gambling zoo…" He's being a grouch, but then he's had a long day.

"Jason, I need you and Adam to vet some gay male nurses to take care of Elliot and Ethan when they return to their homes. Get with Jose. He might be able to help find the perfect fit. Male visiting nurses or live-in nurses would negate any jealousy or tension that female nurses would cause both Kate and Mia."

Jason, Carrick, and Dad are all coughing from nearly choking on a fry that they were chewing. Adam is just gaping at me.

"Darling, I've already arranged for…" Grace starts to step in, but it's not her call.

"Teddy's filled us in, Mom." Chris beats me to the punch. "If you want to baby Elliot and Ethan knock yourself out, but at Grey Manor. Grey Meadows is closed. I created Grey Estates so that Ana and I could have our peace and quiet and still be close to our loved ones. I am not going to reward Ethan and Elliot for taking risks with our son while they were charged to watch over him, it's not happening."

"Son, what on earth did they do now?" Dad and Carrick know that it's serious for us to pull up the drawbridge.

"It can't possibly be so serious that you've banned them from your home." Grace frowns, put out because we're overriding her plans.

"They've placed him in dangerous situations. Emerald City. Off-Roading. The Harley. Allowed him to watch TV shows not suited for his age and that's just the tip of the ice berg…" I growl.

"I told them no and still they risked Teddy being taken?" Adam's barely reining in his temper.

"Who take Teddy?" Hope scowls, forgetting about the monster cookie that Adam included with her meal. "No pose talk or go wif strangers."

"That's right, princess." Adam kisses the top of her head. "Not to worry. No one is gonna get to Teddy or anyone in the family."

"Good…strangers bad…no take candy either…or food…bad apple like queen in dwarf movie…" Hope has been well schooled and that's gonna make it an easier transition.

"She knows how to tell a good person from an evil person, it's a welcome quirk of hers that do to where we lived gave me piece of mind. When she senses a bad person she hides behind me or crawls up into my arms or onto my back. If we're at the park she'll find an officer and point out the bad person. The officers at the park adore her and listen because she has yet to be wrong. She's pointed out several men that have been caught for child trafficking, which was becoming common in our neighborhood. She's a budding detective then again she likes it when justice is served…She falls asleep on the couch at Carrie's and well, she and her little sister Chloe are DC superhero addicts and Hope has a big crush on the characters in those shows...Hope wants to be like the female heroes…She knows it's not real and they both edit the shows so that all of the bad parts aren't there for her to see. They're good at all things high tech…" Angel is very proud of her baby girl.

Hmm…I have to meet her friends and see if I can obtain copies of those edited shows, since the guys have my baby addicted to them now.

"Hold up there…The boys did what?" It's finally hit Dad that the guys willfully and knowingly put Teddy in danger and he's gonna flay them alive. "Did you know this?" He glares at Jason. Now the spotlight is on him.

"Not until this morning. Trust me it's being handled. We just need to wait until they heal first. Besides, they're banned from every establishment under GEH, plus Gail and Ana's cooking. That's hell in itself, as Elliot lives off them loading up his freezer, because Kate can't cook to save her life. Ethan's lucky. Mia's a Cordon Bleu Chef, so he won't starve…" He's gonna make them crawl during weekend boot camp.

"I'm thinking we'll sign them up to compete in a Spartan competition, the meanest one of course. 5.4 miles of treacherous obstacles should teach them both to be more responsible. Itching powder was just the beginning of their trials." Jason is the king of teaching you a lesson you will never forget.

"What exactly did you use on them, Jason?" Grace now knows why the guys have a rash from hell.

"The rash will ebb after a day or two..." I don't feel the least bit guilty that I enlisted Jason and Ella to help me with teaching them a lesson. "They're lucky that I don't geld them…"

"It's Ella's concoction. I just sprinkled it inside their spare gear." Jason has no remorse either. "Chris gave me the opportunity to put the plan into action when he got them with the snow machine."

Grace narrows her eyes at us.

"Mother, it could have been a lot worse than itching powder. We entrusted our son into their care and they threw all of the rules that we set down for them out the window. Endangering him in the process and not giving a care about it either." Chris is using carefully chosen words as we have innocent ears in the room.

"Angel? If Carrie isn't happy with her current job then we have a spot with Barney's team at GEH and depending on the age of her little sister and her school record we have excellent intern programs for High School students. Teddy's addicted to the same shows as well and if they wouldn't mind providing copies for Teddy we would greatly appreciate it. My big brother and brother-in-law let him watch those and many other shows without censoring the bad parts and that's another reason why they're in our bad books." He never misses an opportunity to recruit for GEH, he's always trying to better the company.

"Carrie's a free soul… I guess freelance would be the term." Angel is trying not to reveal that Carrie is a black hat or white hat hacker.

"Barney's team aren't exactly, well, let's just say many of them are reformed Black hats and leave it at that. Carrie would feel right at home…I'm a reformed Black hat myself…" Adam smirks when Angel gapes at him like a fish out of water and then narrows her eyes at him waiting for him to fill in more of the blanks. "Father issues will do that…we'll talk later…I more than made up for it in the military. Trust me, Angel…it was a long time ago, but the skills are highly valuable in what I do to protect GEH and all of those that I care about. You need to be able to read the chatter on the dark web in order to deal with issues that arise…we're the good guys."

"The whole Scooby Gang, as the big brothers deemed us when we were kids, excel at shall we say freelance…Barney's the only one that was the genius at all things tech. Chloe and my baby brother TJ would get along great by the sounds of things, he interns during school breaks or when he has time away from his High School sports career…" I grin at her. Yep, we're just full of surprises aren't we?

"I can assure you that whoever her current employers are we'll double the salary with a benefit package that is by far the best in the country." Chris sweetens the pot.

"Carrie's a white hat hacker and she helps those who have their identities stolen and gets their lives back. She's Best Buy's top tech in the Geek Squad. She got a perfect score on all the college entrance exams and attended MIT, graduating with honors at eighteen just before her Grandparents died in a car crash. She became Chloe's guardian. She makes sure that Chloe still can attend Seattle Prep by saving what she makes towards her sister's tuition and college fund. Their Grandfather believed that you need to have life experience, so neither of them can touch their trusts until they turn twenty-five. They live in the apartment next to Hope and me. She wasn't willing to compromise her values for the Think tanks that tried to recruit her to develop dark tech…she's more of a go green, save the world, kinda girl, as is her baby sister. We met at a grief support group. Both of them are like sisters to me and Aunts to Hope…I don't know how I feel about leaving them…" Angel frowns.

"Chloe had already called SPD and wasn't the least bit impressed when Logan flashed his credentials at her and tasered them in the ass before either of them could explain why they were packing up all of your stuff. They both came to when the officers arrived to find two of their buddies tied up back to back in their underwear and Chloe sitting with her laptop in her lap, their shoulder holsters beside her, verifying if Logan and Luke were actually legit or not…" Adam stops to wait out all of our laughter.

It takes a while and we have to calm down Angel before he can continue. "I am so sorry! She's very, um, protective. Carrie got her the Tasers to use for self-defense…I should have given them that note…"

"Chloe was only acting on instinct. I'm sure that being in a neighborhood with a high crime rate that there are perps that try and pass themselves off as law enforcement or not all officers respect the badge that they carry…" Jason is trying to reassure her.

"Most of them have been paid off by the cartel…they don't mess with our boarding house because Carrie and Chloe gave them a taste of what would happen if they hit our block again. They hacked into their accounts and donated 25% of their net worth to charities around Seattle and then sent them a flash drive warning them that it was just a copy and that the original would be in the hands of trusted law enforcement if they even tried to retaliate. Our block is by far the safest in the neighborhood. The dealers were desperate to hit the clinics and I have no doubt that the flash drives were sent to their contacts…"

"Then good for Carrie and Chloe. You have to do what you need to do in order to survive. None of us fault them for protecting where they live." Dad pulls her to him for a hug.

"Angel, it's all good. I promise. The Danver Girls are fine." Adam can't go to Angel at the moment because Hope is snoozing against his shoulder. "I got the call during makeover time and took pity on them. Jason was dealing with hospital protocol and security migraines caused by baby sister going mamma lion on the bottom feeders, so I sent Sam. Carrie had just arrived when Sam was putting out fires and she explained the situation. Sam's got two new roomies at her cottage, as they won't believe it until Angel explains it herself. Luke and Logan are licking their wounded pride dealing with the deliveries. The plus side to all of this being that Chloe is sweet on TJ and the feeling is mutual, so we'll see…Logan was impressed with how they rigged up security for everyone at the boarding house, so that no one could get robbed again. The sisters were neighborhood watch...Luke called a buddy of his to bunk at their place until everything gets sorted. Don't want the Batgirl cave to get tossed…"

"Chloe…be like 'Licity…" Hope blinks up at him. "No be a bat…"

"You know, Princess, I see your point. My bad. Felicity it is…" He kisses her head and the females in the room melt. It is just too adorable to see Adam Welch taking to the daddy role as if he were born to it.

"Felicity Smoak character on Arrow. We'll binge watch them in bed during your recuperation." I whisper in Chris's ear, thinking he's completely lost.

"The guest wing has plenty of room and we can easily find a place for Chloe and Carrie to set up their tech if need be, then again when they see Jason's Watch Tower he won't be able to keep them out of it." Chris smirks at me. "Baby, I did have comics when we were kids. I know who all the DC/Marvel heroes are. I don't watch the movies with the guys just to humor them …I still have my collection set away for Teddy and Alex…"

"Tues and Wed night in the man cave isn't poker and beer night?" I growl.

"We play poker and drink beer and we have the CW on while we're playing…" Chris shrugs. "You have your girl time and we have our guy time. Its win-win, baby."

"Binge watching all seasons, Babe." I love those movies and shows too.

Not that the girls and I don't watch them while they are having their guy time. What's not to like about. Shirtless. Ripped. Hunky. Man candy. I have to try not to blush during galas because the stars usually attend them do to Washington's proximity to Vancouver. I love my man, but Stephen is all kinds of yummy. Jamie Dornan is too. Both support many of our charities, as do many of the stars to the superhero movie franchises. Their wives and I have an 'Our husbands are walking Gods support group'. Granted Chris still breaks the Hotness scale in every, and I do mean every, single category across the board, but it never hurts to look.

"Not cool, Christian Alexander." I act like my feelings are hurt and I'm full on pouting.

"Anastasia Rose, don't think that I don't know all about what you and the girls do while we're in my man cave. Seriously, baby, it's not the same. We watch it for the action. Leather clad females are a plus, but nothing like you woman drooling over the shirtless, barely clad, men. Cameras, Mrs. Grey. Next time shut them off." He leans over and purrs that into my ear.

Shit! That's just wrong! We don't spy on them! Well, yeah, we do, but it's just wrong to have them do the same to us. "What are we your viewing pleasure when you're playing cards and drinking beer!?" I jump to my feet and glower down at him. "Girl time is our time, Mr. Grey! You're toast when Gail finds out, Jason!"

Jason finally breaks and he never loses his cool, ever. Chris and I, well, everyone goes silent. "Leave me the hell out of THIS! Both of you spy on EACH OTHER! Both of you are closet hero show ADDICTS! Both of you each have every season on DVD! Now cut the CRAP! You didn't ask for the cameras to be cut that's on BOTH OF YOU! I have had a LONG DAY! I am still dealing with the fallout from your tantrum in front of the MEDIA! It's gone VIRAL across the GLOBE! Barney said the servers at GEH crashed because of the incoming chatter and PR's living a fudging NIGHTMARE! Ros is popping Xanax and trying not to pull her Hair Out! I GET that you needed to VENT! I know that they STRESS you out of your MIND! I get that, I DO! It was a cheap shot for him to accuse Chris of sucking up to the public by decorating Grey Meadows himself instead of hiring help to set it up or that you only give to charity for the tax write-off…"

"I'll bury them all…" Chris cuts him off and snatches my phone off the table in front of him. It takes him less than a few seconds to load the video up on my phone and I brace for the fallout to come.

"Babe, sleeping baby right behind me…I had a postpartum moment…I'm sorry…I know that I messed up big time, but…"

Chris shuts me up with a kiss that lasts for a while, until the parentals clue us in that we're not alone. "Baby, you were fantastic! Words cannot…I am so fudging proud of you! That was off the scales HOT! I'll have to triple security just to keep your male and female admires at bay! Your fan mail is gonna overflow the mailroom! We'll implement your brilliant strategy against the sharks. They'll never mess with us again. They'll be bankrupt if they even try. Baby, hear that in the background? That's a standing O and it's all for you! You are their hero! TIME might just make you person of the year after that speech. It was that epic! And you are in the running for that honor, we just didn't want to stress you out after having the babies…PR is handling it…Barbra Walters wants us to be her Most Fascinating People of the Year…More so now that she's heard about the triplets and this will have her begging at Grey House's doors. The Talk. VIEW. Hell, all of them want you on their shows to guest host…"

"To quote a certain will not be named series. Hard Limit, Grey."

To say that I'm floored is an understatement. Chris handles the media. I loathe them. I rarely if ever do interviews. Guest hosting are they nuts? I have severe stage fright?! Yes, I will grit my teeth and speak at a symposium, conference, or for our causes…afterwards I need a paper bag to breathe into. I fake it. I don't do big audiences. I have to picture everyone in their underwear. I had Rhain hypnotize me for the times during events when I start having the walls closing in on me and Chris knows the word that instantly calms me down. I've gotten better at it over the years, but there is no way in hell that I am going to guest host a major talk show…Barbra Walters, maybe it would be one on one, but nope the other not happening. TIME Magazine Person of the Year! I'm not the President or the Pope!? Chris runs GEH! Give it to him again! I'm pacing the room, biting my lip, and trying not to lose it completely in front of Angel.

"Annie. You can't hide behind Chris forever…" Dad tries to talk me down and I shoot him a death glare.

"Darling girl, you are fantastic public speaker. It's no wonder that they all want…" Grace is next and I crawl into bed on Chris's good side and bury my face against his chest and cover my ears. Not listening!

"Sweetheart, I thought Rhian was working with you on this…" Carrick goes over to sit beside the bed and Grace takes the other chair.

"Give me a classroom of kids any day to having to speak to hundreds of people. I don't blame her in the least for not wanting any part of it. It's a hard limit for me too." Angel is on Team Ana 'needs her space' which I am grateful for and not on Team Ana 'takes on the media by storm'.

"Sanctuary..." Chris croons softly, as he holds me protectively with his good arm, and sets his chin on top of my head. "You're safe. Sanctuary…"

My whole body relaxes and I feel blissfully at peace once again. "Don't make me…please…" I whimper.

"Ana, no one is going to make you do anything that you don't wish to. I have no control over TIME, but the rest is being handled by Dante, Ros, and Andrea. You have the best excuse in the world being a new mom to triplets barely four weeks old, add having to go through a life-threatening labor to have them, and telling them no is more than understandable. It's a known fact that we don't pander to the television or social media. We've got this, baby." He's my rock. My man.

"Annie, I've already personally told them all to take a flying leap. Stating that it would be a logistical security nightmare. TIME can send someone here to interview you if you get chosen for the cover. They can all live off of Ethan's exclusive, because that's all they are gonna get." Adam growls softly, not that it's gonna wake up Hope. She seems to be like my babies and can sleep through anything.

"I'm not Mia or Kate…that's never gonna change…I just forgot my fear this afternoon because I was done with being on the defensive. I was done having them be a threat to what's mine. I stepped out of my comfort zone to take a stand and to be honest it felt amazing, but I don't wish to make it an everyday thing. I'm more than happy to let you take on the sharks. It took an exclusive with the Seattle Times to allow me to have a sliver of freedom again. I had to reveal our babies to the world just to get them to back off…we need to make an example of a few to show that this time we're not just gonna circle the wagons and defend against the attack. This time we're gonna fight back and give them a taste of the helplessness that they cause when they ambush you. Take away their security and just maybe they will fall into some kind of truce that all of us can live with." I turn in Chris's arms so that everyone in the room can hear me.

"TIME wants me as Person of the Year, well, that's gonna be my platform. Not GP. Not the Charities. But the right to be able to walk outside my own damn gate and not get blinded, deafened, or accosted by the parasites that are the media. The right to shop and not be stalked. To take my kids on an outing and not cause a riot because they don't know when enough is enough. It has to stop. I've spent too many visits to the ER in my lifetime because they hunted us like animals and caused things to spin out of control. We all have, because of our last names and our parents' net worth. We had to disguise ourselves just to date when we were teenagers. Harvard was a breath of fresh air because we tricked them into thinking that we were all going to different Ivy League schools. It was the calm before the storm of epic proportions that was our dreams coming to fruition and then our engagement announcement afterwards…I don't want my kids to have to endure what we did and I will take them all on to protect my babies. Fear or no Fear. It has to stop. They need a taste of what it feels like. Have them be the hunted…" I've never vented like this to our parents, only to Chris when I've reached my limit. Never to Kate and Ethan or their parents, because I didn't want to hurt their feelings. I always hid my fears around everyone, but I could never hide anything from Christian.

Kate and Mia are standing in the doorway with their phones and I just know that my rant is gonna go viral and more than likely crash Youtube. TIME would be fools now not to make me their cover and it's all because I'm having a very shitty day today.

"It's about time that you finally spoke your mind. Daddy's gonna do flips, seeing as we're gonna only be the ones with this scoop. I was gonna post it on Youtube, but you're already breaking records, so we'll let Daddy take the reins on this one. He's always known how you felt about the media and that's why he never pushes you to give interviews. It's on your terms and why he suggested that Kavanagh Media have exclusive rights to everything press, media, and photo related to the Grey-Steele names. To protect you, his other daughter, as much as he possibly could. Now that you've thrown down the gauntlet he can put that plan into action big time. Sweetie, I'm your voice and I love being your shield. Always have." Kate opens her arms to me.

Christian lets me go, knowing that I need a Kate and Mia hug in the worst way and as soon as I am clear of his bed I race over into their arms. It's good to have two awesome big sisters to lean on and that they are my best friends in the entire universe.

"Ana, never ever keep it all bottled up again. We're here to be your anchor and venting wall anytime. Talk to us. We'll listen. The only reason why we use online media sites is to have control over it all. If we post it first they can't run with lie after lie. We control the message. True it's come back to bite us all in the tail with that book series, but for the most part it's done its job. You can't live without the media, but you sure as heck would like to. You just have to find a balance that you can live with and we will." Mia hugs me fiercely.

"I have no problem using it to my own advantage, it's when they invade every aspect of our lives that I hate." I'm exhausted it's been a long day and I just want to hold my babies and then tuck Teddy in. First, I need to get Chris settled.

"Ana, I haven't known all of your for not even a few hours, but one thing that I know for certain is that you have the strongest family unit that I have ever seen. I am honored that you've chosen to bring Hope, me, Carrie, and Chloe into this amazing family. I don't know how I can contribute, but just ask and I will try and do my best to help wherever you need me to. I'm more than qualified to help take care of the little ones if that's needed. I was a few months shy of earning my teaching degree in early childhood education when my parents died and could even teach Teddy if you wish me to, though, he seems like a little marvel and smart beyond his years. Hope tested high as well, but I couldn't budget preschool just yet, so I've been teaching her and the kids that I watch at the daycare center. I've even filled in more often than not in the kitchen at Dina's…." Angel looks from me to Chris then to our parents and Jason with a lost look in her eyes.

I lock eyes with Chris and he nods before I tackle Angel's insecurities head on. "Gail. Jason's wife is our house manager and seeing as she's going to claim you as hers on sight we'll see as we go. I need all the help that I can get and will gladly welcome it in regards to my babies. Teddy's a baby genius and an avid student, always soaking up everything around him. You'll see that for yourself when you meet him. Now, seeing as you'll need to wait until the Winter term starts at UW feel free to sharpen your teaching skills on our Teddy and more than likely Ava and Gabe will be joining him and Hope. Logan's currently taking on the task, but now that he's nearly fully healed will want to tackle giving security at GEH an overhaul. After last month's incidents he wasn't all that impressed with how they handled things. Adam not include of course, but others are under the gun. This afternoon more than showed that he's antsy about returning to what he loves that being protecting all of us." She's exactly what I need and the plus side of things is that she's family so I don't have to vet a new nanny. Ryan's marrying Sara Summer and she was offered a job that she couldn't turn down, junior professor at UW. She starts next term and we wish her well on her new endeavor. I was dreading interviewing again and now I don't have to! Thank you god. And I get three new sisters out of it too. Go me!

"What Ana is trying to say is that you're family and we don't treat family like staff. Our Nanny was offered a junior professor position at UW starting the first of the year and we've been scrambling to fill that position with someone qualified, but that's not an easy task by any means…" Chris chimes in his take on the matter.

"I've been working at the Daycare Center for seven years now and love working with children. It's a passion of mine and Hope was able to be with me, so that was one less worry off my shoulders. I want to help where I can and if you need me to help watch over the kids then I'm more than happy to do so." You can see the relief in her eyes, now that she has something to contribute to the family. "I'll have to give my two weeks' notice to the center and figure out a way to…"

"We have a fleet of cars and if you have a valid driver's license then you can choose one to use or we'll issue a driver for you…" Chris stops her before she can get worked up again.

"I'll take her. Problem solved." Adam's not that keen on having one of his guys drooling over his girl while they drive her to work.

"I can drive, Adam. It's just been a while since I've had a car." Angel's not used to having a male take the reins and isn't happy with Adam. She's glaring daggers at him.

"All the more reason for you to let me…" Adam's not used to people not falling in line, just like my guy.

"I have never had a ticket in my lifetime. Not one accident. I am a model driver." Angel's got a temper and backbone, good to know. She'll fit in perfectly.

"Babe, I'm not trying to say that you're not, just that I would be more than happy to drive you to and from work…" Adam's staring at her in alarm and tries to do some damage control.

"Ana, Christian, I would love to take you up on your offer to use one of your cars that was very kind of you..." Angel ignores his groveling and turns back to us.

"I'll be more than happy to arrange that for you." Jason smiles warmly at her. "I'll have a car seat put in for Hope."

"Consider it an indefinite loan and feel free to use it for all of your needs." Chris grins as Adam sulks on the couch with his sleeping charge in his arms.

"Do you like Audi's, because Chris is obsessed with safety. Our fleet are mostly modified SUV's for everyone's safety. You'll never have to worry when driving them, because Adam and Jason are just a touch of a button away. OnStar has nothing on them." I grin.

"Awe…Look Mia. Big Brother's pouting. Maybe Grace needs to give him a lollipop to make him feel better." Kate snickers. This is payback for tormenting us when we were kids.

"He's just not used to having an Alpha female stand up to him." Mia giggles. "Angel, we bow to you. No one and we do mean no one makes Adam Welch go off and sulk like a three year old. You're our hero." She winks at Angel and she blushes.

"I'm just used to taking care of things on my own…this is all new to me…I'm more than aware of Adam's stubbornness to want me safe, but I'm a grown woman who can more than drive myself to work and back. This isn't like walking to the bus stop late at night, so an escort isn't needed. It was a lovely gesture, but I'll be fine. The Daycare is located in a safe area, but its piece of mind that you'll be there if I need it." Angel goes over and kisses Adam on the cheek.

"I know, but I can't help if it's instinct to take care of what's mine." Adam locks eyes with her and yep she's blushing again. I am so glad that I'm not the only one who suffers from that telltale condition.

"Adam…"

"I do, Angelica. From the second I walked into Dina's and saw you that was it for me. I fell hard for you. It was like lightning had struck me. After what happened that night in the diner I've done everything in my power to make sure that you keep your sense of security. The Diner is under GEH's umbrella, the bus stops now have functioning CCTV cameras and security lights at night. I've had my buddies in the SPD keep a closer eye on the goings on in the area where you lived. Work was insane so I couldn't even think about taking that step with you and settled with us becoming friends. My hours are crazy at times. I'm on call 24/7, but if you'll take me as I am, be patient with me and my job at times. I really want us to become more than just friends. That's if you'll have me." Adam finally speaks from the heart and we're all waiting for Angel to say something. He doesn't do declarations. We're all speechless.

"On one condition. You have to promise not to take unnecessary risks, because I know that you're job is dangerous at times. I don't think that my heart could take another loss. It's why I've shied away from you when you try and hug me or kiss my cheek. I didn't want to risk my heart on another man who chose a dangerous career path. You took down those men holding me at gun point at Dina's like it was nothing and then sat down to eat dinner like it was a daily occurrence. The SPD knew you personally, all signs that screamed dangerous. Hard limits for me, but you kept coming back during my shifts and then followed me to the bus stop to make sure that I was safe whether I wanted you to or not. It was impossible not to fall for you too, Adam. From the second that you walked into the diner and our eyes locked, I felt it. But after you took down those thugs my mind overruled my heart and I fought it. Seeing this side of you with Hope makes me want to risk it all again. Yes, we'll be your more." Angel makes a heart melting declaration of her own.

"Geez, kiss already…" Hope blinks open her eyes, sits up, and yawns out her command.

I guess the princess doesn't like having her sleep interrupted.

"Mommy love Adam then Hope love Adam too. Kiss."

Adam gives Hope a smacking kiss on her cheek. "Love you too, princess."

"No! Nots me, silly!" She squeals and breaks out into a fit of giggles. She scrambles off of him. "Mommy! Kiss Mommy!"

Adam reaches up and pulls Angel into his arms and kisses her.

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Bachelor for life no more.

Hope you liked it. In case you were wondering Arrow/Flash/Super Girl/Supernatural/ Are all hit shows on the CW. Felicity Smoak and Oliver Queen (Is Arrow) are main characters on Arrow. Barry Allen is a the Flash.

Emerald City is the Seattle's Comic-Con

Until next time

Cin Xxx