Just Breathe

by Mother of Pearl Fetish

What happens when Christian and Ana don't meet at the interview? What steps will he take when he first sees her at graduation? What will change when he inadvertently injures her before he can introduce her to the Red Room of Pain? 2015 Nominee - Fanatic Fanfics Multifandom Awards.

24. Chapter 24

Just Breathe, Chapter 24 – The Week of the Rehearsal Dinner
Sunday, September 18
Ana's POV

I planned to have a quiet Sunday with Christian; but I have to interview potentials to temporarily replace Prescott. I said no to the first three women Taylor introduced. I had the feeling they were definite "by the book" close protection officers and that is not what I want. I'm willing to live with security; but I won't be ruled by it. I'm sure they are spitfires at what they do; but I was not impressed. Number four was interesting to interview and I felt more at ease with her than numbers one through three. However, candidate number five got my vote when she told me no one had the right to know what size clothes I wear; let alone the brand name, color or style of my underwear.

Tara Marshall, known as Marshall, is the granddaughter of a Marine. Her mother died when she was twelve and she followed her grandfather around the world until she was 18. She joined the Marines; went to college nights, weekends and online. She is a veteran, is 28 and single. She's a redhead and five foot ten. Too tall, she claims, for MI-5 to hire her. I laugh at her faux distress. She's a fan of tea, biscuits and English movies. She tells me her family background is English – having moved five generations ago from England to Vancouver, BC and then two generations ago from Vancouver to Seattle. She has family buried in Vancouver and visits their graves twice a year over Labor Day and Memorial Day. She has her passport and is free to travel with us.

Christian comes out to meet her. I'm pleased when she's more interested in my schedule for the next week than she is about him. Taylor seemed pleased I finally choose a female CPO. He warned me numbers one-four may be used for large events. Personally, I don't care. I'm looking forward to letting Ray go home for a week to take care of his business. He insists on returning the Monday before the wedding and departing the Sunday after.

Sawyer gives Marshall a tour of the main floor of Escala. Then we relocate to my study to talk schedules. Next week is just exercise, work and dinner at home Monday through Friday. Things will be normal unless something with the wedding blows up in our faces. Come Monday morning; I have a new female bodyguard to go to work with me.

XXXXX
Thursday, September 22, Early Morning

**********Seattle Nooz**********
What is going on at the Grey Estate in Bellevue? Are they gearing up for a secret engagement party for Christian and Anastasia? The last time we saw Grey Construction putting up a 10-foot-tall barrier fence at Bellevue was for the Coping Together ball. Grey Construction trucks were out in Bellevue circling the perimeter of the property with the barrier. Additionally, a driving tunnel was created to bar anyone from seeing through the main gates which open onto the Grey property.
**********Seattle Nooz**********

"We got the no-fly; no-sail zone approved," Welch told Christian. "Now there won't be any helicopters buzzing your parents' home. Paparazzi will not be able to sail by with huge zoom lenses and get pictures of the rehearsal or the wedding. We have the King County Sheriff's Marine/Dive/Rescue Unit on Lake Washington keeping water vehicles 2000 yards from your parents' home for 72 hours starting Thursday noon. It will cost you for the man hours for their extra crews, but they signed an NDA. The King County Sheriff's Air Support Unit and the units from Chelan, Thurston and Snohomish will keep the skies clear for you for 72 hours also, starting at noon Thursday. Additionally, you will pay costs and all four of them expect a sizeable donation."

"Whatever it costs, it's worth it," Christian exclaimed. "I want to assure Ana and her family that we're not going to be invaded by the media. Also, I don't want pictures of us appearing in the papers until she and I are out of the country and cannot be reached for comment."

"Well, I had hoped to get it approved before Elliott put up the fence, but there are no pictures other than the fence and his truck on Seattle Nooz."

"Good," Christian said. "Have Barney and his IT crew keep watch. I don't want the press catching a glimpse of Ana's wedding dress before I do."

"We asked for a 500-foot no-contact zone, and Judge Gibson gave us the permit to seal the top of the drive to your parents' home. The Audells and the Jacksons are both out of town, there's just staff at their homes that weekend. They are perfectly fine with sealing off the drive where it attaches to the street. I'll have extra security guards in place at the entrance to the drive. Additionally; here is the gag order from Judge Gibson so you and Ana can go incognito to the marriage license bureau. Best take a couple generic non-disclosure agreements with you."

XX

Sawyer entered the elevator first, holding hands with Marshall. Taylor entered next with Gail on his arm. When an unusual looking couple entered the elevator with them, no one got close enough to examine them. The girl wore purple, lots of purple, including her wig and sunglasses. The young man sported jeans with ripped out knees, biker boots, a leather jacket, death metal t-shirt and a dark, lank ponytail. His mirrored aviator glasses reflected surprised images back at people who spent too long staring at him. Amazingly, all three couples approached the marriage license office. Death metal man and purple girl were shown to a private office. Taylor guarded the office door; Gail sat in a chair next to him. Sawyer and Marshall kept the other clerk busy, asking questions. Soon death metal man and purple girl exited the office, followed by Taylor and Gail. They were joined at the elevator by an arguing couple. Sawyer and Marshall's 'romance' ended before they got to the first floor.

"Who was your couple," the clerk asked the office manager.

"Up and coming death metal guitarist. His manager arranged for their marriage license." He lied. "The information is embargoed until Monday morning by gag order of Judge Heath Gibson. When his band hits the big time; we're supposed to get free concert tickets." He shrugged. "I don't know about you – but I think I'll sell mine and go buy a veggie burger from the local food truck. Did I hear raised voices?"

"Yeah, the couple who came to me decided they don't like each other after all. Their romance was just the aftereffects of a fun party night. Sounds like they had a really good one-night-stand," The clerk shrugged. "We get all kinds."

"They are lucky they didn't have that fun party night in Las Vegas, or they would be getting a quickie divorce Nevada style." The office manager laughed.

XX
Ana's POV

Gia Matteo is a tall, good-looking woman. She wears her hair short, perfectly coiffed and it is salon-blonde which reminds me of the Bitch Troll. Tonight Gia's dressed in a navy blue pantsuit; the slacks and fitted jacket hug her lush curves. Tonight she's missing the push-up bra and tight sweater; but her pale blue blouse is undone too far.

"Gia," I was pleasantly hospitable during our initial greeting. "Let's go to the table so we have space to spread out and look at things. Once you put things on the table; please take time to button at least two buttons on your shirt. Since Christian is taking a phone call; he may or may not be joining us. I don't need to see your cleavage or the color of your bra."

"Sorry," she mumbled. "My shirt must have caught on the blueprint boards." Once she sets them down, she is flustered when she starts to button up.

"I hope we can finalize everything tonight." Christian appears out of his study.

"Hello Christian," Gia smiles provocatively at my fiancé while fastening her buttons. He doesn't notice and she gives me a semi-furious look.

Sorry bitch…the Grey men are taken. It is a sweet moment for insecure Anastasia Rose Steele. The man I love isn't checking out other women.

Christian spreads Gia's plans out. Although we ditched most of her ideas last time; I hope the new ones are closer to what we want. Christian looks them over and says, "I want this house to be the way Ana wants. Whatever you want, baby; it's yours." He tucks me into his side as he gazes down at the sketches.

"I want you to like our house and be happy when you come home to it. It's drastically different from Escala." I protest; looking up at him through my lashes and put my left hand against his chest. Our intimacy and my engagement ring are too evident for Gia to miss.

"As long as I'm with you; I'll be happy wherever you are. It's that simple, Ana." His gaze holds mine.

"Well," I swallow, feeling a lump of emotion in my throat. "I like Gia's revised drawings showing the bigger patio and pillars that are in keeping with the house. I like how the family room opens out to the patio. I like the revised plan for the master bathroom and the dual his and her walk-in closets. The huge Jacuzzi tub set to look out at the Sound through the floor to ceiling bathroom windows is exactly what I wanted."

Christian grins. "Good, I like them also. What about the plans for renovating the great room?"

"I'm cool with those." I acknowledge.

"Oh, I'm glad," Gia gushes, obviously relieved. She looks at Christian, waiting for him to give her the go-ahead on the project. I watch as her pupils dilate and her glossed lips part, licking her lips while looking at him. "Any other issues?"

"We have to discuss the paint palette you've chosen for some of the rooms and discuss the furnishings." I say pointedly.

Christian hugs me before addressing Gia.

"Ana is in charge of this project. She has absolute carte blanche. Whatever she wants, she gets. We've discussed the renovation plans. I trust her instincts for the colors and furnishings. She will ensure our home is comfortable and functional for us." He gives me a kiss in my hair and goes back to work.

I look through the sketches; waiting for Christian's study door to close. Once we're alone…I gather my courage. "Renovating and decorating the Greys' main residence is a prestigious project for your firm; isn't it?" I ask casually, flipping through her project boards.

"Yes," she said cautiously.

"Gia; let me be clear. I don't like playing the jealous fiancée. I don't like playing the outraged future-sister-in-law. The Grey men are taken. Elliott is with Kate. Christian is with me. We're engaged and establishing a home together. Either your firm can be part of that project…or I will find someone who is more interested in working with me than eye-fucking my fiancé every opportunity she has." I don't bother to look at Gia. I know my voice has relayed my issues with her.

"Miss Steele, I sincerely apologize if you think I have..." She stops, floundering for something to say.

"What I think is not the issue…your actions are the issue. As long as we understand each other, we'll be fine." My voice cools a little. "House painted white, fine. I want a navy front door. On either side of the door, I want navy pots with mini trees in them." I hand her a sketch I pulled from the web. "It's my negotiation with Christian over the blue shutters I recommended last time."

"Try to stick with your first choices." Gia advised. "Once work is underway, changes should be kept to a minimum, just to keep Mr. Grey and the contractors happy. The details of your project as described in the contract, down to the finishing touches, form the basis of both the price and the scheduling of your job. Changes could," she paused, thinking of the exact word that she wanted, "affect both your finances and the timeline."

"Christian said whatever I wanted," I marveled at Gia's not-so-veiled inference that Christian was still in charge of the project. "Show me the master suite sketches," I suggested.

She passed them over with little enthusiasm. Possibly because the last time she was here, she asked Christian if she could see his master bedroom to 'get a feel for your style.' She was not happy when Christian told her our bedroom was off limits to everyone except the housekeeper. Shortly after that, we dismissed her preliminary sketches and rescheduled her for today.

"Well, I like the color scheme and the furnishings for the master suite. The furniture placement is not right. I want to be able to lie in our bed and look out the French doors at the sound. I like the idea of the faux fireplace; but that's the wall where I want the bed. I love your suggestions for the closets."

"It's going to take a month to get the units for the closet renovations," Gia noted.

"I love the sumptuous spa feeling in the master bathroom with the sea-colored linens against the water blue polished plaster walls. They pick up the blue veins in the floor tiles. It's nice." I examined the sketch some more. "No TV. No phone. I want to relax in the bathtub, not entertain myself or hold a meeting. Can we put a faux fireplace in the master bathroom where you have the entertainment center? A surround sound system is a necessity. The towel warmer is a necessity." I asked. "Yes, I think I like this sketch very much. The sea colors will go well with the master bedroom color scheme."

"I took your suggestion to watch the sun set over the sound to get the colors right for the inside of the house," Gia offered in an attempt to placate me.

I sat looking over rooms and rooms of sketches for a long time. Ninety percent of the sketches went into an approved pile. I retained the other ten percent. "I want to discuss these sketches." An hour later; I segue to the next topic. "Now that we have established color and style for each room of the house, I'd like a list of all the materials you intend to use. As you know, Christian and I are determined this house should be ecologically sustainable. I'd like to reassure him as to where all the materials are coming from and what they are."

"Of c-course," she stutters, wide-eyed and frankly a little surprised at my request.

"After the work on the house is complete; we need two cottages, a boathouse and a dock. Whether your firm is contracted for those tasks will be decided by your ability to handle the house project." My voice was firm and steady. This woman is not a threat to me.

Christian joins us just as we're finishing up. We're standing by the table and I'm handing Gia back the last of the boards.

"All done?" he asks. He puts his arm around my waist and turns to Gia.

"Yes, Mr. Grey," Gia smiles brightly, though her smile looks forced. "I'll have the revised plans and materials list to Miss Steele in a couple of days."

"Excellent. You're happy?" he asks me directly, his eyes warm and probing.

I nod and smile.

"If there's nothing else to discuss; I'd better be going," Gia says again too brightly. She offers her hand to me first, then to Christian.

"Until next time, Gia," I murmur when I shake her hand.

"Yes, Miss Steele, Mr. Grey." She is the epitome of polite, businesslike and capable.

"Taylor will see you out." My voice is loud enough for him to hear and remove her from my sight.

Christian and I stand in the great room until she is gone.

"She was noticeably cooler," Christian says, looking quizzically at me.

"Was she? I didn't notice." I shrug, trying to remain neutral.

"So what did you decide on?" he asks.

"Only what you and I discussed. I think she likes you," I say quietly.

He snorts. "Did you say something to her?" he asks. "We were Christian and Ana when she arrived and then Miss Steele and Mr. Grey when she left." His tone is dry.

"I may have said something about preferring to work with someone who wants the job versus a woman who wants to eye-fuck you." I mumble.

"She's only reacting to the face." His voice is bitter.

"Not so, Mr. Grey; she likes the whole package…and she's not the only one." I say breathily.

"Really, Miss Steele?" He picks me up; bridal style and strides toward the bedroom. "Let's go redecorate our bedroom with our abandoned clothes."

XXXXX
Monday, September 26
Ana's POV

Ray is at Escala when I get home from work. I introduce him to Marshall and they have a conversation about security. He is taciturn; Marshall copes well with him. He and I review my schedule for the week. I'm determined to work until Thursday to finish clearing my desk and schedule. We have four more days until the wedding. Tomorrow will be rough because Carla's coming to town. Christian joins us for a wonderful quiet dinner. Then Ray goes off to watch the fishing channel with Taylor in his quarters. I'm off to my office to do some work. Christian sequesters himself in his study to finish work also. We work diligently until the arrival of Gia Matteo.

Christian joins me to review all the sketches and the list of materials. After he and I discuss each of the sketches, I give Gia the approval to go forward and get the work started on our house. We do not reveal that we will not be available in October for questions. Christian simply tells her to work with Elliott to get the house renovation underway. If necessary, Elliott will Skype us to discuss the house.

I email Kate that we've approved the plans with Gia. It's the nature of the beast. To soften the blow; I ask her if she will report about the wedding. She's excited. I warn her to deal with Carla, and she laughs. She will get pictures from Sarah Saturday night and have the article ready before eight to give to her father. It will be in the paper on October 2nd. She tells me about the intern article she is writing for the Seattle Times. She says if she ever loses her job at Seattle Times; she knows where to find her next job.

XXXXX
Tuesday, September 27

"Christian, you don't understand; I'm picking up Carla and Bob at the airport. I'm having a 'come to God' conversation with Carla before she sees Ana and meets you. We're having a quiet dinner at Escala tonight, followed by the immediate removal of Carla and Bob to the Bellevue Hyatt. She may have lunch with Ana and Grace tomorrow; Bob and I can have lunch with Carrick. I've decided to divide and conquer. If you separate Carla from Bob's chivalrous protective bubble; she will behave."

"Does Ana know you are picking Carla up at the airport?" Christian asked.

"No; I don't want her to know I'm intervening in this mess. Carla's made mistakes in her life and she's not going to punish Ana for them. I won't allow it. I won't let Carla try to relive her life through Ana. What worries me is that Carrick had to have her sign an NDA to keep her quiet about the engagement, kidnapping attempt and wedding. Any tabloid worth their national name will put people in Bob's country club to try to wiggle information from her. Any tabloid worth their national status has been watching them; so god knows how many people in the airport and on the plane took pictures of Christian Grey's future in-laws."

"Good luck, Ray." Christian laughed.

XX
Gail's POV

I am relieved when Ana's trousseau for the honeymoon arrives. There are no wardrobe malfunctions this time. Looking over the itinerary provided by Mr. Grey; I pack honeymoon clothes and toiletries for Ana. But out of deference to Ana, I include at least six days of jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, socks and two sets of Converse. I take the bags to our quarters so Taylor can arrange for them to be transported to the plane. He assured me the new security guard, Marshall, will act as a personal maid for Ana if she needs one while on vacation. I pack clothes and toiletries for Ana for spa day on Friday, with staying over at the Grey estate on Friday night. I leave that suitcase in the closet for her to take on Friday.

A few items arrived for Mr. Grey for the honeymoon. I've packed for him also. Taylor will act as valet if needed. When Mr. Grey hired me five years ago; I never thought he would fall in love, let alone get married. He called me into his office last night and explained workmen will be coming to make changes to the playroom. He gives me copies of their identification, an explanation of the work to be done and a copy of their signed NDAs. He also asks me to check from time to time on the work being done at the house on the sound. Taylor and I will live in the housekeeper's quarters until a cottage is built for us onsite sometime next spring. Mr. Grey wants the house renovation completed so he and Ana can spend their first Christmas in their new home.

XX
Christian's POV

"Was come to God his exact term?" John asked.

I nodded. "It wasn't so much that exact term, it was the way he said it. I think some of Ana's mother troubles will come to an end soon."

"Are you having trouble with your future mother-in-law?" John asked.

"She hasn't called to bother me about the wedding. Mia says she's handling it just fine," I shrugged. "I'm going to marry Ana, come hell, high water, or great expectations from her mother. Mia made a suggestion to me that I want to discuss with Ana. She's willing to work as a social secretary/personal assistant for us. She thinks the work has been interesting so far and she wants to develop a business plan to establish a company. I might house her at Grey Annex. We have a small office there; consisting of a main office, a sizeable conference room, two smaller offices, a smallish file room, and a small kitchenette and private bathroom. None of the agencies in the building want it or want it to add to their space. We'll see what happens after Ana and I get back from the wedding."

"Well, the journal is coming along. I'll be honest, saving it to your email and then emailing to me at the end of the week is much faster than the writing process. I have a chance to review everything before you come over. It also means when you have a minute of down time, you can process things as they happen and not have to reflect back on the day's events. Plus once I read it; your IT can wipe it from the server to keep your information private. How are Susannah and Elena?" John suggested.

"Susannah's court-assigned lawyer contacted her family in Boise to pack up her condo before her landlord took her possessions for back rent. They visited her. I heard her mother is upset with Susannah's lifestyle choices. They sold everything, including her Audi, and are waiting for the outcome of her trial. If she gets probation; they will attempt to relocate her to Boise. She can work at her dad's business until she gets released from her parole and back on her feet. I don't know if I can ever forgive her for trying to kidnap Ana."

"Elena's lawyer tried to get an injunction to keep Grey House from selling the salons to Franco. The judge said the morals clause in our business contracts is standard in most partnership agreements, and some of the contracts are six years old. Elena can't claim she wasn't aware of the clause. I'm done with Esclava Salons; they were sold to Franco. Grey House will claim a substantial loss over the transactions; but I'm free of her. I know she is not my friend. I know that she never was my friend. I'm sorry that she used my mother." We talked for a little longer about what may or may not happen if Elena and Susannah don't take plea bargains. No matter what happens, Carrick is getting no-contact orders against them for Ana and me.

XX

"Ray?" Carla was surprised to see him. "I was expecting…"

"Christian, Annie, Carrick, Grace, Elliot and Kate are at work. Mia is meeting her uncle and aunt at SeaTac this morning and taking them to her grandparents. I was the only one available to pick you up other than security staff you do not know. It's better this way. The paparazzi have been out of control since Ana's almost kidnapping. They would have followed the security staff here. Your arrival at SeaTac would be announced in the news before an hour passed. This way we fly under the radar. We have time for a nice long chat. Let's get you checked into your hotel; dinner is at seven at Escala with Christian and Annie and the Grey family."

"Is Ana serious about putting us up at a hotel? I hoped she would change her mind." Carla's voice wasn't a whine, but she was clearly disappointed.

"She can't have extra people staying at Escala because of the paparazzi. They are trying to have a quiet wedding without interference from the press. Christian hired someone to prevent the media from flyovers of his parents' home and preventing boats from driving up to his parents' shoreline to get pictures."

"Or interference from me?" Carla snapped. "I've been communicating with her future sister-in-law, Mia, because she's been unreachable since the kidnapping attempt. It's just another reason they should postpone this rushed wedding."

"Carla," Ray drew a deep breath. "The best present you can give Annie now and for the rest of her life is to back off."

"Don't talk to Carla like that!" Bob ordered.

"If your wife attempts to control or browbeat our daughter; I will talk to her any damn way I want. I'm not married to her; I don't have to put up with her selfish, self-centered, narcissistic attitudes." Ray stated.

"MY daughter," Carla said.

"You lost the right to call her YOUR daughter when you hauled her from fence post to pillar trying to acquire a better life for yourself. You lost the right to call her YOUR daughter when I rescued her from one of YOUR men who thought she was a punch toy or a piñata when he was drunk. You lost the right to call her YOUR daughter when you did not attend her high school or her college graduation. OUR daughter is getting married."

"For god's sake, she's marrying a billionaire…you know if Kate Kavanagh marries Elliott Grey, who's well off but not in the neighborhood of Christian Grey, there's going to be a huge wedding…500 people and a designer wedding gown that costs thousands of dollars. It's going to be front-page news for weeks before and after the wedding. Mia Grey, when she gets married, will probably have a very-public, huge wedding. Ana deserves to have a huge wedding, with everyone wishing they were in her shoes…designer ones at that."

"What Ana deserves is the wedding she and Christian want. What they want is small, intimate and special. Every day there are hundreds of media and interested people hanging around outside Escala, hoping for a glimpse of them. She's got too many people wanting to be in her designer shoes. She can't go shopping without security; she can't go to work without security; she can't do a favor for a friend without almost getting kidnapped. For god's sake, it was an organized kidnap attempt…a vehicle which matches Christian's fleet; a driver that resembles Christian; a woman who resembles Ana; and a bitch ex-business partner to mastermind it all. All the press can do is point out how 'lucky' Annie is. Because she is Christian's fiancée the media thinks she got special police protection to foil the kidnapping. They don't have a clue, thankfully, how extensive her security staff is."

"That's ridiculous!" Carla snapped. "She needs to adjust to Christian's lifestyle and not care what the media says."

"She doesn't care for her…she cares for him. She doesn't want Christian punching out paparazzi to defend her honor. The media criticizes her hair, her makeup, her clothes, her nails…commenting on whether she's going to get plastic surgery before the wedding; or commenting that she's had work done to attract him. They regurgitate the pap that her ex-boss claimed she used him to sleep her way up the ladder to Christian."

'Well, it's all nonsense. She needs to ignore the criticism." Carla said.

"Yes, she does…which is why she's not taking your calls or emails." Ray said.

"I'm not criticizing! I'm suggesting she…" Carla started to say but Ray interrupted her.

"You don't like the wedding invitation. You don't like the way the wedding invitation is worded. You don't like where the wedding will be held. You don't like Celeste Kavanagh designing her dress. You don't like her hairstyle for the wedding. You don't like the jewelry she chose to wear. You don't like the flowers. You don't like the wedding colors. You don't like the reception arrangements. You don't like the rehearsal arrangements. Tell me honestly – other than the fact that she's marrying a damn billionaire – is there ANYTHING you do like about the wedding? It's too small, too fast, too simple, too, too, too!" Ray's voice nipped at Carla's insecurities.

"That is not fair!" Carla and Bob retorted.

"No, it isn't fair that Ana's fielding pot shots from the media AND from her mother." Ray observed. "I think for the rest of the drive, you need to be quiet and reflect on your words and deeds. Because, as God is my witness Carla, I'll take you to Grey House, hand you over to Christian's security team; have them put you on the Grey House jet and order them to strap a parachute on you and drop you off in Georgia. Annie's wedding will be another one of her important life moments that you miss."

XX
Ana's POV

After dinner I made an excuse to haul Carla to my home office. "Mom," I began tentatively. I want answers and I want them before the wedding. Carla would not put me off this time. "Can I ask you about my VA benefits?"

Carla gasped.

"Yes, I know you were getting VA benefits for me. I checked with the VA after I went to Frank's grave. I wondered why you didn't sign them over to Ray when I went to live with him?" I asked.

Carla left my home office for a minute and called out to Ray. "Raymond…would you come here for a minute?"

Ray gave Bob a searching look before he set down his beer and went to the office. He closed the door and turned to face both women. "What's up?" Ray asked more casually than he felt.

"Ana asked a question…and I believe you both deserve an answer." Carla sat stiff and straight in her chair. "Stephen found out about the secret checking account I had in Ana and my name. Your VA benefits were direct deposited into it. It's how I paid for your back-to-school clothes, insurance, physicals, doctor, dentist, braces, etc. I used those funds to pay for your Brownies and 4-H memberships and for their summer camp registrations when you were in elementary school. It's how I paid for insurance when you started running track and how I paid for your uniforms and shoes, team expenses, etc." She drew a deep breath and continued.

"After you left; Stephen found the checkbook for your VA benefits account. He wrote a check to himself and forged your signature on it," Carla admitted. "He cashed it without question at one of those crappy check cashing places on the Strip. He said since you weren't living with us any longer; he was spending the money in your account having fun. He said if I left him; he would tell the VA you moved and weren't getting your benefits. He said after he had me thrown in jail; he would go to Montesano and give you and Ray the beatings you deserved."

She took a deep breath. "Within weeks after you left, Stephen was picked up for drunk driving in the early hours on a Sunday morning. He called and asked me to bail him out first thing Monday morning. Instead, I packed the remainder of Sunday, loaded the car and prepared to leave. Monday morning, I closed the account and hired a lawyer. I told her everything. She checked with the court. Since it was Stephen's second DUI, he was sentenced to 90 days in jail. I gave the bank specific orders to return any future direct deposits to the VA immediately. My lawyer phoned the VA and assured them you were being adopted by Ray. I took the funds from the closed account and my final paycheck and I ran with help from my lawyer. She helped me go to a women's shelter in Utah. Two weeks later I moved to a women's shelter in Denver. Two weeks later I moved to a woman's shelter in Chicago. Then, on a flight back to Las Vegas to sign the divorce papers…I met Bob. The divorce was final, I was free and you were free." Carla drew a deep breath. "I made a huge mistake getting involved with Stephen. It's easy to say he didn't show his true colors until after I married him. The truth is; I too proud to admit I made a mistake. I know I hurt both of you and I'm sorry. It's one of the reasons I've been against you getting married so quickly to Christian. I'm not convinced you know him as well as you should." Carla advised.

"Perhaps you don't think I know Christian as well as I should. We have only known each other a few months, and we've only lived together less than two months. But; I'm not you. I know my own mind. I love Christian and he loves me. I'm marrying him on October 1. If you can accept that; you can come to my wedding. If you cannot accept that…then I will be sans mother at the wedding. Ray can sit in the loveseat I have reserved for you and Bob. We can walk Frannie down the aisle first; honoring her as Christian's grandmother; and walk Grace down the aisle last." I shrugged.

"I'm not being selfish about this. I'm concerned. I'm afraid Stephen will come looking for you. He claimed Montesano was so small he could find you without any effort. Since he had both our social security numbers; I didn't know when he would track you down." Carla reached for my hand and held it. "I nagged at you to quit your job because he could find that information online…along with your engagement announcement…along with news articles about Christian's businesses."

"Because Christian is a billionaire, you thought Stephen might contact me to shake me down for money?" I asked.

"Yes. I felt better knowing you have a security team. I panicked when I heard there was a kidnapping attempt. I panicked when I read one of your security guards had been shot." Carla explained.

"The kidnap attempt put us in national and international news," I said. "Oh god…I have to tell Taylor and Sawyer that we have a potential threat."

"Belay that," Ray ordered. "It's time for me to come clean too." He swallowed and began to tell his story. "Annie, do you remember Samantha Sullivan from your Las Vegas track team?"

XX

"I have to express mail an NDA to Samantha, with an invitation to the wedding and a plane ticket," I said, slightly shocked.

"Please invite her mother also. I'd like to catch up with Susan after all these years. I felt bad about her husband being killed by a drunk driver when Stephen was an alcoholic. I have something for you," Carla reached into her handbag and pulled out a cashier's check for $6,500. "It's a repayment of the money that was in your account and the two payments which came after you left, with interest. I won a moderate jackpot in Las Vegas when I returned to sign the divorce papers. It is what I used to repay your VA account that Stephen raided. I planned to give it to you for your graduation, but then the picture of you and Christian appeared on the internet. Then you started dating, then moved in together and then announced your engagement. I felt Stephen would reappear. I thought you might need these funds to pay him off and make him go away."

"I'm sorry you've been afraid for me. Christian really does take good care of me," I said.

"It's my fault. I'm the one who brought Stephen into our lives." Carla said. "I've been afraid he'd show up and hurt you. You deserve the best Ana; you always have. I'm sorry I've failed you."

I hugged her. "We'll work through this; we always do. But you have to realize… I'm grown up and I'm making the decisions that fit my life. There are going to be hard questions down the road. I'm going to need to know about Frank's and your medical histories before Christian and I have children." I held up my hand to ward off comments from Carla. "Yes, someday we're going to have children. We're going to have them when we decide the time is right for us. I love you, but I'm not waiting until you are sixty to give you a grandchild. Face it; you are going to be a stylish young grandmother…and there is nothing wrong with that."

"My turn for revealing secrets," Ray gave me an envelope.

"Oh no, Ray, no! I can't take this!" I protested when I looked at the check inside.

"I will not argue with you," He said. "You know all those pickup truck loads of junk furniture I haul home? All those estate sales where I clear out the wrecked things people can't sell? All those auctions where I buy everything that is just short of being put in a dumpster or on a roaring fire? All those weekends when you sanded, stained or painted items in my workshop? In my spare time in the last four years, I refurbished 90% of those items and sold them. I put half the profits back into the business and half the profits into a savings account for you. I want you to pay off your student loans and any outstanding debts before you marry Christian. I want you to be unencumbered, financially when you marry. Because of who Christian is; you will be labeled a gold-digger. I want you to go into the marriage with a clean slate."

"I don't want you to do this," I argued.

"I know you got a full tuition scholarship to WSUV; but I know it only paid for twelve hours of classes per semester. I know there were times when you took fifteen or more credit hours. Tuition for extra classes was not paid by your scholarship. Tuition for summer classes was not paid by your scholarship. I know your scholarship didn't pay for your books, living expenses, lab expenses and every miscellaneous education expense. I know that's why you worked and got student loans." He paused and then began again. "I can live with Christian moving you to Escala with security. I can put up with you living with Christian before the wedding. I can live with the house on the sound. I can live with Thanksgivings in Aspen. I can live with you driving safe cars and having a security force. I can live with you sending your gun home with me. I can live with Christian paying for the wedding that you both want. What I cannot live with and will not live with is Christian paying for my daughter's education. It's not happening Annie. I'm determined about this. If you won't take the check; I'll contact WSUV, talk to the finance officer, wire him the money and have him pay off your student loans. I want you to be completely debt free when you walk down the aisle with Christian."

"You've been hanging out with Christian too much," I scolded. "You've developed some mad blackmail skills."

"She doesn't know all the bad, mad skills you have," Carla laughed. "Someday, ask Ray to tell you the whole story about taking down a sniper over spring break in Fort Lauderdale. You were eight and we were on vacation. He probably saved the life of a few hundred college kids."

"You weren't so proud of me at the time," Ray reminded her.

"I was young and stupid. Hanging out in a police station while they investigated you cut into my sunbathing and swimming time." Carla shrugged. "So, Ana…are you taking the money or not?"

"What am I supposed to do with the excess?" I asked them. "I don't owe this much money in college loans."

Both Carla and Ray responded at the same time, "You can never have too many…" only Carla said sexy nighties and bottles of expensive perfume; when Ray said hand guns and home security measures.

I laughed at both of them, hugged them. "I promise to pay off my student loans and all outstanding debts." We were considerably more social when we went back to the gathering in the great room at Escala. Christian gave us a look but I shook my head, "no" at him. He can ask later…if he's got the brains and breath to do so. I feel like taking advantage of him to delay his 20 Questions.

I pull Mia aside and give her Samantha and Susan's information. I ask that an invitation and NDA be overnighted to them. I ask Mia to offer to fly them to Seattle for a mini-vacation; checking in on Thursday and checking out on Monday or Tuesday. I ask Mia to get them first class plane tickets, book a suite for them at the Bellevue Hyatt and arrange a driver and a car for them. If they arrive Thursday, I ask Mia to invite them to the spa day on Friday. I tell her I'm paying for everything for Samantha and Susan, not Christian. I tell her if they need appropriate clothes, I want her to take them shopping at Nieman Marcus – colors appropriate to the wedding, with shoes and accessories if needed. I explain the jewelry I want to give them. I hand her my personal credit card. Mia guarantees she will get my friends here if possible. She suggests seating Samantha's mother as Ray's plus one at the reception.

Mia suggests we need a code for when my mother is making me crazy. She suggests I say, "Mia, how are the deliveries coming?" That way, if any wedding gifts, favors, dresses, tuxes, etc. have been delivered to the house, she can use them to derail my mother's questions to me with a detailed report of deliveries.

XXXXX
Wednesday, September 28, 9:00 a.m.

"Flynn, it's Robertson. We held an evaluation session for Leila Williams yesterday. She's still not fully responsive, but her fugue states have been shorter. It is the determination of the committee that we move her to the prison psych ward on Friday. Monday if possible, we'll start group therapy with her; with individual sessions on Thursdays. Her meds have stabilized. We'll see how it goes. The judge signed off on the paperwork. This is the best thing for her right now. She's got a ways to go before she can be pronounced sane. Then we have to go through evaluation and certification before a judge makes a determination in the resolution of her case."

"Timeline?" Flynn asked.

"That will depend on how she responds to medication and therapy." Robertson said.

"Has she been watching the news or reading the paper?" Flynn asked.

"Not deliberately. If the news comes on while she's in the room; she might stop to listen, but she doesn't actively read or turn the channel to news. Why?" Robertson asked.

"What I'm about to say is covered in your NDA. Your people might want to keep a good watch on her Sunday and Monday. The object of her obsession is getting married." Flynn revealed.

XX

"Red meat?" Bob looked at the menu at John Howie Steak. "If Carla asks, I ate chicken or fish."

"You're on your own there, fella," Ray laughed. "Besides, I don't think she'll ask. Mia and Kate plan to get her drunk on champagne at lunch."

"I don't know about any of you, but I'm desperate for a drink;" Carrick said. "This wedding stuff is stressful. I'm seriously thinking of offering Elliott and Mia either a million dollars or a dream house if they will just elope."

They all drank to that.

XX
Ana's POV

On our way to lunch at Capital Grille, I ask Sawyer to drive by my bank. I need to deposit checks from my parents. I explain neither he nor Marshall is allowed to tell Christian about our side trip. I don't go into the bank, but we use the drive-thru which makes Sawyer and Marshall less tense about this impromptu trip. I explain about my friend Samantha and her mother who are coming to the wedding. I know they will need to run a background check on them. I tell him Ray talked to Samantha who works for LVPD. Sawyer can get Samantha's phone number.

I'm the last to arrive at lunch and blame it on work. Sawyer and Marshall don't out me to the ladies. Grace ordered for me; she knows what I like. I thank her for her thoughtfulness. Carla starts in on how I should just not work the rest of the week to handle wedding arrangements. I nudge Mia and she interrupts Carla's spiel. Mia says we have a lot to cover during lunch. She starts giving me moment-by-moment important updates about wedding deliveries and arrangements. She emails my smart phone a list of the thank-you notes she has prepped and ready to mail on Monday after the wedding. We cover all the details of the wedding when there is no wait staff around to overhear us.

Mia explained she contacted Samantha and Susan. They will fly out of Las Vegas early afternoon on Thursday and return to Las Vegas Tuesday afternoon. She emailed tourism information to them and is waiting for their reply. She took the liberty; she apologizes to Carla, about inviting them to the rehearsal dinner. Their driver and car have been arranged; she just needs to give the company an itinerary.

Carla takes the opportunity to urge Christian's Aunt Rachel and Grandmother Frannie, who are at lunch with us, to come to the rehearsal dinner. She assures them it is no problem. We can accommodate six more people easily…but she will have to work on the seating plan again. She starts to sideline me with where do I think she should seat people at the rehearsal dinner. Mia interrupts again, with wedding updates. We go over the R.S.V.P. list.

Grace, who knows something's up with Mia's constant interruptions, gives us both warning looks. Mia reminds me to buy shoelaces for my sneakers before we go on our honeymoon. Her comment makes Frannie giggle and Grace takes a long sip of her Bellini. We're getting down to the wire. Carla interrupts us again and suggests if we aren't going to have a wedding planner, then we should have a wedding day events coordinator – someone who will make sure everything is done properly and not leave that responsibility to Grace and Mia. Rachel offers to take that task on and Grace thanks her. They have time to get together and cover everything before the big day. I don't think Aunt Rachel was who my mother had in mind.

Grace and Mia have a schedule of sorts they email to Rachel and to me. Gail tells Grace the wedding cake will be delivered about noon on Saturday. The candles on the cake will not be lit until just before we cut it. We go over every vendor and when they are due to arrive on Saturday. Kate's parents have invited everyone to dinner tonight at their home. I have to attend; it's my final fitting for my dress. I put my underwear and shoes for the wedding in a tote to take with me to the office this morning. I can't go to the shop; so Celeste is taking my wedding gown to her home. She will have it delivered to Bellevue on Friday. When I get home tonight, I have to wrap presents for distribution at the rehearsal dinner. Gail assures me she got the paper and ribbons I want for wrapping.

We discuss the string quartet. Grace gives me their playlist for the wedding. They will begin with a selection of five songs from Bach. Everyone will be seated during the instrumental versions of Coldplay's Sparks, Pearl Jam's Just Breathe, the Righteous Brothers' Unchained Melody, the Everly Brothers' Let it be Me. The groom and judge arrive at the altar during Train's Marry Me. Mothers will be seated and attendants assembled during Canon in D by Pachelbel. The bride will be walked down the aisle to All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera. The recessional will be All You Need is Love by the Beatles. It all sounds lovely and I thank Grace for coordinating the string quartet.

Lunch is over before Carla can change any of the arrangements and I'm on my way back to the office. Whew!

My joy at escaping lunch relatively unscathed is short-lived when I get an urgent phone call from my mother before three o'clock. She's worried the jewelry she brought with her for the wedding isn't fancy enough. She found a jewelry rental place in Seattle. She wonders if I will arrange for a driver to take her to rent a diamond necklace, earring and bracelet set for the rehearsal dinner and for the wedding. Of course, she feels she needs me with her to discuss her choices.

"Mom…renting $10K in diamonds for you to wear to the rehearsal dinner and to the wedding is excessive. I've picked the jewelry for my wedding day. I have double-strand black pearl bracelets for Kate and Mia with black pearl stud earrings. I have single-strand blush pink pearl necklaces for you, Grace, Frannie, Rachel and Gail with blush pink pearl earrings. For my junior bridesmaid, Sophie, I chose a single white pearl pendant necklace with a white gold chain and a white pearl embellished headband so she can wear them both after the wedding. Sophie's pendant came with two additional sizes of chain so she can wear the pendant as she grows up. I love you, but I'm not going to argue with you about this."

"I bought Christian cufflinks with a matching tie tack and watch for our wedding. Everything is purchased and has been delivered. I will sort and wrap tonight after we get home from the Kavanaghs. I'm giving gifts to everyone at the rehearsal dinner. You can see everything then. Which reminds me; did you make arrangements for the plus six at the rehearsal dinner? I'd like you to coordinate the seating chart with Mia. I can't stay on the phone to talk; I've got a logistics meeting in less than five minutes." I hope I've lied convincingly when I hang up.

I fire off an email to Zann; telling her the events since I last saw her. I feel strong when I'm with Christian or in his arms; and I need to translate that feeling into empowering myself to deal with my mother, the paparazzi, Gia, Kate's insecurities, my insecurities and how to get through this week. I tell her that Three is dead and my mother confessed about some issues.

XXXXX
Thursday, September 29
Ana's POV

Canlis set the room beautifully. The tables are arranged in a large square so everyone can see one another. The tablecloths are white, the napkins are white and the silver is highly polished. In the center of the square is a small round table, covered in white linens also. It holds a low, large centerpiece of white roses with slender white taper candles. It is accented with pink and grey trailing ribbons which go all the way to the edge of the table. The place cards are white rose embossed with lovely silver calligraphied names. Mia convinced Carla to let the chef create a special meal without constant changes and suggestions. Mia convinced Carla to let the sommelier consult with the chef and select one red dinner wine, one white dinner wine and one brand of champagne for toasts.

"That's much better than wearing your graduation dress again," Carla approves of my attire.

"I'm glad you approve, but I would have been just as happy wearing my dress from graduation. I plan to wear it in public at least half a dozen more times before I have to give it away to charity. I don't mind wearing clothes more than once; especially my work ensembles." I chide her gently.

"Your work attire is more stylish than the jeans and Converse you used to wear to Clayton's Hardware." She says. "Young women who work for Grey Publishing will be watching you to set standards for clothes – not only because you're an editor; but because you will be married to Christian Grey."

"I know Grey Publishing is my first real job and I must dress professionally. I still wear outfits from when I first started working there." When she starts to protest, I hold up my hand to stop her. "Mother, I hate to shop. I'm not shopping before the wedding. I'm not shopping during the honeymoon. I'm not shopping after the wedding. I've no intention of having closets so full that I can't find things in them. I've decided to donate work clothes I don't wear anymore to the Career Closet. It's where impoverished young women can get a work wardrobe and accessories. I'm donating party dresses and gowns to the rummage sale held twice a year by the spouses of doctors at Northwest; which is Grace's hospital. Please find a different topic for the night. You know how talking about clothes bores me to tears." I send her off to greet all the guests who arrive via private entrance.

I reminded her, for security reasons, the main doors to the room must remain locked. We can't chance someone taking a picture of the rehearsal dinner on their cell phone and selling it to the tabloids. I get about five minutes to talk to Samantha and Susan and introduce them to Christian before cocktail hour starts.

Carla has devised a wonderful little introduction game to break the ice. Bob introduces himself, "Hello, I'm Bob Adams, stepfather of the bride. I enjoy playing golf and poker with friends; I enjoy listening to opera and I love attending good wine tastings. I would like to purchase and restore a vintage touring car. Allow me to introduce my wife, Carla Adams, mother of the bride." He hands her the microphone…

…seriously, my inner bitch snarks, did we really need that?

"Hello, I'm Carla Adams, mother of the bride. I like to shop, play bridge; and entertain guests in our home. I plan to take a gourmet cooking class. I'd like to introduce you to my daughter, the bride, Anastasia."

I'm given the microphone. I would love to bean my mother with it right now; however, I smile and launch into a short speech. "My name is Ana Steele, I'm the bride." I shut off the microphone and lay it beside my place setting.

Everyone laughs and hoots before I continue. "I don't think we need the microphone. I don't want the west wing hearing everything we say in here. I don't want us overrun by the paparazzi. I like tea, lemon shortbread, lemon marmalade and English movies. I love reading books. I…hate...shopping. I want to learn to handle the paparazzi with grace and style. I'd like to introduce my friend from high school, Samantha Sullivan."

Samantha stands. I notice Sawyer's appraisal of her and Kate's narrowed eyes. HUMMMM.

"Hello, I'm Samantha Sullivan, friend of the bride. I like to enter shooting competitions and join pack horse wilderness camping expeditions. I work for Las Vegas Metro Police Department. I want to get my degree in crime scene investigation. I'd like to introduce my mother, Susan Sullivan."

'Hello, I'm Susan Sullivan, mother of the friend of the bride," she pauses for laughter. "I like to sew and I like to garden. My lemon zest and seedless raspberry jam has won awards at the Clark County Fair. I just completed an upholstery class. Someday I'd like to learn how to quilt. I'd like to introduce you to the father of the bride, Ray Steele."

I had not noticed Carla sat Susan next to Ray. HUMMMM.

"Hello, I'm Ray Steele, the father of the bride. I like to fish, hunt and go camping. I like woodworking. I would like to learn to hunt with a bow and arrow. I'd like to introduce the…" He looks around the room and picks on Taylor. "Allow me to introduce the father of the junior bridesmaid, Jason Taylor."

Jason looks like he's ready to crawl into a large dark space when he stands up. "Hello, I'm Jason Taylor, the father of the junior bridesmaid, Sophie. She could not be here with us tonight; but she will be in attendance Saturday at the wedding. I like to brew beer. I like rock climbing and repelling. I like collecting antique firearms from the Wild West era. I'd want to learn to restore antique motorcycles. Let me introduce the love of my life, Gail Jones."

Gail addresses the room with ease. "Hello, I'm Gail Jones, housekeeper for Mr. Grey and the future Mrs. Grey. I like to shop for antiques; I like to read murder mysteries. I like cooking gourmet meals. I want to learn to speak French. It is my pleasure to introduce the mother of the groom, Grace Trevelyan-Grey."

XX

Introductions over, cocktail hour over, dinner over and gifts distributed. I give Christian cufflinks, tie tack and watch for the wedding day. He gives me the Love Collection from Cartier. He nibbles on my ear and tells me he wants me wearing only the jewels in his bed tonight. "I've wanted to make love to you since we practice kissed at the rehearsal." His fingers leave my knee and wander up my thigh. I don't dare squirm, but I'm getting wet. I blush pink, pinker, pinkest. Who am I kidding? I'm wearing a blush pink basque, bikini panties and thigh high stockings…waiting for Christian to remove this blush pink confection of a dress and get to the real me.

I field a call from Kate on the way home from rehearsal dinner.

"WTF? You have a new bestie?" She sounds put out.

"No, I don't have a new bestie. I have an old friend and we just recently reconnected," I explain.

"Yeah…like she knows you're getting married to Christian so she pulled the old remember when card to get an invite." Kate snarks.

"No, she called and talked to Ray. She's a police officer for LVPD…and was assigned to the case of a man who assaulted his wife before he died." I sigh.

"And this concerns you because?" Her voice is arctic cold.

"It was Three." I explain calmly.

"No fucking way…" Kate's startled voice carries in the SUV. I can see Taylor and Sawyer stiffen their backs after hearing our conversation.

"Way…she didn't recognize him, but then she saw his I.D. She Googled me and called Grey Publishing. Ray intercepted the call, and talked to her." I explain the rest of the story to Kate. "Please don't be jealous of her. She was a good friend in high school, and I'm glad we reconnected."

"BTW…I think Sawyer's got the hots for her," Kate said.

"Me too," I giggled…which was probably a bad thing to do, because Christian's fingers start playing with my leg…like the giggle was a siren's call. I slap his hand and tell him to go away because I'm talking girl stuff with Kate.

Christian reaches over and snags my phone. "Kate," he says, "be a best friend to Ana and hang up. Her fiancé wants some quality time with her." He hangs up my phone, passes it forward to Sawyer; undoes my seat belt and pulls me into his arms. I'm senseless from his kisses when we finally arrive at Escala.

XX

Christian whistled. "How did I miss you getting dressed for tonight, Miss Steele? I think you should be spanked for hiding things from me."

"I've been waiting for you to undress me," I smiled.

"We aim to please Miss Steele." Christian stepped up and enfolded me in his arms. "I love this underwear, but it's really in my way." He complained.

"Delayed gratification, sir?" I teased.

"I think I'll start with that smart mouth of yours, Miss Steele." He kissed me and plundered my mouth. "Mine.." He undid the basque. "Mine…" He took my shoes and stockings off. He used the stockings to blindfold me. "Mine…" he said; pushing me back onto the bed and removing my panties. He tied my hands with them.

XXXXX
Friday, September 30
Ana's POV

After breakfast we go our separate ways. Christian kisses me and tells me he will see me at his parents' home tonight. José, José Senior, Elliott, Ethan and Ray are sleeping overnight at Escala. Gail promises to get all of them to Bellevue by nine in the morning. She and I take off with Marshall to go to the spa. We meet Kate, Mia, Carla, Grace, Frannie, Rachel, Susan and Samantha there. Two of the security guards I didn't choose are there to make sure none of us are bothered by the paparazzi. We peruse the spa menu and decide what services we want. Susan takes pity on Samantha and me; she and Gail tag-team my mother to give me time to talk to my friend. Kate teams up with Mia so they can coordinate manicures and pedicures for the wedding. Grace and Rachel team up with Frannie, to keep her out of the champagne until lunch and out of trouble. They will make sure her manicure coordinates with her dress. Earlier she chatted with the nail technician and admired her purple nails. I want her to have purple nails if she wants them; but not for my wedding.

Sam and I have a lot of catching up to do. She loves how I met Christian…and pumps me for information about Sawyer. LOL. I apologize when I tell her Sawyer's providing security on our honeymoon. She says she doesn't do long distance relationships…but he might be worth the effort. We talk about Three and she tells me everything from the time she arrived at the apartment until the day his file was marked closed and his body released to the LVPD morgue for cremation and storage. We talk about how much my mother has or hasn't changed since Samantha last saw her. We exchange phone and email information to stay in touch in the future. I give her Ray's information to pass on to her mom. She just howls with laughter. Neither her mom nor Ray has dated in the last six years; but she agrees they would be great together – and we would love having one another as a sister!

Sam understands that I'm not comfortable with girly stuff…I will try to do girl dates with Kate when the guys are at baseball and sports events. She says she's going to kiss Ray and Sawyer for training me so well. But seriously; after the kidnapping attempt…I don't want to be out in public right now. Sam is furious it happened and congratulates me on knowing what to do. She laughs and reminds me that neither one of us was high maintenance in high school; she doesn't think we've changed now. She's grateful I don't insist she get acrylic nails. She says they are not compatible with her gun or holster. A good shaping and manicure with a pale pink chip-proof polish and she's ready to go! Mia coordinated a personal shopper to bring clothes and accessories to their suite at the Bellevue Hyatt tonight, so they can try on clothes in private. She swears Mia swears everything will be color coordinated for the wedding. I tell her as long as she's not wearing black, I can live with it. As long as she's not wearing her service weapon, Christian can live with it.

It's great to talk guns, fishing and camping. I tell her those pack horse camping expeditions sound like fun...other than the fact that I'm leery of horses. She says the next time she goes, she'll tell us the coordinates in advance. If we're available; Christian can fly Charlie Tango into the highland meadows where they camp. He can set the helicopter down before the horses arrive so as not to spook them. She says since they fish and hunt; I can bring Ray along too. Charlie Tango can take off after they've left and gone down the trail. I tell her about the camping trip where José took Kate and my picture by a campfire. Ray has it over his mantle. Someday I want to show it to her.

We talk about how soon she will graduate from UNLV with her criminal investigations degree. She says she's not going to stay in Las Vegas forever. Once she gets her criminal investigations degree; she wants to start taking EMT classes and get qualified. Then she can be a triple threat in a smaller community: police background, forensics and EMT training. Although she laughs when she says she already fills three categories for the LVPD: female, weapon ready and street smart. I remind her there are small police units in Washington State that could use a good forensic investigator…and they are within easy travel range of Luke Sawyer. She grins.

At lunch time, my group is in a secluded room where we are treated to gourmet salads and champagne. We leave the spa before three and go to Grace's house in Bellevue.

I'm surprised by a bridal shower held at the house in Bellevue after we get home from the spa. Gail organized a tea party, with pink champagne cocktails and tea; cucumber sandwiches and chicken curry sandwiches, savory tarts and petit fours. The decorations are white roses and my wedding colors. The bridal shower favors are silver-plated rectangular bookmarks, embossed with roses and hearts, completed with white silk tassels. Prescott, my four co-workers (Claire, Amber, Emily and Hannah), Celeste, Roz and her partner Gwen surprise me along with my family and friends from spa day.

I'm forced to do introductions…and it's not pretty. I have to come up with a wedding theme that begins with the first letter of someone's name. Great Gatsby Grace, Rio de Janeiro Rachel, Forrest Frannie, Monogram Mia, Gothic Gail, Pirate Prescott (who refuses to give her first name!), Circus Celeste, Kokomo Kate, Roses Roz, Garden Gwen, Champagne Gold Carla, Shabby Chic Susan, Summer Samantha, Harvest Hannah, Electric Avenue Emily, Cherry Blossoms Claire, Angel Amber, etc. are easy. Each theme I name off; the participants at the shower have to come up with three possible ideas for the wedding, reception or decorating. Whoever has the most unique idea for each theme wins a prize. Gail has great prizes – glitter nail polish, manicure sets, candles, bubble baths, hand creams, handmade soaps, massage oils, splits of champagne, and canvas travel shoe bags.

Great Gatsby Grace's best wedding suggestion was playing croquet during cocktails. Gothic Gail's best wedding suggestion was using cranberry-colored glass for the place settings at the table. Harvest Hannah's best wedding suggestion was attendants arriving on a hay wagon or in horse-drawn carriages decorated with the colors of russet, gold, and chocolate. Forrest Frannie's best wedding suggestion was seedling trees as wedding favors. Cherry Blossoms Claire's best wedding suggestion was oriental food served at the reception. Electric Avenue Emily's best wedding suggestion was neon lights pointing the way to the wedding/reception, etc. Mia and Kate had the best ideas as the game went along, so when it came time to steal a present, they were constantly raided by the others.

XX

"I can't get this ribbon off," I say, tugging at the ribbon on my first gift. "I hope I'm not breaking anything inside the package."

Frannie laughs.

"MOM!" Grace scolds Frannie.

"What?" Frannie protests. "I want great-grandbabies!"

I must have looked confused because Frannie explains I'm going to have one baby for every ribbon I break today. I can't help myself; I silently vow to deliberately break all possible ribbons to make Frannie happy and to vex my mother. Inside the box is a lovely leather photo album. Frannie has started the collection for me with an 8x10 picture of Christian when he was five, on the ski slopes at 13 and when he graduated from high school. I thank her and hug her.

Mia gave us a large Waterford crystal vase etched with our initials, A & C, with 100 white signing stones and grey-ink signature pens. "The guests pick a stone and sign their name or a short message. I thought since you have Samantha and Susan here," she shrugs, "you could ask them to sit at a 'guest book' table and have people sign the stones for you. The ink is waterproof. If they write on the rocks; you can use the vase for flowers. You will use it more often than a traditional guest book."

I glance over to Susan and Samantha and they are up for the challenge. Mia explains she will show them the location of the 'guestbook table' before they leave Bellevue.

Kate gives me a large white framed blackboard for entrance to ceremony area. It says Today two families become one. Please choose a seat…not a side. "Ray made it for me from an antique frame. He used chalkboard paint on the wood backing he put in the frame. Then I took it to a calligraphy place and had the quote written on it. After the wedding, you can erase the quote; hang the blackboard in your home office and make notes to yourself or hang it in your office at work for notes. Ray said a dozen women saw it at his shop and tried to buy it. He's going in search of a bunch of antique frames to make and sell more of them. He thinks they will be a big hit at Christmas and Mother's Day. He also got the idea to get matching frames and put memory boards in the second one."

"That's great!" I hugged her. I handed it off to Mia and Grace immediately, being very careful not to smudge the writing.

"Please tell Ray I want one of those," Susan said. "It would look so great in my sewing room so I could write down notions, fabric, patterns I need."

"This sign is perfect," Grace said. "I ordered thirty-six white wicker loveseats for seating for the wedding. We'll keep four reserved for Carla and Bob, Ray, Carrick and I and mom and dad. Then we'll stagger the rest so everyone has a good view of the arch and the water."

Roz and Gwen's gift says, "To Ana, for Christian". They embarrass me by all kinds of white sexy little things in a variety of styles: bras, panties, camisoles, boy shorts, slips, teddies, thongs, garter belts and stockings from Victoria's Secret. Additionally…there is a deck of cards for playing strip poker. I thank them both. Roz says she knows they were appreciated when Christian thanks her in person for them. I tell her not to hold her breath. Gail takes that gift and promises them she'll pack it in Christian's luggage. Sam stifles a giggle and rolls her eyes at me.

My coworkers gave us a chocolate brown couch blanket, an Amazon gift card to buy romance movies, and a box of assorted flavors of gourmet popcorn for nights when we have "nothing to do". Susan and Samantha's gift is similar. They gave us a picnic basket with a large red plaid blanket and a few good bottles of wine. I'm so thrilled to receive presents that aren't so girly. I thank all of them and make them swear to stand up when I do the bouquet toss.

Carla gave me a collection of antique silver-plated picture frames to hold our wedding photo on his work desk, my work desk, his home office desk, my home office desk, my bedside table, etc. She put a lot of time and effort into her gift and I appreciate it. I thank her and hug her.

Rachel gave me an antique gold heart-shaped locket. It has flowers scrolled on the outside of it. It's very lovely and I can't wait to wear it. I thank her for it and pass it around the room. Kate gives me thumbs up when she looks at the pictures inside.

Gail gave me a white-lace covered hat box. "This is your bridal emergency kit. Once the wedding is over, you take these things out and put in things like wedding cards, pictures and mementos, etc. Like a memory box." I opened it to find tweezers, spot remover, a water bottle, small scissors, an emergency sewing kit, a small mirror, a packet of safety pins, double stick tape, scotch tape, static cling spray, hem tape, a packet of hand wipes, aspirin, eye drops, dental floss, mini toothbrushes to go, band aids, extra earring backs, corsage pins, extra pantyhose in my size, white lace hair ties and clear nail polish. Everyone got a laugh out of it.

"I'm breaking a little bit from tradition," Grace said. "I have a gift for all my girls. A gift for Ana because she's the bride; gifts for Kate and Mia for helping coordinate the wedding." She hands me a rectangular box: "Sapphires for Ana because they are her birthstone." She hands a rectangular box to Kate: "Emeralds for Kate because they are her birthstone." Then she hands a rectangular box to Mia: "Amethysts for Mia because they are her birthstone." She urges us to open them. Inside the box is a tennis bracelet with matching stud earrings. We all hug and thank her for our presents.

After tea and after saying goodbye to most of the guests, Mia saves me from incessant Carla questions. She shows me the assembled bags of wedding favors for tomorrow. She swears the servers will put them on chairs to coordinate with the place cards. I text Kate to order another floral arrangement for the guest book table and order wrist corsages for Susan and Samantha. Mia is coordinating clothes for them tonight. I ask her to get either pink or black pearl necklaces with earrings too. If she can't get pink or black pearls, she'll get white ones. Her personal shopper at Nieman Marcus is bringing everything to Sam and Susan's suite tonight. Whatever they choose will be delivered to Bellevue first thing in the morning. I ask her to seat Samantha next to Sawyer at the reception. We have a few changes to the reception seating chart. Mia keeps me busy behind closed doors with gifts, thank you notes, the guest list, going over the schedule, etc. We stay busy until Christian and the men arrive. He plays bodyguard for me, keeping my mother away. Grace, Gail, Kate and Mia all work with Rachel to get her coordinated to run the wedding on Saturday. Thank goodness Carla wanted to listen to the wedding schedule instead of watching Christian and I hold hands.

At the end of the night, Christian is allowed to walk me to the guest suite where I'm staying, and give me a chaste kiss goodnight. He threatens to fire the security guards who try to guide him back downstairs but they all laugh at him. He finally leaves after about a dozen kisses goodnight. Grace tells him I need my beauty sleep so don't text me all night either.

XX
Friday Morning
The Grace, sailing on Puget Sound
Christian's POV

Gail organized sub sandwiches; pasta salad and cold ales for lunch onboard The Grace on my day with the men. Dad, Theo, Uncle Ben, Ray, Bob, Elliott, Ethan, José, José Senior, Taylor, Sawyer, Ryan, Barney, Welch, John, Claude and Mac share the outing with me. Mac does most of the sailing so I can hang with the guys, smoke cigars, play poker and drink cold ale.

"What to get for the man of the hour?" Elliott asked. "Since you are being a stick-in-the-mud about a bachelor party…we decided to give you sticks and mud."

The men gave me season tickets to the Seattle Thunderbirds Hockey Team home games and tickets to participate with a team at the Tough Mudder Seattle event. It's one of the West Coast's most vicious off-roading courses with over 600 acres of rugged terrain, through heavily wooded trails, mud pits and obstacles. Taylor, Sawyer and Ryan volunteer to be my team. Ryan will drive; Sawyer will navigate and Taylor and I can ride along and enjoy the event! Ray, Elliott, Dad and Theo volunteer to be my pit crew. José promises to take pictures of the event.

Once Mac docks the boat, there is a stretch Hummer to take all of us to the golf course. It holds 18 comfortably. Claude can't wait to be the "best man" on the golf greens and he and Elliott place side wagers with each other. It comes down to Claude in first place, Bob in second, Dad in third and me in fourth place. We are excited to take the stretch Hummer to the house and show it to the girls. It has a privacy screen that gives me ideas about things to do with Ana in all that space. Alas, it is not meant to be – no one seems to want to let us have a moment to ourselves.

Theo and Dad have planned a BBQ for tonight before the men are off to Escala to sleep. I take Ana to the boathouse and manage a quickie with my fiancée before she spends the night in my parents' home. Then it hits me, this perfect, petite beautiful woman is going to share my bed and my life. I love Anastasia Rose Steele, body, heart and soul. I will never get enough of smelling her hair, or looking into those sky blue eyes, or kissing her lips, or stroking her silky skin. I am a lucky man that she knows my deepest darkest secrets and loves me in spite of them. Tomorrow is our wedding day and I cannot wait to marry her and fly her to Europe. She asked me to create a "sex playlist" for my iPod for the honeymoon. She's never been on the GEH jet; so I can't wait to show it to her. I paid to have the private cabin soundproofed so we don't announce to the world what we're doing at 30,000 feet.

XXXXX
Early Morning, October 1
Seattle

********** Seattle Nooz **********
Sources say it was a late night for the police at the home of Elena Lincoln. Police, armed with a search warrant, entered the home of Elena Lincoln on Friday, September 30. A home computer and laptop were taken into evidence along with twenty well-marked evidence boxes by the Sex Crimes Unit of the SPD. Rumor alleges Elena Lincoln may be arraigned Monday morning for sexual exploitation of children (formerly called child pornography).

Sources also report the Esclava Salons chain is under new ownership and management. Grey Enterprises Holdings sold the chain to a high-placed staff member, Franco de Luca, on the day of the attempted kidnapping of Anastasia Steele. Elena Lincoln was divested of her interests in the Esclava Salons when she was arrested.

Sources confirmed Grey Enterprises Holdings sold their interest in a dozen businesses this month. In the paperwork filed with the SEC, GEH named "lagging profits and directional changes of business goals" as the reasons for selling off their interests. GEH could claim an unprecedented $40 million in losses for the first quarter of the fiscal year.
********** Seattle Nooz **********

"I thought you said there wasn't enough evidence to charge her with pedophilia," Carrick argued with Detective Clark.

"The Sex Crimes Unit didn't want anyone to have advance notice, especially not her household staff. We didn't want anyone removing evidence from the house. Thank you for suggesting they talk to Isaac Reynolds. He told them where to search. Lincoln had a BDSM playroom hidden under the six-car garage on her estate. They might not have known where to find it or the evidence without Isaac's help. Do you know how many judges recused themselves from signing the search warrant? I cannot believe how many judges know that woman."

"That's my fault," Carrick admitted. "We invite every judge in a 100-mile radius to the Coping Together charity event. Elena worked on the planning committee for the last decade. Coping Together provides resources for recovering drug addicts to bond with their children and provide secure home environments. It is important the Coping Together planning committee educate as many judges, lawyers and therapists about the effect the program can have on drug addicts and their families."

"Well, Seattle Nooz announced the raid which began after midnight on Friday morning and ended around two o'clock in the afternoon. Unless their reporter was sitting at Elena's house waiting for something to happen, SCU has no clue how they found out. I can't tell you everything, but I can tell you, there's enough evidence of sexual exploitation of children that she will be charged. She may not be charged on Monday because the SCU will take the time they need to make enough charges stick. Sexual exploitation of children is a Class B felony."

"Thank you for talking to me," Carrick said slowly.

"Today the SCU examines the computers previously used at the Esclava Salons," Clark explained. "Franco de Luca gave them access after close of business last night. Personally, I don't think they will find anything on the business computers, but as I said, they have time to investigate thoroughly."

A/N:

I put Mia's birthday in February as she is not around when Christian has Christmas memories. I put Kate's birthday in May. Since I gave precious gems to Ana, I gave amethysts to Mia as her birthstone and emeralds to Kate as her birthstone; but if that doesn't work for you…oh well. I just thought Mia should have an interesting eye color also – and purple with brunette hair would be striking…a young Elizabeth Taylor vibe.

Thank you for the reviews and viewers; thank you for the messages and questions; thank you for the favorites and follows!

I do not own Fifty Shades Trilogy or the characters. They belong to E. L. James. My story is the interpretation of my thoughts about how the characters could have, should have, would have acted.