APOV
Outside of the door Tucker waits with Devin and Ros in tow, knowing little smirks on their faces. "This way please," he says, his finger pointing to the small room just off of the kitchen where the justice of the peace and two men I don't know are waiting. What the?
"Mrs. Grey, congratulations," the squat one says, his hand shaking Christian's and Ros's before extending to mine. "My name is David Halpern and I'll be handling the legal merger of yours and Mr. Grey's assets. This is Mr. Grey's representation, Frank Cahillane." Next to me Christian is holding a pen out towards me, the paper in front of him our marriage certificate which he has just signed in his neat yet masculine script. Without hesitation I sign next to his name and then watch as our witnesses sign as well.
"Well ain't that the cat's pajamas," Devin mutters as he looks at his signature. I shoot him a look while Christian speaks to Ros and he waves his hand on an eye roll, leans in and kisses my cheek. "I'm pretty sure I just helped to make you a billionaire. I am so glad we're friends." I laugh at him and kiss him back, waving when he, Ros and Dorothy leave us alone with the attorneys.
"If you could begin signing with this pile, we'll plow through these quickly. Your husband signed everything two days ago so it's just your signature we'll need to collect today."
"I'm sorry, I have no idea what's going on right now," I say to the room, confusion spreading over my face when they begin to flip through a pile of documents all with those bright red 'sign here' tabs sticking out. Christian steps in front of me and holds my shoulders so that I turn to face him directly.
"We're married. This paperwork ensures that you're my beneficiary should something happen to me and also gives us power of attorney over each other's estate and things of that nature. I've executed a living will on my behalf and have designated my mother as the person to make medical decisions so long as she had your approval. We'll need to get one in place for you but that can wait until we return from our honeymoon." I'm not stupid, in fact I'm pretty smart so I know what he's talking about but I also know I'm not supposed to sign shit without reading it over. Business 101.
"Can't all of this wait? It's only a few weeks that we'll be away and I…I can't possibly read through all of this right now." My head is swimming with the amount of paperwork in front of me. Christian can see that I'm overwhelemed and responds accordingly.
"Gentlemen, the room please." Immediately we're alone.
"Anastasia," he says, his hands on my face so tenderly I feel precious, "no, it can't wait. You're my wife now. We'll be flying and driving over the next few weeks so the risk of something happening is there. I can't, in good conscious, depart for our trip if you aren't legally covered."
"But…I can't read all of this now! There's sixty plus people waiting for us upstairs!" To be honest, I'm a bit heated that he's springing this on me out of nowhere. He just chuckles, completely not getting that this is not what normal people do. When has he ever done things normally, Ana?
"One, our guests will wait as long as necessary. And two, I normally would never press the issue but there is no need for you to read these things. It's literally just paperwork adding you to my estate plan, my insurance policies, my investments, my bank accounts and giving you access to decision making authority should I not be able to do it myself."
"And I'm supposed to just sign my name," I look at the pile, "a hundred times without so much as an attorney present?" He raises his brow, the beginning of his frustration settling over his features and thumbs the door.
"You just met your attorney and he's already gone over everything. There's nothing in this paperwork that takes from you, it only gives to you. Trust me, baby." I want to laugh, outside of Steele Translations, there's nothing he can take. Which gives me pause.
"Is there anything about Steele Translations in here? A name change? Anything like that?" His face hardens, clearly I've hit a spot that is still tender.
"No, nothing about your business or your assets. The name of your company has nothing to do with this. This is strictly me to you. When we return, we'll deal with the reverse." I take the pen from him and sigh. I trust that he wouldn't pull a fast one on me. I mean, I did marry the guy. "Frankly I'm a bit pissed that you'd think I would do something so underhanded, Anastasia."
"I'm sorry," I say contritely. "I know you wouldn't do that. But you're throwing this at me out of nowhere without so much as a discussion about it and it's just...weird."
"Weird?" he laughs.
"Yeah, weird. I doubt most people get hitched and then spend the first ten minutes of their reception signing legal documents with lawyers present." He leans in, runs his nose along mine and then kisses the tip of it.
"Baby, we are not most people." And damn it when he smells so good and speaks in that low timbre and runs his fingertips down my arm like that I just...well damn it!
"Give me the damn pen, Christian." He hands it to me with a smirk. "Just…tell me when you're doing something like this next time! This is a lot to process. I don't even know what you own and now you're giving me half of it. And is there a prenup in there somewhere because I'm still willing to sign it." And that puts him right over the edge.
"No there's no god damn fucking prenup! I'm giving you access to twelve billion dollars right now. Sign the damn papers and let's go!" I could fire right back at him and meet him blow for blow but I won't because in the end, this is important to him. And wait, did he just say twelve BILLION dollars?
"I was half joking, Christian. But I would understand if you wanted to renege on that decision." His eyes light with fury that I need to get under control immediately. "But since there is no need for one, I'm glad you didn't change your mind but you realize that if I sign these, you're stuck with me for...ev...er." And just like magic his face clears, his mouth turns up and he's back to carefree Christian. I, however, need a helmet to help me with the whiplash.
"I like the sound of that, Mrs. Grey." One step closer and he's pressed himself against me so that I'm half lying on the table, the pages of our newly merged life under us. "I should fuck you on these documents and really make it official."
And I laugh because it will never cease to amaze me how he can turn every single thing into something sexual. Without fail. I'm humbled by such talent but aware that he will make good on that veiled threat so as carefully as I can I slide away and open the door to allow the attorneys to reenter.
Seven minutes later my hand is cramped but my husband is beaming, his joy at having watched me sign Anastasia Grey over and over again evident by the pearly whites blinding me.
"Wonderful, we'll get these filed first thing Monday morning. Congratulations again, Mr. and Mrs. Grey."
I smile, he nods and then we leave, pausing in the hallway so that I can strike while the iron is hot so to speak. I know who I married and while his intentions for me are always good, we do need to establish what is acceptable and what is not and doing that from day one is our best bet.
"Christian." He stops and runs his hands over his head but continues to look ahead and not at me. He knows what's coming. "Husband," I try again, this time the corners of his mouth tick upwards. "Lover and best friend." At that he turns and kisses me, the giggle that bubbles up when I see his joy quickly morphing into a moan at the feel of his body on mine. "Just talk to me about that stuff first next time ok? That's all I'm asking."
He steps back, tugs at his hair and takes my hand again.
"Yes, I can see that perhaps springing that on you wasn't the best way to go about it but I really do just want to be covered before we go and this was really the best time believe it or not. Now enough about it, I want to go take a look at that cake." He turns and winks, "Chocolate right?"
We don't get very far before the photographer corners us with our bridal party in tow and begins giving orders so that he can get the pictures he wants. There's a rush on sunset time as he calls it so he ushers us to the very top of the yacht which is nothing more than a large flat surface with a huge X on it.
I've never been a huge fan of having my picture taken so the second the photographer says he's got what he needs I get out of there as soon as possible. On the main deck we're met with heartfelt congratulations and well wishers, all of whom want a moment of time with us. For Christian, juggling multiple people at once is the norm. He's used to having people clamor for his attention but for me, it's just unnerving. As if he can sense my unease he holds me close, the anchor of his presence making what would have been a chaotic hour much more tolerable.
"Ana," Grace says affectionately, taking my face between her hands and kissing each cheek as if I were a child. "You have made me a happy woman tonight! Look at my son," she gestures, her hand flying out towards my husband who is bent over laughing at something one of his cousins just said. "I haven't seen him laugh like that in fifteen years. What a blessing you are to our family."
Carrick walks over next, drink in hand and lifts it to me. "Cheers to the best daughter in law a man could ask for." He sips the milky looking concoction, a specialty drink the bartenders made just for tonight Christian and I are calling passionate vanilla. "Not bad for a frou frou drink," he says. Something tells me Carrick hasn't met a liquor he doesn't like though, a thought confirmed when he steers Grace back to the bar for yet another cocktail.
"Did you see our little Eliza yet?" Devin asks as he adjusts my dress and blots my face with a powder press. "Annie your cheekbones are to fucking die for. I swear to Cher I should have married you just so that my children could be assured beauty. Between me and you," he shakes, "Oh I get the chills just thinking about how beautiful our babies would have been." He fluffs my hair and then points to my chest. "Fix the girls. Your left is a bit higher than your right." He steps back and does a once over, "Yup, should have married you. Our kids would have been killer."
"Nobody's marrying this girl except me and I've already done it. You lose," Christian says teasingly before pulling me to his chest possessively. "Have you eaten anything today, Ana?"
"Breakfast," I say thinking back. It's only seven but it feels like this day had been going on for 70 hours already. "And I had a handful of grapes in the limo on the way over." His face darkens, the hand on my lower back immediately propelling me towards a waitress not three feet away carrying oysters on a bed of crushed ice.
"You must eat, Anastasia. We need to ensure you're in the best health possible now." Oh my god, he's not going to start this already is he? He looks to the young woman who is doing her best not to stare at him. "Do you have anything with greens in it?" He turns to me, "For the folic acid." I do my absolute best to keep my reaction in check. Not today, Steele, err, Grey. Let him have today.
"I'll ask the chef, Sir. Mrs. Grey, can I get you a beverage?" I smile back at her, thankful that she has a modicum of respect for me even though she was just eye fucking my husband. Ha! MY husband.
"I'd love a glass of unsweetened iced tea please." There are no less than ten people waiting to talk to us but Christian ignores them all and turns to me, his face only inches away.
"Please eat regularly, baby. It's important to me and will be important to our family later on." He thankfully leaves off the 'when we get pregnant' line but the implication is there especially when he rests the flat of his palm on my stomach. And as much as I'm not interested in having this conversation I can't help but swoon a bit at how sweetly he approaches the whole thing.
"I will make it a priority, Christian. Actually, I'm starving right now." At that he straightens, smooths his tux jacket and excuses himself to get me something to eat.
"You did good, kid," Ray says, tapping my shoulder with his before swatting at the air to his side. "Shit, Devin, enough already! Annie, tell the guy to leave me alone would you please?"
"Raymond, you have shine. And shine isn't cute anytime but it's especially not cute when you're about to have your photo splashed across the world. Now stop with your whining and let me get your nose." But Ray's had enough of being powdered and shoots Devin a look that ultimately gets the message across because he walks away after looking Ray up and down, a snide, "It's your face," coming out of his mouth.
"That boy is relentless. Of all the friends you've made through your life he's the one you choose to keep around." I laugh at him.
"You love him, dad and you know it. I bet he asks you to walk him down the aisle when he gets married." Ray tips back his beer and snorts.
"I do. And I'll walk him down so long as he doesn't make me wear gold." Both of us lean back on the railing to rest for a minute and to get away from the crowd. "You good, Annie?" I smile up at my dad, genuine concern on his face for my well-being. It's nice to know that nothing has changed even though I'm now married.
"Great, dad. I'm great." And just as I'm finally relaxed enough to enjoy the silence around me, there are benefits to Ray's taciturn nature, a tall red head walks into my line of vision, her hoarse voice immediately recognizable.
"Anastasia, you look radiant sweetheart. What a lovely ceremony, thank you so much for thinking of us." I embrace both Gwen and Ros, dismissing the idea that they would have been left out of today.
"You're practically family. If you think about it Gwen, Ros and Christian spend more time with our spouses than we do!"
"It's true! We'll have to forge our own friendship then don't you think?" Gwen asks, smiling when she spots Christian making his way through the crowd, a plate of food in his hands.
"Christian," Ros says in her signature voice, "You're fucking married! What in the ever loving fuck happened to you?" He grins and points to me winking.
"She happened to me." He hands me the plate of grilled shrimp, Greek scallops and mini potato gratins. The potatoes being my choice of course. Christian laughed at my homage to our first meal together at the tasting but admitted that it was my potatoes that had sealed the deal for him.
"Thank you," I say shyly. The waiter assigned to us stands back, a bit put out that Christian went and got me something himself but I know my husband and knowing that he's the one taking care of me is what brings him comfort. He feeds me one of the scallops and then eats one himself, my brain going fuzzy at the visual of him chewing and swallowing. So damn sexy.
"Yea, well, don't let marriage make you soft. I've got my eye on a villa in Tuscany as a third home so I'll be damned if you're going to start slacking off because you've gone all lovey dovey on me." He raises his brows, she clears her throat. "Boss."
"Stand down, Ros." He gives Gwen a kiss on the cheek and sips his drink ignoring the line of people behind him waiting for their moment to congratulate us. "How do you put up with her?"
While they banter and exchange barbs I notice an older gentleman across the deck watching us, a studious expression on his face. When he realizes that I'm watching him he comes over with a small Asian woman on his arm. It takes me three seconds to figure out who he is as he approaches.
"John," I state as he draws near, his expression turning to one of surprise.
"How did you know?" I didn't know he was British.
"You were studying my husband. Only a therapist or a woman would do that." He laughs and holds up his hands good naturedly.
"Caught red handed. John Flynn," he offers me his hand, "and my wife Rhiann."
"John," Christian says seriously, shaking the man's hand warmly before greeting his wife with a small kiss on her cheek. He puts one hand on my lower back and smiles, "My wife, Anastasia Grey." Holy shit is it hot when he says my name like that. My wife Anastasia Grey. "Ana, John Flynn, charlatan and shrink."
"I prefer wellness facilitator but shrink works too. It's a true pleasure to finally meet you, Ana. May I call you Ana?" I nod and take the man in. There is a very good chance that he knows more about Christian than I do which I have to say doesn't sit well with me. It's a ridiculous notion of course, jealousy over the information my husband's therapist has that I'm not privy to so I shake it off and make small talk with Rhiann in an effort to distract myself.
"It was so nice of you to invite us, Ana. John has always spoken so highly of Christian and of course I've had the opportunity to get to know him a bit over the years so when John told me he had met someone and that it was serious," she fans her face, "I was over the moon for him."
"Yes, Rhiann is the consummate matchmaker but despite many attempts to pair him off with someone, he always gave her the slip." Christian slides his arm around my waist and leans down to kiss me when his cousins make their way over. "It was lovely to meet you Ana. We wish you many years of happiness and laughter together," Flynn says excusing himself so that we can greet other people.
It's the first chance I've had to see Gavin since the bachelorette party but he greets me like a member of the family which, I realize with a start, I am. They offer their congratulations and tap Christian's arms or shoulders affectionately, careful to avoid his no-touch areas. My own hand is resting over his heart, his cousin Kevin pretending to be blinded by the shine of my ring.
"Well," he says, "no mistaking that you're a married woman with that on your finger. Geez, C, if you were trying to send a message, I'm pretty sure even NASA can read it."
Lisa walks by then, pretending not to notice Gavin but as someone who has seen her do this act a hundred times, I'm not fooled even though he is. Excusing himself he ducks out and touches her elbow, smiling when she turns around and then kissing her square on the mouth before even saying hello. Well, alrighty then.
Elliot and Kate disappeared below deck as soon as the pictures had been taken which is no real surprise. Even I noticed him staring at her during the ceremony. That man is wildly in love and if they aren't engaged by the end of the year, I'll be shocked.
"Where is my brother?" Christian whispers, his tongue tracing the shell of my ear while his hand massages my butt. He's going to do this all night, this slow seduction.
"I'm pretty sure he and Kate went below deck." He growls with annoyance.
"If he fucks her on our bed I will feed him one of his testicles. If anyone but us fucks on that bed I'll kill them." With a finger he waives over Sawyer who is in charge of security today so that Taylor and Welch can have the day off. I fought him on it but Sawyer is the third in command and the other two have been with Christian for years and should be considered guests so we compromised. Sawyer can sit as a guest and have dinner as a guest but he needs to be debriefed every 15 minutes by the security team, the patrol captains, the police on the ground and whoever else is reporting.
"Sir?"
"Please ensure that my brother and his girlfriend are in the guest room and not ours. If they are in ours, remove them immediately even if they're naked."
A few minutes later a bright eyed Kate staggers over, only the red from being kissed a tell as to what was just going on. Elliot is right behind her, completely put together but with a scowl on his handsome face.
"What the fuck, Christian? You think I'd try to get a quickie in at your wedding?"
"Yes, Elliot, I do," he deadpans.
"Glad you think so highly of me, bro. We were just making out." And then he and Kate dissolve into giggles, the sound of Elliot's high pitched laughter enough to quell the anger in Christian and to turn a few heads our way. "Seriously," he stutters on a laugh, "we were just kissing."
The 62 guests that have assembled on this ship have all had the chance to speak to us one on one over the last hour or so. The routine stays the same; a small group approaches, Christian shakes the men's hands and greets the women with a kiss before putting his arm around my shoulders or my waist for the ensuing conversation.
I know almost everyone here at this point since the majority of people are family and close friends but there are a few faces I don't recognize. When Andrea steps forward I immediately notice the enormous gentleman with her, his face vaguely familiar to me.
"Andrea," Christian says affectionately before kissing her cheek and shaking the man's hand.
"Congratulations, Mr. Grey. Ana you look gorgeous, I'm so happy for you both!" She motions at the man whose face I'm still trying to place, "My boyfriend Carter Buist." Carter Buist. I know that name…as the question is on my face Christian leans down and whispers in my ear.
"Running back for the Seahawks. Heisman trophy winner six years ago." Oh! That Carter Buist. No wonder Christian thought Barney didn't have a chance. Greeting the hulk before me I can't help but laugh inside at how incredibly opposite the two men are.
"A pleasure to meet you. Andrea tells me you've made her world a much better place!" She swats at him and then grins at Christian's laugh, blushing profusely at being caught bitching about the boss.
"I'm sure that's true. Actually, Andrea, you should be credited with half of this night. The work you put into this has not gone unnoticed." She blushes more and lowers her face until Christian moves his attention back to Carter. "Big game tomorrow, I hope it wasn't too much of an issue for you to be here tonight. No drinking though, Paul Allen already called to chew my ass out about it."
I take it all in, the way his eyes are alight with mirth, the way he can't stop smiling, the way he touches me all the time even if it's just his fingertips on my arm. He's happy. Truly happy.
"I'm sure he did," Carter laughs. Andrea turns then and hugs Barney who is in a very tailored, some might even call it too tailored, gray suit. He gives her a quick hug and shakes Carters hand, clearly having met him before and then all but shoves Eliza forward to introduce her to him. Devin's gotten to her, the evidence is literally written all over her.
Perfectly sculpted brows? Devin's work. Whitened teeth? Devin. Tasteful diamond earrings? Deep conditioned hair blown out and styled to perfection? Gun metal gray Vera Wang dress to compliment the over tailored suit? All Devin.
"Eliza, you look so pretty!"
"Doesn't she? Prettiest girl here," Barney says all goofy, chest puffed out with his arm around her. He quickly reads her expression and back pedals. "I mean, after you of course, nobody is as pretty as the bride!" I laugh and kiss his cheek. I love this guy.
"It's ok, Barney, you're supposed to think she's the prettiest." Christian shakes his hand, takes an obvious interest in his tie, a tacky as shit paisley that I know Devin had no part in, and then claps him on the back.
"Glad you could make it, Barney. Eliza, you look lovely." She blushes and looks away. As in love with Barney as she may be, when someone that looks like Christian Grey compliments you, it's a bit overwhelming.
"Any news for me?" I take in a deep breath ready to shut this work conversation down but there's no need because Welch steps up then, a smiling woman on his arm, very obviously pregnant. Very pregnant.
"Welch?" Christian says when he sees his wife. "Miranda, I didn't know you were expecting again, congratulations to you both." Even I can feel the irritation in his voice. He does not like being in the dark on anything.
"It's been a busy few months, Mr. Grey and this wasn't exactly planned. Our youngest just started high school so this," he motions to Miranda's belly, "took our legs out from under us."
"How many children do you have, Miranda?" I ask, hopeful to eliminate the unnecessary tension.
"Five! All girls. Our oldest is 24."
"Five girls, shit, you need to pray that baby has a"
"Christian!" I stop him with mock rebuke to which he has the good grace to smile at.
"It's a boy, due in two weeks though I always go late. My last one was a full week past her due date," Miranda says conspiratorially. "As…surprised as we were to find out we were pregnant, all that anxiety flew out the window the second Fred found out it was a boy." Welch bounces back on his heels, hands in his pocket and grins.
"I finally get a boy and I'm too old to throw the ball around with him." It's strange to see all of these people outside of GEH. I knew that they had families and a life of their own but to see them like this is still bizarre. Kind of like when you're a kid and you see your teacher out at the beach or something. It just feels weird.
But these few GEH employees are like Christian's extended family and really, if we're being honest, know him better than anyone else. Welch and Barney have to know about his sexual proclivities if they're the ones who did background checks on all of those women and Andrea is too smart to not have figured how his…relationships worked before.
I resolve to include them in our private life more, maybe casual get togethers at the new house. I like seeing Christian relax around people and by having this select group here he's clearly fond of them so this is where I'll start.
"Jason! Did you know about this?" Christian asks loudly when Taylor and Gail make their way over. She looks hot, not just pretty but downright hot in her dark purple gown and stilettos. Taylor looks at where Christian is pointing, to Miranda's belly and smiles.
"Of course. I know everything, boss." He shakes Christian's hand and then gives me an honest to goodness hug and for the first time, Christian doesn't seem to even notice. Maybe it's because he's actually hugging Gail who is sniffling or maybe it's because he realizes that Jason Taylor isn't a threat but either way, I'm thrilled by it.
"Oh Ana, you look wonderful sweetie. I fell apart when you started walking down that aisle. I'm surprised nobody heard me blubbering."
"You fell apart? Did you see this guy?" Elliot puts an arm around Christian's shoulder and points to him.
"Me? How about you all red faced and breathing hard. I was afraid you were going to need mouth to mouth or something."
"Mouth to mouth? Oh no worries, bro, I got that down below in your bedroom, remember?"
Once we're seated for dinner, the candles in the centerpieces reflected by the crystal glasses and stemware on each table, Elliot stands, his hand a bit shaky where it hangs at his side. Kate reaches for a napkin and dabs at her eyes, already emotional. He's not Christian but he still commands a room so when he stands, everyone falls silent so that the only sound is the occasional noise from below deck and the water around us.
"A moment of your time please ladies and gentlemen." Next to me Christian stiffens. For someone who is always the center of attention, he sure hates it.
"I consider myself a lucky man. Blessed, some would even say. I was born into a life of privilege, I was given love freely and generously and have always known the protection of my parents. The world and its treasures have been laid at my feet for me to visit and taste, explore and enjoy. I was given a quality education, a safe home and enough good memories to last me a lifetime."
"But of all of the gifts my parents have given to me over the years, all of the money spent on toys and trips, experiences and memories, the greatest gifts that I have ever received has been my brother and my sister." His voice cracks a bit at the end and I dart my eyes to Christian who hasn't moved and is just watching his brother in profile.
"Don't get me wrong, there were times I wanted to return those gifts and get my money back. Like the time Christian threw the baseball through the kitchen window and blamed me and my parents believed him." He points to Grace, "It was him, mom I swear!" The room chuckles as does Christian who looks at Grace and slowly shakes his head and mouths 'no' much to her amusement.
"Or the time Christian hocked your sterling silver candlesticks so he could have money for baseball cards and Big League Chew but somehow I got blamed. Or how about the time the Krazy Glue erupted in the backseat of the car or when dad sat on the whoopee cushion at church Easter Sunday or the time his dress shoes were filled with shaving cream. All Christian!" Next to me Christian's shoulders shake with laughter at the remembrance of those things.
"But despite having to pay the price for your transgressions little brother, I still consider you to be my biggest gift. You're a bit of a strange bird, nobody here's going to argue that," he looks out to see everyone covering their laughter. "I mean, they're not going to tell you that but I will. You may be a bit...unique but never, in my life, have I met someone with as much strength as you."
I see Christian's chest inflate sharply and reach under the table for his hand. He squeezes it back but keeps his eyes on Elliot who is now facing him.
"You have quietly and without fanfare demonstrated to me what it is to be a good man in a bad world. Your generosity to others has changed thousands of lives and in turn will alter the course of generations. You give because you are inherently good, because you know the suffering of others and do what you can to alleviate it. Dad always said that the measure of a man was what he did for others when nobody else was watching. And you, little brother, are a thousand feet tall."
"I've heard it said that you have 'The Midas Touch' and while that may be true, I know that what you have you've earned by being focused, driven and motivated. In a day and age where instant gratification is the norm, you are an example of what hard work and perserverance can do. When I meet new people and am introduced as Christian Grey's brother I'm proud. Not because you're stupid wealthy and can call the President of the US on your cell phone but because you're a stellar example of what a man should be. I'm proud as hell to be your brother, Christian and if we hadn't had the chance to grow up together, I like to think our paths would have crossed at some point because I'd choose you as my friend."
At that my heart thunders, Kate gasps and sniffles, Elliot's voice cracks again, Tucker swoons in the corner and even Christian reacts with rapid blinks.
"Ana." He smiles and points. "Thought you'd get out of this unscathed didn't you little sister? Oh god, I've got two of you now." At that I laugh as does Mia who is literally bawling her eyes out next to Kate. "So much of what I want to say to you should be done in private because your influence has just been that great. In so many ways your existence has changed not just my brothers life but my entire families life. To say that your presence in his life has been profound would be to minimize the impact." He stops and wipes his eyes.
"This isn't a speech I ever thought I'd have to make. Christian? Getting married? Wasn't ever going to happen. But I was there the night he met you. I saw the instant change in him, felt it happening even before he did. You, my dear sister, were a game changer. Another gift in my life and that of my families because you brought color into his world and subsequently into ours." He motions to the table of his family, "This, is your family now and I speak for all of them when I say, welcome." Oh god I'm going to melt in front of everyone.
He raises his glass and the rest of our guests follow suit. "I won't wish you luck because you don't need it. I won't say a prayer because they've all been answered. I will only raise my glass to you both and tell you how much I love you and how excited I am to see what the future holds for you. To the Grey's."
"To the Grey's," everyone repeats, the sound of chinking glasses tickling my ears. Christian lets go of my hand and stands, holding Elliot away from him to look at him face to face, a few seconds of quiet that speaks volumes. When he finally embraces him they pat each other's back like men do, muffled words of 'thank you' and 'love you too' making me cry even more. I can see the joy on Elliot's face when Christian doesn't pull away or react to the touch and if I thought he was emotional during his speech, he lets it all out now.
"Ana," Elliot says, leaning down to hug me tightly so that I bend back a bit. Around us the waiters have delivered our food and refilled our wine but I'm in no rush to eat. I feel full from the sight of my husband finally acting free with his family. Once he and Elliot have calmed Mia down he sits next to me and smiles, leaning over to kiss me.
"Eat up baby, you're going to need your energy later." His brows raise teasingly.
"For dancing? I told the DJ I wanted lots of Rhianna." He laughs and reaches for his water.
"Oh, we'll dance tonight. We'll slow dance, then we'll dance fast and furiously. Then we'll really pound the floor," he winks, my lower half tingles at the play on words. "I can't wait to take that dress off of you later, Mrs. Grey."
I barely eat even though the food is remarkably delicious and beautifully presented. I'm simply too excited so when Christian stands and holds his hand out to me, a whispered, "May I have this dance," on his lips I'm happy to leave my seat.
Around us the crowd grows silent when he pulls me into his arms, one arm around my waist, the other holding my right hand in his. John Denver's 'Annie's Song' swirls around us, the song familiar to me. I smile at his choice, touched by the thought he put into it. I'm not prepared for him to rest his forehead on mine and sing the words to me softly, his low baritone making me cry. Again.
"I chose this song because of what it says, Ana, not because it was named after you." His eyes are closed so I close mine and let him lead, his strong frame moving gracefully over the makeshift dance floor. "Listen to the words, baby. I could have written this for you. For what you've brought to my life." I am an emotional mess. No matter how hard I try I cannot get my emotions under check and when I finally do he leans in and sings along, 'Let me lay down beside you, let me always be with you, let me love you' so that I have to hold onto his neck to support myself because my legs give out.
When the song ends he doesn't let go and I'm glad for it because I'd fall to the ground. Instead he flattens both hands on my bare back, the size of them covering me completely so that I feel safe and protected. From him I feel the internal fight to control his own emotions which are right there on the surface. I have never in my life felt love like this.
Other couples join us as the song shifts to Dave Matthews 'Crash Into Me'. I giggle at the choice, a romantic song that can couple as a sensual song. Only Christian can mix the two in front of so many people and not feel shy about it. On a low groan he grinds his hips into me, the evidence of his excitement hot even through our clothes.
"I want to make love to you to this song," he whispers. I nod, my flushed face pressed against his chest.
I take a moment and look around at the people dancing next to us all lost in the arms of their own loves. Devin and Casey, Carrick and Grace, Kate and Elliot, Ros and Gwen, Mia and Ethan, Missy and Logan…the list goes on. Do they love each other the way I love this man? Are they as lost in their lover as I am in mine? It doesn't seem possible that we've all been so fortunate. I don't have time to dwell on it though because as soon as the song dies down Christian grabs my wrist and all but drags me down below into our bedroom.
He turns me quickly, pressing me against the door so hard it hurts and then descends on my body with his own. For a minute we just kiss, my initial surprise quickly morphing into blinding need as his hands roam over my dress.
"I want to go," he says gruffly, his hands behind me on the wall. "I want you alone, just me and you."
"That sounds wonderful," I sigh as I bring my hand up to his cheek, "but we'd have a lot of disappointed guests if we left now."
"I don't give a fuck. I'm tired of sharing you and as beautiful as you look, nobody's going to fault me for wanting to get you back to the hotel."
"Hotel?" I squeal, finally learning something about this honeymoon he's planned. "What hotel?" He steps back and crosses his arms over his chest but he's still close enough for his erection to touch me.
"A slip, Mrs. Grey. You disorient me so easily. Rest assured it won't happen again but yes, a hotel. We need to be in Seattle overnight since we'll be going to the Social Security office first thing in the morning so that you can officially change your last name and then we're boarding the jet at Sea-Tac and that, is all I'm going to say."
"Tomorrow is Sunday, Christian. Social Security is closed." At that he laughs, adjusts himself and opens the door.
"Not for me they're not. Now come on, let's get this shit over with so I can have my wicked way with my wife."
Back on deck the party is in full swing with drinks flowing, people dancing and laughter surrounding us. I'm happy to see everybody having a good time and stop to point out Barney and Eliza on the dance floor doing god knows what. I've never seen anyone dance so horribly and yet make it look like something choreographed. They're terribly awesome together.
"Mrs. Grey, it's almost time for the father daughter dance. I've asked Mr. Steele to wait for you by the band, if you could make your way over there that would be great." Tucker bows out then and motions to where Ray is waiting for me before he speaks into his ear piece.
"I'll walk you," Christian says when I kiss him and tell him what's going on, his hand covering my hip as he steers me over to my dad.
"Annie, Christian," Ray says, clearly nervous about being put in the spotlight. "I hope you like what I chose," he says anxiously. God I'm going to cry again!
"I'm sure I'll love it, dad. I'm just happy to have some time with you." His shoulders ease a bit but I can tell he's still nervous about being put on display so I take the lead and walk to the center of the makeshift dance floor. "Dance with me, daddy," I say to him when we're alone.
"Always, baby." He takes a deep breath and holds me close, a song I've not heard before starting up as he starts to move. Two lines in and I'm sobbing into his shoulder, unaware of anyone around me and totally unconcerned for my make up at this point.
"What is this?" I manage to choke out between gasps of air. "It's killing me!" He laughs through his own emotions and kisses my forehead.
"It's called 'I Loved her First' by Heartland. I heard it a few years ago and wrote it down so I'd remember it. I've only listened to it twice, it just…kills me too I guess! I may or may not have drunk myself to sleep myself when I first heard it and realized I'd have to give you away one day." Tenderly he kisses my temple, his hand holding the back of my head like he's done a thousand times before. He scoffs, "I thought I'd have at least a few more years to prepare!" I giggle then and shrug, unable to speak. "Ana, no matter what happens in the future, you can always come to me."
"I know. And I will, dad." Inside I feel so conflicted. It's always been Ray and me. Even when he was married to my mom it was just him and me so many times that it became the norm. And though I haven't lived with him in years, just knowing he was there and available to me has always been a real comfort. It saddens me to think that he may feel he's losing some of that but I'm too emotional right now to talk to him about it.
I'd try but I see Christian escorting his mother out to the floor and since I know what song he's chosen and why he's chosen it I'm going to freaking fall on the floor and cry my eyes out again in a few seconds so now may not be the best time.
CPOV
"Christian if you make me cry I swear I will…I'll…"
"What, mom? Ground me?" I tease as I lead her to the spot Ana and Ray were just dancing. I had to stop watching. Partly because it was such an intimate moment between them that I felt I was being intrusive but mostly because I can't watch her cry like that and not go to her. It's always been my job to ensure her happiness but now it's legally my job to do so.
"And mom," she looks up at me, her hands unsure as to where to settle, "you're going to cry." With a satisfied smile I place one of her hands in my own and then place the other over my heart and sure as shit, she starts to cry. 25 years and she's touched me here once and it was an accident.
"Are you sure you can handle this sweetheart?" she sniffs, her eyes on her hand.
"I'm sure. But if you think this is what I meant by you were going to cry, you're in for a treat." And just as I predicted, when Kermit the Frog begins to sing 'Rainbow Connection' she absolutely falls apart and cries. Hard. Harder than I've ever seen her cry before and I've caused some pretty ugly meltdowns of hers.
"Oh, Christian!" she sniffs out on a gasp. I see Mia collapse into a chair and Elliot and my dad cover their mouths in shock but my attention for the next three minutes will be solely on my mother. "I can't," gasp, "believe," gasp, "you remembered." Shit if she doesn't stop I'm going to cry myself.
"It's one of my first memories of being adopted." I kiss her forehead again to try to soothe her but it's no use, she's clinging to me just to stay upright. I'm sure the memories of sitting with me on the couch everday after breakfast to watch the Muppets for the first year I was with her are bittersweet. It was one of the few times I would request her presence, one of the first things that bonded her to me and visa versa. I wouldn't speak but I would take her hand in mine and drag her to the couch, pointing to the television and then sit perfectly still next to her for an hour, our legs touching but nothing else.
From the day I went to live with them until my first day of kindergarten we would have breakfast, put Elliot on the bus and then sit and watch our special show. "It was the first time I can recall feeling safe. Just me and you in our pajamas. Thank you for that, mom." She hiccups out another stream of tears and rests her cheek on my chest.
"You were so small. I just…I just loved you from the start. I can't describe it but when you have kids of your own you'll understand. You, all 33 pounds of you consumed my heart." As the song begins to wind down she settles herself a bit and looks up at me. She's aged. I hadn't noticed until this very minute. She's still youthful in appearance but the reality is right there. She's getting older.
"I love you, baby. I wouldn't trade those hours spent with you for anything in the entire world. No matter how old you are I'll always see you as that four year old kid in Spiderman pajama's." I smile and swallow the lump in my throat. If I had known how emotional today was going to be, I definitely would have eloped.
"I love you too. And I'm sorry I haven't said it enough but I want you to know that I've always felt it."
Once the song is completed I escort her back to my father who is standing with Ana, a pleased expression on his face.
"You did well son," he says to me. "I'll take over from here." I half laugh because that is exactly what he'll be doing. Grace has collapsed in a chair and is frantically wiping her face with her napkin until the makeup artist Franco sent comes over and offers to help her below deck.
"Fuck, bro, that was..." Elliot just stands there, eyes wet, face red and shrugs, "touching. Damn it do I need a drink after that." He points to Mia who is crying as bad as my mom. "Look at this one. A little warning next time ok?"
"Next time?" I repeat on a laugh. He wipes his eyes on a napkin and throws it at Mia.
"Yeah, next time you decide to be all human and sweet let us know so we can drink before hand. This is too much to take in sober." He picks up a random drink on the table and chugs it back. "I'll get you a drink Mia. Stay there." And I laugh because I don't think she could move if the boat were on fire.
"That was beautiful, Christian," Ana says softly when she stands on her toes to kiss me. She raises my hand to her lips and kisses the platinum band that now resides there. "I'm the luckiest girl in the world." One more kiss to my palm and she has me on fire.
"What do you want to do, baby? Because I'm ready to get out of here and get you alone."
She tosses her head back and laughs, taking my arm and leading me to the dance floor where her friends are going crazy to Flo Rida's 'Low'. She gets right in there somehow shaking her ass in that big white dress. I watch for a moment, unable to take my eyes off of her perfect hips circling in sexy little moves that have me right behind her, one hand on her stomach to hold her close to me. Mine.
Gail comes up behind me to take my tux jacket while the waitress assigned to us hands us each a glass of water. Around us everyone it seems is dancing, even my grandparents. Ana has alternated dancing with me and her friends, Devin in particular who has somehow managed to get Hem on the floor. When the DJ starts off Cher's song 'Believe' I can't help but crack up at his reaction.
To say that Devin is an expressive dancer would be an understatement but watching him move around Casey as if he were on a stage has me laughing hard enough to need a break so I move to the side and converse with our guests while still watching Ana on the dance floor.
When Rhianna starts she goes nuts and jumps up and down hand in hand with Missy who is going just as crazy. Seeing her like this, so youthful and happy will be a life goal for me. At the end of the day, her happiness is all that I care about.
"Your wife is young and energetic, no?" Jamodo asks, his hands clapping to Lady GaGa's 'Born this Way' to which Devin is literally twirling, his arms outstretched while Ana sings it as loud as she can with him.
"That she is," I laugh, accepting the drink Hem has brought over to me. One of the band members signals that they're going to take over for a few slow songs which is my cue to gather my wife into my arms and love on her for a few minutes. "Excuse me, I'm going to go dance with my bride."
APOV
I feel him before I see him, the energy of the dance floor not enough to quell the energy between us. He moves the hair from the back of my neck and kisses me there, the heat of my body instantly turning to shivers at his touch.
"Dance with me," he whispers before turning me to face him just as the band begins to play and sing Michael Buble's 'You and I'. "Are you having a good time?" he asks me. I nod and lean into the hard planes of his chest to soak up his scent and the feel of him.
"Yes. Are you?"
He smiles, "The best." His hand on my lower back pulls me closer just as I wrap my arms around his waist to hold him to me. Mindlessly my fingers trail along the muscular division running down his back, the strength of his frame comforting to me. Through this song and one of the bands originals we just hold each other while everything around us fades away. When the DJ picks up and starts to play dance music again I give him a quick kiss and tell him I need to find Kate.
"Why?"
"I need to use the bathroom and I can't in this thing without help." He laughs, gathers up the small bit of train behind me and takes my hand.
"I'll help you, Ana." I stop.
"No. Not on our wedding day, Christian!" His brows knit.
"Why not today?"
"Because I'm supposed to be perfect to you today, like a fairytale. Using the bathroom with you would certainly kill the fantasy!" He laughs again and nips my earlobe before kissing it.
"You are my fairytale and you are my fantasy but this is what I crave with you, Mrs. Grey. Intimacy in all things. Let me help you, please. It's my job to take care of you now." And damn if he doesn't give me the equivalent of Christian Grey puppy dog eyes because I buy that shit hook line and sinker.
"Oh fine, come on!" I can't help but laugh at how happy this makes him especially when we're in the relatively small bathroom in the master suite. He's got the back of my dress draped over his arm and is letting me hold onto his forearm so that I can balance a bit in these stiletto heels I'm going to stab Devin with later. I should have worn the flip flops.
"Do you have panties on?"
"Of course I have underwear on! You think I'm going to go commando on my wedding day?"
"Stockings?"
"No," I huff out, doing my best to ignore him so that I can pee.
"Garter?"
"Nope. No garter toss or ceremonial cake cutting." I turn and point, "We agreed, Grey! And no chicken dance or Macarena!"
He chuckles, "So long as my grandmother gets her Electric Slide in we're good." When I stand and fix myself up he checks his watch, a brand new titanium Rolex he had custom made for today. "Thirty more minutes and then we're out of here. I've hit my limit for sharing you, it's time for some wedding night action."
And the way he says it and the way he looks at me when he says it has me all hot and bothered and ready to tell him to just take me up against the sink. But that would be the opposite of a romantic wedding night so I say nothing and giggle when he unzips his pants and pees with me watching like this is the most normal thing in the world.
"Ana, get over it. I'm going to watch you push a baby out one day so get used to being boundaryless with me." He zips, washes his hands and leans in. "Besides, by the end of honeymoon I'll have staked my claim to every inch of your body. All of it. You understand?" To drive his intent home he smacks my butt and winks.
My eyes are wide as saucers but his are crinkled with a half smile half smirk.
"Um, I think I understand. You're talking about…sex back there?" He throws his head back and laughs.
"Back there?," he repeats and laughs again. "Yes, I'm talking about anal sex."
"I don't know, Christian. It just seems so…unappealing." I watch as right before my eyes he morphs into teacher/Dom Christian. One finger grazes my jaw line while the other traces the curve of my breast.
"Oh trust me, there is nothing unappealing about anything we'll be doing over the next sixty or so years."
I huff out and open the door without looking back. "I make no promises. That may have to wait until your next birthday or something." He tries to say something but stops when he sees my face and my crossed arms. "I am not discussing anal sex on our wedding day." His lips purse in an attempt to hide his smile.
"A fair argument, dear and one I shall shelve for another day. Like tomorrow."
Up on deck things have begun to settle down a bit as the night grows darker. On the dance floor Lisa and Gavin are kissing sweetly, words spoken between them that don't appear to be anything near casual. I'm not sure what to make of that since Gavin is such a playboy and Lisa isn't exactly a virgin but if I've learned anything over the last few months it's that anybody can change. My reflection turns to giggles when I notice Casey and Devin dancing as close as they can to them in an attempt to hear what they're talking about.
Christian looks around and motions for Taylor who gives him a tight nod and says something to Gail before picking up his phone. She heads down to our room, no doubt to gather our personal things together even though I did most of it while I was waiting for the ceremony to start. Nervous energy or something like that.
For a few minutes I dance with my guests, the sight of Ray dancing to the Doobie Brothers 'Listen to the Music' making me feel like all is right with the world. I've missed my mother today, no doubt about that but what I really miss is what I want my mother to be, not what she is. And Ray, even with his offbeat clapping and really bad moves has more than made up for her absence.
"Baby, we need to say our goodbyes now," Christian tells me much to my confusion.
"But the engines haven't even been turned on." He just grins and points up to a tiny light in the sky that seems to be moving closer.
"They don't need to. Come on, we've got about three minutes." I'm still confused but I play along and say a hasty but heartfelt goodbye to my family and to my friends who have all assembled in one place to wave us off. In the distance I begin to hear a strange rhythmic sound but it's only when Mac, The Grace's captain turns on a different set of lights and then asks us all to remain still that I finally put together what's happening.
"A helicopter," I say more to myself than to anyone else.
"Not just any helicopter," Christian says proudly, "my helicopter. Well, ours actually, that was one of the things you signed yourself onto as half owner of." I stare at him with incredulity and awe while Gail hands Taylor the bag I'd brought on board along with a small leather bag with Christian's personal effects. Ray makes his way over and has a quick but animated conversation with Christian off to the side, no doubt ensuring my safety. He must be satisfied with whatever Christian says because he comes over to me afterwards and hugs me close.
"Have a wonderful trip, Annie girl. Mind the safety precautions your husband has put in place and remember that while you're now one of the wealthiest women in the world, you're still my little girl from Montesano." I squeeze him and nod, smiling when Hem runs over to hug me again.
"Baby girl, you enjoy your honeymoon. Try to check in at least once or twice, yes?" I promise that I will while she gathers my hair so that the wind doesn't mess it all up and then kiss her goodbye.
"I am so grateful for you, Hemwatee. I know we just met a few months ago but..." She puts one hand on my sternum and shushes me.
"Family lives here from the day you're born. Sometimes we don't find each other for awhile but when we do, the heart knows. You will be a good wife, Baby Girl. Just don't rush the mom part." With a wink and a raise of the brows she pulls me close again and then points to where Christian is waiting for me. Above us, the copter is descending much to my amazement.
When it lands on the top of the yacht, right on the platform with the strange X painted on the ground my knees go limp. I'm supposed to just get in that and fly off into the night? Around me the atmosphere is filled with awe and excitement especially from Christian who takes my hand and pulls me up to the landing.
An older man jumps out and gives us both a salute and then rattles off information about the wind and other stuff I'm not listening to. All I can think is thank God I went to the bathroom a little bit ago because I seriously would have peed myself at this point.
"You ready?" My mouth is open, or I should say agape at him but I just nod dumbly and let him lift me onto the seat. "You'll need to lift your dress up as high as you can so that I can snap this into place." With each click he smiles a bit bigger until I'm fully in and ready to go. "I do love to strap you into things, Anastasia."
He is as animated as ever but I feel like I've just stepped into an alternative universe.
It's then that I notice there are only two seats. What a hot minute what the fuck is going on? My husband, with whom I vaguely remember having a short conversation with about his flying abilities hops into the other seat and straps himself in while he speaks into the headset he's now wearing. I'm assuming he's talking to someone else because I don't hear anything except the whipping sound of the propellers starting up.
Only then does he stop and look at me, his face so young looking right now that I just don't have the heart to tell him that I'm about to throw up.
"You good?" I stare back wordlessly, eyes as big as they'll ever be. "I'm an excellent pilot, Ana. I'd never put you in any situation that I thought I couldn't handle. Your safety is my top priority, baby." Still no words. "Trust me, ok?" I nod once. "You trust me?"
"I do," I croak out with a weak smile. He smiles big.
"You already said that today!" And then he whoops. Actually whoops into the headset as the helicopter lifts up. Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god. Below us everyone is waving and cheering, their figures getting smaller and smaller until they're gone, just the dark waters of the ocean beneath us and the lights of Washington to our left.
"The Fairmont?" I finally manage to say after the thirty odd minutes it takes to get here. "I didn't even know they had a place to land a helicopter." And why would you? Up until six months ago you couldn't even afford a room here.
"Landing pad," he says casually, flicking the locks on my harness and then helping me out. "And yes, The Fairmont but just for tonight."
"Are you ever going to tell me where you're taking me?"
"Yup, on the plane tomorrow." I swat at him and he laughs, grasping my hand while he introduces me to whoever will now fly this to…wherever he…we keep it. I own a freaking helicopter.
"Mr. Grey, Mrs. Grey, welcome to The Fairmont and may I be the first here to congratulate you on your nuptials." The young man charged with getting us from the landing pad to our suite smiles big and then opens the door to the elevator that has taken us down to the penthouse. Christian thanks him and then walks me out only to lift me bridal style in his arms once he unlocks the door to the suite.
"So romantic, Mr. Grey," I tease but I can tell by one look in his eyes that he is in no mood for teasing. The happy soft gray I had the pleasure of looking into is gone, in its place an intense slate color that makes my insides tighten with anticipation. I've had countless interludes with this man but suddenly I'm nervous.
With purpose he strides through the living room and straight into the master bedroom which is bathed in candlelight and filled with clusters of white hydrangeas.
"When did you…how did…" but I don't bother finishing because I shouldn't be surprised in the least that he planned this entire thing out. Of all of the details a wedding requires, the wedding night is where he's concentrated his efforts and with one appreciative look around, I'm glad for it. "It's beautiful."
"You're beautiful, Anastasia. This is just accessories." He kisses me then so softly that I barely feel his lips. "Can I have one more dance?" he asks, his hand reaching behind him to press play on a small remote he just pulled out of nowhere.
"You can have a lifetime of dances," I answer, his lips curling into a big smile at the reminder of a lifetime.
"I wanted you all to myself tonight," he draws me close and runs his nose along mine. "I'm a selfish man, Anastasia. I want all of you. Every nuance that makes you who you are, every good day and every bad day. I want all of your happiness and all of your sorrows. I want to be the first thing you touch in the morning and the last thing you touch at night. I want your world to begin and end with me."
CPOV
She relaxes in my arms and looks at me through that thick fence of lashes. "It already does, baby."
When Donny Hathaway begins to sing 'Song for You' I take a breath and fight that ball of emotion that always seems to make an appearance when we're in these moments together. "Listen to the words, Ana. This is my song to you," I whisper, my heart pounding in my chest at the intensity of this moment. My wife. This is my wife. My eternity.
Towards the middle of the song she begins to cry softly, her tears wetting my cheek where it lies next to hers. And as much as I want to treasure this time, I need to feel her under me, around me, against me. I need to consume and be consumed by her.
She shivers when my hands run the length of her back, her fingers twisting in my hair as they draw me to her mouth. There is so much I want to say but words seem so inadequate right now, so small compared to the enormity of the day and of my feelings for her.
Around us the music continues but I've stopped listening to anything but the sound of her breathing and the beating of my own heart. She reads my need and slides my jacket off, her eyes flitting from my lips to my eyes and back. Her nervousness moves me and engages the part of me that wants to always protect her.
"Relax, Ana. It's just me and you and we have all night." Button by button she undresses me, running her hands over my chest and sides as if touching me for the first time. I toss the bow tie and cuff links onto the floor, my belt, shoes and socks quickly following. Her delicate hands run over my hips and trace the muscles there stopping in the center to unbutton my pants.
I've accepted the fact that when it comes to Anastasia, I have very little sexual control. I just can't seem to get the unbearable lust I have for her to a manageable level but I am hell bent on staying in control tonight. Tonight I will take my time and lay claim to her body while giving her mine in return.
Her hand grazes my erection, my teeth gritting together at the flood of desire threatening to deride my plans. Before she can touch me again I kiss her, my tongue sweeping hers greedily. Pulling back from her I take her face in my hands and look at her, really look at her.
"What, Christian?" Slowly I shake my head back and forth. "What?"
"You said yes. You're here and you're real and you're mine." I swallow hard and press my hand to her heart. "I will always take care of you, Anastasia. Always." Her mouth moves as if to answer but I sweep her up and walk us to the bed, setting her on her feet so that I can take her wedding dress off.
My fingertips graze the creamy skin of her shoulders to push the straps down and then glide along the satiny smooth skin of her side when I unzip her. With a soft puff of air the dress pools at her feet, the innocent white no longer hiding her treasures from me.
Bending to take off her shoes my eyes fall on the tiny white lace thong she has on and then look up to hers, alight with mirth.
"You like?" she asks about the words, 'I do' stitched on the band of lace.
"I love," I answer before kissing each letter and then biting her hip bone. She sighs with relief when her feet touch the plush carpet and then touches my shoulders for balance. "God," I sigh as I run my nose against the front of her panties, the scent of her sex threatening to drive me to insanity.
Again I pick her up in my arms but this time I lay her on the bed, her alabaster skin a sirens call against the deep gray sheets. The rest of my clothes join her dress before I climb on top of her, her legs welcoming me in so that we're flush against each other.
"I love you," she says as she runs her hand over my face. "I'll always love you." When I kiss her she trembles beneath me, the intensity almost too much to bear but I'm unwilling to stop until we've quenched the fire raging between us. With deliberate care my lips suck along the tender flesh of her neck and then latch onto a tight nipple so that her back arches towards me. "Oh god," she groans as I lave her breast, careful to kiss every centimeter of it before moving to the other.
Her hips rise seeking relief but in her quest, she just fuels us both. My hands still her and hook into the strings on her hips, pausing only so that I can take one last look at the words, 'I do' before sliding the lace past her toes leaving her bare to me.
And there, before me, legs on either side of me, breasts swollen with need, lips parted and eyes glazed is my wife. Perfect for me in every way. As if to convince myself that this is not a dream I run my hands from her shoulders, over her breasts and hips and down to her ankles, lifting them so that I can kiss the arch of each foot. She lifts her hips, the wetness from her sex touching my cock. But I want more of her, I want all of her.
"Not yet, baby." Is all I can say when I part her legs again and kiss down her thigh until my mouth hovers over the seam of her sex. "This," I say, my tongue licking her from opening to clit, "is," and back down, "mine." She grunts when I part her legs further so that she opens to me like a flower. "God damn, Ana you taste so good." I go back for more, repeating the trail I'd started until she twists her fingers in my hair and pants my name.
"Not like this, please, I want you, Christian, please." But I'm not ready to stop tasting her so instead I kiss each thigh and the back of each knee until her breathing slows a bit. Fingers intertwined I bend my head back to the task at hand and listen as she moans above me, my name a prayer on her lips. I can feel her clit throb against my tongue and stop at the very last second, her body writing beneath my mouth. Again I kiss her legs down to her ankles and back up again and once more I taste what is now mine.
"Christian, Christian, Christian," she cries with each thrust of my tongue inside of her and again, just as she hits her limit I stop but this time I kiss back up her sweet body and refocus on the dark pink that tips her breasts. Her cry is half frustration, half unbearable ecstasy but I refuse to rush. After tonight, she will know that her husband cares for her pleasure like nobody else ever could.
When I finally rise to kiss her again she bucks her hips up to seek me but I shift and lie next to her, my mouth never leaving hers even when my fingers begin to circle the top of her slit. "So wet, baby," I mutter, pleased that she can allow me to touch her like this. Her pleasure is a joy to watch, her willingness to share it with me a gift.
Each exhalation is a plea for more or for less or for yes or for no but each one makes me harder and hotter than I've ever been before. And again, just when she winds up, just when her body tenses I stop, my fingers leaving her center to play with her breasts. Once more, when she's able to focus on me and kiss me back I trail those same fingers between her legs and slide two inside of her, the warmth and softness a physical reminder of what I so desperately want.
"Please," she says once more but even I can't hold back anymore. She gasps when I shift and spread her legs around my hips, the move unexpected after so much teasing. In so many ways, this is like our first time together again. "Christian," she whispers when I press myself at her opening and weave my fingers with hers.
"Ana," I whisper back, our lips barely touching when I push in the barest inch. "Forever mine," I say into her mouth just as a single tear escapes her eye. "Look at me, baby. Look at me and know this," I push in further, "I love you." She cries out when I drive into her, my own body trembling at the feel of her and the weight of this moment.
"I love you," I whisper over and over with each thrust inside of her. Her fingers tighten around mine, her hips rising to meet me but not once do we stop kissing. When her mouth goes slack beneath mine and her walls grasp my cock in the most perfect of fit, I move faster and harder, deeper and longer until her eyes, so fixated on me roll to the back of her head and the heat of her body sets me aflame.
She comes long and hard, each spasm more intense than the last until I can't hold on anymore and follow her, each jerk of my cock inside of her better than the last until I collapse on her, our bodies perfectly still except for the rise and fall of our chests.
Claimed. Exhausted. Elated. Connected. But nowhere near satisfied.
Hours later, just as the sun begins to fight for entry past the darkness of the room I watch her sleep. She's facing me, her head on the same pillow as mine where she fell asleep talking about the day after we'd exhausted ourselves with our love making. It can't be real, can't be possible that this woman is mine. How can it be that of the billions of people in the Universe, I'm the one that she's chosen to share her life with? To give her body to? To build a future with? How can I live with this pressure in my chest, a joy so great I fear it will strangle me sometimes.
She shifts, her plum lips parting in sleep. Again, I wonder...how? How is she mine?
"Christian?" she says sleepily, her eyes closed.
"Go to sleep, baby," I answer, my mind swirling with disbelief that this soft delicate woman is my wife. Wife!
"Why aren't you sleeping?" My hand brushes her chestnut hair behind her ears, her sigh filled with contentment and peace.
"I'm...overwhelmed, overcome, amazed...in disbelief." At that her eyes open to fix on mine just as her hand rises to cup my cheek. Her tenderness breaks me. With a wiggle she presses her tiny frame against me and kisses me softly, her nose barely touching mine.
"It's real, baby. And it's just the beginning."
THE END...sort of.
So many of you have asked what my motivation was for writing this and have also asked me to continue it past the wedding so I'll answer those questions together since they tie in. But first, the honeymoon. I will eventually do a one-off chapter about it and will reveal where they went then. But if you're dying to know, the answer is in chapter seven or eight, not sure which one.
FSOG was the very first erotica I had ever read and to date, only one of two that I've completed. A friend gave the books to me awhile ago but they sat for close to a year before I even opened them. And I liked them a lot; evidenced by the fact that I was motivated to write more of it. But what I couldn't get over, what really bugged me was that here you have a man who was sexually abused and, as far as the novels go, was never given his due as a victim. And you had a pedophile who was described as beautiful, perfectly put together blah blah blah who was found out and...nothing. No retribution, no smack down, no consequences. If the victim had been a woman and the story had been left like that, I believe the response to FSOG would have been very different. I also had a hard time with the whole, 'find someone for you and your life fixes itself' message. Now, I'm not slamming EL James, she set out to write erotica and she did that and I enjoyed it. I just couldn't get those two things out of my head...and now I have because you readers have given me an opportunity to express those thoughts and work them through. But the journey to 'wellness' is what S&S is about, not the day to day of family life. Once Elena was caught and CG had come to some key revelations, S&S, in my head, was over because that had been its purpose from day one.
A few answers to repeated questions:
-Yes, this is the first thing I have ever written outside of school work...a long time ago.
-Besides the reasoning above, I also wanted to challenge myself to do something totally different than anything I'd ever done before.
-No I did not use beta's or a proofreader, I did it on my own. I'm not very different than CG when it comes to control.
-Devin is based on my best friend who happens to be exactly like how he is described here. He is also the only person in real life who knows I wrote this.
-If I had to choose a character from my version of FSOG that most closely resembles me, I'd go with Elliot.
-I explained why my Ana had green eyes in chapter one.
-No, I do not have a psychology background. I tend to be a very logical thinker and not an emotional one so my approach is very clinical.
-No, I will never attempt to publish anything and no I will not be editing S&S to try to publish it.
-I have another story on here called "Hot and Bothered" and have written (at least 50% of it at least) another FSOG FF that is TOTALLY different than S&S and is also much shorter. I'm still unsure if I'll post it as it's much more canon CG and AS is a very different character.
-I will post one-off chapters to S&S as they come to me and YES(!) I'll do a few on babies and what not. If you're not following the story, you should click on the box below that enables you to do that since I have no schedule on when I'll post those chapters and haven't even written them.
-If I do post that other story you can find out about it if you click the follow author box below as well. I'm still debating if I can dedicate the time to finishing it and won't start a story if I can't complete it.
And finally. A HUGE THANK YOU to you all for reading this and reviewing it. I have enjoyed getting to know some of you and so appreciate the time you've all put into this. Some of you have entrusted me with terrible secrets of your own and I don't take that lightly. Others have just been an encouragement and a joy to converse with.
Thank you all so much! You made this more fun than I thought it would be!
~Mrs. Fraser~