Ana wakes the next morning to find her husband relaxing against a few pillows and staring at the framed sonogram picture of their twins. She rolls onto her side to look at the photo with him.
"This is really happening, isn't it?" he asks her softly.
Ana gently runs her knuckles up and down his bare arm. "It's really happening."
"Do twins run in your family?"
Ana runs her index finger over his bicep in circular motions. "Mm, I don't think so. Not on Carla's side anyway."
Christian continues to stare at the picture with wonderment. "I wonder if twins run in my family."
Ana looks up at his face and starts to worry about him. Any mention of his biological family has always been a sore subject. She decides to change the subject. "When should we tell the kids?"
"As soon as possible. I don't want to chance them finding out by hearing us talking about it. Let's think of a clever way to tell them." Ana smiles at her husband. He is excited about this. This is a very good sign. She moves closer to him and snuggles into his chest. He welcomes her into his arms and breathes in the scent of her hair. He then kisses her hair. "How about a bath and then breakfast?"
"Who will cook breakfast?" Ana asks with her head still rested against his chest.
"You, wench, if you want our breakfast to be edible."
"Fair point well made, Mr Grey."
Ana yelps when he playfully slaps her bottom. "Stealing my lines, Mrs Grey?"
"Wouldn't dream of it."
After their bath they bring breakfast into their bedroom and eat in bed. They have bacon, eggs and pancakes in one big plate to share, a glass of milk and tea for Ana and orange juice and coffee for Christian. Christian faces Ana on their bed and takes turns feeding her and himself. But at some points he skips himself and feeds more to Ana.
"Eat up, Mrs Grey. The babies need the food."
"Mm this is so good" she says as she finishes chewing some of the pancakes. She had used a new recipe for the pancake mix.
"These are good" Christian agrees. "But not as good as pancakes that I can eat off of you."
"We already took a bath" she says before he holds another forkful up for her to eat.
"We have a whole day and a half to ourselves, Mrs Grey. Plenty of time for more baths." Ana laughs and watches her husband put the plate aside. "Lie back" he commands softly. She does as she's told and relaxes her head on some pillows. She watches as Christian lifts her shirt and places a few pieces of pancake saturated with syrup on her pregnancy bump. She tries to suppress her laughter but she is unsuccessful. Some of the syrup drips over her belly. Christian is able to stop the syrup from hitting the sheets when he leans down and licks the syrup. Ana continues to giggle.
"Are you laughing at me Mrs Grey?"
"That tickles, Christian."
Christian looks Ana in the eye and takes a piece of pancake into his mouth. "That's more like it. Tastes delicious of pancakes, and syrup, and Ana. Would you like some?"
"Yes, please." Christian takes a piece and places it into Ana's mouth. They stare into each other's eyes as she chews. "I'm thirsty."
Christian takes a glass of water from the bedside table and drinks some of it. He then leans down and shares some with his wife. "Better?"
"Much"
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
After breakfast, Christian and Ana lie in bed together propped up on several pillows. Ana's head is on Christian's chest and he is rubbing his hand up and down her back. They've been lying together in silence and just enjoying their bubble, something that doesn't happen very often with their demanding schedules with two CEO positions and three kids.
Christian gently kisses the top of her head. "Penny for your thoughts?" he asks her.
Ana hesitates for a moment before she answers. "I've been thinking about something."
"What is it Baby?"
Ana leans up on her elbow so that she can look at her husband. "I've been thinking about retiring from Grey Publishing." Christian continues to rub his hand over her shoulder blades as he stares ahead and tosses this idea around in his head. "Tell me what you're thinking."
Christian scrunches his lips and nods. "I think that's a fantastic idea. What made you think of it?"
Ana rests her head on his chest again. "Well, with the twins coming, I'll have three babies to care for during the day. I'm sure Natalie gets tired of me dragging her to work with me every day. I know she'll start preschool soon but that's only for part of the day." Christian continues to rub Ana's back while she further explains. "The kids will have more of my attention, and I'll have some time to write a book."
"You've always wanted to write a book" Christian points out.
"And now I can" she leans up again so that she can look at him. "I'm just afraid of letting go of Grey Publishing. Not only was it a gift from you, but it's been the job I've had my entire adult life."
Christian repositions himself so that he is lying on his side and leaning up on his elbow. Ana does the same to mirror him. "I don't want you to be afraid of letting go of Grey Publishing" he says softly. He reaches over and gently runs his fingers up and down her arm. "If you recall, I never wanted you to work in the first place."
"Yes, I remember."
"But my beautiful, sexy yet stubborn wife refused to sit around on her fine ass all day." This makes Ana giggle as he moves his hand down to her backside and squeezes. "You wanted to work in publishing, and I wanted you to have your own publishing house. I was happy to give it to you."
Christian brings his hand back up in between them and they start playing with each other's hand. "I was terrified when you wanted me to be CEO of my own company. That was never something that I wanted."
Christian looks at her quizzically. "And now?"
Ana shrugs her shoulders. "I like being CEO. I like having reign to make decisions about authors and contracts. I like being hands on and reading and discussing the manuscripts that my employees feel strongly about having published. If I let it go, I'll miss it terribly."
Christian reaches up and brushes a few strands of hair off of Ana's face. "I know you will, Baby. But if you stay, you won't have the opportunity to be home with our three youngest. And you won't have the opportunity to write your book."
Ana looks at Christian suspiciously. "You want me to stay home."
Christian smiles. "Yes. I do. But I also want you happy. I think this will be good for you. And, if in a few years from now you want to go back into publishing, it will be all yours again."
Now Ana looks at him quizzically. "What do you mean it will be all mine again. What will become of Grey Publishing if I walk away?"
Christian smiles at her again. "You will still be CEO. But I will handle the business side of it, and we will hire someone to assume the operations side of it."
"Won't that be too much for you, heading Grey Publishing and Grey Enterprise Holdings? I'd like for you to be home with us for some parts of the day."
Christian leans over and plants a kiss on her forehead. "Don't worry. This won't take time away from my family. I'll manage. Next week we can start working on finding someone to head operations."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
After lunch, Christian and Ana call their family to check on their kids. They call Grace and Carrick first and find out that Natalie and Sophie are both taking naps. Ana has tears in her eyes as she listens to Grace rave about how well behaved Natalie has been. Christian can't help but laugh at her. He knows that her hormones are acting up. They learn that Grace, Carrick and Ethan will be taking the kids to the park after their naps.
"We packed some sunscreen with her diaper bag" Christian says to his mother, clearly sending the message that they should be sure to use it. "There is also a hat and sunglasses in her overnight bag. I'll send Collins to be with them at the park."
Grace, being used to her son's controlling tendencies, just simply rolls her eyes and complies with everything he tells her. After they hang up they make their next call to Kate and Elliot. Elliot answers the phone and they can hear Cameron crying in the background. Elliot is only able to tell them that the girls are doing fine and that they plan to go shopping with Kate and Mia at some point. He hangs up the phone and Ana giggles.
Christian does not look amused that his brother disconnected the call. "What was that about?"
Ana is still giggling. "I don't know. Kate must be out somewhere. Forget about it. What would you like to do today?"
Christian's mood immediately changes. "I'd like to take you shopping. We can get some baby things and some maternity clothes." Ana nods and is welcomed into Christian's arms. "Have I told you that I love you today?" he asks her softly.
Ana stretches her head back to look up at him. "You tell me that everyday Christian. Every day you make me feel like the luckiest woman alive."
With that he plants a soft sweet kiss on her lips. "I am the luckiest man alive. Come." He takes her hand. "Come shopping with me, Mrs Grey."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Christian takes Ana to a few stores and helps her pick out some maternity clothes that she can wear to work for the few weeks she will still go into the office and some things that she can wear outside of work. He also helps her pick out some silk and satin night gowns. Ana picks up some sweats to wear around the house and they also pick up some things for the kids.
"Should we get some things for Teddy for when he goes back to school?" Ana asks. No matter how old he gets, Ana will not stop being his mother. She picks up a long sleeved shirt and observes it. Christian looks at the shirt and then at her.
"We can, but don't you think Teddy would like to pick out his own clothes?"
Ana glares at him for a moment. "What, you don't think I'm cool enough to pick out my son's clothes?"
Christian smirks at her. "Oh, I think you're very cool, Mrs Grey." He positions himself behind her and puts his hands on her hips and brings his face down next to hers. "And I think our son would appreciate a cool shirt from his cool mother."
"Fine, we won't get the shirt." She puts the shirt back on the rack and pouts. "Do you think our kids find us uncool?"
Christian positions himself in front of her now. "No, I don't think so. I think we're pretty lucky in that two of our kids are teenagers and can stand to be in the same room as us." He kisses the top of her head. "Why don't you get the shirt? I think Teddy will love it."
"Are you saying that just to placate me?"
Christian sighs and remembers that he needs to choose his battles with Ana's hormones. "No. I'm saying it because I don't think we can get things for the girls without getting something for Teddy."
Ana nods and accepts that answer. They pay for the shirt and an outfit that Ana picked out for Phoebe. Next they venture into a children's shop where they pick out some cute outfits for Natalie and some baby clothes that are designed to suit baby boys or girls, since they had decided not to learn the sexes of their babies. Christian sees Ana's eyes tear up a few times as she observes the tiny onesies and pajamas.
"It's hard to believe they were every this little" she says softly as Christian stands next to her and looks down at the tiny outfit in her hands.
"That they were." Christian gently runs his fingers through the fabric. "I remember holding each of them when they were born. I could never forget that feeling. I'm so glad we get to do it again." Ana starts to tear up some more. She brings the back of her hand up to dry her tears. "You're tired" Christian says. "Let's pay for these and then we can go home."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Once at home, Christian and Ana decide on heated mac and cheese for dinner. It is quick and easy, which is ideal since Ana is tired. Christian helps her up the steps and helps her get ready for bed. Once she is settled he sits at the foot of the bed and takes his time massaging her feet. Ana smiles and moans with appreciation and pleasure as he is careful to cover every inch of her feet, ankles, shins and calves. She fights for a bit to keep her eyes open, but soon sleep finds her and she is out. Christian smiles when he sees that she is asleep for the night and climbs into bed beside her. He pulls the blanket over them and pulls her into his arms, breathing in the scent of her hair before closing his eyes and finding sleep.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
The next morning, Ana wakes to find that Christian is not sleeping beside her. She looks over at the clock and is surprised to see that it is already eleven. She panics for a moment until she realizes it is Sunday, and Natalie is still with the Greys. She didn't fail to get up for Natalie, but she starts to feel guilty that Christian got up without her. She hears the shower and quickly climbs out of bed.
She walks into their bathroom and can see that Christian is in the shower. She immediately strips, walks over to the shower and slowly slides the door open. Christian isn't facing her, but when he feels her presence he turns around. He is open mouthed as he looks her up and down, giving her permission to enter with his eyes. She enters the shower and he slides the door shut. After looking greedily at each other for a few breaths they move in closer and put their hands on each other, kissing as the shower water pours down over their bodies. Christian picks up the soapy loofah and gently washes Ana's body as they continue to kiss. He washes her hair as she washes him. After she washes his hair, he pushes her up against the shower wall and they are nose to nose, staring into each other's eyes. After lifting her leg over his hip he enters her, first moving slowly in and out. After a while he picks up the pace and pounds into her until she comes. He follows and holds her as they slide down to sit on the shower floor together. They are both out of breath as Christian starts to laugh.
"Something amusing you Mr Grey?" Ana asks breathlessly.
Christian puts his fingers under her chin and looks her in the eye. "You, Mrs Grey are the best wakeup call there is." He leans in and kisses her again.
Once their energy is back they stand, turn the water off and leave the shower. Christian wraps a towel around Ana and then grabs one for himself. They face each other again and Christian puts his hands on her hips.
"Thank you for this weekend" she says to him softly. "I love our bubble, but I miss our kids."
Christian leans down and kisses her, and then leans his forward against hers. "Me too. I like being parents with you, Ana. Thank you for giving me this family."
"Our family" she says as they continue to relax their foreheads against each other. "There's something else I'd like to do today before they come home."
Christian smiles. "What's that?"
Ana smiles back. "Pajama movie day."
Christian stands up straight and looks up as he thinks about this. Pajama movie day is something they do with their kids if they have to stay home from school sick, but they rarely ever get movie time together. "Okay. You pick the movies. I get to pick out the pajamas."
Ana giggles and is led out of the bathroom.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Later on, Phoebe walks into the kitchen and is greeted by her mother's open arms.
"Hi Baby, did you have a good time at Aunt Kate's?"
Phoebe hugs her mother back and then releases her. "Yes. Aunt Kate took us shopping yesterday. Check out this new nail polish Ava has." She shows her mother her nails and smiles at her. "We did our toenails too."
"That's great, Honey. I'm glad you had fun."
"Um, can Ava spend the weekend next week? We were thinking maybe we can have sleep overs more often."
Ana smiles at her daughter. Phoebe and Ava have been close since they were in diapers, but Phoebe's anxiety about being away from her parents for an extended amount of time prevented her from sleeping over at Ava's. That has changed since the beginning of the summer when she went on the road trip with Trevor. Although Ana isn't thrilled that she did that, maybe something good did come out of it. She nods and then adds "it's okay with me as long as it's okay with your father."
Phoebe bites her lip. She doesn't like asking her father for things lately. She decides to change the subject. "Can I help with dinner?"
"Sure" Ana says cheerfully. "But first your father would like to speak with you. He's upstairs changing Natalie if you want to go see him." After some silence she looks at her daughter and sees that she's reluctant. She is biting her lip again. "Don't worry, it's nothing bad. Go on up and talk with him."
Phoebe obeys and leaves the room. When she reaches Natalie's bedroom she stands outside the door and watches as Christian blows raspberries on her stomach. Natalie laughs and squeals as he does it. She can remember him doing that to her anytime she was down about something. It always made her laugh. She's definitely too old for that now. She is able to keep her presence unknown until he stands Natalie up and she spots her.
"Phoebe!" she shouts excitedly and throws her arms up in the air. Christian zips up her footsy pajamas and lifts her into his arms. He turns and sees Phoebe in the doorway and smiles at her.
"Good, you're home" he says as he puts Natalie down.
"Mom said you wanted to see me" she says as she takes a few steps into the room.
"Yes, have a seat" he says and points to Natalie's bed. "Natalie, play with your toys while I talk to Phoebe." He walks over and sits on the bed, and Natalie follows him over.
"Daddy, sit on you lap" she says and pouts.
Christian gently puts his hand under her chin to get her to stop pouting. "You can sit on my lap when we go downstairs. Play tea party with Belle and your Baby Doll." Natalie obeys and plays with the little table in the corner of her bedroom which has a tea play set.
Christian faces Phoebe and sees that she is not in the mood to talk with him, but he decides to ignore it. "Did you have a good time with Ava?"
This takes Phoebe by surprise. She shrugs her shoulders as she answers. "Yeah, I did."
"What kind of stuff did you do?"
Phoebe shakes her head, clearly confused about where he is going with this. "Girly… stuff."
Christian closes his eyes and remembers that he needs to keep his temper in check. "Phoebe, I'm asking about your weekend. I wouldn't be asking if I wasn't interested. Tell me what kind of stuff you did."
Phoebe nods and smirks. "Aunt Kate took us shopping. She showed us where Aunt Mia's boutique is going to be."
"Did she now?"
"Yeah, Aunt Mia was there and she showed us around. She offered Ava a part time job this fall since she wants to learn about fashion."
"Is that right? And that's not something you want." It was a statement, not a question, and Phoebe starts to get annoyed.
"Well no, I told you what I want to do."
"Yes you did" he says as he pulls a sheet of paper out of his back pocket. He holds it and keeps it folded. "You came to me on Thursday and told me that you'd like to volunteer at the hospital in the fall. And I turned it down before giving you a chance to explain why you would want to do that. I mean, volunteering this summer was punishment. So why would you want to keep doing it."
Phoebe shrugs her shoulders. Even though she knows the answer, she's not sure she's ready to tell him.
Christian sighs. "Phoebe, please tell me. What's this about?"
Phoebe takes in a breath and lets it out. "Can you keep an open mind?"
"I'll try" he admits, and she nods.
"Well, it's like you said. Volunteering was punishment so I did it. It's not something I enjoyed doing on my summer vacation, but it opened my eyes to something that I might want to do with my life, medicine."
"Is that right?" he says. Even though he started to suspect as much, it is still a surprise to hear her say it out loud.
"Yeah, I mean I never thought about it before when asked the big question, 'what do you want to be when you grow up?', but after seeing and observing what doctors and nurses do, it got me thinking. Maybe I can be a doctor or a nurse."
This is a proud moment for Christian. This is the first time he's heard her talk about her future. For the past couple of years she's been unsure about what she wants to be or what college she wants to attend. This is definitely a big step for her, but he still needs to make sure she is doing this for the right reasons.
"I'm glad to hear you say that. That's great Phoebe."
"It is?"
"Yes, it's very good. But I need to ask, does this have anything to do with Danny Prescott or Trevor Lansing?" He holds up the piece of paper still folded in his hand.
Phoebe bites her lip before she answers. "It has a little bit to do with Danny, but not Trevor. I mean, he'll be busy with soccer every day. I would still be spending time with Danny while his parents take a break in the afternoon. But I also want to do this to make sure that medicine is something that I want to study. And then I could talk to Grandma about it."
"Why don't you want to talk to her about it now?" he asks.
"I want to wait until I'm sure, you know, not get her hopes up."
Christian smiles at her and nods. "I think she will be happy with whatever you choose to do. Just like your mother and me." He holds up the piece of paper again. "Had I known about all this on Thursday, well I hope I would have been more supportive. Here."
He hands over the sheet of paper and she takes it. "You're letting me do this?" she asks as she opens the paper. It is the permission slip that she showed him the other day, and it has his signature.
"Yes, under one condition. You need to keep your grades up, eat proper meals and get eight hours of sleep every night."
Phoebe smirks. "That's three"
"Fine, three conditions. Do we understand each other?"
Phoebe nods. "Yeah, thanks Dad." She leans in and gives him a hug, and he returns it. For the first time in weeks he starts to feel like he is making progress with her.