Ava's POV

Nathan picks me up and takes me to our favorite Café for breakfast. I'm still reeling from his reaction to the pregnancy. He's not angry or upset with me. If he is, he sure is hiding it well. When we arrive he takes my coat and pulls out my chair for me. I regard him oddly for a moment and then catch myself. He is being so polite. I shouldn't be spoiling that for him. I quickly change my expression and smile at him before I sit down. I pull my own chair in and wait for him to return from hanging our coats. The waitress takes our drink orders as soon as he sits down. Water and coffee for him, water and tea for me, but he orders a milk for me too.

"Milk for the baby" he says to me and then smiles. I smile back at him and take a look at the menu. I haven't eaten here since before he left for Florida. We had breakfast here the day he had to leave. It's only been four months and they haven't changed anything on the menu. We order the usual. Yogurt, fruit and granola for me, pancakes, bacon and fruit for him. The waitress takes our menus and leaves us with our beverages.

We smile at each other and look away a few times. This is beginning to feel awkward, like a first date. Why is that? Is it because he's been away for four months? Is it because of his easy going attitude toward the pregnancy? Or is it because he's different? Pulling out my chair. Helping me with my coat. He's never done things like that before. I clear my throat and come up with a distraction. "Tell me all about Jump it Up." That is the name of the program that had him in Florida for four months.

He smiles, which proves that basketball still means a lot to him. "It was…. incredible, Ava. I'm so glad I went. I got to meet guys from all over the country that are serious about playing basketball in college, and in the NBA. I got to work with some guys that have played in the NBA."

"Yeah, you told me that. There were different players there each week."

"That's right. A lot of the guys that donate money to keep this program alive came out and gave us their time. We got to play a few games with them, and they offered really good advice. And not just about basketball."

I smile at him. "You look happy."

He reaches over and takes my hand in his. "I have a lot of reasons to be happy."

The waitress delivers are food, so Nathan has to leave go of my hand. I frown at the lost contact. I look at him and he notices.

"What's wrong?"

I take a deep breath and let it out. "I'm pregnant."

"Are you feeling sick? Should we leave?"

"No, no, I'm not feeling sick." I start to get frustrated so I take another breath and let it out.

"Then what?"

I shake my head. "Why aren't you upset with me?" I have tears in my eyes now. Why am I getting so emotional? Get it together, Ava!

He has his fork and knife in hand and looks down at his plate for a moment. "I don't want to be upset with you."

"But you are."

"Yes" he says softly.

"Then why didn't you tell me that?"

People are starting to look at us. I really need to calm down.

"Ava, I've been away from you for four months. I don't want to spend this time being upset with you. I've missed you so much."

"I missed you too" I say to him. I'm still very emotional. Must be hormones. "But I want you to be honest with me. I need you to be honest with me."

"Okay. I'm sorry. Can you please forgive me?"

I nod and manage a soft smile. "Yes, of course I can."

We are silent as we start eating our breakfast. We glance at each other a few times, and we catch each other and smile. This really does feel like a first date. When we finish the waitress takes our plates.

"I want to be clear on this" he says. "Ava, I'm not upset with you for being pregnant. That is something we did together out of love. I'm upset that you didn't tell me about it."

"I was afraid" I say softly.

"What were you afraid of?"

"I guess I was afraid to acknowledge that I'm pregnant. I thought that if I said it out loud, it would be real. I was really scared Nathan and I didn't want to face it."

He swallows and then nods. "You were taking prenatal vitamins."

I nod and look away for a moment, and then I look down at my lap. "I didn't have to say anything to anyone. I was able to buy them and I hid them. But Phoebe found them. She made me admit that I was pregnant."

"And you still didn't tell me."

"This happened last week. I figured since you were coming home soon I should wait and tell you in person. I didn't want to tell you over the phone or skype."

"My mother told me over skype." He takes a sip of his coffee and I finish my tea. "After she told me I looked at a picture that we took together last summer. I stared at it for a while. And then when I talked to you the next day on skype, I noticed a change in your face."

"Are you calling me fat?" I ask him, but jokingly.

He manages to chuckle. "You're not fat, Ava. You are pregnant and you are beautiful. And I don't think I'd be able to cope with this pregnancy had I not gone to Jump it Up."

"Whys' that?"

"The advice I received was not just about basketball. It was about life. It is so easy for guys my age to become so consumed with the sport and forget about the important things." He stands and moves his chair so that it is next to mine, and then he sits down and places one hand on my chair and the other on my stomach. "This is important. You, me and our baby. I can play basketball, and I can be really great at it. But there is a possibility that I won't make it. And all of the hard work, ups and downs would mean nothing if I didn't have someone to share my life with."

I rest my head on his shoulder and he puts his arm around me. "Are you saying you want to get married?" I ask him softly.

"I'd like to get married someday. But there's no rush." He gently kisses my head and rests his head against mine. "We have a lot to look forward to. Our baby, prom, graduation…"

"What about college?" I interrupt him.

"I haven't made my decision about college yet. Have you?"

I lean up so that I can look him in the eye. "You have a scholarship to UCLA. You can't turn that down."

He reaches up and tucks some of my blond hair behind my ear. "I haven't turned it down. It is still an option. I'd like to see if we can go to college together, or at least go to colleges that are in the same area."

I smile at him. I don't know why but I'm starting to feel like this could work out. "I'd like that. Um, my parents said they've been saving all of my life for college."

"That's great" he says excitedly.

"Yeah. But, they're really upset about this pregnancy. I hope that doesn't affect their decision to use the money to send me to college."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Christian's POV

Before I go to Grey House I decide to visit my sister. When I walk into her room I find that my brother had the same idea. He is sitting by her bedside, holding her hand and talking to her.

"If you wake up I'll give you a piggy back ride, just like I used to" he says to her. I can't help but smile at that. Mia always wanted us to give her piggy back rides. We were always so much bigger than her, and we could always get her to do things if we promised a piggy back ride in return.

"Hello Elliot" I say and make myself known. He glances at me, frowns and then looks away. "How is our sister?"

"No change" he said sadly. "How's Ethan?"

I walk around so that I'm standing on the other side of the bed facing my brother. "Grumpy, but the nurses continue to see improvement. He'll be able to start physical therapy soon." There is silence as we both observe our sister in her comatose state. "You haven't asked about Ava."

Elliot glares at me and then goes back to looking at Mia. "What do you want from me, man?"

"Do you remember being eighteen?" I ask him.

"Not really"

"Well try to remember." I start to get angry and it is evident in my voice. "I know I was going through my own shit, but I do recall some colourful moments involving a different girl each week."

"Fuck, Christian, Mia does not need to hear this shit."

"But you do" I say to him sternly. "Elliot, what would you have done if one of those girls got pregnant? I don't even know how you've managed to fuck half of Seattle's population without getting anyone pregnant."

"I was careful" he growls.

"So was Ava" I say in a more controlled voice. "She told Ana she was careful every time. But you and I both know that condoms don't always work."

"I don't want to talk about Ava. I came here to visit my sister."

I nod and look down at Mia. "If Mia were awake, I know she'd be the first person Ava would have confided in. They have always been close. Would you have been this angry with her for helping Ava?"

He looks at me but he doesn't answer. We both look at Mia for a while. God, I miss her so much. I lean down and kiss her forehead. "Hey Little Sis. Your big brothers are both here." I run my fingers through her hair. "I guess you're tired of hearing us fight. When you were little you would try to be the mediator and get us to make up. You were so cute the way you would glare at us, and cross your arms and tap your foot. I think we were more scared of disappointing you than Mom and Dad." I glance at Elliot and he is smirking. "I'd give anything to see those beautiful eyes again, even if it means you are glaring at us." I lean down and kiss her forehead again. I don't want to leave, but I need to get to Grey House. The sooner I get there the sooner I can leave and get home to Ana and the kids.

"Elliot, don't be mad at me" I say calmly. "I'm trying to help you."

He doesn't say anything. I take one last look at Mia before I leave.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Ava's POV

Phoebe and I spend Saturday afternoon baking cookies with Penny. We've made plans to meet up with Trevor and Nathan later. Right now Nathan is hanging out with his friends. He wanted to spend the entire day with me, which would have been great. But I know he needs his guy time. Besides, Grandma and Grandpa are here today and I want to spend some time with them. Even if it means talking about my pregnancy.

After playing twenty questions with Grandma and Grandpa about my pregnancy I decide to take some cookies to a house guest that I recently found out about. I knock on the door and let myself in. When he sees me he looks disappointed at first, but then he pats the bed and welcomes me to sit.

"How are you?" I ask him.

"I'm tired of being in this bed. Are those cookies?"

I giggle and hand him the plate. I place the glass of milk on his table where he can reach it. "Phoebe and I made them."

He stops chewing and looks at me. "Does she know that I'm here?"

I shake my head. "No, I know you don't want anyone to know. Don't worry, I haven't told anyone."

"How did you find out?"

I sigh. "Mom slipped. She came here to see me and then said she was going to see you."

He reaches over and moves my open sweater to feel my stomach. "She's been coming to see me every day. She told me about the pregnancy. How far along are you?"

"The doctor said I'm due in July."

"Nathan?"

I nod. "He's happy about it."

"And you're not?"

I think about it for a moment and rub my stomach. I'm starting to show more and more every day. I wouldn't have been able to hide this much longer. I sigh before I answer. "Um, I'm not unhappy about it. I guess I'm scared more than anything."

"What are you scared of?"

I shrug. "Well, giving birth, for one thing. I know it will hurt."

"You'll be fine" he assures me. "You're strong like your mother. What else are you scared of?"

"The future. Nathan has been working toward a basketball career. Mom and Dad have been saving to send me to college. How am I going to be a full time mother and full time student?"

"You won't be alone. Your family will help you."

"Will they? Dad is so angry. Mom, well, she's being supportive."

"Ava, have you thought about what you want?" he asks me. I look at him and must look so confused. Nobody has asked me that. I don't have an answer for him. He takes my hand in his. "Here's what I want you to do. You take some time for you, and think about what you want. You can't do what you think other people want you to do. Understand?"

I look at him and nod. I can't help the tears that fall from my eyes. I reach up and wipe them away. "Hormones" he says with a smile. "Your Aunt always cried like a baby while she was pregnant."

"Well, she's lucky to have a husband that is so sweet to her." He nods and looks down. I miss Aunt Mia so much, but I'm sure his pain is ten times worse. "Uncle Ethan, I'm sorry this happened to you."

"Thanks, Kiddo. And thanks for the cookies. Will you do what I ask and take some time for you?"

I nod and smile. "Yeah. I will."

I feel better after visiting Uncle Ethan. Even though he and Aunt Mia lived in California while I was growing up, we visited often and I had a close relationship with them. My parents sent me to stay with them a few times a year. Phoebe was invited too but she didn't want to be away from her parents. Teddy came with me a few times and went fishing with Uncle Ethan while Aunt Mia and I went shopping. I look down and rub my hands over my baby bump. I really hope my baby is as welcomed and loved as I have been with my family.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Ana's POV

Grace and Carrick volunteered to watch over the kids at our house while Christian and I have an afternoon out. I am exhausted. All I want to do right now is sleep. But seeing the expression on my husband's face this morning is what is driving me to suck it up and enjoy myself. We rarely get any alone time now that we have the babies and Mia and Ethan's kids. And who knows when we'll get this opportunity again?

Taylor is usually off on Saturdays, but Christian had asked him to drive us so that he and I could sit together in the back. I love just sitting here with my husband. No words are needed. Just contact. His hand is holding mine and his thumb is massaging my knuckles. We had a lovely lunch at one of his restaurants and now we are on our way home. At least I thought we were. I'm looking out the window and I notice we are riding in a different direction.

"Where are we going?"

I look at my husband and he is smiling. He brings my hand to his lips and plants a kiss. "Trust me?"

I smile and start to feel chills. Those two words bring back memories of our first couple of weeks together. I was so innocent and had no idea what I was getting myself into with him, but I would have done anything for him. I still would.

Taylor pulls into a parking garage that is underneath an apartment building and stops at the elevators. Christian kisses my hand again before he climbs out of the car. He tells me to stay put. I do as I'm told and wait for him to open my door. I take his hand and he helps me out of the car. He takes me into his arms and kisses me passionately. "Mm, what are you up to, Mr Grey?"

"You'll see. Come." He takes my hand and leads me into the elevator. I think about the fact that Taylor had just driven us here and dropped us off. I'm no longer shy about what that man must think of us. I'm not exactly sure when that happened. My thoughts are interrupted when Christian pins me against the elevator wall, holds my hands up over my head and crashes his lips into mine. We continue as we ride the elevator up. I feel his hand brush up my leg and lift my skirt. Oh, I want him. It's been way too long since he's been inside of me. I lift my leg and curl it around him. He continues to kiss me, and I think he's going to take me right here and right now, but I am disappointed when he stops.

"Why'd you stop" I ask him. I'm breathless. He has to hold me up so that I don't fall.

"We're here." Once I'm steady he takes my hand and leads me out of the elevator and over to the door of what appears to be the only unit on this floor. I look around as he unlocks the door and notice the floor to ceiling window. I think this is the top floor. "After you, Mrs Grey." I walk in first and he is right behind me. I let out a gasp. I look around as he wraps his arms around me from behind and kisses my shoulder. We are in a studio apartment. The bed is in the center of the wall on the far side of the room. There is a small kitchen right next to the front door and a small seating area on the left. There are two doors on either side of the bed. I'm assuming one is a closet and the other is the bathroom. There is a pool table in an open area next to the bathroom door. I cover my mouth in shock. I look up at the ceiling and notice there are carabiners, and I can't help the giggle that leaves my mouth.

"Christian"

He is still holding me from behind and he is kissing my neck. "Do you approve, Mrs Grey?"

"I'm delighted. When did you do this?"

I turn in his arms so that I can face him. "I closed escrow last week. I hired a company under Taylor's name to clean and move everything in. I figured with the extra company in our home we should have a place of our own for our…. kinky fuckery."

"I can't believe you did this. I love it." I continue to laugh. I can't help it. I was not expecting this. I continue to laugh until I start crying. Christian holds me and runs his hand through my hair.

"Baby, why are you crying?"

I lean away from him so that I wipe the tears and look at him. "Because, I love you so much. Oh Christian." I start to cry uncontrollably, and he just holds me.

"Shhhh, it's okay, Baby." He continues to comfort me, and then I feel him lift me into his arms. That's the last thing I remember before passing out.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Teddy's POV

I hear the knock on the door and Sarah answers it. I'm busy getting things together for our search today. When I realize who is at the door I rush into the great room.

"I'm sorry. I thought this was my daughter's boyfriend's apartment."

"Mr Lincoln" I call out. He looks up at me and he doesn't look happy. "Please, come in. I wasn't expecting you until later this evening."

"Cleary. Would you mind explaining this?"

He is obviously not happy that I have another woman in my apartment. I look at Sarah and can see that he's making her uncomfortable. "Mr Lincoln, this is Sarah. She's a friend of mine. Sarah, this is Mr Lincoln. Rebecca's father."

"Hi, Mr Lincoln" she says to him politely. She closes the door behind him.

"Sarah has suffered a hardship and she's staying in the second bedroom" I say as an explanation as I take his suitcase from him. "So you can stay in my room."

"I see, and where will you be sleeping?"

I stop and look him in eye. "You know I can't stay in my bedroom without Rebecca. That's why I always sleep on the sofa. Listen, you're just in time, I was about to leave for the community center. Do you want to ride with me or stay and get settled?"

"No, no I'll come with you. I'll be with you in just a minute."

He takes the suitcase from me and takes it into my bedroom. I look over at Sarah and give her an apologetic look.

"I'm sorry."

"No, don't apologize" she says. "I mean, what was he supposed to think?"

"I don't want him to have any doubts of my love and loyalty for his daughter."

She looks down and away from me. "I'd like to come and help with the search, but if you don't think it's a good idea….."

"No, it's okay. You need to dress warm though. Let me grab some gloves and hats."

I grab a box out of the closet that has hats, gloves and scarves. I bought a whole bunch in case people need to wear them during the searches. It has been really cold outside, yet people have been spending hours out there during our organized searches. The least I can do is make sure they have what they need. I also have a few people driving around handing out hot chocolate. People that are not fit to be physically out there searching but want to help.

"Ready to go?" I ask Mr Lincoln.

He nods and we leave the apartment.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Ana's POV

I slowly wake and can feel my husband's fingers brushing through my hair. I am lying on my side and he is behind me. I roll over so that I can face him, and I can't help the smile that spreads on my face when I see him. "Hi"

"Hi. Sleep well?" he asks me.

"Mmhm" I can't help but bite my lip. I see his expression change instantly. "What time is it?"

"It's just after four."

"How much time do we have?"

He smiles at me and kisses my nose. "We have a few hours. What would you like to do, Mrs Grey?" He plants kisses on my cheek and down my throat.

"Mmm, I can think of a few things." He stops and leans up to look at me.

"Just a few?" I can't help but giggle. I love my playful husband. "I know what I want to do, but I want to know that you are alright."

"I'm more than alright. I'm here with you."

"You were very emotional when I brought you here."

He brushes his fingers through my hair and down my face as we stare into each other's eyes. "I'm sorry I broke down like that."

"I don't want you to be sorry. I just want to know that you're alright."

"I promise I am. I've just been really tired. And then when you brought me here…. Christian, seeing all of this just brought back so many memories. Aside from the time with our kids, the most thrilling and exiting moments for me is when we're having sex."

He smiles his sexy smile and kisses me. "I couldn't agree more."

"I love that you did this." I reach up and caress his face. He closes his eyes and leans into my touch. "And I am so excited to get back to our kinky fuckery."

We both laugh at my admission. Of course the phrase sounds a lot better coming from Christian. So he laughs at me anytime I say it.

"I'm anxious too, Baby. But we should take it slow. This is the longest we've gone without having sex. You need to tell me to stop if it becomes too much for you."

"I promise."

"Good." He starts to kiss me again. He kisses my lips, then plants kisses down my throat and across my collarbone. My blouse and skirt have already been removed. I stop him so that I can unbutton his shirt. He allows me to remove it and I toss it aside. He removes my bra, and sucks on my right breast while kneading the other. I am already breathing heavy. Oh, this feels…. this feels good. I leave go of him and fist my hands on the bed sheets. I hear him chuckle at my body's response, and then he switches breasts. I've missed this, really missed this. I know he has too. He starts to plant kisses down my stomach and I stop him.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes. It's my turn."

I get him to lie on his back and I climb on top of him. I plant kisses on his neck, and he moves his head to give me better access. Then I make my way down to his chest and plant kisses. I keep going down his stomach, down his happy trail, and then I lean up and remove his boxers. He fully cooperates and I toss them aside. I've wanted to pleasure him for weeks, but he wouldn't let me because he couldn't reciprocate. He starts to move so that he can switch with me, but I stop him.

"No, no not yet."

He smirks at me and lies back down. I position myself and pick up from where I left off. I plant kisses on his stomach and make my way down to his favorite body part. I stop and look him in the eye. He is watching me intently. I wrap my hands around him and stroke him, watching his face as I do it. He closes his eyes and throws his head back. I stroke him some more and then take him into my mouth. I hear him moan as I lick and suck. I feel him about to cum, but then he stops me when he sits up and pins me beneath him.

"Alright, now it's my turn" he says breathlessly. He removes my panties and pushes my legs apart. "Very nice, Mrs Grey. I see you found time to visit the spa."

"We aim to please" I say with a big grin. I knew that we'd be getting back to our sexcapades very soon, and I was able to book an appointment for a wax the other day while Grace stayed with the kids. Of course I told her it was for a massage.

It doesn't take long for me to start writhing. He kisses down both my legs between my knees and my sex, and then he licks my lips and my clit. I can't move because he is holding me in place. I throw my head back and let out a loud moan while he sucks. "Christian" I yell out as my body responds to the pleasure. Oh, how I've missed this. Except it feels more intense now. Maybe because we haven't done this for a while. I don't know how long I can last. This is too much. He told me to let him know if it becomes too much, but I don't want him to stop. Oh, please. "Christian…. oh please."

"What do you want, Baby?" He asks while his mouth is still at my sex.

"You….. inside of….me." I struggle to get the words out, but I know he heard me. He hovers over me and gently eases himself inside of me. It's painful at first. I must be cringing because he gives me a worried look.

"Are you okay?" he asks me softly.

"I'm okay."

"I'm going to move now, okay?"

I nod. "I'm okay."

I place my hands on his back and he starts to move. He leans down and kisses me. He continues to move and I feel myself close to the edge.

"Ana" he calls for me, and that's all I need. The sound of his voice calling my name sends me over the edge, and he soon follows.

When I come to I feel him planting kisses on my face. "Oh Ana"

"Thank you"

He looks at me and laughs. "Thank you for the sex?"

I giggle and he continues to smile down at me. "That sounds so horrible. No. I mean thank you. For everything. For being my husband, for being the father of our kids, for everything. I love our life together, Christian. And I love that you bought this place for us." I reach up and caress his face. "We have a lot of responsibilities right now. Our family is counting on us and your employees are counting on you. And I look forward to more visits to our kinky castle in the sky."

"Good." He kisses me again. "I intend for us to get a lot of use out of this place."

Thank you so much for the reviews and for continuing to read my story, even though I can't update as often as I'd like. I welcome the snowy weather in my area today because it has kept me indoors and on my computer so that I could add another chapter. I hope you enjoy it.