Christian's POV
It is Friday, and we are preparing to have unwanted guests in our home. Fuck, why did I agree to this? I don't want to do this. When did I become soft? I finish getting dressed when my wife walks up to me for a kiss. I should deny her. It is her fault we are doing this. I would have been just fine with fighting the lawsuit against my sister, but Ana being Ana was able to talk me into taking Mia's place and doing this show. Wife Exchange. I cringe when I think of the term.
Ana looks at me with those beautiful blue eyes, and I can't help it. Here comes that soft side. I lean down and kiss her lips. Pretty soon I won't get to do this for five days. The thought makes me sad. I've been away from Ana and the kids for some business trips, but somehow this is different. This time it is Ana going away, and there will be another woman here in her place, and Ana will be spending time with another man. Fuck, fuck fuck, why did I agree to this?
"What are you thinking about?" she asks me gently.
"I'm thinking…. why did I agree to this? Why did I agree to allow my wife to spend time at another man's home while another woman spends time here?"
She wraps her arms around my neck and kisses me, shoving her tongue in my mouth. I wrap my arms around her and join her in our bubble. When we pull away I am breathless. "Good God, Ana. Is this supposed to convince me to be okay with you being away from me?"
She is also breathless but she manages to giggle. "You'll miss me?"
"Of course I'll miss you. I always miss you when I'm not with you."
We both catch our breath and she smiles at me. "Can you just…. look at this as an experience? Try to take something away from it?"
"I don't want to do it" I say and kiss her again.
"I know." She reaches up and adjusts my collar. "You've been miserable about it all week. You know what, I'm sorry. This…. this whole thing is just making you so sad. We should call it off."
She stops adjusting my collar and retrieves her phone from the nightstand. "What are you doing?"
"I'm calling Earl, he can stop the crew from coming over."
"No, Ana, stop." I take the phone from her and I end the call.
"Christian, we should call him right away. The crew is due here in an hour."
"Ana…" I rub my hands through her hair and cup her face, and then plant another kiss on her lips. When I pull away I look into her eyes, and she looks into mine.
"We don't have to do this, Christian. I know you don't want to and…. you wouldn't make me do things that I don't want to do."
I lift her chin so that she looks at me. "You want to do this."
She shakes her head. "That doesn't matter. If one of us doesn't want to do something, we don't do it. That should be the end of it. I should have never talked you into it."
"You'll be upset if we don't do this."
She shrugs. "I'll get over it." I keep looking at her and I am not convinced. She is upset. I've been sulking about this all week but I've also been watching her. For whatever reason, she is exited to do this show. "We need to call Earl."
"Don't make the call" I say sullenly. I rub my hands up and down her arms. "You know I would do anything to make you happy."
"I don't want it to be at the cost of your happiness."
"I'll be happy as long as you're happy." I plant a kiss on her lips again. "And now you're pouting."
"What are you going to do about it?" And my Ana is back, my seductive wife. "Do we have time?"
"We'll make time, Mrs Grey."
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Teddy's POV
Becky moved out and is living with one of our friends, Laura. Laura's previous roommate got pregnant, dropped out of school and moved back home. Her apartment is just a block away from mine, so it isn't too bad. I'd rather have her with me at "our" apartment. I haven't spent the night at her apartment yet and she hasn't spent the night at ours. But we see each other every day. She hasn't been shutting me out. I've also started to see traces of the old Becky. She laughs again, which is a joy to see.
Right now we are at the Café. We've been here a few times and I was right, she loves it here. She's tried all of the different lattes and cappuccinos. Sarah comes over and takes our order.
"Hey guys, what can I get for you?"
"Can we get two turkey clubs, two waters, and Becky would like a mocha latte."
"Coming right up."
"So it's the weekend. You must be exhausted from your first week back" I tell her. Becky was able to find some classes that started mid semester, but they are very fast paced and there is a lot of reading that she must do outside of class. She smiles at me shyly and nods.
"I am tired, but I'm glad to be back. I want to keep busy."
"I don't want you to overdo it. Are you getting enough sleep?"
She frowns for a moment but then catches herself. She shakes her head and smirks at me. "Will you ever stop worrying about me?"
"No, it's all part of the package. I love you."
"I love you too. And I'm doing really well, Ted. I have you to thank for that."
"Me?" This surprises me. Her moving out made it seem like she was trying to distance herself from me. Sarah delivers our waters and Becky's latte. "Thank you." Becky takes a sip of her water and looks a little hurt.
"Teddy, there is no way I would have gotten through this without you. You took care of me, and you made me feel safe. You've been so supportive of my decision to move out. And most of all, I would never have gotten through those horrible days with Carlos if I didn't keep telling myself that I had to get back to you." I don't know what to say, so I just nod and sip my water. "What is it, what's wrong?"
"Becky, you moved out. I guess I just don't feel like I am part of your recovery anymore."
She shakes her head. "You are. I just…. I moved out so that I could have some space for a while. You are a big part of my recovery, but my doctor said that that is not healthy, and I understand it now. I have to recover for me. If I lean on you too much and if something happens…. if we break up or if something happens to you, I won't be strong enough to handle it."
"Nothing's going to happen to me."
"You don't know that. And, I don't want to break up. That is the last thing that I want. I just think that I need to recover and get stronger before I move back in."
Sarah comes back and delivers our sandwiches. "Can I get you guys anything else?"
"No, I think we're good. Thank you" Becky answers her. They smile at each other before she walks away.
"Sarah and I are going to cook dinner together on Sunday" she tells me. We both start tugging into our sandwiches.
"Really? What are you making?"
"You'll just have to wait and see" she teases, and I can't help but smile at her.
We eat in silence, which is fine by me. I enjoy just being here with her. She looks over at Sarah and starts to look worried.
"What's wrong?" I ask her.
"Who's that guy talking to Sarah?"
I look over at Sarah and observe the guy she is talking to. "I don't know. I've seen him in here a few times though. Why?"
She shrugs. "Sarah, her face is as white as a sheet."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Sarah's POV
I have about an hour left before my shift is over, and then it is off to the movies with my friend Cara. I met her recently in a study group. We are both working to get our GED. She had to drop out of high school because she was pregnant. Her parents are helping her raise her daughter while she works and studies. Her ex-boyfriend takes care of the baby on Friday nights which allows her to have somewhat of a social life. I'm very excited that I won't have to stay home and sit on the couch with a book or a movie. The only people that I hang out with are Teddy and Becky, so when Cara suggested we hang out, I was all too willing. I just have to be careful. I can't tell anyone about my past, or I'll be putting everyone's life in danger.
I am serving coffee to one of my frequent customers and he is making small talk. I love that we have frequent customers. They are so nice and they always have a smile for me. Sometimes I feel like a therapist because they have this need to talk about their problems when they come in here. One customer said that it's because I'm a good listener. I guess I have to be, because the last thing I should be doing is offering anyone advice.
I am carrying a pot of coffee behind the counter when I look up and see him. I drop the pot on the floor and it shatters. "Oh" I cry out when I realize what I've done. The owner and another waitress run over and immediately start to clean it up. I look up and he's now on the other side of the counter as close as he can be to me.
"Are you okay?" he asks me. All I can do is nod. I look over and see that Teddy and Becky have walked over too. This is a nightmare. I have to do something, say something.
"I'm okay" I say to Teddy and Becky and wave them off. I want them to go and sit back down and not worry about me.
"Are you sure?" Teddy asks me and then looks at him.
I nod and squat down to help my manager clean up the mess. He has gathered all of the broken glass into a dust pan and the other waitress brings over some cleaner and a rag. I take them from her. "I can do this." I look up at the owner and feel so embarrassed. "I am so sorry."
"Honey, it's okay. Accidents happen. As long as you're okay."
The owner is the sweetest man. I am so lucky that I work for him and not some tyrant. He smiles at me and stands to discard the broken glass into the trash can. I hurry to clean up the spilled coffee and then rush back to the kitchen to wash my hands. I rub them hard with soap as I hear this mantra in my head. Oh my God oh my God! He's here. He's here! What is he doing here? He had stopped coming here after I had asked him out. I thought I could get over him but I was wrong. I'm a mess. He's back and he's more attractive than ever. Did he come here to make fun of me for asking him out? The earth should just swallow me whole right now.
After my hands are red from too much scrubbing, I shut the water off and grab a towel to dry them. I take a deep breath, pull myself together and stand tall. I am at work and I have a job to do. I walk out of the kitchen and bravely walk over to the counter where he is sitting. "What can I get for you?" I ask him professionally, as though he doesn't mean anything to me. He smiles at me. Jerk.
"How about a water…. in a plastic cup." I am horrified, and angry. He's making fun of me for dropping the coffee pot. I catch myself scowling at him. "Hey, no, I'm kidding I'm kidding. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."
I straighten up again. "You haven't. One water coming up."
I get his water and place it in front of him on a napkin. "Can I get you anything else?"
"Sarah, please don't be like this, okay? I said I was sorry."
I think it over for a moment and nod. "You're right. Apology accepted."
"Good." He takes a sip of his water. "I came here to talk to you."
"Kevin… I'm working."
"What time do you get off?"
"Soon, but I have plans."
"A date?"
I snort. "How is that any of your business?" He looks down, and I think he looks hurt.
"I'd like to take you out sometime." He looks shy and embarrassed. I'm not used to seeing him like this. He was always seemed so cool.
I shrug, also feeling shy and embarrassed. "I thought you didn't want to go out with me." My voice is so low and sad. I am sad, because I really like him and it broke my heart when I asked him out and he turned me down.
"I never said I didn't want to" he says. "Look Sarah, I was never really good at relationships. I've been on a lot of dates but….. I've never had a steady girlfriend. And I've been okay with that. So when you asked me out it caught me off guard."
"What's changed?" That's all I can think of at the moment.
He shrugs. "I see couples together all the time. Out and about, holding hands, laughing, you know, kissing….. and maybe I want that too." I can feel myself blush. He wants those things with me, including the kissing. I look down at my fingers for a bit. "I've been an idiot." I look up at him and he looks hopeful. I think he's waiting for me to respond. What do I say? "Do you want some time to think about it?"
I start to feel emotional. Is this really happening? "No." He looks defeated as he nods. He starts to stand and leaves a dollar tip for his water. Oh no, he misunderstood. "Kevin…. I meant no, I don't need time. I want to go out with you." He looks up at me and his face lights up, but then he looks shy again.
"I thought you meant no." He shoves his wallet into his back pocket. "Do you have plans tomorrow night?"
"I get off work at seven."
"Good. I'll pick you up here then."
I start to feel giddy and I can't help but smile at him. "Okay."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Christian's POV
The camera crew and director have taken over our main room. They are setting up as Ana and I get the kids ready. They are here to film us with the kids before Ana has to travel to New Jersey. The thought of it makes me angry, but I manage to keep my temper in check. While Ana's away I'll focus on taking care of the kids.
Ana and I sit on our sofa without the kids first so that we can introduce ourselves. It is all very scripted, even though it is supposed to be a reality show.
"I'm Christian" I say to the camera.
"And I'm Ana"
"And we have five kids."
"Our oldest son Teddy is at college so he won't be joining us" Ana says.
"And then we have Phoebe, she's eighteen." The director tells me that they will show footage of each child as they hear our voices introduce them.
"Natalie is three" Ana says.
"And our twins, Madeline and Montgomery are four months old."
"We are also taking care of Christian's sister's kids while she and her husband recover from a car accident."
"Elizabeth is eight, Christopher is six, and Sophia is three."
The director yells cut so that we can take a break. He has us say these lines a few more times so that he has a few takes to choose from. When we are finished, we collect the kids and get them settled in the dining room so that they can eat lunch. "Phoebe is at dance but she'll be joining us later" I say as I help Ana and Penny serve lunch. The camera crew is filming us so that they have some of our interaction with the kids. We had explained to the kids that they should do their best to avoid looking at the cameras and pretend they aren't there, and of course we reminded them repeatedly to be on their best behavior, or else. So far they are doing a great job. They are eating their lunch with no arguments, which is normally how they act. Ana and I sit with them and eat while the camera crew continues to film.
"Daddy, can I have some milk?" Natalie asks me. Penny had given her juice, which is normally what she drinks with lunch.
"You don't want juice?"
"No, I want some milk please."
She said please, not pwease. This is a first. I smile at her before I stand and kiss her head. "Be right back, Baby."
I notice that one of the camera men had followed me. So this is what it will be like all week? Him following me around with that damn camera? I don't like this, not one bit. I close my eyes and count to ten in my head. My task, I am getting milk for my daughter. That's right. That's what I need to focus on. I should take my own advice and pretend that the camera is not in my face.
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Teddy's POV
"She's smiling, so I guess she's okay" Becky says as we observe Sarah's interaction with a guy that I know I've seen in here.
"We can ask her about it later. So what would you like to do this weekend? The weather is supposed to warm up, we could go walk through the town and do some shopping?" Becky looks unsure. I thought if I mention shopping she would light up. She loves shopping. "Or not."
"I'm sorry, I was just hoping to stay in this weekend."
"Oh." And suddenly my mood is sour. I try to mask it by taking a big gulp of my water.
"Stay in together, Teddy. I was thinking I could come over, and we could watch some movies. This has been a pretty big week so I thought we could just relax."
I put my water down and smile. "I'm sorry, I thought you meant…. alone. I'd like to stay in with you this weekend."
"Good, then it's a date."
I can't help but chuckle. "A date? What, are we dating now?"
"Come on, Ted. Boyfriends and Girlfriends go on dates. In fact, this is a date."
"It is?"
"Yes. You and me, a table at a Café with food. This is a date."
"Do I get a good night kiss after the date?" I ask her.
"Do you want a preview?"
What? What's this? I stare at her as she stands from her side of the booth and takes a few steps before she sits down next to me. I stare into her eyes and then close mine as she plants a soft kiss on my lips. We kiss each other sweetly for a moment and I place my hands on her face. Suddenly she deepens the kiss, and I welcome it. It is like we are in our own little world for a while, that is until we are interrupted.
"Good God, get a room" Sarah says, half reprimanding and half joking. She delivers our check and walks away. Becky and I laugh and she keeps her spot next to me in the booth.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Christian's POV
After Ana and I said our goodbyes I watched out the window until I could not see the car anymore. Dovis, Crandle and Knowles are with her, so I know she'll be safe. But she won't be with me. I start to get emotional at the thought, but Natalie interrupts me.
"Daddy, I need help."
I turn and walk toward her. "What's wrong, Baby?"
"I need to go potty."
"Okay." I follow her as she runs into the powder room and starts to pull down her pants. Since we have so many people in the house this week I'll need to talk to the kids about keeping the doors closed, especially when then need to undress. I quickly shut the door before any of the cameramen can get a shot. This is going to be a challenge. I've talked to the producer about how important privacy is to our family and that we get to have say in the final cut. The producer was more than willing to give us that.
Once Natalie is finished I help her get cleaned up and we both wash our hands.
"Daddy, when's Mommy coming home?"
This already? Christ, this is going to be a long week. I squat down so that I am at her level. "Mommy will be home in a few days, Sweet Pea. While she is not here I need you to be a good girl. Can you do that for me?"
She nods and reaches up to wrap her arms around my neck. I help her by lifting her and holding her to my chest. I love my Natalie hugs. I stand up and walk out of the powder room with her in my arms.
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Teddy's POV
Becky and I are at our apartment watching a movie. It's starting to get late, and I know she is tired. "We should get you home."
Her head has been on my shoulder and I've been running my fingers up and down her arm. She adjusts her head so that she is looking up at me. "I was thinking that I should stay here tonight, with you."
This surprises me. I don't know why. "Really?"
She nods. "Yeah. May I stay?"
It's my turn to nod, too stunned to voice an answer. I find the remote and turn off the television. She stands before I do and extends her hand to me. I take it and we walk into the bedroom together. Once we are in there, she shuts the door and stands right in front of me. She starts to kiss me, and I wrap my arms around her. She reaches up and cups my face as we deepen the kiss. I am so caught up in the kiss, I don't realize right away that she's been unbuttoning my shirt. I pull away and I am breathless.
"Beck."
"Shhh, no don't talk." She closes her eyes and nods her head up and down in a sexy way before she starts to kiss me again. I want this. I want this so bad, but I have to make sure. I pull away again.
"Are you sure?"
She nods again and we stare into each other's eyes. Yes, she's sure. I start to kiss her again, and I don't stop. She is able to remove my shirt and then she starts on my belt. I gently grip her sweater dress at her waist and start to pull it up. She puts her arms in the air and allows me to remove it. I then start to lower her leggings and have her sit on the bed so that I can remove them. I want to be gentle with her. I don't want any trace of rough sex tonight, not for a while. I want to make love to her.
Once her leggings and socks are removed, I remove my pants and join her on the bed. I crawl up the bed with her so that she can lie down with her head on the pillow. I 'm so glad I don't take the time to make my bed in the morning. I start to kiss her again and proceed to remove her bra. "I've missed this" I whisper as I take one of her breasts into my mouth and suck. She lets out a satisfying groan as I work her other nipple with my fingers.
"Teddy" she moans and pulls at my hair with her fingers. This time I let out a satisfying groan. I lean up and kiss her lips, then proceed to plant kisses down her body. When I reach the waistband of her panties I gently remove them. She watches me as I discard them on the floor and then remove my boxers. I am ready, but I need to make sure she is. I lean up again and kiss her lips as my hand travels down her body ever so gently. She kisses me too and I feel her leg rise so that her knee is bent. I insert two fingers and am satisfied that she is wet. Yes she's ready, but I still want to be sure.
"You ready?" I ask her.
"Yes" she says breathlessly. I position myself at her opening and push until I am inside of her. She cries out and I immediately panic. I want to pull out but I wait to see what she wants. "I'm okay, I'm okay, you can move, please move." With that I start to move slowly, and she moves with me. I kiss her lips as we continue to move. After some time I can feel myself starting to climax, but I know she is not close. I try to hold off but I can't, I climax before she does. "Fuck" I yell because I am so pissed. I don't like to climax before she does. It just…. it feels so wrong.
After I calm down I start to feel her fingers on my back. I am still inside of her. Her fingers feel so good rubbing up and down my back. But I feel so guilty. I need to make this right. "You okay Baby?"
She snorts and looks into my eyes. "Yeah, don't worry you didn't break me."
"I'm glad." I gently pull out of her and she winces, but then smiles at me to hide her discomfort. "We're not through yet."
"What are you doing?"
Before she can form another thought I bend her knees up, open her legs and plant a kiss on her inner thigh. I then start to suck at her clit and folds. She immediately groans with pleasure and her fingers are in my hair again. I place my hands on her thighs to hold her in place. It doesn't take long for her to orgasm, and when she does it is so powerful. I continue the torture with my tongue for a bit, but then I climb up the bed and hold her in my arms as her orgasm consumes her. That's more like it.
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Christian's POV
I wake up the next day and I am alone in our bed. I was able to skype with Ana last night right before she went to sleep. She is on the east coast so she is three hours ahead. We'd agreed to skype every night before she goes to bed. I miss her already. I miss her waking up next to me. How am I going to go the next five days without that? I rub my hands roughly over my face before climbing out of bed. I quickly shave, brush, shower and dress before any of the kids are awake. I check on all of them and they are sleeping. Rather than wake them up, I take this time to have a cup of coffee and read the paper.
"Good Morning, Mr Grey." I am greeted by Penny. She works on Saturdays and she had agreed to work tomorrow since Ana won't be here. Taylor and Gail do not work weekends, but they had insisted on staying by the house in case they are needed.
"Good Morning. I hope you are ready for this week's intrusion."
She serves me coffee and starts to make bacon, eggs and pancakes. While she is doing that I take the remote monitor into the main room along with the coffee and newspaper. Ana and I have a video monitoring system in our bedroom so that we can see the kids during the night, except Phoebe of course. We had agreed to stop the monitors when the kids turn twelve. The remote monitor is great because it is the size of an iPad and we can carry it around. I notice that Natalie is awake, so I finish my coffee and make my way upstairs.
Elizabeth and Christopher can dress themselves so I help Natalie and Sophia. They have dance today so I get them dressed in their tights and leotards. Elizabeth comes in and helps me by doing Sophia's hair. Christopher comes in too but just sits on the floor and plays with his truck. Before we go downstairs I talk to the kids again about good behavior, and to shut doors while changing or using the toilet.
Once the kids are settled with their breakfast I ask Penny to sit with them so that I can get the babies up. As usual Maddie is awake first. I quickly change her and find a cute outfit for her to wear for the day. I take her downstairs and put her in her swing so that I can get Monte. Usually Ana and I do this together, or Penny or Gail help us. I'm not used to taking care of both babies in the morning on my own.
Once they are both downstairs we have the kids play and watch television in the main room while Penny and I feed the babies. We manage to feed and burp them before the crew shows up. Markson answers the door and pretty soon we have about twenty people in our home. They take some time to set up. I start to worry because I'll need to leave in a few minutes to take the kids to the dance studio. I walk over to speak with the director but he waves me off. What he fuck!
"Excuse me" I say sternly.
"Mr Grey, if you please, we just need a few more minutes to set up and then Alexa will be here."
"We don't have a few minutes. My wife and I sent you our schedule last week. I need to take the kids to the dance studio."
"Fine, take them. Alexa will meet you there and introductions will be made."
"No, no. That was not part of the deal. We are not doing any shots at the dance studio. We will need to do introductions when we return. Kids!" I call them into the foyer so that they can get their jackets and shoes. I don't give a fuck about the show at this point. I am not going to have the kids miss a minute of their activities or school for this show. "We're leaving" I say as I usher the kids out. Markson and I carry the baby seats and I have the kids hold hands as we walk to the car.
When we return home the crew is there waiting for us, including who I think is Alexa. The babies are asleep in their baby seats, so Markson and I carry them into the main room and set them down. I need to get the girls changed but we should probably get the introductions over with first. I tell the director that I'm ready so that he can set up his shots. The kids are really excited about all of the people in the house and they are running around. That is against one of our rules, no running in the house. "Kids, stop running" I yell as I look in their direction. Christopher is the first to stop running and he goes to play with his trucks. Elizabeth tries to get the girls to stop running and offers to play a board game with them.
"We're ready" I hear someone say before the director comes over to talk to me. He explains how he'd like this to play out. Again, this is a reality show, but it is scripted. I'll never understand this.
"I'm Alexa" she says as she holds out her hand to me. She's an attractive woman, I'd say mid-thirties. She's slightly taller than Ana and she has long blond hair and blue eyes. I have Barbie's sister living with me for a week. Minus the high pitched voice.
"I'm Mr Grey." I take her hand and shake it, and she looks put off."
"Cut" I hear the director yell before he walks over. "Mr Grey, what are you doing?"
"Introducing myself."
"Introducing yourself as Mr Grey. Do you expect your exchanged wife to refer to you as Mr Grey?"
"Yes" I answer honestly.
"That's preposterous."
"It's called having good manners."
I look at Alexa and she is crossing her arms, and then she puts them down at her sides. "Very well, Mr Grey, nice to meet you." She holds out her hand again and we shake. We spend the rest of the morning in the main room with the kids. The crew is filming our interaction with each other and the kids. They have been playing for the most part and Alexa and I have been watching them and the television. We haven't said a word to each other since introductions. What am I supposed to say?
"You have a beautiful home" she says.
"Thank you." I say, because that is the only thing I can think of. I am saved when Phoebe walks in. She spent the night at Trevor's since they were watching a movie. He had called me to let me know that she had fallen asleep, and his parents were home so I was fine with it.
"Hi Dad" she says animatedly and kisses my cheek.
"Hey Peanut. This is Alexa. Alexa, this is my daughter Phoebe."
"It's nice to meet you" she says and shakes Phoebe's hand. Phoebe sits down next to me. "So, tell me about yourself."
"Well, I'm a senior in high school. I volunteer at the hospital a few hours a week and I'm on a dance completion team."
"I used to dance" Alexa says. "I made so many friends and we spent every weekend competing and performing. Ah, we had so much fun."
"We have a lot of fun. Elizabeth dances too" she says as she points her out.
Natalie comes over to me and jumps up and down excitedly. "Daddy, can we dance, um and can we put some music on and dance?"
"Sure, Baby." I grab the remote and put on some music they can dance to. The girls start to dance and Phoebe joins them. Christopher keeps his spot on the floor with his toys but he watches. He looks over at me and I wave my hand encouraging him to join them. He does and Sophia grabs his hand to swing it back and forth.
"Come on, Alexa" Phoebe says and motions her to join them. She does and the kids start to take to her. I watch the kids laugh and enjoy themselves, and I think I might even be smiling. Leave it to the kids to break the ice.
After some time Phoebe says that she had made plans with Ava and leaves the room. Alexa sits down but the kids keep dancing. I enjoy watching them have a good time.
"Your kids are adorable, Mr Grey. I miss my own so much."
"How about you tell me about your kids?" There. There is something we can talk about.
"I have three boys. Jackson is seven, Billy is four and Luke is two. My little Lukey, he was so upset when I had to say goodbye to him. But, judging by the way your kids are I know they are in good hands with your wife."
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Ana's POV
I arrive at the New Jersey home where I'll be staying for a few days. I'm both anxious and excited. I've never done anything like this before. Christian had assigned three men from the security team to accompany me. Two of them are with me right now, Dovis and Crandle. Knowles will be here overnight since he's used to working for us overnight.
We meet with the director first and he explains to me how introductions will take place. Once I am briefed I ring the door bell and a man answers. He looks exhausted and disinterested in what we are doing. I smile at him and hold out my hand. "Hi, I'm Ana." He doesn't look impressed. In fact, he looks kind of mean. I clear my throat and suddenly feel very uncomfortable. "May I come in?"
While this is going on there is a little boy screaming and crying. He walks up to his Dad and puts his hand on his leg, but his Dad doesn't do anything to comfort him.
"Come in. The boys are hungry." I'm sure I have the look of shock on my face. I didn't expect this at all. The boy continues to cry and this man doesn't seem to care. "Um, may I?"
He gestures for me to come in and the first thing I do is pick the boy up and hold him, bouncing with him and shushing him as he cries on my shoulder. The man continues to walk through the house until he is in the family room in front of the television. Two other boys join him. "Hey Dad, is this her?" the older boy asks him.
He turns and looks at me. "Boys, this is Ana. This is Jackson, Billy, and that's Luke" he says as he points to the little boy in my arms. Luke has stopped crying and he is cuddling to me and sucking his thumb. I watch as the man sits down on the sofa and starts drinking a beer. I am appalled, but I try to stay calm for the sake of the boys and as to not look too foolish for the cameras. "I didn't catch your name" I say to him.
"It's Brian" he answers but keeps his focus on the television. I shake my head and walk further into the room so that I am closer to the other boys.
"Your Dad said you were hungry. Would you boys like some lunch?"
They both animatedly answer yes and follow me into the kitchen.
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Christian's POV
We're still sitting in the main room and I find myself smiling, because I am talking about my kids. I cannot talk about my kids and not smile. I've told her about Teddy and how well he is doing at Harvard. I've also talked about Phoebe and how proud I am of how much she's grown up this year. I get to Natalie and I am just beaming. She's my little star. "You have a rough day, you come home and just look at her, and she has this way of making you smile even when you don't want to."
I'm temporarily distracted as I talk about Natalie and I haven't realized that the kids have started running around the house again. First I hear a thump and then Natalie's whimper. I'm immediately on my feet and rushing toward the kitchen where she's on the floor on her hands and knees. When she sees me she starts crying. I kneel down and pull her into my arms. "Baby, I told you not to run around the house" I say as I try not to sound annoyed. Sophia and Christopher are standing nearby and they look so guilty. "Go play in the main room" I tell them. "And no more running." They do as their told as I stand with Natalie in my arms.
"Can I do anything to help?" Alexa asks. She had followed me into the kitchen.
"No, I've got this."
Natalie continues to cry while I carry her up the steps. Once I'm in her bedroom I turn on the light and sit on the glider with her in my lap. "Shhh, calm down Sweet Pea." I rub my hand up and down her back while she cries with her face on my chest. "Where does it hurt?" I ask her. She points at her knee. I gently rub my hand over her knee while she continues to cry. I plant kisses in her hair and continue to tell her that everything's okay. I would normally punish the kids for breaking rules such as running in the house, so I'm sure that's why she's still crying.
"I need you to calm down and stop crying for me. Can you do that?" I ask her. She nods but she continues to cry.
"Wheas Mommy? I want Mommy" she says between shaky breaths.
"We'll see Mommy in a few days" I tell her softly. I bring my hand up and run my fingers through her hair. "Why were you running in the house, Baby?" I ask her softly.
"We….. we were pwaying."
"You did such a good job yesterday when you said please. Can you say the word play?"
"Pway….. pway… plllay" she says after trying so hard.
"Good job, Baby." I kiss her head again and continue to run my fingers through her hair. "Are you allowed to run in the house?"
"No."
"Do you know why you're not allowed to run in the house?"
"Because I fall and get hut."
"That's right. And Daddy doesn't want you to get hurt. So no more running in the house, okay?"
She nods her head and cuddles to me. It is her nap time so I just stay with her like this until she falls asleep. Once she does I gently tuck her in and leave her to it.
"Sophie, you need to nap now, Sweetheart. " She walks over to me and takes my hand. That was easy. I guess she feels bad about running in the house. Once she is settled I walk downstairs again and this time I have some of Christopher's things. He looks up at me and smiles. "Buddy, while the girls are napping lets kick the soccer ball around." He is on his feet fast and he takes his shoes and soccer ball from me. "Would you ladies like to join us?" I ask both Elizabeth and Alexa. They both nod and Elizabeth puts her book away.
"I should change first" Alexa says. She came here in a blouse and long skirt. "I'll be out in just a few minutes."
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Ana's POV
I had a completely different vision in my head of what this would be like. I look at these kids and I feel so sad for them. Their father has spent the entire day on that sofa watching sports and drinking beer. These kids want attention and took to me right away. They like talking to me and have a hard time taking turns, so it's been a challenge keeping up with what all three of them were saying. Right now we are in the kitchen playing a board game. We've eaten dinner, which I've cooked, and Brian joined us. We didn't speak, and he didn't speak to the kids. He didn't say anything about the meal either. After he finished he left his dishes on the table and went back to the sofa.
"Okay, I think we should get you boys ready for bed."
"It's bath night" Jackson says and Billy frowns. "He hates baths" he says and laughs at his brother's reaction.
"Alright, I'll get your father" I tell them as I clean up the game.
"He won't give us baths" Jackson says and looks down. We'll see about that.
After putting the game away I approach Brian. I have no idea how many beers he's had but he is still awake. "The boys need baths" I tell him as I stand between him and the television.
"Knock yourself out. The bathroom is up the stairs, third door on your right."
I place my hands on my hips and I look down at him. "You expect me to give your kids baths?"
He lowers the remote and finally looks at me. "My wife always handles the baths." I take the remote from him, shut off the television and toss it aside where he cannot get to it. "What the hell?"
"I am not giving them baths. That is so inappropriate. You are their father." I have to stop myself. He is so detached from these kids. I look around and I don't see any pictures of this family. Why didn't I see this before? "Are you their father?"
He looks at me as though I've asked a stupid question. "Of course I'm their father."
"All three kids?"
"Yes." He's really annoyed. "Look, I don't know what you want from me. I work all week to provide for my family. My wife takes care of the house and the kids. I only get two days a week to relax on my couch with my sports. Now if you don't mind…."
He holds out his hand suggesting I should give him the remote. I keep my place in front of him and cross my arms. "Do you spend any time with your family?"
"You just saw me have dinner with them."
"You didn't even talk to them."
"Don't judge me. Just give me the fucking remote."
"Get it yourself" I say and walk away.
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Christian's POV
We spent a good hour outside while the girls and the babies were napping. I had the remote monitor outside and kept checking it. I know Penny was in the house but she was busy preparing dinner, so I told her I would listen for the babies. Christopher was all smiles as we kicked the ball to him and had him practice scoring on each of us. He was able to get the ball past me a few times, but Alexa and Elizabeth did a pretty good job blocking him. I know Elizabeth used to play soccer. Maybe Alexa did too.
"Do you play ball with your boys?" I ask her.
"Jackson plays soccer, so the boys and I are outside almost every day kicking the ball with him. Billy will start this fall."
"I play soccer" Christopher says proudly."
"I know you do, sport" she says to him as she ruffles his hair. I tell the kids to go in and wash their hands for dinner. "Do you want me to help Penny with dinner or help you with the kids?"
I stop and think about it for a moment. "Which would you prefer?"
"Help with the kids."
"Okay. I can get the babies if you want to check on the girls, see if they are awake."
She lights up and goes upstairs for the girls.
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Ana's POV
After I've helped the boys with their baths I read a book to them and tuck them in. Luke was asleep even before I started reading. Jackson and Billy share a room so I am with them right now. Billy is already asleep but Jackson is awake. I sit with him and notice that he is looking at a photo and saying a prayer. I don't want to interrupt him so I wait for him to finish.
"Amen."
I walk over and sit on his bed. "Do you say prayers every night before bed?"
"Mommy and I pray together every night."
"That's really great. If you want, I can do that with you tomorrow, if that's okay." I know I'm not his mother but I want to be there for him while his mother is with my kids. I hope I'm not over stepping right now.
"Yeah, I'd like that."
"Who was in the picture?" I ask him. I'm curious as to why there are no pictures in this house. That moment that I realized it, I felt so cold.
He pulls the picture out from under his pillow and shows it to me. "That's Paige."
I observe the picture of the little girl with brown hair and brown eyes. I'd say she's about eight. "She's pretty. Is she a friend?"
"No, she's my sister. She died."
"Oh, oh my I'm so sorry. I had no idea." My heart is breaking right now. I want to know what happened but I'm not sure if I should be asking this little boy. I'm glad I don't have to because he offers the information.
"A bad man took her and left her in the woods."
"Sweetheart, I'm so sorry that you lost your sister. I think it's really great that you and your Mommy say prayers for her every night."
"Yeah. Mommy said it is good to talk to her. She can hear us and she needs to know that we still love her."
"You're a really sweet boy, Jackson. I'm really glad I'm here."
"Don't you miss your kids?"
"Yes, I do miss them. And your Mommy misses you so much. She'll be back here with her hugs and kisses before you know it."
"Do you know Mommy?"
"No, but I will get to meet her in a few days. It's late, you should get some sleep."
He sits up and hugs me. I'm surprised but I hug him back. "Good night Ana."
"Good night. I'll see you in the morning."
I walk over to the door, turn out the light and leave the door open a crack. I stand with my back against the wall for a few seconds while I try to wrap my head around what Jackson had told me. His sister was killed. I need to find out what happened to this poor girl so that I can understand this family better. I know I won't get any information from Brian, so I decide to go online. I close the door to the bedroom that I am staying in and I lock it. Not that Brian would come in here, but just to be safe. I don't want him to know that I am looking up information about Paige.
I use my iPad and do an internet search for Paige Harris, and the responses are overwhelming. There are a few pictures of her, smiling like every little girl should. I don't know if I want to know the horror that she went through, but before I can stop myself I click on one of the articles.
I read through and find out that Paige was in fact eight years old when she was taken from her own home. The intruder was able to break in while the family was sleeping, and he took her. She was found a week later in a wooded area by a group of hunters. Cause of death was blunt force trauma. "Oh no" I say as I try to contain a sob. This poor child. She was raped and they have the man's DNA, but they have not been able to identify him since he was not in the database. I place my hand over my mouth and feel tears roll down my face. This is just awful. This poor family.
I continue to read more and find out that Brian was a suspect, but he was cleared since his DNA did not match. I guess the family moved after this happened because they had lived in Pennsylvania at the time. I am interrupted when I see my husband's lovely face on my screen.
"Ana, Baby" he says softly, and he must notice that I've been crying. "Baby, why are you crying?" I do my best to wipe away the tears. I had completely lost track of time. "Anastasia?" he says more sternly.
"Christian. I'm sorry, I'm fine."
"Don't lie to me. What did that bastard do to you?"
"He didn't do anything. It's nothing like that" I say and try to calm myself.
"You're upset."
"Yeah, but he didn't do anything, I promise. He doesn't even pay attention to me or the kids."
"He's a deadbeat?"
"I don't know, I think there's more to it than that. Christian, I just found out that this family lost a daughter. She was killed."
"I know."
"You do? Did Alexa tell you?"
"No, she's only mentioned her sons." He must see how confused I am. "Background check, Ana."
I let out a long upsetting sigh. "You knew? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Ana, you knew I did a background check. I tried to tell you but you didn't want to know anything."
"You're right. But my God, I would've liked to have known about this. This poor family."
"If this guy doesn't pay attention to you, how did you find out?"
I feel my heart breaking again as I think about this little boy. "Jackson. He's seven. He had a picture of his sister and he told me. Christian, there are no pictures in this house. The only picture I've seen so far is a picture that he keeps of his sister under his pillow."
"We can end this anytime, Ana. We can fight the lawsuit."
"No. No, I don't want to do that. I made a commitment and I want to stick to it." This time he lets out a long sigh. "How are the kids?"
"This kids are good. They miss you."
"How are they doing with Alexa there?"
"They like her. And she's enjoying them. Right now they are in the main room playing Candyland."
"Yeah, I played board games with the boys."
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Christian's POV
I skyped with Ana for an hour and then she started to get tired. I miss her. I could talk to her all night but she needed sleep. I told her I love her and wished her sweet dreams. I power down my laptop and go to the main room to join Alexa and the kids, but they aren't there. I find Penny in the kitchen and she tells me that they are all upstairs. I climb the stairs and find them in Natalie's room. Alexa is in her bathroom running a bath.
"What are you doing?"
She turns and looks up at me since she is kneeling on the floor. "It's getting late so I thought I'd start getting the kids ready for bed."
"You're running bath water."
She looks at me as though to state the obvious. "Doesn't your wife bathe the kids before putting them to bed?"
"Sometimes, but mostly it's me. Now I need you to leave the room while I help the kids with their baths." She looks at me for a moment like she doesn't know what I'm talking about. "Go. Now." She stands and leaves the room. I shake my head and proceed to help Natalie and Sophia remove their clothes and put them in the bath. Elizabeth can take care of herself and Christopher is easy and quick, so I'll help him after the girls are done. I can't believe she was going to give the kids baths. And she didn't see anything wrong with that.
After the kids are cleaned and dressed in pajamas we walk down to the main room together. They can stay up for another thirty minutes and then we'll read books before their bedtime. I find Alexa in the main room. She's sitting on the floor in front of Maddie's swing and she is making her laugh. I love the sound of my baby girl's laugh so I can't help but smile.
"Lexa, wanna pway Candyland?" Natalie asks her.
"Natalie, Baby, you just played Candyland."
"I wannt pway again. Daddy, do you wanna pway?"
I sit on the sofa so that I am closer to her. "Do I wanna play?" I say and emphasize my "L". She giggles.
"Play" she says and jumps up and down.
"You can play while I feed the babies."
I kiss her head and then walk into the kitchen to prepare the babies' bottles. Alexa follows me.
"Mr Grey, why did you get so mad at me when I was about to give the kids baths?"
After I prepare the milk I turn to face her. "It would have been very inappropriate for you to give my kids baths. Only parents should be doing that for their kids."
She shrugs her shoulders and crosses her arms. "And that extends to your sister's kids?"
I start to feel annoyed at her line of questioning. "I'm their uncle. And right now I'm their legal guardian. Look, I know that this whole concept of exchanging wives is so that you can walk in my wife's shoes for a week and experience her life, but there are certain things that you won't be doing."
"Such as?"
"Alright. Such as, you won't be giving the kids their baths, you won't be helping them dress or undress, and you and I will not be affectionate or intimate."
She shakes her head and gives me a smug look. What's this? "You don't have to worry about that, Mr Grey. I'm not interested. I'm sure that you are used to women throwing themselves at you, but trust me I will never be one of them."
"Lexa?" Natalie comes into the kitchen looking for her.
"Yes, Baby, I'm coming" she says to her sweetly but then throws me disgusted look.
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Christian's POV
The next day I wake up early so that I can have a good work out before the kids wake up. I decide to workout in our basement gym rather than leave the house. I get a good hour in before I have to shower and shave. It is now that I realize that I've probably acted like a jerk yesterday, and I should try to be nicer to Alexa. She's not interested in me, which is great news. I just don't want her bathing or dressing the kids.
Once we are all finished breakfast we relax in the main room again. Phoebe and Ava join us and Phoebe introduces her cousin to Alexa.
"It's nice to meet you. So, you're pregnant. How far along are you?"
Ava looks down at her stomach and puts her hands on her bump. "Six months I think."
"Well, congratulations. What are you girls doing today?"
"My Aunt Kate is taking us shopping for prom dresses" Phoebe answers her.
"Our Aunt Mia was going to design them for us, but um…." Ava stops and looks down at her bump again.
"Mr Grey told me about your Aunt. I'm so sorry you're going through that."
Phoebe glares at me. "Mr Grey, Dad?"
I shrug my shoulders.
"It's really okay. Don't worry about it" Alexa waves it off. But Phoebe's right, and I need to stop being a jerk.
"No, it's not. Call me Christian." I glance at her and she is smiling. And then she turns to the girls and starts talking to them again.
Kate comes in and the kids all run to her for hugs. She greets each of them before walking over to Alexa. "I'm Kate." They make pleasantries and it gives me an idea.
"Why don't you go with them?" I ask Alexa.
"Yeah, come with us" Phoebe says excitedly. "We can have a girls' day."
"Are you sure that's okay?" She asks me.
"Of course it is. If Ana were here she'd be going with them." Penny is here if I need help with the kids, and spending time with Kate is something Alexa should experience on this exchange mission. "Go and have fun."
Here's a nice long chapter. For those of you that had the blizzard this weekend, be safe and stay warm. I know some of you didn't like the idea of wife swap being introduced in my fanfic, and I do respect everyone's opinions. I decided to keep my plans for this story and keep the wife exchange in here. The next chapter will be the conclusion of that. I know a lot of you have been asking about Mia. Don't worry, I do plan to give that family some good news soon. Thank you so much for continuing to read and review. I've had some tough days, and reading the reviews picked me right up and they keep me motivated. Happy Reading!