Christian
My mother woke us up at 4:00am with the news on Leila and we haven't been to sleep since. I ended up laying in bed telling Ana about my birth mother and about the disgusting pimp that abused me. Eventually I knew I would, but I didn't expect to be doing it on vacation in Ireland right after our first official date and mind-blowing sex.
The only thing keeping me from completely going off the deep-end is the beautiful woman beside me that I'm drinking coffee with while we wait for the others to wake. She had listened to every disgusting detail I had to admit about my toddlerhood and supported me with affection while I recounted every vile detail.
I stare at her while she drinks her coffee and find myself wishing more than anything that she'd just stop with the birth control. We could be making a baby right now, bringing new life into this world and making it a happier place instead of concentrating on this shit.
I spoke to Ron and Lydia for half an hour and they told me they would wait to have the funeral until after we got back. Ana and I made the decision to wait to tell Ellie. I want her to be home, in her safe place so if she wants to run off and hide in her room for awhile, she can. We're here to have some fun and it won't do anyone good to have it spoiled now. Nothing is going to ease the pain my daughter is going to have to go through, but at least she can be blissfully unaware for a little while longer.
Anastasia reaches over and runs her fingers through the hair on the nape of my neck. She stays quiet and I appreciate that. There's no reason to ask how I'm feeling or if I'm okay. Obviously I feel shitty. But, she also knows that I need her close. I told her that. She knows physical affection is important to me and she finds ways to do it with ease.
Leila and I have been over for a long while. She did a lot of shady things and hurt my baby so bad... but still, she gave me that baby. She carried her for nine months, labored for 18 hours and breast fed her for six months. Ellie is the best thing to ever happen to me and without Leila, I wouldn't have her. So, as much as I was convinced that I was never truly in love with Leila... just in love with the thought of a family... I still have love for her, even if she might not deserve it. So, yes. My heart aches.
I need to get my mind on something else.
My eyes fall to Ana's lower abdomen, where she's still carrying two loads of myself. I grin. I never had a cum kink before, but since she's brought it up, I find myself thinking of it often.
"Do you think if we made a baby here, It'd come out with an Irish accent?" I know it's a terrible joke, but I need something to laugh about.
She giggles. "Christian, I don't think that's how that works. Plus, I'm still on birth control."
I shrug. "Yea, well I'm just hoping if I give you enough, it might outweigh the contraceptive."
She batts at my arm playfully. "I don't think that's how that works either."
"Can't blame me for trying."
Shaking her head, she rolls her eyes. "More coffee, Christian?"
"Yes, please." I know she's ignoring the baby conversation by changing the subject, but she's not pissed about me bringing it up, so I'll call it a win-win. I want this baby to have two happy parents and so I will wait... trying to be as patient as I can. Now that she confirmed that she does want children with me, it has settled my heart a little. I just don't want Ellie to have too much of an age gap either.
XxXxXx
Kate and Mia went shopping in town today, but Ana declined and it warms my heart because I know it's for my benefit.
My parents, my brother, Ellie and I are planning on riding horses, but the stables only have four horses.
"Well, shoot, Ana. I'm sorry. I figured you'd want to go shopping, so I only booked four."
My girl waves my mother off. "Don't worry about it! I can sit and enjoy the landscape while you guys head out."
"Or you could share one." The handler cuts in. "Won't charge you any extra."
Oh, I like that idea.
"Yes, join me. Ellie has already claimed her uncle, so I've got room." I climb up on the black horse named Midnight and offer her a hand.
She cocks an eyebrow at me and bites her lip. It makes me laugh when I realize. She had just mentioned to me earlier in the shower how sore she still was from last night.
"Come on, babydoll. Take my hand."
With the help of the handler, she gets her sexy little ass up on the horse, her tight blue jeans making it look phenomenal to watch. She has a seat right in front of me and I tell her to hold on by the saddle and I'll use the reigns.
"Just relax your thighs and lean into me. I'll keep you steady." I don't want the ride to be painful due to last night. I kiss the skin behind her ear. "Ready?"
We follow my parents and brother down the trail and I can feel Ana beginning to relax into me. I love having her secured in front of me while my arms are snug against her waist, holding the reigns. It doesn't help that with each trot, her hot little ass rubs into my groin though. It's going to take a lot of concentration to hide my growing attraction to her from the others.
I keep watch of Ellie and Elliot, my little daughter looking tiny in her little purple riding hat while she sits in front of my giant brother. Of course I trust my brother with her life, but I still find myself watching to make sure she isn't going to go flying off.
"It's going to be so hard going back to work after being with you two all week."
Ana turns her head and gives me a grin. "Getting a little attached are we?"
I hum. "That's an understatement." I kiss her hair. "This next week is going to be a hard one."
"I know. We'll get through it though, Christian. I'll be there for both of you and I'll help in any way I can."
"I know you will. Ellie is going to need you even more now than ever." I know my girl needs a mother and I know that Ana is that person. I'm glad she's being careful about the speed she's going with Ellie, but I don't see 'Nanny Ana' sticking much longer. Especially when she knows Ana is moving in to my room.
Anastasia
We've stopped in a clearing while on our horse expedition and fuck if my thighs and area between isn't on fire. Riding horses only hours after Christian's rough sexpertise was a bad bad idea. I feel like I can barely walk now and I can tell it's a little obvious cause I hear Christian snicker from behind me when I climb off the horse.
"Too much fun last night, Ana?" Elliot asks, his mouth forming a giant evil grin.
I roll my eyes. "Yea, something like that."
"That Irish dancing can do that to you, Ana." Grace comments, making me blush profusely. I can't believe that even his mother is getting some swipes in.
Chuckling, Christian helps ease me down on a fallen log to sit on. "We'll get you some Advil when we can."
"I'll be fine." I give him a slight scowl, but he just responds with a boyish grin of his own. Pretty damn happy with yourself, aren't you, Grey?
"No more dancing for you, missy!" Ellie wiggles a finger at me.
"You hear that, Daddy. Ellie has spoken. No more dancing. Thank you for looking out for me girlfriend." I pull her to me and she sits on my lap.
Christian pouts. "But I like dancing."
"No one said you couldn't dance, Daddy."
His head falls back in a laugh.
"Yea, I'm sure that waitress from last night would be more than happy to have you take her for a whirl." I give him a playful scowl.
"No, Daddy! You can't dance with other girls! That's Ana's job." Ellie looks worried and I hug her close.
"Don't worry, lovebug. I wouldn't dream of dancing with anyone else besides Ana."
Ellie grins. "Does that mean it's time for my little brother now?"
Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God.
"Wwwwhhhhaaaaatttttt?" Elliot looks so amused.
"Ana! If you're pregnant you should not be riding-"
"No, no! I'm not pregnant!" I cannot believe this.
"You're sure?" Grace looks worried.
"Yes, Grace. I'm sure. Ellie's friend just got a baby brother so now, she thinks we need one, too." I will the Earth to open up and swallow me whole. I can't believe this child.
"But I want a baby brother, Ana!" She pouts up at me.
"Someday." I shoot daggers at Christian who says this. "...Hopefully." He adds, seeing my face.
Ellie leaves my lap to hug her father. "I knew it! I knew Ana would be my mom and we'd get a baby!"
I pin him with a look. "You and I are going to talk."
"Ooohhhh Christian's in trouble!" Elliot is enjoying this way too much.
"Oh, Ana please don't be mad at Daddy. He loves you. He just wants me to have a Mommy and brother, too." Ellie is pouting, worried we'll fight.
"Don't worry, Ellie. I'll go easy on him." It's probably a lie, but I'll do my best.
XxXxXx
There is a gut-wrenching scream from the clearing where Ellie and Elliot are playing ball and the four of us stand straight up.
"Daddy!"
We go running toward the clearing where Ellie is on the ground with Elliot kneeling over her. My whole body is trembling on red alert and I feel like we're never going to get to her. I feel like we're running in slow motion while our girl is on the ground sobbing.
"What happened?" Christian asks as we drop down beside her.
"I don't know. She must have tripped over something. I turned just in time to see her fall. Oh, Ellie, I'm so sorry."
Christian cups her dirty cheek. "What hurts lovebug?"
"My arm." There's a deep pout in her face as she cries.
"Your arm? Can I see it?"
"No, Daddy, it hurts!" She clutches it to her chest.
"Okay, okay. Anything else hurt?"
"My face."
"I see that. You got some scratches." He runs his thumb along one on her cheek.
"Ow, Daddy! I said don't touch it!" She turns away from him and towards me. "I want Mommy to hold me. Mommy's always make it better." She throws her good arm around my neck and my eyes about pop out of my head. Realizing she needs comforted right now, I wrap my arms around her and eye Christian. He gives me a soft smile which I hope means he isn't annoyed with what she called me.
"Hey," I rub my palms up and down her back. "If mommy's make it better, then MawMaws will make it perfect! I know it hurts, but do you think you can show MawMaw your arm so we can make sure we don't have to... like... cut it off or anthing?"
She giggles into my neck and pulls away a little when Grace sits on her knees beside me.
"I promise I won't touch it if you'll hold it out straight for me so I can see all of it." Grace gives her a smile.
With a little bit of pouting, she holds her arm out and Grace looks it over, saying she doesn't see any malformations or broken skin.
"Let me fix your jacket so your arm stays nice and snug against you and then we'll ride back to the stables so we can get a picture of your bones okay?" Grace runs her hand over the back of Ellie's head.
"Will it hurt?"
"The picture? No. It's just a picture. It'll be neat to see!"
Christian
"I'm sorry I was cranky, Daddy. Can I ride back with you?" My lovebug is looking up at me with dirty tearstained cheeks and it breaks my heart.
"Oh, lovebug, of course you can." I look up at Ana, realizing I can't take both.
"Don't worry about me. I'll ride back with Elliot."
I frown. For some reason, I hate that. Every logical part of my brain is telling me I'm stupid for hating it, but I still do. I know there isn't anything between Ana and my brother but the thought of her getting cozy with her ass against his groin makes me want to tear his dick off.
"Climb up, Christian, and I'll put Ellie up there for you." Elliot picks her up and I climb on, doing my best to not think about the two of them on a saddle.
"Put her facing me." I tell him. She's only got one arm and this way she can use her legs and good arm to hold onto me instead of the horse.
When she gets settled and snuggled into me, I can't help but relax a little. My daughter always helps control my emotions, even when she doesn't realize.
I hear Ana laugh as she looks up at Elliot on the horse. "Are you sure we're both going to fit?"
He rolls his eyes and offers her his hand. "Just get your ass up here, Steele. We'll manage."
I close my eyes and breathe in my daughter, trying to find my calm. I kiss her cheek and start to move when the others do.
As we move leisurely along, I find my lovebug relaxing against me and her eyes close. Now that her adrenaline has run its course, she's sleepy. I smile down at the sweet thing clinging to me.
I keep hearing Ana and Elliot laughing and I grind my teeth. I do not like their easy relationship. Get your shit together, Grey!
I hear the horse squeal out and then Anastasia's scream and my heart drops when I see the front of the horse rise into the air.
"Ana!" I kick the horse's side a little to pick up speed and I come up beside them just as the horse is coming back down. Elliot somehow managed to keep both of them on the horse as it reared-up.
"What the fuck happened?" I growl out.
"The horse... something spooked it." Elliot is panting from the rush. I can't help but notice that he still has one arm secured against her tightly while she's gripping it in her hands. Her fingers are white from the grip.
He saved her. He saved her life. Calm the fuck down.
Ana lets out a nervous laugh. "I think I just peed a little."
"Great." Elliot retorts, making everyone laugh. "I probably deserve to be peed on after almost killing two of our girls today."
"Oh, stop it." Mom rolls her eyes. "There isn't anything you could do to stop either of them. You saved Ana from breaking her neck."
"Yea.. That's right." Elliot sits up straighter. "How dare you pee on your savior."
Ana laughs. "Shut up. I did not pee on you."
"Daddy, is Uncle bad luck?" The chaos caused my girl to wake up.
I snort. "Seems like it today."
XxXxXx
Ellie's arm is not broken, just a muscle strain. The prompt care still sent her home with a sling and a tylenol/ibuprofen regiment. She went to bed early and easy tonight and the rest of us are out back on the beach with a fire going in the firepit. The wind isn't bad tonight so we're in light jackets and hoodies while we drink and listen to some music. The stars are out and Anastasia is out clicking away on her new camera, getting shots of everyone and everything.
"Having fun?" I approach her on the beach with a beer in my hand.
Her smile is bright. "Yes. This camera is amazing! Look at these shots of the night sky! It's just..." She brings her fingers to her mouth and does a chef's kiss.
"You're so beautiful like this."
"Like what?" She giggles. "Like a little kid getting overly excited by a picture?"
I shake my head. "Like a woman who can't get enough of the world. You crave everything that life has to offer and you savor every second of it you can. You don't take anything for granted, Ana. It's refreshing. Seeing you so bright-eyed and excited... It's everything. It makes me fall even more in love with you."
Her whole body stills and her mouth hangs open. "What did you just say?"
I smile. "You're everything."
"You're in love with me?"
I wrap an arm around her and pull her close. "I am. And still falling. I don't know if I'll ever stop to be honest."
"I...wow." She licks her lips. "I love you, too."
A slow grin forms on my face. "That's good news."
"Oh, my god! Oh my god!"
My brother is on one knee in front of the fire while Kate is standing in front of him, both of her hands over her mouth.
Finally, the fucker's doing it. I grin.
Anastasia
I forget I'm breathing. I'm watching Elliot down on one knee while Kate looks like she's about to burst into tears and I find myself holding back my own squeals of excitement.
"Christian!" I squeak, smacking his arm. Does he see this? Oh I'm so excited! Kate has been waiting for years for Elliot to get his shit together and ask her.
Christian chuckles beside me. "You're camera." He whispers.
Feeling like it's my duty as the best friend to make this night as memorable as possible for Kate, I hop to and start taking pictures while he talks to her. He's talking so low that I have no idea what he's saying but it better be romantic! My best friend deserves the best.
I find myself dancing and squirming for the two of them as she nods in acceptance and they kiss. Doing my best to hold steady, I take as many pictures as I can until Kate screams that they're engaged.
Screaming myself, I let the camera drop around my neck and hurry to congratulate the two of them.
"Kate!"
"It happened! It finally happened!" She squeals as we hug and jump around.
"Bout time, bro. Didn't think you'd find the balls."
I release Kate to see Christian and Elliot smacking each other on the shoulder with a hug.
"You knew?" I ask, grinning. "And you didn't tell me?"
Christian shrugs. "I was told to make the plans for Ireland so that he could ask her and to shut up. That's what I did. Thought we'd end up flying home with no engagement. Cutting it kind of close." He knocks his shoulder.
"We still have two days left." Elliot rolls his eyes.
"Wait! So that also means you've expanded your business..."
Elliot grins and I squeal in excitement again and hug Tarzan. "Congratulations, you guys!"
"You'll be my maid of honor won't you?" Kate smiles at me.
"Of course! Oh! So much to do!"
"You'll be my best man, bro."
"After paying for Ireland, I better be."
XxXxXx
"You're as excited as Kate is, I think."
Christian and I are taking a late night walk on the beach alone.
I squeeze his hand that's entwined in mine. "I doubt that, but it's so exciting! They've been wanting this step for so long and have been so patient for it! I know that Kate wants babies asap, so hopefully we'll have little nieces or nephews soon." Eep, I can't wait!
"I guess I just don't understand the importance of that piece of paper."
"Christian. It's more than a piece of paper!"
"It is?"
I stop. "Of course it is! It's a covenant, Christian. A promise and a connection that is soul-deep. Sure, some people treat marriage and divorce like it's another day, but not everyone. Some of us realize just how binding and beautiful it is. To be bound to your person... to share in everything life has to offer... gosh. It's so deep. You celebrate together, fight together, through rough times and good... you know that the two of you have each other and that you're going to make it..." I sigh. "My heart is just so full for them Christian. They've got forever in their future." I let out another deep sigh and he reaches up and wipes the tears of my cheeks. I hadn't realized I even started.
"And you want that. You want that... covenant as you call it. In the future." He's searching my eyes.
Damn it.
"I... well, yes. I always dreamed of falling in love with my person and getting engaged and having an intimate little ceremony before we run off somewhere to lock ourselves in bed for days to christen the marriage." I grin and shake my head, but it's bittersweet. "But things are different now. I have to choose."
"What do you mean?" He looks heartbroken.
"I have to choose... between you and Ellie... or a possibility of a marriage. I know how you feel and I promise you I wont force you into a marriage. It's not what the kind of marriage I want looks like." My heart is broken at the thought of not having something that has always been so important to me. But I have to choose, whether I like it or not.
"But you're here."
I nod.
"So as of right now..."
"I choose you."
"I don't know if I can change."
I shake my head. "Baby, I'm not asking you to. Like I said, I won't push it. It should be organic. We should just fit if it's meant to be." What I want to say is that I feel unworthy. He has his heart, soul, child, finances, and assets to guard and I'm just unworthy of truly having and holding any aspect of it, but he's sharing his daughter and a small part of his heart with me, so I'm grateful. Those are the most important parts.
The money and assets I don't care about. It doesnt hurt that he doesn't want to share that stuff with me... or even trust me enough to touch his assets... but it's devastating to know he doesn't trust me taking care of him- mind, body, and soul. He isn't willing to share more than just a part of himself with me and I'll have to learn to be okay with that... even though I feel like I'm offering my inner self up on a silver platter.
"Listen, I can't promise anything, but I'll try to understand. Be more open to the idea."
I don't want to listen. I don't want to hear anything that will get my hopes up just to be crushed again later.
I squeeze his hand and begin walking again. I want this talk to be over so my heart can be happy again.
"I want you to be happy, Ana."
That, I don't question. I know he wants me happy.
"I am. You and Ellie make me happy."
"She called you Mommy today."
My heart swells and I grin at the ground. "I know. Are you okay with that?"
"Of course I am. Like you said about things happening organically... I think we should just let her decide what to call you instead of forcing it one way or another. If she calls you Ana, great. If it's Mommy, then that's great, too."
"I like that." I bump his arm with my shoulder. "Thank you for sharing your child with me."
He stops and pulls me to him and I giggle at the roughness of it. He pecks my lips. "She's ours. And I'm the thankful one. I love you, Ana. I never knew I could feel for a woman like I feel for you. You've changed my outlook on everything, baby. On life, women, work... even myself. Marriage or not, you're stuck with me."
He can be so sweet when he wants to be. So open and truthful.
"I love you, too, Christian. You're my person."
He hums. "I like that. Now kiss me."
Thunder claps when our lips meet and it begins to rain causing me to squeal and pull away.
He grins. "I've always wanted to kiss in the rain."
He yanks me back to him and between the cool rain, his strong arms gripping me to him, and his soft lips on mine, the heartache from minutes before washes away. I'm with the love of my life, we're sharing a child together and sharing our time. I can be happy right now.
Teaser?
Up Next: Honestly mostly sexy time now that they've admitted they're in love. lol