Anastasia
Christian and I are about to meet in the den for our first look and to exchange presents and I feel like my heart is going to go diving out of my chest and fly around the room. My gift to him is the most intimate, precious thing I could give to him and I have no idea how he's going to respond. I hope he likes it. He has to.
"Anastasia." I turn at the photographer's voice. "He's ready. Give me one minute and then come find him."
I nod and take a deep, cleansing breath. My future is literally waiting for me just a few doors down. I find myself wanting to squeal like a little girl at the thought of it. I found my person. I never thought I would. And then, when I found him, I never thought I would be standing here in a wedding dress. I never thought he would be able to commit to me; I thought I was unworthy or subpar because of it. I took it so offensively even though I tried my best not to. My therapist helped guide me through my feelings of inadequacy and then I turn around just to have the bum drop down on one knee and ask. He really does love me. He believes that I am his forever. I can't help my little dance at the thought of that as I make my way toward the door of the den. He wants me forever and I'm happy to give it to him.
Slowly, I open the door and I see Christian's shoulders raise as he takes a deep breath. He's faced away from me, but looks so handsome in his dark gray tweed jacket and pants. It fits him so snug and perfectly that I just want to reach up and squeeze his sexy little tushy.
Calm yourself, Steele. It's going to be hours before I get any piece of that ass, so I need to cool it.
Tasha is taking pictures and I actually color with the thought that she just took pictures of me ogling his backside. He's mine, though. I'll ogle as much as I want.
Tasha waves me closer and I realize I've been standing in the same spot for too long. I try to bite back my giggle, but fail.
"You've got all of two seconds to come to me before I come get you, babydoll."
Now, I'm laughing. "Keep your hair on, Grey. I'm here." I can't help myself when I get to him and pinch his tush, making him startle a little before he turns on his heel.
"Oh, Ana." His breath leaves him in a rush and I find myself getting teary-eyed just looking at his perfectly beautiful self dressed in wedding wear. "So fucking gorgeous."
He pulls me to him and I let him, resting my hands on his chest. His heart is beating hard and fast and it makes my smile even bigger. I've sent him into overdrive and I love every second of it.
He kisses my burgundy lips. "I can't wait to marry you."
I reach up and wipe the burgundy that has smudged his bottom lip. "Me either. You'll be mine soon."
He gives me a lopsided smirk. "I'm already yours, baby."
"Forever." I squeeze him, being careful to keep my face away from his white button-down so I don't get makeup all over it.
"Anastasia, why don't you give Christian your gift?" I had almost forgotten that Tasha was here. She holds out the rectangular box and I release him so I can take it from her.
"I had originally gotten you something else, but changed my mind at the last minute. It's something so special to me... and I hope that it is to you, too."
His eyebrows knit together in confusion, but he takes the box from me. "You got me something from Tiffany's?"
I giggle. "The box is borrowed. I promise it is definitely not from Tiffany."
He shakes his head and then pulls the top of the box off, his whole body stilling.
"Breathe, baby." I remind him.
His eyes find mine, but his chin remains dipped down toward the box.
"I wanted to surprise you tonight by telling you I went off birth control and that I was ready to try for a baby... but then I heard it could take a whole month for the birth control to work its way out of the system... so, I stopped taking it after my last period. Well, evidently you and I are very fertile people because we didn't even make it to the honeymoon." I shrug sheepishly. "Surprise."
"You're pregnant."
I nod. Shit. I'm freaking out. I can't read his face. Isn't this what he wanted?
Suddenly he throws the box halfway across the room and scoops me up, spinning me. I yelp in surprise, but then start giggling.
"I take it you're happy?" I ask, hugging his neck as he holds me off the ground.
"Jesus Christ, Anastasia." He sets me on my feet and when I get a good look at him, he has tears streaming down his face. "This is perfect. Absolutely perfect."
"Oh, Christian." I reach up and wipe at his tears. I should have known he would be in tears. His soft spot is family and his ultimate soft spot has been Ellie, so of course baby number two would send him to tears.
"I love you so much, Ana. This is the most precious gift you could have ever given me. Jesus. I can't believe it. I can't believe this is happening." His hands rest on the front of my stomach before they slip around to my hips and to my back, pulling me into a hug. "You've given me everything, Ana. We need to get married right this fucking second so we can start this honeymoon."
I giggle at him. "Soon, baby. I love you so much. I'm so excited for us. Ellie is going to be over the moon."
He pulls back and gives me a bright smile. "Speaking of Ellie..." He pulls an envelope out of his jacket and hands it to me. "She helped me with this."
I look from the envelope to him and back to the envelope.
"Go on, baby. It's your gift."
I reach for it and take a deep breath as I pull out a thick stack of papers that are trifolded. I look up at him once more as I unfold the papers.
JOINT PETITION FOR ADOPTION BY A STEP PARENT
Eloise Grace Grey
Petitioner, Anastasia Rose Grey, being sworn, joined by the above-named child's father, Christian Trevelyan Grey, being sworn, files this joint petition for the adoption of the above named minor child.
I cover my mouth as I start to sob. He's making it official. I'll be her legal mom. My knees feel weak and I find myself kneeling on the floor. I'm trembling and I'm mad at myself for it. Strong emotions are so hard for me; I fall apart so fucking easy and I hate it... but hell. He's giving me his daughter.
"Ana! Easy, baby. Easy. You're fragile right now. Take a few breaths."
Fragile. I start to laugh. He's already so worried about the pregnancy. He uses a handkerchief to dab at my face and I sniffle.
"You got me a baby, too. We got each other babies for our wedding." I grin up at him and his dabbing stills, taking in my words. He starts to laugh, too. My favorite warm melted chocolate laugh that he does. It's so sexy and it always gives me goosebumps. He's giving me his whole world and it's more than I ever dreamed of. I want to do the same. I want both of our worlds to meld so cohesively that everything becomes blurred and it turns into one.
XxXxXx
I end up back in our master suite, sitting at the vanity while I get my make-up reapplied. I sobbed most of it off and regret denying the waterproof mascara she offered the first time. I just hate trying to get it off my face... but, today it's worth it. So, this application, I request the waterproof.
Christian is sitting on the bed with Ellie, watching me. He is supposed to be down in the cellar with the other men drinking, but when I told him that we'd be okay, he refused. I have a feeling that my newfound pregnancy might have something to do with it, but I don't pry. I like having him here with me. It calms me... and watching him with our daughter sends my heart fluttering.
Ellie is sitting in the middle of the bed playing on her iPad while Christian leans back on one elbow and watches, but I can see that he's anxious. His socked feet are shaking with excitement and it makes me grin while the tech tries to put my makeup on.
"Tell her, Christian." I know he wants to.
He turns to look at me and I give him a subtle nod.
"Ellie, can you put your iPad away for a few? Mommy and I have news for you."
Her eyebrow quirks like her father's always does. "It better be good news."
"The best."
Her face brightens with a smile and she turns off the screen of her iPad, throwing it on the bed beside her. "Okay, I'm listening."
"Well, this morning, we all got a big present."
"Okay? Where is it?"
"In her tummy." He nods toward me.
She looks confused for a minute and her eyes flick to my stomach before realization hits. Her mouth drops open.
"I'm getting my baby brother?!" She shrieks, sitting tall on her knees. "Daddy! Tell me that we're getting a baby!"
He laughs. "Yes, lovebug. Ana's pregnant. We found out this morning."
Ellie squeals and hops off the bed to come hug me. She jostles the makeup assistant on the way and the woman looks a little annoyed, but I can't seem to care at the moment. My girl is so happy and I hug her tight as we giggle together.
"I'm finally getting my baby brother! It's about time!"
I laugh. "We don't know if it'll be a boy or girl, yet, Ellie. You'll still love it if it's a girl, right?" I rub her cheek with my thumb.
She frowns. "Well, if it's a girl, can we have another?"
My head falls back in a laugh. "You want us to try for a brother if the next one is a sister?" In my periphery, I see Christian nodding ecstatically.
"Yes. If you try for a brother, I promise I'll love my sister."
I giggle. "I think we can do that."
"When will we know if it's a boy or girl?"
My forehead wrinkles. "Um, I think it's toward the middle of the pregnancy. We still have a few months. In Spring probably."
"I'm going to pray for a brother until then. There's loads of time. I can't wait to go back to school and tell everyone! I'm the only one of my friends that doesn't have brothers and sisters."
"I know how you feel, Ellie girl. I wish I had siblings. We won't let you be an only child, okay?"
She smiles and looks down at my stomach before reaching up to pat it. "You have lots of growing to do, Mommy."
I groan. "I know. I'm going to look like I have a beach ball under my swimming suit by the end of summer."
She giggles at me. "Ashley said her mom waddled like a penguin when her belly got big."
"Oh, my god. I'm not going to waddle, am I?" I look at Christian, wide-eyed. He's in silent laughter on our bed.
"We won't make fun of Mommy if she waddles, will we, Daddy?" Ellie makes her way back to him, letting the tech finishing my makeup. When Christian doesn't answer, she changes her tune. "Okay, not much then. We promise, Mommy."
"Thanks." I deadpan.
XxXxXx
The wedding is over and I am officially a Grey! Our guests have filed into the library where cocktail hour has started while we do a few more photos with our small wedding party and our parents. Kate, Elliot, Mia, Ellie, and our parents are congregating in the main part of the house, where the wedding was set up. We got married in front of the giant windows, the mountains in the background, while it snowed. It was perfect.
"My Annie."
I turn to greet my father and give him a hug. "Hi, Daddy."
"You're a married woman now."
I smile up at him and nod. "I am."
He shakes his head. "I can't believe it."
I let out a laugh. "Thanks, Dad."
His gruffy laugh warms my heart. "That's not what I meant, Annie." He takes my hand. "I have something I want to give you. I know you two asked that there be no presents, but I wanted to."
"Daddy..."
"I want to see you open it." He points to a wrapped box sitting on one of the chairs and I go to retrieve it so I can open it with Christian.
"Oh, gosh, it's heavy!" I'm surprised by the heft, but it gets yanked out of my grasp so quickly I almost trip, thinking it's going to drop.
"You can't lift that, Anastasia!" My husband's voice is rough and half-panicked.
"What? Why not?" My father is confused. Christian winces at his question. He knows my father isn't the happiest with him still and he's worried that finding out he knocked up his daughter might send him over the edge. I want to tell Christian he has to tell him, but I'm a married woman now and definitely old enough to fight my own battles.
"Annie... what is he saying?"
I turn back toward my father and take his rough, callused hands. "Daddy, I'm pregnant."
"You are?" He shocks me to my core when I see him get teary-eyed.
I nod. "I found out this morning. Daddy... please don't cry." It's breaking my heart.
He yanks me to him and hugs me, swaying us. "My Annie's pregnant. I went from no grandbabies to two in one day."
I laugh at his epiphany.
"You have to tell your mother! Carla! Carla Steele! Get your ass over here!"
"Jesus, Ray. Where's the fire?" My mother comes hurrying over, smacking him on the arm.
"Our daughter has something to tell you." Dad smiles at me, while he holds my mom against him.
"Oh, what is it?"
I look up at Christian and see him grinning like a little boy. He's so ecstatic about the news and I am so glad that I made myself take a test this morning instead of waiting. Wrapping my arm around my new husband, I hug him to me and dance a little. "Mom, we're going to have a baby."
"WHAT? ARE YOU SERIOUS?"
"SHHH!" I hush her and grab her by the arms hugging her close. "No one knows, yet."
She's dancing in my arms though and hugs me tight. "I'm so excited! Christian! Hug your mother-in-law!" Letting go of me, she wraps him up and squeezes him. I'm beginning to think she likes him more than she likes me now. It doesn't really bother me though. It's not like I can blame her, I like him better, too.
Christian
The pictures are done, the food has been eaten, the cake cut, the first dance finished. Now, while everyone continues to party downstairs, I have my new wife all to myself while we enjoy a nice long, relaxing bubble bath. We're planning on heading back down in a few hours to celebrate NYE with everyone, but I needed this time alone with her and I know she feels the same way.
"That was everything I ever wanted, Christian."
I kiss her neck while she lays between my legs in the bath. "I'm glad, baby. And now we're married...and growing our family." My hands rest on her flat stomach. It's so surreal that our baby is nestled inside. I've wanted more babies for years, but thought it was something that I would never have. Who knew Elliot would be the one to change that. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have my angel in my life. Ellie wouldn't have a mother worth her time and our family wouldn't be growing. She's the center of our world now.
"It only gets better from here, husband."
I groan at the name and nibble on her neck. "Say it again."
"Say what?" She says coyly. "Husband?" She turns in my arms and straddles my legs. I push my legs together so it's more comfortable for her. "I'll say it again. I need my husband to lift me out of this bathtub and dry me off because, even though it's warm and luxurious, sealing our vows and our marriage sounds much better. I've been craving you all morning. I need a release that only you can provide. Are you up for the challenge, husband?"
Growling, I nip at her lips before kissing her fully, making quick work to taste her mouth and take her tongue. I am more than up for the challenge. I'll be making sure no one wonders what we've done up here all afternoon. She won't be able to walk straight for days by the time I get finished with her.
XxXxXx
After a few rounds between the sheets and a much needed nap, my new wife and I make our way down to celebrate NYE with our guests. When we enter, there are claps and congratulations throughout the room.
"Um, thanks?" They already congratulated us at the reception, so I'm thoroughly confused. I'm quite sure our parents aren't congratulating us on sealing our marriage, although that might be entertaining.
Ellie comes running over to greet us and I pick up my girl, her long legs draping over my waist. Soon, she'll be too big to pick up and with all honesty, I know she'll fight me on it, so I'll enjoy this little part of her still being my baby for now. She's getting so big and she'll be ten in February. I can't believe that she'll be so old already. I hope she never grows out of the cuddles she gives us. She's always been so affectionate... at least when her friends aren't around. I hope it doesn't stop, even though I know the teenage years could be brooding and hormonal.
My mother laughs. "Your daughter let it slip that she'll have a baby brother soon."
"Ah, she did, huh?" I look at my girl, whose face turns red and she ducks into my neck.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to." I kiss her head while she hides.
"It's okay, lovebug. We were going to tell everyone anyway. You're just excited."
Ana rubs her back. "I'm so glad you're excited, Ellie girl. We're going to have so much fun with this pregnancy, aren't we?"
Ellie finally reappears from my neck with a giant grin on her face. "Yes, Mommy. It's going to be so much fun."
Everyone comes to congratulate us, but I ask them to hold off until we get something to eat. Ana is hungry and the spread of appetizers and snacks that are out is too inviting to wait for. That doesn't stop Kate from hanging onto Ana while she goes through the buffet line.
"I'm going to be an aunt again! I can't wait! I'm with Ellie. I want a boy."
Ana giggles while Kate clings to her. "If not, I'm sure you'll have your chance soon."
"Oh, I hope so! I want to be pregnant together."
"They'll be best friends."
"They'll take over the world!" Kate lets out an evil laugh and I just shake my head.
"That's a lot to put on a tiny little fetus. Let's get them through the birth canal first."
Kate's smile widens and I wish I didn't insert myself because now she's clinging to my waist. "Ah, brother-in-law. Father of my niece and future niece or nephew. You have no idea what you're in for, do you?"
I cock an eyebrow while I add a couple chicken wings to my plate. "I think it's best if I just find out as we go, don't you?"
She nods. "It's going to be so fun to watch you and Elliot deal with the two of us and the children."
"Daddy, Aunt Kate said we could redecorate my room while you're on your honeymoon."
I look down at my daughter and back at Kate who has finally let me go. "And you're already starting?"
She grins at me. "Her room is still decorated for a five year old. She's going to be a whole decade old soon. It's time for change. It's my birthday gift to her. I promise not to go too overboard."
"Aunt Kate said I can have glitter purple walls."
Kate makes a cut it out motion with her hand and stops quickly when I catch her. She laughs. "Don't worry about all the details, Christian. It'll look fabulous. You just wait and see."
Anastasia
"We're going to head upstairs to bed." Ron is holding Ellie, who is sleeping against his shoulder.
"Are you okay carrying her upstairs? Christian can carry her for you."
He waves me off. "I'm too old to stay up til midnight, but not old enough to need help carrying my granddaughter."
Christian presses a kiss to her warm pink cheek, making her stir. "Night, Daddy."
"Night, lovebug. We'll see you in the morning."
I hug Lydia. "Thank you for helping take care of Ellie today."
"It's never a problem. Congratulations on your pregnancy. It's such a blessing."
I give her a smile, my hand resting on my flat stomach. "Are you ready for another grandbaby?"
Lydia looks honestly shocked by what I say and I wince, worried that I overstepped a boundary. Her eyes fill with tears. "You consider this baby our grandchild?"
"Well, yes. It's Ellie's sibling. That's okay isn't it?" My heart is beating out of my chest. I shouldn't have assumed.
She yanks me in for another hug and squeezes me tight. "Absolutely. Thank you. Thank you for including us in your world."
"Lydia, I consider you family." Christian responds. "We both do. We consider this child as much your family as Ellie is."
Letting me go, Lydia hugs Christian as she cries. "I never thought... well, damn. This is just wonderful."
I smile up at Ron, who also looks happy. Ducking down, he presses a kiss to my cheek. "I never thought I'd be blessed with another grandbaby."
I giggle. "Well, consider yourself blessed. You'll probably have a couple more to be honest."
"I love that."
Christian gives me a wink, telling me he likes that idea.
Elliot asks Christian if he wants dealt into another round of Poker, but he declines, surprising me. Kate, Mia, Gail and I are going to watch Dirty Dancing before we turn on the ball dropping.
"Are you sure you want to watch this with us?"
He plops down on one of the couches and pulls me into his lap. "Absolutely. I've never watched this movie from start to finish before."
My mouth drops. "Who the hell did I marry? What kind of person are you?"
He tickles me lightly, making me giggle. "The kind that's too busy."
"Well, not anymore, mister. You're watching it tonight."
"At least there won't be any straw action this time."
I cock an eyebrow at him. "No, but that doesn't mean I won't be reciting the lines like last time."
"Sounds like a fair compromise." His hand rests on my stomach and he gives me a wink.
"You think that now." I don't bother to tell him that when we get together, Kate always does Johnny's lines while I do Baby's and that we recreate their dance minus the lift when it's time. Making eye contact with Kate, we both laugh. "You're in for a treat, Christian."
XxXxXx
"What the fuck did I just witness?"
I giggle as I straddle him on the couch. "You just witnessed what girls do when they have sleepovers. Now, you'll never have to wonder what happens."
He gives me an entertained grin. "Please tell me there are short nighties and pillow fights included."
"Of course, baby. I wouldn't ruin that for you." I laugh and give him a kiss. "You're adorable."
He cocks an eyebrow at me. "I just watched you do a choreographed dance with Kate and I'm the adorable one?"
I nod. "And if you're a good boy, I'll teach it to you."
"I have no intentions on being a good boy during our honeymoon." He pulls me in for a kiss that makes me sink into him.
"Who has time for a dance anyway?"
The ten second countdown starts on the television and I raise my shoulders in excitement. We're going into the new year as husband and wife. This is going to be an even better year than this one.
"3...2...1! Happy New Year!" Noise makers and clappers are loud all around us while music plays on the television, but everything gets drowned out when Christian yanks my mouth back to his, kissing me with everything he has. I scoot closer to him, my hips grinding into his hard-on while his hands rest on my ass. His kiss is aggressive and his tongue demanding and it's everything I want for bringing in the new year.
When we finally pull away, our foreheads meet while we pant.
"Jesus, Christian. You sucked the life out of me."
He squeezes my backside and tries to pull me closer, even though I'm already flush against him. "I can't help it. You're everything I need, Ana. Thank you for becoming my wife. Thank you for being a mother to Ellie. Thank you for carrying our second baby. This is going to be the best year of my life."
My eyes fill with tears. "Christian." I don't know what to say. I'm completely speechless. "I... Fuck. I can't wait to fly off to Aruba so I can show you how appreciative I am."
"Twelve hours, baby. Thirteen and we'll be joining the mile high club. Eighteen before I get you in itty bitty bikinis in crystal clear waters."
After spending the last few days in cold and snow, I am more than ready to get Christian to myself for two weeks in the sun and sand. I've never gotten him to myself before. If I wasn't already pregnant, I'm sure I would be after this honeymoon.
I hum. "Can't wait."
Epilogue is next.