A/N: Thank you everyone for reading my story so far! All good things must come to an end, however: after this chapter will come the epilogue to this story. I've loved writing this fic, and I'm grateful for all your continued love and support! Hope to see you all in the epilogue :)

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter 29: When Push Comes to Shove

Ana could tell that Grace, Carrick, and Christian wanted to stand on this curb and catch up with each other as much as possible after all these months apart. However, after about five minutes, Taylor had to step forward and awkwardly remind them that their car was currently parked in a loading zone and needed to be moved soon if they didn't want to get ticketed, and also that Stephen needed to get the private jet into the air soon if they wanted to make it back to Seattle tonight.

"Oh, I suppose we do need to get going," Grace said regretfully.

"Look – if you guys want to go home on the private jet tonight, that's completely fine and I won't stop you. But I was hoping the two of you might want to spend one more night here in New York City," Christian offered them. "I know you checked out of The Plaza already, but I have a guest room at my apartment you're free to stay in for the night. What do you think?"

Grace and Carrick both looked like they really liked that idea as they glanced at each other. "I wouldn't mind having to take a commercial flight tomorrow," Grace said, smiling at her husband. "What do you say, darling?"

"I wouldn't mind either," Carrick said, turning to Chistian. "Are you sure you'd like us to stay the night at your place though, Christian? We wouldn't want to impose."

"I'm absolutely sure," Christian said sincerely. "I think the three of us could stand to be under the same roof again, for one night at least. Don't you think?"

Carrick and Grace gave him a sincere smile. "I suppose it's worth a try," Carrick agreed. "Thank you, son. We'd love to spend one more night in New York with you."

"Great," Christian grinned, and he turned his gaze to Ana. She gave him an understanding smile, knowing this change of events meant she probably couldn't stay the night tonight.

"I'm really happy for you guys," she said sincerely, glancing over at Carrick and Grace. "Truly, I think it's great you're staying one more night in the city. I hope the four of us can spend more time together soon."

"I'm sorry that this throws a wrench in our plans tonight, baby," Christian said to her quietly, moving forward so he was right in front of her, and he took her hand. "I promise to make it up to you tomorrow."

"Ana, you don't have to say goodbye just yet," Grace said kindly to Ana. "You two are adults. Carrick and I don't mind that the two of you spend the night together, do we Carrick?"

Ana couldn't help but blush. While she knew Christian's parents likely weren't prudish about their son's sex life, she really didn't feel comfortable throwing their intimate relationship in their faces so soon after meeting them. "That's okay, Grace. I have to work in the morning anyway, and I don't have any clean clothes at Christian's apartment. It's probably better if I go back to my place tonight anyway."

"If you're sure," Christian said, gazing at her with a small smile. "I'll miss you."

Ana's heart clenched with a tender affection for this man. She smiled back at him. "I'll miss you too. I'll see you tomorrow after work?"

"Of course," Christian assured her, and he leaned down to press a sweet kiss to her lips. Ana momentarily forgot his parents were right there when she melted into him a bit.

"Look at them, Cary," Grace said fondly as Christian and Ana broke apart. "Remember when we were that young and in love?"

"You guys were young?" Christian teased, and Grace shot him a look.

"Oh stop it, you," she said with amusement, moving over to Ana and pulling her into her arms. Ana smiled as she hugged her back. "If we don't see you before we leave, Ana, I just want to say it was lovely meeting you. We didn't realize Christian had a girlfriend when we came to New York, but we are both so happy he found you. The two of you seem very much in love."

Ana couldn't help but smile at the fact she had basically gotten her boyfriend's parents' approval. "Thank you, Grace. I do love your son, but he can attest that my feelings for him definitely didn't start out that way. Maybe he can tell you the whole story."

"Oh yes. It's an epic tale," Christian assured his mother. "One that involves speed dating excursions and boat trips to IKEA."

Grace laughed. "Well then, I look forward to hearing it," she said, sounding amused as she and Ana broke apart. Carrick then moved over to Ana and shook her hand.

"It was great meeting you, Ana. I'm sure the four will get to spend more time together soon," he said, and he sounded sincere. Ana smiled back, though something else prickled in the back of her mind as she did so.

"I hope so too, Carrick."

"I'll give you a ride to your apartment, baby," Christian said to Ana, moving over to her side before looking over at his parents. "Taylor can drive you guys to my place and I'll meet you there. Would that be alright?"

"Of course, sir," Taylor agreed.

"Oh, Taylor!" Grace suddenly turned to their head of security, looking concerned. "I'm so sorry, we didn't consider you. Where are you going to stay the night tonight?"

"Don't worry about me, ma'am," Taylor said to Grace kindly. "If it's alright with all of you, I can just go back to Seattle tonight with Stephen, and that way your son can take you and Mr. Grey to the airport tomorrow."

"That might be for the best," Christian agreed. "Sorry Taylor, I don't have an extra guest room for you to stay in, apart from the couch."

"It's quite alright, sir. I trust you to look after the two of them while I'm gone," Taylor said to Christian, and he gave him a smile. "And, if you don't mind me saying… I think it's wonderful the three of you are speaking to each other again."

The sincerity in his voice was apparent, and Ana couldn't help but smile. Ana didn't really know this Taylor guy yet, but he seemed like a good sort – Christian walked over and clapped him on the shoulder, smiling gratefully.

"Thank you, Taylor. I appreciate that," Christian said truthfully, and Taylor nodded back, smiling.

All of them said their goodbyes before Christian and Ana walked away to where the valet had parked his car. Ana was silent, her mind going over everything that happened tonight and what it could potentially mean for the future – her future. Even she knew that a lot had changed tonight, though it hadn't quite been articulated yet.

She wasn't going to say anything right now, however. Tomorrow, though… tomorrow she and Christian would talk. And everything she wanted to say to him would come out.

She just hoped he would listen.

~/~

The following day was Friday, and Ana got ready for work like she normally did. Before she went into the office, she made sure to text Christian good morning and to ask him how his night with his parents went. He immediately responded that their night went really well, and after a moment he sent a selfie from his living room. Grace and Carrick were standing on either side of him, all of them smiling at the camera, and Christian added the caption 'Headed to JFK!'. Ana couldn't help the smile on her face as she looked at the picture. The three of them looked so happy together.

Truly, she was thrilled that Christian and his family were reconciling after so many months apart, but she also knew what this likely meant for Christian's future. Carrick wanted Christian to take over as CEO of Grey Enterprise Holdings, and despite Christian's initial reluctance to entertain the idea, Ana knew that he was probably seriously thinking about it. What that meant for their future relationship, however, she didn't know quite yet.

There were many paths forward from this point on, but Ana wanted to speak to Christian about what he wanted before she made any decisions yet.

The work day passed by fairly quickly, and Ana didn't hear from Christian again for the rest of the day. She assumed he had already taken his parents to the airport, so when the end of the day came, she decided to take a cab back to her own apartment. The moment she got home, she texted him:

Ana: So how was your day sweetie?

Christian: Much better now baby ;) where are you?

Ana: Just got home. I can come over right now if you're free?

Christian: I am, but I've got a better idea. Want to meet in Central Park for a walk before going out to dinner? Doesnt have to be too fancy

Ana: Aww so romantic Mr. Grey :)

Christian: You know it baby

Ana: Meet you there in an hour?

Christian: Sounds like a plan

Ana smiled down at her phone before moving to her closet to change out of her work clothes and into something more casual. A sunset walk in Central Park with her boyfriend honestly sounded like the perfect way to cap off her week.

~/~

It was a beautiful evening out, and Central Park was filled with its usual amount of pedestrians, joggers, bicyclists, and families picnicking out on the grass. Ana was wearing her favorite pair of skinny jeans, converse sneakers, and a light flannel; she now made her way to the large fountain in the middle of the park, where Christian asked her to meet him.

Ana soon spotted Christian standing near the fountain edge, looking like a male model in his dark wash jeans and brown crew neck sweater. He had his hands tucked in his pockets as he stood facing away from Ana, gazing out at the water, and Ana couldn't help but admire how handsome he looked. A group of women also standing nearby seemed to notice Christian as they cast him discreet admiring looks and hopeful smiles.

Ana approached Christian from behind, and when she was only a few feet away, he turned around to smile at her. "Hey baby."

"Hi," Ana smiled back at him, her heart fluttering in her chest. Would she always have this sort of reaction to him?

Christian reached out to her, pulling her body to his and leaning down to capture her lips with his own. Ana happily kissed him back, highly aware of the women nearby probably watching their little display.

Yup, he's mine. Suck it, ladies.

"…You're in a good mood," Ana smiled as they broke apart, her hands still on his chest. "Had a good day with your parents?"

"It was made better knowing I was going to see you later tonight," Christian smiled fondly down at her. He moved his hand down to lace his fingers through hers. "Ready?"

Ana nodded, and the two of them began making their way hand-in-hand down the pathway leading through the main part of Central Park. They were both silent as they took in the gorgeous weather and the nature around them, the tall New York City skyscrapers spread along the horizon.

"I don't think I've ever walked through Central Park before," Christian noted after a minute, gazing at the people and nature around them. "It's really beautiful."

"You've never been to Central Park, and you've never been to the IKEA in Brooklyn… how do you even call yourself a New Yorker?" Ana said teasingly.

"I know, I'm a fraud," Christian smirked. "How can you even stand to be around me?"

"Well, you've got some redeeming qualities, I s'pose," Ana smiled, nudging her arm against his. "So I guess you can stick around."

Christian smiled, though Ana could tell there was something else behind his eyes. His smile faded after a moment as he looked down at his feet. "Ana… when I moved to New York a few months ago, I didn't think this place would ever feel like home to me. I only moved here because there was a lot of opportunity in this city and it was far away from Seattle and GEH. Honestly, I never planned to put down any roots here… but then I met you, and all the plans I had for my life seemed to just fly out the window. I had been at such a low point in my life when I quit my job and moved here, but I thank God everyday I did come here, since otherwise I never would have met you."

Ana felt surprised and touched by his sudden confession, and she couldn't fight the emotion filling her heart as she gazed at him. "I feel the same way, Christian. I'm so incredibly thankful you ended up coming here and started working at Kavanaugh Media. I know this job didn't exactly work out the way you wanted it to, but I wouldn't change our story for the world."

"Me neither," Christian smiled at her. "Also, your intense dislike of me when we first met certainly makes our love story a lot more interesting. I told my mom how we met last night, by the way."

Ana blushed, groaning. "Oh God."

"Don't worry, I kept it PG," Christian chuckled. "My mom's not too nosy. My little sister, on the other hand, will probably try to get more details out of you. So be warned."

"Thanks for the heads up," Ana smirked, but her smile faded after a moment. "Christian, can I ask… are you bringing this up because you've decided that you're going to take over as CEO of GEH?"

Christian stopped walking, and Ana did too, looking over at him. He didn't look at her for a few seconds as he gazed down at their joined hands. "I know you asked me to think about it, and I have," he said, finally turning toward her. "My dad and I talked at length about it last night. There's still a lot of details to work out, but it sounds like an amazing opportunity that would be perfect for me. I'd be an idiot not to take it."

"You'd be great at it, Christian," Ana said sincerely, and she smiled. "Better than Eamon Kavanaugh was at his job, at least."

"Well, that's a pretty low bar to reach," Christian chuckled, and the two of them began to walk down the path again. "But I know that my decision could affect our relationship pretty significantly, and that's why I've been trying to think of a possible solution."

"Christian, if you think that –"

"I'm going to relocate GEH to New York."

Ana paused, too shocked by what he said to be able to form words. "Wait… what?" she asked after a moment, and she shook her head. "Christian, that's…"

"Being CEO of GEH is an amazing opportunity, but I don't want to take a job that's on the opposite side of the country from you," Christian said sincerely. "Once I'm CEO, I can do what I want with the company, and if I want to relocate our headquarters, I can."

"Christian," Ana said again, still a bit in shock. "That's… that's completely insane. Just think about the logistics of doing that! You'd have to find and purchase a building here in the city, and you know NYC real estate is practically criminal. You'd have to pay millions more in taxes, not to mention you'd have to convince all the GEH employees in Seattle to relocate across the country…"

"Ana, I know it would be difficult, but I'm willing to go through it if it means you and I can stay together," Christian insisted. "I love you more than anything in the world – I would move across the entire planet if it meant you and I could stay together. I realize that figuring out the logistics of the move will take some time, but my father's not retiring for at least a year, so we have plenty of time to figure things out…"

"No, Christian," Ana placed a hand on his arm, and the two of them stopped walking again. "We don't need to figure out any logistics, because there's a much simpler solution to this problem. I could just move to Seattle with you."

Now Christian appeared to be speechless as he stared at Ana. "No. Ana, I… I couldn't ask you to do that for me."

"And I couldn't ask you to move your entire business to the other side of the country for me," Ana said firmly. "If I moved to Seattle with you, it would make a lot more sense logistically and financially, wouldn't you say?"

"Well, I s'pose, but… you have your life here in New York," Christian insisted. "You have your job, your friends, and your apartment…"

"I moved to the city for work three years ago," Ana explained. "I have no family here, and as much as I love my friends, they would understand and support me if I decided to make a change. My mother is dead and my father lives in Portland – moving to Seattle would let me be closer to him. It's a win-win."

Christian still looked stunned that Ana was actually considering moving with him across the country, but the tentative hopefulness in his eyes told Ana that he really liked the idea. "What about your job at Kavanaugh Media? You're amazing at what you do, Ana – you shouldn't have to walk away from that."

"I know I love my job, but there are other marketing agencies," Ana shrugged. "Preferably, ones that didn't try to screw over my boyfriend and jeopardize his future for the sake of the CEO's spoiled daughter."

"Very true," Christian conceded. "There may be other agencies, or perhaps… a job at GEH."

Ana raised her eyebrows. "You're offering me a job? Wouldn't that be showing favoritism?"

"Half of the executive positions at the company were held by members of my family. I think we're a little past favoritism at this point," Christian said amusedly.

Ana chuckled. "I suppose that's true. So is the job you're offering me your old position?"

"Would you have a problem with that?" Christian asked. "I know what the Director of Marketing role entails and I honestly think you would be fantastic in it."

"Thank you, but I don't know how comfortable I would be coming into the company as the boss's girlfriend to take over the marketing department," Ana said, grimacing uncomfortably. "Although I wouldn't mind a lower level marketing position and being able to work my way up."

"Baby, you can do whatever you're comfortable with," Christian smiled, taking both of her hands in his own and squeezing them affectionately. "You can even be my personal secretary and bring me coffee every morning if you want."

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?" Ana teased, moving closer so she could wrap her arms around his neck; Christian's hands automatically went to her waist. "So are we really doing this?"

"It sounds like we are," Christian said, sounding just as flabbergasted as Ana felt. "We're moving to Seattle."

Ana couldn't fight the wide, happy smile from spreading across her face. "We're moving to Seattle."

The next moment, Ana let out a surprised gasp as Christian swept her up in his arms, pressing his lips to hers in an exuberant kiss as he spun them around in a circle. Ana clung onto his shoulders as he finally set her on her feet again, still kissing her like his life depended on it.

"I love you so much, Ana," Christian whispered against her lips after several moments, smiling as he brought a hand up to cup the side of her face, brushing his thumb along her cheek. "And I promise you – we are going to get married someday. That's what I want for us. I want us to start a family and build a life together. And I can't wait to spend the rest of my life showing you, every minute of every day, how much I love you."

Ana's heart felt like a helium balloon, and it was everything she could do not to float right up into the sky. A tear slipped down her cheek as she let out a laugh, smiling up at Christian. "I can't wait for that future, Mr. Grey."

Christian smiled again before leaning down and kissing her, and Ana happily kissed him back.

A/N: I'm sure all of you figured this was coming :) If you enjoyed this chapter, please review! And be sure to stay tuned for the happy ending next chapter in the epilogue.