Chapter 11

Six months have passed since Grace and Carrick had become a positive fixture in both Ana and Trista's life. Ana found a mother figure in Grace and Ray found another fishing buddy. The Steele and Grey families had found a deep friendship. Trista was more than happy to have more grandparents and an aunt and uncle who loved to spoil her.

The only thing she didn't have was a father. Christian never asked to meet her, nor did he ever ask about her during meetings with Steele Securities Experts. Of course, Ana never divulged any information about her daughter. He was left out of the circle and was looking in. He didn't know how to approach either Ana or Trista. He was non-existent at his parents' home in fear that he would be forced to leave if Ana or Trista was there. He knew that his parents were allowed to keep Trista for long weekends. He didn't think he would be welcomed.

Trista was now almost four years old and in a very prestigious preschool. She was extremely intelligent. She still had her security team to keep her safe and a very cautious mother who kept tabs on everyone and anyone who encountered her precious daughter.

Grace was concerned. Christian had become a stranger to her home, and she didn't like it one little bit! She understood that he thought he had to avoid the Steeles because of his personal issues, but she was fed up with his behavior. Six months was enough time for him to get settled with the fact that he was a father. It was true that Ana made no demands on him, however, it broke Grace's heart to think that her beloved boy was so heartless. How could he not want to know his own child?

With her strong determination, Grace threw caution to the wind. She would interfere! She sat in Christian's office at GEH having a cup of tea waiting for him to finish with a meeting. When Christian finally appeared, Grace took a moment to gaze upon her beloved son. He was magnificent in body and looks. No wonder every woman in Seattle and the State of Washington wanted him. "Hello, my son."

"Mother." Christian said lowly as he bent over and kissed her cheek. "Why do I have the pleasure of your company?"

Grace brought the teacup to her lips. "Can't a mother stop by and see her son that she hasn't seen in weeks? Why are you avoiding us?"

"I'm not avoiding …"

"Bullshit!" Grace said sternly. "You have denied every invitation and request sent by us."

"I've been busy with work."

Grace felt her anger begin to come to the surface. Only her son could make her forget her genteel upbringing. "My darling boy, once again, I say bullshit!"

"Mother, really?"

"Are you that afraid of a little girl and her mother?"

Christian went to his chair and sat down. "I'm just staying away for their own protection. I will only bring heartache to them."

"You are impossible! You are the child's father."

"And it's my job to protect her, even from me." He placed his hands flat on his desk. "Mother, Anastasia Steele is more than qualified to take care of Trista. They don't need me."

Grace shook her head. "That may be true, son, but you sure as hell need them."

Three weeks had passed since his mother had spoken those words to him. He quickly sought out Dr. Flynn to discuss his mother's words and the effect it had on him. He was confused, filled with doubt, and yes, there was fear. A fear that he would never be good enough for them. A fear that he would hurt them. He had to admit that he was not a good man. He was selfish, arrogant, and he did not like to be told no. He did not want anyone to undermine his authority and Miss Anastasia Steele was the kind of woman who would. She would point out his shortcomings and make him deal with them. He couldn't have that! But there is always a but in these kinds of situations…he wanted her! He wanted her as his own and he wanted to know his daughter. Was Trista like him, hard-headed, stubborn, and willful? Did she like macaroni and cheese? Was she musically inclined? He had so many questions, but he was afraid to ask them. His mother had been correct! He was afraid of a little girl and her mother. Now, the question was: how to deal with this fear and overcome it!

The holiday season was upon them, and everyone was happy and cheerful. Decorations spanned the world with greens, reds, and silvers. Christmas music filled the air. Every where one turned then was a reminder that Christmas was just around the corner. Christian didn't pay much attention to the celebrations about him. His business was bustling and keeping him busy. He, though, made sure that Andrea, his PA cleared his schedules for any holiday events that his parents called about and requested his presence. From the day after Thanksgiving, until the New Year's, the Grey family was hosting or attending some social event. Christian learned that he was expected to attend and there were no exceptions…except his own death! Grace was more than serious!

So, he complied! He attended different charity events that the Grey family were sponsoring, and he even did a shift on a soup line dishing up food to homeless vets during Thanksgiving Weekend. He was surprised that Miss Steele was not in attendance, but learned from his mother that Ana and Trista had returned to Montisano with Raymond to work a VA event. Christian had to smile. Ana had a sense of duty also to help others.

The first Saturday in December brought Christian and Ana together at Carrick and Grace's home. This was the first time they had seen each other outside of the security business and with Trista in tow. Ana knew that he would be attending this casual family dinner, but she felt it was time for Trista to least have the chance to see the man that sired her. Also, Ana wanted to see his reaction to the little girl because it would help her make decisions about letting Carrick and Grace have more time with the child.

"Christian." Ana softly said as she stood before him with Trista at her side. They were in the grand foyer of Grey Estate.

"Ana." he said lowly as his eyes drank her in. As always, Ana looked like she walked off the pages of the best dressed issue of Vogue. "Lovely as ever." His eyes went to the little girl who stared boldly up at him with those unusual sky-blue eyes. "And who is this little angel?"

Ana's eyes grew a bit at his words, but she kept her composure. "This is my daughter, Trista." She said with a proud smile. "Trista, this is Mr. Grey, Grandma's son."

Being the polite child she was, Trista offered her little hand. "Are you my uncle like Uncle Elliot?" She asked with a giggle. "Uncle Elliot is so much fun. He makes me laugh."

"Umm…" Christian didn't know how to answer her very innocent question and he turned to Ana for assistance.

"Mr. Grey is kind of an uncle, and we will discuss it later in private." She gave Trista a smile which seemed to pacify the child. "Why don't you scamper on down to the family room? I think Grandma Grace and the Pop-pops are waiting for you."

The two watched as Trista skipped down the hall and heard the raising of voices from the family room of people welcoming the child.

"Pop-pops?" Christian asked.

"That's what she called Carrick and my dad when they are together."

"She is beautiful."

"I think she is." Ana folded her hands before her. "Is there something you need, Mr. Grey?"

Christian nodded his head. "Yes, please call me Christian. You did it before. We shouldn't be so formal with each other."

"And why do you think that? We have no ties except business."

"Anastasia, we have one giant tie…our daughter." Christian stepped forward which made Ana take a step backward. He looked up and his smile grew. Above Ana's head was a large ball of mistletoe. "If I remember correctly, if one is found under the mistletoe, a kiss is in order."