Hello all, thank you for the awesome reviews and for staying with me. I know I have been slow posting lately but I am doing better and everything's getting back to normal. Or as normal as can be expected.
I appreciate each and everyone of you.
Chapter Recap 14
Well they told her everything she needed to know. She told everyone she didn't blame them for what happened to her and Gail.
Dr. Blackmon told them she was stronger than they thought and she could handle it.
Well I left it with a destination wedding and it's coming up. Ana is recovering very well and we have a time jump.
Chapter 15 Family Thanksgiving Time Jump
"Annie Rose, did you see the look on everyone's face when we said destination wedding on December thirty first? I thought your mom and mine were either going to kill us or have a heart attack."
He says walking into the kitchen.
"Annie Rose my love what in the world do you think you are doing? You go and sit down right now. Just because you are doing better and the physical therapist released you last week doesn't mean you can climb on chairs and try to get something on the top shelf. I am here to help you love."
"Christian I was being careful and holding on the counter. I need the poultry seasoning for the dressing please."
"It doesn't matter what you were doing, you don't need to be doing that. I will get what you need. Is there anything I can help you with?"
"Yes you can get me the roasting pan on the bottom shelf. The dutch oven, the large one, the ham out of the fridge and the pineapples. Oh yes, the brown sugar on the counter."
She says smiling at him.
"Well I did ask, didn't I? Ok but you have two large dutch ovens, which one?"
"Oh that's right mom got me another one. The blue one please thank you Boo."
"Anything else before I go to my office?"
He sees she is thinking. Might as well sit down. He says to himself.
"Ok if you want to help me. I need a few onions, eggs, buttermilk and crisco please."
"That's for the cornbread right? Then you are going to make the dressing out of it?"
"Yes it is. I am also fixin deviled eggs. You can put two dozen eggs in that black pot that is already on the stove and add a little bit of salt. Let the water start to boil and set the timer for fifteen minutes. I'll yell when they are done."
"I'll just sit here with you and wait on the eggs. What else are we fixin?"
She looks at him like we..I'm doing the cooking here.
"I know what that look is and yes I said we. I am going to help you love. The office can wait, it's just some paperwork and I need your signature on them as well as mine."
"What paperwork and what do I need to sign?"
"The final sale papers on the two helicopters we sold. I have signed and you need to sign them. With the sale of those two helicopters and the med a vac helicopter that was sold last week we officially became the second richest people in the world this morning."
He tells her getting up and grabbing her around the waist and spinning them around.
"Christian Grey if you don't put me down I am going to throw up all over you."
She says laughing and he slows down and hugs her.
"Wow, that is amazing. I knew we were moving up but had no idea we were getting that close."
"Yeah, it seems like the sales put us on top with everything else we have done. You know with the sale of the condos we sold on Virginia Beach, the beachside hotel and restaurant with the waterpark we opened in North Carolina has put us over the top in the business world."
"Wow, that's amazing now we can open the other food bank and shelter we talked about."
"Yes love we can and El is bringing the blueprints so we can look at them after we have had our supper."
"Ok good now let's get back to cooking shall we?"
"Yes my love we got off track let's do this feast."
"Ok if you say so. Well then you can wash the sweet potatoes and dry then. Put some olive oil on them with a brush and then poke holes in them with a fork. Wrap them in aluminum foil and put them in that pan right there on the counter. Then put the pan on the middle rack in the oven. I am so glad we have double ovens. Mom and dad knew just what to get us."
He looks over at her and sees she has the key limes, a Mountain Dew, a bundt pan and a three round cake pans.
"I am making my key lime pie, Mountain Dew Cake and Double Chocolate Fudge Cake. Yes for you my darlin."
"Oh my lord, it all sounds so good."
"We are also fixin fresh white corn on the cob. Can you believe Mr. Bosley grew all this in his green house and fresh green beans? Well they are from his greenhouse but they are fresh."
"Yes he told me he did when he brought all this up to you. Wonder if we can do that?"
"I'm sure we could but I want a garden for tomatoes, cantaloupes, watermelons, green beans, okra and so forth, you know."
"Um, who is going to take care of all that?"
She sees him thinking and she stops him.
"Well my Boo we are because we are cutting back on work and we will have plenty of time. When you can't do it I will and vice-versa. No, we will not be asking the guys to help unless they want some for themselves. Do you hear me Christian Grey?"
"Yes my sweet girl I hear you."
"We will also be taking some to the Farmers Markets."
"Ok love. Now what is on the menu for Thanksgiving love?"
"We are having: ham, turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn on the cob, glazed carrots, long grain brown rice, deviled eggs, dressing, giblet gravy, macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce and biscuits. Dad wants potato salad and Carrick wants steamed broccoli with cheese."
"That all sounds delicious."
"For dessert we are having my key lime pie, mountain dew cake, your Double chocolate fudge cake. I am pretty sure our moms are making some desserts too. They haven't told me yet. I know my grandmother is making a red velvet cake with cream cheese icing."
"Ok Boo take the eggs up and pour the hot water out of them and put cold water in the pan. I"ll peel them in a little while."
"Oh my goodness I am going to get fat but it will be worth it."
"Just that much more to love. Besides, you will never get fat you work out all the time."
"Yes I do and I do it just for you my darlin."
"You are blowin wind now Boo. You know you do it for you too."
"Yes love I do to keep in shape and stay healthy. You are going to start in a few months, running with me again right?"
"Yes I am. I need to build my leg muscles back up. Look, they are getting flabby."
He walks over to her and lifts her leg looking at it and leans down and kisses her calf up to her thigh.
"Stop, what are you doing? I have to cook and don't have time for that."
"I always have time to show you how much I love you."
"Well not right now you don't. We have to get all this prepared for cooking in a little while. You should have woken up when I asked you earlier Boo."
"Well we did have a late night. How come you are bright eyed and bushy tail this morning? Didn't you drink as much as I did last night?"
"My love I did drink with our friends but not near as much as you did with Elliot and the guys. Y'all were putting them away as fast as the server was bringing them to them y'all."
"I don't remember drinking that much."
"Well you did and you could barely walk out of the club. Jason and Luke helped you and Elliot to the car."
"I am sorry love I won't do that again."
"It was alright and I know you won't. Go take the Advil and drink the orange juice I left you on the nightstand."
"Ok I'm going to take a quick shower, want to join me?"
He bounces his eyebrows up and down.
"You're not funny right now, get out of here and hurry back. I love you."
"Can't blame a man for trying."
"Oh go on with you."
He laughs and walks away taking off his shirt and looking back at her over his shoulder.
"Tempting, very tempting love. Now go."
He just laughs and walks on out of the room.
Oh I just had an awesome idea for his wedding clothes. Mercy me…not now get your mind out of the gutter or Christian…but so tempting..so damn tempting.
She sits there preparing the lemon pound cake ingredients and gets that done. Now she sprays her bundt pan. She mixes her lemon pound cake ingredients and pours it in the pan.
She sits it to the side and starts on the double fudge chocolate cake for her Boo. She mixes it all up and uses the hand mixer as she adds the ingredients in the bowl. She has that ready to pour into her three round cake pans.
She starts on the key lime pie, well two of them. She makes the crust from scratch like her grandmother taught her to do. She has the pie ready to pour into the crust and sets it aside for now with the others.
She grabs her bowl to make the cornbread after mixing that all up she greases her pan and pours the cornbread mix over in it.
She decides to wait on Christian so he can put the huge ham in the dutch oven for her. It is still hard for her to pick up anything over ten pounds with her hand.
She walks over to the stove and checks on her green beans and adds some chicken broth and turns them down on low so all the broth goes into the beans.
She walks over to the island sink and starts cracking the boiled eggs so she can peel them.
"Now let's see if I can make them pretty without peeling away the outside." She laughs to herself because Christian can't peel them for the life of him.
She has just finished the eggs when he walks in lookin sexy as sin. In just his jeans he is holding his shirt in his hand. Barefoot and just fucked hair look he always manages to have no matter what he does to it.
"Um my love, what are you doing here half dressed?"
He looks at her and she sees his eyes have darken.
"Trying to tempt my fiancée to have her way with me."
He says walking over to her. Never taking his eyes off her.
She smells his cologne and he knows how it affects her senses.
She takes a deep breath as he gets closer.
Oh my, am I strong enough not to give into him right now?
"Boo my love I love you and want you so much right now"…she says as she walks up to him and kisses his lips quickly and steps back.
"But first I need you to put the ham and the cornbread in the oven for me. Then I need you to put the cake pans and the bundt pan in the other oven for me."
"Ok I can do that love. Do you have them preheated?"
"Yes they are ready to go."
He does as she said. Then turns around toward her.
"Is that all for now?"
"Yes it is."
"Good now come to my office and sign these papers so we can clear them off the books."
She smiles, takes his offered hand and they walk to his office looking at each other. They feel the electricity running through their bodies as close as they are to each other.
He opens the door and she walks in first and he comes in behind her shutting the door. She hears the click of the lock.
She doesn't say anything, just looks at him.
He looks at her and clears his throat.
"Umm yeah here." He picks up the papers and gives them to her.
She sits down in his chair and looks them over. She picks up the pen and signs her name.
"Is that all I need to sign Boo?"
"Yes darlin that was all."
"Are you sure we are finished? If we are, I will leave you to do whatever you need to complete the papers. I love you Boo."
She gets up and starts for the door.
"Where do you think you are going?"
She looks back at him over her shoulder giving him a sexy look.
"Well you said that was all you needed so I thought we were done."
"Well my lovely soon to be wife we are not done. Now come here and kiss your soon to be husband. Damn I like the sound of that. Wife and husband."
She walks slowly over to him and stands in front of him. Reaches up and cups his face in her hands and oh so softly kisses and licks his lips. She can see the desire in his eyes as they got darker. She knows her has gotten brighter. She kisses him again and starts to turn around to leave.
"Uh Uh Uh…where do you think you are going after a kiss like that?"
"Well my lovin darlin man, I have to check on Thanksgiving supper and finish up. I gave you your kiss you asked for love."
"My sweet girl, that is not all I want from you."
He says as he picks her up and sits her on his desk with him standing between her open legs. He just stands there for a few minutes staring at his love and can't believe in a month she will be his wife. Damn I am one lucky man.
He leans in slowly and pecks her lips and pulls away as he feels her trying to put him closer. He leans in again and licks her lips then takes her bottom lip and bites it softly then licks it, She gasps and he thrusts his tongue in her mouth. They both moan.
"My darlin I want you and I know you want me."
He doesn't give her time to answer him. He reaches down and pulls her top up and off as he is kissing every inch of skin he sees. He throws her top somewhere behind him. He leans in and undoes her bra, sliding it ever so slowly down her arms and throwing it behind him.
"Christian my love yes take me and love me."
"That is what I plan to do now and forever."
She pulls his shirt over his head and reaches out to undo his pants and pull his zipper down and can't resist rubbing her fingers over his hard erection she feels and hearing him moaning.
He lifts her from the desk and pulls her pants off and sits her back down naked on his desk. She has other plans and slides off his desk kissing him and sliding down his body.
She has his pants down around his ankles and he lifts one foot at a time to remove them. She slides her hands up his calves to his thighs and now she has open mouth kisses moving on up to his hard as steel cock that she can't wait to take in her mouth.
He sees what she is going to do and stops her.
"No, no love I want you I want to be inside you."
He picks her up and she slides her legs around his waist and he plunges into her hot wet heat. They both moan and groan moving with each other until they find their release screaming each other's name.
They get themselves dressed and sit there and talk a little while smiling at each other and touching one another.
She sits there looking around the room at all the photos of them over the years and smiles.
"What are you smiling about?"
"Us. Look at the photos? They are of us from the day we were born and various ages after all up to now. Do you remember when they were taken? I do."
He looks at her and smiles and wonders if she thinks he has forgotten their special times.
"Yes sweetheart I know when each of them were taken."
She gets up from his desk chair and walks over to him.
"I do to because each of them holds special moments and memories for us."
They look at all the photos of them as they were growing up.
"Come love, let's look at the ones that line the hall wall."
They walk out of his office and look at the memories.
"Look at the day we were born and our moms put us in the same bed. They said it was because we were crying and reaching for each other. Here we are just starting to crawl and this one walking. Oh my look, on our first birthday we were a mess."
"Goodness yes we were. Look, we are all at the creek and it looks like you and I are soaking wet from playing in it. Oh my lord look at this one Boo. It's when we got our first bikes for Christmas. Here is one where I got my horse and we were riding together."
"Ana, look at this one. We were twelve years old and just learned how to snow ski up in Gatlinburg. I remember you betting with me that you could get up on your skis faster than I could."
"Boo I did and I won that bet and the one where you said you could ski down the hill faster than I could. Well you did and you skied right into that big ol cedar tree because you were looking at me and not in front of you. You broke your nose and your arm. You were bleeding like a stuck hog when we got to you. You weren't moving."
She says and from the memories she starts to cry.
"Come here love it's in the past."
He holds her tight against his chest and rubs her back.
"You know everytime you see that photo you cry."
"Yes I know because I thought you were dead. I begged you not to leave me but you wouldn't open those gorgeous gray eyes. I think dad had to pull me off you so the ski patrol and paramedics could help you."
"I know they all told me what you went through."
"You know I think we loved each other then not just best friends but in love with each other. Even at the age of twelve. Hell maybe before that. You know our parents always said we were soul mates."
"Yes I have heard that over the years. I believe we are. We are meant to be together and we will be soon. A piece of paper doesn't mean anything. Our love proves that we are meant for each other. Hell, my nearly getting killed proves that above all else."
They just look at each other and she lays her head down on his chest.
"Ana here is your first win from barrel racing. You were amazing that day. I loved watching you racing around those barrels at lighting speed."
"How in the world did someone get this photo of us? We are sitting on the back of dad's old pick up truck staring at each other."
"I bet El did it. He was always sneaking up on us."
"Yeah you are probably right."
They walk down the hall and stop again.
"Oh my our sweet sixteenth birthday party. There are so many pictures in this collage of us and our friends. Here are our cars. You know I had no idea we were getting those. I was telling momma that morning that I wanted to get my license and she looked at me like I was crazy. She knew about the cars."
"Yes she did and so did my mom. Remember they said they picked them out for us."
"Oh yeah they did, didn't they?"
"Here we are getting ready to leave for the prom. You looked so beautiful that night."
"Here are our high school graduation pictures. We looked happy but we weren't were we?"
"Not right then we weren't but afterwards we were after as I rode with you to the restaurant and we talked. I still hate myself for that day you know."
"That is in the past. We worked through that. It was peer pressure from the group of delinquent friends you had. They all acted like children, not young adults. Matter of fact they acted like that all through school. How could you be friends with them was a question I still ponder today."
"I asked myself that, especially our last year. Well you know we graduated a year earlier than some of them did."
"Yes I know and the ones that were in the twelfth grade didn't really care for us. They called us snobs and stuckups because we were smarter than them. I believe they were jealous of us."
"Well I let it go in one ear and out the other until they started talking about you. That was the end of it."
They walk down the hall and see more pictures.
"Here we are leaving for Harvard."
"Here we are on the road, you are taking pictures of me driving. Here are some of our sightseeing places. The Caverns in Virginia, Statue Of Liberty, the White House. Oh my goodness we have so many from the places we visited on our way to college. Here we stopped in New York and ate hotdogs at one of the service plaza's and here we are looking up at one of the many state signs that shows where we are. We stopped to take a picture showing what state we were in."
"Yes we did and I know the people in their cars thought we were either crazy or tourists."
"Yeah I remember all of those and the times I wanted you to stop. You acted like you were getting mad but I know you weren't."
"No love I wasn't I was just messing with you. Look here we are arriving in Massachusetts. We stopped and took pictures of each other and of us then together. Just look at the smiles on our faces."
"I know and we were so happy to be there and to be together."
"Yes we were. Hey, when did you put these up?"
"Which ones? I put some up and our moms put some of them up the last few weeks. Remember they were taking pictures of us all over the house when they came to see us."
"Yeah and damn there are millions of them here. They put them in collages or is this one yours?"
"Oh lordy this one is theirs they have pictures of us shooting pool and cooking together. They even have pictures of us kissing and holding hands."
"Look this collage is from the time we went sightseeing all around Cambridge. Dang we took a lot love."
"Yes Boo we sure did. Look at these they are from when we all went sightseeing around town and going to museums and everywhere else. Way too many to name."
"Oh no, how did they get this one?"
"Which one are you talking about?"
"This one where we are laying on the couch in the gameroom holding each other and sleeping."
"There is no telling between those two women."
"Wow they got us kissing again right before we walked in and gave our valedictorian speeches. Those women are sneaky little buggers."
"Yes my darlin they are. Ok now here are our graduation pictures and this one here all of us going out to celebrate."
"Wow so many memories and we have so many more to put up on this wall."
"Yes we do, our wedding is the main one. I love you Anastasia Rose Steele soon to be Grey. Annie Rose you mean the world to me and I can't live without you. I need you like I need water to drink and air to breathe, food to live and your arms to hold me tight and tell me you love me."
"Christian I need you in my life and always will. You are the air I breathe, the water I need and the food for my soul and body. Your arms always hold me tight and love me. Yes oh yes Christian Grey I will love you through eternity and beyond. I love you Boo and that will never end."
"Mine will never end either my love."
The buzzer for the timer has gone off.
"Come on baby time to take the cakes and pie out. I need you to take the ham out so I can check it please."
"Ok one last kiss for now and we will go to the kitchen."
She pulls his head down and she touches his lips with hers and the kiss starts off slow until he deepens it. She pulls away breathless.
"No my darlin, we need to check on the food."
"Oh alright come on sweetheart."
They check that the pies and cakes all look good and he takes the ham out so she can check it.
"Thank you, I need to pour the pineapple juice over the top of the ham and add the brown sugar."
"I just checked your beans and they are cooking just fine and taste so good."
"Was there still broth in them?"
"Yes love, it hasn't all soaked up yet."
"Good, perfect that is the way I want it. Check the cornbread with a toothpick and see if it comes out clean."
He does as she asked.
"Yes love it is done."
"Alright sit it on the counter over there to cool off so I can make the dressing. I'm fixing to make the macaroni and cheese. Will you get the five packs of cheese and two packs of cream cheese out for me please?"
"Sure love anything else?"
"Yes, that big pot over there on the stove take it and drain it for me. It has the macaroni in it. Then you can bring it over to me so I can mix it all up and I will need you to put it in the oven. Oh you can put the sweet potatoes in the oven now and make sure it is set to four hundred please."
He does as she asked him to do. He sets everything on the table in front of her. He stands there watching her prepare everything. He loves to watch her in the kitchen.
"Do you think you will need all that cheese love?"
"Boo how many times have I told you you can not never have too much cheese especially for macaroni and cheese my sweet man."
"Yes I remember you and our moms always saying that."
"Besides I am making two pans and it will all even out. I might have to add more, never know."
They work side by side getting Thanksgiving supper ready for their family and friends.
"You know Christian I am sitting here wondering what our parents are saying to each other about our spur of the moment destination wedding and the date."
"Yeah I would love to be a fly on the wall to hear those conversations. I know they are happy for us and they all know we are getting married sooner than later. I bet they are wrecking their brains trying to figure out where it is going to be."
"Well they will all know when we get there"
"Yes they will and they will be so surprised."
"We will just tell them we want to surprise them and everything is taken care of. Just pack for warm weather."
"Elliot is going to pester us all the way there. I might have to put him in the luggage compartment before we get there."
She says laughing.
"I agree with you on that. Maybe Carol can keep him quiet."
"If not I know I can and he won't like me when I do."
Uh Oh are you going to threathen to tape his mouth shut again? Like you did one time before when we went to Six Flags Over Georgia."
"I told him and told him to shut it and he kept on like a little kid wanting to know if we were there yet. I wanted to pull my hair out. My lord we were teenagers and had come home for break."
"Yeah I remember that. He was mad at you for a few weeks cause you jerked the tape off his mouth."
"Well the idiot wouldn't sit still so I could take my time and besides when I asked him if he wanted me to rip it off he nodded his head yes."
"I know love how well I know. Then the fool thought he was going to get you in a headlock."
"Yeah, bad thinking on his part. I put him in one and brought him to the ground."
"Oh well that can be arranged again and he knows it. Now let's get this supper finished Boo."
"What do you need me to do?"
"Put the mac and cheese in the oven. Bring me the cornbread and the spices I have sitting on the counter. I need three boiled eggs and broth out of the fridge."
He brings everything over to her and watches her crumble the cornbread up and add all her spices and seasonings and whatever else she puts in it.
"Boo grease those pans for me like I showed you one time before."
He does as she asked him to do.
"Ok now pour half of this in one pan and the rest in the other pan please."
He picks up the bowl and puts the same amount in each pan and puts them in the oven.
"Check on the potatoes please. Just open one and stick a fork in it and see if it's done. The fork should go right in easily."
"Yes they are done. When are we going to tell the rest of the wedding party about the destination wedding?"
"I thought at first to invite them all here but they have families too so I thought we could tell them one day this week. They will not know the place either. It is a surprise for everyone."
"Oh woman what are you saying? You know those women friends of yours are going to go crazy because first off they will worry about their gowns then their flowers, their hair and heaven forbid their makeup and let's not ever forget their shoes."
"Oh come Boo they are not that bad."
He just stares at her.
"Well we are going to tell all of them that everything is taken care of. Their gowns, their flowers, makeup, hair and yes their shoes. Same goes for the guys with their wedding clothes and all."
"Hopefully they will let it go at that. I do not want to be flying for hours in a plane listening to a bunch of men and women trying to figure out where we are going and keep asking for more detail. That includes my brother and our parents."
"Yes I don't either. I wish we could have waited before telling Gail and Jason but I know we couldn't for safety reasons."
"Yeah and he probably would have strung me up by toes if we didn't tell them."
"Who all is coming with us?"
"Luke, Ryan, Cory, Phyllis, Connie and Abby. I think that is all of our security that will be with us. Bart, Adrian, Richey and Cole will be going down a week before us to make sure everything is ready before we get there and the places are secure for us."
"Ok well that is good. I have talked to our wedding planners and they are keeping me up to date on what is going on there. They went down last week and as Rhonda said scoped the places out. She sent me pictures. I'll show them to you later tonight."
He walks over to her and pulls her into his arms.
"Little Annie Rose you are not only my best friend, my lover, my fiancée and soon to be wife. You are so much more. You are my light in the dark. You are my strength when I am feeling low. In your arms I've found my home. You are my today and all my tomorrows. I love you so very much and that will only change as the days go by loving you more and more each and every day."
"Christian Grey, why do you always say the most romantic things to me that makes me cry and want to tackle you right here on the floor and show you how much I love you."
"I am just me and I want to express my love for you each day of our lives."
"There you go again. I love you so much."
"She tries to stop crying and hiccups.
He looks down at her and chuckles.
"Come on, let's set the dining room table so we can eat when they all get here. I put the glasses and silverware on the tray that you had sitting out. Was that for them?"
"Yes love it was thank you. You can carry it to the table and set them at each plate. I hope they like doing this buffet style but with all the food we are having there isn't enough room for all the bowls and dishes on the table."
"I am sure they will be fine with it love they know we like to serve food like this if we have a lot of people. Makes it so much easier for everyone."
"Yes I know it is easier for us. We need to bring the tea and water pitchers in here and sit them on the side."
"Ok I got them. I also need to carve the ham. I know my dad and Ray will be bringing their turkeys and they will carve them. I can't wait to eat some of Ray's smoked and deep fried turkey. It's the best please, please don't tell dad."
"I won't breathe a word Boo cause I know it's the best too."
They laugh.
"Ok we need to make sure the water is in the bottom of the buffet and it is turned on. Don't want cold food."
"Already checked, it's all set up just right. Now I am going to bring in the mac and cheese and other foods."
"Alright I am going to make the gravy and we will be done. After we eat you can get El to help you bring in the dessert."
"Sure love but do you think Elliot is the right person to help with dessert? Man, I am getting hungry and it smells so dang good."
"Well now that you said that no I don't. What was I thinking? Get your mom or mine to help you."
"Yeah I don't know sweetheart and yes mom would be a better choice. I'm not sure about Carla; she loves the desserts as much as El, if not more."
He chuckles and she laughs.
"We'll figure something out later. Maybe you and I will go and bring them in while they are pondering over our conversation about our wedding. That way we won't be in the line of fire so to speak."
"Yes I like that choice, let's stick with that one."
He leans over and kisses her temple.
Meanwhile at the Grey's
"Carla, what are we going to do? Why would they want a destination wedding? We have so much to do with Christmas coming up and those two want to fly somewhere to get married. I mean I know it's their wedding and all but I am stumped as to why they just left it at that and didn't say more."
"Gracie I have no idea what they are thinking and my daughter hasn't said anything to me about where. They are so happy and she is doing so much better. You know her physical therapist released her last week and Dr. Blackmon did yesterday. They all said she was doing so much better and didn't need therapy anymore. They just wanted her to keep it up at home in her spare time."
"Ray, have you heard anything about this destination wedding? Why do they want that?"
"I haven't heard anything but I think they want to get away from all the drama that has been surrounding them after the bombing and then coming home from the hospital. She has been in the spotlight and the news so much. I don't blame them for wanting to get away. I'm not crazy about the thirty-first of December but it is their wedding and their day/ So why not just be happy for them wherever they want to get married. I am I love them both and i just want them to be happy."
"Well Carrick I want that too. Maybe you are right. We will go over and eat and then wait for them to talk and tell us their plans."
"Carla did y'all here what we were talking about honey?"
"Yes Ray we did and we both agree with what Carrick said. It is their wedding and their day. I don't blame them either for wanting to get away from all of this. We all know it's not going to die down anytime soon. Not since they brought the boy's father in a few weeks ago for questioning."
"Carrick you are right we will just enjoy the time with them and have a wonderful Thanksgiving. As a matter of fact we need to load the truck to take the food Carla and I cooked over there."
"Yes ma'am it is getting close to supper time. I know what you both cooked. What did my daughter and so to be son cook?"
"Well we have a list but it is too late now to show y'all. You will have to wait and see."
"Is Elliot and Carol coming for Thanksgiving?"
"Yes they are, they had an early Thanksgiving with her parents around noon."
"Well that boy will be hungry again. He is always eating and I don't know where he puts it all."
"You know Carick, I have always wondered that about Elliot."
They all laugh and grab boxes with food in them and walk out the door.
"Well love, they should be here soon. We did say six o'clock and they just live over yonder. I can see the houses from here."
"Everything is ready, all expect the drinks and we will wait till they decide what they want to drink before we pour any. Boo are you worried or nervous about this?"
"No..well yes..no I'm not love no I'm not. This is our life, our wedding, our day. We are going to do what makes us happy. I know they will be there for us. I don't think they will be mad. Maybe a little upset that we didn't tell them where but I know our moms like surprises."
"Yes I know you are right. Just don't let me let it slip where we are getting married at love."
"I won't it will be all good. Ok I hear dad's truck and Elliot's gas hog pulling up. I am going out to see if they need any help. You gonna be alright while I am gone?"
"Of course I will. Oh here comes Jason and Gail too."
"Yeah I heard them pull up sweetheart. Be right back with everyone."
"Ok I'll be right here waiting patiently."
He just smiles and walks out of the house.
"Christian my baby boy how are you? Can you grab that box right there on top? It has desserts in it. Be careful and don't drop it."
"Mom I am doing fine and you? You love lovely."
He leans over and kisses her cheek.
"I am doing fine as well. Thank you. I can smell all that food y'all cooked all the way out here when you opened the front door."
"Yes we have been busy little bees today."
"Yeah I bet you have bro."
Elliot smiles at him.
"Mom, I could have carried the desserts in for you. Oh never mind I will help my grandmother, she has red velvet cake."
"Yes and knowing you there would be finger jabs in all of them. Now go help the grans."
She shoos him off.
"You know you are right about the finger jabs. Annie Rose found his finger jab in her sweet potato pie last time he ate with us. She didn't say anything, just smoothed it over like it had never been touched."
They both laugh.
"That's Annie for you, always sweet and no drama."
"Christian how are you hun?"
"Carla I am good and you? You look very pretty today."
He does the same and kisses Carla's cheek.
"Chris, I am doing very well. Thank you and thank you for the compliment. You look very nice as well."
"Thank you ma'am. Shall we all go in? Annie Rose is waiting on us."
"Dad, Ray come on, let's go and eat. I know everyone is hungry."
"We just had to get Ray's turkey out of the truck."
They all walk in the house and see Annie waiting on them with a smile on her face.
"Hey y'all bout time you all came in. Dad, I know that's the turkey. The carving knife is on the island beside the sink. Carrick there is one there for you too. Christian has already carved the ham."
"Well everything smells delicious. You look beautiful Annie. How are you doing? You didn't overdo today did you? We told you we would do most of the cooking."
"Thank you mom. I just felt like wearing a dress today and not my jeans or jogging pants." I am doing a lot better and no I didn't overdo it. Christian was right here helping me all morning. Matter of fact he wouldn't let me lift anything heavy and he helped me do a lot."
How are you doing Annie? You do look very beautiful my dear."
"Thank you Grace and I am doing very well thank you for asking. How are you sweet lady?"
"I am doing good Annie thank you."
"Ana my best friend, how are you doing, lovely girl? I am sorry I haven't been by lately but I have been busy with the shop and trying out new cake recipes."
"I am doing better, Carol, as I just told mom and Grace. I am finished with my therapy and Dr. Blackmon released me too. Just said not to overdo it. Now you all know with this one here that's not going to happen."
"That is for sure."
They all smile at Christian as he is walking toward them and puts his arms around her waist.
"What are you all smiling at me like that for?"
"Because you took over all the heavy work that needed to be done today for our supper tonight. I am very proud of you, my dear son."
"Well I wasn't about to let the love of my life lift something too heavy and have a setback."
Yes sweet boy we know that. Now let's get all this food set out."
"Come on over here mom we have the buffets set up cause there is so much food and not enough room to set it all on the table even if it does seat twenty people."
She looks at her dad and Carrick.
"Well my child all I can say to that is we have a large family and hopefully one not now but one day we will have little ones running around."
Annie's mouth drops open and Christian is smiling as he walks over and closes her mouth and whispers in her ear..
"Not now love but maybe one day we can fulfill that wish for him and our family."
She kisses him and smiles.
"Yes Boo, maybe we can. I would love to have some little rugrats running around that look like you and me. Did I just say that?"
"Yes love you did and I couldn't agree more. One day but not right now. We have plenty of time for that."
"Yes we do, my sweet man."
"I think they heard some of what we were talking about. Look, they are all smiling."
She clears her throat.
"Yes.. now.. well come on let's get everything on buffets."
They all said what they were thankful for and everyone was thankful that Annie and Gail are better and here with them.
"Now it's time for dessert if anyone has any room to put it."
"I always have room for dessert Annie."
They all laugh.
"Yes El I know you do. Grace, would you mind helping Christian bring the desserts to the table please. Thank you."
"Not at all sweet girl. Come on son, let's go and get them before your brother faints from not having his sweets."
Christian just looks at his brother and chuckles.
He puts his arm around his mom and they walk off to the kitchen.
"Little lady, what are we all having? I know you made a lemon pound cake. I can smell it and Chris's chocolate cake."
"Just wait Elliot and you will see honey. There are plenty of desserts. Remember your grandmothers made some and Annie's grandmothers made some. You just don't have a slow bone in that body of yours. No patience at all, my love."
"Oh come on Carol you know I have to pick on her. She knows something isn't right if I don't. Ain't that right little lady?"
"Most of the time yes Elliot cause you are always picking on me no matter what."
"It's all good Carol, it's just Elliot. He has always been like this to me. You hadn't been around a lot when we were growing up. He couldn't go a day without messing with me. I got used to it and he is right. If he doesn't pick on me I think something is wrong."
She just looks back and forth between Annie and Elliot. Then at the family.
"She is right and we all worry when he doesn't pick on her or Christian. You will get used to it hun. The times you were home when you were growing up Elliot wasn't around you much. Remember he is older than all three of you."
"Yes Carrick you are right it's just he picks on her all the time and I worry that Christian is going to knock him on his ass one day."
She says to all of them.
"Carol let me say this…if I thought El would ever upset her with his picking, yes he would be on his ass. Sorry moms. Elliot is like a big kid and he has always picked on Annie Rose and myself growing up."
"When did you walk in bro? I swear I didn't see you or mom walk out of the kitchen."
"Just a few minutes after Carol was talking to you."
"Set the desserts on the table please."
"Alright we have key lime pie. double chocolate fudge cake, lemon pound cake, red velvet cake, coconut cake, sweet potato pie, german chocolate cake, cookies and brownies. There are more, just take a look."
"Would you all like coffee? We have a pot of two that was just made. We have juice, milk and more tea."
"Coffee sounds good son. I'll have milk Boo. Coffee for everyone else Christian."
"Ok I'll get it. Elliot want to help me this time?"
"Sure come on. Don't eat my desserts none of you."
"Oh go on Elliot there is plenty."
"Yes grandma."
After they ate their share of desserts they were full.
"Would you all like to go into the living room where we will be more comfortable?"
"Yes thank you Annie. My old back doesn't like these fancy chairs those men got for this table. Just a plain ol straight back with cushions is fine."
"I couldn't agree more with Teresa."
"I second that ladies."
"Grandma Julia, you don't like my chairs? I picked them out."
"Well let me be very honest with you grandson. Not no but hell no. They make my back hurt just like Teresa said. They are fine for you all but not us seventy year old women."
"We will make sure that we buy some nice straight back chairs with cushions for you ladies."
"Thank you Christian now come help me to the living room and that comfy recliner that you love so much."
She pats his cheek when he walks over to her. He looks at Annie and smiles.
They all walk to the living room and sit down.
"Alright ok we both know what you all are thinking and wanting to ask. I can't believe none of you have bothered us in the last few weeks about the wedding."
"Well my darling daughter you said you would tell us when you had everything done. I am assuming that all of your plans are carried out like you both want."
"Yes mom, all is taken care of. We don't want anyone mad or their feelings hurt for what we are about to say. You all know what is going on in the news with his father being brought here to be interrogated. They news crews and hell I guess paparazzi from Nashville and California are here to get a story. They won't leave us alone."
"Yes darling girl we all know this. We were all sitting at Grace and Carrick's before we came over here and we were talking. Now darling this is your and Christian's wedding, your day not anyone else's and if you two want a destination wedding we are not going to stand in the way. We will be there every step of the way for you both no matter where you have it, I just want to say I want to help you pick out your wedding gown. Grace and Carol as well want to help you on the most special day of your life."
Carla and Annie are both crying. Grace and Carol have tears in her eyes and the men folk aren't far behind. Christian is wiping his eyes.
"Here ladies."
Christian hands them both a handkerchief and kisses their heads and steps away. This is a mother and daughter moment.
He looks over and sees Gail is wiping her eyes with Jason's handkerchief.
Carrick and Ray walk over and give Grace and Carol theirs.
"Ok enough of the blubbering babies here. We have a wedding to get ready for."
Carla says, smiling through her tears.
"Boo please come over here with me."
He walks over and sits down beside her.
"Well it seems like it is my turn now. I think my love is too emotional to finish."
She nods her head yes.
"Alright everyone, what I am going to tell you is not what you want to hear. I am not going to tell you where the wedding is going to be. I will say pack summer clothes for a week. We have everything taken care of. The place, the cake, the flowers, the beautican's, the wedding shops are waiting for you all to get there. They know what Annie Rose likes and wants and they have brought in some of the leading designers gowns for her to choose from."
They let that sink it for a few minutes.
"Boo let me."
"Ok we know you all want to know where but this is a surprise for all of you. It is our gift to you all. We will be doing Christmas here at home and leaving the next day. I hope you all can leave with us. We have to talk to the bridesmaids and groomsmens to see if they can take time off. I am hoping everyone can because we have a lot of shopping to do when we get there."
"Yes Ana I will be right there with you. I am sure the gang will not have a problem leaving with all of us. Most have their own business and the ones that don't their places are closed until after the New Year. Since I am the Maid of Honor I will take the responsibility and call everyone this week and have us all meet here so you two can inform them of what is going on."
"Thank you so much Carol for doing this."
"It is my pleasure Ana, I can't wait to see where we are going. You said to bring clothes for summer. My goodness that could be anywhere south of here. I will get back with you no later than Tuesday. How does that sound?"
"That is perfect Carol, thank you my friend."
"Moms and dads grands how do you all feel about this? We want your honest answers please."
"My dear girl, whatever you want is what we want. We want you both to be happy and if this is going to make you happy we will be right there with you as your mom said every step of the way."
"So everyone is fine not knowing where they are going?"
They all say…hell yeah.
"Alright then I think I got my answer."
"Annie Rose, don't ever be worried about anything you want to tell us. You hear me young lady and you to Christian son we love you both so much and we want you to be happy."
"Yes dad I hear you and I love you so very much."
"Yes daddy Ray I hear you and love you too."
"One more thing dad, do you think you could help me tomorrow? I need to go to town and I need you with me."
"Of course Annie, anytime you need me I am there for you."
"Good I will call you in the morning around ten o'clock."
"Ok Annie that's fine."
"Alright one more well two more things we need to mention. Christian come stand with me."
He walks over to her and kisses her temple and smiles down at her.
"Well everyone we have some big news and no Elliot it's not what you are thinking. I know how your brain works sometimes."
"Aww sis you hurt my feelings."
Everyone laughs.
"Ok don't keep us in suspense any longer, what is the big news?"
"As of this morning with the sales of the three huge helicopter deals along with the condos and the beachside restaurant and water park we opened in North Carolina."
"Yes Christian Grey?"
"Well it seems like little Annie Rose and myself are the second richest people in the world."
They all sit there stunned.
"Chris, did you say the second richest people in the world?"
"Yes Elliot I did and that is why when we leave for our wedding trip we will have extra security with us. Jason and Gail will explain all of that to us before we leave on the private jet."
"Oh my god I am so proud of you two and so happy for you both."
"Oh my goodness my grands are what richer than Donald Trump and Bill Gates?"
"Oh wow this is amazing news son and Annie. I knew y'all were heading that way but didn't have a clue you both were that close. I am so damn proud of you both. You deserve everything that is coming to you."
"Annie and Chris this is fantastic news. We have to go out and celebrate with our grandson and granddaughter."
"Wait the paps and the news crews do they know this now?"
"I am sure they do. It was in this morning's headlines if they had read the paper."
"We will have to close a fancy restaurant down for privacy."
"No gramps we will wait and do this when we get to our destination wedding."
"Alright that sounds even better."
"Now you said two, what is the other one?"
"Oh yes Elliot did you bring the blueprints?"
"Sure, did Christian. I'll go and get them."
"What are the blueprints for?"
"You'll all know in a few minutes. This is something Annie has been working on since she was released from the hospital. She and Elliot talked and he drew up the prints the way she wanted. Just hang on a few more minutes."
They all are sitting there talking and laughing about this and that. Nothing in particular.
"Annie Rose, where do you want to look at these at?"
"I think the breakfast bar would be a good place."
"Alright peeps follow us."
They all walk into the kitchen and wait for Elliot to take the prints out of his bag.
"Annie Rose I took the liberty of changing a few things here after we talked. I hope you are alright with them. Nothing drastic, just a little more comfort."
"Ok El show me what you got."
"Alright you know where you said you wanted the shelter and the food bank?"
"Yes well I thought it would be better and safer if we put the shelter over here in this building. There is plenty of room to make single rooms for people that need them. We can also put a bed in there for them. What do you think?"
"Yes, that would be better. I imagine you have already checked this place out thoroughly and got a price on it?"
"Yes ma'am and when I told them what and who it was for they came down fifteen thousand on the building and the land."
"Oh lord, that is a lot of money. Why did they do that?"
"Well they were going to tear it down said it was an eyesore which they weren't lying about but we will make it a masterpiece."
"Yes I know you will. Now what about the food bank?"
"Well that is the next good thing. The ones that owned that building also own this one that you want for a food bank. They want to invest as silent partners. You will have the run of the place they just want to know where their money will be going. Dad and Ray know them and they have worked together before."
"Elliot, is this Tanner Banning and Roger Ashworth?"
"Yes dad it is. They said they did business with you two when you started your company."
"Yes they did, they are good guys. We only ever worked with them to furnish a few houses. There was no investment from them. I will say this Annie you will need investors to keep both places running efficiently. I know you have money but it is always wise to have backups and you couldn't find any nicer guys than Tanner and Roger."
"Dad, what are your thoughts on this?"
"I agree with Carrick you can't go wrong they were in the Marines with us and they are good guys. They have families and are very well off and if they are offering to invest in you I would let them. They won't treat you wrong. Like Carrick said, you need investors and those two can bring in more for you."
"Boo what do you think love this is your money too?"
"Annie Rose after hearing what dad and Ray had to say I would set up a meeting and we will talk to them about it. Let's wait until we are back from our honeymoon. We can get the buildings and Elliot and his guys can start on them after he comes home."
"Alright El, talk to them and let them know I want both buildings. Also tell them I am interested in their offer for the silent investment and we will talk after our honeymoon."
"Alright I will call them tomorrow. Now look at this? This right here will be the office for the help you hire for the shelter. This room here will be for the doctors and nurses if you need them. This room will be for the on-call psychiatrist and therapist as needed. Here toward the back will be the kitchen you wanted so no one goes hungry. There will be a guard on duty at all times so no one will go into the kitchen on their own and take food."
"Out this door here is a well lit area for sitting outside. It has a ten foot wall of brick all around it. No one can come over it and it is safe. Jason and his guys are going to put cameras up and whatever else you need. He knows all about that."
"Ok now what about the section I asked for to be blocked to keep the men and women separated?"
"I have that all worked out. There is a wall right here that we are going to reinforce and take these doors out. This side will be for the women and this side for the men."
"Looks like you got it going on Elliot. Thank you very much. Now you know money is no object, just do what has to be done. You have the authorization to sign the checks for the buildings. Can you start on them before we leave for our wedding?"
"Yes ma'am sure can just as soon as I have the inspectors come and approve everything we will start on it. As a matter of fact I have two coming on Wednesday to go over every nook and cranny to make sure the building is safe and sound. I know I will have some work to do but if it is more than I expect we might be looking elsewhere. We don't want to spend more than what we pay for the building that is just throwing money away. I just feel like this is a good building for you and the other one for the food bank is in good shape."
"Alright Elliot do what you know how to do. I leave it in your capable hands."
"Alright little lady, I will talk to you in a few days. Thank you Annie for giving me this awesome opportunity to work for you again. I know I said the same thing about your company and all but this is different for some reason. We are helping homeless people that have nowhere else to go and feel safe. We are feeding people that have nothing and don't know when they will have anything. We are bringing doctors and help in to help the ones that need it and ask for it."
"So true Elliot, so true."
He just realized what he said.
"Oh my lord Annie I said we. It is not me, it is all you."
"Elliot this wouldn't be happening if it wasn't for you. Yes it is we as in you, I and Christian. Thank you Elliot for being the wonderful man you are."
"You are welcome little sis."
"Ok you all we are leaving and we will talk to you both later in the week. We love you both."
"Ok mom and dad and mom and dad and grands we love you all so much good night."
They all leave and just Elliot, Carol and Jason and Gail are left.
"Annie I will get with you Tuesday about the time for all of us to get together."
"Alright Carol that is fine. Thank you."
"Elliot, thank you again. Hey y'all please make sure no one but the wedding party knows about this wedding."
"We won't tell them anything, we will leave that up to y'all."
"Ok that is even better. Well good night love you both."
"We love you too good night all."
They all say good night and Elliot and Carol leave.
"Come on Annie, let's clean this up and so you can get some rest."
"Oh no Gail we are going to have a cleaning service come in and take care of it tomorrow. You go home and I will talk to you tomorrow."
"Are you sure? It won't be a problem to help you."
"I am positive. Now go home. Jason, take your lady home."
"Alright good night you two Thanksgiving supper was delicious."
"Thank you."
Jason and Gail leave.
Christian takes her hand and leads her upstairs to their room.
"Come on love, let's get you in bed. I know you are give out. I am going to put the pie and cakes up so they don't dry out. I'll be right back up here. I love you."
"I love you too, my sweet man."
He helps her undress and she does her nightly things and climbs into her soft bed.
He kisses her on her lips very tenderly and watches her close her eyes and fall asleep.
He slowly walks out of the bedroom and down the stairs to the kitchen.
Well this was more than I expected from the family. He says to himself. I just knew for sure they were going to blow up on us but they didn't. I am so glad they understood the reason we wanted to do this destination wedding. I am glad they didn't get upset when we told them it was a surprise for them and a gift from us. Our parents can surprise me sometimes. I love them all so much but I don't love anyone more than I love my darling soon to be wife.
AN: Well that's it for this chapter. Was trying to find a place to stop and so it wouldn't be another cliffhanger. Hope you all enjoyed reading this one. The wedding is next.
Thank you all for the reviews
Linda ( octobermist11)