The weeks passed and opposite to the continual hardships Oliver faced, his relationship and communication with Grace grew easier.
Knowing how tough this inspection tour was for him, Grace tried her very best to lift his spirits and give him hope, and that included hope for their relationship.
"Well, in two days you'll finally be home", she said consolingly after he had finished telling her about how difficult the latest closure had been in Chicago, Illinois
"Yes, I can't wait", he let out a heavy sigh.
"I can't wait to see you", she smiled warmly into the phone.
"Really?" He smiled back, feeling quite giddy.
She chuckled, feeling ever so slightly bashful. "Yes, really."
Feeling bold, he murmured, "I can't wait to just look at you."
Even more brazenly, she asked. "Is that all you're going to do?"
Hearing his sharp intake of breath made her grin.
"Well, I don't know. What else would you have me do, Miss Farrell?"
Grace bit her bottom lip, her name on his lips sounded less like a professional title and more like a tool of seduction.
"Come home…find out", she whispered seductively and Oliver blew air into his own face to cool himself down. "Hell, I might have to borrow The President's plane to get me there quicker."
Grace let out a raucous laugh at his comment. Once she'd composed herself again, she murmured tenderly, "Safe travels home. I'll see you soon."
"I'll see you in my dreams before I see you there", he told her suavely but with the utmost sincerity.
A little shiver of excitement went through her at his sentiment. "And you in mine. Goodnight."
"Goodnight my dear."
She smiled at the term of endearment as she hung up the phone, then let out a long and happy sigh.
She was still feeling quite anxious about giving herself to him physically but as far as her emotions were concerned, she was already completely his.
…
The day Oliver was due home, Grace leapt out of bed with great gusto.
Not only was she completely excited to see him but she also had another very important mission to complete that day. To find a very cute, reasonably smart, indelibly charming, courteous yet slightly incorrigible orphan to bring home with her who would share the Christmas holidays with them and be the perfect little tag along for Oliver for at least the next two weeks. At least.
Her list of requirements was not short, in fact, Grace thought she probably had a better chance of having her Christmas list filled by Santa Claus than finding an orphan who would meet every ideal she had in mind.
What Grace was really after was a child with some spunk. A sensitive child, yet fun-loving, sweet of course, but not too shy.
She felt nervous as she approached the steps of the New York Municipal Orphanage and began to hear lots of young voices yelling at each other from inside.
It sounded like a swarm of unruly bees buzzing around inside the building. Grace felt somewhat intimidated and had to remind herself, they were just children, each one of them not yet loved enough, and more than likely longing for someone to come and wrap them up in devotion and care.
As she walked up to the front door, she could hear shouting coming from inside. Not children shouting but the thick, gravelly tone of an older sounding woman.
Grace frowned as she heard the voice say quite distinctly, "You will pay for this, I promise!"
Putting on a bright, brave face, Grace lifted her hand and knocked upon the door. She entered and looked around the room, quickly distinguishing the woman whose voice she'd just heard and taking in the distressed looking child in the corner.
"Oh! Good afternoon. Miss Hannigan?" She asked the older woman.
"Yeah", Miss Hannigan replied curtly, waving her off in a rather unwelcoming fashion.
"Ah, good", Grace smiled, trying not to pass judgement yet noticing the tension in the room between Miss Hannigan and the young redheaded girl in the corner. The pair of them were shooting daggers at each other. Grace grimaced for a moment, then reset her face, putting on a friendly air as she crossed to the other side of the room. "Now, I'm Grace Farrell", she extended her hand to Miss Hannigan who looked back at her with a curled upper lip and shrugged, "So?"
Shocked at her rudeness, Grace blinked at her a moment before saying, "Well, the New York board of orphans…"
Miss Hannigan gasped, looking horrified. Grace was startled at the woman's change in demeanour.
She instantly developed a dislike and a lack of trust in the caretaker especially when she began to babble something about some laundry basket which left Grace feeling quite bewildered and confused, and then began to assume that Grace was a beauty product sales lady - the very suggestion made Grace shriek before she proudly informed her, "I'm private secretary to Oliver Warbucks."
"Oliver Warbucks? The Oliver Warbucks?"
Grace could tell she was impressed which left Grace feeling rather satisfied. Not that she really felt the need to impress someone like Miss Hannigan but at least now she felt she had some power, which was sure to make the process of selecting an orphan to take home much easier.
"I read that Oliver Warbucks is the world's richest unmarried man."
Grace felt extremely uncomfortable with the tone of her statement. She was objectifying the man. Her man.
Not forgetting the task she was there to carry out, Grace moved swiftly on, "Miss Hannigan, Mr. Warbucks has decided to invite an orphan to spend the Christmas holidays at his home."
"An orphan?"
"Yes, an orphan."
"You sure he wouldn't rather have a lady?" Miss Hannigan jumped up on the desk and swung her legs suggestively into the air. Grace jumped back in shock and just the smallest bit of repulsion.
Hoping to be able to get her orphan and get out of there as quickly and painlessly as possible, Grace simply smiled and played along.
"It was a joke", Miss Hannigan frowned and Grace's face fell. Even though she very much didn't want to, she knew it was important to keep Miss Hannigan on side.
"What sort of orphan did he have in mind?" She asked moodily.
Grace followed her around her desk. "Well, she should be friendly and intelligent."
"Mississippi. Capital M-I double S-I double S-I double P-I. Mississippi."
Grace's attention was drawn to the young girl whom she'd seen lurking in the corner of the room.
She was dirty but had a sweet looking face. She was clearly quite a bright child and very clearly trying to prove that to Grace. She caught on straight away, giving her an encouraging smile as she added, "And cheerful…"
The girl immediately began to double over with infectious laughter and Grace couldn't help but laugh along with her. The child was charming too…
"And how old?" Miss Hannigan cut in without the least bit of interest.
Grace turned to her, "Oh, um, age doesn't really matter. Say eight or nine?" She discreetly looked at the red headed girl, trying to guess her age.
Perhaps it was the fact that she knew this child was in trouble and by the sounds of it, and by the heartless look of Miss Hannigan, was likely about to be severely punished, making Grace want to be her savior. Or perhaps it was the way Grace had felt instantly charmed by the girl. She clearly very badly wanted to be the one to go with Grace.
Despite the bright, persuasive smile she gave her, Grace could see desperation in the child's eyes, begging to be rescued. Somehow, although she had only just met her, Grace knew this was the orphan she was supposed to take.
When the girl signalled for her to stop at eleven, Grace grinned, "Yes, eleven would be perfect."
Seeing the girl tug on one of her pigtails, Grace caught on, playing along conspiringly, "And oh, I almost forgot, Mr. Warbucks prefers red-headed children."
"Eleven…a redhead?" Miss Hannigan drawled. Waving sarcastically back to the girl when she waved to her to signal herself as the perfect candidate. "No, I'm afraid we don't have any orphans like that around here."
Grace frowned. What was wrong with this woman? Why didn't she want the child in front of them to go with her?
Grace's suspicions only grew when Miss Hannigan ridiculously accused the girl she called "Annie" of being a drunk…and a liar.
"Pot most definitely calling the kettle black", Grace thought to herself. Undeterred, in fact more determined than ever to take Annie out of there, Grace walked over and took the little girl's hand in her own. "Annie, would you like to spend the next two weeks at Mr. Warbucks' house?"
"I would love to! I would really love to!" The girl beamed and Grace couldn't help but beam right back at her.
In an attempt to sway Grace's decision, Miss Hannigan summoned the other girls from Annie's dormitory into her office.
The other orphans were indeed all very sweet and Grace would have happily taken them all home with her if she could. The poor dears were all so sad looking and underfed. All wore tatty clothing and looked as if they'd never seen the inside of a bathtub.
"You can have any orphan in the orphanage but not Annie."
"Why?" Grace challenged her.
"I just told ya", Miss Hannigan said, trying to be menacing, but Grace knew she had the upper hand by far.
"I assume, Miss Hannigan, if this has something to do with all that business about the laundry bag and the police", cunningly using Miss Hannigan's earlier admission against her. She rounded the woman's own desk, eyeing up her telephone. "Perhaps I should call Mr. Donatelli at the board of orphans…"
Instantly, Miss Hannigan became soft spoken and agreed to sign the paperwork agreeing to release Annie to her care for the two week period.
Grace was quite stunned but already knew she probably shouldn't be that Annie had no coat. Grace quickly said, "Alright, well then we'll buy her one."
She watched as each one of the orphan's faces lit up in amazement.
It made her smile but at the same time broke her heart that the girls were all so excited about their friend getting something so simple and needed as a coat during the cold, harsh winter.
Grace already began planning in her mind to get each one of these girls a warm winter coat before Annie's time with them was up.
She smiled widely again as Annie's friends all bid her farewell. The other children were all so happy for her. Annie was clearly very well liked by all of them.
Grace felt confident in her choice. So far, Annie seemed to be exactly the kind of child they needed.
Grace was all smiles as she bid Miss Hannigan a cheery goodbye and led Annie down to the car.
"Golly, are we riding in that?" Annie gaped at the limousine.
"Yes, we are. Hop on in", Grace grinned at her.
Annie literally hopped into the back of the limo and looked around it in great wonder. "Wow. It's so nice. I wouldn't mind just staying inside of here for the next two weeks."
Grace chuckled. "Oh well, we've got a very nice bedroom all made up for you back at Mr. Warbucks' home."
"A bedroom? Of my own?" Annie asked, looking stunned.
"Mhm", Grace nodded.
"Leapin' lizards!"
Grace laughed at the expression.
"So, you really work for Oliver Warbucks?"
"Yes."
"You must be brave."
"What do you mean?"
Annie shrugged. "In the papers he looks scary."
Grace's smile tightened. "Don't believe everything you've read in the papers, Annie. Mr. Warbucks has a tough exterior but really he's a very kind man. I hope you'll get to see that for yourself."
"Will he be home when we get there?"
"Hmm, not quite I don't think. He's been away on business you see, for a few weeks now. He should be arriving home shortly after us."
"I know he has a lot of money but what does he actually do?" She asked with a scrunched up face.
Some might have taken her question as impertinent. Grace however, knew it was coming from a place of innocence.
"He does a lot of things. He owns many different businesses and has many investments in different companies and products. Mostly he's made his money by making a lot of very good decisions."
Annie still looked fairly confused. "How did he know which decisions were good?"
"He didn't always know. Sometimes he's had to take big risks to reap big rewards."
Annie looked quite impressed at that. She nodded thoughtfully. "How long have you worked for him?"
"Six years."
Annie's eyes went wide. "Does he ever yell at you?"
Grace laughed. "Occasionally."
"Doesn't that make you upset?"
Grace smiled calmly. "Sometimes people yell. It doesn't mean they don't care about you."
Annie's face fell. "Miss Hannigan yells a lot, but…I don't think she cares much at all."
Grace's face fell too. "I'm sorry, Annie." She could try and dispute it but sadly, she thought the girl was probably right.
Annie shrugged then, her face brightening once more. "At least I get to have a break from her for two whole weeks."
They both grinned at each other.
When the car pulled up at Bergdorfs, Grace stepped out onto the sidewalk and held out her hand to help Annie out of the limousine.
It was a good thing she was holding Grace's hand because she may well have fallen over when she looked up at the department stores around her and took in the luxuriousness of them. She'd never even stood outside buildings so magnificent. If she'd ever tried, she likely would have been chased away.
"Golly!" She exclaimed, looking around in awe.
"Come on, let's get you inside and find you a nice warm coat before you freeze."
She pulled her along by the hand and Annie happily went with her.
The feeling of her tiny little palm pressed against hers, fitting so securely and trustingly in her own made Grace feel an instant feeling of protection and so much warmth.
The staff at Bergdorf's new Grace by name, and were very quick to serve her and her guest, despite all of them looking down on the dirty, scruffy looking child.
Grace noticed it and was slightly perturbed but didn't want to bring it to Annie's attention.
They chose a red cashmere coat which suited her very nicely. Annie was over the moon with it and bounced happily out of the store after Grace had paid for it. "Thank you so much, Miss Farrell. This has to be the nicest thing I've ever worn."
Grace didn't doubt it.
"You're welcome, dear. I'm glad you like it."
Annie seemed like such a grateful child, and very inquisitive. Grace already couldn't wait to introduce her to wonders untold over the next couple of weeks. She wanted to show her and give her simply everything.
As they rode to the mansion, Grace had to remind herself not to get too attached. The arrangement was for two weeks only, Mr. Warbucks had been very clear on that point.
She could already tell it was going to be hard to let her go.
…
Annie's eyes went wide as saucers as they pulled up outside 987 Fifth Avenue. "Come on sweet pea. Everyone's so looking forward to meeting you", Grace smiled encouragingly as they climbed out of the limo.
Annie walked up to the door nervously, wondering to herself how people she'd never met could be so excited to see her.
Once she was inside the house though, she was instantly swept in the hustle and bustle of the home and instantly embraced by all who worked there.
Grace smiled seeing everyone instantly warm to Annie just like she had. She knew the child would have many people to dote over her during her stay here and with that reassuring thought in mind, Grace's thoughts turned to her boss, once again becoming the dutiful secretary, making sure everything was set for his arrival home. Of course, it wasn't just out of professional courtesy that she wanted everything to be right for him.
"It will be good to see Mr. Warbucks again", Mrs. Pugh mused out loud and Grace agreed, "Oh yes, six weeks is a long…time." She blushed as she caught the knowing look on Mrs. Pugh's face. "Yes Miss."
The staff all got to know Annie and made her feel right at home.
Grace watched in delight as the girl fitted in so well, enamored with everything she saw and touched and bringing smiles and warm hearts to all those around her.
She was very willing to help, almost as if she thought she would be expected to. Grace tenderly brushed the child's hair out of her eyes and told her that she wouldn't need to lift a finger while she was with them and that the only thing required of her was to have a good time.
When they heard the sound of Mr. Warbucks' town car pulling up outside, everyone frantically went to stand in line at the door to greet him.
Grace's stomach was filled with butterflies as she anticipated seeing him again after so long.
After he walked in with a quick "Hello" to everyone, Grace rushed up to him, barely restraining the urge to jump into his arms as she daintily said, "Welcome home Mr. Warbucks." He met her eyes with a wide grin making everyone notice just how happy he was to see her.
Drake echoed her statement and Oliver nodded, "It's good to be home."
As he removed his hat and coat, Grace turned to Annie to give her a warm smile.
Immediately, he returned to business mode, asking Grace to relay his messages, then asked her about the painting he'd had ordered from Paris. The woman in the frame looked quite bored to him and he initially dismissed it but then realized there must have been a reason why she'd been so difficult to come by and so he then changed his mind and asked for her to be hung up "someplace".
Grace then tried to introduce Annie to him but there was such a flurry of activity going on, being that he'd only just got home and she struggled to get his attention for a while. It wasn't until the staff had been dismissed that he even noticed the child was there. "Who's that?" He asked, looking blank.
Grace let out a helpless chuckle. She was only very slightly miffed. She knew he'd had a lot on his plate and could be forgiven for not remembering their arrangement to host an orphan.
Even if it hadn't left her mind for a moment.
"That's Annie, Mr. Warbucks. The orphan who will be with us for the Christmas holidays."
"The orphan? Well, that's not a boy. Orphans are boys", he replied in confoundment.
Grace paused for a moment. They'd never clarified whether she should bring home a boy or a girl.
To Oliver's way of thinking, boys were tougher and less likely to get attached. He certainly didn't have time for that to happen.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Sir. You just said orphan so I chose a girl."
He met her eyes and sighed. Frankly, he would rather have no orphan at all in the room right now. He'd much rather have Grace all to himself, especially after such a long time apart and all of the scintillating build up of their phone conversations of late.
Still, as he turned to look at the red headed orphan child, he noticed how expectantly she was looking back at him, waiting for him to accept her, even if it was just for the time being.
"Oh well, I suppose she'll have to do", he said gruffly, walking over to her.
Grace stared at him open mouthed. She knew he'd had a rather stressful trip and was probably craving some time on his own, but she had expected him to make a bit more of an effort with their guest, particularly considering she was here for the sole purpose of improving his image.
He did walk over to her and shake her hand and did, to his credit, try to get to know her a little. He just didn't have a clue what to say, or ask, or do with a child…
"Ah, well, it is her first night here…Sir." Grace quickly rushed to grab the paperweight Annie was play pretending was a airplane out of the girl's hands, pulling her up by the hand, pleading silently with the child to try and make the same good first impression on Mr. Warbucks as she'd made on her. After all, he was by far going to be the tougher nut to crack.
"It is?"
"Yes", she said, looking into his eyes, also silently asking him to be lenient and kind towards the child.
As he walked away from them in contemplation, Grace pushed Annie towards him, hoping the girl would work her magic on him somehow. He spun around and took a step back in surprise to see her so close, as if he literally had never been around children in his life.
Grace chuckled a little to herself at how incredibly awkward he was. This man who could stand in front of a crowd full of people and deliver a speech. The same man who held private audiences with Presidents and Kings - was so unsure around a tiny little girl.
When he said to Annie they would have to do something special for her as it was her first night there, Grace smiled, but knew he wouldn't have the first clue of what to do. She tried to use a charade to suggest to him they could take her to a movie, trying to let him have the credit of the idea, so supportive and loyal as she was, but he just didn't pick up on her meaning.
Annie, in exasperation, yelled, "A movie!" Wondering to herself how such a daft man could become a billionaire.
It was a good idea and Oliver was inspired. He began to list some other wonderful ideas and Grace's face lit up with delight at what sounded like a marvelous evening they would share together where he and Annie could begin to really bond.
Her face fell when he told her that she would be the one taking Annie out to do those things.
He'd only just got home and as excited as she was to introduce Annie to many wondrous things, she was also quite desperate to be by his side. Besides which, the whole point of having Annie there was to spend time with him.
Annie, bless her soul, played her disappointment so well that she managed to make Oliver feel so guilty he even ended what would ordinarily be an all-important phone call with Bernard Baruch on the current economic state of things within his company.
Grace couldn't hide how impressed she was. With Oliver and with Annie for making him change his mind and doing something she hardly had the guts to - making him choose fun over work.
And it truly was a wonderful sight to see as they walked through the streets of Manhattan. Oliver slowly but surely being won over by an infectiously happy Annie. Grace couldn't deny how happy she felt, just like this. How right it seemed. Her and Oliver with a child between them. The little girl clutching her hand brought out every maternal reaction within Grace that she had longed to display.
Even if it was just for now, her heart was so full.
She clasped her hands together in glee when Annie, in all her excitement, ran straight up to Oliver and grabbed both of his hands and he, in equal exuberance, spun her around playfully. After that, the two of them were practically joined at the hip. Grace marveled at the instantaneous change she saw in Oliver, how good he was with Annie. It was the very best version of a man she knew had it in him to be a wonderful Father.
There were several times that night where Grace had to stop and remind herself that this arrangement with Annie was only temporary. She'd been with them only a few hours and already Grace longed for it to be different.
This child was quite literally a miracle.
Oliver could see right off the bat how delighted Grace was at seeing him and Annie getting along so famously. The child did bring out his playful side and he honestly was quite happy around her. But he was also distinctly aware of their situation, how Grace had been longing for a child of her own and how he'd expressed to her his wish, before he left for the tour, to also have a child with her.
It had taken him a long time to come to the realization that it's what he wanted. He wanted to build a life with Grace. He wished nothing more than to be able to make her extraordinarily happy.
But an orphan child was not the answer to their prayers. It wasn't anything personal against Annie herself. She just wasn't what Oliver had in mind.
He wanted a child of his own flesh and blood. Of Grace's nature and good looks. With both of their shared intelligence. He wanted their baby.
Annie, as darling as she was, was just no kind of substitute.
As the night wore on though, both Grace and Oliver became more and more enamored by Annie.
Not only were they giving her the chance of a lifetime to experience such magnificent wonders but she was bringing them so much joy in the process.
By the time they reached the Roxy and had been seated to watch the movie, Annie was already falling asleep on Oliver's shoulder.
The strong tugging at his heart surprised him. The instant wave of protection for this small human beside him was quite overwhelming.
Grave turned to look at them and her own heart simply melted.
It had been a gradual feeling throughout the past few weeks as she and Oliver talked and she found herself falling deeper and deeper in love with him. Seeing him now with Annie though, a renewed determination hit her like a ton of bricks.
She had to make him a Father. She had to at least try to give them a chance to be parents. Tonight had proven to her that they would be so wonderful at it.
As she relaxed back against the seat, turning her attention to the movie, Oliver glanced over at her, wondering if she was having the same thoughts that she was. He'd never have expected it, this paternal emotion to fill him so greatly, so quickly.
He could only thank Grace for opening his eyes and he could only pray that she would come around to the idea of having a child of their own.
With his arm around Annie, he reached across and gently placed his hand on Grace's shoulder in a tender display of gratitude and affection. She turned her head to look at him and they shared a look of love. For Annie, for each other and for the future they both hoped they would have.
When they reached home, Oliver very carefully carried Annie up to bed, once again tugging at Grace's heart strings as she watched him being so caring and so protective towards the child.
Grace delicately changed Annie into her nightclothes, trying not to wake the restful child.
They left the room together and returned downstairs for a much needed debrief.
"Well, this has been quite an unexpected but very nice way to reunite", he said once they reached the office.
She smiled widely. "It's been a wonderful evening. You made her so happy by deciding to come out with us."
His own smile was one filled with emotion. "Well, it made me happy too, and I really think I have you to thank for that. Not that it would come as a great surprise to you. You've known for many months, haven't you? Just how happy a child could make us both feel. I know it took me a while to come to the same conclusion, but I wholeheartedly agree. I've only been praying that you might come back around to the idea of us having one of our own again."
She blinked up at him timidly. "It's selfish of me, I know, but before you left I'd been worried that while you were away, that you might find someone else, someone who could...fulfill your wish."
Realization dawned on Oliver's face. Pain filled his heart as he thought of how troubled she must have been leading up to those weeks apart, and sadness that she wasn't sure if she could trust him to be faithful.
Even if they'd never really put it into words, Oliver hoped she might have known by now how he felt about her. How she was the only one he ever wanted to be with.
He stepped up to her slowly, never wanting to startle her or make her feel like she had to back away. "Grace…you were always part of the deal, and you always will be. Don't you remember why I agreed to do this in the first place? It's not just a family that I've begun to yearn for. It's our family."
He cupped her cheek gently and Grace wept. "It's the same for me", she cried, whispering again "It's the same for me", across his lips as he brought them to hers.
He scooped her up in his strong arms, bringing her body flush to his, his hands splayed broadly across her lower back, causing her to whimper at the feeling of being held by him again.
It had been far, far too long.
Keeping one arm firmly locked around her waist, he brought his other hand up to cradle the back of her head ever so gently while his kisses were anything but.
She clutched onto his collar, heatedly and desperately devouring him, the sound of both of their moans filling the room...
"Mr. Warbucks? Miss Farrell?"
Grace and Oliver broke apart quickly, jumping back from one another in shock as a bleary-eyed Annie stumbled into the office, looking nervous and scared.
"Oh, Annie! What happened, dear? Are you alright?" Grace's maternal instinct immediately kicked in as she went to the child's side.
"My room is so huge and I'm not used to sleeping alone."
"Ohh", Grace gently hugged the girl while Oliver discretely wiped Grace's lipstick off his mouth with his handkerchief.
Grace couldn't say she wasn't the slightest bit disappointed about hers and Oliver's passionate encounter being disrupted, but at the same time she knew this was exactly the thing she'd signed up for when she'd started trying for a child of her own.
As Oliver sat down in his chair and invited Annie up onto his lap, saying, "Now, let's talk about what we might be able to do to make this better, hmm?" Grace knew that right now, there was nothing else in the world she would prefer over this.
...
A/N: Well, this turned into a massive chapter! I should have known it would as we enter the "Annie" timeline.
And there's still plenty more to come!