i brief hug. "Manana."
lie gapes al mc, wounded — but amused, too. "I've never frothed. Let's see
your dad. I have a surprise for you."
""Surprise?" My eyes widen in alarm.
"Come." Christian lakes nn hand, and we push open [he double doors of the
ICU.
Standing it the u II s bei (ira lee| < ion with Crowe and
a second doctor, a woman I've not seen before. Seeing us, Grace grins.
Oh. thank heavens.
"Christian." She kisses his cheek, then turns to me and folds me in her warm
"Ana. How are you holding up?"
'Tin line, it's my father I'm worried about."
"He's in good hand:,. Doctot Sluder is an expert in Iter field. We trained to-
gether at Yale."
Oh. . .
"Mrs. Grey," Dr. Sluder greets mc very formally. She's short-haired and elfin
with a shy smile and a soft southern accent. "As the lead physician for your father,
have every faith that he'll make a complete recovery. The brain swelling has
stopped, and shows signs of decreasing. This is very encouraging after such a
"Great to see you again, Grace."
Grace smiles. "Likewise, Lorraina."
"Dr. Crowe, let's leave these good people to visit with Mr. Steele." Crowe
follows in Dr. Sluder's wake to the exit.
I glance over at Ray, and for the first time since his accident, I feel more
hopeful Dr. Sluder and ( mice's kind words hae rekindled m> hope.
Grace takes my hand and squeezes gently. "Ana, sweetheart, sit with him.
Talk to him. It's all good. I'll visit with Christian in the waiting room."
I nod. Christian smiles his reassurance, and he and his mother leave me with
my helmed father sleeping peacefully to the gentle lullaby of his ventilator and
i slip Christian's w liiic T-shirl on and get into bed.
"You seem hi 1. In ( In i uli nil n his pajamas.
"Yes. 1 think talking lo Dr. Sluder and your mom made a big difference. Did
you ask Grace to come here?"
Christian slides into lied and pulls me into his arm'., turning me to face away
from him.
"No. She wanted to come and check on your dad herself."
"How did she know?"
"I called her this morning."
""Baby, you're exhausted. You should sleep."
"Hiiiin." I murmur m agreement, lie's right. I'm so tired. It's been an emo-
tional day. I crane my head around and gaze at him a beat. We 're not going to
make love? And I'm relieved. In fact, he's had a totally hands-olT approach w ith
me all day. 1 wonder if I should be dan I this Inn ft nls, but since my in-
i u n Mi I i! i ind taken i i Hi in r. I'll think aboul il
in the morning 1 tin r and si I i i i i I lian i ipping my leg over
"Promise me something," he says softly.
"Hmm?" It's a question that 1 am too tired to articulate.
"Promise me you'll eat something tomorrow. I can just about tolerate you
wearing another man's jacket without frothing at the mouth, but. Ana . . . you
"Hmm," I acquiesce. He kisses my hair. "Thank you for being here," I
"Where else would I be? I want to be wherever you are, Ana. Being here
makes me think of how far w e've come And the night I firsi slept with you. What
a night that was. I watched you for hours. You were just . . . yar," he breathes. I
i nun in i 1 el im in exesand drill
Chapter Eighteen
I stir, opening my eyes to a bright September morning. Warm and comfortable
between clean, crisp sheets, I take a moment to orientate myself and am over-
"Shit! Dadd' i g p oui loud, i i lin > lh i gut- renching surge of ap-
"Hey." Christian is sitting on the edge of the bed i [e strokes my cheek with
his knuckles, instantly calming me. "I called the ICU this morning. Ray had a
good night. It's ad good." lie as reassuringly.
"Oh, good. Thank soil" i mutter, silting up.
He leans in and presses his lips to my forehead. "Good morning, Ana," he
whispers and kisses m temple.
"Hi," I mutter. He's up and dressed in a black T-shirt and blue jeans.
"Hi," he replies, his eyes soft and warm. "1 want to wish you happy birthday.
Is that okay?"
I offer him a tentative smile and caress his cheek. "Yes, of course. Thank
you. For everything."
His brow furrows. "Everything?"
"Everything."
He looks moment 1 II I his c es widen with an-
ticipation. "Here." He hands me a small. exquisitely w rapped box with a tiny gift
In spite of the worry I feel about my father, I sense Christian's anxiety and
excitement, and it's infectious. I read the card.
Tor att our firsts on your first birthday as my Beloved wife.
I (bveyou.
Oh my, how sweet is that? "I love you, too," I murmur, smiling at him.
He grins. "Open it."
er box. Cartier. It's familiar, thanks lo m second-chance earrings and my watch.
Cautiously, I open the box to discover a delicate charm bracelet of silver, or plat-
inum or white gold — I don't know, but it's absolutely enchanting. Attached to it
arc several charms: the Eiffel Tower, a London black cab. a helicopter Charlie
Tango, a glider — the soaring, a catamaran The Grace, a bed, and an ice cream
cone? I look up at him, bemused.
" mill i?" He shi t ipoh I nd 1 can't Ik bat I t I if coin
"Christian, this is heauliful. Thank you. It's yar."
My favorite is the heart. It's a locket.
"You can put a picture or whatever in that."
"A picture of you.'* I gkmcc at him through my lashes. • Always in my heart."
lie smiles his lo el heartbreaking! 1 mil
I fondle the last two charms: a letter C — oh yes, I was his first girlfriend to
use his first name. 1 smile at the thought. And finally, there's a Ley.
"To my heart and soul," he whispers.
Tears prick my eyes. 1 launch myself at him. curling my arms around his
neck and settling into his lap. ""It's such a thoughtful present. I loe it Thank
you," I murmur against his ear. Oh, he smells so good — clean, of fresh linen, body
ish. and (I tian. Like hoi n i i *> I I i . 1 ^ _ i » it
lie groans softly and enfolds me in his embrace.
"I don't know w hat I'd do without sou." My voice cracks as I try to hold
back the overwhelming swell of emotion.
He swallows hard and tightens his hold on me "Please don't en ."
1 sniff in a rather unladylike way. "I'm sorry. I'm just so happy and sad and
"Hey." His voice is feather soft. Tipping my head back, he plants a gentle
kiss on my lips. "I understand."
"I know," I whisper, and I'm rewarded with his shy smile again.
"I wish we were in happier circumstances and at home. But we're here." He
shrugs apologetically once more. "Come, up you go. After breakfast, we'll check
on Ray."
Once dressed in m jeans and! n i i i bi let but welcome
return during breakfast in our suite. I know Christian is pleased to see me eating
my granola and Greek yogurt.
"It's your birthday," Christian says softly. "And you have to stop thanking
me." He rolls his eyes in exasperation, but fondly, I think.
"I just want you to know that I appreciate it."
"Anastasia, it's what I do." His expression is serious — of course. Christian in
command and control. How could I forget . . . Would I w ant him any other w ay'.'
I smile. "Yes, it is."
He gives me a puzzled look then shakes his head. "Shall we go?"
"I'll just brush my teeth."
lie smirks. "Okay."
Why is he smirking? The thought nags me as I head into the en suite. A
memory springs unbidden to my mind. 1 used his toothbrush after I first spent the
night with him. I smirk and grab his toothbrush in homage to that first time. Gaz-
ing at myself as I brush my teeth, I'm pale, too pale. But then I'm always pale.
The last time I was here I was single, and now I'm married at twenty-two! I'm
gelling old. ! rinse out my mouth
Holding up my « risi. I shake it, and the charms on my bracelet give a satisfy-
ing rattle. How does my sweet Fifty always know exactly the right tiling to give
me? I take a deep breath, attempting to stem the emotion slill lurking in my sys-
He can afford it.
utiili britshi r i ie Tai i ! II
'"More than like ! Io e il. Very much. Like you."
He smiles and kisses my knuckles once more. I feel lighter than I did yester-
day. Perhaps because l's morni nd ill ii< i c ms a mote hopeful
up. Or maybe it's know ing that Ray is no worse
As we step into the empty elevator. I glance up at Christian. Ilis eyes flicker
quickly down to mine, and he smirks again.
"Don't," he whispers as the doors shut.
"Don't what?"
"Look at me like that."
"Fuck the paperwork," 1 mutter, grinning.
He laughs, and it's such a carefree, boy ish sound, lie lugs me into his arms
and tilts my head up. "Someday . I'll rent ibis ele aloi for a whole afternoon."
"Just the afternoon?" I arch my brow.
"Mrs. Grey, you are greedy."
"When it comes to you, I am."
"I'm very glad to hear it." He kisses me gently.
And I don't know if it's because we are in this elevator or because lie's not
touched me in over twenty-four hours or if he's just my intoxicating husband, but
desire unwinds and stretches lazily deep in my belly. I ran my fingers into his hair
and deepen the kiss, pushing him against the wall and bringing my body flush
against his.
He groans into m> mouth and cups m> head, cradling me as we kiss — really
kiss, our tongues exploring llie oh-so-IVmiiliar but still oh-so-nevv. oh-so-exciling
territory that is the other'' i a 1 iner goddc i i bringii libido
i 11 i 1 ii- 1 i I i I ill t n
"Ana," he breathes.
"I love you, Christian Grey. Don't forget that," I whisper as I gaze into dark-
ening gray eyes.
The elexalor comes smoothly lo a hall and the doors open.
"Let's go and see our lather be lore i decide lo rem this today." He kisses me
quickly 1 ikes m hi I i ill!
As we walk p tst i Mi t i h signal to the kindly
middle-aged man standing behind the desk. He nods and picks up his phone. I
glance qucstioningly at Christian, and he gives me his secret smile. I frown at
"Where's Taylor?" I ask.
Christian auiids the reoling door, and I know it'
lease m hand. The thought warms me Outside it's ;i i
but the scent of the coming fail is in the breeze. I glance around, looking for the
Audi SUV and Taylor. No sign. Christian's hand lightens around mine, and I look
"What is it?"
He shrugs. The hum ot an approaching car engine distracts me. It's
throaty . . . familiar. As I turn to find the source of the noise, it stops suddenly.
Taylor is climbing out of a sleek white sports car parked in front of us.
Oh shit! It's an R8. I whip my head back to Christian, who's watching me
warily. "You can buy me one for my birthday ... a white one, I think. "
"Happy birthday," he says, and I know he's gauging my reaction. I gape at
him because that's all I can do. He holds out a key.
"You are compl lei i I I i mc i fucking hi li
RS! Hah slut lust Hi I • i 1 u plils ii i hugi grin and my inner god-
dess does a backflip off the high dive. I jump up and down on the spot in a mo-
menl of unguarded and nidled i menl. Chi 11 i in
nunc, ami ! dance forward into his wailing aims. I !c s nigs mc around.
"You have more money than sense!" I whoop. "I love it! Thank you." He
stops and dips me low suddenly, startling me, so that I have to grasp his upper
"Anything for you, Mrs. Grey." He grins down at me. Oh my. What a very
public display of affection, lie bends and kisses mc. "Come. Let's go see your
dad."
"Yes. And I get to drive?"
He grins down at me. "Of course. It's yours." He stands me up and releases
n nd I I i n nd I he dri 1 *
Ta> lor opens u for inc. smiling broadlv. '"I lapp birthday. Mrs. Grey."
turns awkwardly. He's still blushing when I climb into the car, and he closes the
"Drive safe, Mrs. Grey," he says gruffly. I beam up at him, barely able to
"Will do." I |
"Take it easy. Nobody chasing us now," he warns. When I turn the key, the
engine thunders to hi I ehc the i in i i e mirroi and spotting a rare
moment of clear traffic, execute a huge perfect U-turn and roar off in the direction
ofOSHU.
"Whoa!" Christian exclaims, alarmed.
"What?"
"I don't want you in the 1CU beside your father. Slow down," he growls, not
to be argued with. I ease off the accelerator and grin at him.
"Much," he niullers ' ! I 10 look slci 1 ! iih i i si >1
Ray's condition is t, imc k ing i i a< an i nic al'u Ihc heady road trip
here. I really should drive more cuivlullr. You can't legislate for every drunk
driver in this world. 1 must ask Christian what's become of the asshole who hit
Ra I'm .-aire he knows. li! -.pile ol'lhe lubes. m falher looks eomlbnable, and I
think he has a little more color in ins cheeks. V hile I lei! him about my morning,
l I ! !1 I I 111 I
Nurse Kcllie hovers, checking Ray's lines and making notes on his chart.
"All his signs are good, Mrs. Grey." She smiles kindly at me.
"That's very encouraging."
A little later Dr. C roue appeals iwo nursing assistants and says warmly,
"Mrs. Grey, time to take your father up to radiology. We're giving him a CT scan.
"Up to an hour."
"Sure thing. Mrs. Grey."
J wander inlo ihe thankfully empty wailing room where Christian is talking
on the phone, pacing. As he speaks, he gazes out of the window at the panoramic
view of Portland. I le turns to me w lien I situs Ihc door, ami he looks angry.
"How far above the limit? ... I see ... All charges, everything. Ana's father
is in the 1CU — I want you to throw the fucking book at him, Dad . . . Good. Keep
mc informed." He hangs up.
He nods. "Some drunken trailer trash from Southeast Portland." He sneers,
and I'm shocked b his termii i ! i I son tone. He walks over to me,
and his tone softens.
"Finished with Ray? Do you want to go?"
"Um ... no." I peer up at him, still reeling at his display of contempt.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing Ra s b ng la n to 1 liolog I < til in lo check Ihc swelling
in his brain. I'd like to wait for the results."
"Okay. We'll wait." He sits down and holds oul ins amis. As we're alone, I
go willingly and curl up in his lap.
"This is not how 1 envisaged spending today." Christian murmurs into my
"Ml- neither, but I'm feeling more positive now. Your mom was very reassur-
ing. It was kind of her to come last night."
Christian strokes my back and rests his chin on my head. "My mom is an
"She is. You're very lucky to have her."
Christian nods.
"I should call m mom. Toil her about Ray." I murmur and C hristian stiffens.
Tin surprised site hasn't called me.' 1 I frown in a moment ol' realization. In fact. I
feel hurt. It's my birthday after all, and she was there when I was born. Why
hasn't she called?
"Maybe she did," Christian says. I fish my BlackBerry out of my pocket. It
Mia. and Lilian. Nothing from m> mother. 1 shake my head despondently,
machine. I don't leave a message. How can my own mother forget my birthday?
Christian tightens his arms around me, nuzzling my hair once more, and
than hear the buzz of his BlackBerry. He doesn't let me stand up but fishes it awk-
wardly out of his pocket.
"Andrea." he snaps, businesslike again. I make another move to stand and he
stops me, frowning and holding me lightly around my waisi. i nestle back against
his chest and listen to lite one-sided conversation.
"Good . . . ETA is what time? . . . And the other, urn... packages'.'" Christian
glances at his watch. "Does the Heathman have all the details? . . . Good . . . Yes.
It can hold until Monday morning, but e-mail it just in case — I'll print, sign, and
scan it back to you . . . They can w ail Go home. Andrea . . . No. we're good,
thank you." He hangs up.
"Everything okay?"
"Yes."
"Is this your Taiwan thing?"
"Yes." He shifts beneath me.
"Am 1 too heavy?"
He snorts. "No, baby."
"Are you worried about the Taiwan thing?"
"No."
"I thought it was important."
"It is. The shipyard here depends on it. There are lots of jobs at stake."
Oh!
"We just have to sell it to the unions. That's Sam and Ros's job. But the way
11 i h ng. none ol lot of choice
"Am I boring you, Mrs. ( irc> I Ic nuzzles nn hair again, amused.
"No! Never . . . I'm just very comfortable on your lap. I like hearing about
"You do?" He sounds surprised.
formation you deign to share with me." I smirk, and lie regards me with amusc-
"Always hungry for more information, Mrs. Grey."
"Tell me." I urge him as ! snuggle up against his chest again.
"Tell you what?"
"Why you do it."
"Do what?"
"Work the way you do."
"A guy's got to earn a living." He's amused.
"Christian, you earn more than a living." My voice is full of irony. He frowns
and is quiet for a moment. I think he's not going to divulge any secrets, but he
surprises me.
"I don't want to be poor," he says, his voice low. "I've done that. I'm not go-
ing back there again. Besides . . . it's a game," he murmurs. "It's about winning.
A game I've always found very easy."
"Unlike life," 1 murmur to m self, rhen 1 realize 1 said the words out loud.
"Yes, I suppose." He frowns. "Though it's easier with you."
Easier with me? I hug him tightly. "It can't all be a game. You're very
philanthropic."
lie shrugs, and ) know lie's growing uneomforiable. "Abdul some things,
maybe," lie says quietly.
"I love philanthropic Christian." I murmur.
"Just him?"
"Oh, I love megalomaniac Christian, too, and control-freak Christian, sex-
pcrtise Christian. kink < liristian. romantic Christian. sh « liristian . . . the list is
endless."
"That's a whole lot of Christians."
"I'd say at least fifty."
lie laughs. "Fifty Shades." he murmurs into my hair.
"My Fifty Shades."
He shifts, tipping my head back, and kisses me. "Well, Mrs. Shades, let's see
how your dad is doing."
"Okay."
"Can we go for a drive?"
brain is back to normal — all swelling gone. Dr. Sluder has decided to wake him
from his coma tomorrow She site's pleased w ith his progress.
"Sure." Christian grins at me. "It's your birthday -we can do anything you
Oh! His tone makes me turn and gaze at him. His eyes are dark.
"Anything?"
"Anything."
How much promise can he load into one word? "Well, I want to drive."
"Then drive, baby." He grins, and I grin back.
My car handles like a dream, and as we hit the 1-5, 1 subtly put my foot down,
forcing us both back m our seats.
As we drive back into Portland, an idea occurs to me.
"Hae you pi i I kind I ;isk Christki [en ilicl
"No. You're hungry?" He sounds hopeful.
"Yes."
"Where do you want to go? It's your day, Ana."
"I know just the place."
I pull up near the gallery where Jose exhibited kis work and park right out-
side the Le Picotin restaurant where we went titter Jose's show.
C hrislian grins. "For one minute I thought you were going to take me to that
dreadful bar you drunk dialed me from."
"Why would I do that?"
""To check the azaleas are still ali e." 1 le arches ;i sardonic brow.
I blush. "Don't remind me! Besides . . . you still took me to your hotel room."
"Best decision I ever made," he says, his eyes soft and warm.
"Yes. It was." I lean over and kiss him.
""Do you think mat supercilious dicker is 4:11 wailing tables"/" Christian asks.
"Supercilious? I thought he was fine."
"Well, he succeeded."
C hrislian's mouth twists in amused disgust.
"Shall we go see?" I offer.
"Lead on, Mrs. Grey."
After lunch and a quick detour to the i Icathman to pick up C hristian's laptop, we
the manuscripts I've been sent. My only accompaniment is the sound of the ma-
progress, 1 can breathe a little easier and relax. I'm hopeful lie just needs time to
get well. I've got time — I can gic him that. I wonder idl if I should try calling
Mom again, but decide to do it later. ! hold Ra> hand loosely as I read to him,
squeezing it oec i i III 1 feci soft and warm
beneath my touch. He still has the indentation on his finger where he wore his
wedding ring — even after all this time.
An hour or two later, I don't know how long, I glance up to sec Christian, laptop
in hand, standing at the end of Ray's bed with Nurse Kcllie.
"It's time to go, Ana."
Oh. I clasp Ray's hand lightly . ! don't want to leave him.
"I want to feed you. Come. It's lute Christ i i i- nsisteni
"I'm about to give Mr. Steele a sponge bath," Nurse Kcllie says.
'Okay '' I concede. "We'll be back tomorrow morning."
I kiss Ray on his check, feeling his unfamiliar stubble beneath my lips. I
don't like it At ep s> i i i Wi Ilmeiou
"I thought we'd dine downstairs. In a private room." C hristian says, a gleam
in his eye as he opens the door to our suite.
"RealK ? Finish what you started a few months ago?"
He smirks. "If you're very lucky, Mrs. Grey."
! laugh. "( hristian. 1 don't hac anything dress to wear."
ill I i I i hile dress I i t
laugh. Unzipping the bag, I find a navy satin dress and ease it out. It's gor-
"It's lovely. Thank you. I hope it fits."
"It will," he says i 1 I 11 md hei h 1 lour 1 shocbox — "shoes to
match." He gives me a wolfish smile.
"You think of everything. Thank you." I stretch up and kiss him.
"I do." He hands me y et another bag.
I gaze at him quizzically. Inside is a black strapless bodysuit with a central
panel of lace. He caresses my face, lilts my chin, and kisses me.
"I look forward 1 t I 1 1 1
Fresh out of m I I Inn ed and feeling pani| ed I sit on the edge
of the bed and start up the hair dryer. Christian w anders into the bedroom. I think
he's been working.
"1 lore, let me," he says, pointing to the chair in front of the dressing table.
"Dry my hair?"
He nods. I blink at him.
"Come," he sa irding i ml mly. I ' thai c ression and I know
better than to disobey Slow l and methodical!} he dries. m hair, one lock at a
time. He's obviously done this Move . . often.
"You're no stranger to this," I murmur. His smile is reflected in the mirror,
but he says nothing and continues to brush through tin hair. Ilmm . . . it's er>
When we step into the elevator on our way to dinner, we are not alone. Christian
looks delicious in his si I i 1 I ind jacket. No tie.
The two women inside shoot admiring glances at him and less generous ones at
mc. I hide my smile. Yes, ladies, he's mine. Christian takes my hand and pulls me
It's busy, full of people dressed up for the evening, silting around chatting
1 feci Vltl tell 1! 1 1 s u ! I i
At first, I think. heading I r the pi 1 dinit n a ' w here we first dis-
cussed the conti act but h ids me past that ind oi to the far end where
he opens the door to another wood paneled room.
"Surprise!"
Oh. my. Kate and Llliol. Mia and lilhan. Carriek and Grace. Mr. Rodriguez
and Jose, and tin i I I i isses I tand gaping
at diem, speechless. Slow ' When'.' 1 turn in eonslernalion to Christian, and he
squeezes my hand. My mom steps forward and wraps her arms around me. Oh,
"Darling, you look beautiful. Happy birthday."
pile the audience, and I bury my face in her neck.
"Honey, darling. Don't cry. Ray will be okay. He's such a strong man. Don't
cry. Not on yout bull la ll> ,ok ci but she i uns her composure.
She grasps m face in hot hand- and with her thumbs w ipes aw a_ m> tears.
"I thought you'd forgotten."
"Oh, Ana! How could I? Seventeen hours of labor is not something you eas-
ily forget."
1 giggle through my tears, and die smiles
"Dry your eyes, honey. Lots of people are here to share your special day."
I sniffle, not wanting to look at anyone else in the room, embarrassed and
thrilled that even oik I n - h an effort I come and see me.
"How did you get here'.' hen did on arm e?"
>il ut I tie. darlit It mis impiessed.
And I laugh. "Thank you for coming, Mom." She wipes my nose with a tis-
sue as only a mother v ould. "Mom!" ! scold, composing myself.
"That's belter. 1 1 py birll il I Ink ceiyone lines
up to hug me and wish me happy birthday.
"He's doing well, Ana. Dr. Sluder is the one of the best in the country. Happy
birthday. Angel " (iracc hugs inc.
"You cry all you want to, Ana — it's your party." Jose embraces me.
"Happy birthday, darling girl." Carrick smiles, cupping my face.
"S'up babe? Your old man will be fine." Elliot enfolds me in his arms.
"I hippy birthday."
"Okay." Taking in;, hand. Christian pulls me from LTIiol's embrace. "Enough
fondling m wile. Cio fondle your fiancee."
Elliot grins wickedly at him and winks at Kate.
A aiicr I hadn't noticed before presents Christian and me with glasses of
Christian clears his throat. "This would be a perfect day if Ray were here
yourself, Ana. To all of you, thank you for coming to share my beautiful wife's
birthday, the firsl of many to come. I hippy birthday, my love " Christian raises his
glass to me amid a chorus of happy birthdays, and I have to fight again to keep
my tears at bay.
ill t 111 t
cooned in the bosom of my family, knowing the man I consider my father is on a
life support machine in the cold clinical cm irons of the 1CU. I'm detached from
the proceedings but grateful that they're all here. Watching the sparring between
Elliot and Christian, Jose's ready warm wit, Mia's excitement and her enthusiasm
for the food, Ethan slyly watching her. I think he likes her . . . though it's hard to
toll. Mr. Rodriguez is silting back, like me. enjoying the conversations. He looks
better. Rested. Jose is very attentive to him, cutting his food, keeping his glass
filled. Ha ing his sun i ing parent come so close 10 death hits made Jose appreci-
ate Mr. Rodriguez more ... I know.
I gaze at Mom. Site s in her clement, charming, witty, and warm. I loc her
so much. I must remember to tell her. Life is so precious, I realize that now.
"You okay?" Kate asks in an uncharacteristically gentle voice.
I nod and clasp her hand. Y es. [ hanks for coming."
"You think Mi el i i i 1 mid keep i va from you on your birthday?
Wc got to fly in the helicopter!" She grins.
"Really?"
"Yes. All of us. And to think Christian can fly it."
"That's kinda hot."
"Yes."
"London, Paris ... ice cream?"
"You don't want to know."
gh. a i 1 h I c i i til & Jerry's & Ana.
"Oh ... and an R8."
Kate sons her u ine rather unatlracli ely dow n hei chin, making us both laugh
"Over the top bastard, isn't he'.'" She giggles.
For dessert I am presented with a sumptuous ehoeolale cake blazing with twenty-
two silver candles and a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday." Grace watches
Christian sin in It in friends and lami i het eyes shine with
lov e. Catching m ev e. she blow s me a kiss.
"Make a wish Christi liispc o nn In » breath I blow out all the
candles, fervently willing m fuller better. A«/(A . ge/ ire//. Hca.se get well. I love
At midnight. Mi Rodi • it I take their leave
""Thank you so much fir coming." I hug Jose tightly.
"Wouldn't miss it for the w oik Had I i h i ng in I right direction."
"Yes. You, Mr. Rodriguez, and Ray have to come fishing with Christian in
"Yeah? Sounds cool." Jose grins before he leaves to fetch his father's coat,
and I crouch down to say good-bye to Mr. Rodriguez.
"You know Ana, there was a time . . . well, I thought you and Jose . . ." His
voice fades, and he gazes at me, his dark gaze intense but loving.
Oh no.
"I'm very fond of your son, Mr. Rodriguez, but he's like a brother to me."
"You would have made one fine daughter-in-law. And you do. To the
Greys." He smiles wistfully and I blush.
"I hope you'll settle for friend."
"Of course. Your husband is a fine man. You chose well, Ana."
""I think so." I whisper. "I love him so." 1 bug Mr. Rodriguez.
"Treat him good, Ana."
Christian closes the door to our suite.
"Alone at list hen i ng bad instil ilchin me.
I slep loward him and run m; lingers or or the lapels of his jacket. "Thank
you for a wonderful birthday. You really are the most thoughtful, considerate,
generous husband."
"My pleasure."
"Yes . . . your pleasure. Let's do something about that," I whisper. Tightening
my hands around his lapels, I pull his lips to mine.
After a communal breakfast. I open all m presents then giro a scries of cheery
good-byes to all the Greys and the Kavanaghs who will be returning to Seattle via
Charlie Tango. My mom, Christian, and 1 head up to the hospital with Taylor
dri ing since the three of us would not fit into my R8. Bob has declined to visit,
and I'm secretly glad. [I'd be jnsl loo weird, and Tin sure Ra wouldn't appreciate
Bob seeing him al am thing loss than his best.
Ray looks much ihe same. Hairier. Mom is drocked w iron she sees him, and
together we cry a little more.
"Oh, Ray." She squeezes Ins hand and genlly sirokes his face, and I'm moved
to see her love for her ex-husband. I'm glad i hare '.issues in my purse. We sit be-
side him. me holding Iter hand w hale she holds his.
"Ana, there was a time when this man was the center of my world. The sun
rose and sei with him. I'll alw ays love him. lie's iaken such good care of you."
"Mom " i choke ami she sirokes no. face and lucks a lock of my hair behind
my car.
"You know I'll always love Ray. We just drifted apart." She sighs. "And I
just couldn't live with him." she g izcs dow n al hei lingers, and 1 wonder if she's
d ill i I i tilk ibout.
"I know you love Ray," 1 whisper, drying my eyes. "They're going to bring
him out of his coma today."
"Good. I'm sure he'll be fine. He's so stubborn. I think you learned it from
I smile. "Have you been talking to Christian'.'"
""Does lie dunk you're stubborn'.'"
"I believe so."
"I'll tell him it's a family trait. You look so good together, Ana. So happy."
"We are. 1 thin! (icltit diet nywa I hit 'I he center of my
world. The sun rises and sets with him for me, too."
"He obviously adores you, darling."
"And 1 adore him."
I insist on going to the airport with Mom and Bob to say good-bye. Taylor
follows in the R8, and Christian drives the SUV. I'm sorry they can't stay longer,
but they have to ue i o Sa innah. I it i iul good-bye.
"Take good care of her. Be >b." I w hisper as he hugs me.
"Sure u ill. Ana. And you look after yourself"
"Will do." I turn to my mother "Good-bye. Mom. Thank yon for coming." 1
whisper, my voice hoarse. "I love you so much."
"Oh my darling girl, I love you, too. And Ray will be fine. He's not ready to
I giggle. She's right. I resolve to read the sports pages of the Sunday newspa-
per to Ray that evening. ! watch her and Boh climb the steps into the GEH jet. She
gives me a tearful wave, then she's gone. Christian wraps his arm around my
shoulder.
"Let's head back, baby," he murmurs
"Will you drive?"
"Sure."
When we return to the hospital that evening, Ray looks different. It takes me a
moment to realize that the suck and push of the ventilator has vanished. Ray is
breathing on his owl 'hi I igh mc. I sin I lubbly face, and tak-
ing out a tissue lo genth w ipe. the spittle from his mouth.
Christian stalks off to find Dr. Sluder or Dr. Crowe for an update, while I
take my familiar seat beside his bed to keep a watchful vigil.
I unfold the spin km of the SuikUin O i d tiscienliousK be
gin reading out the report i i i linst Real Salt Lake.
By all accounts, it was a wild game, but the Sounders Mere defeated by an own
goal from Islascy Keller. I grip Ray's hand firmly in mine as 1 read it through
"And the final score, Sounders 1, Real Salt Lake 2."
"Hey, Annie, we lost? No!" Ray rasps, and he squeezes my hand.
Daddy!
Chapter Nineteen
Tears stream down my face. He's back. My daddy is back.
"Don't cry, Annie." Ray's voice is hoarse. "What's happening?"
I take up his hand in both of mine and cradle it against my face. "You've
boon in an accident. You're in the hospital in Portland."
Ray frowns, and i don'l know ifil's because lie's uncomfortable wilh my un-
characteristic display of affection, or that he can't remember the accident.
"Do you wanl sonic water?" 1 ask. though km no! sure il'I'm allowed 10 give
hiai am. Ik- nods, bewildered. My heart swells. I stand up and lean over him,
kissing his forehead, "d kw e you. Daddy. Welcome hack."
He waves his hand, embarrassed. "Me, too, Annie. Water." 1 ran the short
distance to the nurses' station.
"My dad — he's awake!" I beam at Nurse Kellie, who smiles back.
"Page Dr. Sluder," she says to her colleague and hurriedly makes her way
around the desk.
"He wants water."
"I'll bring him some."
I skip back to m lather's bed. I feel so light-hearted. His eyes are closed
when I reach him. and 1 immediate!) worn that lie's slipped back into a coma.
"Daddy?"
"I'm here," lie mutters raid his eyes lluliei open as Nurse Kellie appears with
a jug of ice chips and a glass.
"Hello, Mr. Steele. I'm Kellie, your nurse. Your daughter tells me you're
thirsty."
In the waiting loom Christian is i irii I ei it his lapio deep in concentra-
"Hc's awake," I announce. He smiles, and the tension around his eyes van-
ishes. Oh ... I hadn't noticed before. Has he been tense all this time? He sets his
laplop aside, stands, and embraces me.
"How is he?" lie asks as I v rap my arms around him.
""Talking, thirsts, bewildered. lie doesn't remember die accident at all."
"That's understandable. Now that he's awake, I want to get him moved to
Seattle. Then we can go home, and my mom can keep an eye on him."
"I'm not sure h el nough to be moved."
"I'll talk to Dr. Sluder. Get her opinion."
"You miss home?"
"Okay."
"You haven't stopped smiling," Christian says as I pull up outside the 1 lealliman.
"I'm very relieved. And happy."
Christian grins. "Good."
The light is fading, and I shiver as 1 step out into the cool, crisp e ening and
hand my key to the parking valet. He's eyeing my car with lust, and I don't blame
him. Christian puts his arm around me.
"Shall we celebrate?" he asks as we enter the foyer.
"Celebrate?"
"Your dad."
I giggle. "Oh, him."
""I've missed dial sound " C lirislian kisses m hair.
"Can we just eat in our room? You know, have a quiet night in?"
Sun: Come faking m ham lie lead ne lo the elevators.
"Thai was delicious." ! murmur with satisfaction as I push my plate away, replete
for the first lime in ages. "The sure know how to make a line lartc Tatin here."
1 i IVl id bathed am 'in i I lia 1 li n n n in in
the background, Christian's iPod is on shuffle and Dido is warbling on about
white flags.
Christian c ls mc I I His hair i till dat t m our bath, and he's
wearing just his black T-shirt and jeans. "That's the most l' e seen you eat the en-
tire time we've been here," he says.
"I was hungry."
He leans bad i I id take a sip of his
"What do you want to do?"
He raises an eyebrow, amused. "What 1 always want to do."'
"And that is?"
"Mrs. Grey, don't be coy."
Reaching across the dining table, I grasp his hand, turn it over, and skim my
index finger over his palm. "I'd like you to touch me with this." I run my finger
up his index finger.
He shifts in his chaii . "Just that?" 1 li- ey es darken and heat at once.
"'Maybe this?" I run my finger up his middle linger and back to his palm.
"And this." My nail traces his ring linger. "Dellnitel} tins." My linger slops at his
wedding ring. "This is very sexy."
"Is it, now?"
"It sure is. It says this man is mine." And I skim the small callous that has
already formed on his palm beneath the ring. I le leans forw ard and cups my chin
with his other hand.
"Mrs. Grey, are you seducing me?"
"Anastasia, I'm a given." His voice is low. "Come here." He tugs my hand,
pulling me onto his lap. "I like having unfettered access to you." He runs a hand
up my thigh to m h I rasps 1 hi tilt his other hand and
kisses me. holding me firmly in place.
He tastes of while w ine and apple pie and ( 'hristian. I run my fingers through
his hair, holding him to me while our tongues explore and curl and twist around
each other, my blood heating in my veins. We're breathless when Christian pulls
away.
"Let's go to bed," he murmurs against my lips.
"Bed?"
lie pulls back further and lugs my hair so i am looking up at him. "Where
would you prefer, Mrs. Grey?"
vly inner godd t i i i 1 in ilin. 1 sh feigning in
He smirks. "You're feisty litis c cuing." 1 le runs his nose along mine.
"Maybe you do. You're getting mighty bossy in your old age." He narrows
his eyes, but can't d i isc h latent I a or the
"What are you going to do about it?" I challenge.
I lis eyes glitter. "I know what I'd like to do about it. Depends if you're up to
"Oh, Mr. Grey, you've been very gentle with me these last couple of days.
I'm not made of glass, you know."
"You don't like gentle?"
"With you, of course. But you know . . . variety is the spice of life." I bat my
lashes at him.