EPILOGUE

ALL CREDIT TO ELJ

10 MONTHS LATER

"She's perfect," I say to my wife as she holds our newborn daughter in her arms.

"She is. She looks just like you. Look at the little patch of red hair," she says reverently as she lays a soft kiss on our daughter's head.

"She does, doesn't she?" I say with a proud smile.

"Not exactly fair since I did all the work."

"Well, I had the huge task of getting you knocked up. And according to all the baby books I read, you had an easy pregnancy. No morning sickness. And as a bonus you were extra horny. I can't wait to knock you up again," I tell her.

"Well, I want to enjoy this one for a while first," she says as she smiles down on your daughter, who is only a little over 24 hours old.

A few weeks after we returned from our honeymoon, Ana discovered she was pregnant. She didn't even have any symptoms. We had been back from our honeymoon for a month and decided to just try one of the half a dozen pregnancy tests that I had Mrs. Jones buy prior to us returning from our honeymoon.

Ana had kicked me out of the bathroom, so she could pee in private. I was standing outside the door when I heard her scream. When I burst through the door, she pointed to the test where I saw two pink lines. We were both stunned silent. Before I could even hug my wife, I ran downstairs and got her a bottle of water, ordered her to drink the entire thing so she can take another pregnancy test.

Ten minutes later, she was ready to go again. This time, I refused to let her kick me out of the bathroom. I refused to turn my back like she asked. I stood there and watched her pee on the damn stick.

About a minute later, the word pregnant appeared. That's when I picked her up and spun her around before kissing her with everything in me.

I remember carrying her to the bedroom and laying her on the bed, where I kissed her abdomen repeatedly, telling the baby how much I already loved him or her.

The entire pregnancy was blissful. I never missed an appointment or an opportunity to rub Ana's feet or her belly. I managed her nutrition and made sure she got enough rest, and she let me.

We went for a walk together every evening, and she signed up for a prenatal yoga class that she attended three times per week.

The best part about her being pregnant is that she stopped talking about finding a job. She focused on her book full time, and that one book has now turned into a trilogy with the first book set to be published next month.

The new Mrs. Grey also focused on many of the Grey charities. Mother and Mia have done a wonderful job of showing Ana the ropes and she now sits on the board of the Coping Together charity with Grace.

She also became a homeowner. As part of my wedding gift to her, I bought her a bungalow style house. It was something similar to the homes she was always interested in purchasing for herself. I was expecting her to be angry at me since this was something she wanted to do for herself, but she surprised me.

She jumped in my arms and said that buying her own house was her dream, but now she was married to me, and she didn't want anything just for herself anymore. She donated the house to Coping Together and now it's used to help mothers in need.

She's currently trying to raise money to buy more houses to help struggling mothers get on their feet.

My Ana showing such passion for Coping Together only made me love her more.

I'm brought back to the here and now when our daughter, Lily Grace Grey, referred to as Gracie, starts to fuss. The nurse comes in and helps Ana with breastfeeding. Once our daughter is latched on, she leaves and I'm left alone to watch my wife feed my daughter. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

I get up from my chair and go to stand next to Ana in the rocking chair.

"You've never looked more beautiful to me than you do right at this moment."

Ana looks up at me and smiles while she strokes Gracie's face.

"I think you've said that to me everyday since I got pregnant."

"That's because it's true. Know you were carrying my baby and seeing your body change every day did things to me, baby. I'd keep you pregnant all the time if I could. Plus, you let me take care of you. Now you'll probably revert back to your feminist ways," I joke.

"Oh, yes. Your little feminist is back. And you calling me that is totally condescending, by the way."

"There she is," I say as I lean down and kiss the top of her head.

"I love you, Christian."

"Not as much as I love you, baby. Thank you for being my wife and for making me a father."

"Thank you for being my husband and making me a mother, and for making us a family."

I grab a chair and pull it next to the rocking chair so I can stroke Ana's hair while she breastfeeds. When she's done, I take Gracie from her and lay her in the bassinette.

I then help Ana get back in the bed.

I was able to get her a private suite at the hospital, complete with a queen sized bed. I slide in next to her and pull her to me. She lays her head on my chest and I continue to stroke her hair, hoping she'll fall asleep.

"Are you feeling ok? You were in labor for ten hours."

"I feel fine. Just tired."

"Get some rest. The family will be back to visit in a few hours."

"Mhmmm," is all she says before she falls asleep in my arms.

After Gracie was born, my parents, siblings, Ray, Trudy and Sammi were all here until late last night. Carla and Bob are on their way to Seattle tomorrow, so I want Ana to get as much rest as possible.

In fact, I'm exhausted myself. I close my eyes and just as I'm about to fall asleep, Elliot bursts through the door.

"Is she here?" He asks, looking around frantic.

I symbol for him to hush and I quickly get off the bed.

"Don't you know how to knock, you ass?" I whisper angrily.

"For what? It's not like you two can go at it right now. Is she here yet?"

"Not yet. She texted Ana this morning and said she'd be here by noon."

"Fine, but I'm going to sit right here and wait until she arrives." He plants his ass in the rocking chair and crosses his arms. I shake my head in frustration and go back to my sleeping wife.

"Just be quiet because you know you're not Ana's favorite person right now."

About two months ago, right after Ana's baby shower, Elliot and Kate broke up. According to Elliot, Kate, after months of hinting, asked Elliot straight out if he wanted to live with her and get married someday.

When he couldn't say yes, she said she wasn't going to waste anymore time in a relationship that was going nowhere and ended things with my brother.

After that, she spent a week at our house crying on Ana's shoulder, telling Ana she got the good Grey since I put a ring on it so quickly. Since Ana couldn't drink, she'd invite me to sit with them and drink wine with her.

I didn't say much, but I listened to her, and I have to admit that my brother was an idiot.

I didn't start off liking Katherine, but she was as loyal as they come and she really loved Elliot.

About a week later, she showed up at the house dressed like a fashion model. She said she was done crying and was ready to live life. She announced that she accepted a temporary assignment in London; one that her father had been asking her to take for a while. She had previously refused because of her relationship with Elliot.

She told us she'd be away for approximately six months but would come visit for a few days when the baby was born. Ana, Mia and I took her out to a farewell dinner.

I called Elliot, telling him to join us for dinner and to try and convince her to stay, but he didn't. He said she was playing a game, and he wasn't going to let her manipulate him. The idiot was in such denial that he said he didn't believe she had an assignment in London and was only doing this to try and control him.

I tried to tell him he was wrong, but he wouldn't listen. He said if she couldn't accept things as they were then that was her problem.

A few days later, Kate was gone. He was expecting her back after a week, but when three weeks went by and she wouldn't take his calls, he started coming around and asking Ana questions.

I remember the day a few weeks ago when he came barging over to the house on a Sunday afternoon.

"You look like shit, Elliot. What are you doing here?" I asked him after he came barging into my home office.

His hair was a mess. His clothes were wrinkled and he looked like he had about three day's worth of stubble on his chin.

"Is Ana here? I need to talk to her about Kate. Have you talked to her?"

"You must really be desperate if you're asking me if I talked to Kate. The answer is no. I know she and Ana talk and text daily."

"I think I fucked up, man. She's been out of my life for a month and I'm slowly going crazy. I miss the fuck out of her. Don't tell Ana, but I went on a date last week to try and get her out of my mind. I called the girl Kate three times, and her name was Candace. I've tried calling her, but I can't get through. I think she blocked my number."

"Well maybe you should give Candace another call." We both turn towards the door and see Ana standing there. She must have just gotten back from her yoga class.

"Nothing happened, Ana," Elliot tries to explain.

"Save it, Elliot. You couldn't or wouldn't commit and Kate's moved on. Just like you did with Candace."

"Baby, that's not fair," I say in defense of my brother. She gives me an angry look, but I'm going to risk the wrath of my wife to help my sorry ass excuse of a brother. "Elliot made a mistake. He realizes now what a dumbass he was."

"Thanks, Christian," Elliot says with a smirk.

"And now what? She's supposed to come back here because you realized you made a mistake? She's supposed to give up this opportunity because Elliot Grey wants her back? I guess you think the world revolves around you, huh? For months, she's been telling you what she wants, and when she realized you two wanted different things, she decided to end the relationship. She was devastated when you didn't fight for her, Elliot. Let her have her time in London."

"You've never made a mistake, Ana? What about when those pictures of Christian came out and you ran to your daddy in Montesano instead of sticking around and fighting for my brother? He had to come and find you, and you know what? I defended you. Excuse me if I'm not like the two of you. You two met and were married five minutes later. It took me a little longer to get there so excuse the fuck out of me."

I know this asshole did not come into my house and talk shit to my very pregnant wife. I see my tiny little wife, with her big belly, walk up to Elliot and get in his face. Before this can escalate anymore, I intervene.

"Elliot, get out of my wife's face. Don't come into our fucking house and talk shit to my wife about something that happened months ago. We handled it and moved on. Don't bring that shit up again," I tell him.

"It's ok, baby," Ana says to me as she touches my arm. "For the record, Elliot, you're right. I handled that completely wrong, but you want to know the difference between you and me? I admitted my mistake and apologized. I would never have let Christian get to the point where he felt so insecure about our relationship that he'd break up with me. I would have fought for him, not act like the end of our relationship was no big deal. You had weeks to go to Kate and fix this, but you refused. I bet you thought she was bullshitting and you figured you'd call her bluff. Well I guess the only bullshitter here is you. Why don't you go give Candace a call?"

Elliot runs his fingers through his hair in frustration and turns his back to Ana.

"Ana, he knows he made a mistake and he's trying to fix things. There is no need to make him feel any worse than he already does. Elliot, stop bringing up shit from me and Ana's relationship. They have nothing to do with this. If you want Kate back, fly to London and tell her how you feel."

He ignores me and turns to Ana.

"I love her, Ana. I fucked up, but there has been no one else. I don't want to lose her. I've called, texted and emailed and she hasn't responded. I'm sorry for being a dick just now, but can you help me, please?"

"She's busy on an assignment. In fact, her father will be in London with her for the next two weeks, so she'll be busy. I'll tell you this, she's not seeing anyone and says she's going to use this time to focus on work and herself. She promised she would be here for a few days after the baby is born. She's hurt but I don't think it's too late for the two of you. You can still fix this. Now, I'm going to shower before I prepare lunch. Are you staying?" I breath a sigh of relief at Ana throwing an olive branch at my idiot brother.

During lunch, Elliot told us how he was going to do everything to get Kate back.

Elliot did fly to London two days later and surprised Kate. He took her out to dinner, apologized and begged her to take him back. He told her they could have a long distance relationship during her six month stay in London, but she said she wasn't ready to give him an answer. She asked for some time to think about it, and they would talk when she came back to Seattle in a few weeks.

He begrudgingly accepted even though she said she wanted no contact until she came to Seattle.

I shake my head at the thought. No way in hell that I would ever agree to some shit like that if Ana and I had broken up. I'd move next door to her in London and she'd have to see me every day until she took me back. But then again, I would never be an idiot like my brother.

"Is it safe to come back in?" Elliot asks outside the door. Ana and I both look at each other and roll our eyes.

She just finished feeding Gracie, and I've just changed her. After Ana's nap, the nurse helped her freshen up. Now, she's looking beautiful in a new silk robe and her hair brushed out.

"Come on in, Elliot," she calls out. As soon as she said it, he walked through the door. I guess in anticipation of seeing Kate, he's cleaned himself up.

A few minutes later, there's a knock on the door and Kate walks in. We all look at Kate who looks amazing. Her hair has been straightened, she's wearing skinny jeans, a denim jacket and stiletto boots.

Elliot's gaze goes directly to her. I watch as he stands up and walks automatically to her. He stands in front of her and just looks at her.

"Katie," he whispers as he opens his arms. I see her eyes fill with tears before she takes the two steps it takes to get to Elliot. He pulls her close and just holds on to her.

Gracie's crying brings everyone back to reality. Kate turns to Ana, who is holding Gracie. She walks to the bed and sits next to my wife. Ana hands her the baby, and Kate starts to cry.

"Wow, Ana. You guys did good. She's beautiful even though she looks just like Grey. Oh my God! Look at her red hair! And she smells so good. I love her already, Ana." Kate gently kisses the baby's head.

"I'm glad to hear it because we want you and Elliot to be the godparents. We never would have met if not for the two of you. It's important that you be a part of Gracie's life," Ana says.

"I'd be honored," Kate says as she counts Gracie's fingers.

"Me too," Elliot says with his voice full of emotion.

The entire time Kate is holding Gracie, Elliot doesn't take his eyes off of her. After an hour of them visiting, Ray, Trudy and Sammi arrive, soon followed by my parents and Mia. Our room is packed with family, each fighting to get their hands on our baby.

I see Elliot and Kate talking in the corner before the quietly walk out holding hands.

2 YEARS LATER – VALENTINE'S DAY

"Honey, I'm home!" I yell out as I walk inside my parent's house with my arms full of flowers.

"Daddy!" I hear by two year old yell as she runs towards me. I put the flowers on the table and swoop her up in my arms. I lift up her shirt and blow a raspberry on the stomach, making her squeal just like her mother.

"There's my favorite girl," I say to her. "Where is everybody?" I ask as I carry her towards the kitchen.

"I thought I was your favorite girl, Grey." Kate, at eight months pregnant, waddles towards me. I snort at her.

"Don't you wish, Katherine."

I spot my wife walking over to me, looking beautiful and dressed all in black. We catch each other's eye and we both smirk at her outfit of choice. It's homage to the first night we met. I grab two bouquets of roses.

"Happy anniversary and happy Valentine's Day, baby." I grab her and give her a sensual kiss.

"Yuck!" I hear Gracie say as she laughs. Elliot walks in and she runs into his arms.

"Happy anniversary and Valentine's Day to you too, husband."

"This is what I wanted to do when I first laid eyes on you that first night," I say right before I kiss her again.

"You should have."

"You probably would have stabbed me if I did."

"Hey, lovebirds, I'm hungry," Elliot announces while he's tickling Gracie.

This has become our little tradition. The four of us have had dinner on Valentine's Day together since. I gifted my parents, along with Ray and Trudy, a trip to Cabo for Valentine's Day this year. Mia has a date, so it's just the five of us.

Ana always prepares the same meal with had that first night, and Kate and Elliot are in charge of bringing the dessert.

"Before we eat, I want to give my husband his present," Ana announces. She retrieves a small box out of purse and I slowly open it.

"Really?" I ask when I see what it is. She bites her lip and nods!

I pull her in my arms and kiss her with everything in me.

"Oh, baby," is all I can manage to say.

"What is it?" Elliot asks. He comes over and grabs the box from me.

"Ana's pregnant!" Both he and Kate cheer.

"Grace is going to lose her mind when she hears about this. Two more grandkids this year! She's going to go nuts!" We all laugh at what Kate says because it's true.

Grace Grey has made it her mission in life to spoil Gracie. It's funny to watch her and dad compete for Gracie's attention. The irony of it all is that Gracie's favorite person is Sammi. Whenever she comes around, which is often, she doesn't want anything to do with her grandparents. She's like Sammi's little shadow.

I pull Ana to me and lay my hand on her belly.

"You've made me the happiest man on earth, baby. I love you so much."

"I love you too, Christian," she whispers, tears pooling in her eyes. "I'm so happy to be yours."

"You were always meant to be mine."

THE END! Thank you all so much for going with me on this amazing ride. I didn't go too far into the future because I want to check in on these two from time to time. Thank you for every single review! I hope you enjoyed reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Until Laters!