Six weeks later

"Is she asleep?" Ana asked, coming to the door of her daughters nursery with a sleeping Teddy in her arms.

"Nearly," Christian whispered back, rocking their baby daughter in his arms. He smiled down at her, kissing her little button nose and working his way to each of her cheeks as her eyes started to close. He gazes down at his little girl with so much love in his eyes. How did he ever exist without her. He looked up at the woman who had made all of his dreams come true and she smiled at him. That soft, beaming smile showing her love for him with a simple look.

He looked back at the angel who whose eyes were now barely open and hummed gently while still rocking her slowly.

"What song is that your humming?" Ana asked, coming into the room with a sleepy Teddy listening to his father's voice with rapt attention.

"It's the theme tune from beauty and the beast," Christian said softly as he finished the song, "Leila used to hum it to Ted sometimes when he was restless and it would send him straight to sleep."

"It's beautiful," Ana whispered, stroking a lock of hair from her daughters face and kissing her forehead. "And it's put Phoebe right to sleep."

Christian put the baby in her cot and then turned on her starlight mobile so that it spun gently projecting stars all over the room.

"Goodnight angel," he whispered as Ana whispered the same, kissing her forehead. They closed the door and then Ana took Teddy to his bedroom with Christian following close behind them.

"Are you sleepy little man?" she whispered in his ear, he held on tightly to her and nodded his head. She hadn't been able to hold him like this for a few weeks after giving birth and she'd missed it immensely. There was nothing quite like holding your child in your arms.

"Let's get you in bed then," Christian pulled back the duvet and Ana gently laid Teddy on the bed, then both tugging the covers back over him.

"Night son," Christian whispered kissing Teddy's hair.

"Night daddy," Ted replied, his eyes closed and his voice full of exhaustion.

"Bonne nuit mon chéri," (goodnight my darling) Ana said kissing Teddy's cheek but he was asleep before he could reply. Christian chuckled as a loud breathy sigh came from his little boy and then helped Ana up from the bed.

"Are you excited to go back to work tomorrow?" Ana asked, smiling as Christian wrapped his arms around her and pulling her close to him when they stopped outside Teddy's room.

"No, I wish I could stay here with you three," he replied kissing her neck softly. Christian had taken some time off to be with his family. Ana had been trying to catch up on her lessons for the last week and Christian had helped by either taking the baby for a while so she had some time to herself or helping her with the actual work she was doing.

"I wish you could stay here too," Ana mumbled against his neck, her hands rubbing his back gently. "I've been spoiled these last few weeks having you around all of the time," Christian hummed in agreement stroking her hair gently.

"Maybe I should just call in sick," he said smiling when the lips that had been kissing his neck turned into a wide grin.

"If you do that you'll never go back. The kids and I will keep you hostage here," she joked earning a snort of laughter from Christian.

"I love you," he said taking her face in his hands.

"I love you too," she replied leaning up on her tiptoes to peck his lips. "Now Mr Grey, our children are tucked up in bed and I could really do with some cuddling. How would you feel about that?" she asked with a cheeky smile on her face, gripping his fingers and pulling him towards their bedroom.

"I'd be happy to cuddle you all night long future Mrs Grey," was the coy reply as Christian quickly lifted her into his arms making her squeal in surprise before laying her gently on the bed.

He grabbed a thick comforter from the top of the wardrobe since it was a cold night and Ana made sure the baby monitor was on properly before he climbed into bed beside her pulling her against him - her back to his chest. She could feel his warmth surrounding her and let out a contented sigh.

"I'll never get tired of being able to hold you," Christian said softly, kissing her neck just below her ear.

"I love you holding me," was the sleepy reply as the soft body in his arms moved as close as possible until there wasn't an inch of room between them before her breathing started to slow. With one last glance at the baby monitor to check, Phoebe was still asleep, he laid his head down and fell into a contented sleep.

The next morning, Christian's phone alarm vibrating on the bedside table was an unwelcome wake up call. He quickly shut it before it could wake Ana and leaned over to peck her cheek receiving a sleepy 'mmm' in reply. He stretched and then heard his baby daughter babbling in the monitor. Tonight was only the second night since she'd been at home that she'd made it through more than six hours without waking up and he was grateful because it meant that Ana got a full nights rest.

He climbed out of bed and pulled on a T-shirt before padding along the hallway to his daughters room. He smiled when he saw her, she was looking up at him with an identical pair of shining gray eyes. She kicked her legs and arms when she saw him and he reached down to pick her up.

"Good morning sweet girl," he whispered kissing her forehead. "Did you sleep well?" he asked rocking her gently in his arms. She looked up at him awe and he smiled, unable to plant another kiss on her soft rosy cheek.

"Let's go and get you some milk and get you changed," he said taking her to the table in her nursery. He changed her and then went to check on Teddy who was still fast asleep spread out like a starfish on the bed. He took Phoebe downstairs and into the kitchen, holding her as he prepared a bottle of milk from the bags that Ana had pumped. At first she hated the bottle but now that she'd drank from it a few times, it wasn't too hard getting her to take it.

"Are you hungry sweetheart?" he asked as he noticed the first signs of irritation in her face. He wanted to avoid a tearful morning if he could so quickly prepared the milk and let out a sigh of relief when she eagerly drank from the bottle.

"Good girl," he praised rubbing her back as she drank.

"Is she ok?" Ana asked sleepily from behind him. He turned when he felt her hand on his back and looked down in concern.

"She's fine, just a little hungry. I've changed her. We didn't wake you did we?" he asked. Ana smiled and shook her head, taking Phoebe once she'd drank enough of the milk for her morning kisses.

"No, I think I just have an inner sensor that tells me when you're not in the bed with me," she joked closing her eyes when he leaned down to kiss her, "I'll take her for a while so you can get ready for work," she said, "do you want some breakfast?"

"I'd love some, I'll be back down soon," he said, winked at her before heading up for a shower. Ana put some toast in the toaster and put on the coffee machine so that Christian could have some and then went to wake Teddy up. He was going to his playgroup in a few hours and she knew how cranky he'd be if he overslept.

"Morning baby boy," she said sitting on the edge of his bed and placing Phoebe next to him. She giggling and rolled around waking Teddy up in the process.

"Mama, Pe Pe woke me," he whined trying to hold onto the last dregs of sleep.

"I know sweetheart," she said kissing his forehead and hair as he climbed into her lap. "I'll make you some breakfast," he nodded against her and jumped down from her lap, taking her free hand when Ana had grabbed Phoebe from the bed.

They were downstairs eating breakfast when Christian came downstairs in his suit. He'd shaved and was freshly showered, his hair deliciously wavy. Ana bit her lip when she saw him and Christian felt his erection stir in his pants. Down boy, she's still healing. He scolded himself. She was so beautiful though stood there in the kitchen with their two children making breakfast in a silky robe, not a drop of makeup on her skin. She could turn him on with just a look and he knew he'd struggle to concentrate all day knowing she was at home with Teddy and Phoebe.

"You look handsome," she complimented him.

"You always look stunning, this morning is no exception," he winked at her before sitting down, receiving a kiss on the cheek for his words and a hug from his son.

"So smooth," Ana smirked handing him some toast.

"Thank you baby, what do you all have planned today?" he asked the table knowing Ana was the only one who had any clue what they'd be doing.

"Well, Grandpa is coming to take Teddy to his playgroup in a little while and Phoebe and I are going shopping later on," Ana answered sitting Phoebe on her lap while Christian helped Teddy cut his eggs into bite size chunks.

"That sounds fun, I wish I could come along with you," Christian said, washing down his breakfast with some coffee. After he'd finished eating he gave Teddy and Phoebe hugs and kisses saying he'd see them later but Teddy seemed to hold on extra tight.

"What's the matter, buddy?" Christian asked, kneeling down when Teddy refused to move from hanging onto his father's legs after he'd put him down.

"You coming back?" he asked softly, eyes watery and tired. Christian furrowed his brows and looked up at Ana who was holding a content Phoebe in her arms swaying her gently.

"Of course I am son, I'll be back to eat dinner with you," Christian said, taking Teddy's little hand in his. Teddy nodded and smiled before returning to his breakfast.

"I wonder what that was about," Christian said, standing up and putting an arm around Ana.

"I think he's gotten used to having you home and he doesn't like the change," Ana replied, glancing at Teddy who seemed fine now if not a little bit tired.

"Maybe it will just take some getting used to, once we're all back in a routine it should be fine," Christian replied, worried about his son.

"Don't worry babe, he'll be fine," Ana said, kissing his cheek, "we love you and we'll see you later,"

"I love you too," Christian kissed her lips and then Phoebe's forehead. With one final goodbye to Teddy he went and got into his car to drive to work.

Ana cleared up the kitchen and Teddy went to get ready for the day, Ana helping him comb his hair before leaving him to watch TV while she went to bathe Phoebe. After bathing and changing Phoebe and getting ready for the day herself, she heard the doorbell ring and ran downstairs to open it.

"Good morning," Carrick said as she opened the door. He reached out for Phoebe while Ana shouted for Teddy to grab his backpack. He would only be gone for a few hours but still liked to make sure he had everything he could possibly need.

"How are you today Ana?" Carrick asked, "you seem well rested, is Phoebe sleeping well?"

"She gave me a full night's sleep last night, she only woke up when Christian got up to get ready for work," Ana replied, helping Teddy put his backpack straps over his shoulders.

"Be a good boy today ok?" she said, leaning down to kiss his cheek.

"I will Mama," Teddy replied, grabbing his grandfather's hand. He loved playgroup. He'd made friends there and there was always loads of toys and activities to do. He also loved telling everybody about his new sister. Ana took Phoebe back from Carrick after he'd finish cooing over her and then said her goodbyes. She put Phoebe down for her nap soon after and packed a bag ready for going shopping.

Phoebe didn't sleep for long and woke up crying meaning a change of nappy and a feeding. Ana was just getting the pram ready for this trip when the doorbell rang again. She looked at the time and at the door confused. Teddy shouldn't be back for at least three hours.

She picked Phoebe up from where she sat in his bouncy chair and opened the door revealing a rather tall woman and a man of a similar height. They were both in their late 60s at least and both wore identical expressions of shock and surprise.

"Oh goodness," the woman exclaimed upon seeing Ana and then the baby who was fidgeting in her arms. She was English as well, Ana wondered if they were friends with the Grey family.

"Hello, can I help you?" she asked, trying to be polite even though secretly she was wondering what the hell these two people were doing here and why they were staring at her and Phoebe as though they were aliens.

"Erm, we were looking for Christian Grey," the man said pulling out a slip of paper, "we were told that he moved here a while ago and given this address," he looked at the number on the front of the house just to be sure before looking back at Ana.

"Yes this is where he lives, but he's at work at the moment," Ana said.

"Ok, could you tell us what time he might be home? We'd really like to see him," Ana was about to ask why but Phoebe started screaming in her arms and that distracted the three adults who turned to look at her. Her cheeks were flushed and Ana could tell she needed another nappy change.

"He'll be home by six at the latest if you want to try again then," Ana said struggling with Phoebe and just wanting these two strangers to leave.

"Six? Thank you so much, we'll be back then," Ana saw them walk away mumbling to each other. Every so often they'd turn to look at her and then they got into their car and headed off. Ana went and changed Phoebe again and then called Christian. It went straight to answerphone and Ana hoped that he'd call her as soon as he was free to do so.

"Come on ma petite princesse," Ana hummed picking Phoebe up from the changing table and taking her downstairs to put her in the pram. Once she was bundled up Ana pushed the pram out and they walked up the road to where there was a hypermarket. After grabbing everything they needed and taking a quick trip to the local bakery to get some sweet treats and bread for the kitchen, they headed home.

Ana put everything away into the cupboards and then tried to do some work while she kept a careful eye on Phoebe. Grace had offered to look after her when Ana was ready to go back to class but she knew that wouldn't be for a while yet. She wasn't prepared to leave her daughter yet and could continue to work at home until exams came. Carrick brought Teddy home who excitedly started telling Ana about his day before Christian phoned her back.

"Hello?" she said, trying to balance the phone on her ear as Teddy climbed into her lap being gentle as his father told him to.

"Hi sweetheart. Sorry, I've only just got out of my lectures. I'm heading home soon though. Everything ok?" he asked.

"Everything's fine. I just had some visitors at the door earlier. They didn't say who they were only that they knew you and would be back when you were home later. They were a couple and the man had a piece of paper in his pocket with our address on it," Ana told him. She heard Christian hum down the phone as though he was trying to think who it could be.

"Did you say they were coming back?" he asked. She could hear him closing and zipping up his briefcase getting ready to leave and felt a tingle of excitement that he was on his way home.

"Yes, later on, they seemed desperate to see you," Ana replied.

"Ok, well I'm sure it's nothing baby. I'm not expecting anyone, where they English or French?" he asked.

"English."

"Oh well, maybe they know my parents?" that had been Ana's first thought too, "I'm sure it's nothing to worry about though, I'll see you soon babe, love you."

"I love you too," she said before clicking off the phone. Teddy looked up at her when she was off the phone.

"Daddy?" he asked uncertainly.

"Daddy's on his way home," a wide smile broke out of the little boy's face and Ana stroked his cheek.

Christian got home around thirty minutes later and was greeted by little feet scrambling from the couch to meet him at the door.

"Daddy!" Teddy shouted when he saw him, not slowing down and holding his arms in the air to be picked up. Christian was more than happy to oblige his son, reaching down and lifting him into his arms and smothering him with kisses.

"How are you little man? Did you have fun at playgroup?" he asked tickling him.

"Yeah! We played car!" he exclaimed excitedly.

Teddy continued to ramble about his day when Christian saw Ana walked towards him with their daughter in her arms. She was a vision, so beautiful and mothering. He would never get enough of seeing her like this. He loved her so much his heart melted just from looking at her. She'd ruined him for anyone else the first time she'd walked into that bar three years ago and his mind had been reeling ever since. Now, here she was, his fiancé and the mother of the most beautiful little girl he'd ever laid his eyes on. I could get used to this.

"Hi baby," Ana said leaning over to kiss him. "Did you have a good day?" she asked.

"Any day is a good day when I get to come home to my three favourite people," he said, squeezing Teddy a little tighter as he clung to him, an arm around his neck and a toy car in his hand he was 'driving' in the air.

"Come on Ted, let your dad take his coat off," Ana said taking Teddys hand once he'd jumped out of his father's arms and leading him away. Christian smiled wistfully, quickly removing his coat and putting down his briefcase before following the sound of laughter into the kitchen where Teddy was trying and failing to help Ana make dinner and Phoebe was cooing in her bouncy chair.

"Come here princess, I've missed you today," he said, lifting her out of the chair and holding her gently in his arms. She smelled like talc and cotton and closed her eyes when he rested her against his chest. Ana smiled at the scene.

"You look hot like that," she said while gently batting Teddy's hands away from getting too close to the stove.

"Holding our daughter?" he asked, a soft smile on his face. His eyes were deeply content and brimming with happiness as he looked at his family.

"Yes, there's no better sight," Ana confessed.

"I love seeing you holding our children as well, almost as much as I love holding you," he informed her.

"You have a way with words, Mr Grey," Ana teased, putting Teddy into a chair at the table.

"Only with you," he winked, putting Phoebe back in her bouncy chair and putting his arms around her, giving her a soft kiss on the lips that had her mind spinning and her breath raspy.

They ate dinner together at the table and then Christian went to get changed, taking Phoebe with him so he could change her nappy and put her down for her evening nap. He was pulling on a fresh pair of boxer shorts when he heard the doorbell ring.

"Will you get that baby?" he called. His mind cast back to earlier when Ana had informed him of her strange visitors and he wondered if they had returned.

Ana opened the door with Teddy on her hip and forced a smile as she saw the couple who had been here earlier in the day. She was even more taken aback when the woman immediately exclaimed Teddy's name.

"Oh there's my Teddy bear, I haven't seen you in so long," the woman reached out to brush Teddy's cheek and Teddy pulled away in alarm, not knowing who this strange woman was or why she was trying to touch him. He looked to Ana for help in understanding but Ana was none the wiser herself.

"Christian!" she called hoping he'd be able to shed more light on the situation. If he didn't know who they were either then she wasn't sure what they were doing here or how they knew Teddy. She held onto the idea that there were Grace's friends but why would they be here without Grace? And why would Grace not have giving them some warning or at least told them who they were!

Ana felt her body sag in relief when she heard the sound of her fiancé's feet against the wooden floor of the hallway. She felt the touch of his hand on her back and then heard his voice.

"Everything ok bab..." he stopped when he saw who was at the door, his body tensing behind her and his voice stuttering.

"Christian," the woman said happily, the man also grinned when he saw him. "We couldn't believe how big Teddy is now, he must be three years old and such a handsome body, he looks just like you,"

"What are doing here?" Christian growled. So he does know who they are Ana thought.

"We're here to see you, I know it's been a while son but …" the man started but was cut off by a growl.

"No, the time to see me would have been when I was all alone as a single father trying to look after my son. The time to see me would have been the day your daughter died when I was in bits on the floor by her bedside and you ignored me. Or maybe on my son's first birthday that I invited you to? Or maybe you could have returned one of my calls? Or one of my mothers calls? Or replied to one of the pictures I sent of Teddy? That would have been the time for talking. Not now," Christian spat.

Ana could feel the tension in Christians body and the fire in his words and she couldn't blame him if what he'd said was really true. She'd already pieced together that the couple in front of her were Leila's parents and Christian had never spoken about them before. He'd spoken and continued to speak about Leila but he'd never really mentioned her parents and now she knew why.

She reached with her free hand to take Christian's and laced her fingers through his hoping to convey in actions rather than words that she was there for him and loved him. Unfortunately, the woman before them saw the action and gave Ana a false smile, her eyes hard and glassy.

"Well it certainly looks like a lot has happened since we last saw each other Christian. Aren't you going to introduce us," she asked, nodding towards Ana.

"I'm Ana, I'm Christian's fiancé," Ana said proudly. She heard rather than saw the gasp that came from both the man and the woman.

"Fiancé?" the man exclaimed.

"Yes," Ana nodded.

"And the baby you were holding when we came earlier?" the man asked.

"Our daughter," Ana replied. The woman gulped and looked like she wanted to vomit and the man didn't look much better.

"Well, I'm Judith and this is Gareth and we're Christian's .. first wife's parents," the woman said, stuttering on the word 'first'.

"It's nice to meet you," Ana nodded, trying her best to be polite despite the obvious tension arising between everyone. Teddy squirming in Ana's arms clearly not liking the atmosphere broke the tension a little.

"Oh let me take him," Judith said stepping forward to take Teddy from Ana's arms but was quickly cut off by Christian's arm coming in front of them.

"No, you've acted like he doesn't even exist for the best part of his life," Christian said angrily, taking Teddy from Ana's arms and holding him protectively. Ana was immensely relieved, she didn't particularly want to hand Teddy over to these strangers even if they were technically his grandparents.

"Christian please," Gareth begged, "just let us in for a minute, we just want to talk that's all."

"The time for talking was three years ago Gareth, it's too late now," Christian said, his tone concise but not angry now that he had Teddy in his arms.

"It's never too late Christian. We just want to be in Teddy's life now. We've made mistakes, everyone has and we're sorry. I'm sorry we weren't there for both of you after Leila's … death. I'm sorry that you had to go through it on your own. But we were heartbroken. Our daughter has just died," Judith tried to reason.

"And I'd just lost my wife but you didn't see me shunning my son," Christian spat. Judith sighed.

"Please Christian, just hear us out."

Ana, who had been quiet and tried to listen and understand both sides was conflicted. Part of her wanted to shut the door on these two people who were causing her love such upset and pain and another part of her thought that they should at least be allowed to talk.

The words Judith said had resonated with her - 'we've made mistakes, everyone has'. She'd certainly made mistakes, she'd made mistakes with Christian at the start of their relationship by not telling him how she felt. She made a mistake in not telling him about Andrew at the ball and not telling him that she thought she was being followed which had led to him being shot and them both being in danger. She'd made tons of mistakes and Christian had always given her chances to absolve them.

She knew that he did that because he was in love with her as she was him and would do anything for her. He had a deep, unrestrained love for her that both frightened and exhilarated her. She never knew how much one person could love or be loved until she met Christian and she would always be on his side in battle no matter what but did that mean she couldn't try to reason with him? Would he be angry? She hoped not.

"Sweetheart, why don't we just let them come in for a few minutes? If nothing is resolved then they can leave but a few minutes won't do any harm," she reasoned. Her heart broke when she saw a hint of betrayal in his eyes and she reached out to stroke him arm hoping to show that she wasn't on their side, she just wanted to resolve whatever had hurt him so much. She watched as the betrayal he had felt for mere moments left his eyes leaving a flood of love and devotion and he wordlessly gave her a nod.

"Fine," Christian said putting Teddy down and telling him to go and play in his room for a while. Teddy did so, running off up the stairs and Christian put his arm around Ana.

"I'm right here Christian, I'm always here baby," she whispered, kissing his bicep and wrapping her arms around him as they headed into the sitting room, Judith and Gareth following behind. Ana could feel Judith's icy stare even if she couldn't see it and it made her wonder why she'd just done that when the woman clearly didn't like her or respect her relationship with Christian. This is not going to end well she thought as she sat down next to Christian on the sofa leaving Gareth and Judith to sit on the arm chairs opposite.

"You have a lovely home. I was so surprised to find out you lived in France." Judith said.

"I needed to get away," Christian replied shortly, not giving either of them an inch. He moved closer to Ana needing her comfort. He placed his hand on her knee and she took it in both of hers, clutching it in her lap and wrapping their fingers together. She gave him an encouraging smile and he put his other arm around her shoulders. She could feel his demeanour relax slightly and knew it was because she was there to comfort him.

"I see, do you still teach?" Judith asked.

"Yes, I teach English literature at a university here," Christian replied, a little less tense thanks to Ana's presence and comfort beside him.

"That's great," she said, giving him a rather forced smile. "And when did .. this … happen," she said tersely nodding between them as though she couldn't even bare to give their relationship a name.

"We got engaged a few months ago," Ana replied, when Christian didn't seem like he was going to.

"That's … lovely," Judith struggled to say the word, casting a dismayed look at her husband before turning back to the couple.

"Christian, we're here because we wanted to see Teddy," Gareth said.

"Why would I let you see my son when you're just going to leave him again?" Christian asked sourly. Gareth sighed.

"We're here to stay Christian. We have nothing left. Leila's gone, we're retired, all we have left in the world is that little boy," he tried to explain but Christian wasn't having any of it.

"So you just come up here and expect me to welcome you with open arms?" Christian asked shaking his head.

"No, not at all. We know it will take time for you to trust us again but please? Just let us see him for a while. We promise that after today we won't bother you again until you're ready for us to see him again. Maybe he could come and stay at our place for a while one day? We've brought lots of toys and presents for him in the back of the car. We have three years to make up for," Judith said sadly.

Before Christian could speak again he heard Teddy's voice from upstairs.

"Mama! Mama!" he was shouting excitedly, "I build car!"

"If you'll excuse me," Ana said to a very shocked Judith and Gareth. She kissed Christian's cheek telling him she wouldn't be long before heading upstairs to see Teddy.

"He calls her his mother?" Judith spat angrily, "my daughter is his mother, not your current fling Christian. How dare you disrespect my daughter's memory like that!"

"First of all, that is my fiancé you're talking about and the mother of my children. Secondly, I have not disrespected your daughter's memory at all. I did and will always have love for Leila but Teddy needs a mother. We still talk about Leila and her photograph is in Teddy's room. He knows who she is but Ana is his mother as well, he adores her. And finally, how dare you come here trying to make me feel bad for moving on and giving my son a good life," he growled angrily.

"I'm not happy about this Christian. What would Leila think if she knew? Have you ever thought of that?" Judith said shortly.

"Of course I have but I know that she'd have wanted me to be happy and for our son to be well cared for and loved and we have that with Ana. And as for you not being happy, I'm not particularly thrilled with you being here Judith, but we can't always get what makes us happy," Christian shrugged giving her an angry glare.

"Judith, calm down will you?" Gareth said, clearly seeing how close Christian was to sending them out the door without ever looking back.

"Are you seriously ok with this?" Judith asked her husband.

"No but he's right, Teddy needs a mother." Gareth replied. Judith sighed.

"Ok, I'm sorry for letting it get out of hand there," she admitted, "we just wanted to see Teddy."

Christian put his head in his hands and sighed. He thought about what he should do. He pictured what Leila would have done in this situation. She'd have wanted him to forgive her parents and let them see their grandchild. After all, they were just as heartbroken if not more so by her death than he was.

On the other hand, what if they just left again? Teddy would get close to them and then they'd just leave and Christian would be left to pick up the pieces. At Least he'd have Ana by his side though, and Phoebe. God he loved them. What harm could a few minutes with his son do? They just wanted to give him presents and dote on him? And then if they never came back Teddy would forget them anyway.

"Fine, you can see him," Christian said and he watched as Judith and Gareth both let out a huge sigh of relief and broke out into grateful smiles.

"Oh thank you Christian," Judith said.

"Wait here," he said, leaving the room and climbing the stairs. He could hear Ana and Teddy's voices coming from his son's room and felt the tension and anger in his body melt away as he opened the door and saw them cuddling on his bed while reading a story.

"Are you two ok?" he asked, leaning against the doorframe. A pair of gray and a pair of blue eyes looked up at him.

"We're fine, are you ok?" she asked as he came and sat down on the end of Teddy's bed, lifting Ana's feet into his lap. He nodded but Ana still looked concerned.

"You shouted daddy," Teddy said looking at his father, "it was loud, mama and I heard you," Christian smiled sadly and took Teddy into his arms.

"I'm sorry son, I didn't mean to shout," he said stroking a hand down Teddy's back, "I love you so much, you know that don't you?" he whispered in Teddy's ear. His son nodded and nearly hit him in the nose as he threw his arms around his neck.

"Love you daddy," he mumbled against Christian's neck.

"Son, those two people downstairs are your grandparents." Christian explained, "and they have some presents for you."

"For me?" Teddy asked puzzled.

"Yes," Christian nodded, "they want to spend some time with you and give you some new toys. Do you think you would like that?" Christian asked. Teddy looked uncertain for a moment as he looked between Ana and Christian. Ana gave him an encouraging smile and he nodded still a little unsure.

"Good boy," Christian said, lifting Teddy into his arms, "I'll be back in a minute baby," he said, leaning down to give Ana a kiss and letting Teddy receive a kiss from her as well.

"Come on little man," Christian took Teddy downstairs and noticed that his son was clinging onto his quite tightly, "don't be nervous son, they've just got some presents for you," Teddy nodded but didn't lessen his grip on his father.

When Christian entered the sitting room he noticed that Judith and Gareth must have gone out to the car and got Teddy's presents because the couch was covered in beautifully wrapped gifts. It was like Christmas in March and Teddy's eyes widened considerably and he relaxed a lot when he saw them.

"Wow," he exclaimed making his grandparent's chuckle.

"Hi Teddy, I'm your grandma Judith and this is your papa Gareth," Judith said sweetly as Christian put him hands on his sons shoulders giving them a reassuring squeeze. At first, Teddy kept looking up at his father for help and clung to his legs but when Gareth handed him a present and sat down on the floor to help him open it, Teddy went to him and started to tear at the paper. He excitedly opened a toy train and showed his father before Gareth grabbed the next present. When Christian thought it was safe to leave them for a while he looked at Judith who was enamoured by his little boy.

"I won't be far, just shout if you need anything," he said.

"I will, thank you so much Christian, you won't regret this," she said throwing her arms around his neck. He tentatively patterned her back before heading out of the room and up the stairs. He went in search for Ana looking in Teddy's room first and then his sleeping daughter's. He was about to look in the bedroom when a hard reached out of the bathroom door and tugged him in, shutting it behind them. Soft hands pushed him back against the door and even softer lips found his.

"Mmm hello," he mumbled against his love's smiling lips.

"Bonjour mon amour," (hello my love) she whispered when they parted, her sparkling blue eyes looking into his own.

"I'm sorry about all of this Ana, I can't believe they've just shown up and …" Christian was cut off by his fiancé grabbing his crotch. She giggled at his shocked reaction to her touch and then started to massage him through his pants.

"You've been tense all evening since you've been home," she said, kissing from his ear to his jaw and then gently sucking on her neck, her fingers going to his tie and pulling it down a little to expose the alcove just below his Adams apple which she loved to kiss.

"What are you doing baby?" he slurred, his fingers going to her hips and digging into her skin. He certainly didn't mind what she was doing - in fact, he loved it but he was aware that Teddy, Judith and Gareth were just downstairs.

"I'm reinforcing good behaviour," she said with a wink before sinking to her knees and unbuckling his belt. He fell back against the door his knees becomming weak as she took him out of his boxers and stroked him a few times. He looked down at her just as she was about to lick the head of his dick and groaned at the look of lust in her eyes.

"You don't know what you do to me, you don't even know how much I need you," he moaned as she licked him up and down.

"I think I do," she teased looking down at his dick and then back up at him with a smirk on her lips.

"So cheeky," he said running his hand along her jaw, "and … oh fuck," her mouth surrounded his cock and his whole body convulsed with pleasure. It didn't take her long to make him come and even less time to straighten him out ready to head back downstairs.

"Is that our new thing?" he asked as she fixed his tie, wrapping his arms around her waist and nuzzling her ear with his lips, "are we going to get each other off whenever one of us gets stressed? Because if so, I wholeheartedly accept it," he teased making her giggle.

"Yes, in fact, I might be feeling a little bit stressed right after Teddy goes to bed after today so maybe you can help me with that," she winked, taking his hand and leading him from the bathroom.

"I will happily oblige to heal your stress Mrs Grey," he replied. They couldn't have penetrative sex yet but he was more than happy to make her feel good.

They could hear the unmistakable sound of Teddy laughing and a booming laugh accompanying him which Ana guessed must be Gareth.

"He seems to be having fun," Ana said as they headed downstairs.

"As long as they don't just up and leave again," Christian spat. Ana stopped them and reached up to touch Christian's jaw turning his eyes to hers.

"It won't matter because you have me now, and Phoebe, and your parents and your brother and sister. You have all of us. You and Teddy will never be on your own again Christian. I promise you," her words affected him deeply and she could see tears shining in his eyes. Throughout most of her life she had been lonely, she lost her parents young and the only real person she ever had until Christian was Kate. She never thought that Christian had felt like that before and somehow, she felt even more connected to him and even more in love with him that ever because of it.

"I love you," she whispered, reaching up on her toes to kiss his lips.

"Oh Ana, god I love you," he crushed her to him kissing her passionately and she could feel the emotions he was feeling through his kiss - sadness, happiness, anger and remorse - a myriad of conflicted feelings all breaking through their kiss so that she could taste exactly how he felt. Her feet were in the air and her arms around his neck when they broke apart and he smiled at her before putting her back on her feet.

"You sure know how to woo a girl," she teased him.

"I should hope so," he winked back before taking her hand and walking into the sitting room.

Teddy was on the floor with Gareth and Judith was taking pictures of them as Teddy played with his toys.

"Are you having fun son?" Christian asked from the doorway, putting his arm around Ana's waist and pulling her in front of him so that he could hold her close. He needed her close after the emotional conversation they'd just had.

"Yeah daddy, Elmo!" Teddy said waving a large movable Elmo figure in his hand.

"Thank you for this Christian," Judith said coming over to them, "and Ana, I'm sorry I judge you so soon. You must understand that it was a shock to see Christian had moved on and you and Teddy were so close but I understand now that Teddy needs a mother. He raves about you. It is good that you are in their lives and I hope we can be friends?" Judith said hopefully.

"Of course we can," Ana smiled taking Judith's hand when she offered it and squeezing it.

"We should be heading off but can we come and see Teddy some time next week?" she asked. Christian nodded.

"Yes," Christian nodded. Judith smiled and turned to say goodbye to Teddy. Phoebe decided to wake up as they were leaving so Ana went up to sooth her taking Teddy with her.

Christian walked Judith and Garrett to the door.

"I'm trusting you both again, please don't hurt my son. He's older now, if he gets attached to you both like his is to his other grandparents and you just leave, it will affect him," Christian explained.

"We won't Christian, I promise you," Garett said patting Christian's shoulder, "thank you for giving us another chance,"

Christian nodded watching them leave and get in their car. He just hoped that he hadn't made a mistake letting them into Teddy's life again. But even if he had, he wasn't on his own anymore. When Leila died he had been all alone with his baby son. Now, he had a fiancé, his son and his daughter. His family. Leila's parents arriving had been shown him just how far he had come. He was willing to let people in again, give people second chances and he was happy ... so happy. And with his family by his side he knew that he could get through anything.

Epilogue

3 years later

The bell on the shop door dinged as another customer came in. Ana looked up and smiled as her husband closed the door behind him, flowers in his hands and a smile on his handsome face.

"Bonjour," she said coming out from behind her desk, "Kate? Will you cover the desk please?"

The shop was getting quite full, it usually was when Ana was in the shop, although the hype had died down by now. She sauntered towards her husband and greeted him with a kiss, her eyes glistening with content.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, looping her arms around his neck. He kissed her forehead and placed his arms around her, the stems of the flowers slightly digging into her back.

"I just thought I'd come and visit my favourite author and give her a kiss," he leaned down to give her a long, lingering kiss, "and to bring her some flowers."

"They're beautiful," Ana said sniffing them.

"They've got nothing on you," Christian winked making his wife giggle.

"Listen, I should be finished here in about 15 minutes if you'll wait around? We could go home together?" Ana said, taking his hand and leading him behind the desk of the shop.

"Of course I'll wait," Christian said, greeting Kate and then grabbing a book off the side, his favourite book. 'Roses et épines' (Roses and thorns). When Ana had her book published last year, neither of them had expected it to be such a hit. He knew his wife was brilliant and so talented but even to him it was a shock. The romantic tale of a poor girl learning to love herself and in turn falling in love herself.

As her book reached the charts and flew from the shelves, Ana decided that she wanted to be part of it, so her and Kate purchased a vacant shop on the high-street and made it into a bookshop. It had been a huge success and Ana was currently working on a sequel to her book. The idea to write all started one evening when she couldn't sleep due to stress.

Flashback to 3 years ago

Christian awoke disoriented. It was still dark outside, and he had a weight on his chest. He opened his eyes and looked down to see his baby daughter sleeping on his chest. He smiled and stroked her back softly before turning over to look next to him expecting to see his wife, but he was left disappointed. The sheets next to him were cold. He peeked a look at the clock and saw that it was barely 4am.

He carefully rose from the bed, careful not to wake his little girl and gently lifted her into his arms, heading to her nursery. She curled into him in her sleep and he grinned. There was nothing better than holding one of his children in his arms. He felt eternally blessed to have been given the chance to be a father especially to this little angel and his adorable son who loved more than life itself.

He placed Phoebe in her crib, making sure she was still sleeping peacefully before heading out of the room to find his wife. They had married in spring, a small wedding with just their closest friends and family and it was one of the best days of his life. Seeing Ana waiting at the top of the aisle for him looking like an angel in white still stuck in his mind and made his heart expand in his chest.

He didn't have to look very far – after checking his son's room Christian noticed that a light was on downstairs and after he found her sitting on the couch, a sea of books surrounding her looking stressed and fed up.

"Hi," he whispered from the doorway. She turned to face him, and it was only then that he noticed that she had been crying. There were tear stains on her face and her cheeks were flushed.

"Hi," she whispered back, looking like she was going to burst into tears again at any point. He quickly headed towards the couch and pulled her into his lap, curling his fingers into her hair and kissing her temple. She buried her face in his chest and let out a sigh.

"What's the matter sweetheart?" he asked, his eyes scanning the littered textbooks and her laptop.

"There's too much to do. I don't think I can do this Christian. With the kids and missing so much of my course lectures I just feel so behind, and I don't think I can catch up. I've been trying to finish my assignment for the end of the semester, but Phoebe was ill last week and then Teddy got a cold and then I was asked to do more hours at the café. I'm just worn out," Ana admitted, hugging Christian tightly to her. Christian sighed and kissed her hair. She worked so hard and it killed him to see her like this.

"What can I do baby? Tell me what I can do to help you." Christian whispered, pulling her hair back from her face and turning her to face him, planting a soft kiss on her forehead and each of her eyelids. He could see how tired she was, her eyes were red and puffy and he wished he could take away her pain.

"Just hold me," she said softly, "sometimes you and the kids are the only things that keep me sane," her fingers played with his stubble, her body hot against his chest.

"I love you," he mumbled. She breathed the words back to him against his neck.

"Now, what is it that you need to catch up on," he leaned forward and looked at the title on her laptop.

"A view from a bridge," she said pointing to the screenplay that sat atop a pile of books, "that's what my project is on but I don't have any lecture notes and I don't even know where to begin on the assignment," Ana muttered, leaning back against his shoulder. He could feel how tense she was and kneaded her shoulders, kissing the side of her neck softly.

"Well, it's a good thing that your husband is an English professor and did this book with his class just last week," he winked at her. Her eyebrows furrowed.

"But it's unfair if I get your help Christian, I should do it on my own …" Ana started to say but Christian cut her off by kissing her lips quickly.

"Ana, you're stressed and up in the middle of the night doing work because your behind. If I can help you get this done so that you're a little less stressed, then I'm going to help you. Think of it like this, you missed the lectures and now I'm going to tell you what you missed so you can write your assignment," he smiled at her and she nodded letting the corner of her lip curl up.

"You're right. I'm being ridiculous." She grabbed her laptop and showed Christian her question. Christian smiled at her and put his arm around her shoulders.

"Ok, let's get this done and get to bed," he said, grabbing her book and opening it at the page they needed. After they had planned out her assignment together and Christian had helped her understand relevant bits of the play, they had a break for a minute. Christian went and grabbed them some tea and then sat back down next to her wrapping his arm around her.

"I don't even know if I want this," she mumbled against his chest, curling her arms around his torso and breathing in his comforting scent. He always smelled delicious.

"Do what baby?" Christian asked. He was pretty sure that she wasn't referring to their relationship, but her words still made him a little tense which made her giggle and turn to kiss his cheek.

"Not you silly, I'll always want you. I mean this degree," Ana admitted, "I just feel like it's too much and I'd rather just go straight into writing, or even illustrating for a writer. I feel like I'm constantly behind," Christian nodded.

"I'll support you in whatever you decide to do. You're so talented in so many things Ana and I'm so proud of you. How many other people would be able to do what you do? You're an amazing mother, you work so hard, you're so clever and brilliant at everything you put your mind to and I think you'd be a great writer," he replied truthfully, stroking his fingers through her hair. She leaned up, resting her hands on his chest and looked into eyes.

"Do you mean that?" she asked. He smiled and nodded at her.

"Of course, I do." He replied honestly. Ana grinned.

"I love you so much," she said wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him passionately. He kissed her back, humming when she ran her tongue over the seam of his lips seeking entry which he granted her immediately. After a few minutes of kissing Christian pulled back.

"Let's go to bed baby, you need to sleep," he said helping her up from the coach. She yawned and then giggled.

"I agree, although we're not going to get much sleep at this time," she said, wrapping her arms around him and leaning against his shoulder as they walked upstairs.

The couple managed to get into bed at 5.30am and got 2 hours sleep in before the alarm went off. Ana went to class and Christian went to teach after dropped Teddy and Phoebe off at his parent's house. Leila's parents were now part of their routine as well, they had Teddy on Friday for a few hours and they spoiled him rotten making up for the years they'd lost with him.

Ana heading into class and saw that Kate and Lauren had saved her a seat. She went to head up the stairs to meet them but her professor stopped her before she could.

"Je vois que tu as enfin remis ton essai Anastasia. Je vais vous surveiller à partir de maintenant. S'il s'agissait d'un autre élève et que vous ne veniez pas d'avoir un bébé, cela aurait été un échec de l'avoir remis si tard," (I see you finally handed in your essay Anastasia. I'll be keeping an eye on you from now on. If this was any other student and you hadn't just had a baby that would have been a fail for handing it in so late). Ana sighed.

"Je sais professeur. Je suis désolée," (I know professor, I'm sorry) she said, before heading up to see her friends.

"He didn't look happy," Kate said when Ana sat down.

"I know, I miss Christian being my professor, at least he looked hot when I pissed him off," Ana shrugged making Kate giggle. "I was thinking of quitting the course."

"What, Ana you can't! You've wanted to do English literature for as long as I've known you," Kate exclaimed.

"I know but I'm just falling behind and there are other ways to do what I want. The kids come first and I can write in my spare time," Ana explained.

"My parents would happily give you more hours at the café if you wanted them Ana," Lauren said with a smile.

"That would be great. And then I will see how it goes, if I don't manage to succeed I can always reapply and do the course again in a few years." Ana shrugged.

"It feels like you're giving up Ana," Kate said sadly.

"I'm not Kate. I'm pursuing my dream. I've always wanted to be a writer or an artist, getting this degree won't help me become either of those. For once in my life I'm thinking clearly. I have no debts to worry about, I have a loving husband and 2 beautiful children, all my dreams have come true except for this one and I'm ready to make it happen," Ana pulled out her notebook and flicked to the first page and Kate gasped when she saw the beautiful artwork that was displayed around the title 'Roses and Thorns', there was a big red rose and a few smaller flowers at the bottom of the page with wildlife and trees. In the centre was a beautiful girl dressed in a rose coloured dress looking like she was doing a pirouette.

"I've started writing it, I'm going to create a world, my own universe where I can create all of the characters and detail their lives," Ana grinned showing Kate the first few pages.

"When did you have time to do this?" she asked in awe, looking at the beautifully illustrated pages and the story that went along with it.

"I was trying to write an essay a few weeks ago and ended up getting distracted by the idea, so I picked up my pencil and started to draw," Ana shrugged.

"Its amazing Ana," Lauren said, "you should definitely continue it."

"But wouldn't you rather have the degree to fall back on?" Kate asked not knowing why her friend was suddenly having such a change of heart.

"Honestly? I don't know what I'd want to do with this degree any more. I never thought that a year and a half ago when I started this course I'd have two kids and a husband," Ana shrugged. "I just feel like this is what I want to do."

"Then I'm happy for you. I'll be buying the first copy," Kate winked.

Back to the present

Kate had been a huge source of support for Ana and she was the first person she asked when she decided that she wanted to open a book shop. Kate was more than happy to help and now worked at the shop full time with Ana and two other staff members. In her spare time Ana illustrated books for other authors and had displays of some of her work scattered around the shop. She was finally doing what she loved.

"Ana, if you two want to go and see your kids, I'll lock up," Kate said kindly noticing her two friends were making eyes at each other from across the desk.

"Thank you Kate," Ana smiled giving her friend a hug before grabbing her husband's hand and lacing their fingers together, heading out of her second home towards her first. The couple had decided to find a bigger place when Ana had found out she was pregnant again 18 months ago. They had bought a beautiful house in a lovely neighborhood and the move meant they were closer to Christians family. The house was everything Ana had ever dreamed of - white with flower boxes and a beautiful garden - and it was perfect for the little family. Opening the door of their home they were immediately greeted by Teddy, Phoebe and their newest edition, 9 month old Henry in the arms of his grandfather.

"Thank you for picking them up dad," Christian said as him and Ana were bombarded by hugs from Teddy and Phoebe.

Carrick and Grace looked after Henry and picked up Teddy and Phoebe from school and nursery when Christian and Ana weren't able to. They also saw a lot of Leila's parents and had developed a good relationship with them despite the past. In fact, Judith had helped Ana find a publisher for her book. After a little awkwardness between them Judith had invited Ana for coffee and apologized for everything, telling her that if Leila was up in the clouds right now, she'd be very happy with Christians choice of wife. They'd gotten speaking, Ana had explained about her new project and Judith had happily contacted her publisher friend. The rest was, as they say, history.

"Anytime, I love spending time with them," Carrick said giving Ana a kiss on the cheek as she took Henry from his arms.

"Daddy look what I made in school!" Teddy shouted, going to grab his school bag. The couple had encouraged their children to use both French and English in their home but they tended to prefer English.

Christian picked up Phoebe and then went to follow Teddy after leaning down to give his youngest a kiss on the forehead.

"Grace wanted to be here but she was busy with the wedding," Carrick said. Ana grinned remembering that her best friend was getting married to Elliot in the summer. Elliot had proposed last year and there had been excitement and dress trying on ever since. Ana couldn't wait to see her friend get the same happily ever after that she'd had.

"I can imagine, she said she's going to come to the shop tomorrow to speak to Kate and I about some ideas she's had," Ana said.

"I don't doubt she will, she'd nearly as excited for this one as she was for Christians," Carrick joked. "Anyway, I'm going to head off so I'll just say goodbye to everyone."

Ana and Carrick headed into the living room to see Teddy, Phoebe and Christian in a giggling heap on the floor. Teddy and Phoebe were trying to tickle their father and he kept pushing them off him gently.

"I don't know how you cope with them Ana," Carrick laughed. Ana grinned going over to help her children attack their father with Henry in her arms.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," she said, leaning down and kissing her husband as their children surrounded them.

A/N - And that's it, the end of this story. Thank you for all the reviews and kind words and a huge thank you to Karen Cullen Grey and Nicole for helping me along the way.