Hello everyone. I'm sorry for the delay but real life really has been to hectic as of late. I hope this long chapter will make up for the wait. I'm not sure when the next update will be and while I do have some chapters prewritten it takes even longer to edit them to make the story flow the way it should.

As usual I don't own anything and me and my partner in crime Ro are just having fun with the charaters.

Carrick POV

Bloody fucking nuts!

That's what's happening to me. I'm going bloody nuts. My disappointment in both Grace and Mia is an understatement.

Jesus Christ I can't believe those two. Mia, I can deal with, but Grace. Who the fuck is this woman? She's a brilliant doctor, but Christ where the fuck is her insecurity coming from? And why am I swearing like a sailor?

The morning started off well enough, despite Mia's sullenness. Once the conversation shifted toward wedding planning, Theo and I retired to my study. Adele is nothing short of ecstatic and event planning is Grace's forte. Grace's remarks after Christian's proposal last night gave me the impression she was thawing toward Ana. I mistakenly felt confident leaving her and Christian into our wives' capable hands. Why is Grace hell bent in creating discord and division?

Returning to my study after witnessing Adele's set down, Theo and I remain stunned each within our own thoughts. For a good ten minutes we sat in silence topping up our tumblers of brandy from earlier. I'm really worried for Adele. Holy Mother of God, I've never seen her so incensed. In all the years I've known Grace's parents, her mother has always been patient, kind and wise. For her to go off on Grace and Mia like that is serious business. Every now and then, I glance up from my drink to Theo. He sits contemplatively in his seat, brows furrowed.

Grace is a gifted woman with a brilliant mind, and I'm not talking through my hat. With parents like Adele and Theo, how could she not be? The apple truly did not fall too far from the tree', so for Theo to see Grace's less than the daughter he knows her to be must have shaken him to the core.

"I think I'm a man of good sense and balanced convictions" Theo says breaking his silence in a quiet voice. "I've never fallen for avarice or vice. I've been attentive to both my work and family. And with the grace of God, and the gift that is my wife, I can honestly say I've lived a comfortable and content life. Despite my faults, and perhaps failings, I believe I succeeded in creating a wonderful home and a family to be proud of… until now. I have never been more embarrassed or felt like a failure as a father until this morning. Whoever that woman is in there, she is not my daughter. At least, not the one I raised."

Taking a drink from his tumbler, he glances up with a worried expression. "That woman in there is not my Gracie. That woman is condescending with a warped sense of parenting. She's downright nasty! Adele and I did not raise our daughter this way. How can she be so tyrannical and misguided? Have I been so out of touch with my daughter that I never saw this in her?"

"I was just thinking the same thing about my own daughter. Mia...I…" I had no words to finish that sentence. "There are no parenting manuals that comes with a child, newborn or adopted. The moment they're placed in your hands your mindset changes with the weight of that responsibility. You go with what you know, what you've learnt, take advise from your elders and from more mature parents, but always with a grain of salt because every child is unique. You run on instinct and the grace of God to do your best. We do our best. I can relate with how you feel about Grace as I consider my own daughter. Our little family dynamic, alone, could put the theory of Nature vs Nurture to rest. Not to mention the guilt I feel bringing Anastasia into this. God…that poor girl." I feel like absolute shit. "Theo, how far along are you with the paperwork on Ana's company? Do you have any updates I should know about?"

"There are a few developments, but I'm still working on it. I think I found a way Ana can gain access to Steele Advertising without having to get married." I look up sharply with a raised brow. "There is nothing concrete yet, but some of the documents are questionable to say the least. Yah. I know. I could be shooting this family in the foot, but after what we saw this morning, I feel we need to give Ana an alternative. Grace and Mia are putting her through the paces, and she doesn't deserve that. The girl's been stellar, and I feel ethically responsible. She should have the option to bail on this arrangement if she chooses. This family's…ridiculousness is our problem, not hers.

Fuck.

"You're right. Damn, you're right. I just hope we can get Christian out of this blackmail business unscathed. When you have everything together, send me the information. I need to make up the necessary paperwork on my side. Either you, or I, or the both of us can present it to Ana. It's the right thing to do."

''Exactly. I know you're worried about Christian and want to protect him. Hell, I've lost sleep over his drama myself, but Steele Advertising is none of his business. Once I'm sure of my findings with the investigation I will speak to Ana. I'll encourage her to include Christian in the decision making, but in the end, she needs to choose which path she wants to take.'' I sigh and nod. It's just hard to separate my role as a father from the attorney especially in circumstance such as this.

I'm about rise and check on the ladies when there's a loud rap on my study door. I exchange a dubious look with Theo before I call out for whoever it is to enter. Both Theo and I rise from our seats quickly when we see Adele frustratingly make her way toward us.

"I'm sorry for the interruption Carrick, but I need my husband to take me home now. I'm assuming you heard me bomb-blast those two idiots out there. I wouldn't be surprised if the entire block heard me, but what I said needed to be said and it's final. I don't want to get into it right now. When I've calmed down, we can talk." Theo gathers Adele in his arms holding her close until her visible agitation is soothed. Their relationship is one I aspire to and their love and strength my inspiration.

"I'll be watching Mia carefully, and if she so much as steps a toe nail out of line, I'll be seeking your assistance Carrick."

"Of course, Adele. And yes, we heard a portion of the conversation, but not in its entirety. Is Grace and Mia still at the table?"

"I have no idea. I was so upset I couldn't stay in that room a moment longer."

"I think you've worked yourself up into a lather this time Adele. Let's get you home and have a quiet evening, just the two of us."

"Thank you honey."

Theo gently embraces Adele again before he leads her out holding his arm out for her to grasp.

"Cary," Theo calls out "give me a call tomorrow. I don't think we'll be coming over anytime soon, but I'll keep you updated on my progress with Ana's situation."

We give each other a manly hug, then lean over to Adele for a parting hug and kiss on the cheek before walking them to the front door. Tipping the rest of my drink back, I brace myself for what I need to do next.

I'm a lawyer by trade, so confrontation isn't something I shy away from. It's my profession. I excel in haggling my perspective and manipulating words to my advantage and although that may be enjoy this aspect of my career, I take no joy in the case before me.

My wife is my life, the bedrock of my soul so to have to deal with what I know will be a difficult conversation, and the confrontation that will surely follow, doesn't sit well with me. I hold my vows sacred and will always love of my wife, but what she just pulled was unacceptable.

I would never, in my wildest dreams, thought Grace could ever be the monster-in-law she turned out to be. From what I remember of Grace planning a celebration, especially a wedding, was always a joyous occasion. So, what the fuck happened? Making my way back into fray, so to speak, I find Grace sitting on the sofa alone in living room.

"Grace. Where is Mia?"

"She's very distraught Cary and gone to her room. Mum's been hard on her this morning and our little girl is heartbroken."

"Yes. I heard." I say sarcastically. Grace looks up at me in confusion. "We need to talk, but before we do, I want to hear from you exactly what happened to make your mother so upset."

"Cary. I'm so worried. I've never seen mum so angry, and I'm concerned for my children. Mia's run up to her room and I can't find Christian or Elliot anywhere. I suspect since Ana's run off Christian's probably followed her and I'm sure Elliot didn't bother to stick around.

Ever since Christian brought Ana into our lives, our family is being torn apart. I've been trying to call Christian for the past ten minutes, but he's not answering his phone. It is so unlike him. He always calls me back or sends a message if he is busy. I'm sick with worry" and I see her clutching her cell phone, pressing the re-dial button to Christian's cell number. Now I'm at my wits end but decide to keep calm until we've talked. I need to get a better understanding on her mind-set and what her motivation is behind her actions.

"Grace. You need to stop it." She looks at me sharply.

"We heard the commotion earlier and witnessed portions of the conversation. I saw your mother before she left. She was very upset and didn't want to get into details. She'll relay those to your father who will most likely fill me in later, but from what we saw…I have never seen your mother like that before Grace. Not without reason, which begs the question.

But, before we get into that, I'd like to hear, from the beginning what was discussed after we left the table? I want you to tell me what started it off and we'll talk it out from there. You must understand, Grace, that whatever I saw this afternoon cannot ever happen again. Not in this house. Not with this family. Ever. Agreed?"

"Yes" she agrees sighing deeply.

I understand overbearing mothers because I had one. Barbara Grey, (God rest her soul), was a loving, caring and affectionate woman. In time, I came to understand her protectiveness of me, so if I tip my mind at a certain angle and stretch it out a bit, I can, sort of, understand Grace's overbearing behaviour. I feel like I'm looking at her through bevelled glass.

A mother's first instinct is to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and happiness of her children. Some mother's, like my own, took it to an extreme as I discovered when I brought Grace home as my fiancé. Mother was far from happy with our engagement but, unlike Grace she was never hostile. She was civil and far from rude. Grace having first-hand experience from her own Monster-in-Law, knowing how dreadful the snide remarks and feelings of insignificance can be, surprised me when she acting similarly toward Ana.

At the time my mother made the argument that we were too young to be engaged. We were being reckless and ignorant to the kind of commitment marriage would entail. Mother did have a point. Grace and I were quite young and still in college when I asked her to marry me.

Grace was starting her second year of Medical School and I, being five years older, still had a year until my bar exam. So yes, mother was rightfully concerned. Getting married and starting a family, (the obvious result of marriage), seemed illogical and rash. But once mom got to know Grace, saw how in love we were, she relented. Between Theo, Adele and my parents, we were given the support we needed to finish our education, attain our degrees, start our practices and create our family.

How ironic that history would repeat itself with through Grace and Anastasia. It was my hope that all of Grace's suspicion and animosity would be put to rest after she witnessed how happy Christian was. To my utter astonishment, and heavy disappointment, Grace didn't even attempt to get to know Ana. She latched on to the first imagined 'wrong' and branded Ana as a bad influence for her innocent son. I roll my eyes inwardly chuckling sarcastically.

God if she only knew.

I'm still trying to understand Grace's perspective. I get that children will always be children in their parents' eyes and considering her extensive knowledge in the field, her behaviour doesn't justify how she treats Ana.

At length Grace spoke and I listened. Perhaps hearing it out loud gave her a different perspective because she gets this look of absolute shock and embarrassment. Intrinsically, I rejoice, but Grace isn't out of the woods yet. She may be enlightened, but her actions have consequences that need correction.

"Oh Cary. Mother was right. I am a hypocrite. Oh God. Christian will never forgive me. And… Ana…Lord."

I know she's expecting me to say something to console her but I hold myself back because I'm still reeling from Mia's heartless comment.

"It's no wonder your mother went ballistic Grace! For God sake…Mia…Jesus..." I can't believe Mia could be so heartless, so lacking in empathy that she would say such a thing. "We have a very serious problem, and if you can't support me with what I have to do with our daughter, I'd appreciate it if you took a step back. She's gone too far. She's a twenty-three-year-old woman, not a girl. You need to stop protecting her. Oh my God." Sighing Grace rubs her temples with one hand and nods in agreement.

"We'll discuss Mia later because right now I need to understand where you're at. I've been noticing changes in you for a while, but never said anything thinking your work and planning for Coping Together was taking its toll. But the changes I've seen in your attitude is disturbing. We've always talked to each other, openly and honestly, so help me understand. What is all this animosity toward Anastasia? Why?"

She gives me an exasperating eye roll, a typical sign of her irritation.

''God Carrick. You'll have to cut me some slack as I say this, because in my head it makes sense, or rather made sense." She takes a deep breath before continuing. "Yes. I know how psychotic I may seem when it comes to the children. I know I'm… imperious. I practically invented 'helicopter' parenting, and if it weren't for you, and granted my parents, I know I'd be more ridiculous than I am.

Christian's always been special in his own unique way. If you had seen him Cary, on that first day, the state he was in when I first saw him. That poor boy so devastatingly afraid and shut off from the world, it was heart-breaking. The medics told me he wouldn't let anyone touch him, that he'd scream in agony if they did. In the short time I was with him, I was able to earn a bit of his trust at least enough to let me examine him. The moment he touched my hand Cary I knew. Come hell or high water, this boy would be my son. Mine to take care of and love. I vowed to him and myself that he would never know heartache or know suffering as he had."

I recalled our conversation from that time. Grace all but begged me to agree in adopting Christian. I've had so many cases cross my desk of some of the most horrific circumstances children, like Christian, have experienced and although I can't get myself emotionally involved in each case, if Grace felt this strongly with Christian, then I would support her. Without hesitation, I agreed.

"Grace. Christian is a man grown. His own man now. He's not four years old needing your protection. We gave all our children the tools they need to live their life, make their own choices and walk their own way."

"I know, God, I know. But despite the man we see, we know Christian's history and maybe that's clouded my judgment, but I won't fail him like his mother did."

I recall those days when we brought Christian home how difficult it was to get him engaged with the family. But we all respected his space, and even Elliot, who was not much older than Christian at the time, understood. It wasn't until Mia came along that Christian became more involved. As Mia's self-appointed protector Christian engaged himself more with the rest of the family.

Elliot's adoption was pretty easy. When Grace and I discovered we would never be blest with children of our own, we opted on adoption and we couldn't be happier. I remember Christian would follow Grace around whenever she had Mia in her arms. For the first month, Christian was obsessed with Mia. He would watch Grace carefully and Grace jumped on this opportunity to incorporate Christian with Mia's care hoping this would allow him to trust his family more, to know he too is treasured and loved.

We were hesitant to bring another child into our home because Christian needed so much attention, but Grace desperately wanted a girl of her own, so when Mia's adoption came to light, I jumped on the opportunity quickly. We knew of Christian's haphephobia and when we first introduced Mia to him, we kept Mia at a safe distance. Grace was crouched low and Christian's curiosity got the best of him. He came up so close moving the blanket from the baby's face. In doing so her arm came loose from her swaddling and shot out from the blanket hitting Christian on his chest. On instinct Grace pulled Mia back close to her body falling onto her backside preparing to the take the brunt of Christian's fear, but none came.

Christian was in shock, but not angry. Mia's cries from Grace's abrupt reaction filled the room and we watched in awe as Christian ventured closer to Grace extending a hesitant hand to gently soothe the distressed babe. Keeping Mia within the safety of Grace's arms, and with Grace's encouragement and guidance, by the end of the afternoon, Christian was holding a very content and happy Mia.

From that day, we discovered that Christian still has his haphephobia, but thanks to Mia, he allowed us, his family, to touch him and only specific areas on his body. His chest and back are still sensitive zones, but some unfathomable reason Mia is the only one who is allowed to hug Christian. Grace being the loving and devoted mother she is, accepts this, but I'm not ignorant of how much she longs to hold her son.

In hindsight I think perhaps Grace overcompensated in her care for Mia as it may have been the catalyst that brought Christian closer to the family. In Grace's mind her and Christian's care for Mia was what brought them together.

"You can appreciate my concern Carrick. Christian's never been an easy child to raise, but with Elena's help during his adolescence I think we managed pretty well. I want what's best for my son. I would have liked to get to know Anastasia instead of her being thrust upon me. I know nothing about her. God! Two weeks ago, I didn't even know he had a girlfriend but now he has a fiancé! You can't tell me this isn't making your head spin a little."

Fuck, if Grace only knew this whole thing was my idea, she'd having me banned to the boat house for a year.

"And I'll have you know Elena, who's come to be a very close friend of Christian's as well, also has her reservations regarding Anastasia and shares my concern." Elena Lincoln again. She is like a cockroach, impossible to get rid of.

''Look at it from my perspective. Here's our son, who's practically a hermit and who, I might add, I have to beg, if not blackmail, for some family time. I get that he's busy with his company. I get that he has his own life and obligations to the charities he's sponsored, but I'm his mother. I have a moral obligation to my children and it'll take more than a three-month whirl-wind romance to convince me that my son isn't being taken for a ride. Despite his brilliance Cary, he's still a man and subject to the same failings as all men. I'm not ignorant. I'm cautious."

''I understand your concerns Grace and as a parent they are valid, but if you're being honest with yourself, neither you nor Mia made any real attempts to get to know Anastasia. You both red-flagged the woman the moment you met her. You're interpretation of caution will inevitably be the driving wedge between you and your son.

Christian never lived his life in half measures. He humbled me the day he made his first million in a month once he put his business plan into action. He taught me a lesson that day and I'll never lose faith in that boy again. I was being cautious for him then too. In my ignorance I thought I'd be protecting him from failure, but in truth protecting him was holding him back. Our children need to grow up Grace and they need the experience of life to guide them to their futures. Anastasia isn't a flash in the pan Grace. He's in love with her. Can you not see that?"

"We don't know anything about her!" she counters.

"As if you've given her a chance. Please. Put the shoe on the other foot. Would you open up to people who seek out your flaws only to ridicule you? You've been a thorn in her side since Christian introduced her. Add Mia and her theatrics to the ring and it's a veritable WWW match. Oh, and let's not forget your overly concerned friend Elena, throwing insult after insult at the girl. What's that all about?

But let's just put this into perspective and look at what we do know. You have fears that Christian is being taken for a ride, correct?" Grace nods. "Have you considered that both Theo and I practice law, so even if Anastasia's motives weren't so pure, don't you think we'd have his back and protect him? Have you also considered Anastasia is an heiress and is already a wealthy woman on her own? Honey, she's got her own ride, she doesn't need Christian."

I watch as Grace's face turns an embarrassing shade of red.

''I get that you and dad can protect his money and assets, but what about his feelings. You know as well as I do that Christian is no Elliot. He is somewhat naive and clueless when it comes to women.'' At the last statement I start laughing which earns me the stink eye.

''Grace. You cannot honestly sit there and tell me you're that naïve when it comes to our boys. Yes, Christian is no Elliot, but just because Christian is more reserved doesn't mean his dalliances are any less than Elliot's."

Her eyes widen in surprise.

"Why are you so shocked? Grace, he's twenty-six years old, single and a billionaire. I'm sure more pussy is thrown at him than a Quarterback, but unlike Elliot he's prudent especially in with his romantic life." She looks at me askance. "You honestly think Christian is some kind of vestal virgin? Be serious."

''But…his phobia…how…" After my look of incredulity, she rescinds, "okay, never mind. I actually don't want that visual."

After a few thoughtful moments Grace whispers, "I've always been a very family-oriented type of person." I look at her questioningly. "We've been very blessed in our marriage and more than anything I wish for our children to find the kind of personal happiness we have. You have loved me so generously Cary and while Mia is yet young, I believe both Elliot and she will eventually meet someone whom they would want to settle down with someday. I've always been most concerned about Christian because of his phobia. I feared he'd be destined to a life of miserable loneliness. He has so much love to give and it kills me that he holds himself back.

I always held out the hope that our boys would settle down with one of the daughters of our friends.''

It's been a while since Grace attempted yet another matchmaking partner for our boys. In the past she's made several suggestions about some daughter of her friends as being a future partner for our sons, much to their disdain. Grace brought forth girl after girl, and the boys hated it, but went along grudgingly not wanting to hurt their mother's good intent. Needless to say, when the opportunities arose, those two protected each other from the grasping potential young ladies, and their mothers, like cow patties on a hot summer day.

''…So, when a few months back Christian showed interest in Jana Murray I was beyond ecstatic.''

WTF?

''Whoa Grace. Hold up. What are you talking about?'' I'm furiously rifling through image after image of who Jana Murray is. I remember the Murray's from some of our family gatherings but I don't recall any intimacies between Christian and Jana. I don't even recall Christian spending time with them. To my knowledge the only reason they came over was because Jana and her mother were involved with Coping together.

"Jana Murray. She's the daughter of…"

''Yes, I know who she is Grace, but …just stop. I know for a fact that there is nothing 'building' between those two. All those times you thought Christian was being attentive, was him being on his best behaviour. After that one incident a few years back, I had a strong conversation with the boys." She's looking at me like a deer in headlights.

Oh for… Christ...

"Remember the last New Year's party we hosted?"

"Oh yes. Oh God the boys were impossible."

"Yes, they were and we never hosted again after that. Elliot and Christian spent the entire night fending off your friend's daughters. Without using colourful metaphors, they essentially told those girls to 'Get lost' quite forcefully. They left the party in tears and you and Adele were mortified. I put the fear of God into them that night. Christian wasn't attentive to Jana because of interest. I made the boys swear, upon pain of being grounded for eternity with threats of dragging them to every nauseating event for life, to be on their best behaviour the next time we hosted. They were made to apologise to those ladies and their families for the embarrassment. That was years ago. How long have you been harbouring this expectation?'' Now my wife looks horrified as well she should be.

"Oh God Grace. I know that face. What did you do?"

''I…well…oh dear. I feel like a fool. I honestly thought Christian was developing feelings for Jana."

I look at Grace in concern jerking my head telling her to spill it.

''Jana's mother and I were secretly making wedding plans for the kids choosing names for future grandbabies'' she says in a mumbled rush. My jaw hits the floor while her face is buried in her hands. This is beyond bizarre. I don't know if I should laugh or cry or have my her committed.

I swear to God I'm going to be an alcoholic before this is all done.

"It was just for fun…" she continues hurriedly, "well, choosing baby names and stuff, but Christians attention to Jana looked so sincere…and we thought…"

"Gracie," I say hitting my forehead with the palm of my hand, "I…oh my god…, I don't even know what to say." Jesus what the fuck is she thinking? "Just because you think Christian likes some young lady is no basis for your imagination to run so far as to envision matrimony. That's just... quite frankly... insane.''

''I know. I know. You are absolutely right. But I was so desperate to think of anything that would bring our son back to us. Every year there seems to be a growing distance between us, so I thought if Christian befriended Jana, that'd be my way 'in' so to speak. And Jana is a lovely woman, ready to settle down, and head over heels for Christian. We get along wonderfully and in my delusional dream state, I thought she'd be the perfect addition to our family.'' By now Grace is pacing the floor in front of me gesticulating as she vomits her illusions.

She's lost it. She's gone over the edge and dipped herself into a pool of ripe shit.

My first instinct was to shake some sense into her, but after pulling a few tufts from my increasingly balding head, I instead to go to the side bar to pour myself a healthy glass of whatever bottle my hand touches to first.

Scotch. Perfect.

My cell vibrates in my pocket and pulling it out I see it's a message from Christian. I read the message quickly before slipping it back into my pocket.

"Grace?" I call behind me raising an empty crystal tumbler

"Please, thank you." Handing her drink to her she heaves a heavy sigh before she admits her mistake. "I was building a house of cards Cary and the moment Christian brought home Anastasia, it came crashing down on me. I think I just snapped'' she says as she takes a sip of her drink. "I didn't want to let go of the dream I created in my mind, so I admit in treating Anastasia less than I would have. Granted she may not have very many flaws and judged her unfairly, but did anyone stop to think that if you put the girl on too high a pedestal she won't be as perfect as you all think she is? I'm keeping it real.

After hearing her and Christian are already living together, for God knows how long, that just put me into another tailspin. I was looking for a reason to justify my suspicion that something isn't right about her.

The final straw came this morning. She outright took away my opportunity to plan and host the dream wedding I envisioned for so long. I get that it's irrational but to have my house of cards crash down on me so spectacularly, it was devastating and I lost it.''

I can't believe I'm hearing what I'm hearing. I'm hoping this stiff drink will the fortifying agent that will help me understand my wife's logic and shoot down its' contents. "Just so I'm clear, you're telling me the reason you've been difficult with Ana is because you built yourself a little fantasy that you've held for years of a happily ever after between Christian and that Jana girl. And you're taking your frustration out on Ana because Christian chose her and not Jana. Is that correct?" I think Grace knows where I'm going with this as looks down to her clasped hands giving me a quick nod. "Right."

Fuck. It's like a bloody soap opera.

"Yet, in the same breath, you want Christian to have a closer relationship with his family." I take another gulp of my drink, and by the way I'm chugging this down, I'm going to need to refill my glass soon. "Think Grace. How does purposefully badmouthing Ana, bombarding her with pretentious attitudes, nasty remarks, and ridiculous expectations bring Christian closer to you, to the family? Ana is your son's choice. Do you honestly believe by creating discord between you and Ana, Christian would… dump Ana and run off with your hand-picked bride?"

Blink… Blink. Blink. Grace is looking at me dumbstruck while I know I'm being an ass and a hypocrite. But, in my defence, Ana and Christian agreed to the scheme. I used the circumstances to benefit both parties.

''Since you've put it so succinctly, yes. That's exactly what I was doing" she says cradling her head in her hands. "I've fooled myself for so long I started believing Christian and Jana's relationship was real." She looks up at me with misty eyes and chokes back, "I never would have believed it Cary, but I'm worse than your mother!" And the damn breaks and she sobs into her open palms. "Barbara may not have been thrilled with us marrying quickly but she put her feelings aside to make you happy! God, I've really become the epitome of a Monster-in-law.'' Fresh tears spring from her eyes.

Now, I know as her husband I should go over and comfort my wife while she sobs, but I'm a guy and I don't think comforting her right now is a good idea. I'll probably get labelled as some unfeeling bastard but after what Grace and Mia's been dishing out, Grace deserves to feel this shitty. That, and I'm at a loss as to what she's crying about.

Is she upset because she's recognized she's been a complete bitch, or is it because she remembers how it felt to be on the receiving end of said bitchiness? I don't' remember mother insulting Grace. I know she voiced her concerns, but it was done politely. What I do know if that once mother saw how in love we were, she apologised to Grace that same evening and never looked back. I never in my wildest dreams thought Grace would hold a grudge after all these years. After all, it was thanks to my mother we were able to adopt Elliot. She gave us her time taking care of Elliot giving Grace the opportunity to finish her studies.

I hate it when Grace cries. Whatever her psychotic faults, she's still my wife. ''Hey. My mother wasn't so bad Grace." She jerks her head up, eyes red, snotty nose and a petulant expression. '' It would actually benefit you to take a leaf out of Barbara Grey's book'' the outraged expression on my wife's face is almost funny. "In the end Grace, she loved you and you know it. If you have somehow channelled Barbara Grey, then you know that everything is not lost with Anastasia. Mom came around for you because she saw how much I loved you. We'll figure something out and get this turned around…somehow. It might take some serious grovelling on your part though. You really put your foot in it this time Grace.''

God, I do hope Ana's forgiving. That is, if she hasn't taken off and flicked this family the bird already. I wouldn't blame her if she did after what we've put her through these past few weeks.

''Oh my, what about the Murray's.'' Grace suddenly exclaims.

''Sorry, what?! What about them?'' Honestly, I'm confused. Who gives a fuck about the Murray's?"

''Are you serious? They'll be devastated; Jana especially. Intentionally or not, Christian lead her on for quite some time and she'll be heartbroken. I don't know if I will be able to look them in the eyes again.''

"GRACE! Would you listen to yourself! The man has already proposed in front of all of our friends and associates just last night! He dropped down on one knee, on the dance floor in the middle of an event and Ana has accepted him. Who cares about the Murray's and what they think?! Christian and Ana are engaged! His ring is on her finger. Don't you think you should be more concerned with your treatment of Ana than what Jana thinks about you? What is wrong with you?!" My voice level had risen in equal measure to my exasperation.

''You cannot tell me that one polite 'hello' and a smile from Christian, if you can even call it a smile, constitutes a promise of any kind let alone marriage with three kids! Are you kidding me?! Whatever expectations the Murray's have is on them, not us. You may have encouraged and fed the fire to their fantasies, but Ana and Christian are a done deal. What is so important about the bloody Murray's that's got you all tangled up? Why do you take stock in what they or anyone else think over what you've done to your own son?" Grace's irrational concerns for people wholly unconnected to this family is absolutely maddening. I'm frustrated all to hell and from her gaping expression, I don't think she expected me to react so strongly. Frankly, I didn't either, but the more she goes on about some unimportant social climbing fucker, the angrier I get; ergo, Elena Lincoln.

''For a smart person Grace, you've been doing some weird stuff endearing yourself to those grasping women. And if it's not one of those sycophants vying for your attention you've got Elena Lincoln whispering God knows what in your ear influencing your decisions with this family. This is our family and as of today, I am laying down some ground rules.''

I remember the day we sat down and spoke to Christian about his sudden change in behaviour. It was around his sophomore year. Grace had sent him to Elena's to do some work in her yard instead of being idle at home. He was, yet again, expelled for fighting. After a few weeks he tells us 'Fighting and getting into trouble isn't worth it. It won't get me anywhere. I've seen the lowest of what that life has to offer and there's no way I want to go back there.'' He explained himself with such determination and resolve that we took it at face value. We rejoiced in this re-booted Christian 2.0 upgrade never questioning his journey or wondered what made him change his mind. And since that day, Elena's been in Grace's ear with advise on family related topics that frankly don't concern her and I've had enough.

I head over to the bar again to refill my glass but decide on sparkling water instead of hard liquor. I'm going to need my wits about me for this next conversation and I don't want Grace accusing me of being sauced. Sitting down beside her, I prepare myself for what I know will be a difficult, but vital, conversation.

''I've been meaning to speak to you about this for a very long time Grace, and considering our discussion, and your odd behaviour, we need to discuss some concerns I have with some of your friends." I take a deep breath and hope for the best. "I feel it's time we cut some ties, or at least seriously back away, from some of your friends and focus on our family for a while." I don't give Grace the opportunity to interrupt me, but I take note of her apprehension and surprise.

"Look. I know Elena Lincoln is your best friend and you two are very close, but I feel you've allowed Elena liberties with this family that is inappropriate. What happens in our family should stay within the boundaries of us. It is beyond irritating how she includes herself in all our family functions. She takes hubris with our home sauntering, unannounced, uninvited traipsing around like she owns the place. Her presence is intrusive. This is my home too and I don't feel comfortable with her constantly in my house. I want to feel like I could run naked in my home without worrying if Elena Lincoln walking through my front door. I absolutely cringe every time I see her black Porsche in our driveway. Our home is my sanctuary and whenever she's here that peace is taken from me.

Don't misunderstand me. I won't tell you who you can or cannot befriend, but I'm asking you to keep her at a distance. I'm surprised you've maintained her friendship. She's rude, crass, and insensitive and she doesn't need to know every private aspect of our lives. This includes our children, especially Christian. I understand you may harbour a sense of obligation considering her help with Christian, but that was years ago. He's not that troubled teenager anymore.

If Elena wants to know the where, what and who about Christian's life let her ask him herself. If they're such good friends, Christian would keep her updated directly. Don't you find it odd that she keeps asking you intrusive questions about our son?"

Fuck it feels liberating to be this honest about Elena. We had a similar conversation about fifteen years ago. Things settled into a comfortable routine, but all that changed for the worse after Elena divorced Eric who left her with almost nothing. Grace wanted to be there for her friend, I understood that, but over the years Elena's constant presence is just too much.

''Cary, she has no family. I'm the closest person she has and after what Eric did to her she needs our support. She's all alone. I can't cut her out of my life because you want to romp around the house in your skivvies.'' Grace is not happy but I won't relent.

''Honey, it has been years since her divorce was finalised and she's more than financially secure thanks to Christian. I'm not asking you to abandon her," although I wouldn't mind if you did, "all I'm asking is for you to see less of her. I'm your husband. When I come home in the evening I want to be with my wife. My lovely," I kiss her left cheek, "beautiful" kiss to the right cheek, "wife" and with this final kiss, I focus on her soft, luscious lips. "We do enough entertaining as it is. The last thing I need at the end of the day is entertain that woman. We need us time. I need us time."

Whatever Grace was planning to say is held back when we hear the opening score to the talk show Christian and Ana are being interviewed for this afternoon.

''I know you have things to say, and I promise we will finish this conversation. Please just think about what I said, ok?" Her smile is small, and she looks dejected, but nods her agreement. "Thank you. Hey…" I tilt her face up so I can look into her eyes, "I love you."

"And I love you Cary."

"Thank you" and with another kiss I let her go.

"Now, I'm not sure if you heard, but Christian and Ana are doing a live interview this afternoon. With all the attention they've have been getting with their relationship, and now their engagement announcement, Christian's PR department thought it would be a good idea to satisfy the public. They hope the attention would die down once people learned a little more of them as a couple."

After this morning's fiasco, I had worried that Ana would abandon our agreement, but the text from Christian earlier eased my fears. Ana was still on board and they're both prepared for the interview. Although his text didn't say much, I know the air must've been thick with tension between those two. The relief I felt knowing Ana would still honour her part made me both proud and ashamed. I feel proud for Ray having raised such a strong and amazing woman and ashamed of myself for abusing her fathers' trust. If Christian, by some miracle, can honestly secure Ana as a life partner, she'd be the making of him.

"I don't recall you ever mentioned it. A live interview. That's odd. I think this is the first time Christian's ever done this before, isn't it?"

I pull Grace closer to me and kiss her temple as we cosy up on the couch together to watch Christian's first live interview, as well as his first, and probably only, interview where he would address personal queries about his personal relationships.

"What the hell was that?"

Grace and I just finished watching the interview, or more accurately Ashley Benson's journalistic downfall, and we're still sitting literally dumbstruck. The screen has gone black. No sounds. No commercials, nothing. It's like the network is frantically scrambling to get their act together.

Christian is going to have a fucking field day with this network. I won't be surprised if they're bankrupt by the end of the day.

Network aside, Christian and I need to have a serious discussion about the type of women he's been associating with. If this Leila Williams is any indication of who he's been spending time with, I suspect he'll have more gold-diggers knocking on his door. Christ! No wonder he kept a tight lid on his paramours. Grace is absolutely stunned. I'm not sure if she's more shocked with the way Anastasia protected Christian or the knowledge that her sweet reclusive hermit of a son is not so pure and innocent after all.

Anastasia was impressive. If I didn't have an already high level of respect for the girl before, she's secured it now. She dominated that interview and played Ms. Benson for the fool she is. Ashley Benson was out for blood and Anastasia handed a seasoned reporter, her ass. She managed all this after the hell of the morning my family put her through. Bloody amazing.

Fuck. If Christian doesn't see the worth of gold handed to him in this woman, more the fool is he.

''Carrick. Oh. My. God." Grace is staring at me wide eyed and pale faced. "I'm a horrible, horrible person!" Grabbing her tumbler, she tosses back whatever was left in it. I watch as her face scrunches up from the burn the booze trails down her throat. "Anastasia's known my son for three months, maybe more, but the way she handled that reporter…there's no way I'd have fend that bitch off like Ana just did. She loves him. There's no other explanation for it. That girl deserves a medal, and I've been treating her so horribly… And Christian! BDSM Carrick?! How did he…I…oh God. I'm a terrible mother. I know nothing of my son." Grace is practically shaking with anxiety as she springs from the couch and paces the floor. "Cary. You have to help me. What am I going to do? I need to salvage this. How am I going to do that? Lord have mercy, after this morning Ana won't want to be within a mile of me. This is terrible. I'm a terrible person!'' she wails before collapsing back onto the couch with a fresh round of tears.

Hallelujah, there is a God. Thank fuck. Finally.

I take Grace into my arms and comfort her because I know if she doesn't make it right with Anastasia, she can kiss any relationship she hoped to have with Christian good-bye.

''Thank you for finally recognizing what you've done for what it truly is. You've made a massive error in judgment regarding Ana. I agree, Anastasia isn't perfect. You're right, that's a high expectation for any person, but you have to admit, she's perfect for our son." She agrees with a snort nodding her head. "We'll figure something out, but in the meantime, don't do anything. For now, leave Christian alone. If you start pushing your way through, Christian and Ana might think your sudden change of heart isn't genuine. Give them time. Things will sort themselves out." Kissing her forehead, I slowly rise from the couch. "After watching that interview, I'm thinking Christian's going to need some help. I'm going to give him a call. Make sure he's ok. Are you going to be ok for a bit?"

"Yes. Of course. Maybe I should check on Mia."

"No. Don't. Leave her be." I sigh deeply knowing that's the next obstacle I need to deal with. "We still need to talk about her and discuss our next steps. Your mother is right Grace. Mia's gone too far."

"Very well. I need to lie down anyway. I have a massive headache and I need some alone time to think." I give Grace a tight hug before I head to my study.

So we got some insight on what went in Grace's head. Yeah the woman is delusional when it comes to her middle son.

Please take care and stay safe.

The next update will be in a couple of weeks