Missy's Notes: Thank you for all your support on this story. Your reviews, follows, favorites & PM's have all fueled me to keep on writing. Alas, we've come the conclusion or shall I say, finale of this err little quirk (as I like to call it), but like I said and promised, this won't be the last. I shall continue writing through the prequel (Forging the new Steele) and the upcoming sequel that I decided to call 'Life from Steele to Grey' (what do you think?). Happy reading & please forgive my errors.

E. L James owns this amazing trilogy

Finale: Phase two

"Err… what's phase two?" she said. 'Ever the curious cat' he thought wryly. What is phase two? He's been calling it phase two since they got back from London – since he realized he that he has finally found someone he wants to share the rest of his life with. Frankly, he's just been too stubborn and blind to see it for the last six and a half years, but nevertheless, he finally sees the light, yes – it's crystal clear now. Ana is the only one for him. She's the light that somehow guided him out of the shit pit or the eternal limbo he was in, and after all they've been through, he knows that she is his everything. He's lost her once, he's not about to let it happen again.

He realized belatedly that he has unconsciously been calling this phase two simply because it is his future. If she says no, he'll have nothing. Phase one was to make her see, in a subtle way, that he can never live a day without her; she is everything to him. He's already brought the idea up to his shrink, but Flynn said that since they are taking things slow, it's better to suggest the'moving in' option rather than going down on one knee and presenting a multi-million dollar ring. How Flynn managed to convince him to take the moving-in route first, he doesn't know, but he damn sure wants to kiss his shrink for insisting. Otherwise, he would either be crushed because she would have insisted that getting married is a fucking 50 mile leap, which would have translated into a big no, at least at the time; not to mention a huge jab to his ego. Listening to Flynn allowed him to do numerous things in preparation for his proposal, like securing her father's approval, showing the beauty and advantages of making a permanent residence in Seattle is another and lastly, the fucking pleasure and torture of planning the whole damn thing as well as the joy and satisfaction it brings just seeing the look of surprise, awe and sheer wonder in her beautiful face as she looks outside. So phase two is, for all intents and purposes is the phase where he declares his hand, which will either give him glory or condemnation.

"Christian?" she prodded, he realized that he'd zoned out once again as the love of his life is trying her best to stay calm and patient

"You'll see. Come" he finally said. He takes her hand, kisses it, inwardly praying – though he never prays - praying that everything will go according to plan. They walk hand in hand as he led her towards the deck and into the backyard where a hundreds of flickering light illuminate the pathway towards the glass house the content of which is still covered by automatic drapes. To him, it's like a walk towards the gallows; somehow, the weight of the small box seems to be getting heavier with each step, as each second passes. The love of his life seem oblivious about what's going to happen, she's busy looking around in utter fascination, he really needs to thank his mother… He decides to distract himself and says

"Do you like it?" as he watches her take in the beauty around them. Everything seems beautiful with her in the picture

"Like?" she scoffed nervously "Christian, it's breathtaking; you sure know how to make a girl swoon" she giggles

"We aim to please," he said quickly grabbing her by the waist to embrace her and inhale her sweet scent. To say that he's scared and nervous as hell is a fucking understatement but he doesn't want to show it so he hugs her tightly, breathes in her exquisite scent and kisses her one last time before he opens the door to his destiny – basically he's scared of the unknown "do you have any idea how much I love you Ana?"

"I think I have some idea Mr. Grey, but it's always nice to be reminded" she replies, smiling affectionately

"I don't want to lose you… I can't imagine my life without you" he said internally kicking himself for saying those words

"Well you won't have to, Mr. Grey, especially once I move here" she smiled that smile; the smile that can melt the coldest of hearts. Those words alone bring comfort and hope. Comfort that she will not leave and hope that she will consider what he has to offer, 'unless of course you fuck this up which you know you will' he thinks, inwardly, cringing at the thought.

"Good" he responded, hugging her again and as he adds: "it's really cold baby and you're not wearing a coat, shall we go inside?"

"Hmmm I thought you'd never ask… I'm excited about this one though I don't know what it is" she giggles as her blue eyes focus on the well-lit but, still covered glass house

"I don't either, I call it the viewing deck since it's not technically a boat house" he chuckles nervously, his heart beating out of his chest

"Christian, are you okay?" she said pulling back as she might have felt the erratic beating in his chest

"Nothing I can't manage baby" he murmurs deciding to break away to finally open the wooden door. "After you" he said trying his best to look relaxed. She gave him yet another questioning look but nevertheless complied.

He heard her gasp

'Here we go Grey' he thinks as he takes one last breath and his hand instinctively rests on his left pocket, where a small box that now feels a hundred times heavier than has for the past week

The first thing that hits her as she walks into the glass house is the heavenly smell; the smell of an array of flowers brought together to form such a pleasant aroma; the next best scent to her man's cologne. Next are candles, tea-light candles resting in hurricane glasses scattered all throughout the vast room along with the vases full of flowers. In the middle of the room lay a cream colored area rug that contrasts with the dark wooden floor perfectly. On top of the area rug are pillows of all shapes and sizes all in various hues of white and on different types textile; some glittery, some print. She lets out a gasp. Then comes the sound of something opening, she peels her eyes of the pillow island just in time to see the curtains automatically opening to reveal the 180 breath-taking degree views of the Puget Sound bay at night and for the second time in what feels like hours, she gasps as she realized what phase two is all about

"Oh my…" she finally says, still unable to explain or comprehend what this phase two it really is. 'Okay, a romantic gesture but why?' she and her subconscious ask while her inner goddess merely fans herself, obviously ready to melt or faint as this latest spectacle has reaches, if not exceeds the romantic scale's maximum level. Flowers – check. Candles – check. Beautiful house with beautiful views – double check. An absurdly beautiful 'viewing deck' with the candles, more flowers, pillow town and beautiful views of the bay plus an uberly silent Fifty who's been parading his mercurial self to her for the past week, acting all mysterious, distracted and now wistful, nervous, quiet and even scared. It didn't bother her at first, thinking it's just a business deal he's been working on, but now that they are standing in front of his property and he's reminding her about the tour they planned when he gave her his Christmas gift, she wonders if it is something more. Her mind keeps replaying what had happened in the past twenty minutes starting from their arrival at the estate, followed by a romantic tour with candles illuminating the path towards the next part of the tour, the flowers, him insisting that they start on the second floor and work their way down instead of the other way around. She can't put a finger on it, even when she sees the beautifully decorated backyard and when he says… phase two. Then suddenly everything clicks….

The world seems frozen. Her heart stopped beating for five seconds until it re-starts on a sprint. Again she gasps, only this time, she feels her body turn towards the man, her man who has been patiently standing and waiting for her to say something. Words fail her. Phase two – she thinks to herself, finally getting it; putting a finger of her Fifty's emotional rollercoaster over the past couple of weeks.. Her subconscious just gapes, she doesn't have a word to say, though her face is full of emotions, eyes glassy. Her inner goddess is the same, no words but she's already crying. She feels his warm hands rest on her shoulders for a moment before he turns to stand before her

"Christian…" she whispers, her breathing ragged

"Beautiful isn't it?" he simply says though she can tell he's barely holding himself together

"It's a…a… yes… its uhm, oh God, it's beautiful" she stammered breathing through her lips as her heart continues to beat rapidly. It's getting harder and harder for her to breathe

"My thoughts exactly" he agrees, smiling his shy smile and touching her face with the back of his hand. He pauses before continuing to speak. "Anastasia, I wanted you so much from the moment that I saw you stumble into my office, for very different reasons at the time, but still, I knew I wanted you – there was something about you that I couldn't understand" he pauses to touch her lips when she tries to speak.

"Shhh… let me finish please?" his gray eyes plead with such intensity that she can only nod and swallow the lump in her throat

"I never explained how much it meant to me having you around back then; I couldn't. I was never good at showing it. In fact, I fought hard not to show it. You were, after all, a possession; my favorite toy. You were my submissive and I was your Dom" he said bitterly, sighing as he bowed his head in what she can only describe as shame. She waits for him to continue, touching his beautiful face, silently urging him to continue

"Ana I made the biggest mistake of my life six years ago when I pushed you away. I was too fucking stubborn to admit that I loved you and I lost so much because of it. But you, you made yourself into something even more amazing. I am in awe of your strength, determination and your capacity to love and forgive. You have given me my heart and it beats only for you. I know I will make mistakes and I'll most likely fuck up, a lot, but Anastasia, you are my more. I don't ever want to be without you and I know my life will never be complete without you in it. You're the only one I want to share my life with" he said only pausing to kiss both of her hands which he has been holding onto as if his life depends on it. With his smoldering gray eyes locked into hers, he falls down on one knee, one of his hands lets hers go, only to take something from his pocket. He produces a small navy blue box, opening both sides of the box to reveal a magnificent oval-shaped diamond ring.

Like a fish out of the water, she gapes; her eyesight beginning to blur as she stares at the ring

"Chr - Oh my God" she stammers, one hand covering her mouth in complete shock

"Ana? Baby, you mean the world to me; no one else will ever hold my heart the way you do. I love you and I want to grow old with you by my side. Would you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

'A girl can dream.' She remembers telling herself all those years ago, when she was still his submissive – how she longed and imagined herself becoming his wife, having a family with her Dom; her love, her man. How she cried every night when she realized it wasn't coming true because he'd let her go. How she tried to move on by leaving, how she shelved those feelings away by moving to a new country, away from him… how she shied away from ever coming back to Seattle for fear of facing him, how she busied herself with work, how she tried unsuccessfully to ignore his many attempts to talk, how scary it was for her give him and herself a second chance, how she finally gave in and how great it felt taking the plunge, knowing someone was there to catch her… they've come so far in so little time, there's more work to be done and though the rational part of her is hesitant to the unknown, a big part of her knows that she cannot imagine ever living without him, ever going back to her self-imposed odyssey, the never ending limbo of work and a live lived along ever again. Tears spring freely as she lets her emotions go and with her heart beating like a jackhammer out of her chest, she smiles at her now worried looking man, she nods vigorously and says:

"Yes" smiling in spite of the tears running freely down her face.

His head snaps up and he smiles victoriously "Say it again"

"Yes. Yes I will marry you" she says shakily

Once again, she sees his face light up in sheer victory and happiness as he takes the ring from the box with one hand, and then holding hers, he places feather light kisses on it, and with one last kiss he places the ring on her left ring finger. He stands up, still smiling as he wraps his arms around her, crushing her into him and he just holds her. He inhales sharply and moves suddenly, grabbing and swinging her round in a most un-Christian-like manner. He's laughing, young and carefree, radiating joyful elation and she finds herself caught up in his infectious laughter – dizzy, and happy, a girl totally and utterly smitten with her beautiful man. He puts her down and they kiss. His hands are on either side of her face, his tongue unrelenting

"Oh Ana" he whispered, his eyes glassy, his joy palpable as he adds: "I suppose Elliot will get his crack at the best man speech" with a chuckle before turning serious once again. "Thank you. You've made me the happiest man in the world. I love you so much."

~Prologue: (a little teaser on) Life from Steele to Grey~

"Miss Steele, what a pleasant surprise" Ana Whitmore, US editor at large for her magazine company, as well as her chief stylist, says as she walks into one of the studios inside the NS NYC Building with Frank and her Assistant Lorry right behind her. Everyone knows that she doesn't like interrupting the editors while they are in the middle of a shoot for fear the minions will make her try the latest clothing and shoes and also, she doesn't want to disturb them in their artful element. But, she made a promise to see a certain someone she likes to call Candy Cane, who she now notices looks a tad uncomfortable at the sight of her in New York. She has to admit, Candy Cane looks phenomenal in the dress she's being photographed with

"Good to see you Ana, how was your holiday?" she said kissing the other Ana on both cheeks

"It was festive" she said dryly and added "I went to Aspen with my husband and kids hoping to get away from work and guess who I ran into? Alex and his family, imagine that?" she groans

"I can imagine" she agrees with a chuckle "Where is Alex by the way?

"Oh he's probably in the board room preparing his über long presentation and waiting for everyone else. We still have an hour before the meeting, I'm just checking on how my teams' editorials for next month are coming along. How was your holiday in Seattle?" she babbled

"It was… Excellent thanks" she said smiling goofily. There really isn't a word that could best describe her holiday. A lot of people say they had so much to eat, got this many gifts, etc. when asked about their Christmas and New Year holidays. She, on the other hand, had a really eventful and unforgettable one.

It's the first week of the New Year and it's her tradition to visit and meet with every division head of her company. This year, she decided to start meeting with her US team instead of heading back to London. Upon entering the US Market, 'successfully might I add' her subconscious adds, she found many of her assets in need of attention. A lot had happened since the day she decided to come back to the States, most importantly the new phase of her life… her life with her Fifty, who, is grumpily waiting for her back in Seattle. She smiles goofily at the thought, she would twirl or maybe dance at the memory of his face, but she won't, instead she permits herself to smile, a smile that confuses everyone who asks her how her holiday went. Automatically, her fingers caress the new addition to her daily wardrobe. Again she smiles as she remembers that night… the house, well estate rather, the tour of both houses and then the proposal. Again she smiles a goofy smile and her fingers once again touch the ring that she had been wearing every day for the past week

"The look says it all Ms. Steele" Ana Whitmore said with a wink, instantly making her giggle "Anyway, let me introduce you to our muse for this editorial, Ms. Kraus would you join us for a second?" she said motioning for Candy Cane, who is wearing an elegant cocktail dress, to join them. Candy Cane walked slowly and approached them with a tentative smile

"Candy" she said unable to resist

"Oh you've met?" Her editor said

"Yes, at my best friends rehearsal dinner" she said smiling politely at her editor before looking back to smile sweetly at Candy who nodded vigorously and said

"Nice to see you again Ms. Steele" extending her hand

"Me too Candy, I love that dress on you" she said sincerely, extending her hand to show civility but then her editor Ana Whitmore gasped and said

"Oh my God" she exclaimed, taking her left hand to confirm something. Everything stops and all eyes are as round as tennis balls, as they notice the huge rock on her finger "Ana! Err Ms. Steele, oh my Lord, does this…" she stammers, before stopping to compose herself. She smiles genuinely and says: "congratulations!" much to her embarrassment.

Meanwhile, back in Seattle:

Breaking news today in Page six: We hear…

Media mogul, Anastasia Steele was spotted entering the posh N&S Building in NYC sporting a huge sparkler in her ring finger. Le gasp!

A reliable source says that while we were all busy sipping our champagne, shouting Happy New Year and kissing a random stranger amidst the cold weather in Times Square on New Year's Eve, the most eligible, edible & insanely rich bachelor, Christian Grey has officially got down on one knee, presented a magnificent Harry Winston ring (more details on that later) to his lady-love, the equally beautiful, successful and powerful media mogul, (our lady-boss, we think) Anastasia Steele. That's right ladies & gentlemen, after months of speculation, around the world sightings and a heart-stopping revelation from the enigmatic Seattle CEO (see related article), long known as the most eligible bachelor in the US, has officially vacated his post leaving the rest of us hopeful maids from all around the world heartbroken. No word yet on how the newly engaged power couple will celebrate their coming union, but we can be sure that given their privacy preference, this event will be an über private affair, unfortunately for us. With his & her success, I'm pretty sure it'll take one hell of a time to draft a pre-nup. We must say, we can't decide which one is juiciest, so stay tuned.

There you have it! Sorry, I couldn't resist a little teaser… Thanks again for the support on this story! I hope that you guys enjoyed this story as much as I did reading and writing it. I will concentrate of the prequel, 'Forging the New Steele', while I finalize the outline for the next chapter of our Favorite lovebirds which I am calling, 'Life from Steele to Grey.'

GreytoSteele fanfiction, you're the best!

Please go to my Facebook page (missylovestoread fanfiction) to see what Ana's ring look like as well as the other pictures I've posted, otherwise, Google the magic words Classic Winston oval diamond ring (Yeah, Christian went all out… most especially on the ring)