You are my wife. My family now.

And family comes first.

I stare up at the ceiling, remembering the first time we slept together in this room.

So long ago. And yet, not so long ago.

It was a revelation.

Sleeping with someone.

Sleeping with her.

“Being here makes me think of how far we’ve come. And the night I first slept with you.” I whisper, “What a night that was. I watched you for hours. You were just…yar.”

I sense Ana’s tired smile against my chest.

Oh, baby.

“Sleep,” I murmur, and it’s not a request.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Grandpa Theodore hands me an apple. It’s bright red. And tastes sweet; of home and long rich summers when the days went on forever. There’s a light breeze on my face. It’s cooling in the sunshine. We stand eye to eye in the orchard. His face sun-worn and weather-beaten, the etched lines in his skin telling a thousand stories. He reaches up, and a tremor runs through his hand. He’s not as steady as he once was…Grandpa! He grasps my shoulder, his eyes hooded but still shining with wisdom and love… For me. I see it now. Remember how we made the sweet apples when you were a boy? I grin. They’re still sweet. The trees are still giving. He smiles, his skin crinkling around his eyes. Boy, you were an odd one. Wouldn’t talk. Awful shy. Now look at you. Master of your own universe. I’m proud of you, son. You done good. The warmth of his words matches the warmth of the sun. Behind him, Mom, Dad, Elliot, Mia, and Ana are walking through the long, lush grass to join us with a blanket and a picnic basket. Ana laughs at something Mia says. She tips her head back, her hair free and catching the golden light. My mom joins in. Laughing, too. It’s all about family, boy. Always. Family first. Ana turns and beams at me. The sunshine of her smile lighting me from within. My light. My love. My family. Ana.

I wake, but before I open my eyes, I savor my contentment. All is right in the world, everything is as it should be, and I know I’m enjoying the remnants of a now-forgotten dream.

I open my eyes.

Where am I?

The Heathman.

Shit—Ray.

Grim reality intrudes, but I turn my head and am comforted to see Ana curled up beside me, still slumbering. From the light filtering through the curtains I know it’s early. I lie still for a moment, making a mental list of all that I need to do today.

It’s her birthday.

And Ray is lying injured in the hospital.

It will be a delicate balancing act, to celebrate and commiserate all at once with her.

I slip out of bed carefully.

Don’t wake the wife!

When I’m showered and dressed, I move quietly into the living room and let Ana sleep. I have to make a decision on whether to proceed with Ana’s birthday dinner, so my first task of the day is to call the ICU. I speak to one of Ray’s nurses, who reports that he’s spent a comfortable night and that his vitals are good. She then hands me over to the attending physician, who explains that all is as it should be and we should remain optimistic. At this encouraging news, and Dr. Sluder’s report yesterday, I decide to go ahead with the dinner.

In the meantime, I need her gifts—both of which are in Taylor’s hands. I check my watch—7:35 a.m.—and text Taylor, who’s staying somewhere in the hotel.

Good morning.

Do you have Ana’s present?

TAYLOR

Yes, sir.

Shall I bring the box up?

Please. She’s still asleep!

A few moments later there’s a gentle tap on the door, and Taylor is his usual smart-suited self on the other side. “Hello,” I whisper, mindful of sleeping beauty. I prop the door open with my foot and join Taylor in the corridor.

“Good morning,” he says, whispering, too. “Here.” He places a beautifully wrapped package, all pale pink paper and satin ribbons, in my palm.

“Nice wrapping. Your handiwork?” I raise a brow, and Taylor flushes.

“For Mrs. Grey,” he mutters, and I know this is reason enough. “Here’s the card that came with the box.”

“Thanks. I’m taking a gamble and going ahead with the small dinner party for Ana. We’ll need to coordinate the arrival of our guests today.”

“Andrea has been keeping me up-to-date, and Sawyer is here. Between the two of us I think we’ve got this,” he says.

“And we’ll have the new car, so Ana and I won’t need ferrying around.”

“I took the liberty of bringing both keys.” He holds up the R8 key. “The spare is with the valet.”

“Smart thinking.” I slip the key into my pocket. “I think we’ll be at least an hour. I’ll text you when we’re ready to leave so you can bring the Audi around to the front.”

“I may not get a signal in the garage. I’ll liaise with the concierge and he can call me at the valet station.”

“Okay. I’ll give him a sign when we’re in the foyer. How was she?”

“The R8?”

I nod, and his broad grin tells me all I need to know.

“Great.” I grin back. “I’ll see you later.”

He turns on his heel and I smile at his departing figure. Have I ever had a whispered conversation in a hotel corridor before? With Taylor? Ex-Marine? I shake my head at the ridiculousness of the two of us, and step back inside the suite.

When I check on Ana, she’s still out for the count. I’m not surprised; she must be shattered from yesterday. I have time to e-mail Andrea.

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Ana’s Birthday Dinner