BOOK III - Chapter VI - Christian and Anastasia - THE WEDDING

I VOW TO THEE...

CHAPTER VI

 “Hey bro! You can remember to be over at my place at six p.m. tomorrow, can't you?” asks Elliot.

“What exactly is on the agenda?”

“You know... the usual.”

“I don’t make a habit of going to bachelor parties; therefore I have no idea what the usual entails, Elliot!” I grumble.

“As your best man, it is my happy duty to show you a good time on your last day, or rather the last two days of your freedom as a single man. Well, at least that's what I intend to achieve tomorrow,” he replies cheerfully, and completely avoiding of giving an answer to my question.

“Did you give the guest and the entertainer lists to Taylor?” I ask knowing the answer already.

“Where's the fun in if there’s no surprise Christian? Don’t spoil it for the rest of us, bro!”

“No list, no deal, Elliot! You better do it quickly, time is ticking.”

“Fine! But, with one condition. You don’t get to take a look at it! They check everyone out, deem them safe, then that should satisfy your enormous ego, bro,” he says, and I can hear him grinning over the phone.

“Deal! Send the list, and I’ll see you at six tomorrow evening.”

“Actually bro, I’m coming to pick you up at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. Your bachelor's party starts earlier with me.”

“Elliot, I have mountains of things to do...” I protest but he interrupts.

“No you don’t! I had your schedule cleared for the day. And besides, I know what you're doing today. You told me remember? Inspect the panic room, or safe room whatever the heck you've had built. So you have no excuse for tomorrow. Don’t you dare to leave anything else, and leave me hanging in the air. I’ll be so fucking pissed! Tomorrow, we’ll have fun!”

Fuck! Elliot’s idea of fun and mine do not always line up except maybe for hiking and fishing or outdoor activities. I hope he has some of those scheduled instead of a party which I would only have to endure.

“If my schedule is clear, I’d rather spend the day with Anastasia,” I grunt.

“It so happens, tomorrow's is an important day for Ana as well. Mia, Kate and mom are throwing her a bridal shower. They’ll ask her to do the last bridal gown fitting at mom’s house, but it’ll be a surprise for her. So, don’t you dare to spill the beans to her!” he warns. That’s news to me.

“She doesn’t need anything; I can get her anything she wants. There’s no need for a bridal shower.”

“Christian,” sighs Elliot. “Man, I know she’s your first girlfriend, but let me tell you something about women,” he starts lecturing. Oh, shit!

“I know you can afford whatever she wants, but this is not about affording all that crap you can buy. This is some women camaraderie shit, or so says Kate. You know, it's about women having to get together to have fun, and give the bride silly lingerie, gifts, and celebration of womanhood, honoring their friend, celebrating her impending wedding,” he says as if he’s reciting it from his written notes. I laugh.

“How would you know about celebrating womanhood? Besides, Anastasia doesn’t like surprises.”

“Hey, I take notes from my woman! And what Kate told me is to the contrary! She said Ana’s gotten pretty excited when Kate hinted of the possibility of a bridal shower. She said that Ana got a glimmer in her eyes. Of course Ana said that Kate didn’t have to do that, but usually when girls say ‘you don’t have to,’ they really want you to do it. So, Mia and Kate cooked up the party idea, and mom of course, was thrilled to have it at her house.”  

“Who’s invited to the bridal shower?”

“Not many people. Just Kate, Kate’s mom, Mia, grandma, mom, and a few of mom’s very close friends. Some of Mia’s friends,” he says, and I groan.

“Come on man, ten women or less.”

“Fine! As long as it's at our parents' house, I'm okay with that. But where are we going?” I ask.

“Sky diving!”

“What?” I ask shocked.

“I thought you need to learn how to jump in a parachute after your chopper incident,” he says joking knowing how I hate the word ‘chopper’. “Since you’re into the extreme sports anyway, this should be another notch on your very capable belt. I'll pick you up at nine tomorrow!”

“Nope! Can't do it! You give me the address, and I’ll get there myself,” I reply, and he reluctantly agrees.

After hanging up with Elliot, I notice that Taylor is discreetly waiting for me to inspect the panic room. I’ve been freaking out with the fact that there is a perp after me and to get to me, he or she may go after Anastasia. It’s taken a couple weeks to have the panic room built, but it’s been an imperative goal for me to have fulfilled to assure Anastasia’s safety.

At $500,000 price tag, I want to make sure that it is everything it's been promised.

"Mr. Grey!" greets me Eric Coulter, the president of True Security Inc. "May I acquaint you with your new Panic room, or Safe room, sir?" he says shaking my hand firmly and eagerly.

"Let's see it," I reply with an impassive face.

"Sir, the room is not huge. It's 15 x 15 in size. Safe rooms are basically vaults built for humans. If there was a biological attack, this room should provide 7.5 hours of oxygen before carbon dioxide takes over. But we have created a powerful filter to pump oxygen safely from the allocated tanks right into the room, sir. In fact this room's so safe, even a sleeping vampire could feel at home here," he adds grinning; it must be the security guy's humor which I'm not getting.

"I didn't know vampire needed air," I say dryly.

"Oh, I meant it's light tight when you want it to be; and fire, bomb, and explosion resistant. There are two entrances as you are aware, sir. Using either entry would lock down the unit once the occupant is inside. Let me show you what's outside, sir," he says pointing to a panel.

"We do not have standard keys to panic rooms just in case they fall into the wrong hands. Instead we have interior deadbolts, combination keypads and in addition to those we have retinal and fingerprint scanning devices. Come inside, please, sir," he says leading the way.

"We have an intercom system, a buried phone line, alarm button directly connected to police and your security team. This room is entirely soundproof. There are number of hidden cameras around the room which are tied to three monitors here," he says pressing a button which in return displays a panel of three monitors showing activity in different sides outside of the room as well as images from the other cameras in and around your apartment."

"What about power? What supplies power to the panic room? What if the intruder cuts the power?"

"Besides being tied to the power grid, it's also powered by its own generator should the panic room lose power. We have temperature, airtight, humidity controlled chambers, and of course without a biological threat outside the world, we have a very secure, unbreachable air supply system. We also have a lavatory here which is much like an airplane's. There are also compartments for emergency food," he says showing a built in cabinet with a supply of food and drinks. Here's a built in storage containing non-perishable food, safe water supply, first aid, battery powered radio, clothes, sanitation supplies, blankets, and few other things your security team deemed necessary which I wasn't allowed to check, sir," he says making a sour face to Taylor who retorts back to him impassively.

"All the doors and walls are completely bullet resistant. When the person gets in here, he or she needs to hit this red button, and everything automatically closes in a split second and you're in protection mode. You'll be able to hear nothing, except the air flow. Would you like to try it sir?"

"Yes, let's..." I say wanting to make sure that everything is in working order before there's an emergency. I press the red emergency button, and the doors fly shut immediately, and just like he said, the only noise I hear is the low hum of the airflow. My Blackberry along with Taylor's buzz with an incoming text message.

"That should be the message that is sent to your security team, as well as anyone in the list to be notified." I open my blackberry and there's a text message:

*Panic Room Activated*

  Taylor nods in confirmation.

"In order to unlock the door and get out immediately, you must use three combinations. The retina scan, the fingerprint scan as well as your code. The triple combination confirms that the occupant must come out immediately.  If however you have no hurry, one of these unlocking devices will open the door within five minutes."

"Isn't there a security bypass for the triple combination?"

"Yes, there's a master key," he says grinning.

"Okay, what is it?"

"It’s, you sir, you're the key. You will have a verbal key combination, and speak it, and it will open the door up for you. You have to choose what you want that combination to be, and record it to get your voice recognized by the system, and the system will alone know that. Head of your security wouldn't allow me to help you set it up sir. Consequently I had to teach them how to set it up. Now they know and will assist you in teaching the system to recognize your voice as the master key."

"Anything else?" I ask impassively.

"Your personal designer set the room up to provide comfortable accommodations. There's a murphy bed in this wall, and as you can see, you have a nicely decorated living quarter with entertainment, TV, music, and even a small space for dining. You have the limited convenience of a small studio, but the security of a bunker, sir," he says proudly.

"Is that it?" I ask impassively.

"That's all, sir, unless you have any questions."

"Have you acquainted my house staff with the panic room?"

"Of course, sir. Each one got a demonstration.  Except your fiancé, sir."

"I'll do that myself," I say with an impassive face. I intend to christen the room tonight when she gets back from her dress fitting... a few times at least.

*****

Above All Skydiving School had all but six students they are instructing today.

“Good morning, mates! My name’s James Clark. I’m your skydiving instructor this morning,” he says too cheerfully, and excited about having to skydive at 10 a.m. in the morning.

“Where are you from James?” I find myself asking.

“I’m from Victor Harbor, South Australia, mate,” he says with a proud smile.

“Isn’t jumping from an airplane a bit dangerous?” asks the only female student. "I mean, if an aircraft is functioning perfectly, I’d like remain in it, not jump out of it," she says making me wander why the hell she came to try it in the first place.

“Sky diving is for thrill seeking Miss..."

"Jennifer," she replies.

"Jennifer," he says with a dazzling smile directed to her, "Skydiving is a temporary cure for the adrenaline junkies. How else can you be closer to heaven? It’s a super stress reliever. When you skydive, you focus on the skydive, and nothing else!" he says and his demeanor speaks volumes of how much he loves doing what he does. I make a mental note that if I like the experience, I'd like him to be my instructor.

"It keeps the distractions of life away, and gives you immense control on the task you’re doing. There are no stray thoughts or worries. Only the intense focus, the pump of adrenaline and control of what you are achieving! It leaves you feeling physically and mentally cleansed,” he says, making a gesture of cleansing with his hands.

“Are you sure you can’t achieve that without stepping out of a flying airplane?” I ask testing his response. His intense focus turns on me without losing the humor in his eyes.

“Christian," he says without needing the introductions. He’s done his homework. I like that, he knows who his students are:

"We’re taught about danger since we were children. Sometimes you realize that it’s okay to step out that door. There’s an acquired awareness when you skydive; you learn to understand your surroundings, develop a confidence in yourself and respond quickly to everything that’s happening around you. That leads to an incredible sense of accomplishment, because you learn to take control of your fears, and push yourself to your limits. But if single jumps are too intense for you, I’d be happy to have one of the instructors tandem jump with you. It’s safest for the beginners,” he explains genuinely.

“No!” I say firmly. I’m not going to have another guy strapped on my ass even if I'm jumping off an airplane. I look at Taylor. He smiles imperceptibly. He’s done this many time over in the military of course.

“Alright then... Let’s give you the basics, students,” James says in a loud voice, grinning.

Indicating the parachute, he says, “This is called a Pilot chute... A pilot chute is released and acts as a mini parachute. It catches air and pulls out the parachute which opens and unfolds as it catches air. This is a process that takes about 20 seconds, tops. The parachute flies like a glider. It responds the pilot’s input and slicing you through the sky. The good thing about it is, you can either fly smoothly and slowly, or if you are like my mate George here,” he says indicating the tandem pilot Elliot is planning to use, “you can be fast and wild.” Elliot takes a reluctant step away from George.

“The parachutes are already checked and packed here for you. Let’s turn on the AAD, here,” he says.

“What is AAD?” asks a nervous, wiry guy in his twenties.

“It’s the Automatic Activation Device. There’s not a lot of room for error in skydiving. Let’s say that you lose consciousness as you’re exiting the plane, or falling. You may even lose track of the altitude because you get distracted. Even if another skydiver flies too close to you and damages your equipment or makes you unstable,” he says seriously. The student’s eyes go wide, and he swallows hard.

“If any of these situations were to occur and that you were unable to deploy your parachute yourself, the AAD which is a small computer that constantly monitors the altitude will activate the reserve chute for the pilot.”

“Is it too late back out?” asks the wild eyed student who looks greener than Anastasia did the first night I took her to my hotel room in her drunken stupor.

“No, mate,” replies James. “We don’t want you to need this the second you step out. Any more of you who don’t want to fly?” he asks and looks at me smiling. I give him an impassive gaze.

“Put on your jumpsuits, and your parachutes. I’m gonna come around and check everyone’s straps and rigs to make sure everything looks okay.” Once everyone’s geared up, James gives more instructions.

“The most common form of body flight while skydiving is arching at hips, or more commonly known belly to earth position. This is the most stable and your first lesson in freefalling technique. Basically, you would be making a U shape with your body; meaning your waist becomes the bottom of that U! There are also sit flying and head down styles of free-fall but you’re not going to practice them because you’re a beginner!”

Elliot looks nervous.

“If the parachute does not function for any reason, deploy the reserve parachute! This is crucial: Malfunctions are extremely rare, but we want you to understand the safety basics. A reserve parachute should be deployed in those emergency cases. Therefore the reserve parachute is not redundant, but quite necessary,” says James, and turns to the remaining five skydiving students. “Any questions?”

“Yes,” I reply. “What altitude do we jump from?”

“Good question Christian! Typically we climb up around 13,000 which this height in return gives the jumper about sixty seconds of free-fall.”

“Free-fall? Nobody said anything about free-fall,” grumbles Elliot nervously.

“Elliot," James says to him patiently, "that term just describes the moment jumper exits the plane. If we were to go to 16,000 feet which we won’t today, that would have given you about seventy-five seconds of free fall,” explains James.

“What?” asks Elliot. “What...what do you mean?” He looks like he's on the verge of a panic attack.

“You have nothing to worry about Elliot. You have a tandem pilot who has thousands of jumps under his belt. When the plane is at the correct altitude, and flying over the jump site, you and your tandem pilot will jump off the plane. About sixty seconds after you exit the airplane, you should be down to around 2,500 feet altitude at which point all of you, the skydivers throw out a pilot chute and it deploys the parachute. In your case Elliot, since you’re doing tandem skydiving, a drogue chute is used to regulate the fall rate,” he explains.

“In sixty seconds down to 2,500 feet?” asks another nervous student.

“Yes, that’s correct. Because typical free falling is about 120 miles per hour. That of course changes for the tandem jumps depending of the instructor and the student’s combined weight. Their free fall would be around 180 to 200 miles per hour which is much faster than the single jumps. But the drogue slows the pair down to the normal falling speed,” he says reassuringly to Elliot.

“How about landing?” I ask.

“You will steer the parachute to line up for the landing, and it lands.”

“Just like that?” asks the blonde female student.

“Well, you can land softly, land sideways and backwards. All of that depends on the wind direction and speed. If however, a soft landing may not be possible, I want you to perform the PLF.” When Elliot opens his mouth up to ask a question, James holds his hand up, and answers his question.

“It means the Parachute Landing Fall. You place your feet together like this,” he shows the class, “bend your knees slightly, and roll over to one side upon touching the ground. That way, this landing will move the weight of the fall over the most your body. Did that answer your question?” he asks Elliot who nods in return.

“Alright then! Let’s skydive!” he says and herds the students towards the airplane.

I turn around and ask him in a voice only he can hear.

“Why do you really do it James?”

“Skydive?” he asks and I nod. “Simply put, I feel free as a bird and close to heaven. Everyone has a place they belong. This is simply mine...” he says with a smile, shrugging carelessly.

Taylor insists that he wants to fly after I do, possibly to keep a better eye on me. In fact he even suggests to tandem jump with me, but I have a limit on how close I want to be to another guy.

We’re loaded up into a SkyVan twin turboprop aircraft. When we reach 13,000 feet, one of the instructors jump to demonstrate the proper jumping method. He’s followed by the first tandem jump with the blonde female student, then I see Elliot getting cold feet and his face changes, but his instructor does a side dive out of the open airplane door, and out he goes with Elliot strapped to him with a muffled ecstatic yell, or fearful scream. Without any qualms, I turn to Taylor and say, “I’ll see you downstairs,” and I exit the plane sideways. I know a few seconds later Taylor jumps after me and James is supposed to bring down the end of the group with his tandem student, the other skittish guy.

As soon as I exit the airplane, and freefalling, I don’t feel that sudden drop I expected like in a roller coaster. I feel like floating on a cushion of air. The wind is fast and blowing like a hurricane and unusually cold in my face. I can hear the loud roaring of the airplane’s engine. At first I feel like I can’t think, but then everything is clear in my mind. There’s nothing to hold onto, not even a passing bird’s wing to grab which I might have attempt to hold onto; no ground beneath my feet, only space. In fact the feeling is much like being with Anastasia. I don’t know which way is up, but I feel alive, and it’s completely exhilarating. It’s like one of those nightmares also where you feel like you’re falling and you can’t do anything about it. Then I remember the dreams of flying, and somehow I feel elated and open my arms like a bird. I am so far from the ground; I don’t perceive its existence. I have been flying for five years, but now I realize the distinction-I’ve been piloting for five years, this is flying! There isn’t a helicopter between my body and the ground.

All too soon, my sixty seconds is up, and I deploy the parachute and a sudden jerk slows my descent immensely and just in time I remember to relax my neck to avoid any whiplash, then I float, much more slowly after my parachute is opened. I feel a sigh of relief. Suddenly something becomes much clearer. People skydive not because they have a death wish, but they want to reaffirm life. Your parachute is what gives you the control. It’s our compromise with death.

When I see the ground getting closer, I don’t feel my stomach dropping, but I’m focused on controlling my chute. I find myself speeding up as the wind is pushing. That means I have to roll. I get my feet together, and position myself to utilize my weight to land on my side. The wind drags the chute a little bit, but nothing is broken, and I’m on the ground. Hell, yeah! I’d do that again!

I see Taylor’s parachute landing and he’s on his feet like the pro he is and managed to maneuver it as close to me as possible. The last duo to land by only a few second after Taylor is James and his student. I hear James mutter “shit head!” to the other student who puked in the air, and it managed to cover both his and James’ gears in yellow crap, but somehow James managed to avoid getting any on himself.

I grin at him and he shrugs smiling, “ah, work hazard mate, you get used to it. But you’ve done well, maybe we’ll see you again!” he says enthused.

“Definitely!” I reply, but I think Elliot won’t be a part of the ‘we’. 

*****

On the way back to Elliot’s apartment, Taylor has to drive him, because Elliot is feeling queasy; thankfully he didn’t paint the sky with his puke like the last student. Elliot looks so pitiful; I decide not to tease him until he’s much better. 

As I’m driving to Elliot’s, I dial Anastasia’s phone. She doesn’t answer the phone. I know I have three missed calls from her. Is she mad? Is she okay? Did she find an unpleasant surprise with her bridal shower? I’m concerned.

“Anastasia, I am on my way to Elliot’s. The skydiving lesson went well. I love you! Call me,” I say at the end with a slight tinge of concern in my voice.

Elliot’s apartment is on the 26^th floor, and his has views of the Mt. Rainer, Elliot Bay, and Lake Union although not equally, or from the same angle. He only has two bedroom and two bathrooms, but it’s still a prime property and his excessively large living room is a good bachelor space to entertain. Taylor and I hoist Elliot under his arms into his bedroom, and we deposit him on his bed.

“Elliot, where is your security detail?” I ask curiously.

“Dude, do you know how hard it is to have two huge guys following me everywhere without people thinking I’m not gay?”

“Did you dismiss them?” I ask through gritted teeth. I thought we agreed.

“Keep your britches on! They’re here. Per your instructions, they’re checking the catering, serve staff, and,” he pauses smiling, “the entertainment. Since we had Taylor with us, I didn’t think I should just hand the keys to the caterer. They’re here to take care of it. I’m sure they’re in the kitchen, or somethin’.”

I nod my head at Taylor imperceptibly to check the house, and he quickly leaves the room.

“Do you have Dramamine or something? Or shall I send one of your security guys to pick something up for your wooziness?” I ask him.

Elliot puts his arm over his eyes.

“As long as the ceiling stops spinning I should be fine.”

“Alright, then. This should give me time to go to Escala, clean up and get back.”

“Knock yourself out...” he groans, covering his eyes with both his arm again. “But, be back on time!” he reminds me. “If you’re five minutes late, the party comes to Escala even if I have to get there on a stretcher!” he threatens.

Taylor and I leave The Olivian to get back to Escala.

I call Anastasia again, but she doesn’t answer her phone. Again... I immediately get nervous and anxious.

I call Sawyer who answers on the third ring making me impatient. There is a lot of background noise, sounding like a Roman bath full of giggly women.

“Mr. Grey?” he answers coolly.

“Sawyer, where is Miss Steele?”

“She’s at your parents’ house for the time being sir. The women appear to be playing...” he clears his throat... “A game sir.” Then I hear a big roar of collective laughter in the background.

“What game is that?”

“Currently Miss Lilly is blindfolded, and she’s attempting to pin a paper penis to the naked poster of Alexander Skarsgård at the correct location, sir,” he replies mortified. Another roar of laughter is heard in the background.

“How’s Miss Steele?” I ask.

“It’s her turn right now,” he replies and swallows. Then I hear a loud applause in the background.

“Alright Ana! You know how to locate a penis!” I hear a woman’s voice congratulating her.

“She’s got the location right, sir,” says Sawyer first proud then chagrined. I frown.  “Would you like to talk to her?” he asks immediately.

“No, let her have her fun, but have her call me before she goes to the bachelorette party. And remember my instructions from this morning.”

“Yes, sir. Four feet radius to be left around Miss Steele from any exotic dancer that might be there to entertain.”

“Call me immediately if anything out of the ordinary happens!”

“Yes, sir.”

I hang up. 

When we get to Escala, I take a quick shower and get dressed in my white linen shirt, and jeans. After I respond to some work related e-mails, Taylor reminds me of the time, and I reluctantly leave for Elliot’s apartment. As we are leaving my penthouse, my phone buzzes and Anastasia’s name displayed bringing relief and a smile to my face.

“Hi,” I answer softly.

“Hello,” she replies shyly. “I’m sorry I’ve missed your phone calls. It was loud, I didn’t hear my phone. Are you so angry with me?” she asks.

“Far be it from me to curtail fun, baby. No, I’m not angry with you... Though, I can’t say I approved one of the games you were playing. From the hoots I’ve heard on the phone, you’ve done well with the ‘Pin the penis’ game,” I say in a low voice, making Taylor go crimson.

“Where are you now?”

“I’m at Kate’s. We’ll have the bachelorette party in a little bit,” she says raising her voice to make herself heard with the rising background noise.

“Have fun,” I say.

“You too, but not too much,” she replies making me grin.

“I love you, Christian.”

“And, I you, Ana.”

“Ana! Come on! You’re the guest of honor!” I hear Kate’s voice in the background.

“I’m needed here, I have to go!” she says in a hurry, and hangs up before I can say goodbye.

*****

Muffled sound of music can be heard through Elliot’s door, but not enough to be counted as a nuisance.  Tom Rhodes opens the door with an impassive gaze, but he gives us a courteous smile after seeing who the guests are.

“Mr. Grey. Mr. Taylor,” he says by the way of greeting. “This way sir,” he ushers us in.

“Hey! Man of the hour is here!” says the group of men inside. Dad, Elliot, Flynn, Mac, Bastille, three guys who are working on remodeling our new home with Elliot are also there. Dad’s bodyguards Tony Citoli and Joe Genarro standing by the balcony door; one watching dad, and the others watching the remainder of the guests actually do look like two Rambos with military haircuts. I suppress a smile. At a corner of the large room, by one of the floor to ceiling windows some live music equipment is set up. I look at Taylor with narrowed eyes, and he shrugs.

“Are they checked?” I ask under my breath.

“Yes, sir, everyone.”

Elliot sidles up to me looking much better. I look at him quizzical.

“Don’t worry bro. That’s a gift from dad and Flynn. He called in some favor in your honor.”

Elliot takes his glass of champagne and clicking with his fork, “people! May I have your attention please!” he calls to the chatty crowd. When the noise dies down, everyone looks at Elliot expectantly.

“Thank you! Welcome everyone! My little brother Christian, Seattle’s most eligible bachelor,” he says grinning at me, “has consented to hang his hat up in bachelorhood, and we are here to celebrate his last two days as a single man. Here’s to my brother!” he says raising his glass up, and the rest of the group raise their wine glasses or beer bottles up, calling “hear, hear!”

“Help yourself with food and drinks, and let’s make this party a memorable one for him! The guest of honor tonight, besides my brother is here...” he says turning and pointing to the bandstand as the lights dim.

Upon hearing the first two notes in the music, my head snaps to my dad and Flynn in surprise. Then in walks one of my most favorite musicians singing one of my most favorite songs!

“How?” I mouth to dad.

This is his way of making up to me, and he is completely pleased with my reaction.

One of my most favorite artists starts crooning one of my most favorite songs, and I’m completely mesmerized. Maybe it’s not going to be such a bad party after all...

“Hey little girl is your daddy home
Did he go away and leave you all alone
I got a bad desire
I’m on fire

Tell me now baby is he good to you
Can he do to you the things that I do
I can take you higher
I’m on fire

Sometimes it's like someone took a knife baby
Edgy and dull and cut a six-inch valley
Through the middle of my soul

At night I wake up with the sheets soaking wet
And a freight train running through the
Middle of my head
Only you can cool my desire
I’m on fire”

Then he sings "Dancing in the Dark," and the last song he sings speaks to me personally, "Tougher than the Rest." Though I don't know if I'm tougher than the rest when it comes to Anastasia. Somehow I find myself slowly singing to the music.

"Well it’s Saturday night
You’re all dressed up in blue
I been watching you awhile
Maybe you been watching me too
So somebody ran out
Left somebody’s heart in a mess
Well if you’re looking for love
Honey I’m tougher than the rest

Some girls they want a handsome Dan
Or some good-lookin’ Joe, on their arm
Some girls like a sweet-talkin’ Romeo
Well ’round here baby
I learned you get what you can get
So if you’re rough enough for love
Honey I’m tougher than the rest

The road is dark
And it’s a thin thin line
But I want you to know I’ll walk it for you any time
Maybe your other boyfriends
Couldn’t pass the test
Well if you’re rough and ready for love
Honey I’m tougher than the rest

Well it ain’t no secret
I’ve been around a time or two
Well I don’t know baby maybe you’ve been around too
Well there’s another dance
All you gotta do is say yes
And if you’re rough and ready for love
Honey I’m tougher than the rest
If you’re rough enough for love
Baby I’m tougher than the rest"

When he is finished with the songs, he comes to shake hands.

"Congratulations man! This is all the available time I have. It so happens that I too have something special going on this evening here in Seattle. But I wanted to return a favor to Flynn and  Carrick.  Your dad and I go way back. When he said you were his son, I made the time to be here to contribute in making your night a little more special even if I can't stay longer," he says in his trademark smile.

"No, don't worry about it! Thank you! What you did...This was incredible!" I find myself saying.  "I loved it! Thank you, and thank you dad, Flynn," I shake their hands. I'm bewildered that they would go out their ways to arrange this or even remember that I liked Springsteen.

"Well, Christian, I wish you every happiness, man!" he says, and Rhodes shows him the way out.

"Mr. Grey?" Rhodes pulls Elliot to side.

"Yeah?"

"There are three police officers at the door. Apparently there has been noise complaint, sir." Elliot checks his watch.

Everyone's mingling with each other, and Bastille is talking about the new Brazilian Capoeira he's been practicing.

"Hey Grey! If your brother can put some music on, I can show you a few moves," he says with a wide grin. Three police officers enter into the living room after a puzzled Elliot. His reaction confuses me, and I turn and look at Taylor who looks like man who is caught without his pants on in the wrong woman's bed by her husband! He steps in front of me. Something's wrong with this picture.

"Unexpected guests?"

"Looks like it. I don't have them on my list, unless Mr. Grey made a change in his plans," he replies.

The male police officer turns and asks, "Is there a party going on here?"

"Yes, officer, it's bachelor party, in my brother's honor."

"We received a noise complaint from the neighbors."

"There hasn't been any noise officer," says Taylor.

"That's right, we've been told the party is too dull!" says the female office and rips her Velcro uniform off her back as the male imposter officer turns the music on.

"Fuck!" I hiss under my breath. I promised Anastasia I wouldn't stay for the strippers. My father's face takes a stern look and he gazes at Elliot who has the look of a child who's got his hand caught in the wrong cookie jar!

The music starts blasting “Sweet Dreams” by the Eurythmics. The two female dancers dressed as cops start dancing provocatively, suggestively around among the hoots and raging male hormones in the room. One long haired blonde and one long haired brunette dancer. The duo make their way around teasing the guests in the room.

(Striptease – Eurythmics Sweet Dreams)

“Yeah! Now it’s a party!” shouts one of Elliot’s guys. “We were beginning to think you were gay, Elliot! I can’t wait to tell the guys about this party!” Elliot shrugs, relaxed but confused a little. The dark long haired dancer makes her way towards me grinding her hips to Bastille who grins in response and showcases some of his moves he’s been practicing in Brazilian Capoeira. She eyes me under her eyelashes, but doesn’t make her way towards me just yet as Taylor positions himself between the dancer and me. The blond dancer wraps a black boa around her neck, and makes her way around shaking, dancing and teasing the men in the room. She wraps the boa around one of Elliot’s guys. He starts dancing and grinding which she easily accommodates and encourages. Even though the male dancer remains behind, and coordinates the music, has divested his shirt; but so far his pants remain on. He only has his bowtie, and still has his cop hat on. The lights are dimmed, the music is blasting, girls are dancing, and their proactive moves combined with the overwhelming raging male hormones and booze is yielding to something I don’t wish to be a part of.

The dark haired dancer turns around, bends down and grinds her ass into one of the bodyguards, Citoli I think who remains impassive, shaking his head, and I can read his lips saying, ‘no ma’am!’ sternly. As the dancers make their way around, I eye the door. Now would be a good time to leave, but I don’t want to appear like I’m running away. The male dancer shakes and grinds all by himself and occasionally one of the dancers go to him and the duo performs a suggestive dance making the men go wild in the room, except for me, dad and Flynn and the security guys of course. Flynn seems to be enjoying himself but in an observant way, and not a participant. He occasionally looks at me to see my reaction. I’m standing rigidly with my drink in my hand. Both the dancers circle around the room from the opposite ends and finally make their way to me. The blond tosses her boa around my neck, and the dark haired one takes possession of the end of it. I shake my head saying ‘no’ and guys in the room whistle, applaud, and hoot, some of them shouting ‘yeah!’

Taylor makes a move to get the dancers out of the way.

“Come on man! Let the guy enjoy his last day of freedom!” shouts one of Elliot’s friends. The blonde and brunette touch my arms and I flinch taking a step back.

“No!” I say sternly. Among the hoots of the crowd, I notice that male dancer is trying to have an unobstructed view for himself. As Taylor is trying to get the girls away, who also dance around him and tease him, I notice a tiny red dot on the guy’s hat. Dad’s bodyguards move in to help Taylor.

“Stop the fucking music!” I say in a clear voice. “Turn the fucking lights on.”

“Come on man! Don’t be gay!”

With that Taylor grabs Elliot’s friend by the scruff of his neck, and drags him outside, and closes the door behind.  The music is stopped.

“Alright, we’ll leave!” says male dancer to the disappointed noises in the group. I look at Taylor imperceptibly directing him to the male dancer with my eyes.

“Not so fast!” says Taylor and swiftly moves.

“I’m not gay, man! Don’t manhandle me!”

“Neither am I! Don’t worry; your virginity will remain intact!” Taylor mutters. Taylor removes guy’s hat, and discovers a spy camera concealed in his hat.

“What do we have here?” It’s not so much a question, but a statement.

Taylor’s head turns to Elliot who looks completely bewildered and surprised. “They aren’t the dancers I hired!” he blurts out.

“Now you tell me!?!” Taylor yells. He eyes Citoli who quickly moves to lock the door.

“No one leaves until we clear this all out!”

“The guy you just threw out hired us telling us we’re to dance, and get the crowd as wild as possible as a favor to his boss. Candy here specializes in sex-o-gram,” he nods pointing the dark haired dancer. “So, I had to record every act, and give it to him!”

“Who the hell is he?” I ask Elliot.

“One of my foremen. My friend,” he says dumbstruck.

“How well do you know him Mr. Grey?” Taylor asks sternly.

“He’s worked for me for six years. I work with the guy five days a week. He’s a guys’ guy. He’s never been dishonest. I mean he’s got raging hormones, but, he’s one of the guys!” says Elliot if that would do.

“Where were you supposed to deliver him the video?” asks Elliot grabbing the guy’s neck with one hand and without effort.

“After the party, there’s a Starbuck’s at the corner. He was going to give us two grand extra if we got the groom getting orals from Candy,” he says with his voice going rough.

“Fuck!”

“What else?” I ask. “Clearly this isn’t it!”

“Come on sugar! We’ll do it free of charge for all of you on the house, if you just let us go,” whispers Candy the sex-o-gram.

“Shut up!” says Citoli moving along with Taylor.

“Well? There is something else you’re hiding. What is it?” I ask my gaze fixed on the male dancer. He swallows but says nothing. I push Taylor out of the way.

“I am a busy and impatient man. I don’t grant time for anyone especially for the likes of you. But, I’m giving you two minutes of my time before you get to spend a good deal of your worthless life in jail.”

“What for man?” he asks eyes going wide.

“I have expensive lawyers, I’m sure they can find something,” I say with cold malice in my voice.

“There are six bodyguards in this room. Do you think you can leave this room uninjured? And you’re trespassing.”

“Look man, I make money with my looks. I don’t want any trouble. Like I said, the guy that your muscle just kicked out has hired us. We were to get you guys wild, perform some orals for each of you and then deliver him the videotape. But if you don’t press charges, I can tell you something else...” he says trying to bargain.

“Right now, I’m debating whether you can leave with your life intact!” I hiss and Flynn makes a move to intervene, but I hold my hand up.  “What? You volunteer, I press charges, but you leave the building alive in police custody! That’s all the concessions I’m willing to make.”

“Fuck! He said, if we could get you as wild as possible, and videotape you we’d end up getting a total of 15 grand each! The price would double if my other dancers performed similar acts at your fiancée’s bachelorette party! Ninety grand in one night! Where else could we make that kind of money?”

Taylor’s eyes dart at me. He leans in.

“I don’t buy it, Mr. Grey. The guy I threw out may be a jerk, but he checked out. He’s clean. This fucker is dealing with someone else, and he’s trying to thwart attention from the real perp. But let’s play along, and see where it takes us,” he says.

Then he turns to Elliot’s bodyguards in a loud boom, “Get your fucking selves useful! Get these fuckers’ identifications, addresses, and images. Call the cops; make sure they are thrown in jail tonight!”

“Yes sir!” shouts one of them.

“Elliot! Is Kate in her apartment tonight? Or is she planning to take Anastasia somewhere else?”

“Her party’s supposed to be at her apartment. She decided not to bring dancers after Ana told her no,” he says impishly.

“Uhm. Now would be a good time to tell you that Chip and Dale dancers are being sent to her bachelorette party as well. They were to tell her that you sent them to the party,” mutters the male dancer to Elliot, and with the built up rage, I punch him with all my strength.

“Taylor! Let’s go!” I bark, and turn to the door.

“Call your girlfriend and warn her! Now!” I growl at Elliot on my way out. Everyone in the room looks dumbstruck. I dial Anastasia’s cell phone but she doesn’t answer, or hear my call.

“Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!” I curse as Taylor speeds through the streets of Seattle.

I dial Sawyer’s phone. He answers on the second ring.

“Sawyer!”

“Yes, sir,” he replies anxious.

“Are there dancers?”

“Yes, sir. Like you instructed, I’m trying to keep them away from Miss Steele.”

“How many?”

“Three, sir.”

I hear female laughter and delighted screams with loud thumping of music.

“They’re imposters! Nobody sent them! Take Miss Steele out immediately into a different room, and lock her in! Do you understand me? Lock her in the room! Make sure no one leaves the apartment especially the dancers! We’ll be there in four minutes!”

“Understood, sir!” he says, and I hang up.  

I don’t have to tell Taylor the urgency of how fast we need to get there. The SUV’s tires screech and I see Citoli speeding up behind us.  My hands are fisted, and I’m fucking pissed! Paparazzi? Someone with a grudge? Who is behind this?

We finally make it to Katherine Kavanagh’s apartment, and I don’t even wait for Taylor to come to a complete stop before I dart out of the SUV, and I hear Taylor mutter a curse under his breath. Music is still coming through the apartment and I make my way up to it three steps at a time.

I don’t wait to ring the doorbell. The door is locked, and I kick my way in. Taylor is running behind me. I hear Lilly gasp when she sees me, and I’m seething with anger. The second I walk in, I turn the music off. My gaze darts around the room looking for Anastasia. I don’t see her, but I see Katherine who says, “What the hell Grey? Why did you have Anastasia removed from the room?”

I don’t answer her; my gaze is fixed on the three Chip ‘n Dale dancers. Taylor and Citoli walks behind, one of them start guarding the door so no one leaves.

“Well, I’m waiting?” I say to the dancers. They look at me dumbstruck.

“Who hired you?”

“Mr. Elliot Grey,” answers one of them.

“Wrong answer,” I say with a glacial gaze before I punch him, and he lands on his ass on the floor as the girls shriek in the room.

“What are you doing?” Katherine jumps to her feet.

“Sit. Down!” I pin her down with my gaze and my finger pointing to the sofa.

“Who hired you?” I ask forcefully.

“Each of you were going to be paid fifteen grand tonight to record a video of a wild bachelorette party. But instead, you’ll get the beating of your lives. Now, if you don’t piss me any further, I may let you leave here conscious, and only in police custody. So, speak before I lose my temper!”

“I don’t know who it was!” the dancer I punched replies.

I hit him again. “Wrong! Answer!” I say enunciating. “No one agrees to do something without knowing who hired them. How would you be sure that your payment was secured? I ask you again... Each of you...” I say my gaze pinning them down. “Who hired you?”

“If you’re not saying it, I am!” said the one of the Chip ‘n Dales. I turn my head to him.

“Who?”

“Some tabloid reporter. The wilder the party, the better we were gonna to be paid,” he replies in a low chagrined voice.

“Shut up Austin!” says the first one who must still be hoping he’ll get his money. Taylor knees him in the groin before I make my move, and he’s writhing on the floor, groaning.

“Well?” I ask him as the other two dancers who are now eyeing their friend on the floor. They both swallow.

“We were supposed to get the girls wild. Especially the bride to be, Mia Grey and Miss Kavanagh, but mostly the bride... if we could get good footage with her being touched and pleasured, we were gonna get a lot money.”

All the girls give a collective gasp.

“What?” Kate shoots up to her feet. Then she leisurely walks before the dancer her eyes fixed on him and punches him on the chin, and kicks him in the family jewels! When he’s on the floor along with his friend writhing, she puts her high heeled shoe on his neck pressing him down and commands, “No one tries to fuck with me or my friends, and gets to live to talk about it! So, fuck you and your pitiful dancer buddies. You have less than 10 seconds to say the name of the fucker who wanted you to videotape us!”  Then she leans in and whispers in a voice that only the dancers can hear. “Or I will make sure you disappear without a trace!”

“It’s a fucking freelance celebrity reporter who made deals with a couple of gossip magazines to sell the juiciest news! We’re just dancers, that’s all!”

“Name!” I bellow.

“I think it’s Tom Rodgers. We didn’t check his ID, but that guy always seems to get his hands on the juiciest celebrity images,” answers the only standing dancer.

“I wonder why...” answers Katherine.

“Citoli! Collect the identifications, and addresses of these fuckers! Call the cops. Where are you supposed to meet that guy?”

“At a sports bar downtown. O’Neill’s,” replies the only standing dancer nearly shaking.

“What does he look like?” asks Taylor.

“He’s 5’10” or 5’11”. 200 lbs. Dark, short hair. In his 30s. Wears a rock ‘n roll shirt all the time; either Def Leppard, Grateful Dead, Alice in Chains, Van Halen, Pink Floyd or something like that. Always have a toothpick in his mouth, like a pacifier. He has a scar on his cleft. Like he had cleft palate or somethin’ when he was a kid and had a corrective surgery. You can’t miss him. He’ll be there at 10 and will wait till 11,” he replies. I check my watch. 9:34 p.m.

“Citoli?” I ask.

“On their way sir. I’ll wait here.”

“Sawyer! Take Miss Steele home!”

“Yes, sir!”

Anastasia hearing my voice bangs on her old bedroom’s door. “Christian!” she calls out.

I nod at Sawyer indicating him to open the door.

I enter into the bedroom, and close the door behind. Anastasia looks at me with bewildered eyes. “What is going on?” she asks.

I remain silent, my face impassive, and I’m angry beyond control. “Christian?” she asks questioning.

“Anastasia, Sawyer will take you home.”

“What? Is it the dancers? I wasn’t getting involved. I stayed away in the kitchen, Christian. One of them came after me dancing, but I pushed him away. I didn’t break my promise, Christian,” she says and somehow relief floods through me. My gaze narrows on her, and she closes the distance between us, her hands reaching up to my face. Maybe it’s having her away all day long, or maybe it’s the overwhelming events of the evening, desire courses through me, and with her touch, I come alive, my cock goes into the full salute mode, all my synapses are fired up. I engulf her into my embrace, and kiss her passionately, my tongue darting into her mouth, invading, and loving, kissing, taking possession of her. All too soon, we’re both breathless.

“Home. Now! With Sawyer!” I order.

“But, why not with you?” she asks confused.

“I have to take care of something first, then I’ll be home.” I explain.

“But the party...” she says, and I interrupt.

“The dancers were hired thugs, Anastasia. I need you to go home with Sawyer immediately. Please, listen to what you are told to do for once in your life!” I plead with her.

“Okay... okay. I’ll go,” she acquiesces, surprising me. “Will you be home soon?”

“As soon as I can. We have a long day tomorrow,” I remind her.

I hold her hand and take her out of the bedroom. Sawyer is waiting with her purse and jacket.

“Take Miss Steele home, now!” I order.

“Yes, sir.”

Katherine comes to the door chagrined. “I’m so sorry Christian! I had no idea. They were so convincing. They said Elliot sent them.”

“You didn’t bother to ask him?”

“I called, but, no one answered. So, I assumed it was a gift for Ana. And he wouldn’t do anything you didn’t approve when it concerns Ana. I’m sorry. Again...” she says. I nod.

“Those guys are to be delivered to the cops only. Do you understand?”

“Yes,” she says, perturbed. “That’s the least I can do. I’m so, so sorry Christian!” she adds again.

“Mr. Grey,” queries Taylor outside. “If you wish, Sawyer and I can take care of that fucker! Do you want to take Miss Steele home yourself?”

I narrow my gaze on him, and he holds his hands up in defeat.

“Let’s go then, sir.”

The drive to the bar doesn’t take as long. It’s not hard to spot him either with his Grateful Dead shirt as the dancer indicated. He’s not sitting at the bar though. He’s sitting close to the exit, like he’s going to make a run, and away from the prying eyes. The name sounded familiar, but now I know where I know this guy from! This is the fucking paparazzi that cornered Anastasia in the bathroom! He’s still harassing us, harassing her! Taylor has the same predatory look on his face which is probably mirrored on mine. We look at each other, coordinating, and nod. Taylor slips in to his right side, and I lean down to his left. I notice that Taylor slowly opens his jacket giving him a glimpse of his gun.

“How about you and I take a walk?” Taylor whispers to his ear, and locks his arm with the guy’s right side, and I lock my left arm with the fucker who now has a stunned face on him.

“Expecting someone else?” I ask. “What? Are we not handsome enough like the dancers you’ve hired?” I smile for the benefit of the people outside, and we quickly walk him to a side alley.

“Hold him up, Taylor,” I say and the scum bag dons a horrified face.

“I have rights!” he yells.

“So do I!” I hiss, and punch him before Taylor gets a chance to grasp his arms.

“On the second thought Taylor, let him fight.”

“I don’t wanna fight you man!” he says holding his jaw. “I just wanted to make a few bucks! What’s the big deal? You rich guys have fun all the time anyway! I was providing you with free entertainment for a small fee...” he says unashamed. I swing a roundhouse kick to his side buckling him on the ground.

“How the fuck would you know what I do or don’t do? My fiancée, and my family are off limits! I’m off limits! Do you get this fucker? Because if I see you sniffing around again, I’ll dismantle the establishment you sell any story to -- piece by fucking piece, and you won’t even be accepted among the homeless community!”

“I’ll sue!” he grunts.

“He’s still yapping sir, I can drop him off in the forest...” Taylor says shrugging with humor in his eyes.

“What? No, no! No! Man, I was just kidding! It’s the pain talking!” I look contemplating for a minute.

“It’s not a bad idea.”

“Let me frisk him first,” says Taylor.

“What have we here? Mr. Grey... This guy’s been bad.”

The fucker’s face falls. He has a little receiver in his man purse which looks like a small messenger bag. “Mr. Grey...” says Taylor through gritted teeth. He shows me a small image on an iPhone. All I see is a woman in an A line skirt with nice legs.

“What is this?” I ask to the guy.

“I can tell you what this is!” Taylor says kicking the fucker. “Fucking bastard! That’s Miss Kavanagh’s apartment!”

“What?”

“There is spy camera somewhere inside her apartment. One of his minions must have attached it.”

I immediately dial Welch.

“Yes, sir.”

“Get a sweep team into my brother’s apartment as well as his girlfriend’s apartment to search for any hidden cameras. Do the same for my place just in case. Sawyer should be home right now.”

“Have there been any deliveries lately?”

“Well, yes. There has been a steady flow of incoming boxes of gifts for the wedding, sir.”

“Have Mrs. Jones show your team the items that have arrived, and check each one of them.”

“I’ll call the security at your parents, your brothers and I’ll gather the team immediately, sir.”

“Good idea. Inform me right away!” I say.

“What shall we do with you?” I ask with a murderous tone.

“I have an idea, sir.”

“What?” I growl.

“I’d rather not say it,” he says with a steady gaze. “Let’s just say, tit for tat. I’ll make sure to pay him in kind, sir.” I want ask what he’s going to do, but, Taylor has the look of ‘do-you-trust-me-sir?’ and I just nod. Trust is hard to come by for me, but I do trust Taylor.

Taylor handcuffs the bastard, and improvises by tying the fucker’s mouth with handkerchief. Then he gets his Blackberry out, and texts something. Less than a minute later he gets an incoming text.

He shows it to me.

*ETA 16 minutes*

Within the allocated time, a Black SUV pulls into the alley, two men dressed in black with ski masks come out, and without a word, and they haul the muffled guy away kicking and if he could make a sound, he would be screaming.

“Where are they taking him?” I ask.

Taylor laughs. “To the Canadian Rockies.” When he sees my surprised face he explains. “I trained with those guys. They’re in Welch’s team. When you train for certain branches in the military,” he says cryptically, “you may be left in a remote mountain, in the desert or at sea with very little or basic supplies to find your way back to your predetermined location. I’m sure he’ll have a hell of a good time mingling with the wildlife, and camping. And if he does make his way home, he can join the seals. They’ll leave him enough supply to last for a week, and monitor him. It’ll give him a good scare.”

“You think he can manage to get back?” I ask with a wicked gleam.

“I’m sure he’s resourceful, sir. If he can’t utilize his personal wisdom, they’ll drop another week’s supplies, and after the week is up, they might drop another week’s supply...” he says and gives one of his rare smiles as if he’s not enjoyed himself this much in a long time. “You know Mr. Grey, the elements, and the outdoors have a way of teaching a man a whole different perspective, and to respect your betters. I really believe that we can help him clear his mind of his wayward thoughts of invading others’ privacy. If at the end of 4 weeks he can’t find his way back, my men will let the Mounties know about a lost hiker. I’m sure a few days of starvation will do him good,” he replies with a wicked grin.

I can’t help but grin back at him. “Let’s go home.”

“Yes, sir.” He replies. I knew there was a reason I trusted Taylor.

I am still tense, but looking forward to relaxing with one Miss Steele who is going to be Mrs. Christian Grey in less than a day. And there is a surface that we have not christened at home. It’d be a shame to have it go to waste tonight; knowing how tomorrow is going to be a very, very busy day.

*****

My bed is empty, and I hate not having Anastasia there. But I had made the promise to have our last night before wedding to be apart, however reluctantly. Instead Miss Katherine Kavanagh is sleeping next to her.

Before I bid her goodnight last night, Katherine the ball crusher pointed at the bedroom door and said, “Christian, think of this door as the Berlin Wall... Cross this and feel the razor wires between your legs!” she added making me laugh out loud last night.  “Your fiancée is off limits tonight. What are you laughing at?” she asked frustrated.

“I’m laughing because the Berlin Wall came down before you were born, Katherine,” I reply.

“Nonetheless, no crossing this door!” she gives me a warning look.

“At least let me kiss my bride to be!” I protest.

“Fine! Just one kiss, then skedaddle to your own room,” she says smiling as she indicated the direction of my room with a wiggle of her fingers.  I kiss Anastasia, and leave her to the company of her best friend.

*****

Yesterday had been extremely busy with arriving guests, looking over the last of the prep work for the wedding, going over security details, getting the tuxedos delivered, rehearsal, and rehearsal dinner. I have not auto piloted through any day as I did yesterday. Because, all I wanted was today to arrive. And it finally is here. My heart is thumping as if it’s going to take flight faster than Charlie Tango.

As soon as the breakfast is over, Sawyer is to drive Anastasia, Katherine and Mrs. Jones to my parents’ house. Today’s the most exciting and most nerve wrecking day of my entire life. I can hardly sit. I give Anastasia a lingering kiss on her way out.

“I’ll be waiting for you at the altar!” I whisper.

“I’ll be the one in white, Mr. Grey,” she says smiling, and kisses me again, and leaves with her company.

I get dressed in a crisp white shirt, my most favorite silver gray tie and the simple yet elegant black tuxedo Angelo created. My hands shake, and a shudder goes through me with the thought that Anastasia is going to be mine completely, legally, and eternally! The thought elates me, and I’m anxious to go join her. As soon I get dressed, and finally tie my black shoes, I go out to the living room.

 

“Taylor!” I call. He comes out, also completely dressed as a groomsman.  

“Yes, sir!” he replies.

“I need to be briefed!” I say and make my way to my study. He follows. After closing the door behind, he starts.

“Everything is in properly functioning order, sir. The decoy location has been prepped. All the guests will be directed to the country club. That’s where everyone thinks the wedding will be. After the guests’ identification verified and the chip in the invitation has been compared to the corresponding one, the guests will be ushered to the transportation service, and they will be brought to your parents’ home. The exception to this rule is your family, and Miss Steele’s family. We have eyes and ears on all over your parent’s property as well as the decoy location to thwart off any suspicion, sir. I’m informed that the reporters have been camping all night out there by the country club. Security has been making checks on your parents’ property; everything has been properly secured. Welch’s on the ground already since 5:00 a.m. this morning. We have men stationed on the waterfront, and all through the three entries to the property. The deliveries have been completed yesterday. The service staff will be checked and verified once again today, and the guests and the staff are prohibited from brining cell phones and electronic devices with the exception of family, sir.”

“What about the guns?” I ask. He opens the flap of his tux, and I see his shoulder strap. I sigh.

“Only the close protection, and the entry guards will carry guns, as discussed, sir,” he says firmly.

“Did the VIP guests arrive?”

“Yes, sir, they’ve already been placed in hotels. In fact,” he says checking his watch, “they should be on their way to your parents’ house.”

“I don’t want anything ruining today. How about flights and destinations for tonight?”

“Everything is a go, sir. I’ve sent you the copies of the itineraries. Pilots are on standby.”

I look Taylor, and he’s dressed in his tuxedo.

“Great. Then, let’s not make the bride wait,” I say smiling. I absently pat my pocket for the ring, and I feel the satisfactory bulge of the box housing the ring. I hope she likes it... No, I hope she loves it!

*****

My father meets me at the door who is dressed in gray tux and pale pink tie and waistcoat matching with Anastasia’s father, Ray and the groomsmen. I haven’t seen my father this happy in a long time. He pulls me into a bear hug completely surprising me. I make a note of the security on the property, and I approve. My mother comes dashing and she can be both happy and sad at the same time. She looks radiant in her light grey dress with a half jacket, and her matching hairdo and just a small hat making her look incredibly elegant. She holds me in her embrace, and remembering she lets go of me. Then she dabs her eyes with her handkerchief.

“It’s a great day! I’m so happy!” she stifles a soft cry. I frown. Dad holds her in his embrace.

“We’re all very happy son!” he says in a rough voice. “Well, come on in, the guests are lined up, sitting outside, and we must get the show on the road! You have to go and line up with your best man, and I think Kate wants to have a word with you...”

“Oh, before that... Mother, is everything set?” I look at her significantly. “...for when she walks out,” remind her raising my eyebrows.

“Oh, yes. She’s here already! I’m so thrilled and star struck. I was worried, because the original one you asked for was not traveling, and she kindly declined. Then when Miss... well you know who accepted I was so happy...”

“Mother!”  I warn her reminding company around.

“Yes... Anyway, all is set, just the way you asked for. And the other one as well!”

“Christian! You look soooo frigging handsome!” gushes Mia as she comes barreling down the stairs.

“Slow down! I don’t want to rush you to emergency room on my wedding day because you broke your foot in those high heels!” I grin at her as I meet her halfway, and she hugs me tight. Pulls me back at arm’s length holding my biceps. “You two are going to look so wonderful together! She looks drop dead gorgeous in her wedding dress, and you look so hot! So do you, Taylor!” she says turning to him, and Taylor turns crimson, and mutters a thank you under his breath.  

“Well, come on! You have to go meet and confer with the groomsmen and see Reverend Walsh. Everyone else is seated outside! And you were supposed to be here earlier, jerk!” she says hitting my arm.

“No, I had to wait so the bride would get ready and I wouldn’t chance a peek at her. So said mom and Kate!”

“Oh, that’s news to me! Well, I’m soooo happy!” she says giggling and hugging me with one arm as she’s leading me to the dining room where the other groomsmen and bridesmaids are.

“Hey bro! Big day! I’m so happy for you, man!” says Elliot and surprises me with the fourth bear hug of the day. I guess it’s ‘hug Christian’ day.  Ethan gives me a firm handshake.

“Congratulations Christian!”

“Thank you!” I say returning hand-shake, smiling.

“Well, let’s go line up, everyone’s waiting.

I hear footsteps outside the door, and it swings open. Kate’s standing on the other side. She’s wearing her pale pink bridesmaid dress same as Mia’s and Mrs. Jones’.

“Oh, Christian, good! Did you bring the blue? Anastasia said you were going to bring the blue!” she says nervously as if without ‘the blue’ the wedding wouldn’t go on.

“Come on! Don’t jinx it!” she barks as if understanding my thoughts.

“What are you talking about?” Elliot asks with a frown.

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue!” she recites, sighing.

“Why?” asks Ethan.

“Ethan! These are traditions women have had for hundreds of years! They’re good luck charms. Something old represents continuity; something new offers optimism for the future; something borrowed symbolizes borrowed happiness, and something blue stands for purity, love and fidelity. Therefore, she wants the blue from her husband to be! Did you bring it?” she asks sharply with her eyes focusing on me in small slits.

“Yes, I did,” I say smiling. I take the box out of my pocket, and hand it to her. She opens it and sees the simple blue diamond hairpin, Mr. Caria created for Ana.

“Christian, this is beautiful!” she gushes. “Wow!”

“Let me see!” interjects Mia. “Let’s look at it on the way up. We have a schedule to keep.” As she opens the door, the wedding planner sticks her head in.

“Everyone ready?” she asks nervously like someone’s lighting a fire under her.

“Yes, we are,” we say collectively.

“Mr. Grey, you will go up and wait with the Reverend? Then the best man will go out with Miss Kate Kavanagh, and then Miss Mia Grey will walk down with Mr. Ethan Kavanagh.”

“No, the lineup is wrong!” interrupts Taylor forcefully.

“I will have to go down with Mrs. Gail Jones, then Miss Grey and Mr. Kavanagh goes down.” The wedding planner, hyper Miss Lourdes Sanchez looks up at Taylor then looks down to her list.

“Oh, I put you last, because I had to line the ladies up according to their heights,” she says.

“Revise it,” I command her, raising my eyebrows.

She blinks her eyes, and mutters, “Yes, Mr. Grey.”

“Alright! Showtime!” she says smiling nervously. “Mr. Grey, you first, please.”

I make my way through the French doors to the backyard. The marquee is set by the lake in pale pink, silver and ivory with its sides open and facing the bay. The weather is beautiful, and the afternoon sun is shining over the water. It’s a day stolen from heaven. Completely beautiful! But, I can’t pay attention to the fineries. All I can think is that Anastasia will be mine. My heart swells. My love grows for her leaps and bounds. This is it! She is finally going to be mine! Truly mine! An angel plucked out of heaven is going to be my wife! I barely notice Reverend Walsh who shakes my hand, and I stand next to him. Guests have already taken their places. Lots of smiling faces, friends and family. I can see my grandparents sitting on the front row, completely happy. There’s Flynn and his wife. They both smile at me politely; and Flynn has a happy gleam in his eyes. Happy for me? Ros and Gwen are seated next to Bastille who has a date with him. Anastasia's mom and Bob also all smiles. Anastasia’s boss Roach. But, I don’t want to pay any attention to the guests. I can’t wait for Anastasia to come forth.

I barely notice that the string quartet is playing the Spring from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. When the string quartet start playing the Mendelssohn’s Wedding March my heart starts thumping like the wings of a hummingbird. Elliot and Kate Kavanagh slowly walk down the aisle, smiling at everyone looking radiant.  When they reach up to the point where I am standing with the Reverend, they separate, and Elliot stands to my right, and Kate stands to the Reverend’s left.

(String Quartet Wedding March)

Taylor and Mrs. Jones are standing down the aisle. They slowly march down towards me to the music, and finally take their places. Mia and Ethan start marching down the aisle after Taylor and Mrs. Jones take their place. My heart is about to take flight once I get a glimpse of Anastasia in her father’s arms. Once she and her father take their place at the bottom of the aisle the string quartet stops the music. And when one of our favorite songs is heard through the sound system, her head snaps up, and our gazes lock full of love and admiration. She turns head to her father, amazed, holding onto him for support. He holds her hand and then pats the hand that’s linked to his arm and smiles at her reassuringly.  

A collective gasp is released from the standing guests when they see Celine Dion walk out into the open from my right in a long red satin dress. She’s crooning in her velvety angelic voice “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” as Anastasia and her father are walking down the aisle.

(First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Celine Dion)

As the song is nearing the end, I walk up and meet Anastasia, and her father places her hand into mine. I walk her back before the Reverend. Both of our breathing is rapid, and I close my eyes and will myself to regain composure.

The Reverend motions the guest to take their seats. He fixes his robe, and looks down to his book, and his gaze turns to the guest. In an unexpectedly booming voice, he takes command of the ceremony.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, in the sight of God and this company to witness and celebrate one of life's greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes and blessings to the union of Anastasia Rose Steele, and Christian Trevelyan Grey.”

Then he addresses us as my gaze is locked on Anastasia’s immense beauty.

“Anastasia, and Christian, marriage is an institution ordained of God, and it is not to be entered into lightly or unadvisedly, but reverently, deliberately, and only after much consideration, for in coming together in marriage you are committing yourselves exclusively, the one to the other, for as long as you both shall live.”

He looks both of us separately and then collectively, and then nods seriously:

“Knowing this, I ask of you this question:

Do you Christian Trevelyan Grey, choose to marry Anastasia Rose Steele on this day; to speak the words that will join you with her as your wife, for all the days of your life? If so, please answer: I DO.”

“I most definitely DO!” I say grinning loud and clear for everyone to hear. I hear soft chuckles from the gathered crowd.

The reverend turns to Anastasia smiling at her in a fatherly fashion:

“Do you Anastasia Rose Steele; choose to marry Christian Trevelyan Grey on this day; to speak the words that will join you with him as your husband, for all the days of your life? If so, please answer: I DO.”

My breath hitches as Anastasia smiles at me reassuringly.

“Yes, I DO!” she answers firmly. I let go of the breath I didn’t know I was holding.

Then the Reverend addresses Anastasia and I:

“Then, if you would, please turn to face one another and join hands as you each take your marital vows... Beginning with you Christian,” he says I nod.

My heart is at my throat, my gaze is locked on my beautiful bride, burning with intensity, darkening. I swallow, and speak to her:

“I solemnly vow that I will safeguard and hold you dear and deep in my heart our union and you,” I say in a hoarse voice. “I promise to love you faithfully, forsaking all others, through the good times and the bad, in sickness or in health, regardless of where life takes us. I will protect you, trust you, and respect you. I will share your joys and sorrows, and comfort you in times of need. I promise to cherish you and uphold your hopes and dreams and keep you safe at my side. All that is mine is now yours. I give you my hand, my heart and my love from this moment on for as long as we both shall live.”

I see tears pooling in her eyes. This is the first time she hears my vows.

“And now you, Anastasia,” directs the Reverend. She nods without breaking her gaze from me.

“I give you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, to stand by your side in good times and in bad, to share your joy as well as your sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals and dreams, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, to share my hopes and dreams with you, and bring you solace in times of need. And to cherish you for as long as we both shall live,” she says finishing her vows, and I’m in awe of and in love with her all over again.

The Reverend turns to us, and asks:

“What tokens of love and respect do you offer each other?”

I take the ring out of my pocket and Anastasia turns to Katherine who produces the ring she has chosen for me. Reverend Walsh nods.

“The wedding ring is the outward sign of an inward spiritual grace, signifying to all the union of this man and this woman in holy matrimony. It was Saint Augustine who said ‘The nature of God is like a circle whose center is everywhere and circumference is nowhere.’ May the rings that you hold symbolize the nature of God in your lives, and as often as either of you see them, may you be reminded of this moment and the endless love you have promised.”

Then he turns to me and asks:

“Christian, as you present Anastasia with her wedding ring and pledge your love and your life to her, will you please repeat after me:” I nod.

“Anastasia, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. With all that I am, and all that I have, I promise to love and honor you always. With this ring, I thee wed.” I repeat every word he says without breaking my gaze from my lovely bride, and I see no one, but her, and her eyes glisten with unshed tears.

Then Reverend Walsh turns to Anastasia.

“Anastasia, as you present Christian with his wedding ring and pledge your love and your life to him, will you please repeat after me:” Anastasia nods, unable to speak, her gaze locked with mine.

“Christian, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. With all that I am, and all that I have, I promise to love and honor you as always. With this ring, I thee wed.” I get a glimpse of the platinum ring with the inscription inside: “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.”

Then Reverend Walsh looks at both of us then to the crowd, and his voice speaks loud and clear:

“Christian and Anastasia, inasmuch as you have consented to be joined together in the holy state of matrimony, and having pledge and sealed your vows by the giving and receiving of rings in the presence of both God and this company, it is with great pleasure that I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder!”

“Let them try!” I murmur under my breath grinning, and the crowd laughs.

“Congratulations! You may kiss the bride,” Reverend Walsh announces and discreetly takes a few steps back. Anastasia just beams at me. I pull her closer and whisper, “Finally, you’re mine,” and pull her into my arms and kiss her chastely on the lips. When I finally let go of her, I add, “You look beautiful, Ana” I murmur and smile at her. She looks stunning in her wedding dress made by Katherine mother. It’s made with fine lace trim, fitted to accentuate her curves, the lace just off the shoulder, demure but extremely alluring. Her hair is pulled into swathes and hairpins expertly organized her locks into a beautiful masterpiece. I can see the blue diamond glinting at me in her hair.

Reverend Walsh speaks again:

“It is with great joy and honor that I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Anastasia Rose and Christian Trevelyan Grey!”

A loud applause is echoes around.

I want to just take her away and make love to her right now, but we have a party to attend in our honor.

“Don’t let anyone take that dress off but me, understand?” I ask salaciously with my smile only reserved for Anastasia. My fingertips trail down her cheek with reverence, and desire, tightening my groin, racing my blood. She can only nod mutely in response.

I barely notice that everyone’s applauding and the gathered throng of our near and dear standing and cheering us on in their wedding finery. Anastasia’s mother, her current husband Bob, Anastasia’s step-father Ray, my parents are just radiating happiness, and all are in smiles. My mother is in her usual ‘I’m-so-happy-I-can-cry’ mode, and daintily wiping her eyes with her white handkerchief.

“Ready to party, Mrs. Grey?” I murmur to my bride, shyly smiling at her. She gives me such a loving look, it melts my heart.

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” she replies grinning, completely happy. Her grin elates my heart, knowing that I’m the one who made her happy like this.

We make our way as Mr. and Mrs. Christian Grey to the dance floor at the end of the marquee.

The Master of the Ceremony announces our first dance to be - Anastasia’s choice, “Your Love is King.”

(Your Love is King - Sade)

I take my bride with pride and in full view of all our near and dear and dance with her to my heart’s content. When the song is over, the MC announces that there’s a special guest, and to Anastasia’s surprised look on her face, I put her in her father Ray’s care for the moment.

“Ray, would you please take care of my beautiful bride for a few minutes?” I ask.

“With pleasure,” he replies winking. Anastasia looks at her father then at me, “I’ll be back in a flash baby,” I say and walk to the band stand.

The band starts playing, “Every Breath You Take,” and Anastasia’s eyes widen.

I start singing...

(Robert Downey Jr. & Sting – Every breath you take)

“Every breath you take
And every move you make
Every bond you break, every step you take
I'll be watching you,”

Then I move aside, and Sting walks over with a microphone in his hand:

“Every single day
And every word you say
Every game you play, every night you stay
I'll be watching you

Oh can't you see
You belong to me
How my poor heart aches
With every step you take

Then Sting pulls me to his side, and we sing the duet:

“Every move you make
And every vow you break
Every smile you fake, every claim you stake
I'll be watching you

Since you've gone I been lost without a trace
I dream at night I can only see your face
I look around but it's you I can't replace
I feel so cold and I long for your embrace

I keep crying baby, baby, please

Oh can't you see
You belong to me
How my poor heart aches
With every step you take

Every move you make
And every vow you break
Every smile you fake, every claim you stake
I'll be watching you

Every move you make, every step you take
I'll be watching you

I'll be watching you
(Every breath you take, every move you make)
(Every bond you break, every step you take)
I'll be watching you
(Every single day, every word you say)
(Every game you play, every night you stay)

I'll be watching you
(Every move you make, every vow you break)
(Every smile you fake, every claim you stake)
I'll be watching you
(Every single day, every word you say)
(Every game you play, every night you stay)

I'll be watching you
(Every breath you take, every move you make)
(Every bond you break, every step you take)
I'll be watching you
(Every single day, every word you say)
(Every game you play, every night you stay)

I'll be watching you
(Every move you make, every vow you break)
(Every smile you fake, every claim you stake)
I'll be watching you

My gaze is on Anastasia who is clutching her chest, and holding onto her father, crying, and overcome with emotions. Guess I hit the target. I smile with nothing but my love for her.