That night in Monaco

Chapter 46

"The Christmas Tango"

It has been three weeks since the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Three weeks since Charles was crowned the 2022 World Champion and three weeks since I found out that I was pregnant. Christmas will be in a week and all the drivers have organised along with their teams a small ceremony in order to celebrate the end of the season. We were both so excited about it as it has been a long time since we danced together. Pregnancy so far was not the easiest and it was a high risk one as well. I was feeling nauseous almost every day and I got dizzy pretty easily. I didn't know how I was going to dance in two days but I was dedicated to make it work. Charles has been so helpful and he was always with me if I ever needed anything and he was also really supportive whenever I started worrying about this pregnancy.

Today we had decided to set up our Christmas tree and I was as happy as a child. Charles had just returned from the gym and got ready to help me. It was our second Christmas holidays that we spent together and I was looking forward to spending even more with Charles and our little bean. I remembered last year we celebrated with our baby angel that was on the way and we were supposed to celebrate this Christmas with her but instead we are going to celebrate with her sister or brother.

"Are you ready to start decorating, mon amour?" "Of course I am. I have been waiting for this moment for weeks." "Let's not keep you waiting then." he said and I began sorting all the ornaments out. The whole process took us about three hours including the decoration of the house but it was totally worth it. The tree was amazing and I felt really really happy. "Do you like it mon amour?" Charles asked. "You can't even imagine. I feel so happy Charles. I can't wait to celebrate Christmas with you." "Me too Anna, me too." "Are we going to your mother's on Christmas Eve?" "Yes. Do you want to do something else instead?" 

"Oh of course not. I love spending time with your mum. I love celebrating Christmas with your family. I never spent time with my parents during that time. My father was always away and my mother went along with him leaving me alone with my old grandmother from the age of five. So spending time with you, your mother and brothers during the holidays it's what my own parents should have done. I am so grateful to live that with you." "Oh mon amour, come here." he said and hugged me. "I have an idea mon amour" "What is it Charles?" "Would you like to order your favourite food to make you even happier?" "Really?" "Of course mon amour. You are taking care of another person as well." "Thank you Charles."

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve arrived and we were getting ready to go to Pascale's house. "Are you ready mon amour?" "Yes just give me five minutes please." I said as Charles got in our bedroom. "I am sorry I am not that well dressed but I am too tired to wear anything that isn't jeans." "Don't even apologise Anna. Wear whatever you want just be comfortable. And are you sure you want to go maybe we should just stay here and let you rest?" "No no Charles. We won't leave your family alone this day. I can manage. I think that seeing your family will make me feel a lot better." 

We were the last to arrive as Arthur and Lorenzo were already there. "Hello Pascale, Arthur,Lorenzo" I said getting in. "Hello Anna. How are you?" Pascale asked me. "I am fine thank you for asking" I left Pascale with Charles and went to the living room to talk with the two brothers. "Hello guys. How are you? Happy Christmas Eve." "Hello Anna. We are fine, how are you?" they said with one voice. "A little tired but other than that really fine." "What let me guess, our brother keeps bothering you and doesn't let you rest" Arthur said just as Pascale and Charles came and sat as well. "Really funny Arthur" Charles said.

"So Charles should we tell them now or after dinner?" I asked Charles."I think now is the perfect time." "Tell us what Anna?" Arhtur asked. "We thought now was the most suitable moment to tell you that you, Arthur and Lorenzo are going to become uncles and you Pascale grandma. I am pregnant." "Congratulation Anna darling. This is the miracle you both needed." Pascale said. "Anna this is amazing news. We are so happy for you. Come here." Lorenzo said he hugged me. Arthur and Pascale followed and after they were done hugging me they did the same thing with Charles. "Charles can you help me with something inside?" Arthur asked. "Of course Arthur." 

Charles

"What is it Arthur?" "Congratulations Charlie. You can't imagine how happy I am for you and Anna. You deserve this." "Thanks little bro." I said and hugged him. "You know father and Jules would be so proud of you. They would be thrilled about the baby if they were here." "I know Arthur, I know. Christmas without them will always be difficult." "I miss him Charles, a lot to be honest." "I miss him as well Arthur but we have each other, we have mum, Lorenzo and Anna. We can do this Arthur." 

Christmas was always the most difficult period for Arthur. He loved Christmas with our father the most, so when our father died it hit him really hard. I try to be there for him every Christmas as much as possible but I know it's not the same. I just hope when this baby comes and I pray it comes, to change our lives for the better. This house definitely needs a dose of happiness. 

Anna

"Everything alright?" I asked when Charles returned to the living room. "Yes you don't have to worry." "Dinner is ready. Come to the table." Pascale said we gathered around the table in order to enjoy our Christmas Eve dinner.

The atmosphere was incredible and so warm the whole time. We had so much fun and I felt something my inner child had never felt. The feeling of belonging to a real family that you care and being cared for. I was so lucky and thankful I had Charles and his family.

It was around 2 a.m. when Charles and I returned home. We were both so tired we were looking forward go going to bed. "Did you have fun tonight mon amour?" "Yes. This is probably my favourite Christmas Eve." "I am so glad to hear that. I love you so much Anna. Merry Christmas!" "Merry Christmas Charles. I love you with every breath that I take."

It was the day after Christmas and today was going to be held the ceremony all drivers had organised. I was so excited for us to go. Today thankfully I was feeling exceptional and I was hoping for this to last until the evening. I had already chosen what I was going to wear, the only thing that I had left was to chose how I would style my hair.

Charles and I had a simple morning. We decided not to do many things as we just wanted to rest and enjoy our time together. Being away from each other was difficult. I went to as many races as I could but it was not the same. During races, we can't fully enjoy our time together but when we are home we make sure to spend as much time as we can together.

Time passed and it was already time to get ready. I wore my long red velvet dress along with black heels, meanwhile Charles picked out a black Georgio Armani tuxedo. He looked handsome as always. How I loved when he wore his tuxedo. It suit him perfectly.

After an hour and a half we arrived at the ceremony centre and met with all the other drivers. After we spoke to everyone for a while we enjoyed our bouffe and spent some time talking and laughing with each other. So far we had so much fun.

After that lovely bouffe it was time for dancing. Seb and his wife were the first to start with classic blues and later on the rest followed. Charles and I waited for the perfect song to start and indeed after a short time an unknown melody to us started. It had the Christmas spirit but at the same time it was as melodramatic as it should be.

The moment it started Charles and I made our way to the dance floor and started slow dancing at the music. It was an amazing moment. I was lost into his emerald green eyes and the rest of the world faded into nothing. I felt like I was alone with Charles. It felt so peaceful, dancing, enjoying this moment. It felt like the moment would last forever. Me Charles and the baby together, I thought I was in an old book like the ones we can find at our grandparents house. That Christmas tango night will be imprinted in my mind forever.

"She would do everything for that moment."