Fifty Shades Bound

Chapter Thirty-Two

It's been a few days since I confronted Christian, and to say he's been trying to make it up to me would be an understatement. I wake up every morning with a dozen red roses on my bedside table, along with a small box of Godiva chocolates, my favorite ever since I became pregnant. It's almost overwhelming how badly he's trying to redeem himself. It's not even that he needs redemption, but more that I need time. Time to figure out how I feel and what to do about him and Elena.

I enter the kitchen and am greeted by Mrs. Jones, who is currently making a homemade pizza. Bless this woman.

"How are you feeling today, Mrs. Grey?"

"Hungry," I respond, shooting her a wink. She laughs and motions for me to sit on the stool in front of her. This past week I have been struggling to get myself on to the tall stools but I somehow manage. I rest my elbows on the counter and prop my head up with my hands.

"What's your favorite meal to make?" I question her, actually quite curious. I could name MY personal favorites, but I have no idea what her's would be.

"Chicken Parmesan," she says with a wide smile. I ask her why and I notice her smile waver. 

"It was my mother's favorite dish. My grandmother taught her how to make it when she was first married and it became something she perfected over the years. Absolutely delicious. I follow her recipe to the tee, but somehow it never tastes as good as her's. No matter, though. Mothers make things the best, after all," she says while placing little pieces of sausage on top of the pizza.

I sit there and think about what she said. Mothers make things best. I hope I'm that kind of mom.

"You will be, Mrs. Grey. No need to worry about that," Mrs. Jones says. I must have spoken my mind aloud. Oops.

I thank her and walk quickly to the library, closing the door behind me. I sit down in front of my desk and check my email before starting to read another manuscript for work. I could have more assistants do this work for me, but the reason I even wanted to get into publishing is to read what others have to say. There is no better form of releasing emotion than through writing.

Hours go by while I read and take notes on four different manuscripts. My favorite has to do with a young man finding his way through a jungle after a fatal plane accident. The challenges he went through were both horrific and rewarding. Talk about overcoming the impossible. I begin my fifth manuscript for the day when I suddenly hear barking. No, that can't be right. I listen again but am met with the distinct sound of barking. What on earth.

I walk to the library door and as soon as I open it, in runs the fluffiest little dog I've ever seen. It excitedly jumps on my legs before running around the room, sniffing the shelves of books that are low enough for him to reach. While I stare at the little fur-ball, in walks Christian with his All-American boy grin. All I can do is just stand there in shock. What is happening right now?

"I got you a puppy. Surprise," Christian says as if he can read my mind. I still don't know what to do. I look at him hard. This truly is a desperate attempt for my forgiveness because we had a long conversation not too long ago about how he would never allow us to get a pet.

*Flashback*

"Absolutely not," Christian said without looking up from his phone. I sat there in frustration, crossing my arms over my chest. I waited for him to look up and notice the glare I was focusing on him, but he either was clueless, which I know he isn't, or he just didn't care, which was evident.

"Please?" I ask again, this time getting his attention. He sighs and puts his phone back in his pocket.

"Ana, pets are messy. They leave hair everywhere and mess things up and chew on things. Why would you want to deal with that?" He asks incredulously. Clearly he's never had a true pet or he would understand why I want one so bad.

"Because they're cute companions that love you forever!" I reason. He looks at me for a moment before speaking again.

"I'm going to love you forever. You don't need a pet. You have me."

Fair point well made. Damn.

"I know that Christian. Doesn't mean I don't want a pet," I mumble, looking away from him.

Suddenly I feel Christian wrap his arms around me and when I look, our faces are inches from each other.

"It sure doesn't sound like you know it. Let's change that," he says, his voice getting husky. Without thinking, I press my lips to his while he picks me up from my chair and carries me into our bedroom. Needless to say, that was the end of our conversation.

*End Flashback*

"What happened to you hating pets?"I question suspiciously.

The puppy runs back over to me so I bend down to pet him. His fur is the softest fur I have ever felt. My god was he a cutie. He licks my hand enthusiastically then lays down so that I can rub his belly. Demanding little thing. I wonder who that could remind me of.

Christian kneels down beside me and looks at me hard.

"I want to make this right with you, Ana. And if I have to get a puppy to do that, so be it. I love you. You're the most important thing in the world to me. I want you to be happy," he says softly, kissing my forehead. Fuck, here comes the water works.

"I love you too, Christian, but this isn't necessary! Especially knowing how much you don't want a pet."

He laughs at that, pulling me close.

"That's for sure, but if it's a puppy you want, a puppy you'll get," he says with a wink. I can't help but laugh and pull the puppy onto my lap.

"He is really cute," I admit, scratching the little guy behind his ear, making his tail wag.

"He better be because I spent a good amount of money on him," Christian mutters under his breath. I hold the puppy tightly and kiss the top of his furry head.

"There's just one thing..." Christian says.

This gets my attention. 

"I get to name him," Christian says with a smirk.

Oh boy.