Fifty Shades After

Chapter 44

Grace POV

I am watching Ana deal with so much and I know I haven't even thought to see if she needed help adjusting. I know she will try and trudge along no matter what, she doesn't like to disturb anyone. So I will make is a point with Mia to see that Ana has as much unsolicited help as possible. I think we all forget that Ana hasn't done this before, she'd given birth but not prepared for it. The clothing she has chosen is smart and comfortable. But the nursery and other things are something she isn't aware of how to prepare. I have some experience getting ready for Mia as she was my only baby....so I will talk to her after the wedding because Christian has a surprise for her.

He has purchased them a beautiful home that he and I both feel she would love. It's on the sound and has a old world feel to it. Elliott has already been through the house and says it's sound and ready to move into. I think it will happen after the wedding. Gail has been subtly asking Ana about decorating the apartment and colors and such. We are using this information to get the house painted and set up just how she'd like it. Teddy's nursery at the new house is a replica of the one at Escala, but the twins that is a different story. For that room we have it primed with paint, so when it's time to decorate it will be easier to get it done.

I look at the woman my son has chosen and I am proud of him. He has grown and blossomed under her love and attention. She has really just brought him out of his shell. He didn't have an easy childhood but she accepted him, not interested in his status or wealth. If anything she didn't want to be with him because of it.

I see her hand Christian's card to Kate and waddle to a chair by the exit and I walk over to check on her. "Hey Ana are you feeling ok"? "Just not used to being on my feet so long, plus these shoes feel like pencil sharpeners". I look at her feet and just press lightly, she's not retaining water so that's good, but her shoes are for a non pregnant woman. "I'll be right back dear". She nods and places her feet on the ottoman. I walk over to Allyson. "Do you have any comfortable shoes for a woman sized 8w"? Allyson looks over at Ana and nods. "We have some Tom's that feel like you are walking on a cloud. I also can get her some compression socks that will help with the swelling. They aren't typical compression socks they are cute and if you didn't know you wouldn't tell by looking at them". "Wonderful how about you get me about 6 pairs of shoes at least a dozen socks in various colors that work the clothes she got and also some of those ugg slippers without the back. That way she can be comfortable and charge it to me". Allyson nods and goes to get the shoes. "Mom why the shoes"? "Her poor feet are suffering they are so swollen. At least this way she can be more comfortable. I want my grandbabies to be comfortable and if Ana is they are". Mia nods and looks at the shoes that come out. "Mom they are so cute, I love the tie die ones, add another pair in a size 6 1/2 as well. Maybe heels are not always required". I chuckle at Mia's words. I take the black Tom's and a pair of socks and walk back to Ana. "Honey I want you to try theses and see if they help any". She looks at me and tries to maneuver to her feet. I chuckle and sit to help her "Sorry Grace Christian helps me with the shoe drama at home". "Please I understand. Reminds me of Elliott and Mia as kids. Christian was so self sufficient I didn't have to do anything for him which hurt but we understood. So these socks should help with the swelling and the shoes are comfortable". I place the socks and shoes on her and I see relief on her face. "They feel so nice, thank you Grace". I see her smile and it's genuine. "Please you need to be as comfortable as possible, and we all know that isn't much". We finish with the purchases and I motion for Sawyer to come and get the bags. I take her beautiful gown and it will come home with me and Kate handed me back Christian's card so we are good to go. Off to get dresses for everyone else.

Ana POV

We leave the store and I have amassed many new things. Poor Sawyer carrying all those bags. We head to another dress store to shop for the non pregnant women. I giggle at that thought. But I am grateful to Grace because ever since she changed my shoes and socks my feet aren't as sore. Makes walking a little easier. We head into Mia's favorite boutique. They begin looking and I plant myself in a chair with an ottoman. I wait to offer my opinions. Mia comes out in a beautiful lavender strapless dress that stops mid thigh. It cinches at the waist and flaring out in a whimsical fashion. Kate chooses a midnight blue dress similar to Mia's but not strapless but with thin straps with rhinestones adorning them. Both look beautiful and I tell them so. Grace chooses a midnight blue gown that fits her form perfectly. It is modest on top with a slight flair at the waist. It goes to below the knee and looks lovely on her. Gail comes out in a darker than lavender dress similar to Graces but not as matronly on top. The ladies pick beautifully and I tell them so.