Fifty Shades Darker (book 5) novel Chapter 136

We wander through the rest of the bedrooms; there are many, and the last overlooks the front of the house. The realtor suggests that the meadow might be a suitable place for a paddock and stables.

“The paddock would be where the meadow is now?” Ana asks, looking dubious.

“Yes,” the realtor replies.

Back downstairs, we make our way through to the terrace once more and I rethink my plans. The house wasn’t what I imagined living in, but it looks well built and solid enough and with a comprehensive update, it could serve our needs. I glance at Ana.

Who am I kidding?

Wherever Ana is, that’s my home.

If this is what she wants…

Outside on the terrace, I hold her. “Lot to take in?” I ask.

She nods.

“I wanted to check that you liked it before I bought it.”

“The view?”

I nod.

“I love the view, and I like the house that’s here.”

“You do?”

“Christian, you had me at the meadow,” she says with a shy smile.

This means she’s not leaving.

Surely.

I cup her face, my fingers in her hair, and pour all my gratitude into one kiss.

“THANKS FOR LETTING US look around,” I say to Miss Kelly. “I’ll be in touch.”

“Thank you, Mr. Grey. Ana,” she says, eagerly shaking hands with each of us.

Ana likes it!

My relief is palpable as we climb into the Saab. Olga has switched on the external lights and the driveway is edged with winking lamps. The house is growing on me. It has a sprawling, grand quality to it. I’m sure Elliot can work his magic on the place and make it more ecologically sustainable.

“So, you’re going to buy it?” Ana asks when we’re on our way back to Seattle.

“Yes.”

“You’ll put Escala on the market?”

“Why would I do that?”

“To pay for—” She stops.

“Trust me, I can afford it.”

“Do you like being rich?”

I want to scoff. “Yes. Show me someone who doesn’t.”

She chews her finger.

“Anastasia, you’re going to have to learn to be rich, too, if you say yes.”

“Wealth isn’t something I’ve ever aspired to, Christian.”

“I know. I love that about you. But then again, you’ve never been hungry.”

In the periphery of my vision, I see her turn and look at me, but I can’t make out her expression in the darkness.

“Where are we going?” she asks, and I know she’s changing the subject.