Fifty Shades Darker (book 5) novel Chapter 160

“I know this is sudden.”

“Are you sure, darling? Don’t get me wrong, I adore Ana. But this is so soon and she’s the first girl—”

“Mom. She’s not the first girl. She’s the first one you’ve met.”

“Oh.”

“Exactly.”

“Well, I am delighted for you. Congratulations.”

“There’s one more thing.”

“What is it, love?”

“I’m having some flowers delivered, for the boathouse.”

“Why?”

“Well, my first proposal was pretty crap.”

“Oh, I see.”

“And, Mom—don’t tell anyone else. I want it to be a surprise. I plan to make an announcement this evening.”

“As you wish, darling. Mia is in charge of deliveries for the party. Let me find her.”

I wait for what feels like an eternity.

Come on, Mia.

“Hey, big brother. Thank God you are still with us. What gives?”

“Mom tells me you are coordinating deliveries for my party. How big is this bash, anyway?”

“After your near-death experience, we’re celebrating.”

Oh, hell.

“Well, I have a delivery coming for the boathouse.”

“Yes? What?”

“From the Bellevue Florist.”

“Why? What for?”

Christ, she can be annoying. I look up and Ana is standing in her short, short dress staring at me. “Just let them in and leave them alone. Do you understand, Mia?”

Ana cocks her head to one side, listening.

“Okay. Don’t get your panties in a wad. I’ll send them to the boathouse.”

“Good.”

Ana mimes eating.

Food. Great.

“I’ll see you later,” I say to Mia and hang up. “One more call?” I ask Ana.

“Sure.”

“That dress is very short.”

“You like it?” Ana pirouettes in the doorway and her skirt flares up, providing a tantalizing glimpse of her lacy underwear.

“You look fantastic in it, Ana. I just don’t want anyone else to see you like that.”

“Oh!” She looks upset. “We’re at home, Christian. No one but the staff.”

I don’t want to upset her. I nod as graciously as I can manage and she turns and heads back to the kitchen.

Grey, get a grip.

The next call I have to make is to Ana’s father. I have no idea what he’s going to say when I ask him for his daughter’s hand in marriage. From Ana’s file, I get Ray’s mobile number. José said he was fishing. I just hope he’s somewhere with a signal.