Freed: Fifty Shades Freed as told by Christian novel Chapter 1

Sunday, June 19, 2011

We lie in postcoital bliss beneath pink paper lanterns, meadow flowers, and fairy lights that twinkle in the rafters. As my breathing slows, I hold Anastasia close. She’s sprawled all over me, her cheek against my chest, her hand resting on my racing heart. The darkness is absent, driven out by my dream catcher…my fiancée. My love. My light.

Could I be happier than I am right now?

I commit the scene to memory: the boathouse, the soothing rhythm of the lapping waters, the flora, the lights. Closing my eyes, I memorize the feel of the woman in my arms, her weight on top of me, the slow rise and fall of her back as she breathes, her legs entwined with mine. The scent of her hair fills my nostrils soothing all my corners and jagged edges. This is my happy place. Dr. Flynn would be proud. This beautiful woman has consented to be mine. In every way. Again.

“Can we marry tomorrow?” I whisper near her ear.

“Hmm.” The sound in her throat reverberates with a soft strum across my skin.

“Is that a yes?”

“Hmm.”

“A no?”

“Hmm.”

I grin. She’s spent. “Miss Steele, are you incoherent?” I sense her answering smile and my joy erupts in a laugh, as I tighten my arms around her and kiss her hair. “Vegas, tomorrow, it is then.” She raises her head, eyes half closed in the soft light from the lanterns—she looks sleepy yet sated.

“I don’t think my parents would be very happy with that.” She lowers her head and I skim my fingertips across her naked back, enjoying the warmth of her sleek skin.

“What do you want, Anastasia? Vegas? A big wedding with all the trimmings? Tell me.”

“Not big. Just friends and family.”

“Okay. Where?”

She shrugs, and I’m guessing she hasn’t thought about it.

“Could we do it here?” I ask.

“Your folks’ place? Would they mind?”

I laugh. Grace would leap at the chance. “My mother would be in seventh heaven.”

“Okay, here. I’m sure my mom and dad would prefer that.”

So would I.

For once we’re in agreement. No arguing.

Is this a first?

Gently, I stroke her hair, that’s a little mussed from our spent passion. “So, we’ve established where, now the when.”

Kate spots Ana and beckons her toward the mic. “OMG!” squeals Mia, drowning out the song. “Look at that rock!” She grabs Ana’s hand and whistles. “Christian Grey, you delivered.”

Ana gives her a shy smile while Kate and my mother gather round to inspect her ring, making the appropriate admiring noises. Inside I feel ten feet tall.

Yeah. She likes it. They like it.

You did good, Grey.

“Christian, could I talk to you?” Carrick asks as he stands up, his expression grim.

Now?

His stare is unwavering as he directs me out of the room.

“Um. Sure.” I glance at Grace, but she’s studiously avoiding my gaze.

Has she told him about Elena?

Fuck. I hope not.

I follow him to his study, and he ushers me in, closing the door behind him.

“Your mother told me,” he says with no preamble whatsoever.