Fifty Shades Trilogy 03 - Fifty Shades Freed

and kiss him.
    “I do.” He hands me yet another bag.
    I gaze at him quizzically. Inside is a black strapless bodysuit with a central panel of lace. He caresses my face, tilts my chin, and kisses me.
    “I look forward to taking this off you later.”
    Fresh out of my bath, washed, shaved and feeling pampered, I sit on the edge of the bed and start up the hair dryer. Christian wanders into the bedroom. I think he’s been working.
    “Here, let me,” he says, pointing to the chair in front of the dressing table.
    “Dry my hair?”
    He nods. I blink at him.
    “Come,” he says, regarding me intently. I know that expression, and I know better than to disobey. Slowly and methodically he dries my hair, one lock at a time. He’s obviously done this before . . . often.
    “You’re no stranger to this,” I murmur. His smile is reflected in the mirror, but he says nothing and continues to brush through my hair. Hmm . . . it’s very relaxing.
    When we step into the elevator on our way to dinner, we are not alone. Christian looks delicious in his signature white linen shirt, black jeans and jacket. No tie. The two women inside shoot admiring glances at him and less generous ones at me. I hide my smile. Yes, ladies, he’s mine. Christian takes my hand and pulls me close as we travel in silence down to the mezzanine level.
    It’s busy, full of people dressed up for the evening, sitting around chatting and drinking, starting their Saturday night. I am grateful that I fit in. The dress hugs me, skimming over my curves and holding everything in place. I have to say, I feel . . . attractive wearing it. I know Christian approves.
    At first, I think we’re heading for the private dining room where we first discussed the contract, but he leads me past that doorway and on to the far end where he opens the door to another wood paneled room.
    “ Surprise! ”
    Oh, my. Kate and Elliot, Mia and Ethan, Carrick and Grace, Mr. Rodriguez and José, and my mother and Bob are all there raising their glasses. I stand gaping at them, speechless. How? When? I turn in consternation to Christian, and he squeezes my hand. My mom steps forward and wraps her arms around me. Oh, Mom!
    “Darling, you look beautiful. Happy birthday.”
    “Mom!” I sob, embracing her. Oh Mommy . Tears stream down my face despite the audience, and I bury my face in her neck.
    “Honey, darling. Don’t cry. Ray will be okay. He’s such a strong man. Don’t cry. Not on your birthday.” Her voice cracks, but she maintains her composure. She grasps my face in her hands and with her thumbs wipes away my tears.
    “I thought you’d forgotten.”
    “Oh, Ana! How could I? Seventeen hours of labor is not something you easily forget.”
    I giggle through my tears, and she smiles.
    “Dry your eyes, honey. Lots of people are here to share your special day.”
    I sniffle, not wanting to look at anyone else in the room, embarrassed and thrilled that everyone has made such an effort to come and see me.
    “How did you get here? When did you arrive?”
    “Your husband sent his plane, darling.” She grins, impressed.
    And I laugh. “Thank you for coming, Mom.” She wipes my nose with a tissue as only a mother would. “Mom!” I scold, composing myself.
    “That’s better. Happy birthday, darling.” She steps aside while everyone lines up to hug me and wish me happy birthday.
    “He’s doing well, Ana. Dr. Sluder is the one of the best in the country. Happy birthday, Angel.” Grace hugs me.
    “You cry all you want to, Ana—it’s your party.” José embraces me.
    “Happy birthday, darling girl.” Carrick smiles, cupping my face.
    “S’up babe? Your old man will be fine.” Elliot enfolds me in his arms. “Happy birthday.”
    “Okay.” Taking my hand, Christian pulls me from Elliot’s embrace. “Enough fondling my wife. Go fondle your fiancée.”
    Elliot grins wickedly at him and winks at Kate.
    A waiter I hadn’t noticed before presents Christian and me with glasses of pink champagne.
    Christian clears his throat. “This would be a perfect day if Ray were here with us, but he’s not far away. He’s doing well, and I know he’d like you to enjoy yourself, Ana. To all of you, thank you for coming to share my beautiful wife’s birthday, the first of many to come. Happy birthday, my love.” Christian raises his glass to me amid a chorus of happy birthdays , and I have to fight again to keep my tears at bay.
    I watch the animated