Chapter 3: Chapter 3

I think Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell are spinning in their graves," I observe dryly when they finish.

"I thought that was a pretty good rendition." Elliot bows theatrically toMia and Kate, who are laughing and applauding with exaggerated gusto. They're definitely all inebriated. Ana giggles, looking flushed and lovely.

"We're going home," I tell her.

Her face falls. "I told your mother we'd stay."

"You did? Just now?"

"Yes. She brought down achange of clothes for us. I was looking forward to sleeping in your bedroom."

"Darling, I was really hoping you'd stay." It's a plea from mymother, who stands in the doorway, Carrick behind her. "Kate and Elliot are, too. I like having all my chicks under one roof." She reaches out and clasps my hand. "And wethought we'd lost you this week."

Muttering an expletive beneath my breath, I keep my temper incheck. My siblings seem to becompletely oblivious to the drama that is unfolding in front of them. Iexpect this cluelessness from Elliot but not from Mia.

"Stay, son. Please." My father'seyes bore into me, but he appears genial enough. It's not like he's just told me that I'm a complete and utter disappointment.

Again.

I ignore him and respond to mymother. "Okay." But it's only because Ana's giving me such animploring look, and I know that if Ileave in my present mood it will bea blight on what has been awonderful day. Ana wraps her arms around me. "Thank you," she whispers. I smile down at her and the dark cloud that hangs over mebegins to dissipate.

"Come on, Dad." Mia thrusts the mic into his hand and drags him infront of the screen. "Last song!" she says.

"Bed." It's not a request to Ana. I've had enough of my family for one night. She nods in agreement and Iknit her fingers with mine. "Good night, all. Thanks for the party, Mother."

Grace hugs me. "You know welove you. We only want the best for you. I am so happy with your news. And so happy that you're here."

"Yeah, Mom. Thanks." I give her aswift peck on the cheek. "We'retired. We're going to bed. Good night."

"Good night, Ana. Thank you," she says and gives her a swift hug. Itug Ana's hand to leave as Mia puts on "Wild Thing" for Carrick to sing.

That I do not want to see.

Switching on the light, I close mybedroom door and pull Ana into myarms, seeking her warmth and trying to put Carrick's blistering rebuke out of my mind.

"Hey, are you okay?" she murmurs. "You're brooding."

"I'm just mad at my dad. But that's nothing new. He still treats me like I'm an adolescent."

Ana hugs me tighter. "Your father loves you."

"Well, tonight he's very disappointed in me. Again. But Idon't want to discuss that right now." I kiss the top of her head and she tilts her face up, focusing on me, compassion and understanding shining in her eyes, and I know neither of us wants to raise the specter of Elena... Mrs. Robinson.

I'm reminded of earlier this evening, when Grace, in all her avenging glory, threw Elena out ofthe house. I wonder what mymother would have said, back in the day, if she'd caught me with a girl inmy room. Suddenly I'm energized bythe same teenage thrill I had when Ana and I snuck up here last weekend during the masquerade ball.

"I've got a girl in my room." I grin.

"What are you going to do with her?" Ana's answering smile isseductive.

"Hmm. All the things I wanted todo with girls when I was anadolescent." But couldn't. Because Icouldn't bear to be touched. "Unless you're too tired." I trace the soft curve of her cheek with my knuckle.

"Christian. I'm exhausted. But thrilled, too."

Oh, baby. I kiss her quickly and take pity on her. "Maybe we should just sleep. It's been a long day. Come. I'll put you to bed. Turn around."

She complies and I reach for the zipper on her dress.

While my fiancée slumbers beside me, I text Taylor and ask him to bring us a change of clothes from Escala in the morning. Scooting down beside Ana, I focus on her profile, marveling that she's asleep already...and that she's agreed to bemine.

Will I ever be good enough for her?

Am I husband material?

My father seems to doubt it.

I sigh and lie on my back, staring up at the ceiling.

I'm going to prove him wrong.

He's always been strict with me. More so than with Elliot or Mia.

Fucker. He knows I'm a bad seed. As I replay his earlier tirade in myhead, I drift until sleep claims me.

Arms up, Christian. Daddy has aserious face. He is teaching diving into the pool. That's right. Now curl your toes around the edge of the pool. Good. Arch your back. That'sright. Now push off. I fall. And fall. And fall. Splash. Into the cool, clear water. Into the blue. Into the calm. Into the quiet. But my water wings push me back to the air. And I look for Daddy. Look, Daddy, look. But Elliot jumps on him. And they fall onthe ground. Daddy tickles Elliot. Elliot laughs. And laughs. And laughs. And Daddy kisses his tummy. Daddy doesn't do that tome. I don't like it. I'm in the water. Iwant to be up there. With them. With Daddy And I'm standing in the trees. Watching Daddy and Mia. She shrieks with joy as he tickles her. And he laughs. And she wriggles free and jumps on him. He swings her around and catches her. Andl stand in the trees alone. Watching. Wanting. The air smells good. Ofapples.

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