The Barbeque

"It's a surprise for you. A surprise because you are very special."

Regan leaned forward and gently whispered near her ear. He then pulled himself a bit, held her gaze and muttered softly.

"I hope you like it."

She was really surprised with the view in her front but was even more stunned by his words. A small smile was tugged on his face and inspite of being taken off-guard by the sudden happenings, she couldn't help but felt an overwhelming happiness radiating in her heart. Before she could say anything, she was enveloped in a bone crushing hug by Stella, followed by Nathan and Grace who couldn't stop themselves from talking about how happy they were, finding her pink in health. Earlier when they came to know about the situation, they wanted to visit her immediately, but looking at the situation how sensitive it was... they obliged to Regan's request to give her some time to recover before meeting her in person.

She was shocked to see all of them together, especially Jack who greeted her with his brotherly hug after all of them.

"I am so relieved to see you doing well Anna. I am so proud of you. You are the strongest person and my inspiration as well." He said while still hugging her.

"Jack?"

When she called out his name, he pulled away and looked at her, implying her to continue.

"I am so happy to see you. But I would have been more happy if Em was here. You know what..... you should have stayed with her. She needs you right now."

"Why do you think I would not accompany him baby girl?"

"Oh My God! Emily....."

Anna gasped on the vibrant voice that she heard from behind and was instantly crushed in an another bear hug by Emily. She chuckled at her excitement. As if Anna remembered something, she frowned and asked her anxiously.

"Em... Didn't you tell me you were not allowed to travel long distance. So how? It can be harmful for the baby. You shouldn't have..."

Anna stopped her rambling when she saw all the people around her chuckling.

"Baby girl if we would have come back then, how was it possible to surprise you like this and get to see your precious smile?"

"Was it all planned?"

"Mmm... Hmmm... And don't worry, the baby is absolutely fine. Well, we really wanted to come to New York with you but when Regan told us about his plan to surprise you, we couldn't say no and simply agreed."

She instantly looked towards him who was standing at a corner with his hands tucked in the pockets of his trousers. He was still looking at her with a warm gaze showing his content over the happiness that he brought within her due to his simple gesture. She didn't know what to say, so she mouthed him a 'Thank You'. They did not need words to communicate what they felt at that time. Anna smiled and he returned it with his own warm one to her. However, their silent communication was interrupted by Stella when she cleared her throat and eyed them in amusement. She was standing beside Regan, so she took the opportunity to tease him which was extremely rare for him being the cold man with a hard exterior.

"Stop your staring contest. You look like a creep."

Regan looked at her as if she had grown two heads. He had a frown on his face. He was about to reply her when they heard another voice startling them all, especially Regan.

"I hope I'm not late." Drake yelled from the door registering his presence.

"Not at all. Please come Drake." Anna welcomed him.

While he gazed her gently and gave her the flowers after wishing her to get well soon, Regan stiffened at his sight as he still couldn't withstand the fact that he betrayed him with his lies. He couldn't forget his opinion about Anna.

"I don't remember to invite you here."

Regan said coldly which drew Anna's attention and his indifferent attitude towards him. She could feel the weariness between them as it was the first time she was witnessing both of them so silent and awkward around each other. Before Drake could answer him, she butted in to ease them down.

"Well then..... you don't need to. He's my friend's boyfriend. So technically, he has to be here, right?"

Anna turned towards Drake. "You're most welcome Drake. I wasn't really expecting you. In fact, I was expecting no one of you. But it really feels good to have so many people around who care for you. You are one among them. Thank you." She smiled widely at him and Stella, and led them inside to everyone who were happily having their time with one another like a one big family.

Anna was amused over the sight as she never thought or expected those people to bond like that. But it was something that instantly warmed her heart. She didn't remember her home to be more lively like that and she felt contented. Her line of thoughts was interrupted when Richard came to her and excitedly announced about the barbeque that was arranged in the garden area while rubbing his hands. It was her another favorite thing. She was never much into food but dinner with family close to the nature, especially in the garden area was her all time favorite thing and she couldn't help but grinned widely on the announcement.

When they went outside, it wasn't anything fancy but still the place managed to surprise her as various lanterns were hung here and there, exceptionally brightening the surrounding while keeping it subtle. Soft music was playing in the background and the air was filled with the exotic aroma of all the grilled dishes that were awakening the appetite of all. After digging in to their heart's content, they were still swarmed up together while happily chatting and exchanging smiles to one another.

Anna was standing in the middle of the space while looking at nothing in particular when Nathan tapped her shoulder, drawing her attention towards him.

"May I have the pleasure to dance with the beautiful lady?" Nathan asked like a gentleman and Anna couldn't say no and accepted inspite of being highly amused with his sudden request.

"Sure."

They took everyone by surprise when they started moving on the soft music that was rolling in the background. Soon they were joined by others in unusual pairs. Jack was dancing with Stella while Drake with Emily. Regan was moving on the beats with Grace, bemused with Nathan's forwardness and Anna's acceptance. However, he was happy to see her getting close and comfortable around his family.

Richard was standing at a corner admiring the sight with content. He always wanted his children to be happy in their lives but everything was disrupted after Ashton's death. However, looking at Emily and Anna's beaming faces, he sighed satisfactorily. He wanted his daughters to get the best in the world, especially Anna. Earlier, when Regan had rejected his proposal for marrying Anna, he was skeptical about his intentions for her but after seeing his efforts to make her happy, he understood one thing clearly that he couldn't get someone more appropriate for her who put her ahead of his own happiness and wishes.

----------------------------------------

"I am sorry dear." Nathan said to Anna. He wanted to talk to her about the incident and took it as an opportunity to initiate the conversation.

"For what?"

"For all that happened with you.....under my nose, at my place. I know a sorry wouldn't be enough for what you have went through and I believe to apologize for my mistakes."

Anna didn't know what to say. A minute earlier she was happy forgetting about those things which actually haunted and scared her but Nathan's words brought everything back to her mind. Nevertheless, she knew she had to say something to him as he was looking at her, awaiting for her response.

"It wasn't your fault or anyone's." She softly said while looking down.

"Anna....."

She looked up and smiled. "I am really fortunate to have so many people to care for me. I know things didn't go well and I too didn't expect something like that to happen, but what's done is done. We can't change it but we can atleast try to move on and that's what I am trying to do."

Nathan smiled on hearing her. "You are right dear. I am really proud of you. I can't change what is done but I promise you one thing. You are like a daughter to me and I intend to take care of you always.... exactly like a daughter that I always wished to have but never had."

She was overwhelmed with his words and nodded her head accepting his affection.

"Well for the starters, if my jerk of a son messes up with you anytime, you can directly come to me. I'll make sure to pull his ears for you. I know things would have been different if he wasn't so difficult back then."

She chuckled on hearing him and shook her head in denial. "You won't need to do that. He is really very....ummm... sweet and caring. We had some misunderstandings earlier but I think we would soon clear them up. It's just that, I don't want him to get blamed for something he isn't responsible."

Nathan grinned on hearing her thoughts about Regan. He said playfully, "Sweet and caring, huh?"

Anna's face heated up when he repeated her words. Before she could explain anything, he guffawed.

"It feels so good to hear such words from a beautiful young woman like you because you see dear... My so called son is well known for being cold, conceited, ruthless, satan...and the list goes on and on. Someone like you praising his gentleness makes me feel proud on him, more than I already am."

Before they could continue further, the song changed and so as the partners. Richard took Anna's hand from Nathan who moved to hold Emily for the next song. Richard had a frown on his face which made her anxious.

"Dad? Are you alright?"

"Not at all."

"Why?"

"How can I, when someone is trying to steal my precious daughter from me?"

Anna gasped on hearing him. She giggled on his words. "Are you jealous Dad?"

Her words elevated his weariness and deepened his frown.

"Come on Dad! We were just talking about stuff. You don't need to worry about anything because your princess loves you and no-one can take your place. You know that, right?"

Richard smiled widely on hearing her and said proudly hugging her. "Certainly."

"And how I thought that I was your favorite Dad?" Emily said from behind. "I guess being the youngest has its own perks."

"Em?"

"Well..... you both are my favorite." Richard said and took both of his daughters in his embrace kissing each of their foreheads making it a wonderful family time.

Soon the song changed and the partners were exchanged randomly. Emily was led by Jack in a peaceful corner who finally managed to steal a dance with his wife amusing her with his eagerness while Richard handed Anna's hand to Regan and quickly excused himself. He was standing beside her waiting for her to realize his presence.

He held her hand and gently pulled her towards him, turning her around to hold her closely by her waist. She gasped at the abrupt movements but instantly recognized the cologne that filled her nostrils with his fragrance and warmth that radiated from his body. She stiffened on the sudden proximity which clouded her mind and weakened her knees forcing her to blindly follow his lead.