CPOV

This is the day I have dreaded since the moment she was placed into my arms. As a father, I have tried to protect and nurture my children, guiding them as best I could through the years with their mother. Having a little girl, has had its problems. Especially when the boys started knocking, asking if Phoebe was coming out to play. All were steered away but I couldn't do that forever. My little girl had grown into a beautiful woman. She truly was a double of her mother and despite how many times Phoebe tells me she isn't a little girl any more, to me she will always be just that.

Phoebe met Joshua the day we visited his parents company. His dad had set up his carpentry business when he had left college and Joshua had followed in his footsteps. Illness and spiralling medical bills had put the business on the verge of bankruptcy which would not of only put Joshua out of a job but the seven other employees as well. Yes it was small but the bespoke designs and products they produced, I could see the promise that they had.

I bought the company with the idea that they could work with Grey Construction and it has been very profitable all round, especially with having Joshua stay on as CEO.

Phoebe always had a head for business and numbers. Her brothers said it was her bossy nature that meant she had to be in charge. A trait she got from me, no doubt. When she graduated from Harvard, she came on at GEH as my COO. Ros had been looking to step down at the time so it was perfect to have my daughter by my side.

The boys both found jobs that were perfect for them. Teddy, his head has always been in the clouds so there has only ever been one job for him. He got his pilots licence as soon as he was old enough to fly and there has been no stopping him. He is one of our pilots with Grey Airways, always jetting off to some far away destination. I have approached giving him he company but he had no interest in business, he wants to fly and that is what he will always do. He did meet his wife that way after all.

Teddy and Matilda married just over three years ago after meeting at Sea tac when he was due to fly out. He was on his way through the airport when he had picked her up from the floor after she had been knocked over by another passenger running for a flight. Tilly ended up on his flight and they bumped into each other in Chicago where she had gone for a family party.

Tilly is the only girl he had ever brought home to meet us. I know he had other girlfriends in college, no one he wanted his mother to meet though.

Oliver shares his mothers love of books so followed her into Grey Publishing. He is the youngest editor there and worked his way up from intern. He has his mothers stubborn streak and wanted to earn his stripes so to speak and not be handed them. He knuckled down and got his degree and has shown everyone there that the job is his because he earned it. None of my children have touched their trust funds so far.

"Dad, Mom gave me these" Oliver said pulling me from my thoughts.

He was in his tux but as usual, minus his bow tie. He handed me the box at contained my button hole flower.

"When did these arrive."

"Just now, It took them ages to get through the press that are blocking the driveway. They are trying to see if it is someone important that is arriving. Mom handed me them on her way back upstairs with the bouquets."

"Get Julian to turn the sprinklers on just outside the gate, that will clear them out. He should be in the security office. Tell him to make sure our guys are out of the way first."

"Oh dad your so mean, I love it" he laughed walking towards the security office.

The press haven't waned over the years, sometimes I think they have nothing better to do. They left the children alone when they were little but seemed to have developed an unhealthy interest in Phoebe, she is the fashion icon of Seattle as far as they are concerned and like to show up where ever she is.

"Ana" I called as she walked past me and into the den.

Following, I wrapped my arms around her so she couldn't disappear again.

"Slow down baby, everything will be perfect."

"I know, it just our little girls big day. She has been planning this day since our first blessing I think."

I smiled knowing what Phoebe was like when we got back from Meridian and the palpitations I had when I asked her what she was drawing, only to be told it was her wedding dress.

"Today will be perfect, we will make sure of it. Pablo will make sure of it.

"I know, I love you Christian."

"I love you Ana, enjoy the day."

I kissed Ana before letting her go as she disappeared upstairs taking the bridal magazine with her that she had come down to pick up.

I greeted my parents who came through the door, they are both retired now and are supposed to be lady and gentlemen of leisure. No chance, they are probably more active now that they were when they worked but are enjoying it more.

"Hows everything going" dad asked me.

"The girls are upstairs, marquee looks beautiful. Come look."

We moved outside and into the large marquee. It looked like being in a large tent for which Poppy thinks we are camping in. Pablo was running around giving orders to all his staff. It only seems five minutes since he was organising our wedding and Blessing. There was no one else we thought of than him as he came out of retirement to organise our daughters day.

"Granddad" I heard squealed behind me as I turned with a large smile on my face.

My favourite little girl Poppy was running towards me in her beautiful pale pink dress, straight into my arms.

"Hows my baby girl doing" I asked, after receiving a sloppy kiss to my face.

"I'm a princess, daddy said. He said we are here to party as well" she told me, wiggling in my arms as if she was dancing.

My parents kissed Poppy's cheek but she wasn't letting go of me yet. She's a granddads girl and so will be the little one that Tilly is carrying, I will make sure of that.

I kissed Tilly's cheek and hugged my son as we walked around the marquee.

"Pablo you have out done yourself again" Tilly told him as he came over to say hello.

"I love a Grey wedding, they are my favourites" he laughed. It was really beautiful and I know Phoebe will be so pleased.

"Granddad can we have cake yet" Poppy asked me, pointing to the five tier cake that was being moved into the room under Pablo's guidance.

"Not yet, I'm sure we can find something for you in the kitchen as long as you don't get dirty."

We all made our way inside where Ana was finally seated, taking a breather. As soon as Poppy saw her grandmother, she wanted down so she could show her, her dress.

"You look beautiful sweetheart" Ana laughed before hugging our son and Tilly.

"She hasn't stopped all morning, she reminds me so much of what Phoebe was like at this age" Teddy told us.

"You were all hyper at some stage. You just did it differently, you were hyper about getting in the cockpit" Ana told him laughing.

"Nothing has changed then" Tilly said to which we all agreed.

"Hows Phoebe doing" I asked.

"She is fine, getting her toes painted while she eats her lunch."

"Let me guess cucumber sandwich" Oliver said coming into the kitchen and picked his niece up, giving her a cookie.

"Here Oliver" Tilly took a clean dish towel from the drawer and put it over Poppy so it wouldn't get on her dress.

"Do you really need to ask about the sandwich" Ana asked.

"We had better get used to them as that was the first thing on the list, for the buffet this evening."

"Love umber" Poppy said, making me smile.

…

I climbed the stairs to go to my daughters room. It hasn't changed much other the years as her favourite colours remain.

Knocking on the door, my niece's face appeared.

"Hi Uncle Christian, come in. Just making sure Josh wasn't taking a peak."

I walked past her, to see my daughter stood in front of the mirror. My little girl was all grown up and she looked beautiful as she turned to me with a smile on her face.

"Don't cry daddy" she said walking towards me.

I hadn't even realised a tear had fell, as I quickly wiped it away.

"You do know your not thirty yet" I said as she laughed.

"I know but Josh is worth it."

I hugged Phoebe to me, before pulling back so I could see her face.

"You are truly beautiful sweetheart."

"Just like Mom" she said as I nodded.

"I have something for you" I told her as I passed her the small box.

"Dad, thank you" she said, as she pulled the comb from the box.

"I had one made for your mother when we were getting married."

She moved back to the mirror and placed the comb into her hair.

"Does it look OK."

"It looks perfect. Are you ready or we can go and spend the day out on the boat."

She laughed as she came over and took my arm.

"I'm ready daddy."

We walked down the stairs where we met my beautiful wife who was stood with Ava and Poppy.

"Is Josh OK" Phoebe asked.

"He is fine, exited to start your wedding" Ana told her before my girls hugged.

"Daddy get in here" Phoebe told me as I walked closer and held them both.

Pulling back, Ana placed her hands on the side of both Phoebe and my face.

"I will see you both soon" She said before making her way over to where Oliver was waiting to escort her down the aisle.

We waited until Ana was seated and then Pablo walked us to the door. First Poppy made her way down the aisle, dumping her basket of petals halfway, which had Phoebe giggling beside me.

Ava went next and made her way winking at Joshua's best man who also happens to be her boyfriend.

"Phoebe serious now." Pablo told Phoebe who was still laughing.

"Pablo you have known me my whole life. If I go down the aisle with a serious face, Josh will wonder who he is marrying." that was true as my daughter is always smiling and laughing when Joshua is around. That's why he got past security as he treats my daughter well.

"OK go down as Phoebe then."

Pablo looked to us and then threw the doors open again before we started to walk down the aisle. I could see my wife who was sat with Poppy on her knee but Phoebe's focus was only on one person.

Once we had reached the end of the aisle, I lifted Phoebe's veil back and kissed her cheek before shaking Joshua's hand.

"Look after my little girl." I told him before taking my seat next to my wife.

Ana kissed my cheek as her fingers entwined with mine. When the priest asked who gives this woman, Ana and I both spoke up that we both gave her away but Josh to share.

"Don't worry I will" he laughed.

As the words, you may now kiss the bride were spoken, we all stood up and clapped. I now had Poppy in my arms who was clapping loudly.

"Happy" Ana asked kissing my cheek.

"I am. When she was born I would have avoided this day at all cost but look at her Ana" I don't think I had seen Phoebe look so happy before and it was a joy to see.

"I know, she's our beautiful girl" I put Poppy down as she ran to her aunt, wanting her hug. Moving towards our daughter I wrapped my arms around Phoebe, hugging her tight.

"Congratulations Phoebe, I'm so happy for you."

"Thank you Daddy."

I shook Joshua's hand as Ana moved over and hugged our girl.

"Congratulation."

"Thank you sir."

I cocked my eyebrow to him as he smiled.

"Sorry Christian, force of habit."

The photographer asked us to move out of the marquee so he could take the photos with the water behind us. I had forgotten how tedious it was to be told to look this way and that but thankfully it wasn't as long as my own wedding.

"Ready for your speech" Ana asked me as we walked back towards the marquee.

"As I'll every be" I told her as she laughed.

I had changed my speech so many times since Joshua had asked for my daughters hand, that I think I have driven Ana mad. My poor wife has listened to every version over the eight months since that day.

"Can I have the brides parents and the bride only" the photographer asked as we had just reached the marquee.

"And you thought you had escaped" Oliver laughed as he disappeared inside with a glass in his hand.

Ana laughed at the look on my face, as with my arm around her waist, we walked back towards the water's edge.

Ana and I stood either side of Phoebe as the photos were taken and then Joshua moved in-between my girls to finished the photos off. Finally.

"I need a drink" I said as we were finally able to go back inside, taking two glasses of champagne off the server, on the way.

"To our little girl and her happy life" I said quietly, clinking my glass with Ana's.

"I'll drink to that."

We found our seats saying hello to our friends on the way. Taylor and Gail were here with Sophie as was Ros, Gwen and Abigail. Taylor had taken Welch's job at Grey House and Luke was now head of our personal security. They make a good team and they should with the amount of years they had worked together. Julian was now Ana's CPO.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please be upstanding for your bride and groom, Mr and Mrs McCain" The master of ceremonies spoke.

The whole room erupted into applause as my daughter and her new husband came into the room to take their seats.

I know Phoebe is no longer a Grey in name but she will always be one. I now know how Ray must have felt when Ana was no longer a Steele. He was sat at the table with my parents and siblings, clapping along with everyone else.

Servers came round filling champagne glasses, so we could toast the happy couple.

When it was turn for my speech, I squeezed Ana's hand and kissed her cheek before standing.

"Thank you for the warm introductions." I said to the best man before I focused on my daughter.

"As my wife will know, I have written my speech so many times over the past months but it was hard to get onto paper what I really wanted to say. I decided to leave them behind and just speak to my little girl." I spoke to the room before looking down to Phoebe.

"I remember the day like yesterday when you were born Phoebe. You came into the world letting everyone know that you were here, much to our relief. You stole my heart from the second I looked into you face. When you were placed in my arms, I felt a protectiveness that I had never felt before. Yes I was protective of your mother and brothers but with you, it was so much more. You looked so fragile when you were anything but. You had a strength that I had only ever seen in one person before, from your mother and you have grown into the beautiful woman that you are today." I could feel myself welling up so I knew I needed to finish my speech "I would like to welcome Joshua to the family. As I have gotten to know you, despite my initial reaction that no one was good enough for my little girl, that has changed. You have shown my wife and I how much you love Phoebe and I'm very happy to call you son. Ladies and gentlemen please be upstanding and raise your glasses to the bride and groom, Phoebe and Joshua."

I toasted them both before I had my daughter wrapped in my arms.

"I love you daddy" she said but I was too choked up to respond apart from hold her tighter.

Releasing Phoebe to her mother I hugged Joshua before I could finally take my seat.

"Was that OK" I asked Ana.

"Perfect Christian" she said before kissing my lips.

We listened to the best man speech, learning all the things I didn't need to know about my new son in law. I didn't need to know that he had streaked through campus after losing a bet in college or that he had drunk so much to pluck up the courage to ask Phoebe out that she spent the evening rubbing his back over the toilet while he got rid of it all, only to finally ask her and then passed out before she could give him the answer. Phoebe found it funny and so did my sons.

Once the speeches were over, our food was brought out. I had skipped breakfast with my nerves for today so I was hungry.

Over dinner I handed Joshua the envelope which will hopefully support his future.

"What's that daddy" Phoebe asked.

"Open it and you will find out."

They opened the envelope and read the contents. Looking to me before back at the paperwork again.

"I don't understand" Joshua said.

"Its yours, it has always been yours. I was just looking after it for a while. You have more than proved that you can run the company so I think it should go back to you."

"Daddy my name is on this."

"Just like your mothers name is on GEH. She owns GEH just as much as I do, just like you will own McCain Carpentry as much as Joshua."

"Thank you, I don't know what to say apart from thank you."

"Your welcome, GEH will still support it financially for the next two years but even after that, if you need my help it will always be there."

Phoebe pulled me into one of her tight hugs that I love and thanked me over and over again. Giving Joshua the company back was something I had been thinking of doing for a while, yes it is profitable and I am giving money away but it is about more than that. Its about giving them the helping hand and securing their financial future because I know that Joshua will never touch Phoebe's trust fund. He's a hard worker and likes it that way. One day Phoebe will take over GEH, she doesn't know it but she is also part owner along with her brothers.

The cake was cut and I held Ana while the first dance took place.

"I love you" I told her, earning her beautiful smile.

"I love you Christian, so much and it gets stronger every day" I nodded, kissing her nose before we moved onto the dance floor to join the happy couple.

Our father daughter dance, had my wife in tears as she snapped away on her phone. Just like she had her special song with Ray, so did I with Phoebe.

"I love you daddy" Phoebe said as we swayed to the music.

"Love you too baby girl."

Spinning her out quickly, she giggled away. A giggle that I loved from the first moment I heard it. A giggle that she shares with her Mom.

As the song stopped Teddy and Oliver came to the side of the dance floor. They wanted their own dance with their sister so soon Hey brother was played through the speakers.

"Granddad me" Poppy came running up to me with her arms in the air for me to pick her up. Soon I had my granddaughter giggling too.

The cake had been cut, the bouquet tossed to my wife not the singles in the room, for which Poppy now held.

"Nooo" Teddy complained. "No boys until you are thirty."

Ana looked at me as we started to laugh.

"Good luck with that son, unfortunately the heart wants what it wants" I said pointing to Phoebe and Joshua now swaying on the dance floor.

"I can but try" he sighed as with the bouquet trailing behind him, he spun Poppy around.

As the happy couple left the house under a shower of rice, I had my arms wrapped around my wife. I always thought when the children left home, the house would be too quiet. The thing is they never leave. They are always here and if they are not, they have a piece of me with them.

The day they were born, they each took a piece of my heart, even Poppy stole a large slice of that too, the first time I held her.

The person who holds it most of it, is in my arms now. I know as we sway to the music, that is where Ana will always be.

The end.

Thank you for reading and joining me on this journey from Flawless to Pure Devotion.

I have loved writing about this family.

I have a new story which will be up in the next couple of weeks so I hope you will join me for some Christmas magic.

Take Care

Caroline.