"I can't leave them. I'm their gladiator."
Liv looked at Fitz and tried to maintain a strong front as she watched his heart break in two. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt him, but she also didn't want to stand in the way of him living his dream.
"So what happens to us?" Fitz said trying not to let Liv see just how much her words killed him inside.
"If we are meant to be together, it will be. If not, just know that nobody will ever love you like I do."
Every word Liv spoke killed her more and more inside. Once she felt the numbness set in, Liv turned to walk out the door. She turned around before making her final exit out of the oval office and looked Fitz in the eyes.
"Good bye Mr. President."
Fitz watched as Liv walked out of the door and out of his life.
"I wear the crown, and there's a price." Fitz said as he collapsed on the sofa, his lungs void of oxygen. He'd give anything to be with the woman he loves. He couldn't have both and he knew it, he just wished he could find a loophole in all of this.
As time went on Fitz learned to deal with the emptiness that plagued him, the numbness that consumed his soul. Fitz learned to cope with the torment of having to live without Olivia Pope in his life. Before he knew it five years had passed and Fitz was ready to leave the White House.
During his second term Fitz was able to successfully divorce Mellie and remain in the White House. Mellie was gone but Liv still refused to return his calls. When he confronted Cyrus, he learned that Liv had a child but never married. After numerous attempts Cyrus gave up trying to get a name out of her and just settled for helping her in anyway he could to raise the child.
Cyrus told Fitz that Liv's team was very supportive and Huck and Harrison had been wonderful role models in the boy's life.
"How old is he Cyrus?"
"He'll be four in three weeks. January 20th is his birthday. Olivia Pope's son was born on a day that marks the inauguration of the President of the United States. How amazing is that? He's the cutest thing. And smart too! He's already reading at a college level! The boy is a genius. He already has an IQ of 129 and HE'S THREE! The things Liv has taught this child... he's destined for great things. She plays this song to him every night. He cant sleep without it. It sums up her life. I think it's called To Zion." Cyrus said and paused for a moment "I have a picture of him that I took when we went to the park last week. Ella is in love with him."
"You've seen him?" Fitz asked, the pain clear in his voice.
"Yes. Liv refused to bring the father around. Said it would be too hard for Zion. So James, her team, and myself, we help her with him as much as we can. She made me swear not to bring anything up to you. She said she didn't want you to believe he was yours when he wasn't." Cyrus said still oblivious to what he had just done. Cyrus pulled out his phone and showed Fitz a picture of the little boy.
Fitz looked at the child and saw the most beautiful being he had ever laid eyes on. He was tall and tan, but just barely. His hair was a chestnut shade of brown with a set of beautiful curls. His eyes were as blue as the sky. Fitz knew without asking that he was looking at his son. Fitz knew at that moment he missed the pregnancy and birth of his son, his first steps, his first words, his first day of pre k.
Fitz thought back to the night they made love in Liv's apartment. It was exactly 40 weeks before Zion was born. He remembered their conversation about having children. Liv said she loved Zion as a name for a boy. It was a strong biblical name. One of her favorite songs the entire month after was Lauren Hill's song To Zion. That should have been the clincher right there, but Fitz didn't connect it at the time. Fitz remembered he said that he wanted his middle name to be Thomas. Zion Thomas Grant. That was a strong name. The more he said it, the more he loved it. Fitz's mind drifted as he recalled the words to the song. Instead of Lauren Hill, the lyrics drifted to Liv as if she were singing the song.
"Unsure of what the balance held, I touched my belly overwhelmed, by what I had been chosen to perform. But then an angel came one day, told me to kneel down and pray. For unto me a man child would be born. Woe this crazy circumstance, I knew his life deserved a chance. But everybody told me to be smart. Look at your career they said, Livvie baby use your head, but instead I chose to use my heart. Now the joy, of my world, is in Zion..." Fitz knew then that this hadn't been easy for Liv.
"What's his name?" Fitz asked getting choked up in the moment.
"Zion Thomas Pope." Cyrus said as he watched Fitz's reaction to the picture and slowly put two and two together. Tears were rolling down Fitz's face and Cyrus didn't know how to comfort him. He used to joke about how Liv must've thought about Fitz a lot during her pregnancy because Zion looked just like him. He had never considered the time frame.
"Cyrus, I need to talk to her but she won't answer my calls. May I use your phone?" Fitz asked.
Cyrus nodded and watched as Fitz dialed the number and held the phone to his ear. He was clearly shaking. After a few rings, Fitz heard a little voice answer the phone.
"Hello?" the tiny voice said causing Fitz to fall to his knees.
"Helloooooo?" the boy repeated again.
After a few beats Fitz was finally able to get his words past his throat.
"Hi Zion, is your mommy around?" Fitz asked unable to see past the tears that were burning his eyes.
"Um hold on a minute." There was a pause and then. "Mommy, your phone is for you!"
"Mommy's coming Zy-Zy, give me one minute." Fitz heard knowing it was Liv's voice.
"Ok mommy, one minute." The little boy repeated. Then went to grab a clock.
"Zy, what are you doing with the clock?" Fitz heard Liv ask the little boy.
"I'm going to watch this clock mommy. Im going to watch one minute run out." Zion said as he sat and watched the clock.
Zion put his ear to the phone and spoke never taking his eyes off of the clock.
" Hello?"
"Yes Zion I'm here." Fitz said as the tears began falling harder from his eyes.
"My mommy said one minute. Don't worry, I'm sitting here and watching my mommy's clock run out."
"Thank you Zion." Fitz said as he thought back to when he too grabbed the clock and watched it run out. The night he showed up at Liv's apartment and made it clear he chose her. The night they made love over and over and time ceased to exist. The night Zion was conceived. The minute seemed like an eternity but Fitz heard the little voice again.
"Mommy a minute is up!" He said before a quick pause then "Here she is."
Liv looked at her phone and saw that it was Cyrus.
"Zy-Zy, it's uncle Cyrus."
"No it isn't mommy. And it's not Uncle James either. I know uncle Cy's voice. That is not him! Besides uncle Cy always says Cy-Zy because our names rhyme and he didn't." The little boy said before running into his room to play.
Liv knew in her gut that this wasn't Cyrus calling. Her hands began to shake and her heart began to pound so hard she could hear it beating in her ears.
She wanted to sit Fitz down and talk to him about Zion. She wanted to tell him the moment she found out she was pregnant, but she knew he would give everything up and that was what she did not want. Instead, she raised Zion on her own.
Whenever someone asked about the father, she would change the subject. Her team knew Fitz was the father, but they never pressed her on the subject. They supported her decision instead. Liv placed the phone to her ear and closed her eyes.
"Cyrus, I am so sorry to keep you waiting. I just..."
"This isn't Cyrus."
Liv felt all of the air leave her body as she collapsed onto the sofa. This was never how she wanted this conversation to happen. She knew he'd never understand. He'd never understand the sacrifices she was willing to make so he could be the man she knew he could be.
"Livvie?"
"Yes?"
"Hi."
"Hi."
There was a long pause as they both listened to the sound of the other breathing. This was something they had done numerous times, but this time was different. This time, the silence said nothing, yet it said everything.
"Livvie, we need to talk."
"Fitz..."
"He's mine isn't he? Zion? I've seen his picture Livvie." Fitz asked as his voice cracked with every word.
"Yes." Liv responded, barely able to raise her voice above a whisper.
"Where are you?"
"I'm at home."
"Same place?" Fitz asked already knowing the answer. Liv's apartment was a four bedroom flat now. She had the second bedroom in her apartment she transformed into a closet. After she walked out on Fitz in the oval, Fitz bought the apartment and mailed her the deed so she would never have to worry about anything. He had also bought the two bedroom apartment across the hall and had renovations done to turn the entire floor into one giant condo. Liv fought at first but Cyrus finally convinced her to just let him do this. It was what he needed to do to know she was ok.
"Yes" Liv said trying to find the will to breathe. It had been almost five years since she walked out on him. Five years of dodging his phone calls, screening even Cyrus'. Five years of carrying the biggest secret of her life, and not sharing it with the one person who deserved more than anyone to know. Of all the times Zion could have answered the phone, it had to be the one time Fitz was on the other end.
"I'll be there in 20 minutes."
"Fitz I don't know if that's such a good idea."
"Is there someone else?" Fitz asked praying she wouldn't lie to him. He knew the answer, but he needed to hear it from her mouth.
Liv opened her mouth to say yes even though it was a lie but her mind refused to cooperate with her.
"No. There's no one else. There hasn't been anyone else. Only you Fitz."
"Then I'll be there in 20 minutes. Cyrus will take Zion so we can talk." Fitz said then hung up not giving Liv any chance to argue.
"Uncle Cy, mind watching Zion for a while. It's time Liv and I have a nice long talk." Fitz more so instructed than asked.
"Sure. I'll follow you over in my car, and I'll take him to my house for the evening."
"Thank you Cyrus. You know, I'm shocked you aren't objecting to this."
"Your term will be over in a few weeks. What the hell. If news that you were sneaking out to see Olivia Pope did get out, you'd be out of office before anything could come of it."
Fitz nodded and turned towards the door of the oval. "Lauren! Let Tom and Hal know we're on the move!"
Fitz grabbed his suit jacket and coat and prepared to walk out the door. Fitz was fine as he made his way into the SUV, he was fine as he exited the car in the garage of Liv's building. He was fine as he punched in his code to take the elevator up to her floor. He was fine all the way up until he arrived at her door. Fitz lifted his hand preparing to knock and froze. Cyrus looked at him and and could tell he'd have to get the ball moving himself. Cyrus knocked on the door and stepped back and waited for Liv to open it.
The door opened but it wasn't Liv that was standing there. Zion was standing at the front door, his tiny body mirroring Fitz's. The little boy looked Fitz in the eye and held out his hand.
"You're the president of this great nation aren't you." The little boy asked clearly wise beyond his years. Zion was in fact very smart for his age. He was after all the son of the formidable Olivia Pope.
"Yes, yes I am. How did you know that? You're very smart for being almost four."
"I have a really big picture of you on my wall in my bedroom. Every morning mommy makes me blow it a kiss good morning, and every night I say my prayers at the chair by my picture. Then I tell the picture about my day and blow it a kiss goodnight before I go to sleep."
Fitz almost fell at the boys explanation. Thankfully Cyrus was already bracing him. Fitz gathered his thoughts and shook the little boys hand.
"Well Zion, it's very nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too." Zion said his attention focusing on Cyrus.
"Uncle Cy" Zion said.
"Zy" Cyrus responded
"Cy-Zy" they said together as Cyrus picked the little boy up and hugged him.
Just then Fitz heard a voice coming towards them.
"Zion, what did mommy tell you about opening the door?" Liv asked as she made her way over to her son.
"I'm sorry mommy, I saw uncle Cy on the camera before I opened it." Zion said holding on to Liv's leg.
Liv slowly looked up and came face to face with Fitz. He looked even better in person than she remembered. His scent immediately intoxicated her and Liv felt herself begin to unravel.
She continued to examine the specimen that stood before her. His hair had grayed a little more than she remembered, but he was still the most handsome man she knew. Next to Zion of course.
"Hi." Fitz said as he took in the sight of her. Olivia Pope was a woman that only grew more beautiful as her years went on. He had spent almost five years away from her and she was still just as gorgeous, if not more gorgeous than she was the day he met her.
"Hi." Liv said in response. She looked in the hallway and saw Tom and Hal standing there. Liv nodded and Tom smiled. Hal remained motionless as she expected him to. Liv's gaze turned back to Fitz and instantly she felt everything she had been holding back for the past five years rise to the surface.
Every kiss, every touch, every whispered I love you all came rushing back. Memories of the times they made love or had an argument began crawling their way to the surface. Liv couldn't help but to stare at the man who made her understand what love truly was. The man she walked out on instead of telling him she was carrying their baby. The man she loved more than life itself... The man she still loves more than life itself. As she was staring into Fitz's eyes, she could clearly see the same thoughts and feelings were resurfacing for him as well. They both stood there in complete silence with tears burning their eyes.
"Mommy, you're being rude. We should always invite company inside." Zion said as he wrapped his arms around Liv's leg.
"You are absolutely right Zion." Liv said as she stepped aside and motioned for Fitz and Cyrus to come in. Once they were inside, Cyrus closed the door behind him. No matter how hard they tried, Liv and Fitz still could not keep their eyes off of one another.
Zion watched them for a while then got tired of waiting, he wanted to show the president his bedroom and the giant picture on his wall. Zion reached for Fitz's hand and pulled.
"I want to show you my room Mr. President, come on." He said as he led Fitz into his room. Liv followed them and stood peeking in the doorway and watched Zion give Fitz a tour of his room. His room was designed to look like a miniature version of the oval office. It was even oval shaped. Fitz followed Zion as he showed him his bed and his favorite stuffed toy Huckleberry Hound. "It reminds me of Uncle Huck and I feel safe from monsters under my bed." He explained to Fitz. Then he pulled Fitz over to the wall. In the center of the wall, there was a picture of Liv and Fitz walking on the trail. The picture was life sized and framed. On the left side of the picture hung the Constitution. On the right side hung the Declaration of Independence and The Bill Of Rights. Fitz looked down and saw there was even a replica of the presidential seal on the floor.
"Mommy says I can be anything I want to be when I grow up. I want to be a president like you. Pop Pop says that I will be president someday. What do you think Mr. President?"
"I think they are right Zion. You could be the President of the United States when you grow up. Your bedroom even looks like my office! That is neat." Fitz said amazed at how much of his life Liv implemented into Zion's."
Zion smiled at Fitz and kept walking
"Mommy said she helped you become president. That was how you got this picture with her."
"That is true Zion." Fitz said as he looked at the picture.
"You want to know a secret?" Zion asked.
"Sure. I like secrets." Fitz replied.
"Mommy doesn't know this but sometimes when I talk to this picture, I like to pretend that you are my daddy." Zion said trying to whisper but Liv heard every word loud and clear. Fitz looked at Zion.
"You know I think that is a very cool thing. I am honored that you would do something like that."
"Mommy always talks about you."
"Really, what does she say?"
"She's always saying how you are so smart and sometimes funny and that you are a really nice man. She says she's proud of the president you are. She also says that she made a big mistake with you once. One that she hopes you can forgive her for. What mistake did she make?" Zion asked curious to know what type of trouble Liv had gotten into.
"I don't see any mistakes. None at all Zion. In fact the mistake your mother is referring to I'm sure was the hardest thing she has ever had to do. To be so selfless and only put others first no matter how much it hurts... it didn't have to be that way but all we can do is move forward." Fitz said as he sat with Zion on his bed.
Liv stood in the doorway and tried her best to stifle a cry but she failed. Liv had never let Zion see her cry. At least not over Fitz. Liv turned and ran from the room coming face to face with Cyrus. Cyrus hugged her in the hallway as she wept silently and they listened to the conversation.
"So Zion you're a really smart kid for your age. Tell me, is your mommy happy?"
"No. I mean she tries to be for me, but she's not happy. She doesn't know that I know this but she cries herself to sleep every night."
"Why is that?" Fitz asked gaining a surprising amount of insight into Liv's feelings through the little boy.
"She cries herself to sleep every night because of you. My mommy loves you very much. I hear her when she prays. She doesn't know I do, but I do. She prays for you to forgive her. Do you love my mommy?"
"With all of my heart."
"Do you love me?"
"So much it hurts that I can't be with you all the time."
"Can I ask you something? A super secret? Mommy would be mad at me for asking this. She made me promise to never ask about it but I want to know."
"What is it Zion?"
Zion got off of the bed and grabbed a mirror. He climbed back on the bed but this time he sat on Fitz's lap. Then he put his tiny hand in Fitz's and held up the mirror so that both of their faces were being reflected. He reached behind his head and cupped Fitz's cheek, pressing their faces together.
"You're my daddy aren't you? Uncle Cy jokes about it and mommy gets sad. I don't think he knows but I do. I'm very smart for my age mommy says. Sometimes she says I'm too smart." Zion said looking into the mirror. He had Liv's nose and the shape of Liv's lips, but Zion was all Fitz. Even Zion could see it.
Instead of answering, Fitz fell silent and the tears began to pour from his eyes. He held the little boy as tightly as he could as he wept.
"I thought so..." Zion said completely un-phased by the answer. "So, can I call you daddy for real now?" Zion asked still looking into the mirror. "You'll have to ask your mother about that." Fitz said and held the little boy tighter as he sobbed.
"I call her mommy, why can't I call you daddy?"
Unable to take anymore Liv walked into the room, her eyes full of tears.
"You can call him daddy if you'd like, but only when it's us at home. Ok?"
Instead of responding Zion turned to Fitz.
"Daddy, can you read a story with me? Mommy makes me read them to her most of the time. She said it's good to be smart. Especially since I'll be growing up in America as a man of color. She said edumacation eduma..educa-shun is the foundation of a successful life."
"It definitely is son. Sure, I'd love to read a story with you." Fitz replied as he glanced at Liv. She knew that look. The same look that always led to them arguing, then entering the throws of heated passion. Fitz wanted answers. He deserved answers. But for right now, he was enjoying time with the son he just met.
"Hey Cy-Zy, how about I take you to my house after the story and we have a sleepover with Ella?"
"Ok uncle Cy. But now I'm reading with my daddy!" Zion said with a bright smile on his face. "Come sit with us mommy. You can sit next to daddy."
Liv looked at Fitz almost as if she were awaiting his approval. She didn't think he'd want to be anywhere near her at this moment, especially given this life altering revelation. But Fitz was always one to surprise her.
"Yes Livvie, come join us." Fitz said, his tone full of so many emotions.
"My pop pop calls her Livvie too." Zion laughed. "Come on mommy. Uncle Cy is waiting for me."
Liv walked over to the bed and sat. She sat quietly as Zion grabbed Green Eggs and Ham off of his nightstand and began to read. Fitz was glad that even with being as intelligent as he was, Liv still maintained the childish things as well. He read the first line then paused.
Zion turned around and grabbed one of Fitz's arms and placed it around Liv. Fitz pulled Liv close, and Zion could feel them both relax.
"There, that's better." He said before he continued reading the story. While he was reading Fitz's mind drifted to the second part of the song To Zion.
"How beautiful if nothing more, than to wait at Zion's door, I've never been in love like this before. Now let me pray to keep you from, The perils that will surely come. See life for you my prince has just begun. And I thank you for choosing me. To come through unto life to be. A beautiful reflection of his grace. See I know that a gift so great, Is only one God could create. And I'm reminded every time I see your face..."
As the words began to play in Fitz's head, he slowly began to understand that Liv didn't feel as though she had a choice. He ran his hand up and down her arm caressing every inch of skin he could find. As Zion continued to read, Fitz looked down at Liv willing her to return his gaze. She fought the urge for a moment but finally succumbed.
Liv looked up at Fitz and instantly they could see the hurt, the pain, the frustration in one another's eyes. But most importantly, they saw the love.
"Daddy, do you want to read now? It's the end of the story." Zion asked breaking the moment.
"Sure Zion." Fitz looked at the book and read the end as animated as he could.
"I would eat them in the rain, And in the dark And on a train And in a car And in a tree They are so good, so good you see. So I will eat them in a box And I will eat them with a fox And I will eat them in a house And I will eat them with a mouse I will eat them here or there Say I WILL EAT THEM ANYWHERE! I do so like green eggs and ham... Thank you, thank you Sam... I... Am."
Fitz closed the book and smiled as he handed it to Zion. At first he placed it on his nightstand, but looked over at Liv and got up to place it back on his bookshelf.
"Ok mommy, uncle Cyrus is waiting and so is Ella."
"Ok Zion, let me get some clothes together for you and you can be on your way."
"Liv, he has clothes at my house. In his bedroom. We'll be fine. The two of you have some catching up to do." Cyrus said as he looked at Fitz shooting him a warning glance. His look said it all. "Don't be stupid and screw this up, you'll lose her forever."
Fitz nodded as they stood to walk Zion and Cyrus to the door. Zion kissed Liv and turned to Fitz.
"I know I just met you daddy, but could I have a kiss and hug from you too?" Zion asked breaking every heart in the room. Fitz kneeled down and extended his arms.
"You never have to ask Zion. It's always yours for the taking." Fitz said as he hugged and kissed his son for the first time. His heart felt as though it was ready to explode. Fitz felt Zion trying to break loose, and unwillingly ended the moment.
"Will I see you tomorrow daddy?" Zion asked looking up at his father.
"I will try my best son." Fitz said looking at the little boy.
"Zion, remember what mommy said okay? Only when there are no strangers around. Only at home."
"Ok mommy. Bye. I love you mommy. I love you daddy." Zion said before disappearing into the elevator. Both Fitz and Liv gave Cyrus a thankful glance. He nodded as the doors closed and they were gone.
Liv and Fitz closed the door, and Liv walked over to pour a glass of wine. She wanted to offer Fitz scotch knowing she still had a bottle of his favorite, but she knew that would only make things worse. So instead she poured Fitz a glass of wine and handed it to him.
They stood in the middle of the room for what seemed like an eternity just staring at one another and sipping their wine. Fitz had decided that the silence had gone on long enough. He walked over to close the gap between them and refilled his glass and Liv's as well.
"He's a great kid. Very smart. I cant believe he's not even four yet. Livvie, you've done a wonderful job raising him. And I love the name you chose for him. Zion Thomas." Liv knew Fitz deliberately left out the Pope. To say it would have been a smack in the face. To have a son that didn't have his last name. Especially after it was revealed that none of Mellie's kids were his, that would kill him.
"Fitz I should..."
"And he is the most adorable creature I have ever met. I can tell he is going to be just like you. And those curls, and his blue eyes, my God Livvie."
"Fitz..."
Before Liv had a chance to finish her thought, Fitz had closed the gap that remained and his lips came crashing down on hers. Five years of longing for one another. Five years of aching for the other's touch. Five years of wondering if their paths would ever cross again. Five years of not saying I love you all came out in this one kiss.
"Fitz I am so sorry for keeping him from you." Liv managed to get out as her lips found his after every word. "I. never. meant. to. hurt. you. I. just. wanted. you. to. fulfill. your. dream." She managed to finish between contact.
Fitz broke the kiss for a moment and looked at Liv.
"Not now. Please, not now." Fitz said as his lips came back to hers.
Liv tried to process everything that was going on, but her mind and her body were just caught in the moment. Liv wrapped her arms around Fitz's neck as he lifted her and carried her into the bedroom. Liv didn't fight as she knew they both needed this moment. They wasted no time removing their clothes and they were back together, lips locked in a heated passion.
Fitz lowered Liv onto the bed never once breaking the kiss as he worked his way between her thighs and entered her slowly. Liv threw her head back and closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath at the feeling of their bodies coming together. She had forgotten just how well equipped Fitz was as his length stretched her fully. Fitz waited for Liv to exhale before he spoke.
"Open your eyes. Don't hide from me. Not now." Fitz said the emotions clear in his voice.
Liv did as he said and their eyes locked revealing more emotion than they knew they had. Fitz began thrusting in and out of Liv, his eyes telling her the story of a man who died inside a little more everyday because she wasn't there. A man who prayed they would have a chance to be together and begin a family. A man who's heart stopped when he found out he had a family, and everyone knew but him.
Fitz looked into Liv's eyes and saw the story of a woman that fought to make him president. A woman who battled with herself every day of the eight years he was in office. A woman who walked out because she didn't want him to throw away his dream because of her. A woman who never stopped loving him, and waited in hopes that one day they would be together again.
As Fitz looked into Liv's eyes he recalled the day of Verna's funeral. "I'll wait for you Fitz. For as long as it takes." He recalled how terribly he treated her, how he threw his heart into making love to her in the utility closet after Ella's christening, then told her she meant nothing more than a way to deal with his erections. How destroyed Liv was, the pain evident on her face as he walked down the hall at that moment.
Fitz had treated her like shit over something she had done because she believed in him. She didn't gain anything out of him becoming president. In fact, she was the only one that lost everything.
Fitz's movements grew stronger as he recalled how she told him to earn her and he arrived at her apartment the next night. How they ran out the clock together. Fitz's pace quickened as he recalled how they made love through the night on that very same bed they were on now. Fitz recalled how Liv had come up with a surefire plan for them to be together, but backed out at the last moment.
Fitz realized that Liv left because she believed in him. She wanted him to succeed, and she knew the birth of their son would tear that opportunity away from him. Fitz felt Liv's walls clenching in around him as he realized that Liv didn't walk away to hurt him, she walked away to save him.
Fitz's body began to shake and he spilled his seed deep inside of her when he realized that Liv was still in love with him. Fitz collapsed onto the bed and held Liv in his arms. After a few moments of silence and finally catching their breath, Fitz was the first to speak.
"So what happens now?" Fitz asked as he caressed Liv's hair.
"That depends, what do you want to happen now? Zion's Birthday is in three weeks. On inauguration day."
"I want us to be a family Liv. The family we are supposed to be. The family we were meant to be."
"It won't be easy Fitz. You fathered a child, out of wedlock with one of your closest advisors."
"So I go back to the White House and finish my term. I'll be out of office in less than a month Liv. But I hope you don't think I'm just going to pack up and move back to Santa Barbara knowing I have a child with the woman I've wanted more than anything to be my wife."
"Zion's life will be turned upside down if the world knew you were his father. I can't do that to him."
"So we don't tell them. I'll adopt him. We know he's mine. I want my son to have my last name. He's my only child Liv. The courts will say he's legally mine but we will know he is my blood. Im not leaving you or our son Olivia. I've spent far too much time away from him and you. Im not going anywhere. We're in this together."
Liv relaxed a little and thought about it. If they happened to reunite after Fitz left office, if they happened to begin dating and eventually get married, if Fitz did adopt Zion, the world would see him as a stand up guy. It was a win-win situation. They would be a family, and the world would be none the wiser to their secret. Liv closed her eyes and prayed it would work. It had to. There was no way she was losing Fitz ever again.