Guys my original plan was to post part one of this story for you guys on Valentine's Day. This story is purely fluff. No drama at all will take place in this story. I thought everyone could use a break from the drama since Shonda and the writers are hell-bent on making life difficult for our favorite couple. Due to some serious phantom pain I was unable to focus on writing and editing. Now that the pain is once again manageable I am back. Forgive me if I missed something in editing this story as well as my updates. I decided to go ahead and post this story. Updates are coming on all my other stories. I want to take the time to thank each and everyone one of you for your reviews and thoughts. They mean more to me that I can ever express. I want to take the time to thank three people in particular.
9-I look forward to your reviews. Thank you for checking up on me. I am back, and I hope you enjoy.
Diamondprencess-You are a writer's best friend. Your reviews provide me with such insight. I enjoy reading the emotional turmoil that I put you through. Reading your reviews often help me to know if I did a good job or not conveying the emotions and story that I want to tell.
LoreneMichelle41- Thank you for your support and encouragement. You motivate me to continue even when I wonder if I'm doing a good job or not. Thank you for checking on me. I appreciate your support and prayers.
Olivia was sitting at her desk looking out the window. There was never a dull moment in Washington D.C. which was good for her. As a crisis manager it meant that there was always a crisis that needed to be fixed. There would always be someone who needed her help on the worst of their lives. Olivia owned her own crisis management firm called Olivia Pope & Associates also known as OPA. She opened it when she was 25 and worked many long hours to make it a success. Doing so had taken a toll on her personal life.
Olivia was always focused on being successful and making a great life for herself that dating was never important to her. Her longest relationship was with Jake Ballard who she met in college, but they didn't starting dating until she was 30. It lasted three years but that was only because she didn't have the guts to end it sooner. Now she was 35 and all of a sudden she felt like her biological clock was ticking.
Olivia always wanted to be a mother. Her sister and brother were married with a family. One of her best friends had a daughter. Olivia had recently decided that since she wasn't going to find a man anytime soon that she would have IVF treatments using a donor egg to have a child.
Everyone thought that she had lost her mind. That was not what was bothering her. It was the response of her best friend Fitzgerald Grant. They had been best friends since high school. He was 36 years old. They had never had a romantic relationship, but Olivia did lose her virginity to him on her 21st birthday. They weren't drunk. It was what she wanted. For 24 hours he rocked her world.
The truth was no one matched up to him. He was smart, funny, and kind. He would give you the shirt off his back. He owned his own law firm with his brother Theodore Grant who was 30 years old.
Olivia knew that they had feelings for each other. For years they tap danced around the elephant in the room. Fitz was dating Millicent Francis the same time she was with Jake. They went on several double dates together. It was clear that Fitz wasn't head over heels in love with her, but he was determined to make it work.
That changed one day when he came home early from work with a migraine to find Mellie riding Jake. Fitz called Olivia and asked her to come over. It was important. He waited outside. When she arrived he told her what was going on upstairs.
Neither of them was mad that they caught them cheating. Fitz was pissed that she had the audacity to sleep with Jake in his bed. Olivia was mad about the same thing and the fact that he was sleeping with her best friend's girlfriend.
They went back up to the room where the couple was still in their own world. Olivia never thought Jake was that great in bed. It was amusing listening to Mellie because it sounded so forced, but to each its own.
A couple of minutes later the couple was done. Fitz & Olivia told them their performance was good but they had 15 minutes to get their shit and get out. They told them they would send their stuff to Jake's house and walked out the room.
They sat outside enjoying a glass of wine glad that chapter in their lives was over. Neither of them had dated since.
Whenever they had events to attend they went as each other dates. They ate dinner together several times a week. They would often watch their nieces and nephews together. Their families loved each other.
Olivia had to admit that lately she began to want more than a friendship. Every man she tried to date or be with she compared to Fitz.
Fitz was hurt when she told him about the IVF Treatment. It felt like she was cheating on him by having this baby. He would never tell her specifically why it bothered him so much, but he had a feeling she knew why. She had to know. She had already texted him and asked him to come over for dinner. At first he told her he was busy, but she pleaded with him and he finally agreed.
Olivia decided to leave. She couldn't get any work done with all of them on her mind. As she was packing up her other best friend Abby stepped in her office.
Abby knew that Fitz & Olivia were made for each other. Every day for the past ten years she prayed they would take a chance, and it never happened. Olivia had called Abby after Fitz left. Abby knew why he was upset. The question was would they finally talk about it or continue to tap dance.
Abby asked, "You leaving for the day?"
Olivia looked up and nodded, "Yeah I have a lot of my mind. You guys have everything under control. I am going to head home and take a nap before dinner with Fitz."
Abby nodded, "Okay I hope that everything goes well."
Abby turned and was about the walk out when she turned around and said, "I know that you don't want to lose your friendship with him. I just want you to consider that your best friend can also be the love of your life. You can have both. Consider the fact that if you don't try you may be missing out on the best thing that ever happened to you. They always say that your significant other should be your best friend."
Abby walked out. Olivia had to admit that she was right. Olivia had no fear when it came to her professional life, but her personal life was a whole other story.
Olivia made it home and changed into her favorite lounge outfit which happen to be bought by Fitz. He knew she loved La Perla so when he saw the outfit online he knew she had to have it.
It took no time for Olivia to fall asleep. She slept for almost three hours when she heard her phone ringing. Olivia saw who it was and smiled.
Olivia answered, "Hi"
Fitz was upset when Olivia told him about her doing IVF treatment. He tried to pretend he didn't know why it bothered him so much, but he knew. When Olivia called him he wasn't ready to face her, but she begged so he decided to go see her.
Fitz smiled hearing her voice, "Hi"
Olivia could tell that he was tired as well. His voice sounded strained. It was a little after one so it was too early to start dinner.
Fitz said, "Do you mind if I come over now? I can't get anything done. Teddy says I look like shit and told me to leave."
Olivia laughed, "Sure I left work this morning too. I was of no help to the team today."
Both of them realized that the other was suffering because of their last conversation. They didn't know that each of them were thinking the same thing.
Fitz said, "I'll be there in about 20 minutes. If you don't mind I'll take a shower over there."
Olivia responded, "That's fine. I'll see you soon."
Fitz was leaving the office when Teddy came up to him. He gave him a hug which shocked Fitz because Teddy was not an affectionate person.
Teddy smiled, "Go for her. Be honest and tell Liv how you really feel, because at the end of the day we both know she is the woman for you. She loves you for you. From the moment you met she never cared about your name, the money you were worth, or the car you drove. She cares about Fitz the man. She cares about your family. All of us. I never told you but when you were on a training mission while in the Navy Shelly got really sick. She helped me. Sometimes she would stay with Shelly so I could do something with the kids or she would take the kids to give me a break. She asked me not to tell you. She knew you would have been there for us. She said she was doing what you would do. I love you. I know I'm not the best at showing it sometimes, but there is nothing I wouldn't do for you. I want you to be happy and I think you can be happy in a committed relationship with Olivia."
Fitz was caught off guard by Teddy's speech. His family didn't interfere in his personal life. He didn't feel like Teddy was interfering at the moment just giving him his observation. More than anything he felt how much his brother loved him.
Fitz hugged him and thanked him. He left the office knowing that he had to be honest with Olivia.
Twenty-five minutes later she heard her door bell ring. When she opened her door she found herself speechless. As they looked at each other you could feel the tide was turning in their relationship. It was clear they were ready to talk about how they really felt.
Fitz dropped his bag in the door and opened his arms. Olivia jumped in his arms. He her her as tight as he could without hurting her. He closed and locked the door. He took them to her bedroom.
Fitz had held Olivia on many occasions for various reasons, but this was different. There were emotions involved. He just kept telling her that everything would be okay, and the comfort and safety she felt in his arms allowed her to be vulnerable. She cried for what seemed like forever.
When she calmed down she looked him in the eyes. She could see it. She could feel it. Fitz loved her, and it was not friendship love. This was romantic love.
Olivia leaned in and pressed her lips gently against his. At first it was soft and gentle kisses, but Olivia gave in and allowed his tongue access. Olivia was caught off guard as Fitz gave her the most passionate kiss any man has ever given her. It left her breathless for several minutes.
Olivia finally composed herself, "Can we talk about last night? Can you tell me the real reason that you are upset with me doing IVF?"
Fitz looked away for a moment. He then turned and faced her and revealed the truth, "I was upset because I don't want you to go through with the IVF treatment, and have a child using a donor. I am in love with you. I think I have been for some time. After we slept together for your 21st birthday things changed. That 24 hour period was one of the happiest times in my life. It was more than great sex. For the record the best sex I have ever had, but afterwards when we just laid in each other's arms and talked about everything and nothing. I felt safe. I didn't have to be a Grant. I didn't have to be some hot-shot lawyer. I just had to be me and that was enough for you. I want a life with you. I want to marry you and have babies, but like you I'm scared because you are the most important person in my life other than my family. Hearing you talk about having a baby even though it is not with another man it feels that way to me. I'll admit I was a coward. I should have said something before now. I feel like at this point I have nothing left to lose."
Olivia was shocked as she listened to him. She thought back to the night of her birthday. She felt the same way, but he never gave her any indication that it was anything more that her best friend taking care of her instead of some man who would not have been as caring as she lost her virginity. She knew that it was all up to her now. Was she going to walk away from him? At this point she knew they were past the point of being friends. If she didn't want to move forward it would make their friendship different from this point forward. Olivia decided to go with her gut. It was never wrong.
Olivia looked up at Fitz. She could tell that he was scared to hear her response so she caressed his face so he could release some of the tension in his body. It worked.
Olivia began, "The more I try the more I realize that you are it for me. Every time I try to date I compare them to you even though we never dated. My sister says that technically we have been dating for years, but passing it off as friendship. I think she is right. When you told me about Mellie & Jake I was thrilled. We both wanted out and they gave us a reason. I can honestly say I love you. I didn't know my birthday meant so much to you. I felt the same way, but again I didn't want to ruin our friendship. Before I left the office Abby told me that your partner should be your best friend. For once I agree with her. I can't deny it anymore. I want more than a friendship with you. We have tried over and over with others. We both know that we are each other's end game, but I really want children. I'm already 35."
Fitz sat up, "I know Livvie. I want kids to so I stayed up all night thinking. How about we date for six months? Just to enjoy being a couple. Enjoy real dates, dinner, trips, and time with our family as a couple. We spend nights with each and just enjoy the transition of our relationship. It is August now so in January when you go get your yearly physical stop all birth control. We work on having a baby. I want us to be a family. I want babies too but only with you. I want us to start looking for a house. I know what I want. I want this with you. I want us to get married, have babies, and enjoy life. We both have worked so hard to achieve our success. We both have used work to hide our pain. I am 36. I am ready to enjoy life. What do you want Livvie? I'll give it to you."
Olivia looked at him and knew he was serious. This wasn't some last-minute plan, but one that he thought about and wanted.
Olivia climbed in his lap, "I want all of that Fitz. I'm done watching life past me by. I want to live. I am ready. We have spent years dancing around each other. I'm ready to dance with you. I would like to be married before we have the baby, but I don't want you to feel like I'm pressuring you."
Fitz nodded, "Don't worry baby you will be my wife. You will be Olivia Carolyn Pope but legally Grant. I'm not looking for another girlfriend. I'm with my future wife."
Olivia felt the tears swelling in her eyes, "Good, but when we get married I will be Olivia Carolyn Pope-Grant. There is nothing wrong with being a Grant, and I don't mean your money. I know I said I would never take my husband's last name, but that was because I thought I would have to settle. With you I am not settling so I want to carry your name. "
Fitz nodded, "Good to know. Teddy is going to be happy. He shared a story with me before I left. He told me how you helped him with Shelly when I was on a mission. He loves you. He wants us to be together."
Olivia smiled, "I love them too. I had no problem helping him. Teddy is like my brother too. I know that if the shoe was on the other foot you would do the same for Kenya & Eric. My family has always loved you. Every time I talk to my parents they ask about you."
Fitz laughed, "Same here. Do you want to call them and tell them the good news?"
In the past Olivia would have said no. She didn't talk about her personal life even to her family, but Fitz changed all that. She wanted people to know. Olivia smiled, "Yes actually I would love to tell them."
Olivia went and grabbed her Mac Book. They decided to call her parents first. Her parents supported her decision to do the IVF procedure, but she knew they wished she would wait a little longer. She knew this would make them happy.
On the second ring her mother picks up. They see her face. When Maya sees Fitz & Olivia she can instantly tell something is different. First of all she has never seen her daughter so happy as an adult.
Maya smiled, "Hi guys this is an unexpected. Is everything okay?"
Olivia laughed, "Yes mom everything is more than okay. Is dad home?"
Maya nodded and called Eli who came in from the garage. He came over and noticed Fitz & Olivia. He looked at Maya. They were thinking the same thing. He hadn't seen his daughter look genuinely happy since high school.
Eli smiled, "Hi guys. How are my children doing?"
In the past Olivia would suck her teeth or made a comment, but they instantly noticed her smile and then she said, "We are fine dad. How are you?"
Eli was shocked for a moment but composed himself, "I'm enjoying retirement and anytime I get to talk to any of my kids is a good day. How about you guys?"
Fitz looked at Olivia and she nodded, "We are good actually we are great. Olivia & I have decided to finally be together in a relationship. We wanted to call our parents to give them the good news."
They watched as tears of happiness flowed from Maya's eyes and Eli was clearly choked up but held it together.
Eli spoke, "We are really happy that you both realize that you are made for each other. You know Liv I only wanted to see you happy. That is what any dad wants, and I know that Fitz cherishes you. I would feel safe handing him over to you."
Maya nodded and agreed, "So what are you going to do about the treatments Livvie?"
Olivia said, "I'm not going to do them. Fitz & I are going to spend the next six months enjoying the new dynamics of our relationship. We are going to find a house. In January I plan on not going on anymore birth control. Fitz wants kids and he wants them with me. I want that as well."
Fitz added, "Mr. Pope we are getting married. I don't plan to just shack up with Livvie and have kids. I want everything with her and that includes being my wife. I've made that very clear."
Eli had no doubt. He wasn't worried.
Eli said, "I know son. I trust you. We are glad to hear that you guys have talked and that you have come up with a plan. It is clear that you are both happy and that is all that matters. Can you guys come down to Virginia next weekend. Kenya & Eric are coming down. We were going to call you later in the week."
The couple looked at each other. Olivia said, "We will be there. I don't think I have anything scheduled, but if I do I'll reschedule. Mom can you not tell them about Fitz & I and allow us to surprise them."
Maya smiled, "No problem honey. They will be thrilled. You know we already feel like Fitz is our son and their brother."
Fitz voice croaked with emotions when he said, "You guys have always been my second mother and father. Especially with my parents in California you both have been there for me."
Maya kissed the screen, "Nothing changes. It only gets better now. We love you. I know you need to call Fitz's parents. Tell them we said hi. We will see you guys next weekend."
The couple sent their love and ended the call. They looked at each other and smiled. It felt good to say they were a couple. It felt right.
They called Fitz's parents. They were about to hang up when Janice answered the phone. She was a little out of breath.
Fitz smiled, "Hi mom is everything okay?"
Janice laughed, "Yeah just your old mom forgetting where she left her computer."
The couple laughed.
Janice noticed Olivia who looked different to her, but she could not put her finger on it, "Hi Liv. I get to talk to my son and daughter at the same time. This is a treat. Is everything okay?"
Fitz said, "We are fine. Is dad home by chance? We were hoping to talk to the both of you."
Janice nodded, "Yeah baby he is in his office. Give me a second to get there."
Janice walked into Big Gerry's office. She put the computer in front of him so he could see the kids, and he smiled.
Big Gerry was a tall, gruff man. He could be loud and direct, but he loved his family with everything that he had. He was proud of his two boys. When he first met Olivia he had to admit he was wasn't the nicest to her at first, but she remained kind and respectful to him and won him over. He noticed that Fitz was a better person with her in his life. He knew his son loved her, but he was scared to take that leap.
Big Gerry smiled, "Hi kiddos. you guys look good. How are you?"
Fitz smiled, "We are good dad. We wanted to call and share some big news with you. Olivia & I have decided that we want to be more than friends. Olivia is my girlfriend and not to far in the distant future I'm going to make her my wife. We just spoke with Livvie's parents. They told us to tell you hello."
Janice & Big Gerry were surprised with the change in their relationship. They were curious as to what made them change their mind. Janice decided to ask.
Janice said, "Do you mind us asking what happened to make you guys make this change?"
Olivia decided to speak because she knew that Fitz didn't want to share her personal business.
Olivia said, "With me being 35 I feel my biological clock ticking. I want to be a mother. Since I had no man in my life I was going to undergo IVF treatment and use a donor egg. When I told Fitz it upset him. In a way I was having another's man baby. Seeing his reaction bothered me. It forced both us to think and be honest with ourselves. I honestly have been in love with your son for years. I want a life with him. We are going to spend some time as a couple, but at the beginning of the year we plan on stopping all birth control. I'm not playing your son. I'm not using him to have a baby. I want him. He is enough for me."
Fitz was nervous. Unlike Olivia's parents his parents hadn't said as much either way. He knew his parents weren't as emotional, but it still scared him.
Big Jerry finally spoke up, "Liv you know you and I didn't start out on the right foot, and that was because of me. You are the only woman who loved Fitz for Fitz. You never cared that he was a Grant. He was just Fitz to you. We want our children to be happy, and there is not a shadow of a doubt that you make my son happy. As a matter of fact Janice & I were talking not long ago. We believe that Fitz is a better man because of you. I'm happy for you both. I think that we can agree that this was a long time coming. If you are both happy we are happy."
Fitz let out that breath that he had been holding, "I am happy. We are happy. Times like now I hate you guys being so far away."
Janice smiled, "Teddy and the kids said the same thing last week. Honestly we hate being so far away now that Teddy has kids, and it sounds like you will to soon. Your dad & I talked with Uncle Bill. They have decided to add a branch to Grant Oil in Maryland. We decided that we will get the office up and running so we can move to be closer to you guys. I am missing too much out here."
Fitz & Olivia were excited to hear the news. The Grants were happy to see that the couple was excited to have them closer.
Olivia smiled and said, "You have always been my second mom. It will be nice to have you close. Mom is going to flip when you tell her. You know she misses you like crazy."
Janice nodded, "I know which is another reason for us to move. We miss Maya & Eli. Well guys we are meeting some friends from dinner, but we will talk soon. Again we love you and are proud of you for taking this risk. Often time your biggest rewards come when you take that risk."
They said they love you and good-byes and ended the chat. The new couple sat there smiling at each other. While they were a new couple officially it didn't feel that way.
Olivia leaned over and kissed Fitz, "I need to get up and make my boyfriend some dinner."
Fitz smiled, "I like that. Say it again."
Olivia laughed, "I have to make my boyfriend some dinner."
Fitz was on top of the world hearing that. He was really happy. For once he felt complete. He saw how happy his parents and the Popes were. He wanted that and now he knew he was getting that.
Olivia fixed all of Fitz's favorites for dinner. She put together a garden salad. She pulled out the bottle of ranch dressing, shrimp scampi, and for dessert she made him brownies with walnuts.
Olivia set the table and brought out the food. Fitz came in the dining room and smiled. He came over and kissed her forehead, "Baby this looks good. Thank you. I love you."
Olivia hugged him, "Well as your girlfriend I am sure you would like for me to cook for you. Men expect that."
Fitz's face turned serious, "No Livvie. Douch bags expect that. I know who I am with. I don't want you to change. I love you for who you are. If you have time and you want to cook for me then I will love it and enjoy it, but you are not Betty Crocker. You are Olivia Pope. Not just me but if someone loves you then who you are should be good enough for them now."
Olivia smiled, "I love you too. I'm glad you like the real me. It won't be everyday, but you will get some home cooked meals. I'm no dummy. My mom always told me the way to a man's heart is through his stomach."
Fitz nodded, "Okay well Mama Pope has a point there."
The couple sat down and enjoyed their dinner. The rest of the evening they relaxed and watched movies.
As they were getting ready for bed Fitz looked at Olivia and asked, "I would like to take you out on our first official date Friday. Are you free?"
For some reason this made Olivia giddy and happy. She looked at Fitz and smiled, "I am available for you to take me out Friday."
He smiled. The couple climbed in bed content. They knew things were only going to get better for them.