Happy #TonyTuesday #Gladiators. Before we get into this did you all see Tony in Iowa this weekend? Holy Christ he should not be allowed to wear jeans that tight out in public. There is no way he's 55 and looks that good in a pair of Levi's. Lawd. And the pic with the little baby, ruined me.
Anyway here is your next installment for this new Xmas fic. I know it's been expected and some of your questions get answered. So leave me #MiracleMuffins (thanks fitzisgoldwin) on your way out if you want more. Something tells me that you will.
Enjoy..Me's
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Chapter 2: "Someone Special is Coming To Town…"
Ten Days Before Christmas (Dec 15th)
Partial Flashback into "Miss Rose's" past and The Grants. ;-)
For the next week or more Miss Rose kept herself busy after talking to "Blue Eyes." She had gotten word from the United States Secret Service that agents would be arriving a few days before Fitz to make sure all appropriate security measures would be in place for his arrival. Hope's police force was informed already, and they had already begun preparations.
Fitz called her himself to inform Miss Rose that he was coming to her for Christmas this year and she swore her heart skipped a beat.
"You aren't trying to give an old lady a heart attack," Miss Rose chastised Fitz on the phone. "You best be telling me the truth."
"Oh Miss Rose I wouldn't dream of it. I swear I am coming to Hope, Vermont to see you, and this Sunshine you keep telling me about," Fitz answers her back with a hint of sweetness in his voice. "I am assuming I am going to finally meet this person this time."
"Oh yes Sunshine will be here," Rose informs him. "You know I don't care if you are a next President, you are still going to work to earn your keep here."
"I wouldn't have it any other way Miss Rose. I live to serve at the pleasure of Miss Rose. See you soon. Duty calls," Fitz answers her quickly.
Miss Rose laughs. "See you soon Blue Eyes." She hangs up the phone and grins like a love-sick school girl.
Rose had not seen Fitz since he became Governor of California. He made a special stop the week before the election, needing to clear his head before the final week of complaining. That was also the last time Rose had seen Big Jerry and Lillian. Even after all this time and years of knowing the Grant Family, they still held that special place in her heart and vice versa.
Rose met the Big Jerry and Lillian Grant when they came to Hope, Vermont for a family vacation many years ago. The family had found Rose through word of mouth in the area. Big Jerry had political connections and friends in Vermont. Lillian suggested they go "someplace cold and with Snow" for Christmas. After spending countless Christmas's in Santa Barbara, she wanted snow.
Big Jerry understood his wife fully because she was a "northern girl" and loved the cold weather. Even though Big Jerry grew up in California, he did prefer four seasons as well. They hadn't taken a family vacation since their first child, Fitz III was born. Now that "young" Fitz was five, it was not only time, but Big Jerry was eager to introduce his young son to cold weather and skiing.
Big Jerry called some of his "Senator and Governor" friends. They all suggested he take his family to Vermont- Hope to be exact. There was a woman who ran a Bed and Breakfast that was the place to stay. She didn't just allow anyone to reside at her place, and she made sure you knew HER RULES before staying. Big Jerry's close friend in the Senate made a phone to call to the owner over thirty –five years ago, and changing everything.
The woman, Rose Margaret Pope and her husband Joseph Pope had built the local Bed and Breakfast from the ground up. They bought the land from the local textile mill for three hundred and fifty dollars. Joseph had worked at the mill since he was a young teenager following in his own father's footsteps. When Joseph reached Foreman, the Mill was selling land for their workers to buy at a cheap price.
He spoke to Rose, and they purchased two plots of land. Five years later after saving up enough money, they bought some of the surrounding land. When no one from the Mill had inquired to buy the rest of the land up and down the street from the house, Joseph worked a deal out with the mill. Small payments were taken out of his check and once that too was paid in full, Joseph Pope owned from one end of the small street to the other.
Rose's family teased her about moving into the little house that was already there. "Are you really going to move into that CIGAR BOX", her older brother chastised.
"I most certainly am Lionel," Rose scolded her older brother.
Rose and Joseph moved in and gradually transformed the house into a beautiful three story Victorian home. Joseph painted it a beautiful shade of blue, with white shutters on the windows. He dug the basement himself with help from his friends at the mill. There are 5 bedrooms for lots of kids. Four bedrooms on the second floor, and one huge room on the upper.
The kitchen was towards the back of the house. It had oak cabinets, an actual sink with running water, a wooden stove where they cooked meals. In the center of the room was a small kitchen table where they ate. From there Joseph transformed the single back door to a double door. Once you step outside, there is a back sitting room, Rose had enclosed in the latter part of their marriage.
Rose loves to sit out here on many nights. Warm, hot or cold she enjoyed her three season room. Her guests loved it too. The bugs could not get to them, and it gave any visitors great peace. Looking out from the this sitting room, one could see the back yard filled with fruits trees, Rose used to make her jams. To one side of the trees was a garden Joseph tends to growing vegetables.
Then as one goes back into the kitchen off to the side was a small sitting room. From there a large "Parlor" family living room with a baby grand piano and some sofas. And finally another room that Miss Rose used as a make shift study, extra bedroom or where she works on some of her crafts.
A huge wrap around porch with a swing on one corner, and hammock on the other adorns the front of the house. Rose has plants, and wind chimes hanging in every opening. The sound of the chimes is another welcome sound for not only the guests but her as well. Her neighbors always knew when something was up. Even now if no wind chimes where hanging. Only if a bad wind storm was coming did they come down.
Miss Rose and Joseph Pope lived in this house for their entire marriage raising 4 children here. Bernard, Edward, Louis, and Celia. However before Bernard was born, there was another, but he died at birth. This hurt Miss Rose and Joseph losing their first born son Anthony. The doctors told Miss Rose that she did nothing wrong. Sometimes these things happen.
She was allowed to see and hold their son, and they decided to bury him with her parents. Once their final child was born, Miss Rose told Joseph no more babies. She was done. All their children grew up in Hope, Vermont only leaving the area to go to college, or join the military. They came home for holidays if possible. When they married and had families of their own, they came home to visit as often as they could.
Even though Miss Rose had loving grown children, who visited her as often as they could, the house was lonely. She spoke to Louis, and they decided to open "Marmalade's Bed and Breakfast – Where you'll not only get the best night sleep you've ever had but taste the best Jam in all of Vermont." Rose chastised Joseph for wanting to call their new business this name but the town agreed. Her Jam was the best and it fit her perfectly.
Rose and Joseph only took in specific residents. When Big Jerry and Lillian heard of "Marmalade's" Big Jerry phoned Miss Rose to make a reservation for the holiday. Rose of course was not fooled but HIS charms and insisted on speaking to Lillian.
"How did you hear of my Bed and Breakfast Mrs. Grant," Rose asked Lillian over the phone.
"A Senator friend of Big Jerry's recommended you Ma'am," Lillian uttered on the line. Rose then asked the name and Lillian gave it willingly.
"Oh they are such good people even for a politician. Their family has stayed with us many times," Rose gushed on the phone.
"Good to know Mrs. Pope," Lillian replied. "So can our family stay at your B and B. Big Jerry, and our son would love to get out of California this winter. He's been itching to take him skiing. And I miss the cold and snow around Christmas time."
Rose thought about her answer. "I run a tight household Mrs. Grant. I know your husband is used to being in charge for HIS party but I will not tolerate any of his bossiness in MY house. I do not care if your husband is President of the United States. In my house my rules are absolute. Is that going to be a problem Mrs. Grant," causing Lillian to smile.
"No Ma'am," Lillian replies with a smile.
"Good. And your little boy,"….
"Fitz," Lillian answers. "He's named after his father."
Rose grins. "I don't care if he's named after the Pope. If you have a nanny that is fine, but he is your child. I expect you to watch, care and tend to his needs."
Lillian eye's shot up. "We have a nanny on staff Mrs. Pope but she is on holiday with her family. I give her two weeks PAID off every year around this time to be with her family. And she is only with Fitz, when I cannot be. I am his primary care giver most of the time. She is just around to help me if need be. Plus my husband hired her to relieve some stress because well we are…,"
"Say no more," Rose interjects understanding that they are trying for another child.
"Thank you," Lillian softly replies. "Are we good?"
"Yes," Rose answers. "I'll see you on the date your husband asked for and you can stay with us for your entire visit. See you then Mrs. Grant."
"Lillian," Fitz's mother corrects her.
"Oh Mrs. Grant that would be inappropriate and you have to earn it," Rose comments quickly.
Lillian laughs and after they chat briefly she hangs up. She look over to Big Jerry and explains the situation. He shakes his head and chuckles. "We'll be fine Lillian. I can handle myself fine."
"You better because I think I am going to like this vacation and Rose Pope is one not to be messed with," causing Big Jerry to grin.
"I got it Lil," and he kisses her. Once they break apart they tend to young Fitz and pack for Hope, Vermont. When they arrive a few weeks later, Rose is instantly taken with YOUNG Fitz.
"You must be Fitz," crouching down to meet him.
"Yes Ma'am," a five year old Fitzgerald Grant III answers. He looks up into Rose eyes and instantly she feels this boy wiggling into her heart.
"My Lord child," placing her hands over her heart. "With THOSE blue eyes of yours, I can see the ladies falling terrible for you."
Young Fitz blushes and clings to Lillian, unsure of the attention.
"I am going to call him 'Blue Eyes", Rose replies proudly looking down at young Fitz. She sees the young boy smile and become more bashful holding his mother's hand. "I mean if that is okay with him."
Lillian glances down at Fitz. "I like it Mommy," he answers. He finally walks over to Rose and places his hand out for her. "Nice to meet you Miss Rose," kissing the top of her hand.
Rose fans herself noting how charming this boy is. "Lord this child here is going to be a heart breaker. You watch him when the ladies come calling."
Big Jerry places his hand on Fitz's shoulder. "Yes Ma'am. We will."
Rose chats with them briefly and then Joseph shows the family to their rooms. Once they are settled Big Jerry, Lillian and Young Fitz come down so Rose can give them explanation on how she runs things. Breakfast is served at 8:00 am. Lunch is no later than 12:30 and dinner is at 6:00 pm SHARP no later. She does not need help preparing meals but if it is needed she will ask.
You clean up your own plate from eating at her table, and are expected to make your bed every morning. She's is NOT the maid and will see that her guests have everything they need if they abide by her rules. Rose does not expect to know where they are every moment of the day but if they will not be at a meal, she must be notified. Her children will be coming for the holidays and she hopes everyone will get along.
The bathrooms are expected to be kept clean and "seats down" after each use she notes if you're a boy. She looks squarely at Big Jerry and Fitz. "I've raised three boys of mine own. Now my aim it to keep the bathroom's clean. Yours will help," causing Lillian to chuckle, never hearing it quite put that way. "Are we understood boys?"
Big Jerry and young Fitz gulp. "What if I miss," he asks Rose meekly.
"Then you call for your Mom, Dad or me if need be Blue Eyes. One of us will help you clean it up," Rose explains. "But since you are little I have a suggestion." Fitz nods. "Sit down. You won't miss that way," giving him a wink.
"But boys stand Miss Rose," Fitz explains. "I am not a girl."
Rose laughs out loud at his stating the obvious. She takes his hand. "Yes Blue Eyes I know. But your Momma and I are. And I don't want a wet bottom all right."
"Yes Miss Rose," Fitz understands and goes to play with his toys.
Once this little conversation is over, Lillian and Big Jerry get into a routine. Everything goes smoothly. It was one of their best vacations and due to it Lillian and Rose became great friends. When Lillian arrived home to California, she learned that she was FINALLY pregnant with their second child. After she told Big Jerry who jumped for joy and kissed her soundly afterwards, they called Rose.
"Lil are you serious," Rose cooed on the phone.
"I am. Five weeks. It happened there with you all. It was our best vacation. I can't thank you enough," Lillian gushed on the phone.
"Oh yes you can. After you have HER make sure you come and see me," Lillian playfully suggested.
"Her? How do you know," Lillian asked.
"Oh a hunch," Rose giggled and the two ladies chatted for a few minutes suggesting baby names. Once Lillian reached the end of her first trimester they told the rest of the family and Fitz. He was ecstatic and said as well that they were having a girl. Lillian shrugged it off but when his baby sister was born, Fitz jumped up and down. She arrived on time and a mere 6 pounds and 6 ounces.
She had blue eyes like Fitz, and a hint of reddish-blond hair. Fitz had the honor of naming her, and chose the perfect one. Lillian and Big Jerry were more than pleased with his choice. His baby sister was named after a famous writer, Big Jerry's mother, and at least one former First Lady. Perfect for a political family. As soon as the baby could travel Lilian brought the entire family to Hope, Vermont to see Rose and Joseph.
Rose barely put the new baby down and fussed over Fitz. Fitz was no longer afraid of Miss Rose and helped her out when he was there. It was at this visit that the Grants learned that her youngest son LOUIS was FINALLY getting married that summer to a wonderful girl named Alice. They met at his latest base, instantly falling for her. The wedding would be in Vermont and Rose couldn't be happier. HE was the last of her children to get married.
Lillian, Big Jerry, Fitz and his baby sister of course were invited to Louis's wedding. They had met her oldest son Bernard who lived in New Hampshire. Edward lived in Chicago, and didn't come home often. However he was there and had met the Grants. Louis had not met them yet because of his military duties. They always seemed to miss each other and Rose hoped that could finally be changed.
But when it came time for Louis and Alice to get married, the Grants could not make it. Fitz had come down with the chicken pox and could not travel. Rose was not upset and prayed that one day they would meet.
As time progressed, Rose kept in close contact with the Grants through letters and phone calls. As Fitz grew up and into his teens, he was not one to get into trouble until his Senior Year of High school. After graduation, Lillian and Big Jerry sent him to Hope, Vermont where he stayed for months. They refused to allow him to return home until he changed into the young man they knew Fitz could be.
Big Jerry and Lillian only gave Fitz a small sum of money for his "stay" with Miss Rose. Because of this low sum of money, Fitz had to learn out too work for a small wage and how to spend his limited pay check. He worked at the Local Hardware store in the wood department. When he was not working there he was doing chores for Miss Rose around the Bed and Breakfast.
Anything Miss Rose asked Fitz to do, he did without a second thought. Running the Bed and Breakfast was hard work, and Rose put him to use. He chopped wood, picked apples, pears, and worked in her garden. She made sure he helped out with the landscaping and she even taught Fitz how to cook. Lillian and Big Jerry knew their way around the kitchen but were not as good as Miss Rose.
To Miss Rose's pleasant surprise "Blue Eyes" wiggled his way into her heart so much by the end of his stay she finally taught him how to make a homemade pie. It was not apple, Fitz's favorite, but it was fine. "So," Fitz asked her one day, "this cooking is going to help me get a girl."
Rose laughed. "Oh my dear boy," messing up his curls. "It will help you win her heart. Girls are picky. Not only do we like boys that are fairly good looking, but that can fix things around the house, and work in the kitchen. Trust me everything you've learned here will pay off one day. I don't think you believe me but trust me you'll see."
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President Elects Holiday Plans…
In these pivotal months with Rose, "Blue Eyes" changed. He transformed from a scared young boy who had no clue what he wanted to do for his future into a young man with a purpose. The day Big Jerry arrived to pick Fitz up he learned that Fitz planned on going into Pre-Law at Harvard that Spring Semester. Then he planned on joining the Navy.
Big Jerry and Lillian were more than proud of Fitz, as was Miss Rose. In the two decades that have passed Fitz was always in her thoughts and she was beyond excited that he was indeed coming home. There had been much speculation where the incumbent President would be spending his final Holiday Season as Governor of California. His new Press Secretary was about to make the announcement.
As Miss Rose watched the TV, she was joined by the person who interrupted her phone conversation with Fitz only earlier. "Sunshine," Rose stated sitting down. "What are you watching?"
"Apparently Noni," she rolls her expressive brown eyes in annoyance. "The new President's Press Secretary felt it appropriate to announce his Christmas travel plans to the Nation."
"Oh," Rose stated in a raised voice. "Well let's listen Sunshine." But instead of the Press Secretary, President-Elect Fitzgerald Grant took the podium. Rose voiced out loud, "My, he cleaned up nice."
"Noni," her granddaughter scolded.
"What child," leaning into her. "I may be old but I sure as hell ain't dead. And even then I'll still fan myself over this handsome man."
"Oh Lord," she gaffs. "This man is our new President Noni."
Rose laughs. But as she looks up and watches the camera zoom in on the Nation's newest President, she has to admit he was extremely good looking. His crystal blue eyes seem to be piercing through the lens of the camera straight into her heart. Then his hair, she notices. This man has a head of hair, women would give anything to run their fingers through.
Her breath hitched, causing Rose to glance over at youngest Grandchild. "See something you like Sunshine."
"Noni I swear this man, President-Elect Grant could be the Blue Eyes you always tell me about," swallowing quickly. "I swear those eyes of his."
"The eyes they say are a window to a man's soul dear," Rose kisses her on the cheek and turns back to the TV. "And with eyes like that, I am sure he'll be the most popular US President in history."
"NONI," raising her voice pretending to be upset.
But as they listened to President-Elect Grant speak of his Holiday plans, she could pick up from his voice that he was relieved to be leaving California, and would appreciate if the Nation would grant him some privacy. He just wants to enjoy the holiday quietly with his family, before taking the Oath of office next month.
"Sunshine" heard a few hints in his voice where he could be going. But all he would state for certain was that he did not want the small New England town he was headed to be bombarded with Press and the Secret Service. Just as he finished his announcement a knock was heard on the door.
Rose lifted herself off the couch and instantly knew who was there. "Are you Mrs. Rose Pope," a gentlemen asked.
"Yes Sir," and before the gentlemen could answer she replied "And you must be Thomas Stanton."
"Yes Ma'am," Tom answered. "So you've been expecting us then." Rose nods. "And you know why were are here?" Rose smiles. "All right Mrs. Pope the United States Secret Service has to do a search of the premises for the President-Elect. You need to provide us with any guests you have or family members that will be around him. Can you do that Ma'am?"
"Yes I can," looking behind Tom seeing the agents making notes to set up security measures.
She invites Tom inside and they sit at the table. For the next few minutes they talk and because of who Fitz is, he is the only one staying at the Bed and Breakfast this holiday season. Rose is given the date of his arrival, and of course she is aware his mother, father and sister will be arriving Christmas Eve. Just as Rose is about to see Tom out, her granddaughter enters the room.
"Noni who are all the men outside looking around," she stops. "They have dogs sniffing the ground." Tom then catches her eye. She stares at him offended. "You know my grandmother is not growing drugs in the back yard. Who the hell are you?"
Tom is momentarily stunned by her outburst. He is about to comment but Rose touches his arm. "I got this honey," making Tom blush. "This is Tom Stanton. He is a friend and works for Blue Eyes."
"Blue Eyes," Sunshine rolls her eyes. She then glances back up at Tom. "So why are those men in our backyard?"
"Ma'am," Tom begins. "We are making sure all the appropriate security measures are in place for my boss's arrival in a few days," Tom explains.
"Boss," she looks outside.
"Who the hell do you work for – our next President," causing Rose to snicker, not realizing how right she is. Before Tom can respond, Rose winks so he knows she'll handle her granddaughter. Rose sees Tom out and sits down at the kitchen table. Sunshine goes over to her. "Noni what is going on?"
"Oh my beautiful girl, you wouldn't believe me if I told you. This Christmas is going to be an extraordinary one for us because someone very special is coming to town." She looks out at the Secret Service. "And I know you don't understand but what these men are doing is important. Our guest is very special. You just have to trust me. No questions. I want you to be surprised when you met MY Blue Eyes."
"Noni. I don't care who he is. Why is he coming now anyway?"
"Because he wants one more special vacation before he starts his new job," Rose explains.
"Great," she huffs. "Well I hope Blue Eyes is ugly and that he unavailable. I am in no mood to be someone's Holiday fling Noni. I know you. You are not trying to set us up are you?"
"Honey for one thing I know you wouldn't stand for it and neither would he. You both are very stubborn in that respect. Plus Fitz is not like that," Rose interjects.
"Fitz huh," Olivia states placing her hands on her hips only hearing her grandfather call him by name a few times before. "Noni I know you are keeping something from me. Plus you have been talking about this Blue Eyes to me since I was a little girl. At least now I FINALLY get to meet him." She groans in faint displeasure. "He best be all this hype."
"Oh Sunshine he is." Rose winks. "Now no more questions. Trust I am sure you'll have plenty when he gets here."
"Fine," Olivia sips her tea. "But when he gets here he best be prepared to answer why he has you so smitten. I hope he's prepared to help out Noni."
"Oh trust me Sunshine. Blue Eyes will do anything he asked to do, even putting up with you," Rose chastises her granddaughter.
"Whatever," she groans. "More like the other way around."
Rose then grasps her hand, giving it a light squeeze. "Trust me child. When he meets you, he is going to love you."
"Now you're just crazy and a hopeless romantic," Olivia states moving away from Rose. "No one wants to love me Noni. They only see one thing," she stops talking not to upset herself.
Rose then hugs her tightly. "Give him a chance Sunshine. He just may be what you need and vice versa," she softly explains.
"There's only one thing I need Noni and that hasn't happened yet. And unless this Blue Eyes, Fitz, or whomever the hell he is has magic powers it is not going to happen," her voice creaks. Rose then pulls her to her side for a hug. She glances up at her Christmas Angel on the tree in the other room praying for a small miracle and some hope for not only her granddaughter but for Fitz.
"Praying for hope and a miracle." Rose closes her eyes saying this to herself. "It's really needed this year."
As she finishes her thought, the tea is finished on the stove. Rose and Sunshine and plan an agenda for the next few days to get everything ready for their special visitor. Little did they both realize that this one visit would give HOPE, Vermont a whole new meaning, and two lonely people exactly what they need –each other.
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TBC…#DropsMiracleCrumbs and Runs…
Well do you all have any #MiracleThoughts or ideas? I have not given "Sunshine" an official name yet but I am sure you can guess who she is unless I pull a fast one on you and make it someone totally different. But those of you that read my fics all the time know I don't do that so I won't say any more.
But you do know that Sunshine is "Noni's" Miss Rose's Granddaughter. You also know that "Blue Eyes" and "Sunshine" have NEVER met so their first meeting should be EPIC. You know I do those encounters MY unique way. When they do meet will sparks fly and will she be charmed by FTG3? I don't know but hell who wouldn't be.
So if you want chapter 3 (something tells me you do) make my email and twitter go crazy with reviews. IF this fic reaches over 100 reviews I'll try and post the next chapter this weekend. (Hint Olitz meets (I hope too) in this one. SPOILER!) Handle it Gladiators and be on the lookout for "Yes POTUS There is a Santa Claus."
Merry #FitzMas….
Me's
