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"I, I'm so in love with you
Whatever you want to do is all right with me
'Cause you make me feel so brand new
And I want to spend my life with you"
Let's Stay Together, Al Green
Today was the day. Olivia was trembling with excitement. She'd been up since seven in the morning attempting to get the house in order. Rosie watched her mom with wonder as she reorganized the pictures on the fireplace mantle for the third time today.
Finally, Liv thought, tears springing to her eyes. It had been years since she felt this hopeful and happy. Sure, Fitz brought moments of love and contentment but those were always fleeting, a constant reminder that he didn't belong to her. And as much joy Rosie's birth welcomed into her life, the terror of her true parentage being discovered always gnawed at her.
Over the years, her heart had been bruised, beaten and shredded to pieces again and again, as she tried to wait for Fitz. Their relationship consisted of hidden kisses and touches; rushed and muffled love making in dark corners; missed birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. How much longer could she live like that? With Mellie's eyes full of hate and degrading words constantly being aimed at her. What defense could Liv form when she was in fact sleeping with her husband?
The formidable Olivia Carolyn Pope was having a hard time looking at herself in the mirror. Of course, she'd put on her gladiator armor and became the super hero everyone desired her to be, but as a woman, her self-esteem had taken a hit. This was not how she imagined her life would turn out. Though, in her defense, she didn't imagine much after being raised by the likes of Eli and Maya.
She should have given up. She should have let Fitz go and moved on a long time ago. She had a chance, too. After Fitz's reelection, Olivia had received an offer to open up an office in London. How easy would it had been to ask Harrison, Abby, Huck and Quinn to follow her? There was no doubt in her mind they would have said yes. They would do anything for her. But she stayed. She stayed because the idea of being away from Fitz made her physically ill.
It was the way he made her feel. It was fire in her bones. She was addicted to him. He made her feel alive. He made her feel loved. God, he made her feel desired. She loved the attraction her body felt for him. They were like magnets. Drawn to each other hopelessly.
She loved the power her body held over Fitz. His eyes hungrily checking out her body whenever she was in his presence. His jealousy when other men approached her at events. His unquenchable need to kiss her, to touch her, to taste her and to be in her. For a moment, she wondered how many dresses had been pulled up in closets and bathroom as she bit on his shoulder to hide her screams as they tried to satisfy their desire for one another.
Fitz knew her. He could read right through her, insecurities and all. He sought her advice and listened to her. He protected her. He relied on her. He needed her and in truth, she needed him just as badly. He loved her and told her. Often. Never demanding she say it back because he understood how hard it was for her. He was the one. Olivia didn't believe in soul mates but if such a thing existed Fitz was hers.
Yes, today was the day that Fitz would finally come home. With the White House behind them and the divorce papers finalized, they were ready to start their life together. Vermont was no longer a dream. It was their reality.
Liv turned in time to see her daughter reaching for a glass of water she had forgotten on the coffee table.
"Ro," she warned. "Don't even try it." Rosie looked up at her mother innocently. She just really wanted to play with the water.
"You're going to get hurt and wet your pretty dress."
Rosie babbled in response. Liv laughed. "This is a glass for adults. Ro has a special cup."
"Cup... cup." She pointed towards her sippy cup on the kitchen counter.
"Yes, your cup." Liv clapped her hands making Rosie laugh and mimic her. "You're so smart." Liv bent down and picked up Rosie. "Let's finish getting you ready for daddy."
"Da. Da. Da." Rosie repeated all the way to the master bedroom. She, too, missed her daddy. Sitting on her parents' bed, she played with her bunny while her mom skillfully did her hair. After Liv perfectly coiled each curl, she tried to place a headband over Rosie's head but Rosie was not having it. At first she ripped it off her head and threw it across the room, which earned her a stern look from her mother. Then she shook her head and fell onto her back crying at Liv's second attempt.
"Rosie Pope Grant stop fighting me." Olivia chastised as she tried to grab her before she can reach the edge of the bed. "Ughhhhh," she shouted in frustration.
"Well I picked an interesting day to come home." Fitz voice broke through the chaos. Both mom and daughter froze and turned to see him leaning against the doorframe.
"Fitz! You're early." Liv complained. "You're not suppose to arrive until eight."
"I know but I couldn't wait any longer. I had to see my girls." SSA Tom had driven him from the airstrip before he retreated to the guest cottage not far from the main house. Letting himself in, Fitz breathed a sigh of relief. Finally. He was home. That's when he heard Liv's voice arguing with his baby girl. This was definitely not the White House. Mellie never concerned herself enough with the children. She left that job to the many nannies they had hired through the years.
"But we're not ready." Liv looked down at her clothes. She had everything planned out. She had a special outfit picked out and she was going to cook dinner for them.
"Do you want me to leave?" Fitz started to back out the door.
"No!" She grabbed Rosie and walked up to him. "Hi."
"Hi." Both leaned in for a kiss but Rosie's hand slapped his face demanding his attention.
"Da!" She yelled bouncing in her mother's arms.
"Ro baby." He took her from Liv's arms and hugged her. "How's my pretty girl?"
"Da!" She wrapped her arms tight around his neck. She was elated to finally be his arms.
Liv rolled her eyes at her daughter's obvious preference for her father. Her little hands grabbed at him and placed wet kisses all over him. Her daddy was here.
"What was with the argument?"
"She won't wear this pretty headband." Liv raised it so Fitz could see the crown of white flowers. At the sight of it, Rosie grimaced and shook her head. "Fine. No headband. I just wanted everything perfect for daddy. Maybe a picture or two." Olivia huffed and walked out of the room, down the starts to start dinner.
Fitz and Rosie looked at each other bewildered. "Your mama is crazy, Ro."
Downstairs, Olivia took a moment to collect herself. She knew she was acting irrationally but she needed everything to be perfect. She wanted their lives in Vermont to be happy, different than the life he led with Mellie. Liv tried to reconcile her wishes and the reality of life. Fitz didn't ask her for a perfect life. Surely, he wasn't expecting that. She reminded herself that all he desired was a life with Rosie and her, as messy and complicated, as that would prove to be.
Sometime later, after she had put the sweet potatoes in the oven to roast and checked on the rosemary chicken, Fitz walked into the kitchen. From the corner of her eye, he caught her attention. He looked delectable in a grey t-shirt and black shorts. Rosie, who was on his shoulders, was out of her dress and into a pink bodysuit and jean shorts: the white flower headband over her curls. Liv chuckled at the sight of her. She was desperate to grab at it looking up at Fitz to remind herself not to.
"We're ready for our picture, Madam."
"Picture!" Rosie repeated.
Liv grabbed her phone and snapped a few pictures of the pair. Liv decided she would frame the last one of Rosie finally taking off the dreaded headband and holding it above her head in victory, for her office.
Fitz watched Liv expertly work her way around the kitchen. Rosie playing with her toys not to far from them. He couldn't believe she was actually preparing a meal without setting the kitchen on fire. Olivia had asked Abby to teach her some culinary skills during her pregnancy. Several times Fitz had been used as a taste tester and let's just say her skills had vastly improved these past two years.
The best memories Liv had were of her mother in the kitchen. She wanted that normalcy for all the children. It was one of the requests she had. No staff in the house. She was fine with the SSAs on the premise and a cleaning lady coming in once a week but that was all. She wanted them to have as much of a normal life as possible. Karen and Teddy would be spending a few weekends every month and the entire summers with them. This was their home as much as it was Rosie's. She desired for them to feel welcomed and comfortable. Fitz appreciated the sentiment.
"The house looks beautiful."
"Really? I tried to blend our styles the best I could. Of course taking in consideration the kids."
"It shows. You made it a home. Everything is perfect." Suddenly, Fitz needed to be closer to her. It had been such a long time since she had been in his arms. Coming up behind her, he enveloped her in a warm hug and she leaned into his embrace.
"I'm glad you're here."
"I'm glad I'm here, too." Fitz whispered against her skin. He kissed her shoulder her neck, then her spot behind her right ear. His mind filled with the memory of their first time in Vermont making love in front of the fireplace. His body grew warm at the memory and all he wanted to do was recreate it.
"Hmm." Liv moaned. She was giving herself a few seconds to enjoy the feeling of his body against her, his strong arms encasing her. "We can't." She pushed against him, which did nothing to deter Fitz. He groaned into her hair, his hands travelling down her sides and to her hips. She felt so good, he thought as he pulled her closer to him.
"Hey," Olivia elbowed him. "Control yourself. The kid is in the room."
"Sorry, it's..."
"Been a long time. I know."
"Tonight." He promised holding her for a while before stepping away. Liv shuddered at his words.
Rosie sat on Fitz's lap while they ate dinner. She had a tendency to become clingy whenever he had been away for a long time. Between bites, Liv would lean over to feed Rosie. She'd blended some of their sweet potatoes and chicken. Rosie couldn't get enough of it. Shrieking with impatience whenever the next spoonful didn't come quick enough.
Fitz and Olivia talked about her trip down to DC in a few days. OPA needed her assistance with a pro bono case. Principal William Robins was accused of falsifying test scores in order to keep the Board of Education from closing down the high school. Harrison knew Mr. Robins from the months they spent together at a foster home. According to Harrison, he was a good guy trying to do the best for the kids in his community.
It was also the first time Fitz would stay alone with Rosie for the weekend. Liv was nervous but he was confident everything would be great. She was not so convinced. She'd have her phone in her hand the entire time. Maybe would send Abby up to help out but she cast out the idea knowing Fitz wouldn't be happy about it.
"Don't let her out of your sight. I found her trying to hide in the cabinets. I swear she's going to be the death of me." Rosie looked between her parents unaware the conversation centered on her. She took a pull from her sippy cup enjoying the sweet apple juice.
"You know boys are more mischievous." Fitz commented causally. He'd been dropping hints about a second baby lately. "Good thing I'll be here the next time around."
"Fitz. We're not even publicly dating yet. Plus what kind of woman would I be to have a child out of wedlock." She smirked batting her eyes at him.
"That's a quick fix. Marry..."
"Shut up." She pulled away from the table, grabbing their plates and heading towards the sink.
"I have the ring." He called after her. He did. He'd had it for a few years now. Just waiting for the perfect time. Soon, he thought.
"Fitz, go put our daughter to bed."
He looked down at Rosie who was barely able to hold her head up. "Let's get you ready for bed, Ro."
Upstairs in the nursery, he wiped her down with a damp washcloth and changed her into a fresh diaper. Fitz looked through several drawers before finding a set of blue pajamas. This was what had made the last year in the White House bearable. Knowing that what he was doing now would finally be possible. Being able to hold his daughter every night and seeing her wake up every morning. He had a lot of regrets as a father but he was determined to do a better job now that he was out of office. His four children deserved a better father than he'd had.
"Goodnight Ro." He kissed her cheek before laying her down in her crib.
Fitz entered the master bedroom expecting Olivia to already be in bed. "Liv?" He called out.
"In the bathroom. Be out in a minute."
Fitz sat at the foot of the bed waiting for her. Today had been a long day and all he wanted was to spend the rest of the night celebrating with Olivia.
"Mr. President." Liv's sultry voice broke through Fitz's thoughts. His eyes worked their way up and down her body; mouth watering at the sight of her. Liv was a vision in a white negligee. "You like?" She slowly turned. Her natural curls loose down her back.
He doesn't respond but signaled her to come closer. His body was ready for her; heart beating faster as she got closer. She makes him feel alive. She's the one. He knew since the day they met on the campaign trail. Fitz believed in soul mates but even if there weren't such a thing she would still be his. She was the love of his life and if he lived a thousand different lives, he would always find a way to be with her.
Her hips swayed as she walked to him but he couldn't wait any longer and picked her up, making her shout with laughter. He laid her on the edge of the bed.
"How did I ever get so lucky?" Fitz whispered as he looked down at her reverently. They continued to stare into each other eyes for a moment.
"I can't believe you're here... You're mine." Liv said in wonder.
"I am." His hands made their way up her legs into her negligee. "And you are mine." Her back arched and her eyes fluttered shut as his fingers finds her sweet spot.
"Fitz..." Liv breathed. She needed more.
"Can I show you?" He's asked between kisses. "That you're mine." Close but not yet. Liv's hips moved to meet his ministrations. This is her forever, she thought.
"Liv." He teased her. She's falling. "Olivia." He sang and she opened her eyes to meet his. She had never seen him this happy, this free. He's hers and she is his. And he does something he's never done. "Do you love me?" He asked, his voice sounding so small.
She knew he needed to hear it. He needed to know that she wouldn't run; that everything he gave up wasn't in vain, that this time it would be different.
"I love you, Fitz. We're in this together." And with that she pulled his lips down to meet hers.