After lunch with everyone, the kids decided to stay with their Grandpa who promised them a night of unlimited fun. Gladly accepting a break, Liv and Fitz went back to the hotel.

Liv laid between Fitz legs on the couch while he channeled surfed on the TV. He stopped when he saw the movie, 'Secretariat'.

He kissed Liv's cheek, "Are you asleep?"

She shook her head, "No, I just don't want to watch you go through the same channels 50 times before you stop to watch something."

He squeezed her tight, "You say that like you know me or something."

She laughed, "Honey, I know you better than anyone."

He kissed her hair, "That's because you are my best friend."

She put her hand over his, "You are mines as well. That's why I forgive you for the OCD comment."

Fitz groaned, "You know I had to make the kids understand why you are so detailed in making sure things are put in its proper place."

"But there is a difference between that and OCD. You are the one that is always yelling 'Babe, have you seen this or have you seen that.' If you put things back in their correct spot, then it would be there when you need them."

Fitz nods his head because he has heard this before, "Yeah but what about the double and triple checking before we leave the house."

She sat up and looked at him, "Do you not remember being so stressed out after we had Tommy? We decided to take a family trip to the beach to unwind. Then we got there and realized we left the diaper bag on the kitchen table."

Fitz burst out laughing, "Oh my god! That was so funny."

Liv laughed, "It's funny now but it wasn't then. Who would have thought that being stressed out from having two kids would be the good ole days?"

Fitz shook his head, "Certainly not me."

Liv's cell phone started ringing on the coffee table. Fitz picked it up, saw it was Abby and answered, "I am trying to enjoy a quiet evening with my wife."

Abby started crying on the other end, "I am sorry, Fitz. I didn't mean to interrupt."

Fitz felt bad, "No, Abby here she is. You can talk."

Liv saw the look on Fitz face as she grabbed the phone, "Abby, what's wrong?"

Abby cried harder, "My marriage is over. Leo doesn't want to be married to me anymore."

Liv looked out the window and saw it was getting dark, "Abby, where are you?"

"Driving around Santa Barbara. I thought Oliver would want to go home but he said that he was having too much fun with your kids and Big Jerry said that he could stay because he is an honorary grandchild."

Liv sat up, "Come to the Four Seasons Room 338."

Abby shook her head on the phone, "No, Liv. You and Fitz are spending time together. I shouldn't have called."

Liv sighed, "Abby, get your ass here before I drag my husband to the car so we can come and find you. You've got 15 minutes."

"Ok."

They hung up. Fitz took Liv's phone, "What's going on?"

Liv shook her head, "She said her marriage is over."

Fitz groaned, "I hate to say it but that damn marriage was over long before it started."

"I know. But I can't tell her that. She is my friend. It's my job to support her."

"No your job as her friend is to tell her the truth. Trust me, if you don't, I damn sure will."

Ten minutes later, they heard a knock at the door.

Liv opened the door and a crying Abby walked in. Liv pulled her into a hug. Fitz closed the door as they walked to the couch to sit down. Fitz sat on the coffee table in front of Liv.

Liv rubbed Abby's back, "I need you to stop crying long enough to tell me what's going on."

Fitz handed her some tissue so she could wipe her face.

Abby took a deep breath, "I called Leo to ask him about his day. He has been complaining lately how I don't take any interest in him or things he cares about. When I called, he gave me attitude and said, 'Let me guess. Ollie must be busy and now you remember that you have a husband at home.' I told him that I was trying to show some interest like he has been complaining about lately. He said 'it hasn't been lately.' He claims he's always complained but it wasn't until he moved out of the bedroom a few weeks ago that I started to listen. We got into this huge argument and he asked me why did I marry him. I asked him why did he ask me to marry him. He says he didn't officially ask me. We basically made an agreement that it was in best interest for Ollie if we got married. Finally, I just point blank asked him if he wanted a divorce. He said he didn't know. Then I hung up on him."

She fell into Liv's lap crying hysterically. Fitz made eye contact with Liv. They had a silent conversation with their eyes. Fitz needed Liv to deliver some tough love to Abby.

Liv rolled her and spoke softly to Abby, "Sweetie, why did you agree to marry Leo?"

Abby sat up and frowned at Liv, "Are you serious? You're taking his side?"

Liv shook her head, "No, Abby. This isn't about sides. It is really a legitimate question."

Fitz took Abby's hand, "Abby, Liv and I were at your wedding. We were the only ones at your wedding. I have been to all kinds of weddings and just because you decided to go to the justice of peace didn't make it any less special than a big elaborate one. Even with all of that being said. I have never seen two people who didn't want to get married more than you and Leo. So, Liv is asking a legitimate question. Why did you and Leo get married?"

Abby laid her head back down in Liv's lap. She cleaned face, "Things were good between us for a while. Eventually it started going downhill. We were going to breakup but then I found out I was pregnant with Ollie. He became the glue that held us together. When he was four, we were teaching him his name and he asked why I didn't have the same name like him and Leo. That was when we decided it would be best to get married so that Ollie isn't confused. We just had our 4-year anniversary 3 months ago and I forgot because I was busy with Ollie doing his end of the year play. When I got home, we had this huge blowup and things haven't been good since but if I am honest things were horrible before."

Liv rubbed Abby's back, "Do you want to stay married? Do you want to work on your relationship or do you want to walk away?"

Abby wiped her eyes, "I really don't know."

Fitz cleared his throat, "Abby, every relationship has one of the 'grass is green on the other side' moments. Liv and I went through it as well."

Abby was surprised, "Really? I thought you guys had as close to a perfect marriage as anyone could have. I've seen Liv ask you for your wallet and you give it to her no questions asked. Leo would ask a million and one questions. He would be scared that I was going to take money from his account."

Fitz interrupted, "Why do you have separate accounts? I can give Liv my wallet because I trust her and my money is her money and vice versa. We have the same cards and the same account. I know that when she is asking for my wallet it's because she needs cash. Liv never carries cash. I know my wife because I took the time to know her."

Abby nodded, "But you just said you went through a phase."

Liv agreed, "We did but at the time we didn't know that it was that phase. We were basically going through the motions until things started to build up."

Fitz spoke, "It was me than her. We had 3 kids at the time. Allie was 5, Tommy was 3 and Patty was almost 1. Liv and I were mostly passing ships. Our kids were pulling us away from each other. Even at work, I wanted to be around her but I didn't want to crowd her and we weren't spending a lot of time together. Things got so bad that I stopped eating breakfast with her and kids. I mainly stayed in the man cave to myself. I figured if she didn't see me then we could avoid any argument."

Abby sniffed, "So what happened? How did everything come to a head?"

Liv looked at Fitz, "Go ahead."

Fitz frustratedly pushed his fingers through his hair, "Keep in mind that these were not my proudest moments. But a week before we reached our breaking point, Tommy was at your house with Oliver. I was in the man cave with Patty when Liv and Allie came back from their dance class…"

Allie came running into the man cave, "Daddy, daddy, guess what?"

Bouncing Patty, "What is it, Princess?"

"We are having a preview show for our recital. Mommy is dancing too. Are you going to come see us?"

Fitz shook his head, "Sorry, Princess. Daddy will make the recital but not the preview show."

Allie pouted, "Okay, daddy."

She stomped out the room. Fitz looked up to see Liv standing in the doorway with her arms crossed.

She glared at him, "Really? Do you have some super important meeting that you can't miss?"

He grunted, "What the fuck is the problem now, Liv?"

She walked into the room, "You are the problem, Fitz. Your daughter is excited for you to see her show and you act like you can't be bothered."

"If I can't be bothered then why are you bothering me?"

Liv rolled her eyes, "I came to check on my son. Did you give him his medicine?"

He huffed, "Yes, Liv. I know how to take care of my son. I don't need you micromanaging me or anything that I do."

"Me checking on my children while they are in your custody is not micromanaging. It is my right as their mother to be concerned and ask questions."

"Whatever. Here then. You take him that way you won't have to be concerned about him being in my care."

Abby was shock, "Wow, Fitz, you were a Grade A asshole."

Fitz nodded, "Like I said, not my proudest moment."

Liv spoke softly, "Yeah, I cried most of the day while caring for the kids. He didn't come out of that room until he was sure I asleep in bed but little did he know I didn't sleep much during that time.

Fitz continued, "So the next day was my weekly basketball outing with the fellas…"

Fitz was listening to the boys talk about all the fun they've been having this past week. He was kind of zoned out.

Harrison hit him the chest with the ball, "What's been up with you, Fitz? What new in your world?"

Fitz shook his head and dribbled the ball, "Nothing much. Same old, same old. Patty has an ear infection and the doc prescribed antibiotics that gave him a diaper rash so he is basically screaming on the regular. Allie keeps dancing around the house knocking shit over. Tommy is going through a 'mine' phase. Everything is his and he gets mad when you touch it. Liv bitches and complains about shit I do and don't do. Same old shit."

Huck was concerned, "Is everything okay, Fitz? I've never heard you speak bad about your family."

Fitz bounced the ball hard, "It's not my family. It's me. I feel drained like I don't know what to do or where my place is anymore. I need a break. I need to unwind. I just don't know what to do anymore."

Stephen took the ball from him, "You are going out with us next Friday. What you need is a night with your boys. You can get some drinks and if you need a little action on the side, your secret is safe with us."

Fitz shook his head, "I'm not cheating on my wife."

Stephen raised one hand, "Whatever man. I'm just trying to help you relieve some stress. I'm sure you and Liv aren't having that much sex. Maybe you need to think about stepping out to get your needs fulfilled."

Fitz snatched the ball back, "Look, I will go out for drinks but I don't need to step out on my family."

Harrison decided to be the voice of reason, "The way you are talking, it's sounds like you've already been stepping away from your family."

Fitz sighed, "I think I am questioning if I am missing out on something."

Stephen clapped his hands, "A night with the boys is what you need. You can be my wingman again. Getting your legs back under you is what you need."

Fitz hit him with the ball, "I am going out for drinks only. Not to find someone to fuck or to be your wingman. Got it."

Stephen rubbed his arm where the ball hit him, "Okay, damn. I got you."

Abby waved her hand, "Okay, hold up. You made plans to hang out with your boys because you needed to get away from your family?"

Fitz looked remorseful at Liv, Yeah."

Abby sat up and looked at Liv, "Why didn't I know any of this when it happened?"

Liv wiped a tear from her eye, "I don't know. I think I was under so much stress at the time that I barely had time to talk to anyone. I chose to deal with it silently."

Abby grabbed Liv's hand and looked at Fitz, "So I guess you had a big argument when you came home and told Liv."

Fitz felt his throat closing as he tried to swallow. He croaked, "No." He cleared his throat to try to speak, "I didn't tell her until I was dressed to walk out of the house that Friday night."

Abby couldn't believe her ears, "Wait a minute. You didn't tell your wife that you were leaving her with 3 kids until you were walking out of the door."

Fitz hung his head unable to look at his wife, "Yeah, she was in the play room with the kids. I walked in and basically told her that I was going out and that I would be back when I felt like coming back."

Abby used her tissue to wipe Liv's eyes, "What happened when you went out?"

Fitz throat was dry and hoarse, "I drove to Stephen's house and I met up with the guys. Stephen drove us to the club. We got the usual VIP table. Stephen knew some of the regular girls that hung out. They came to our table to talk and drink."

Fitz sat there nursing his drink slowly wondering what the hell was he doing there. Stephen was swapping spit with some girl Fitz had never seen and this was after he spent the entire time in car talking about his new girlfriend.

He thought about the last time he went to a club. Tommy had colic and was driving him and Liv insane. His wife was one step from pulling out her hair. He arranged for Maya and Eli to babysit while he took his wife out. She had a great time that night. He knows that he is not the best dancer in the world but he tried and she was happy just to be with him. He looked at his wedding ring and wondered when was the last time he tried to make his wife happy.

He was so in his head when he looked up all of his friends were gone leaving a woman sitting at his table.

She waved at him, "Your friends said I could sit here."

Fitz showed his wedding ring, "I'm married."

She laughed and shook her head, "No, I am not here to hit on you. My friends are dancing with your friends. This is supposed to be a celebration for me but I don't feel like having a good time."

Fitz decided to make conversation, "What are you celebrating?"

She showed him her wedding ring, "My divorce."

Fitz looked at her strangely, "If you are celebrating your divorce, why are you still wearing your ring?"

She pointed towards the dance floor, "They are celebrating. Me, I am sitting here slowly realizing that I just made the worst mistake of my life."

"Who wanted the divorce?"

She pointed to herself, "I did. I thought I was missing something from my life. We have 2 kids and I felt caged. My friends seemed to be having the time of their lives while I was home playing the loving wife and mother. I started having an affair with a guy from work because it was fun and exciting. I thought I was in love with him. I asked my husband for a divorce. He cried and told me that he loved me even after I revealed my affair. I moved out and continued my affair leaving my husband and kids at home. I wanted to introduce my lover to my kids but he told me that our relationship wasn't serious enough for him to meet them. He wasn't looking to be a family man. He broke up with me the next day. I thought that I could use that time to find myself. I thought I had time to figure it out. Then my lawyer called and said my husband signed the papers. He wasn't contesting anything."

Fitz took a swallow of his beer, "That was a complete 180 from his original argument."

She nodded, "I thought so too. Today we had a heart to heart before we signed the final decree. He said he wanted me to be happy and if being divorced made me happy then he was not going to stand in my way."

Fitz thought about his situation, "Did you ever tell him that you were unhappy?"

She shook her head, "I don't think I ever did. We argued and yelled but I never told him how I felt or even took his feelings into consideration. I used to be at home with my family wishing I could hang out and have fun with my friends. Now that I am here, I want nothing more than to be at home having family movie night with some popcorn and pizza watching Zootopia or some shit like that. I guess the grass isn't always greener on the other side."

Fitz looked at his ring and then his beer. He sat it down on the table and stood up, "Do yourself a favor and go home. Not to where you live but to your family."

She shrugged, "He might not take me back."

Fitz took a few bills out of his wallet, "He damn sure not going to take you back if you keep sitting here."

"Where are you going?"

Fitz took a deep cleansing breath, "I am taking my own advice. I am going home to my wife and apologize to her for not being the man she married then I am going to step up and be the man that my family needs. You have a good night."

Fitz walked to the dance floor and grabbed Stephen's arm away from the girl he was dancing with, "I am heading out."

Stephen smiled, "You finally caved and decided to get you some ass."

Fitz rolled his eyes, "Naw, dude. I'm going home to my family."

Just then some dude grabbed Stephen on the other side, "You're the one that's been kissing my girl?"

Before Stephen could respond, the guy punched him across the face. The next few minutes were a blur. Punches were thrown left and right. Fitz landed a few and some landed on him. The brawl ended with him and his boys along with the other guy and his friends getting arrested.

Sitting in the cell, they all looked at each other. Their bond was $300 each. Stephen used the phone first to call his girlfriend. The call didn't last long. She basically told him that she wasn't spending her hard earn money to get him out of jail and hung up in his face.

Huck and Harrison had no one they could call to bail them out. Fitz walked to the phone and dialed Liv's number.

It was after midnight and he knew she was asleep.

She answered on the third ring with her voice full of sleep, "Mmm. Hello."

He closed his eyes and whispered, "Livvie."

She sat up with a start. It wasn't his custom ringtone that she heard, "Fitz, where are you?"

"We are in the county jail. Stephen was making out with some dude's girl and he didn't like it. It was a huge fight and they arrested all of us."

Liv let out a frustrated sigh, "Seriously. I just got Patty to sleep. I have been going nonstop all day while you have been out living single and carefree with your friends. Now you need me to help you. Why didn't you and your friends call one of your hoes?"

"Livvie, baby,-"

She yelled, "No, you don't get to call me that or say anything to me. I wasn't important enough for you to tell me you had plans until you were ready to leave. Now that you've had your fun, you call me to bail you out. Where were you when Stephen was making out with some girl?"

Fitz shook his head because he didn't want to answer, "Baby-"

She yelled louder, "Where were you!"

"I was at the table drinking a beer."

"Were you alone?" He knew that was the next question. It was like watching a train wreck that you can see coming from a mile away.

He wanted to disappear, "No."

He heard her throat catch. He explained, "Baby, she was nobody. She just sat there because her friends were dancing. Baby-"

She shook her head as she cried, "It doesn't matter. I will bail you out. Make sure to tell your friends that I wanted every dime of my money back and I want you to get the hell out of this house."

He heard the line click.

Fitz walked back to the bench where the other guys were laughing and joking like everything was funny. Harrison was reenacting his part in the fight. When Fitz sat down, Stephen interrupted Harrison's story.

"Is Liv coming to get us out?"

Fitz nodded, "Yeah, she said you guys better pay her back."

They all agreed.

Stephen seemed impatient, "Did she say how long it would take for her to get here? We might be able to make it back before last call."

Fitz became angry and sucker punched him in the jaw, "Have you lost your damn mind? I just called my wife at midnight to come bail us out of jail because you couldn't keep your hands to yourself. She has to wake my 3 kids up and get them in the car but as long as she makes here in time for you to get some ass then everything is cool with you."

Stephen gripped his jaw, "What the fuck is your problem? No one made you come out with us. It was your choice, remember."

Fitz nodded his head, "You're right. I made the wrong choice. I chose fun over my family. Lately I've been putting everything before my family. But not anymore. I'm done playing Sunday ball for a while. I need to be fully devoted to my family and that means I need to take a step back from you guys. I thought I was missing out on something. And tonight showed me that I was. I am missing out on being there for my kids. I am missing out on loving my wife. Love is about more than sex. You guys haven't changed and that's okay for you. I am at a different place in my life and it's time that I accept that I have only one best friend. That's my wife."

Fitz walked off and sat in the corner of the cell by himself. After 10 minutes Huck came and sat by him.

He spoke quietly, "I never told you this but I envy you."

Fitz turned and looked at him.

Huck nodded his head, "Yeah, we are all locked in this cell together but you're the only one that has someone to call when you need them."

"Yeah, I haven't said more than a few words to her all week but she is coming down here to bail me and my sorry ass friends out."

Huck had a thought, "Where would Liv get $1200 cash at this time of night?"

Fitz chuckled as remembered Liv coming to him with this idea, "We have some cash in our emergency safe. Liv thought it would be a good idea to have cash on hand just in case. She keeps a record book of withdrawals and deposit. Anytime either of us withdraws money, we must put it back. She is like that with our bank account as well. She is very detailed. She keeps our house running smoothly."

Huck gave him a small smile, "That's what I want. I want a partner. Someone to lay down with at night and hold me up during the day."

Fitz sighed, "Yeah, I got to be the man that she married and not this asshole anymore. I've got to show her and my kids that they are the most important people in my life. I think I am in for the fight of my life."

Just then they heard the guard shout, "Grant! Finch! Wright! Munez! Your bail has been posted."

They were released from the cell and processed out. Fitz asked the officer at the desk, "Did you see the woman that posted the bail?"

He nodded, "Yeah, beautiful black woman. She had a crying baby on her hip and two sleepy whining children by her side. She left as soon as she paid the money."

They walked outside the police station where a few cabs were waiting. Stephen, Harrison and Huck walked towards one cab and Fitz walked towards another.

Harrison shouted, "You can ride back to the club with us and one of us could take you to your car."

Fitz shook his head, "That's okay. I got some things I need to do. I'll holla."

The cab took Fitz to Stephen's house where he immediately got in his car. He stopped by the store on his way home to buy some groceries and flowers for the house. It was a little after 3 when he walked into the house. He went straight into his bedroom and what he saw nearly broke his heart. Patty was asleep in the bassinet beside the bed while Allie and Tommy slept on the opposite side of Liv putting her in the middle. It was easy to see that they all were exhausted.

Fitz left the room and went to the kitchen to put everything away. He put the flowers in a vase in the center of the table.

After that he went to the playroom. It was a mess. It was so unlike Liv to leave it like that. He took his time cleaning up and disinfecting their toys like Liv does it. Then he straightened up all the kids room and made their beds. He did two loads of laundry including folding them and putting them away.

About 6 am, he took a shower in the kids' bathroom then sat down on the couch in the living to close his eyes for a few minutes. He woke up when he felt tiny fingers playing with his eyelids.

Allie laughed, "Morning daddy."

Hearing her laugh melted his heart, "Good Morning Pretty girl. Come give daddy some love."

She crawled in his lap. Fitz almost squeezed her to death. He held her and kissed her head, "Daddy loves you so much baby."

He heard another small voice, "Da-de!"

He had tears in his eyes when he saw Tommy standing there, "Come here Tommy boy."

Fitz held both of kids with all of his might. This was where he was needed the most. He looked at the clock and saw it was a little after 7:30. He gave both of them kisses before putting them down.

"I am going upstairs to get Patty so that Mommy can sleep a later then I will come back down to get you guys dressed for the day. Then I will make Daddy's famous chocolate chip pancakes."

They both cheered as Fitz walked upstairs. Liv and Patty were still asleep. He grabbed the bassinet and brought Patty downstairs. He played with the kids for a little while then gave them each a bath and got them dressed. He was sure that Liv bathe them before bed but the thought of his kids being inside that jailhouse made him wanted to scrub that memory from their bodies. Afterwards he took them to the kitchen so he could prepare breakfast for them.

Liv slowly opened her eyes and two things caught her attention. The first thing she noticed was it was almost 9 am. It had been a while since she had slept that late. The next thing she noticed were that her children were nowhere in sight especially Patrick.

Liv jumped out of bed in a panic state. She yelled their names, "Allie! Tommy! Patty! Where are you guys?"

Allie yelled back, "Kitchen!"

She rushed down the stairs, "Why are you in the kitchen without an ad-" She stopped in mid-sentence when she walked into the kitchen to Patty in his high chair eating bananas, Tommy and Allie setting the table while Fitz flipped pancakes.

Fitz smiled brightly, "Morning beautiful, did you sleep okay?"

Liv folded her arms, "Why are you here?"

Fitz looked around like it was obvious, "I am making breakfast for my family."

Allie smiled, "Yeah mommy, daddy making pancakes."

Tommy showed Liv a bowl, "Look mommy stawberry."

Liv gave her kids a smile, "It's STRAWBERRY, baby. And don't put that where Patty can reach them. He is allergic to them."

Fitz frowned at that information, "Since when is he allergic."

Liv put her hand on her hip, "Since I took him to the doctor last month for an allergy test. Remember, you didn't want to be bothered that day."

Pouring the batter on the griddle, "I still think as his father, I should have been informed."

She pointed at him, "If you wanted to know, all you had to do was read it on the damn refrigerator."

The kids all said, "oooooooh."

Liv looked apologetic, "Sorry kids. Mommy said a bad word."

Fitz put the bacon on the plate as he spoke for the kids, "Tell Mommy it's okay. We forgive her."

The kids nodded their heads as they went on setting the table.

Liv crossed her arms and looked at Fitz, "Let me rephrase my original question. Why are you here in the house?"

Fitz motioned around, "I live here. My wife and kids are here. This is where I belong."

"No you chose to be with your hoe-hopping friends instead of your family. You need to be where you want to be."

He pointed to the floor, "This is where I want to be. Nothing happened last night. I went out to have a few drinks with my friends. I didn't go looking for anyone else. I love you and I know lately I haven't been here 100% mentally and physically but that changes right here and right now. You and these kids will be my priority no matter what."

Liv scoffed, "Yeah until you have the next midlife crisis. You can feed the kids then you can get the hell out. I need to clean the playroom."

"I've already done it. I've straightened their rooms. They have been changed and Patty has taken his medicine. There is nothing for you to do but have breakfast with your family."

Liv shook her head, "I'm not hungry."

Allie pouted, "Come on Mommy. Eat with us. I made the batter."

Liv sighed, "I can't eat chocolate chip pancakes, baby."

Fitz put a place in her spot, "Which is why I made yours plain. Along with eggs over well, turkey bacon and beef sausage. All gluten free."

Liv reluctantly took her seat next to Patrick whose high chair was placed between hers and Fitz's chair. She ate silently while Fitz fixed the kids' plate.

He finally sat down with his food after everyone else's plate was made. He'd grabbed the paper from the fridge reading over Patrick's allergy list.

Patty started banging on his high chair, "Nan-na! Nan-na!"

Fitz tried to calm him down, "ok, man. Do you want some bacon? Wait." He squinted his eyes as he looked at the list, "Can he eat bacon?"

Patrick was screaming out the entire time. Fitz kept looking over the list trying to figure out what to give him. Meanwhile Liv got up from the table and grabbed a banana and knife. She peeled the banana then cut it putting a few slices on Patty's table.

He clapped his hands then quieted down as he started eating his bananas.

Fitz sat there in shock. He was stunned as he looked at Patrick, "When did he start that? I didn't know he learned a new word."

Allie laughed, "Daddy, you are a slow poke. He been saying that."

Tommy got up from his chair and walked by Patty, "Nana, Patty."

Patty put a banana slice in Tommy's mouth. Tommy and Allie clapped which made Patty clap too.

Allie smiled, "Mommy is teaching him and Tommy how to share. Because big boys and girls share."

Patty clapped and smiled.

Fitz looked at Liv who had unshed tears in her eyes. He spoke softly, "I'm sorry that I haven't been here. But I promise you that I won't miss anything from now on."

Tears fell from Liv's eyes as she quickly wiped them away, "Hurry up and eat Allie we have to get ready for your preview recital." Liv stood up from the table, "I need to get dressed so that we can go before traffic gets too bad."

Fitz stood and took her plate, "I've got the kids and the kitchen. Go get dressed."

Liv walked out without acknowledging him or his words. Fitz noticed that she didn't eat much but he decided not to push her. He cleaned the kitchen and packed the kids up to leave.

Liv came downstairs dressed in tight yoga pants and an off the shoulder shirt. Fitz jealousy was starting to rear its ugly head but he decided to let it go.

Liv called Allie, "Let's go baby."

Allie grabbed the diaper bag while Fitz picked up both the boys.

Liv was shocked by what was happening, "Where are you going?"

Fitz looked at her strangely, "My daughter wanted me to see her preview recital so that what we are going to do."

Liv crossed her arms, "You said you couldn't make it."

"Nothing is more important than supporting my wife and daughter. Now are you going to stand here and question everything I do or are you going to get in the truck."

Liv walked outside and Fitz buckled the kids in the car. At the preview, each act rehearsed twice. Allie was with the bumble bees. It was a dance and tumbling act. Fitz was so proud of her. She smiled and waved at him when she was finished. There was a brief pause while they cleared the stage.

A few guys sat around Fitz. It looked like it was the dad's section. One of them near him spoke to him, "This is your first preview."

Fitz nodded, "Yeah, my daughter asked me to come."

The man gave a sneaky smile, "You are in luck because they have a really hot dancer coming up next. She's why the boys and I hang around even after our kids are done. Rumor has it that she is married but we've never seen a husband or anyone. Plus, she never has her ring on. To be honest, I think her dance partner is trying to get with her. They are always practicing later than everyone. I think he likes to practice so he can touch her ass."

The curtains opened and Liv stood on stage with a very tall, buff black dude stood a few feet away. She had removed her off the shoulder shirt for a skin-tight camisole. Her outfit was so tight it looked painted on her. Her partner wore loose pants with a skin-tight tank top.

The guy next to Fitz touched his shoulder, "Didn't I tell you? Hot as hell."

The music started and Fitz could not believe his eyes. A few months ago, when Liv mentioned taking up dance again, he was happy because it meant he would be free of her for a few hours every week. He had no idea how intimate dancing could be.

As she and her partner danced to 'Pills and Potion' by Nicki Minaj, she twirled and danced around him keeping him within arms' reach. He pulled and lifted her over his body. It would have been a beautiful dance if the woman getting touched by another man was not his wife.

After the second run, the partner threw Liv over his shoulder and carried her off the stage as she was laughing. Fitz couldn't remember the last time she was so carefree with him. Then he remembered that he didn't really try too much.

He packed the kids up after everything was complete and waited in the truck for Liv. He watched as she came out smiling and talking to a few people. She finally got into the truck and Fitz drove off wanting to get the hell away from the dance studio.

Allie giggled, "You good, Mommy!"

Liv turned to face the kids in the back, "Thank you baby."

Tommy laughed, "Deac said he was gonna drop you if I touched his hat." He fell over laughing.

Liv laughed at his cute giggles, "You wanted him to drop Mommy? I thought you were my friend."

Allie raised her hand, "I your friend, mommy. I telled Deac that I was going to punch him if he dropped you."

Liv gave her a high five, "Thanks for having mommy's back baby." She stuck her tongue out at Tommy.

Patrick was starting to fall asleep. Liv held her hand out to Allie, "Pass me Patty's bag so I can give him his medicine."

Keeping his eyes on the road, Fitz spoke, "I gave it to him already. I think he is feeling better because he hasn't been very cranky today."

She turned towards the front and nodded her head.

He turned to get on the freeway, "Who is that guy you were dancing with? Deac? I've never heard of him?"

Liv grabbed her phone from her bag, "His name is Deacon Taylor but everyone calls him Deac. Miss Sanders paired us together for this recital. He is really good which makes up for what I lack."

He grabbed her hand, "I think you did great. I had no idea you could dance like that."

She subtly moved her hand from his, "Thanks. I worked hard. I haven't danced this much since college."

He let out a frustrated sigh, "Do you need to go anywhere? I can take you shopping. I know you need a dress for the fundraiser we are going to in three weeks."

Shaking her head, "No, I have a boutique appointment tomorrow while you are playing ball."

He turned towards home, "I'll go with you then. I'm not playing ball with the guys for a while."

"That's okay. I'm sure you have something more important you could be doing. I think a game or something is coming on that you could watch. I will be fine."

He groaned, "I wish you would stop pushing me away."

She looked up from her phone, "I wish for a lot of things. I wish I didn't have to bail you and your friends out of jail. I wish the kids and I were enough for you to stay home."

"You are enough and I am trying to show you. What more do I have to do?"

"One day doesn't erase months of resentment and distance. It doesn't dry the tears I've cried while YOU pushed ME away. Now that it's on you, you don't like it, I don't give a fuck."

"Well I will spend every day for the rest of my life showing you. Starting with today and going with you tomorrow."

"Whatever."

She put her earbuds on, leaned back and closed her eyes.

Abby looked at Liv, "How long did it take for you to forgive him?"

She shrugged her shoulders, "It took a while. He tried really hard to prove we were important. He had our assistants to link our schedule so that we could have lunch together. Two days a week, he would let the kids come upstairs from the company's daycare so they could nap in our offices. Friday nights became family movie nights. We had picnics in the park and days at the beach. He bought Tommy his first skateboard and found him an instructor to help with the basics. He took being a hands-on dad to a new level."

Abby smiled, "So that saved your marriage?"

Fitz shook his head, "No, I got her to agree to marriage counseling. We started out once a week then twice a month. Now we only go once a month."

Abby's eyes got big, "You still go. You've been married like forever."

Liv rolled her eyes, "Thanks for making us feel old. But yeah we go. We had to learn that marriage is a work in progress. Everything isn't going to be happy and perfect but it will be okay as long as we both make the choice to continue to keep working on it."

Fitz nodded, "Yeah, we learned that we had to take time for us separate from the children. It was Liv's idea to go to Italy as a birthday present to me a few months after that."

Abby waved her hand, "Isn't that the same trip that you got pregnant with Maddy?"

Liv smiled, "Yeah, she was our souvenir."

Abby laughed, "Only you guys would go on vacation to get a break from your three kids and come back pregnant with your fourth."

Fitz smiled, "Bottom line, is our marriage works because we continue to work at it. It's up to you to decide if your marriage is worth the work. Life is too short to settle."

Abby looked at Liv, "What do you think I should do?"

Liv grabbed her hand, "I can't decide that for you. Only you can make that decision but it must be what's best for you. Not Ollie or Leo but you. It must be a decision that you can live with. You need to be honest with yourself. The answers may not come overnight. You must decide if you have the energy to stay and work on your marriage or do you have the energy to leave. Neither of those will be easy."

Abby took a deep breath, "Yeah, I think I am going to find a hotel and crash for the night."

Fitz stood, "Abby, my wife would hurt me if I didn't at least offer you the second bedroom. It's empty since Tommy is not here."

Abby shook her head, "No thank you. I have imposed on your evening enough."

Fitz grabbed the room phone, "Let me call the front desk and see if they have a room available." He dialed the front desk.

A man answered on the second ring, "Mr. Grant, can I help you with something?"

"Yes, do you have any single rooms available for the night?"

He heard the clicking of a keyboard, "Yes sir, I do have one available."

Fitz smiled, "I would like to book that for a friend. You can charge it to my card and I'd like to book a couple's massage for my wife and me."

"Yes sir, I have the room booked. The key will be at the front desk. Your massage is scheduled for 7pm. Would you like a romantic dinner prepared and waiting in your room after your massage?"

Fitz smile, "Yes, that sounds wonderful and feel free to go all out. You have my wife's allergy list on file, right?"

"Yes sir. White or Red wine."

Fitz looked at Liv who was eyeing him suspiciously, "Red."

"Excellent sir. I will make sure you have the finest available."

"Thank you and charge any additional things our friend wants to my card as well."

"Will do."

Fitz hung up and smiled at Liv.

She smirked at him, "What did you just do?"

He laughed and shook his head, "Nothing." He looked at Abby, "They will have the key ready downstairs. If you want room service or something, just call and order it."

Abby shook her head, "I can't accept that, Fitz."

Fitz gave Abby a serious look, "Abby, you took great care of my wife and daughter before I came along. I can never repay you for the things you did for them. Sometimes your friends know just what to do to give you the push you need."

Abby scoffed, "How can you say that when your friends encouraged you to cheat on your wife and leave your family?"

Fitz put his hands in his pocket and rocked on the heels of his feet, "I thought that way at first. I was kind of angry. I began to wonder if they were truly my friends at all. But then Stephen came by the house."

Fitz was loading the truck with food and toys. Tommy and Allie were trying to help but they were dropping more stuff than they were putting in the truck. It was Wednesday of the same week. Liv was slowly warming up to him and he could breathe a sigh of relief that he hadn't lost her completely. He started chasing Tommy around the yard after he hit Fitz on the leg with his plastic baseball bat.

Allie yelled, "Run Tommy before the tickle monster gets you."

Fitz chased after him, "You hit me on purpose, didn't you? The tickle monster has found his next victim."

Tommy giggled and ran as fast as his little legs could go, "Sowwy Da-de, I a good boy!"

Fitz growled, "Tickle monster eats good boys for dinner."

Fitz caught Tommy and tickled him until Tommy laughed so much he had to stop to breathe. After he stopped, Fitz looked up to see Stephen's car pulling up the driveway. He held Tommy on his hips while Allie was wrapped around his leg. Stephen parked his car and got out. This was the first time Fitz had seen or heard from one of his friends since they left the jailhouse.

Allie ran towards Stephen, "Uncle Stephen!"

Stephen picked her up and gave her a hug, "Hey, big girl. I think you have gotten heavier since I last saw you."

She smiled, "Daddy is taking us to the park to feed the ducks. They have a playground with a merry go around too. It's going to be fun. Are you going?"

Stephen shook his head, "Naw big girl. I just need to talk with your dad for a bit then I will be on my way."

Tommy had his head on Fitz shoulder. Fitz slowly put him down on the ground, "Allie take Tommy in the house and make sure we got everything off the floor. Both of you need to us the potty then see if mommy is ready to go."

"Ok daddy. Come on, Tommy." She took her brother's hand and together they walked into the house.

Fitz looked at Stephen, "What are you doing here? Did you come to ruin my life some more?"

Stephen gave a sinister laugh, "The only person who is trying to ruin your life is you. But to answer your first question, I came by to bring the bail money from the other night. It should cover mines plus yours and the guys. You and the guys only got arrested because you had my back. I figured I should be the one to pay Liv back."

He handed Fitz the money. Instead of $1200, it was $1400. Fitz tried to hand him $200 back, "This is too much."

Stephen raised his hand in surrender, "No, that's the money I won from betting Harrison and Huck. I figured Liv deserved it after she had to drag the kids out in the middle of the night."

Fitz looked at him strangely, "What bet?"

"We made a bet to see how long it would take for you to wise up and bring your ass back home."

"Why not just try to talk some sense into me?"

"That day playing ball when you complained about your family, those were typical behaviors that kids do. I have a baby sister so I know. You were being selfish but you needed to see for yourself the life you could have if you didn't wise up and go home."

Fitz thought for a minute, "The woman at the club was a set up."

Stephen smiled, "Yeah, she is some actress Harrison is messing around with. We know you well enough to know that your family is everything to you. I was your best man and I worked hard to get you to the altar and if I need to kick you in the ass to get your head straight I will."

Fitz put the money in Stephen's chest, "Keep it. It's was a lesson that I needed and it was worth every penny. Although next time just tell me to stop being a pussy and get my ass home."

Stephen smiled and took the money, "Thanks. I'm sorry about the fight. That was not planned. You had every right to hit me for that."

Fitz gave him a bro hug, "No that was my fault. I should have had my ass at home in the first place."

Liv and the kids started coming out of the house, Stephen waved, "Hey Liv."

She waved back, "Hey Stephen. Did you come by to ask for your wingman tonight?"

Stephen laughed, "Naw, he is retired and it looks to stay that way permanently."

Liv got Patty and Tommy in the car to buckle them up. Allie pulled Fitz pants leg, "Let's go feed the ducks, daddy."

He picked her up, "Okay, Princess."

Stephen turned to go but stop to say one more thing to Fitz, "That family man thing looks good on you, bruh."

Fitz nodded his head, "Thanks, man ."

"Anytime."

Abby looked at Fitz, "So Stephen wasn't trying to get you to cheat on your wife?"

"No, he was just showing me that the grass isn't always greener on the other side."

Abby thought for a moment, "Maybe I need to test the waters before I make a final decision."

Liv shrugged, "You have to what's best for you, Abby."

Fitz stood by Liv, "Yeah, I agree. But don't think for second that my wife will be out there with you testing the waters. Her ass is going to be home or with me."

Abby laughed and looked at Liv while pointing to Fitz, "Does he still get jealous anytime a man looks at you?"

Before Liv could answer, Fitz spoke with some bass in his voice, "You goddamn right. She's mine. I own every inch of her and if I want to lock her ass up in my bedroom and throw away the key then that's what I will do. And she will enjoy every damn minute of it. Ain't that right, baby?"

Liv smiled, "You know it."

Abby got up rolling her eyes, "I will never understand you guys. I would kick Leo's ass if he said that shit to me but I guess that is why you guys work."

Liv walked her to the door and gave her a hug, "Call me if you need me. If you decide to go back early, Ollie can ride home with us. Or if you need him to stay the week, that's fine. We can get him to school plus he wears the same size as Patty. It's no trouble. Just let us know."

Abby gave her a weak smile, "I will." She told them bye and went downstairs to get her room key.

Fitz grabbed Liv around the waist from the back. He kissed her neck and nibbled on her ear, "I'm sorry."

She knows that he is apologizing for his behavior years ago, "It's okay. I forgave you and right now is what matters. If I am not mistaken I think I heard something about a massage."

He turned her to face him. He gave her a sensual kiss, "Haven't I told you about ear hustling while I am on the phone? You are just to go with the flow and let your man take care of you."

She put her arm around his neck and ran her fingers through his hair, "What if I don't? What if I want to be a bad girl? What are you going to do?"

His hands moved down her waist to grip her ass, "I think I need to spank this pretty little ass of yours. Bad girls get punished for not listening. I don't think you've been spanked in a while. I might need to remind you who the boss is around here. You are trying to top from the bottom and Big Daddy doesn't like that, does he?"

Liv bit her bottom lip and shook her head, "No sir."

He kissed her neck and lightly tapped her bottom, "Your husband is going to pamper you today and treat you like a queen. Then he's going to punish you tonight and fuck you like a slut. Is that what you want? If I give you that, will you be a good girl for Big Daddy."

She sighed and her eyes rolled back in her head, "oh yes, sir."

He pulled back and smiled, "Let's go get a massage."