So this picks up where the first chapter left off...
Thank you for the feedback. Many of you suggested I continue and I also thought that the story could do with at least one more chapter.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Are you sure you don't have work to do?" Liv asked.
After their breakfast she went about her day as usual and suddenly having him around felt almost strange. She has gotten so used to him being away or busy.
Fitz also found it odd that after sharing a kiss and opening up she was still so quiet... distant. She didn't bother to initiate any conversation, not unless he approached her first.
Olivia had not fully forgiven him just yet although it might have looked like she had. But no. She tried. She really wanted to forgive him and move forward after his desperate plea but it was difficult. The kiss that they shared.. For her it was just to feel him again - to connect with him again. She could see that he regretted how he treated her and their son but on the day they had said their vows he promised her that he would be her protector, her anchor, her safe place.. Well he broke that promise and that's what's still hurting her.
It's going to take some time for her to heal from the hurt he had caused and she hoped that he would understand and not try to push it too much.
"I told you, work is taking a backseat. Don't you believe me?"
"I... You don't have to push your work aside, surely you can find a balance somewhere.."
Fitz sighed as realisation hit him. "You haven't forgiven me." He stated sadly.
"Not entirely. I'm trying Fitz. Like I said, I don't hate you but we're just not there yet. Your explanation, plea for forgiveness and all these acts of kindness doesn't automatically make things right. I can't just forget. I'm still hurting. My heart...hurts." Liv said getting emotional.
"I understand."
"Maybe you should get Thorgan from your parents. I miss my guy."
"I'm sorry for bringing you so much pain Olivia, I genuinely am."
"I know.."
"I'll uh, I'll go and get Thor now."
"Okay."
They were back not too long after Fitz had left. She could hear father and son chatting up a storm as they entered the house.
"Hi you."
"Hi momma." Thorgan smiled and gave her a hug.
Liv kissed into his hair. "How was your weekend at grandma and grandpa's?"
"It was fun. How was your weekend?"
"Maybe not as fun as yours. Are you hungry?"
"Nope, grandma gave me a mountain of food to eat." He said with a giggle.
"And you ate all of it?"
"Uh huh."
Liv chuckled heartily. "You little monster!"
"Mom you know grandma hates it when I waste my food."
"That's true."
"Can I go and play my video game?"
"Sure." Liv gave him another tight squeeze before letting him go.
Thorgan looked over to his father. "Dad, wanna challenge me?"
"Will you go easy on me?"
"Never!" He laughed loudly.
"That's not fair. C'mon let's go."
xxx
Fitz walked into work the next day focused and determined to let everyone know the old Fitz was back. After the wakeup call he had with Liv being in the hospital he knew things had to change. He didn't want any of his employees to fear him and walk on eggshells when he's in the room. Things had to change which is why he called an urgent meeting.
The outcome of the meeting wasn't one hundred percent successful but the majority was happy to have their boss back to his old self and appreciated his sincere apology.
After his meeting he asked his buddies from work to meet him for drinks and to invite the girls they used to hang out with - he was going to set them all straight.
"You're all here, great."
"Of course man. So l what's the occasion? Drinks in the middle of the day? That's new but I ain't complaining." One of the men laughed.
"I guess I'll just get straight to the point. I'm not your friend..we're not friends. Me hanging out with you guys was a mistake. A big one. Yes, we make a good team when we're on the job but that's it. I only hung out with you guys because I was stressed and those few drinks brought some relieve. Those jokes you play on each other is childish as fuck and when you.." He looked at the brunette. "..send me those nudes. That was fucking disgusting."
"Well I didn't hear you complain before."
"Because I was so disconnected from everyone and everything except my job that i just swept it aside. I didn't give a crap about your dumbass stunts. I laughed along because I thought hey! it's just another one of the guys jokes! but I've come to realise just how disrespectful that was. I am married. I have a wife whom I love."
"Fitz where is all this coming from man. I thought we were all having a good time. Oh wait, is this about wifey's outburst the other night?" The group laughed quietly at that comment and it angered him.
"My wife had an outburst because you disrespected her with your immature jabs towards her and maybe I didn't do shit then but you better fucking believe I won't allow that shit to continue. I dare any of you to say another fucking thing about her. You keep her name out of you mouths or there'll be another thing coming your way and I'm putting an end to this little friendship of ours." He said and left.
He called Liv to know if he should pick Thorgan up from school but she assured him that it wasn't necessary.
When he got home around 6 that night, he could smell dinner and hear his son's laughter emerging from the kitchen.
"I can't believe you have a girlfriend and you didn't tell me." Liv feigned seriousness as she set the table for their dinner.
Fitz took that moment to make his presence known. "Buddy you have a girlfriend?"
"She's not my girlfriend." Thorgan smiled widely.
"Well then why are you smiling like that?"
He started to laugh again. "Can't I just smile?"
"So when can we meet her?"
"Never because she's just a friend. I can't have a girlfriend right now."
"Why not? You're a good looking fella." Fitz joked.
"Because I'm still momma's baby." He said throwing Liv the cheesiest grin which made her melt.
Fitz strolled over to his wife and intended to give her a light peck on the lips but he made contact with her cheek as she turned her head. He chose not to comment and instead gave her a soft smile. "Hi."
"Hi. Wash your hands, dinner is ready."
"Got it."
Somehow he had to earn her forgiveness and make her believe in him again. He had no problem in giving her the space she needed but on the other hand all he wanted to do was to hold her in his arms.
Later that night Liv took a long hot bath before bed. She used this time to think about their situation and wondered when she'll be able to move forward and leave this all behind.
xxx
2 Weeks Later
Fitz had really gotten his shit together. He worked until 6 everyday and on weekends him and his family would visit either his parents or Liv's.
Olivia started to ease up around him. She would start a conversation albeit a short one over this or that. Fitz however was still bothered at how friendly and carefree he found her with a guy that he didn't know. It made him feel some type of way.
A week ago Fitz went by her store to suggest they go and have lunch before he had to pick up their son from school, and that's when he saw her throwing her head back as she laughed. It was a genuine laugh too.
He had watched on from the door as Olivia chatted animatedly with this man as questions began to form in his head. Are they friends? If yes, when did this friendship start? Why doesn't he know the guy? Is he even really that funny?
So with him still in his feelings he approached them and instantly introduced himself as Liv's husband to intimidate the guy.
Curtis. He had given Fitz a firm handshake - his way of trying to show Fitz that he was not going to be intimidated but Fitz had given him a serious stare down. His tall and buff frame invading Curtis' personal space until the latter released his hand and said his goodbyes to Olivia.
Fitz thought back on his conversation with Liv after the encounter with Curtis.
"What was that?"
Fitz shrugged innocently. "What?"
"The show you just put on. I won't allow you to scare off my customers Fitz."
"He's a customer?"
"Yes of course. He moved here from California not too long ago and has been a loyal customer ever since. Was that jealousy, were you actually jealous just now?"
"You're my wife. I wasn't a good husband to you for some time. You could've received the necessary attention from someone else and when I saw the way he had you dying laughing... Yes, I was jealous."
"Okay."
"Okay?"
"Sucks when your partner acts inconsiderate towards your feelings doesn't it?"
"Olivia..."
"Sorry. I know we're trying to get to a good place again but it's not easy okay. Especially not when you plan on acting like an ass to every man that looks my way."
"Don't apologize. I should say sorry though. I'm not exactly in a position to act like the over protective husband but I can't help it. Look at you, you're freaking beautiful and sexy as hell."
That day he was actually surprised when Liv agreed to have lunch with him. And to top it all off they had a pleasant time. They talked, more than usual and he loved that.
So now a week later from those events Fitz, Olivia and Thorgan sat in their living room as Thorgan tried to convince them to get him a dog.
"What kind of dog did you have in mind?" Liv enquired.
"A husky!" He answered almost immediately.
"Can your dad and I think about it and get back to you?" Liv wasn't completely sold on the idea of having a dog.
"But mommmm.."
"Thor it's not like I said no."
"I know but..."
His father then jumped in before their son could whine his mother's head off. "Buddy how about a little patience hm?"
"Fine."
"Thank you big man."
"I'm gonna go play outside." The 6 year old jogged out of the room and the two parents turned to each other.
"Should we get him a dog?"
"Evidently it'll be our dog Liv."
"I don't know about a dog."
"We could just adopt one from the shelter." Fitz suggested.
"So you're okay with the idea of having a dog?"
"Uh, well...yeah."
"He'll be so sad if I refuse."
"Most likely but I think he'll get over it."
Liv groaned. "Fine."
"What?"
"We can get him his dog."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. He's probably bored of our faces and needs a friend that he can have fun with."
Fitz chuckled. "True, I'm an only child and believe me, as a young boy it got pretty lonely sometimes."
"You should probably take him. I don't know anything when it comes to dogs. Although Curtis' little pomeranian isn't all that bad."
His jaw clenched when he heard that. "Curtis...your customer?"
"Really Fitz?"
"What, you said he was just a customer."
"Well yeah but you're acting like I'm hiding something from you."
"Is he just a loyal customer or are you friends now?"
"You know that it's entirely possible to build good relationships with one's clients right?"
"You won't even let me kiss you or give you a hug. You are so careful around me but with him you're so.. relaxed. I miss you."
"Has it ever occurred to you that maybe there's a part of me that wants you to feel what I've felt for two months? I missed you just as much but you kept moving further away. Maybe I just want you to feel that. Feel how it is to have the love of your life act like you're not an important factor in their life."
"Is that what you're doing? Because it's working, okay? The feeling sucks. I hate it. Being around you everyday and not being able to hold you and kiss you just because I can sucks. I want you back."
Neither raised their voices. They were being mindful to their son who's just outside.
"I want you back too."
"When can I take you on that date then?"
"Our deal was that I'll go if you survived Abby's wrath." Liv smiled.
"Well I did."
She snorted now. "Barely."
"She had a knife pointed at me threatening to cut off my balls Liv."
"How have you survived two months without sex?" Liv blurted out.
"Cold showers."
"Really?"
"No lie."
"Oh.."
"What?"
"No nothing."
"How did you cope?"
Liv blushed a little and it made Fitz smile. He knew she took it upon herself to pleasure herself.
"You have nothing to be ashamed of."
"I'm not it's just..."
"Don't. I don't need an explanation. Hey Liv?"
"Yes?"
"Do you think we'll go back to how things used to be?"
"I do believe our love is strong."
"Strong enough to take us through this difficult time?"
"Let's just not give up on each other."
"I can do that."
"Well then we might just be okay."
xxx
Fitz was on his way to get brunch from Liv's deli when he bumped into Curtis as he was on his way out. Fitz stepped back. "Curtis. You sure love this spot."
"With it's wholesome food, sweet treats and lovely customer service.. how could I not like it."
"Olivia is married. Just stop whatever it is you're playing at man."
"Olivia enjoys my company and she's her own person, she can talk to whoever she wants to."
"Arrogance does not suit you buddy."
"I can't help it if you're insecure in your marria--" Curtis was hurled over at the punch he received from a livid Fitz.
"Sorry what were you saying?" Fitz asked and Curtis tackled him backwards.
The two struggled to connect some good punches, that's when another body tried to separate them.
"Fitz. Fitz! Get back man." Harrison yelled.
"Not until I teach this punk a lesson."
"Dude, just let it go. Come on you're embarrassing your wife! How would you like it if she'd come and brawl at your workplace huh?"
Fitz let go and stepped back.
"Who the hell are you?" Harrison asked the the disheveled looking man.
"Curtis."
"Can you tell me why you two were causing a scene in front of my business?"
"He's jealous because I know how to put a smile on his wife's face."
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me." He said with a smug grin.
"Man you know what? Just leave before you get hurt and don't fucking come near this place again. Go get your food from somewhere else."
"But the cake that I want is here though." He said in a way that had them know he was talking about Olivia.
Fitz lunged at him and landed a punch square in his face. "You piece of shit."
Harrison grabbed Curtis by his shirt collar and held him up. "Get the fuck out of here before I beat you up my damn self."
Minutes later Fitz was in Liv's office with an ice bag over his knuckles.
"Olivia I'm not apologizing for punching that asshole."
"And you shouldn't. I didn't know what kind of person he was but you saw through him. Thank you but in the future can you not act like a caveman?"
"I'll fight anyone who tries some shit like that again."
"He didn't really try anything though, he was just being nice."
"Well he had other intentions."
"You should probably get back to work."
"But I came here to have something to eat." He had a small pout which made Liv chuckle quietly. It reminded her so much of Thorgan.
"I'll get you something to go."
"I'm not in a hurry Liv I'll just eat here."
"Okay come on."
xxx
Another week had passed and Fitz kept trying to win Olivia back. He would do things like sending flowers to her work or leave work early to cook dinner and she appreciated his efforts.
When Liv got home from work on Friday, she found the house awfully quiet. Making her way further inside she was met by the sound of soft music filling up the rest of the house. So she followed the melody into the living room and she was surprised with what she found. A casually dressed Fitz on a picnic blanket surrounded by popcorn, wine, an antipasto platter, strawberries and cream, chocolate and of course Liv's guilty pleasure which is cotton candy.
"Hi." Fitz greeted her with a loving smile.
"...hi."
"Don't worry, our son is at my parents house for the day. Would you care to join me?"
"We're having an indoor picnic?"
"You promised me a date some weeks ago so... I'm cashing in."
"I... Are you sure this is the kind of date you want to have?"
"Yes." Fitz answered confidently.
"I see you've got all my favourites." Liv smiled and moved towards the blanket.
"Shoes off please."
"Wait, I feel a bit overdressed. Give me a minute to go and change."
"Take your time."
Fitz stopped breathing for a moment when Liv reappeared in the living room dressed in one of his shirts with her hair let down. He couldn't stop gawking at her.
"It's way more comfortable that anything in my closet." She said referring to the shirt.
"You look beautiful."
"After a long day of work?" She asked playfully as she sat down opposite of him.
"Listen woman you can never not look beautiful, no matter what."
"Okay calm down over there mister." And the two of th shared a hearty laugh.
"This looks so nice Fitz."
"Well then let's dig in."
Halfway through their picnic Fitz pulled out his guitar from behind the couch.
"Okay I'm having serious deja vu from the night of our engagement." Liv chuckled.
"That is one of my favourite memories. The way you said yes when I haven't even asked you yet."
"You had the ring out, I knew what was coming so I just got to the point which was me agreeing to become your wife." Again they laugh wholeheartedly.
"Can I sing something for you?"
"I've missed your singing. You used to sing to my pregnant belly throughout my pregnancy with Thorgan. That was so soothing."
Turning the music down Fitz ran his fingers lightly over the guitar strings until it formed a melody.
"Our wedding song." Liv smiled and watched as strummed those chords.
"Our wedding song." He confirmed.
I found love in you
And I've learned to love me too
Never have I felt that I could be all that you see
It's like our hearts have intertwined and to the perfect harmony
Her eyes closed in contentment listening to his calming voice.
This is why I love you
Ooh this is why I love you
Because you love me
You love me
This is why I love you
Ooh this is why I love you
Because you love me
You love me
I found love in you
And no other love will do
Every moment that you smile chases all of the pain away
Forever and a while in my heart is where you'll stay
He stopped singing and just continued playing the chords. "I have so much regret for what I did and how I acted towards you Livvie. All I want is for you to forgive me. I don't want to lose you baby."
"I've forgiven you Fitz. Yes, what you did..it hurt and it was horrible but I can't just throw out marriage away. I still love you, I'm still in love with you and I know you hate yourself for your behaviour."
The chords stopped the minute he heard her say that she's forgiven him. "You... You really have? You've forgiven me?"
"Yes."
A tear rolled down his face. "Can I hold you?" and she nodded 'yes'.
Fitz wasted no time and scooted over to pull her into his arms. His face was buried in the crook of her neck. They held on tightly and that moment of reuniting made Fitz say a prayer. He used the prayer as an expression of the love and adoration he has for her. He began by praying a blessing over her and their marriage. In his prayer Fitz verbalized his mistakes and failures. He asked for guidance through whatever obstacles await them.
When he finished his prayer Liv pulled back from his embrace, cupped his face and kissed him with passion.
Their love was strong enough after all.
xxx
2 Years Later
"Da-da!!" The 10 month old toddled into his office with the assistance of her mother of course.
"Hiii princess! Look at my big girl strolling into daddy's office." He cooed and got up to meet them halfway.
Liv chuckled. "I mean I wouldn't call it strolling but she's very eager to walk. Hi babe."
"Hi beautiful. To what do I owe this lovely visit?"
"This one has been in a mood all day. I had some errands to run but she wasn't feeling it. Then when it came to nap time she just refused and started nagging and crying so I thought the best thing to do would be to let her see her favourite person and look? Suddenly she's all smiles."
Fitz laughed and picked up his baby girl. "Emily Raye were you being a naughty girl for mama?"
"Mammmm. Mamm-amama." She babbled and pointed to Liv.
"Yes mama. Mama says you've been a grumpy girl, is that true?"
Emily looked curiously from her dad to her mom then broke out into an adorably infectious laugh.
"Oh no Livvie I think our princess may have tricked you. She just wanted to visit daddy, isn't that right baby girl." Fitz said kissing her cheeks.
"She's too young to be playing me like that Fitz."
"She's just a smart girl. Emily tell mama you're the smartest little girl in the whole world."
"You bet she is. Hey buttercup we have to go and get your brother from school c'mon."
"I thought they had practice today?"
"It got cancelled. Didn't you receive the message?"
"I've been running up and down all day and haven't really had time to look at my phone. Buttercup are you leaving daddy all alone now?" He pouted for effect which earned him a big wet kiss from his daughter.
"Say bye-bye daddy."
"Come on I'll walk you to your car."
"I hope she falls asleep on our way to Thorgan's school."
"She will. If she hadn't had her nap yet then she must be dead tired about now."
"Let's hope so."
Emily lifted her head from her father's shoulder. "Da-da!!" Then closed in on his face to bite his nose making her parents crack up.
"Don't bite daddy's nose off baby girl."
Olivia and Fitz were so happy. This little girl and their now 8 year old son were bringing so much happiness to their lives. They also grew a lot closer after the storm they've weathered two years back. Their love grew stronger and honestly they couldn't ask for more right now. They had it all.
