Halo
Hit me like a ray of sun
Burning through my darkest night
You're the only one that I want
Think I'm addicted to your light
I swore I'd never fall again
But this don't even feel like falling"
Halo, Beyoncé
Fitz was dreaming, his eyes glimmered with unshed tears as they focused on his beloved standing before him. Surely, this was another twisted nightmare that would end when the sun rose. The scene surrounding him was overwhelming, creating a storm of emotions within him. Olivia's voice pulled him away from his thoughts and centered him.
"Fitz, you are my best friend, my lover. You areeverything I never dreamed I could have in a husband. You have taught me what it is to truly love someone. Thank you for having hope when I didn't. Thank you for holding onto our love whenever I wanted to run from it. Thank you for loving me more than I love myself sometimes. Thank you for being the father Rose needed." Liv's voice broke and she took a few seconds to regain her composure. "Today, I commit myself to you in marriage. I promise to love you, protect you and cherish you forever. I will always stand by you, and you will always be taken care of. I will never give up on our love. You are the only one for me." Holding his left hand with both of hers, she tenderly slipped the platinum band onto his ring finger. When their eyes met, he swore his heart stood still.
Hope was a powerful thing. Through tempest and trials, Fitz had steadfastly held onto their love. He didn't crumble or lose sight of the dream. Every event in their life had lead them to this moment.
"Olivia, you are my soul mate, my confidant. You are the answer to every prayer I ever prayed. You saved me before I even knew I needed to be saved. There is no problem that we can't solve together; there is no scandal we cannot survive if you are at my side. Thank you for always coming back to me. Thank you for every 'I love you.' Thank you for my Rosie baby. Today, I commit myself to you in marriage. I promise to love you, to protect you and to cherish you forever. I will always stand by you, and you will always be taken care of. I will never give up on our love. You are the only one for me." With trembling hands, he slipped the wedding band he had engraved with the word forever, onto her ring finger.
"By the power vested in me by the state of Vermont, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Fitz swiftly wrapped his arms around Liv and brought her flush against him.
"Hi wife," he whispered, forehead against forehead.
"Hi husband," Olivia giggled.
All around them, their friends and family cheered and clapped in celebration of their love and commitment. Rosie, who was currently being held by Karen, impatiently waited to be let down so she could join her parents.
"Sis, down." She twisted and turned in Karen's arms. Finally, she relented and set the toddler on her feet. Running up to her parents, she wrapped her arms around them both, causing them to finally end their kiss.
"Hi Rosie." Fitz bent down picking up one of his most prized possessions and turned to face their loved ones.
It had taken then twelve years to become husband and wife. They had overcome every trial and scandal that had been thrown in their direction. Mellie, Edison, Jake and Russell couldn't stand between them. His presidency couldn't destroy their love. And in the midst of it all, Olivia had given him a daughter. Yes, Fitz felt like he was dreaming but this time he wouldn't be waking up depressed and alone at the White House.
Hundreds of twinkling Christmas lights had been hung throughout the trees surrounding the back of house. Under the biggest Sugar Maple tree, an arch stood, tastefully decorated with roses, peonies and orchids; before it white chairs where arranged on either side of the aisle made of coral rose petals. To Olivia's specifications, the wedding planner kept the décor simple with touches of cream, gold and coral against the beautiful greenery of the Vermont property. At the other end of the backyard, round tables had been set up around the makeshift dance floor, and a small stage at the far right where the live band would be stationed. The weather forecast called for clear skies, and the couple planned to celebrate their love under the moonlight.
The air on the property was thick with love and happiness; everyonewho stepped foot onto it walked around giddy, almost floating as they worked to set up before the ceremony started. Even Alejandro, the head chef whom was famously known for his sour disposition appeared to be upbeat as he hummed a catchy tune while preparing the feast.
Fitz and Olivia desired a small private wedding with only twenty-five of their closest family and friends in attendance. No bridesmaids or groomsmen where chosen, just their children at their side.
Olivia stood behind the French doors, bracing herself. Soon, they were to open and she would find herself walking down the aisle to Fitz.
"You sure you want to do this?" Harrison appeared besides her. "You can still change your mind. I can get you out of here in under five minutes."
Liv cocked her head analyzing whether he was joking or not. "Nah. I'm good. I think I'll go through with it."
"Fine. I'll tell Abby to cancel the helicopter." Liv was shocked when he actually pulled out his cellphone and typed out a message. "What?" He looked up at her expression. "You can't blame us. Running is what you do best."
"What about Rosie?"
"Huck and Quinn," he simply stated.
"I can't believe you guys. It's oddly sweet though." She reached out to grasp the hand of her best friend, her brother, and her gladiator in a suit. She had known from the moment Fitz proposed that Harrison would be walking her down the aisle. "There will be no more running. He is it for me."
"That's what I wanted to hear." With a quick flip between his fingers, he slipped the phone back into his pocket.
Olivia ran a shaky hand over her wedding dress, trying to calm her nerves. Her heart going a mile a minute - telling her to run - that this could only end in heartbreak for her. She took deep breaths as her therapist had advised her. She focused on the lace that adorned her gown. It had been the first one she had tried on. Planning the entire wedding had gone so smoothly a part of her was waiting for the bottom to fall out. Naturally, she had kept those thoughts to herself not wanting to concern Fitz. Silently, fighting the anxieties and fears that emerged with this new stage in their relationship.
Olivia's wedding dress was sexy, daring and exactly the style she desired. What initially attracted her to it was the low cut at the back of the gown; she smiled when she had tried it on, knowing that Fitz wouldn't be able to keep his hands to himself. It was made of delicate lace that framed her body then flared at her feet, with a V neckline that was held up by spaghetti straps. Her hair had been swept up and held off her shoulders by a vintage pearl comb that had belonged to Fitz's grandmother, several tendrils had been left out to frame her face. Light neutral make-up, diamond earrings and her engagement ring completed the look. Her coral four-inch high heels were custom made by Christian Louboutin. She was stunning, a sight to behind, and when Fitz saw her in a few minutes she would take his breath away.
"Liv," Harrison spoke softly. "You know I'm yourfamily. I'm your gladiator. Whatever it is you need, you call me and I will handle it. Promise me."
"Harrison, I've been with Fitz for over ten years. What haven't we been through?"
"Promise me, if you need me, you will call. That stands for Huck, Quinn and Abby too."
Liv smiled, touching his face. "I promise. Over a cliff, right?"
"Over a cliff." He hugged her, the way only a brother could, making her feel so loved and protected. "Ok. Let's get you married!"
Moments later the doors opened, and Olivia stepped out into her destiny.
"How does it feel to finally be Mrs. Olivia Pope Grant?" Abby joined Olivia at the head table. Fitz was not far from them talking to Harrison and Cyrus. Liv being too enthralled watching the children dance, didn't hear Abby approach. "Hey," Abby pinched Liv successfully gaining her attention.
"Ouch, what the hell, Abby?"
"I know you're excited to ride that cobra tonight but keep it together." All Liv could do was roll her eyes at her best friend. "I said, how does it feel to be Mrs. Olivia Pope Grant?"
Sighing, Liv replied. "Magical. Unreal. Perfect. It's only been a few hours but it's everything I ever imagine it would be."
"Aw, you guys deserve to be happy. FINALLY," she yelled. "Married so all the world could see what we have known all along… that you two belong together."
"Thank you, Abby. I sincerely wouldn't know what I would have done without your friendship. You make sure Olivia Pope shows up to save the day. You kept me together when I found out I was pregnant, went to every doctor appointment, held my hand during my labor…"
"Yeah, it was fun telling everyone I was your lesbian baby mama." The women laughed through their tears as they remembered the surprised looks of the medical staff. "Don't forget the times you almost burned down my kitchen or the 3AM calls with a screaming infant in the background."
"Ok, ok. I get it. I was a mess."
"A complete hot mess. Poor Fitz, does he know what he got himself into?"
"Shut up. He loves my crazy."
"Hmm," Abby averted her eyes and took a drink. "I'm sure there are things he loves much more than your crazy." She pointedly looked down at Liv's lap.
Liv threw her head back and laughed. Abby always knew how to make her laugh, no matter how inappropriate the comment was. "On that subject, are you sure you're okay with watching Rosie while we're gone?"
"Hell yes. RoRo and I are going to have the time of our lives. You just enjoy your honeymoon and don't come back until you have another POTUS baby cooking in there."
"Well about that," it was Liv's turn to avert her eyes.
"Wait! Hold on! Don't tell me you're knocked up again?" She jumped up and down in her seat. Liv and Fitz truly did make the cutest babies. She didn't want any herself but she enjoyed spoiling Rosie.
"Abby! Keep your voice down! He doesn't know yet."
"Why haven't you told sexy hubby POTUS?"
"I'm waiting for the right time. We've been so preoccupied finalizing the wedding plans time just flew by."
"So when are you going to tell him?"
"I don't know! Last time it felt like I was giving him a death sentence, you know. This time around it's so different. We don't have to hide. No cover up story or adoption papers. This is good news."
"RoRo was good news too, albeit ill timed, but can you imagine your life without her?" Both ladies turned just in time to catch Rosie twirling around, surrounded by Karen, Ella and Teddy, her ivory lace dress moving right along with her. Her curls covered her face but her laughter could be heard from a distance. The toddler was fully enjoying herself. She was the best of Fitz and Olivia. If Liv had to go back and do it all again, she would. If it meant having Rosie in her life, she would.
"I'm going to tell him tonight."
"He's going to be ecstatic. You sure it wouldn't be too much excitement for one night? You married an old man."
"Abby!" Liv reached out to pinch her friend this time.
"I mean, when was the last time you check everything was functioning, if you know what I mean."
"If you must know, Fitz and I had no problem this morning." She replied smugly.
"I knew it! I knew you snuck out to get some. You came back with that same smug look on your face. Where?"
"The laundry room. It's out secret spot, for when we miss the thrill of possibly getting caught."
"We're going to get in trouble." Liv whispered reaching into Fitz's boxers. Fitz bit his lip trying to suppress the groan that left him when her warm hand had wrapped around him. He had woken up in the cold empty guest bed because Abby insisted Olivia and him couldn't see each other twenty-four hours before the wedding. He missed his Livvie. In the past year he had gotten use to sleeping besides her. His night was long and restless without her. In the still of the morning, he had woken her and dragged Olivia into the first floor laundry room.
"If we get caught it's because you're too loud." He argued.
"Shut up," Liv grimaced at him. "Did you lock the door because I don't want Abby to find me on my knees…"He silenced her rant with his lips, kissing her until she was breathless.
"Liv," he stopped the movement of her hand. "If you keep doing that I'm going to cum."
"Shit, sorry. You're distracting me." She pressed him against the wall, pulling down his boxers as she got down on her knees.
"Fuck," he whispered under his breath as she took him into her mouth. Looking down at her, he felt like the luckiest man on earth. She was so fucking great at everything she did. She knew exactly what pleased him. She was his match emotionally, mentally and physically. He was ready to spend the rest of his life with her.
Shaking her head, Abby replied, "you slut."
Liv shrugged, "I got to give my man what he wants. When he wakes you up with the superpowers and ask you to fuck in the laundry room, you don't say no to that."
"I hate you. Take your daughter on your honeymoon, so I can go home with Leo."
"Nope, take a cold shower or get a bigger house." Liv laughed at Abby's annoyed expression.
It was late, the live band had left a while ago and Harrison had made himself the DJ – his iPhone plugged into the house's sound system. Most of the guest had left too, leaving Fitz, Olivia, the children and Liv's team celebrating. Olivia had changed out of her gown into an empire waist lace dress similar to her wedding dress. It was short, white and allowed her to move the way she wanted to move. She had let her hair down and changed into a pair of ballet flats. Fitz and her would be heading out soon but she wanted to get a final dance in with her baby girl. In truth, Liv was having a terrible time leaving Rosie. Mother and daughter had never been apart from each other for longer than a few hours.
Currently playing was Rosie's favorite, Time of Our Lives. She had no idea what Pitbull and Ne-Yo were rapping about but she loved to dance to the captivating beat. She had requested the song herself. Harrison, like everyone else in her life, found it difficult to refuse her. The little girl danced at her mother's feet, twirling and jumping; she was so intoxicated with happiness.
From the sidelines, Fitz watched Liv snap her fingers, motivating Rosie to continue dancing. He chuckled at the sight of his girls: like mother, like daughter, he thought taking a drink. Thank God Rosie inherited her dancing skills from Olivia. She must've felt his eyes on her because Liv turned and caught his eyes, smirking mischievously. He shook his head at her knowingly; no way she was going to get him on that dance floor. Liv kneeled down to Rosie, whispering in her ear, and Fitz cursed as he saw his daughter set her eyes on him. Running up to him, she jumped up and down before him.
"Daddy," she sang. "Mama said you gotta dance with us."
"Rosie…" She cut him off.
"Please daddy." She begged, giving him the trademark Pope pout. She was good.
"Fine!" He let her pull him onto the dance floor, Liv laughing, triumphantly. She curled her finger drawing him closer to her. He was a terrible dancer but she just wanted him to loosen up and have a good time with them.
"Show me your moves, White boy."
"I'm going to make you pay for this."
She turned her back to him, swaying her hips to the music, drawing his eyes down to her ass; she looked at him over her shoulder and said, "I'm counting on it."
Out of the corner of her eyes, Liv watched Fitz's uncoordinated moves; raising her hands over her head, she threw her head back and laughed, feeling her heart burst with joy. There was no more hiding for them. His two left feet didn't embarrass her; she wanted to dance with him for the whole world to see.
Rosie was in Harrison's arms, hands in the hair as he spun her around. She was so perfect. To think Liv ever doubted that they could give her a good life, looking at her now, made her want to tell Fitz about the new baby right this moment.
The song seamlessly changed and Liv closed her eyes reveling in the moment.
Tonight I want all of you tonight
Give me everything tonight
For all we know we might not get tomorrow
She spun around, reaching for Fitz's navy tie; she pulled him close to her, eyes fixed on each other's lips. The glimmer in her eyes made Fitz hard as she sang along with the song.
And I might take you home with me if I could, tonight
And baby, Imma make you feel so good, tonight
Hands on her hips – he closed the gap between them – kissing her without a care. His tongue slipping into her mouth as his hands moved with the grinding of her hips. Fitz was so turned on by her bright eyes, flushed cheeks and devilish smile. He had a good mind to throw her over his shoulder and get her in the back of their limo. He wanted to spend the rest of the night fucking.
"I love you." She moaned against his mouth.
"I know." He growled as he reached out and bit her bottom lip.
Before they could get anymore carried away, Fitz felt Rosie tugging on his pant leg, arms reaching out to him. They separated so he could pick up their daughter.
"Spin, spin, daddy." She giggled.
The song ended and a familiar melody came through the speakers. Liv looked eagerly up to Fitz. "Go ahead." He said.
Motownphilly's back again
Doin' a little east coast fling
This was Liv and Harrison's favorite song; whenever it came on they'd do this entire dance routine they'd created. This was only the second time Fitz got to witness it. Olivia and Harrison jumped and crisscrossed their legs to the beat. They were a sight to behold. Fitz wished he had siblings; he could get along so well with.
Everyone watched the pair show off their supreme Kid N Play dance moves. He rocked a sleepy Rosie in his arms, looking around at the people Olivia had brought into his life. They had become his family. Abby and Quinn serving as hype women and Huck beside him recording and taking pictures. He was happy. He was at peace. Hope had brought them to this place.
"Are you happy?" Liv asked - her eyes focused on their intertwined fingers - her head relaxed on Fitz's chest. She felt blissfully content as they sat in the back of the limo that would take them to the private airport hanger. When he didn't reply, she looked up to see his face, a smug smiled displayed on his lips. "What?"
"I'm trying not to say I told you so." He gazed down at her.
"Excuse me?" She laughed.
"For every time you told me not to make empty promises. I was right. I knew it all along. One day we would be together, husband and wife, just as we are now."
"Keep gloating and you'll be taking a cold shower tonight." He wrapped his arms around her, lifting her up onto his lap. "Fitz," she warned.
"You wouldn't," he breathed against her ear, grazing her earlobe with his teeth. "You know I've been waiting to get you out of this dress since I first laid eyes on you."
"Behave," she pushed down the hands that traveled up her thighs. "Tom could hear us."
Fitz scoffed. He moved her hands around his neck. "Tom has heard us plenty of times." He brought his hips to meet hers. "You weren't shy last week."
"We weren't married last week. I don't want our first time as a married couple to in the back of a limo." Her words caused him to still his movements.
"Ok," he helped her sit back besides him. "You're right, wife."
"Hmm, remember that next time we fight."
"Olivia, you always win. You always get your way."
"True, does that mean I get to name our next baby? No veto?"
"No way in hell. Aren't you getting a little ahead of yourself? We need to get pregnant first. I'm going for twins this time."
"Fuck no, Fitz. We agreed on two. That's it. Anyways it's too late, I'm already pregnant."
"Wait. What?"
"Shit, I didn't mean for that to slip out."
"Livvie,"
"We're having another baby. One baby. The doctor hasn't confirmed it but I'm sure. I know my body."
"Livvie, you make me so happy." He held her face between his hands. Both of their eyes filled with tears. "This must be a dream. Can so much happiness be real?"
"It's not a dream, Fitz. This is our life. Forever."