Chapter 7: A Time and Place
"Everyone comes with baggage. Find someone who loves you enough to help you unpack." ~Unknown
OPOV
Olivia's eyes opened and she instinctively reached for Fitz. His side of the bed was empty and she turned to look at the time. She slowly raised her head to get a better view when the sound of laughter came from the other room. It was a little after 9am and she wondered who was there.
Her stomach began to growl and she immediately reached for a small package on the night stand beside her. She sat up on the edge of the bed and took a few bites trying to get her hunger under control. When the last cracker was eaten eventually stood and headed for the bathroom.
That's when Fitz walked in.
Olivia washed her face and avoided eye contact with him. Visions of the last 24 hours surfaced and it was almost too much for her to process. She desperately wanted to be happy and enjoy the fact she was having a baby girl but knowing the truth about the accident terrified her and she simply didn't know what to do.
"You're parents are here...and so are Abby and Quinn. They brought some gifts by."
Fitz leaned against the wall and Olivia could feel his stare. She continued freshening up when Fitz spoke again, his words forcing her to look in his direction.
"We have a right to be happy, Olivia. And a right to celebrate. I want today to be a good one. Please."
His voice was nearly pleading and she stared into the mirror at the sad blue eyes in the reflection. She dried her face off with a hand towel before turning around. Fitz instantly reached for her and grabbed her hand, gently caressing the top of it.
"Did you sleep ok?" He asked, obvious worry spread across his face. Olivia nodded but still didn't respond. She honestly didn't feel happy and she hated that people were over so early in the morning.
More laughter erupted from the other room when she let go of Fitz's hand and stepped aside him, heading back into their bedroom. She rummaged through her closet and took out a loose fitting dress and began to change. Fitz retreated from the bathroom and sat on the the edge of the bed. Olivia saw from her peripheral vision he was checking his cell phone. She slipped on a light cover up and checked her reflection in the large rectangular mirror in the corner of the room.
"Let's get this over with, she said nearly pouting. She finally walked towards the door but Fitz didn't move and Olivia noticed. She turned to look his way and saw him remain on the bed, his face now somewhat upset.
"Do you want them to leave? Just say the word and I will get rid of everyone."
He spoke seriously and Olivia knew he meant every word. She walked towards him and stopped when she reached in between his legs. He kissed the outside of the fabric softly several times near her navel before looking up at her. She couldn't help but run her fingers through his hair.
"Tell me what to do, baby...and I'll do it." His eyes were pleading and she could feel herself somewhat soften. She didn't want to be angry but she was and she couldn't stop herself from feeling this way.
"It's just a lot, Fitz. I don't know what to do right now...or what to feel...or what to even say. Am I just supposed to walk out there and act like nothing's wrong? Do they even know about the accident? I mean...do they know who's responsible?"
Her voice dropped at the end of the sentence and she stared off into space, unwilling to make eye contact with him.
"You walk out there, Livvie and focus on this..." Fitz reached down and gently pulled the bottom of her dress up, his hand slowly making it's way underneath until it reached her stomach.
"She's all that matters. And she deserves to be celebrated." His hand stopped and rubbed against the skin gently, searching Olivia's eyes. He pulled her down onto his lap and they sat for a few seconds, neither one speaking right away.
"Do they know?" She asked again only because he didn't answer her the first time.
"Yes, baby. They do." His voice was low and he now broke eye contact with her, staring at the floor. Quiet took over and Olivia rested her head against his shoulder. His strength floored her.
"How can you be so calm?" She blurted.
Fitz inhaled slowly and Olivia felt his chest rise against her body. She studied his face and he retrieved his hand from underneath her dress, and rested it on her lap. He continued to look at the ground and she suddenly wished she kept her mouth closed.
"There's a time and place for everything, Olivia."
More quiet rested between them and she thought for a long while about his words. He was right...there was a time and a place for worry and right now wasn't an appropriate time or place. She stood and decided to lift her dress up slightly, straddling him in the process.
"I'm sorry," she whispered against his hairline. "You're right..."
She thrusted her hips against him and immediately felt his body react. Fitz lifted his face and locked eyes with her, smoothing a few strands of hair out of her face.
"You have nothing to be sorry for, baby...let's go enjoy ourselves...your mother is dying to see you."
His voice now matched her whisper and the softness of his tone radiated all throughout her. She kissed his neck softly and pressed against him again, her hips now seductively rocking back and forth. His grip around her tightened and she knew he wouldn't be able to resist her much longer.
Olivia heard him moan against her mouth before devouring it, their lips colliding forcefully. She could feel his hands pushing her dress up again and she raised herself on her knees giving him easy access. His hands were at her inner thigh when a knock on the door sounded, startling both of them.
"Livvie...are you ok? Is something wrong?"
Her mothers words came through the door and Fitz instantly broke the kiss between them. They stared at one another and Olivia semi-smiled at him, mentally apologizing on her mothers behalf. He helped her off his lap and she readjusted the bottom of her dress. She faintly heard Fitz clear his throat and walk towards the bathroom, leaving her alone in the room.
Another knock sounded, this time a little harder and Olivia rolled her eyes. She knew her mother meant well but sometimes her overbearing nature prevented her from seeing the good.
Olivia straightened herself up once more and turned the knob, coming face to face with Maya. She looked radiant and instantly reached out for her daughter.
"Livvie! Do you feel alright? Why haven't you come out?"
FPOV
Fitz stood in front of the mirror and rested his elbows on the marble vanity. His dick was throbbing and he spent the next few moments contemplating whether or not his body needed to jack off. He closed his eyes and unconsciously counted to ten, trying to compose himself before joining the others.
Olivia overwhelmed him. He still could smell her all over his body and it drove him absolutely insane. Her body was changing before his very eyes, her curves more prominent than ever before. He shook his head as if this would magically make his thoughts disappear, when he caught glimpse of his reflection.
Fitz stared into the mirror deep in thought. He was going to be a father again and with the woman he loved so deeply and so fully it nearly overwhelmed him. Yet despite the happiness that should be surrounding them a dark cloud loomed over threatening to take away their happiness.
His eyes closed again and desperately tried to push thoughts of his father down. Laughter from the other room suddenly pushed through and it was exactly what was needed. He stood up and splashed water on his face before heading back into the living room.
Olivia was seated on a chair, her mother on one side and Quinn and Abby on the other. She has holding up a little pink dress and gushing over it's beauty, turning the outfit around front to back several times. Fitz watched her from across the room somewhat mesmerized. She was glowing, her eyes glassy and he couldn't remember a time she ever looked more happy.
Fitz stood near the piano against the wall and crossed his arms continuing to watch the women from a distance. Rowan was seated in the dining room and he could feel his stare from time to time. He purposely avoided all contact with him and knew he was chopping at the bit to ask him questions...questions he wasn't prepared to deal with right now.
Olivia's laughter bellowed through the air, snapping him back to the present. She was now standing and motioning for Fitz to join her. Everyone was walking towards the dining room except Olivia, who finally extended her hand to him. He gently grabbed it and squeezed, pulling it up to his mouth. She smiled when he kissed it and told him she invited them to stay for an early lunch since they missed an opportunity to have dinner together last night.
Fitz nodded and kissed her cheek eventually leading her into the other room. Maya was busy in the kitchen preparing the food and Abby soon joined to help. Olivia chose a seat next to Rowan who reached over and gently patted the upper part of her leg. Fitz witness a tender exchange between them and even though he disliked Rowan at times, he was grateful to him for being a wonderful father.
He was about to sit across from Olivia when he felt his cell phone vibrate. He checked the caller ID and saw it was Reed, immediately excusing himself to take the call. Fitz walked into their bedroom and shut the door behind him, hoping his friend brought forth some much needed answers.
"We can't link Susan to your old man, Fitz...but I do believe her. We both do. Huck is flying to Sacramento this afternoon. We need proof they're connected and there's one person that she claims can do that."
"Who?" Fitz immediately asked. There was a small pause and he wasn't certain what to make of it. He was about to ask again when Reed spoke.
"Genevieve."
Fitz stared at the wall and tried to remain calm. He had the urge to throw the phone against the wall but knew that wouldn't solve a thing. This revelation honestly didn't surprise him because he got the feeling his mother knew more than she let on; but hearing it from someone else didn't make it any easier. Reed spoke again, more than likely worried about the silence between them.
"I'm going with Huck...figured Genny would rather talk to me than him..."
Fitz still didn't speak and for a moment wasn't certain if he was even able to. He heard the door knob turn and saw Olivia, peeking her head around the door.
"Keep me posted," he finally replied hanging up the phone.
"What's going on?" Olivia asked, obviously reading his body language. He stood at the door and studied the woman he loved, an internal struggle forming within. His instinct was to shield the truth from her but knew deep down keeping things from her eventfully caused more harm than good.
"It was Reed," he finally replied. "They're trying to prove Susan's connection with my Dad. He's going to Sacramento this afternoon...with Huck."
"Who are they going to see?" Olivia quickly responded. Her face was concerned and once again he contemplated not being honest with her.
"They're going to see Genevieve. I didn't ask for specifics."
He broke eye contact with Olivia and hoped she didn't press the issue. He simply wasn't in the mood to try and decipher all the pieces right now. Olivia touched his face and caressed it softly, bringing his attention towards her.
"Lunch is ready. I won't let them start without you." Her face was sincere and her words made him swallow her up whole.
"I love you so much, Livvie." His voice slightly cracked when speaking and he felt Olivia's grip around him tighten.
"Let's go, they're waiting for us."
OPOV
"Mother, we haven't even discussed names! And yes, I know you're top choices!"
Olivia was helping her mother clear the dishes and on the verge of tuning her out. She was hell bent on Olivia choosing a family name and took every opportunity to bring up the topic. The two women were now in the kitchen while both Abby and Quinn were helping put the baby's gifts away.
"Alright, I'll change the subject then... You're father is very worried about you. Seeing you with a packed bag last night really shook him up." She turned to look at Olivia who avoided her stare.
"He doesn't need to worry...it was just a lot for me." She continued wiping the plates and didn't say anything more. Unfortunately, that didn't stop her mother from continuing, oblivious to the hint Olivia was trying to give her.
"How is Fitz? This can't be easy for him..."
Olivia's heart ached at the question. Guilt began to surface and she hated the fact he spent most of his time taking care of her these past few weeks.
"I would be lying if I said he was fine. Of course, he's not. But he's so strong around me...too strong. He views me as being so weak now. He never used to think that."
She shared more than she intended but it weighed heavily on her and she couldn't keep her feelings in any longer. Her mother stopped wiping the counter and turned, her stare suddenly serious.
"Seeing you in the hospital frightened him, Olivia. You should've seen him when he got there. He was frantic...and when he found out you were pregnant..."
Olivia's eyes widened at her mothers words. She remembered very little about the hospital that night and hearing this made her want to cry. Her emotions were so unstable and she simply couldn't control them.
"He doesn't see you as weak, Livvie. He's just worried. We all are."
Maya reached for Olivia's hand and she suddenly grabbed her mother hugging her tight. Tears began to fall and the release of them actually felt good.
"He adores you, honey. He couldn't take his eyes off of you at the table." Her words made the tears fall harder and she felt her mother lovingly caress her hair like she did when she was a child.
"I want to take care of him, mother...but I don't know how."
"Yes you do, Olivia. He wouldn't be able to love you the way he does if you didn't. Trust me."
Olivia could hear her friends voices getting closer and she broke free from her mom, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. Maya kissed her cheek softly and returned her attention back to cleaning. She decided to join Abby and Quinn who were gathering their belongings, ready to leave. They each hugged one another goodbye and Olivia thanked them for stopping by. After eventually bidding them fair well, she noticed her father and Fitz had disappeared and were nowhere to be seen.
The only place Olivia could logically place the two most important men in her life was the study. She decided to make her way down the hall and see why they disappeared. The door was closed and she couldn't help herself. Olivia's hand was on the knob, ready to turn it when she heard Fitz's voice.
"...I want to marry her, Rowan and I'm asking for your blessing."
Olivia stilled and held her breath, completely taken off guard with what she overheard. She could hear Rowan talking but couldn't make out his words and took that as a cue she needed to walk away. Her legs felt weak and her heart felt as if it was going to explode.
When she reached her living room again she heard both Fitz and Rowan exit the study. She decided to join her mother and quickly pushed what she just encountered out of her mind, not wanting to get her hopes up too high.
FPOV
It was late in the evening and Fitz had just returned from a run. He took his shirt off and tossed it onto the floor when Olivia walked into the bathroom, joining him. He continued to undress and kicked his shoes off making his way into the shower.
"Did you and your mom get a lot done?" He asked over his shoulder. He stepped into the warm water and and made a lather of soap into his hands while listening to Olivia.
"We did. Some furniture will be delivered later this week. I'd like to get the nursery painted before then. My dad is sending a friend over the day after tomorrow."
Fitz was glad she was able to spend some time with her mom today. Her spirits seemed happier and he appreciated how supportive her parents were being. They chatted a little more about the room and he enjoyed listening to how excited Olivia seemed about decorating the nursery.
Once he stepped out of the shower Olivia was near the door looking at herself in the mirror. Fitz was drying himself off with a towel and watching Olivia turn from side to side.
"My pants are a little tight...I think I may need to go shopping soon." Her face was slightly excited and it made him grin. She had been worried about her weight for a while so he knew this was a big moment for her.
Fitz picked up his dirty laundry and shoved it into the clothes hamper near the closet. Olivia continued examining her body while he eventually washed up at the sink. They continued to talk about the upcoming week and Fitz watched her undress, taking her bra off last.
Olivia slightly winced in pain and he knew her breasts were still tender. Eventually, he dried his face off and went into the bedroom, pulling a pair of black boxers on. He checked the time and saw it was only a quarter past nine. He didn't sleep well last night and his lack of sleep was quickly catching up with him.
Fitz sat on the bed and grabbed his cell, waiting for Olivia to join him. She was wearing his gray navy shirt and was busy in the bathroom. He could see part of her from behind the door, her bare caramel legs silently calling him by name. His phone flashed two missed messages; one from Reed and the other from a number he didn't recognize.
The message from Reed stated they landed in California earlier that afternoon and were waiting to hear back from his mother. Part of him wanted to call and check in but something stopped him. Olivia soon entered the room and climbed into bed next to him. He set his phone back on the night stand and lay next to her, lifting his arm so she could assume her normal position.
"Today turned out to be nice," Olivia said against his chest. Her hands were wrapped around him and Fitz placed his free arm behind his head for added support.
"It was...I'm glad your parents were here," Fitz replied sincerely. Seeing Olivia have a solid support base meant the world to him.
"My mom won't stop about my grandmothers name..." He could hear the annoyance in her voice but didn't reply right away, thinking about the name 'Emerald.' He wasn't crazy about it either but didn't want to be rude.
"What about Emmie?" The name suddenly occurred to him and rolled off his tongue without even thinking it over first.
"Emmie." Olivia repeated, lifting herself off his chest and sitting up on the bed. She repeated the name a few times before sharing an idea of her own.
"I like that! We could name her Emmie Genevieve Pope Grant." Fitz stared at her for a moment, his eyes studying her closely. His heart swelled and a lump formed in his throat.
"I'll have an Emmie and a Livvie..." His voice was soft and barely audible. Olivia bent down and nuzzled his face before whispering in his ear.
"And we'll have a Fitzy." The name made him smile and be pulled Olivia fully on top of him. They embraced for a long while, both envisioning the day they would get to meet their daughter in person.
Olivia eventually sat up again, her knees still straddled around his waist. Fitz watched her lift his shirt over her head, exposing her bare breasts to him. Her nipples were growing darker and seemed wider. They were erect and he couldn't help but reach for one, gently caressing it in between his fingertips. She instantly reacted to his touch and the sight made him ache for her all over.
"Say it," he whispered aloud, his eyes locking into hers. Olivia took her own breasts into her hands and massaged them slowly, her hips rocking against him like earlier that very morning.
"I want to take care of you..." Her reply took him off guard and he stilled trying to understand why she would say something like that.
Fitz slightly lifted her, pushing his boxers down, finally setting his growing erection free. He watched Olivia push her panties aside before setting herself down onto him. Her tightness caused them each to moan, their continuous movement eventually creating the slickness needed between them.
"Please, let me take care of you," Olivia breathed out. Her words made Fitz close his eyes, his head tilted back against the sheets beneath him.
Olivia began a steady rhythm, her hips meticulous and greedy. He could feel his precum spilling inside her, the friction they once felt now completely gone. Fitz dug his hands into her backside, pushing her harder and harder against him.
"I love you." Olivia finally breathed out the words he was waiting to hear.
His eyes opened and watched her on top of him..,making love to him...taking care of him in her own way. Olivia continued her rhythm, repeating again and again how much she loved and needed him in her life.
Her words overwhelmed him and he desperately wanted to release. His thumb grazed down her skin until it dipped into her pussy, instantly connecting with her clit. He pressed against it firmly in a circular motion until finally hitting the spot that made her yell into the air.
She unraveled before his very eyes, her orgasm quick and powerful. His hips pressed upward again and again until his own release finally took over. Olivia collapsed onto him, Fitz holding her against his body tight, until they both eventually calmed.
He felt Olivia rise, disconnecting them before she took her spot next to him on the bed. She looked exhausted and he wasted no time bringing the covers up and over her body. Fitz kissed her lips softly whispering for her to sleep. He made his way down to her stomach and kissed it gently a few times.
"Goodnight, Emmie," he whispered against her skin, to the life that continued growing inside her.
It was nearly 6am and Fitz was wide awake. He continued to toss and turn, trying not to disturb Olivia next to him. She was in a deep sleep and he could tell the pregnancy exhausted her more and more everyday.
Fitz decided to get up and go for another run, hoping the exercise would help. He needed to occupy his mind and he hoped doing something productive would release the tension building within him.
He quickly dressed and made a phone call letting Secret Service know of his early morning plan. Fitz made his way out into the living room and checked his watch. He knew Hal and Tom were rotating the nightshift and he wasn't certain which agent would be outside.
When he was finally ready to leave, he slipped on a baseball cap and opened the door. A pair of familiar blue eyes stared back at him, catching him completely off guard.
"Mother? What are you doing here?"
His voice was startled and he searched around for the agent on duty wondering why he wasn't notified of his mothers arrival. Genevieve affectionately touched Fitz's arm and squeezed it before finally speaking.
"Hello, my dear. I apologize for showing up here like this." She looked over her shoulder and that's when he saw Tom. He was sitting inside his car in the driveway. "I asked Tom not to tell you I was here. I wasn't even sure I had the courage to ring the doorbell..."
Fitz opened the door wide and motioned for her to come inside. She was wearing a pale pink suit with matching high heals and looked as if she were ready to attend a private dinner party. For as long as he could remember, she dressed this way and for a woman who never worked a day in her life he couldn't ever figure out why.
Genevieve set her things down on a nearby chair and looked around, her high heels making the only noise in the room. Fitz offered her some tea and she quickly obliged, thanking him for the hospitality.
"How is Olivia? Is she well?" Fitz watched his mother sit down at a chair nearest the kitchen in the dining room, watching him as he made her favorite morning drink.
"She's doing ok...tired by the end of the day. She'll be happy you're here. She's wanted you to visit for sometime."
He returned into the dining room and placed her tea in front of her, made exactly the way she liked it. Fitz sat down and looked her over again, still in shock of her presence.
"Reed flew to Sacramento to see you," he continued, assuming that meeting never took place. There was no way Reed wouldn't have warned him she was coming to Chicago.
"He phoned me yesterday and I agreed to meet him today..."
"But?" Fitz interrupted. He wanted answers and he wanted them now.
"But, I needed to see you. It's time I share some things with you...things I'm not proud of. Things that happened many years ago."
She took a sip of tea and broke eye contact with him. Fitz didn't want to loose the opportunity so he began to ask questions in hopes for some answers.
"Did you know about Susan and father...about the affair. Reed can't connect them but she claims you had knowledge of it."
"It's true, son. Susan was your fathers first love. They were together for many years before I came into the picture."
"Why did she fake her own death?" His voice was straightforward and he left himself little time to process the first answer she gave him.
"When your father and I married he continued to see Susan for sometime. We were busy making his bid for the presidency when Susan got pregnant. She chose to leave town and wanted to start over...start fresh...so your father arranged for her to have a new identity. She ended up moving out of the state and eventually lost the baby. I've heard the miscarriage broke her spirit. She was never the same after that and your father lost touch with her for some time...or at least that's what he led me to believe."
Fitz processed the information and tried to comprehend it all. How could his father allow her to leave like that AND how could his mother be ok with the affair? None of this was making sense and it was beginning to piss him off.
"So father, KNEW she was pregnant and let her leave? Just like that?" His voice was elevated and he could feel his blood pressure rising.
A sound came from across the room and that's when Fitz saw her. Olivia was awake and dressed in a long silk robe. She was walking towards them and both him and Genevieve stood up simultaneously to greet her.
"Mrs. Grant? I had no idea you were planning to visit so soon. It's good to have you here." Fitz watched his mother take Olivia into her arms and hug her.
"My dear girl...you're glowing. Fitz was right...you have gotten more beautiful." Olivia smiled and turned to look at him. He could tell his mothers presence took her off guard as well and he honestly didn't know what to say. He too, was greatly surprised to see her.
"I'm sorry if we disturbed you, Livvie. Can I get you anything?" He asked, looking her over. It was fairly early and she still looked tired.
"I'm fine, Fitz. I'll let you and Genevieve continue taking. I didn't mean to interrupt." Olivia looked as if she were going back into the bedroom when Fitz stopped her.
"Olivia, stay. I was just asking my mother some questions and now that you're up, I'd like you to join us. This involves you too."
He could tell his request surprised her but she didn't verbalize it. She nodded at him and gave him a small smile before sitting down next to Genevieve. Fitz too sat back down, grabbing Olivia's hand. He squeezed it lightly before turning his full attention back to the other woman in his life.
"Mother...please continue."
A/N: Thank you so much for reading. A few have reached out to me and shared their disappoint this particular Fitz and Olivia can't be happy during this pregnancy. I hate that I'm disappointing some of you. Please know my intention is to try and develop real character growth and development. Unfortunately some pain will be felt along the way with this version of Olitz. However, that doesn't mean they won't be together. I'm a firm believer these two are able to face hardships and still remain a strong united front. At least, that's what I'm trying to convey :)
On a personal note- I continue to struggle with this story. I'm still not in my comfort zone but I'm trying not to give up on it. I sincerely appreciate the encouragement some of you have given me regarding this particular fic...especially Jen Odom :)
It's greatly appreciated and has given me the motivation to continue.
Against, I thank you so very much for reading. Xo
