A couple of days after they made it back from their vacation they made it to the warehouse to check on Rowan.

Huck briefed them about what had happened while they were gone. Fitz never responded which reminded Huck who was running this show. He treated Olivia with the same respect that he did Fitz.

They walked and Rowan who was handcuffed to a wall heater. He had lost some weight, but he was still alive and kicking. Which is what Olivia wanted right now.

She wasn't back to wearing her signature five-inch heels, but she was able to wear heels again. Fitz loved her power walk.

Rowan had dozed off. Olivia grabbed the pitcher of cold water and threw it on him startling him awake.

"What the hell?"

"This is not a hotel, dad. Wake up?"

He realized it was his daughter. He couldn't believe her.

"Olivia, you have made your point. End this."

"Or what. You aren't threatening me are you dad?"

"No, I'm simply saying that you have made your point."

"See, I disagree with you."

Olivia nodded

Huck turned the heater on. The hot air hit Rowan. He was sweating and coughing. One of his cheeks got burned.

Olivia nodded and Huck turned it off.

"Don't you remember dad?"

"No, I don't"

"Well let me remind you. I was sick. I had a cold, sinus infection, the flu, and I was so cold. Mom turned the heat up in the house. She dozed off with me and forgot to turn it down before you got home. When you realize what she had done you tied us both to one of the heaters in the house. You blasted the heat to the point that it burned both of us."

Olivia showed him the scars on her lower back. With age they looked much better, but were still a painful reminder of the past.

Fitz was finding out for the first time where the scars came from specifically. In the past all she would say is an accident at home. He never pressed her for details. He smiled internally glad she was making him suffer.

Rowan remembered the incident she was referring to. He didn't know the burns were that serious.

"Olivia, I know that saying I'm sorry is not enough, but I am."

"Let's be honest. You are only sorry because now you realize that it might be your only saving grace. Not because you are sorry for what you actually done to mom and I. It's fine because I'm not sorry for what I'm doing to you. I just came back from vacation with our two children. Two children you didn't factor in when you were trying to get rid of me. Oh and daddy I'm engaged. Remember when you said the line cook at McDonalds wouldn't want me. Oh, I was dumb and that I would only be good enough to work at someone's register. Remember?"

He nodded

"It must really burn you up how wrong you were. That I am as smart as mom. That I graduated at the top of my class in high school, undergrad, and law school. That I am brilliant and made partner. Even without my trust fund I was bringing in great money. I know what really makes you burn is that man behind me who has loved me for so long was once the most powerful man in the world, and is still the most man not known in the world. He's all mine daddy, and I am all his."

Rowan stared at his daughter. He never imagined a day would come when she would have the upper hand. He was just like his father. They never respected women. They looked down on women. In hindsight he knew he was wrong. He couldn't take it back, and it was no use trying. He was going to go out the way he was.

He looked at his daughter and snarled, "Go ahead you little bitch. Do what you want. I am never going to bow down to you."

Fitz heard the word bitch, but before he had a chance to react Olivia had kicked him in the stomach and back-handed him.

She told Huck to turn the hose on. The water hit Rowan full force knocking him back. The force of the water was painful, and it was cold.

Olivia nodded. Huck turned it off.

Olivia was laughing at her dad, but the laugh was scary even to Fitz. He was hoping that she would let Huck finish this up. Let them move on, but he would support whatever she wanted.

"Dad, I am going to grant you one last wish!"

"What is that Olivia?"

"To never see me again."

"Good."

She stood up and turned to Huck, "Make sure he suffers. Jake would love some company."

Rowan eyes got wide. He kept calling for his daughter. He was apologizing, and she walked off like she was deaf.

The couple finished their errands for Jerry's party. They made it back home in time to meet with Jill La Fleur. Although they were not planning a large wedding Olivia didn't want to deal with planning the destination wedding.

Jill was happy to take care of it for the couple. They told her where they wanted to get married. They were hoping that she had good news for them.

Jill walked in and hugged the couple before sitting down.

Olivia said, "Jill please tell me you have good news for us?"

"I have the best news. We have more than enough time for you to get married in Tahiti. I have found the perfect resort. I am just making sure that logistically we can get everything worked out for the wedding and the guests since you guys are paying everything. There is a private island there that I am looking at for your ceremony."

Olivia's eyes twinkle which made Fitz happy. What his baby wanted she would get.

He looked at Jill, "I don't care what the cost is please make it happen for Livvie. Don't ask about a budget. There isn't one. That includes her gown. I also want to pay for the attire for the wedding party. Every planner loves to dream big. This is your chance."

Now Jill's eyes twinkled. Every planner had a dream client. She had several that stood out, but for more reasons than she could name at the moment.

He looked at Olivia and grabbed her hand, "Baby you are not getting married again. This is it for us so let Jill give you the wedding of your dreams. We have more than enough money. I am looking forward to spending the rest of our lives together, and I want to celebrate in a big way. Let's enjoy this moment. It is our time and I don't want to think about money just about us."

She smiled, "Okay baby."

Olivia asked, "Will we still be able to get married Labor Day weekend? "

"Yes, the resort I want has the availability from Thursday to Monday. Do you still want to get married the day before Labor Day?"

"They nodded"

"Okay, well I'll head back to the office. My team and I will spend the next couple of days making sure that we can book everything. I'll fly out to scout the location and get back with you. Do you want me to schedule appointments to look at wedding gowns and bridal party dresses?"

Olivia nodded, "If you don't mind."

"I can do it all and then just schedule appointments, and calls for us to make decisions if that is what you would prefer. You guys have already given me a list of things that you want so I can use that to make the wedding come together."

"I would love that. The kids are about to head back to school soon, and we are working on plans to start a foundation."

They went over a couple more details, and Jill asked them some questions so she made sure that the wedding catered to the couple before she left.

A week later it was Jerry's birthday. They decided to start the morning by giving the kids their new cars so after breakfast the couple handed them each a box.

In Karen's box was an Audi keychain. In Jerry's box was an Infiniti keychain. The kids looked at their parents confused.

Olivia smiled, "Before we left on vacation your dad & I purchased you guys new cars. Since I wasn't in your life last year Jerry, and you and your dad weren't on the best of terms you didn't get a car like a lot of kids do when they turn 16. I knew you wouldn't give Karen a hard time, but I wanted you both to know I love you. You are our pride and joy. Your grades are excellent, and you are responsible. So yours is a "Sweet 17" and Karen "Happy Sweet Sixteen".

The kids jumped up and hugged their parents. They walked outside for the kids to see what kind of car they had.

Karen loves Audis so they got her a black sedan 2015 Audi A3 with sunroof. It was fully loaded. For Jerry he got a cream sedan 2015 Infiniti Q70 with sunroof that was also fully loaded.

The kids were stoked. The kids were happy because they got cars they wanted. The parents were happy because they were affordable luxury cars. Her grandmother helped her purchase a car when she got her license at 16. It wasn't as luxurious as the kids, but it was a nice newer model car. Fitz like most typical rich kids was given a luxury car. That was his dad's way of showing him love. Throwing big ticket items at him.

They had the money to spoil their kids, but they had talked and it was important that the kids know that the gifts were not a replacement of them, and they were weren't going to always get the top of the line. They were going to earn their money.

When they started working they were going to hire a cleaning service to come to the home twice a week, but otherwise they would all be responsible for taking care of their home. The cleaning service would not be cleaning up after them.

Olivia told them they didn't have to work, but she expected them to give back to the community.

Fitz had opened up checking accounts for them, and each month they would get a stipend that be automatically deposited into their account. They were responsible for putting gas in their car, and they had to pay for their own insurance.

Both kids were not over the moon with the rules, but they didn't have a problem with them either. Their mom was always preaching to them that they should never rely on anyone but themselves.

No child of theirs was not going to be able to take care of themselves no matter how much they were worth.

Olivia handed Jerry an envelope. He opened it and read the card. There was also a gift card. It had $2500.00 on it.

Olivia said, "Since I bought your sister dress I decided that you probably wouldn't want me to pick your clothes for you. So I decided to let you buy what you want. I'm sure you are going to get more than one outfit which is fine. I arranged for you to have lunch with your friends. Get you a hair cut, and be back home by three today."

Jerry went over and hugged his mom. She laughed, "No I'm not telling you anything. Did your sister know?"

"Fine mom. Thank you for everything. You really are good to us."

"That's what a mom is for."

"Maybe but until you came into our life I didn't know what it felt like to have a mom. I only had a mother."

Olivia got choked up for a moment.

She pulled back and told him to get out.

Karen looked at her parents, "Do you mind if I go over to Marilyn's for a little while. All of my chores are done?"

They told her it was fine.

Shortly after Jerry left the two trucks arrived. Olivia wanted to give Jerry a party that catered to him so she rented three gaming party buses.

The first bus had arcade games. The second bus was packed with Xbox360, PS3, and Wiis. The third party bus would allow them to play laser tag.

Jerry's party was a little more intimate. Only 35 people were coming. They hired the professionals so the kids could have a tournament. Fitz had went out and bought gift cards for the winners. They had made them VIP All-Access Passes. Just like Karen's party they invited a couple of her friends to the party. They shared a lot of mutual friends.

They rented several photo booths for the kids to take pictures in. Each booth had a different gaming theme.

They had made favor bags for the kids. It included a mini Wii, gaming gear, video remote cake pops, video controller chocolate, and a game truck water bottle.

She had a food tent put up. The guests could choose from pizza rolls, nachos and cheese, pretzels, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, and fries.

The dessert table had gaming treats. It included cupcakes. One of them was called Tropical Spritizers that included Sprite in the batter. They had a Pacman fondant toppers. They also gaming controllers decorated sugar cookies, Mine craft Candy Pops, Zelda Lemon Bars, and Mario Kart Rice Krispy Treats.

For his birthday cake she had his favorite game system a XBox360 with controller designed. Along with his one of his favorite games Mario Kart designed.

When it was brought out Fitz was impressed. For a woman who claimed she had no sense of putting an event together had done well for the kids.

Just about everybody had arrived before Jerry returned. Olivia was grateful for their large property. He wouldn't see anything coming into the house.

When Fitz took him to the back to see their back yard converted into game central he thought he had died and gone to heaven. His closest friends including those he met in D.C. were there.

Olivia walked over with his VIP badge and put it around his neck. A gentleman came over.

"Mr. Grant?"

"Mr. Grant is my dad. My name is Jerry."

They laughed

"Okay Jerry my name is Don. If you are ready we are ready to start the tournament. I will show you what we have, and then we can get started."

Jerry looked at his mom.

She nodded, "Honey, have a blast. Your dad & Tom are going to be playing with you guys. Your dad hired additional security so him and Tom could participate. Lauren & I are going to enjoy some pizza, popcorn, and movies in the theater."

He ran over to hug her. "I love you."

"Not as much as I love you. Go. Word on the street is that the Grant kids have the coolest parties."

Jerry laughed, "Well it is true. That is because we have the coolest mom."

Lauren came over and hugged her, "I was telling Tom the other night. I don't recognize those kids anymore."

"Why?"

"In the best way. I can't say they were bad even though they were, but if you had an adult pulling your strings what do you expect. Like their mother they were miserable. So they made others miserable. I use to say they were totally made over. Now I say they are able to be themselves. Something I know that Fitz has always wanted. Something that you want. Even with the rules, responsibility, and accountability that you guys hold them to they are great."

"You make me sound like a saint. I'm no saint."

"Because of your dad."

Olivia turned around

"I know. Tom knows. Let me ask you this. Do you regret what you did? Do you think it was best for you and your family to be done with him?"

"Yes"

"Liv, I know that you aren't use to family and friends who love you despite your faults, your quirks, your need for control. The truth is that since your mom died your dad made you believe that when people loved you that way it was wrong and bad. It is why you ran from Fitz. Your dad was wrong Liv. Look at your hand. It has an engagement ring. In a little more than a month there will be a wedding band there. Look outside. That young man and young woman taking a picture with their dad are your children. They are alive because of you. You have friends in D.C. who care about you. You have friends here who love you. I love you. Faults and all."

They shared a warm embrace. Fitz says a lot of the same things to her a lot, but she sometimes would dismiss it as him just trying to make her feel better. Hearing it from Lauren put a lot of things in perspective.

It was okay to trust and be vulnerable. It was okay to not always be on. No one was going anywhere. Fitz called her. Fitz made the effort. If he didn't care he would have never called. She vowed to herself to really enjoy life. She was still alive for a reason.

Everyone had a great night. Between movies they would go and check out the party. At first it was light and airy, but later on it was intense. Most of the kids were gamers. Tom was a gamer so they were into it. They watched for a while before they were over it.

They later found out Jerry won one of the tournaments, but he gave his gift card to the second place winner.

Olivia learned that the kids true friends weren't as wealthy as them. Some were rich, but most of them needed to work to live the life style they were living. The Grants came from old money. So she loved that the kids shared their good fortune.

Jerry later found out that his closest friends were staying the night. Karen's friends would be staying as well.

Fitz knew Olivia was tired. Her & Lauren had made sure the party was set up so he texted her to head to bed. Tom would help him see everyone out, and the kids were good to go before he came to bed.

With the party deemed a success it was time to move on. Jill called and confirmed that the resort was booked. She had sent them pictures of the private island where their ceremony would be located. The couple were more than impressed, and Olivia couldn't contain her excitement.

Fitz felt like for the first time she was fully engaged . That she accepted they were going to be together, and that is what he wanted as much as her.

The next couple of weeks the family was busy. They were shopping to get the kids ready for school. They would be going to Laguna Blanca.

Olivia, Karen, and Lauren were shopping for dresses. Lauren was going to be her maid of honor. Abby had also agreed to be a bridesmaid, and had flown up to dress shop with them.

The guys were fitted for their tuxedos which Fitz was buying not renting. Harrison was going to be a groomsman with Tom.

Olivia had asked Jerry to walk her down the aisle. Fitz knew his son wanted to cry, but he was trying to keep his man card.

Fitz participated in making selections for their wedding. She didn't believe him in college when he said he wanted to be a part of making decisions on what their special day would be. After all these years he had kept his promise, and she knew it wasn't out of obligation. They had a really great time making decisions.

They loved Jill. She had done a great job of scouting the location. Despite having an unlimited budget the couple noticed that she gave them sensible options that were not cheap, but also not over the top.

What Fitz loved was that she took the time to know Olivia, and understand her taste. He had called Jill after their meeting, and stressed the importance of the ceremony. Jill didn't watch the President's interview after he left office. She had back to back weddings during that time. Since she specialized in destination weddings she wasn't always up to date with the news so she didn't know about Olivia getting hurt.

After their phone call she sat down and researched Olivia. She found their interview online and an article explaining how she saved the children's lives. As a planner you had to be careful when you got personal with a client. Sometimes it could cloud your judgment, but with this wedding it was personal. It was clear that Olivia had been to hell and back in life. If anyone deserved to be happily ever after it was Olivia.

Towards the end of August school was back in session. It was an adjustment for them to be back in a classroom, but after a couple of days they were fine.

Once the kids were in school Fitz & Olivia really began to bang out ideas for their foundation. Olivia decided that she was no longer interested in being a fixer and lawyer. She was thinking about teaching. Fitz encouraged her to go for it, so she was really considering an offer that had been sent to her.

Olivia encouraged him to start working on his autobiography. When they got back they would look at getting someone to help him write.

Fitz didn't say a word, but he had a surprise for Olivia. When they dreamed back in the day there was a place they said that neither of them would ever visit except with each other.

Olivia assumed because the kids were in school they were flying back with them. Actually they were going back with their best friends. Fitz had already spoken with them, and the kids.

Olivia also didn't know but Tom & Lauren got married while they were on vacation. Neither wanted a wedding. So they went to the courthouse, and had a big party with family. Since Tom was part of his main detail he paid for Lauren to come as a wedding gift to them.

The statement was true. Time flies when you are having fun, because before they knew it they were packing to leave for Tahiti.

Lauren had secretly packed additional luggage for Olivia for the honeymoon.

The night before they left they were laying in bed after making love. They had been apart enough. They weren't waiting. Besides they wanted a baby.

Fitz looked at her, "I want this Livvie. I know that you are starting to get go, and know that you deserve happiness. I just want to say it now that your heart is fully open. I want us. This life we are building I want. I know that most of the people coming to the ceremony are people the kids & I know. I'm sorry that your mom is not with us physically,but she is with us. My friends want to be your friends. I want to be your husband. The kids want you to be their mom."

Olivia caressed his cheek, "I know baby. I really know. I want you to know that I want this life we are building. I have always wanted this life, and I'm not going anywhere. When I walked out that warehouse I promised myself I would fight to accept that I was not who my dad said I was or would be. I'm better than that. I know I am not your project. I am your woman. I am about to be your wife, and I am the mother to your children. Present and future. I wouldn't have it any other way."

Fitz smiled, "Good. Now that we got that out of the way. Let's get some sleep so we can get ready for our flight tomorrow. I'm sure we are going to experience jet lag after a nine hour flight then when we land their time is three hours behind us. So it will be three in the afternoon when we touch down."

"Sounds good. We picked the best time to go. The weather is great. The mid 80's and there is little ran during this time. Jill said it is going to be the perfect weather for our ceremony."

"Good because you deserve it Livvie."

"No we deserve it."

The couple cuddled together and drifted off to sleep dreaming about what was going to happen in the coming days.

A/N-Next is the ceremony.