Happy Sunday / Happy Mother's Day! I don't know what it is, but I thoroughly enjoy writing about O & F being parents. I especially like thinking about Liv could be as a Mom. Hope you like. xo

It was as if her mind was anticipating for this moment. Her eyelids lifted immediately and she stared at the ceiling. Of course, they would would be loud enough to wake her on the one day she felt entitled to sleep in. It still shocked her that after seven years, her body would jolt her awake, at the faint murmurs, or motion of their feet.

"Shh, it's a surprise!'"

"No, YOU SHHHHH! You're going to ruin it."

"Maybe if I just lay here without saying a word, they'll come back later," she mumbled to herself, turning on her side, fluffing her pillow. A few more minutes. That's all she wanted.

Five seconds had passed and she heard the calls.

"Momma? Mommy? Are you awake? It's us."

Their voices were so precious, sweetly trying to get her attention — just at the wrong time.

"Mommy, we made some coffee and waffles for you. They have strawberries on top. We'll keep everything hot. If you want them."

Then, she heard Fitz whisper something.

"Darn," little Lukey whined. "Why do we have to wait, Daddy? But it's Sunday! We can't stand here forever. We have church and a whole day of sunshine."

The 3-year-old's logical concept was so adorable. But still, the door was closed, and she didn't want to bothered just yet. Olivia was believing her husband would graciously remind the two about discretion.

Although, imaging how this scene was playing out in the hallway was bringing a smile to her face.

The door slowly opened. Olivia froze, then realized it was Fitz.

"Hey."

Blindly finding her phone and checking the time - 9:15 - Olivia calculated that she had 35 minutes to rest, before getting ready for church. Maybe Fitz has taken the lead on that one. .

"Mmm, hi."

Fitz sealed his greeting with a kiss on her forehead.

"Happy Mother's Day, beautiful."

"Thank you."

"I know you've been awake. Sorry about the twins. I tried to warn them. They couldn't resist."

Olivia snorted, "They do love me. Fitz, you always call them that. They are more than three years apart."

Fitz reclaimed his side of the bed, but didn't lie down. "They sure act like it. He mimics everything she does. The best of friends. Damn, I wish I had that growing up."

"I know. But now they do, so that's good."

"By the way," he interjected calmly, "All you have to do is get ready. I got them dressed, Livvie."

Olivia sat up. "What?"

Trying to keep a straight face, Fitz semi-bit his lip while beginning to rub her back. "I handed it."

She cocked her head to the side, reviewing her husband's expression. "Is that so?"

"Yup."

The little things he did. God, she was impressed.

"Is it bad that I'm turned on," she admitted, scooting closer to him.

"Hmmm, nope." Fitz's cheeks rose, very accepting of Olivia's words.

"You don't have to do anything else today."

Fitz shook his head. "It's only the start of a good day for you, Olivia Grant."

"We can't play now, but you should meet me here tonight."

Olivia pecked Fitz's lips; getting frisky right before church didn't seem like a wise idea, so she promised Fitz she'd thank him later.

The golden hour of nothingness was coming to a close. Olivia quickly showered and changed into a cream sleeveless dress. In that amount of time, Fitz completed his morning routine. He was waiting for her.

"Pretty lady, want to come down for breakfast? Addi cut the strawberries and Lukey buttered the waffles. He also turned the coffee machine on."

"I'll have a little bit."

Before Olivia could reach for the door, Fitz pulled her to his chest; kissing her cheek. He whispered, "I know how much you don't care for this. But you do so much for us — I want to make sure you know that and appreciate it."

She nodded. "Well, thank you. I think I shall."

"She's coming!"

Olivia slowly entered the kitchen. Flowers on the table, with a card on her seat.

"Happy Mother's Day!" Addison and Lucas screamed, beaming. Finally, she arrived. She walked to them, giving them kisses and hugs.

"Thank you, my babies. You've made my day. And look how handsome and gorgeous you both look."

Lukey giggled while Addison declared, "Daddy helped us. He remembered what you do, Mom. You should be proud."

"I am," she turned to wink at Fitz. An hilarious conversation.

Fitz chuckled, "Whatever."

Traditions were important to Olivia. All of the things she didn't get to experience as a child, she wanted to try to impart in Addison and Lucas. Going to church was one of those things. Her goal was to attend every Sunday, but that did not always happen with extra long work hours on Saturdays, or incredible meltdowns prior to leaving the house. But they made it on time, and found a good row to sit in. The service was lovely, but not as crowded as usual. The pastor's sermon was timely and relatable, and he asked for all the mothers to stand, so their loved ones could share flowers. The kids powerwalked to the front so they could bless Olivia with their gift. It didn't seem like much, but to Olivia, make time for church and other events, sitting together as a family, meant everything.

Back at the house, Olivia had "me" time. A luxurious bath, being able to chill in the sunroom, reading, without interruptions.

Olivia wore her favorite blue cardigan, over her white tee and jeans; it was a little cool, so she didn't want to have to run in the house to get an extra layer. Since the day was going to be spent at the house, she didn't even bother to press her hair, letting the air to dry her wavy curls.

The kids had extra time to watch a movie and eat lunch in the family room, which gave Fitz the chance to surprise and spoil Olivia.

"What's up?"

Fitz was standing at the door, holding a small basket, with compartments.

"What's going on?"

"I'm here to do your nails."

Olivia narrowed her eyes at him, "No. You won't."

"Come on... let me."

She couldn't resist her handsome guy, wearing a well-loved t-shirt and jeans, wanting to pamper her. With a heavy sigh, and quick grin, she allowed him to do whatever he wanted to do.

Sitting on the ottoman, Fitz lifted Olivia's feet into his lap. "Which color," he asked, holding three shades that were in her rotation.

"The pink please."

Olivia smirked, returning to her book. Every so often, she'd take a peek. Watching Fitz carefully adorn each nail with a coat of polish, while his reading glasses were perched on the bridge of his nose.

"How did you learn to do this? Whose nails were you painting before me," she teased.

"YouTube, Pinterest. The usual suspects, baby."

Olivia didn't think of herself as motherly. When her friends gushed about adding on to their lives with babies, she would smile and mentally check out. She just didn't see it in her future to raise a family, in a healthy situation. All the signs led to less than perfect. Fear taking over, and just not having the desire. But when Addison was born, her heart began to change. There appeared to be a measure of hope that blossomed inside of her and continued to flourish. Every day, as she watched her children grow, Olivia learned more about herself, and how strong she could be. But she had to be patient and kind, not just towards them, but for herself.

Right after Lucas was born, she decided to explain to Fitz that she didn't prefer the 2nd Sunday of May. At all. No fancy brunches or dinners. Nothing special or over the top. Just let her sleep past 9 o'clock. Her friends enjoyed the lavish gifts, but that usually happened on her birthday or Christmas. After hearing what she said, Fitz gathered she didn't think she deserved to be praised for she had been doing. But she did deserve appreciation. Every year, Fitz would respect Olivia's wishes, but find more creative ways that would gain her approval.

There were more gifts for Olivia. Addison presented a 30-second ballet, set to one of her mother's favorite songs. Lucas jumping in to participate was quite a visual. Her babies just filled her with joy. If it didn't create a mess, she would be down for anything they did.

After a group nap - Fitz and the kids sleeping on the couch, while she dozed off in her chair, they prepared for a cookout. Olivia wanted to help out, but Fitz wouldn't allow it. So she resorted to chill in the hammock. Beginning to daydream about their future. Summer vacation. More accomplishments at work.

In her haze, she noticed the famous curly mop by her feet. Lucas was trying to tap her leg to get her attention.

"Hi, you."

"Hi, Mommy. May I come in?"

"Of course, baby."

Olivia reached down to help Lucas into the hammock, so she could snuggle with her baby boy. He was getting so tall. Soon, he'd be off to preschool. Another round of transitions. From not being home at all, to teleworking a few days a week, and now, maybe she would have to reconsider how her schedule would be.

"Having a good day?"

Lucas nodded enthusiastically, his curls bouncing. "Oh, yeah! Guess what?"

Olivia looked at him directly, admiring his big, emotive eyes. She didn't want to miss out on anything. "Hmm."

"I love you."

"You do?"

Another round of infectious giggles bubbled out of Lucas. "Yes! So much. You love me, right?"

Olivia hesitated, then showered him kisses all over his face. "Of course, I do! You're my favorite boy."

"What if you have more boys?"

"Hmm?"

Lucas bit his lip, just like his father. "What if you have a baby or get a dog? Will I still be your favorite?"

Olivia answered, "Yes, you're the first boy in my life. My sweet Lucas Fitzgerald. Don't forget that, my love."

"I'm glad," he curled into Olivia's arms. "I don't want to lose my spot."

Just how she wanted. Fun and still lowkey. The sun was still out after dinner. Fitz, with Addison's help, created a full spread of burgers, grilled chicken, vegetables, and fruit, and blueberry cobbler - Olivia's favorite.

While the kids were playing with their own toys in the grass, Olivia and Fitz stayed on the patio, observing and relaxing.

"I know I say this all the time, but can you believe this? How did we get to be so blessed, Fitzy?"

"God and the universe are looking out for us," he assumed, "I guess we are very special."

Olivia reached for his hand. It was comforting to stay in physical contact with each other. Even if it wasn't sexual, she preferred touch. "Thank you for everything. I couldn't do this without you."

Fitz replied, "You are the best mom. You know that? I think you're incredibly sexy when you're with them."

Raising her eyebrow, she asked, "Even on sick days? How about when I'm wearing sweats, dropping Adds off at school? Oh, wait, when I have to play the bad guy and lead the punishment talk?"

Fitz threw his head back in laughter. "Absolutely. This all comes naturally, you take care of others. You do a damn good job. I couldn't have asked for a better woman to be in my life and raise our kids. To you?"

Reluctantly, she lifted her wine glass. "Thank you, dear."

It was hard to cycle back to this conversation. What she was feeling and what she should be thinking. Not every woman had the instinct. It didn't come naturally. Thankfully, she was in a marriage where her husband didn't push motherhood on her, demand that she throw away her career when the babies were born. He willingly took the role of co-parent with gladness. Their team worked brilliantly; whenever she was weak, he rose to the challenge. If he wasn't able to fill that need, she was strong.

"What if…"

Fitz waited for her to finish her thought.

"Hmm?"

With a smile, she shook her head. "Never mind."

"Tell me."

"Mom, let me take your picture!"

Olivia winked. She was saved by the kids, once again.

"Why?"

"A memory for next year. Both of you stand up. No wine glasses in the picture. Wait, may I use your phone?"

Addison had so much energy, but sometimes she would forget about asking.

"Yes."

Olivia stood next to Fitz, but he insisted that she stand in front of him. Being so close, just reminded her of all they've been through, and still coming out on top.

"Now say cheese!"

Addison handed the phone back to her mother. Olivia reviewed the shots.

"Now, that's a good picture, Addiclaire."

"Thank you," the little miss responded, flipping her longer curls behind her shoulder, very confidently.

"Speaking of pictures," Fitz added, kissing Olivia's cheek once again, "Lukey, get the box!"

Olivia watched the little one retrieve a burgundy box, with handles.

"What's this, honey?"

Lucas blushed, "For you, Mommy."

Slowly opening the top, she found a large photo album. Page after page, full of memories. Addison and Lucas' birth pictures. Beach trips. School portraits. Family shots during the holidays. The kids holding hands. Special crafts they had made over the years. With a few blank pages in the back.

"How did you find all of this?"

Addison and Lucas immediately pointed to their father. Fitz scoffed. Olivia gestured for him to lean down, so she could give him a kiss.

"We can put the picture of you and Daddy in here too, if you want," Addison mentioned, leaning her head on Olivia's shoulder.

Tears forming, Olivia smiled at Fitz, then softly answered, squeezing Addi and Lukey, who was on her side, tightly. "This is beautiful, thanks, guys."