Thanks for the reviews! Glad y'all like Tom and Abby (Tabby, someone called them lol) I really love writing their characters.

Someone asked how old Fitz was, I don't have a set age really. He and Liv are between 27-30. Didn't want to get all number specific lol.

I'm seeing ALLyour suggestions, I'm working them in, I promise.

Again, I don't own these characters, all for Shonda Rhimes!

Happy Reading!

Olivia was singing quietly while she decorated the basement. Abby came down the stairs slowly, so she wouldn't disturb her. She stood and listened…she never realized what a beautiful singing voice she had. Olivia turned around and jumped.

"Shit, Abby! You scared the crap out of me! What are you doing?"

"Just standing here listening to you. I never knew you could sing like that!"

"It was supposed to be a secret. I hate singing in public. Once in a while I'll do some karaoke, but only if I've had enough to drink." She laughed. "This talent show means so much to the boys, and they want me to sing, and they've got it in their heads that Fitz and I should do a duet. I think their original idea was to push us together. I keep telling them I'm grounding them after the show."

"I'm only performing because they begged me. I can't believe they got Tom to sing, too."

"Look out; they'll have you two doing a duet, too."

She smiled. "That wouldn't be so bad."

"O.K. girl, spill. What happened?"

"We were upstairs talking. Dammit, I'm supposed to be getting serving dishes for him, behind the bar, he said."

Olivia stood back and put her hands on her hips. "While you're here, how does this look?"

Abby lifted her head up and looked over the bar. "It looks good. I think anything more would be too much."

"Yeah, I thought so too. I think I'll grab some wine for dinner, or should I let Tom do that?"

"I'd let Tom pick, he's got this sixth sense about what wines go with everything."

"It sounds like someone's impressed with a certain friend or the family."

"Oh, all right. You were RIGHT! Is that what you want me to say? I've been talking to him, and he's actually very sweet. He's asked me out for Valentine's Day."

"AND?"

"And I'm going. You're right. I shouldn't spend the rest of my life wondering, I should just go for it."

"I'm really glad. I keep thinking, what if I'd stayed sitting at the bar with Fitz's brother four years ago? Would Fitz and I still have found each other?"

"You two were meant to find each other. I think you would have ended up with Fitz no matter WHAT happened when you got home."

"He went back to Mellie, Abby."

"And he only stayed with her because he thought Alyssa was his daughter. He also didn't know about how you got pregnant with McKenzie. I'm still fuming about that one. If that monster was still alive today, I can assure you, he'd never be able to touch another woman again."

Olivia grinned. "I wish I had your strength."

"You do, Liv. Just look at what you've accomplished. You survived an abusive marriage, the death of your husband, raised not only YOUR two kids, but helped Fitz raise his three as well, all while holding down a demanding job."

"Yeah, I'm strong now, but when I should have been strong, I let other people tell me what I should do with my life. You know…you SHOULD be married, you SHOULD have children, you SHOULD work hard. What I should have done was listened to my heart instead of my family. I was happy working, putting money away…I'd planned to stay single until I was thirty, that is, until I met Jake. Daddy was sure he just wanted my money. The one thing I'm glad about is that I let Dad talk me into keeping the money I made before my marriage hidden from him."

"That must have made him happy."

"Oh, when he found out, he was so angry. I opened an account for us to use as play money, but he just burned through that each month. He tells people how much he spoiled me…what he didn't tell them, was that it was MY money he was using. I mean, it was nice to have him stay home with Bryce, but that's what I would've liked to do." She looked at her watch. "I'd better go upstairs and get ready. I really don't want to talk about that fucker any more, Abby."

"Sorry, Sweetie. Are you all right?"

"Yeah, I'm fine; I was the one that started talking about him. Why do I keep doing that? I have a guy that loves me, treats me great, and who am I sitting here talking about?"

"Liv, you've got to get it all out."

She hugged her friend. "Thanks, Abby, you're really a good friend, ya know?"

Abby's eyes filled with tears. "Thanks, Liv. No one's ever told me that before."

She hugged her again. "Well, ya are. I'm gonna go get ready. I want to knock that man's socks off when he gets here."

"Believe me, you will. He has NO idea what you've got planned."

"That's cuz I didn't tell our yappy kids until the last minute." She laughed. "I'll turn on the intercom; just scream at me if you need anything." She headed up the stairs. "Thanks again, Abby."

"Anytime." She watched her friend go up the stairs, and then reached under the bar for the serving platters. She held them close and looked around the room. The decorations were perfect. Fitz was going to love this. She felt a stab of jealousy at their relationship. Maybe someday she'd find a man that would love her the way Fitz loved Olivia.

She headed up the stairs to the kitchen, to find Tom busy directing the last of the caterers throughout the kitchen and out the door. "Is everything all right, Abby?"

"I'm fine, thanks, Tom. I'm just not too sure about Olivia."

"She looked upset when she came up the stairs."

"We were talking about her ex. Well, I guess he's not really her ex, but you know who I'm talking about. That man was a total ass. He really did a number on her head, not to mention her heart. She's so lucky to have Fitz." She smiled. "And he's lucky to have HER." She walked over to lay the trays down and sniffed all the food that was laid out "Everything smells great. This party is going to be wonderful."

"Are you sure you're all right?"

"Promise you won't laugh? For the longest time I've felt sorry for myself because I can't find the right man, one who'll love me for ME, and not my money. Then I look at Olivia. Married too young, to a guy who only wanted her money, and someone beautiful enough to make him pretty babies and look good on his arm. Then she falls in love with a man who adores her, and they can't be together, because of that same jerk she married. It really makes me think…maybe it's a good thing I was so picky with men. The other side of the coin is that I WAS so picky, I eliminated so many GOOD men from consideration. I assumed that every man who didn't have more money than I did was after my bank account."

"And now?"

"Now, Liv's made me see that not all men are after a woman to support them. Some men are actually intimidated by a woman with money and a career. Liv's money doesn't bother Fitz; he could care less that she has more money than he does."

"Wait, did you just say that Olivia has more…"

"Shhhh…I thought you knew that already. Tom, you can't say a word, she trusted me."

"Not a word. Now, I knew from your comments she had more money than you do, but more than Mr. Grant?"

"She was seventeen years old, and paid cash for this place, then spent a year renovating it…with cash. I heard her on the phone with her uncle, who's her accountant, setting up a trust fund for Alyssa to match McKenzie's and Bryce's. Ten million dollars, Tom! Ten million for EACH child!"

"I believe the Grant children have similar amounts in their trust funds."

"Yes, but that comes out of the family trust. A lot of Fitz's money comes from his father's and grandmother's estates. Liv earned hers all by herself. Her parents are simple, middle class people. Her dad worked hard for his money, mom stayed home and took care of the two girls. But Liv was discovered at a young age, and started modeling. She was a millionaire by the time she was in high school."

"Impressive, isn't it?"

"I'll say. I grew up having everything handed to me. She worked for everything she has, she's never had a nanny take care of her kids until now, never had a butler or a maid. I don't know how she did it, especially with two little kids."

"Well, her children are well behaved; you rarely see her getting after them."

She laughed. "You're not paying attention, Tom. Bryce is well behaved. McKenzie is hell on wheels. She and Jerry are really making that poor new nanny earn her money."

"I thought you adored McKenzie."

I DO, Tom. But even Liv admits that she's a wild child at times." She walked over and flipped the intercom for the playrooms. "Maybe I'll go up and give Quinn a hand."

"Who ARE you? First you befriend Olivia, and now Quinn?"

"I'm not befriending her; I'm just going to help with the kids a bit. Liv's trying to get ready for dinner, and I just thought I'd go check on the little ones."

"You really do love those kids, don't you?"

"Yes, I do. Once I got it through my head that Fitz was never going to think of me as anything but a friend and associate, I stopped thinking of those kids as just something that could come between us. They really are great kids…Karen is so much like Mellie, and Jerry reminds me of how playful Fitz was when I first met him. Little Alyssa, you can tell who's raised her. That little one is all Liv. You'd think she was the mother of both little ones."

"Well, she IS, isn't she?"

She nodded. "What I really find amusing are some of McKenzie's facial expressions, and the way she puts her hand up to her head when she's frustrated. She looks just like Fitz." She saw Tom raise his eyebrows. "Oh, no, no, he's not…I asked Liv if there was a chance. Now THAT would have been ironic. She said that she wished he were, but there was no chance of that. Look at me sitting here like a chatter box. Let me go up and check the children. I know Liv wants them to look their best. You should see the outfits we picked out for them; Fitz is just going to, oh, what did Liv say? FREAK!" She turned to leave, and then stopped at the base of the stairs. "Tom, I'm sorry for everything."

He stopped arranging the finger sandwiches and turned to face her. "Sorry for what?"

"For the way I've treated you all these years. I've treated you so badly just because of your job. When I stand back and look at you, it's rather honorable. You've chosen to follow in the footsteps of your father and his father before him, mostly out of loyalty. You may not be rich monetarily, but you ARE rich where it counts. You're a good person; you treat everyone with respect and kindness, even when they really don't deserve it. I want to be more like that, Tom."

He wiped his hands and walked towards her. "You ARE a good person, Abby, sometimes you have to be tough as nails because of your profession, but I'm seeing the real Abby Whelan, the one behind the mask you put on for the world to see." He stroked her upper arm gently, and then pulled her into his arms for a hug. She wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his neck when the tears started to form.

"Dammit! I hate it when I do that!"

He pulled back and looked into her eyes. "What, act like a human being? If you can't cry in front of your friends, then you need new friends." He hugged her again. She held him close and let the tears fall. He held her and rubbed her back for several minutes until her tears subsided. Then reached for his handkerchief and blotted her eyes. "Feel better?" She nodded. "Now, go upstairs and pull one of those adorable children into your lap for a good cuddle. I have it on the best authority that is the best thing to make you feel better."

"Thanks, Tom, I'll do that. And Tom?"

"Not a word, I promise. Your secret is safe with me."

She turned and walked slowly up the stairs. He watched her until she was out of sight, and then returned to preparing the appetizers. He listened on the intercom as she entered the playroom. The girls squealed with delight and the boys stopped playing to run over and talk to her. Aunt Abby. He laughed to himself. He continued to listen as she began singing softly to one of the children, he assumed it was McKenzie. She had such a lovely voice, so soothing. He couldn't wait until Valentine's Day. He'd put money away for just such an occasion. He was going to make sure this was one night she'd never forget. He just hoped the night would go as well for Olivia.

Upstairs, Olivia caressed the leather box containing the watch she'd bought for Fitz's birthday. She couldn't wait to see his face. Then she picked up the smaller box containing the signet ring from the children. She'd had all five of them sign the card, even little McKenzie had scribbled "Kenz". She wanted this night to be perfect. This would mark their first time celebrating a family day as a family. Well, this is what he said he wanted. Me, the kids…so here we go. She carefully wrapped the two packages and attached the cards. Then she walked to her closet and pulled out the new dress she'd purchased for the evening. She pulled her hair up in a sophisticated high bun, applied her make-up. It was light and not too much. She went for more natural look but still managed to pull off the right amount of sexy that would drive her man wild. Almost perfect. She walked over to her dresser and pulled out her jewelry box. She opened it and fumbled around inside until she found a small velvet box. She smiled as she opened the box containing diamond solitaire earrings, remembering when Fitz had given them to her. It was Mother's Day, and Jake had refused to let Bryce come visit her, so Fitz took her out for a special dinner, and gave her the earrings as a gift from her son. She put the earrings on and checked herself in the mirror. Now, it's perfect! She wondered if he'd remember the earrings. She was sure he would, he remembered everything about their time in Italy.

Abby knocked gently on Olivia's door. "It's me…"

"Come on in, Abby."

Abby stepped into the room, McKenzie and Alyssa right behind her. "Liv you look beautiful! Doesn't Mommy look pretty, girls?" The girls nodded and ran to their mother for hugs and kisses. "I thought I'd get them dressed, so Quinn can stay with the older kids, and you can finish getting ready."

"I think I'm done, but I'd appreciate the help."

"They're wearing the twin outfits, right?"

"You don't think it's too much, do you? I mean, with the watch, the card from the kids. This is so much, so fast. I don't want him to think I'm trying to push him into marriage."

"I think it's perfect, Liv. Remember, this is what HE wants, you're not pushing, you're following his lead."

"I hope you're right." She took McKenzie by the hand and led her towards her room. "Come on, girls, let's get dressed up for Daddy." She pulled the matching dresses from the closet and handed one to Abby. She looked at the size tag on the one she was holding. "Alyssa, this is your dress, come here, Sweetie, let's get dressed."

Abby watched McKenzie reach for the dress. "I've got your dress, Kenz, honey, come over here." The child ran to her and threw herself in her arms.

"Love you."

"Oh, I love you too, honey." She held the child tightly.

"You'd better be careful, my friend, those things are contagious." Olivia laughed as she buttoned the back of Alyssa's dress.

"I know, I know. I never knew what all those women meant by 'biological clock' until mine started ticking. This is all YOUR fault, you know."

"Mine? What'd I do?"

She squeezed McKenzie again. "You had such beautiful babies."

Olivia laughed again. "There are days I'd just give her to you."

Abby laughed with her friend. "Those are the days I probably wouldn't want her."

They stood the girls side by side and stared for a minute. "Liv, my GOD."

"I KNOW. Do we dare style their hair the same way?"

"I think we have to."

"You don't think Fitz will be upset?"

"That HIS daughters look alike? No, they both have curly hair and brown eyes like their mother."

"Don't mention the eyes. You KNOW whose eyes those are."

"They look like Bryce's eyes. I know, and he has HIS eyes, but don't worry about it. People that don't know think all the kids are related."

Olivia looked at Alyssa. "Well, thanks to her, they ARE."

"Oh, my God, I never put that together. Karen and Jerry are…and so are Bryce and McKenzie. It was all so complicated, you've got his, yours, theirs…wait till you and Fitz have a baby. Liv, what's that look. You aren't…are you?"

"No, at least I don't think so. I mean, we've been, well, less than careful. I was just thinking, six kids, SHIT!"

"Well, you could have twins like your sister." She laughed.

"Oh, gee, thanks." Olivia said sarcastically. She reached for the hairbrush and pulled half of McKenzie's dark curls up into a rubber band, then did the same with Alyssa's hair. "They need ribbons, don't they?" She opened the top drawer and moved things around until she found two ribbons that matched the girls' dresses.

"You three look GREAT."

"Now we just need to get Karen and the boys changed. They can dress themselves, so I'll take these two with me, can you check on Tom and see if he needs any help?"

"Sure, no problem." She grinned. "No problem at all."

"O.K., dish, girl."

"What?"

"Look at your face; you're grinning from ear to ear."

"Oh, it's nothing really; we've just had several nice talks." She reached down and kissed the girls before heading back to the kitchen.

Olivia pulled Karen's dress from the closet, and then walked into Bryce's room and removed the boys' suits and laid them on the bed. She took the girls by the hands and went downstairs to the playroom, where the older children were already cleaning up the rooms. "Oh, thanks, kids. Kare, your dress is laid out in Kenzies's room, and boys, your suits are on Bryce's bed. It's about time for you to get dressed. I want everyone downstairs when your father gets here."

"He's gonna be so excited." Karen giggled as she headed upstairs.

"I sure hope so, Honey. I'll be downstairs with the girls, come down to the dining room as soon as you're done dressing."

"Yes, Ma'am." The boys raced up the stairs to the bedroom.

"Daddy coming?" McKenzie looked up at her mother.

"Yes, Angel, Daddy's coming."

"Soon?"

"Yes, Kenzie, Daddy's coming soon. Now, let's go downstairs and wait for him."

"Kay, Mommy." McKenzie looked over at her sister. "Daddy coming soon."

Alyssa smiled. "Uh-huh."

When they got to the den, McKenzie looked around. "Where Daddy?" She held her hands up at shoulder level.

"He's coming, Kenz."

"Daddy coming soon?"

"Yes, Baby, come on, we need to go downstairs and see Tom." She took the toddler's hand and helped her down the stairs. She heard Abby giggling as she came around the corner. The girls broke from her grasp and ran to see her.

"Tom tickle Aunt Abs?"

Olivia walked into the room as Abby and Tom pulled apart. "Was he now?" She looked at her friend and smiled. "How's dinner coming, Tom?

He cleared his throat and started moving platters around. "Everything's about ready, Miss Pope."

"The appetizers can go in the downstairs refrigerator, since we'll be snacking down there before dinner. Did you pick a wine?"

"I was just heading that way, any ideas?"

"No, I thought I'd leave that to you. I was told that you are an expert at putting wine with food."

He smiled and glanced at Abby, then picked up two trays of appetizers and headed downstairs. He placed the trays in the bar refrigerator, then entered the wine cellar, selecting two wines, one for before dinner, one for the meal.

Olivia went upstairs and brought the children down, as well as the presents. Everyone moved down to the basement, and Olivia got the children settled. "Fitz should be here any minute, so you kids stay quiet. I'm turning off the intercom so he shouldn't hear you all the way down here. You can watch the television, but keep it low."

"Would you like me to set out the appetizers, Olivia?"

"Sure, Tom, just don't let the kids start eating."

"Don't worry, we'll keep an eye on them, between the three of us, we should be able to keep them away from the food." Quinn smiled as she picked up McKenzie.

"Daddy's coming?"

Olivia laughed. "Here we go again. Yes, baby girl, Daddy's coming."

"Soon?"

"Hopefully, very soon, Sweetie. I need to go upstairs, you be a good girl and stay quiet so we can surprise Daddy." She kissed her youngest, then gave hugs and kisses to the other four children before hurrying up the stairs. She went to the bar to fix a drink, but before she finished, Fitz rang the bell.

"Hey, Babe, ready to go?"

"Almost, I was just fixing you a drink." She finished pouring and handed it to him. "Here you go."

"You look absolutely beautiful tonight, Livvie." He kissed her lightly. "I'm so glad we're alone." He pulled her closer to him.

Alone. Damn, was he going to be disappointed in just a few minutes. "Honey, I need to check something downstairs before we go, wanna come down with me?"

"Follow you to a dark basement? Anytime, My Love."

She started down the stairs, and hoped he wouldn't catch the smell of dinner floating on the air. "How were the kids when you left?"

"They weren't home. It appears Tom took our new nanny and our children to dinner. I think even Abby went with them, I don't know what to make of that."

"Oh, Quinn and Abby really hit it off when we went shopping, maybe they just wanted to get better acquainted." She rounded the stairs at the dining room and headed for the basement. At the sound of her voice, Tom switched off the lights and the television, and the adults held the little ones tightly until Olivia turned on the lights.

"SURPRISE!" As Olivia switched the lights on, the children jumped up and down and screamed, and the adults blew horns. Fitz stood staring at the group with his mouth open.

"I guess we surprised him, huh, kids?"

"I'll say you did. I can't believe no one gave it away. So I take it we're not going out to dinner?"

"No, we had a wonderful meal catered for you. I thought we'd have a nice little family party. Oh, there's the doorbell again, that must be Ma and Daddy. Boys, could you go let them in, please?"

As the boys ran up the stairs to let their grandparents in, Fitz turned Olivia in his arms and kissed her softly. "You are just full of surprises lately, aren't you?"

"Please tell me you're not upset. I know you haven't celebrated birthdays since the accident, but you DID say it was time for us to make some new, happy memories."

"I'm not upset at all, Babe." He pulled back and looked at her. "Are those the earrings I gave you?" He looked her over again. "And the locket."

She smiled brightly. "I wasn't sure if you'd remember. It WAS almost four years ago."

He pulled her close and put his lips to her ear. "I remember EVERYTHING about Italy My Love." He kissed her cheek gently. He looked up and smiled as the boys came running back down the stairs. "Boys, slow down. What have we told you about running on the stairs?"

"Sorry, Dad. Grandma and Grandpa are here."

"So did you leave 'em upstairs?"

"No, we're just not as fast as these two. Happy Birthday, Fitz!"

"Thanks so much for coming." He shook Eli's hand and hugged Maya. "This was quite a surprise."

Maya smiled at her daughter. "The girls have been busy trying to get all this done without you finding out. I'm surprised the little ones didn't give it away. Would you look at them, they look so sweet, like twins!"

Fitz noticed the girls for the first time, sitting quietly on the sofa with Abby. "My God,Livvie, they really DO look like twins. When did they get those outfits?"

"The other day, when Quinn, Abby and I went to the mall. Karen's dress matches their twin outfits."

Maya walked over to the sofa and picked up her youngest grandchild. "Look at this little one; I could just eat her up. If I didn't know better, I'd swear this was Fitz's daughter instead of that ass you married."

"Ma! Not in front of the kids!"

Bryce took her hand. "It's ok, Mom, we know he was an a…oops, sorry mom. Why do you think I don't want to be named after him?"

"Not now, Sweetie, please? This is Fitz's birthday; it's supposed to be a happy day, all right?"

"Then can we give him his present?"

She turned and looked back at Fitz. "Are you ready for your presents, Baby?"

"All this, and presents, too?"

"Of course! Now, come and sit on the sofa, and I'll get your presents." She grabbed the remote and clicked off the television as she reached behind the bar for the first gift. When she handed him the envelope, he turned it over several times, looking at the crayon drawings on both sides. McKenzie and Alyssa had taken it upon themselves to decorate the entire envelope. He carefully broke the seal, pulled the card out and read the cover. "To Our Daddy with Love". He opened the card and saw the five signatures inside. He looked at each of his children with tears forming in his eyes.

"Thank you, children, this is a beautiful card."

Olivia slipped the small box to Karen, who presented it to her father. "This is from all of us, Daddy.

"Thank you, Sweetheart." He pulled off the wrapping paper and slowly opened the velvet box, revealing the gold signet ring nestled inside. He pulled it out and slipped it on the ring finger of his right hand. "It fits perfectly, thank you so much, children." He reached out and hugged each child. McKenzie had wiggled from her grandmother's arms and found her way into his lap.

"Daddy ring?"

"Yes, Baby, Daddy loves the ring."

"Mommy present."

"Yes, Miss Big Mouth, Mommy has a present for Daddy, and he'd better open it before you blab." She smiled and handed the box to Fitz. "Happy Birthday."

He tore the wrapping paper and caught his breath when he saw the leather box. He opened the box and pulled out the watch. "Livvie, Honey, this is…"

"Exactly what you deserve. I love you." Turning it over, she read the inscription to where he was the only one who hear, it read: To my dearest Fitz, our time has finally come. Our minute will finally be a lifetime. XO Livvvie. She took the watch from him and put it on his wrist.

"Liv..." He looked up and saw the love she had in her eyes for him. He glanced over at Abby, who had tears in her eyes as she held tightly to Tom's arm. "Thank you, Baby. I love you, too."

Tom reached over for a tray and started passing appetizers around, as Abby popped open a bottle of champagne. McKenzie jumped from Fitz's lap to grab a snack, giving Olivia a chance to take her place.

"Babe, this is a very extravagant gift."

"Fitz, I have never loved anyone enough to buy something like this before. I can afford to be extravagant every once in a while if I feel like it."

"I should be buying YOU expensive gifts."

"Have you forgotten these earrings? A little Mother's Day gift from Bryce. Fitz, I know diamonds, and these were not cheap."

"I just wanted to make you happy."

"Right. And I bought that watch to make YOU happy. Fitz, what you've given me since we've been back together, I can never repay. I've never been this happy in my life. If you really don't want the watch, I'll return it…"

"I never said I didn't want it. I just hope this isn't the start of a pattern with you."

"No, no pattern. I just wanted to buy the man I love something special for his birthday, that's all. You'll be lucky if you get a stuffed animal for Valentine's Day." She grinned and poked his ribs playfully.

"As long as I have YOU, I don't need anything else."

"How about dinner? Could you use that?"

"So that's what I've been smelling. You've been working overtime, I see."

"Not me, I was the shopping and decorating committee. Tom was on food committee with the caterers. Come on, my babies, let's go upstairs and get ready for dinner." She stroked Karen's hair softly as she walked by with the boys. Maya stayed back and watched Olivia interact with the children and their father, then pulled Olivia aside before going upstairs.

"So just how serious ARE you about this guy?"

"Ma! Not tonight, please? This is the first time he's celebrated his birthday since the accident, and I want it to be perfect."

"Livvie, your kids are calling him Daddy, that sweet little girl of his is calling you Mommy."

Olivia watched the children climb the stairs, and then turned to her parents. "You can't say a word in front of the children about this. Alyssa IS my daughter. It turns out that Jake had an affair with Fitz's wife. Alyssa is Jake's daughter. Now, according to my lawyer, due to the wording of Jake's will, and no custody agreement between Mellie and Jake, I am Alyssa's legal mother."

"My God, Livvie, when did you find out about this?"

"A few days ago. I got some pictures of Jake's from a gallery; they had pictures of Mellie and Alyssa in them. I called Jake's parents and they confirmed everything. They had Alyssa's birth certificate, and the results of the blood test showing Jake as her biological father."

"So what are you going to do? You can't just take her from the only father she's ever known."

"No, I have no intention of disrupting her life. I've already filed the paperwork to change her name from Alyssa Mary Ballard to Alyssa Marie Grant, and filed a joint custody agreement, giving Fitz the same legal rights that I have."

"Geez, what a mess."

"It really is. One thing we're asking all the grandparents is to treat all five children the same. Can you both do that? Can you accept Fitz's children as if they were mine?"

Her parents exchanged glances and nodded. "Of course, Sweetheart, if that's how you and Fitz want it."

"We've agreed that no matter what happens between us, we're going to share the raising of the children. I've been practically raising his kids for two years, and my two kids have been over for a million play dates at his place. He's the only father McKenzie knows. Then there's Bryce, ugh, Bryce doesn't want to be associated with Jake at ALL. He wants his name changed. He wants to be Bryce Thomas Grant."

"What?"

"I can do the Bryce Thomas, but I haven't mentioned the Grant thing to Fitz. That needs to be Fitz's idea."

Karen popped her head into the basement. "Dad wants to know if you're coming to dinner."

"I'll be right there, Sweetie, tell him I'm sorry, I was talking to my parents for a minute."

"The girls are getting restless."

"Thanks, Honey, I'm on my way. She's so good with the girls."

"They're lucky to have such a wonderful big sister."

"Yeah, they are. And I'm lucky to have all of them. Let's go eat before the girls tear up the dining room." She laughed and led her parents up to the dining room.