Chapter 10
The Fullness of Time
"I can't believe you pulled this off," Fitz said. He nuzzled Olivia's neck. They stood together, arm in arm gazing out the window of their bedroom at the transformation of their backyard and the grounds beyond it. It had been turned into an outdoor cathedral. Rows of chairs were arranged theatre style creating a long aisle buttressed by ionic columns. White calla lilies filled gold vases that were placed on the outside aisles on lower columns. The center aisle gave way to a raised platform. The grand arch was made of maple wood and decorated with an array of fragrant flowers. It was a perfect day for an outdoor wedding. The weather was splendid.
"This was a team effort funded by your father. I wasn't much help short of giving orders." Olivia leaned forward to get a closer look below when she saw Arthur and Annelise fretting. Karen and Gerry each held one, but they wanted to get down. At 11 months, they twins were quite a handful. They never saw an idle moment except for bedtime.
"You provided the vision for it all even if being on bed rest prevented you from doing the leg work in these later months. This is going to be a long day. Say the word when you need a rest from little junior's shenanigans." Fitz rubbed her protruding belly. She placed her hand over his and they both felt the little thumps.
"There he goes. He moves more than the twins combined. He just needs to stay in the oven for three more weeks to prove Mommy wrong," Olivia said. She closed her eyes and took deep breaths in an effort to keep calm.
"Mildred…you have love her. I know I do. What did she say this time? I know she has told me too many times that I should have convince you to have a smaller ceremony."
"I don't even want to say. Feels like I will further jinx us, but she said that having a ceremony when I am 8 months pregnant ensures that I will go into labor on my wedding day. 'It's Murphy's Law, Olivia. Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong, Mmm Humph'" Olivia said, in a pitch perfect impression of her mother.
Fitz threw his head back and laughed. "You do the best impression of Mildred! Don't think about it. You know she doesn't have an unexpressed opinion. While I am excited about marrying my wife today, if junior makes an appearance, it'll be okay. Nothing can go wrong. Today is total icing on the cake. You became Mrs. Grant 10 months ago."
Olivia smiled at the memory. "Thanks for letting me have this and for dealing with all the craziness of the last 6 months of planning."
"You don't have to thank me. You deserve all of this and…" Fitz said. Karen and Gerry rushed in the door each holding a sibling who by the looks of it had both been crying. When Annie and Arthur saw Olivia, they motioned for her. Fitz scooped them up, placing one on each arm and out of Olivia's reach.
"Honey, Dr. Olivera said you shouldn't hold them. What's wrong Annie and Arthur?" Fitz asked looking from one little face to the other and walking with them to the window.
"Dad, Liv, I think they need a nap. They refused to nap this morning before Mildred got them dressed," said Karen.
"They wouldn't stay with Diane so we decided to bring them to you. What are we going to do when the ceremony starts? Do you think they are going to walk down the aisle with us?" asked Gerry, looking worried.
They looked back at Olivia and stretched towards. They started whining. Olivia walked to the glider rocker and sat down. "Bring them to me Fitz."
"I'll get them quiet. It's going to be a long day. They won't be able to be with you every second."
"Fitz, honey, bring them to me."
Fitz shook his head and smiled at each of them. He kissed their chubby cheeks and placed one and then the other on her non-existent lap. He used pillows to prop them up on the sides.
"You all are going to have to cooperate today for Mommy and Daddy," she said while rocking back and forth. She started to hum that old hymn, "Bringing in the Sheaves, she heard her grandmother sing when she was a child. It was her intention to induce a short nap in them that would calm them down.
Fitz, Karen and Gerry took a seat too. It was quiet in the room except for Olivia's humming and the rhythmic glide of the rocker. There was also the sounds of guests arriving and last minute preparations downstairs and outside. The seconds ticked by turning into minutes. Olivia felt the even breath of the twins on her chest. She stopped the rocker with her feet.
"Fitz…Fitz…" she whispered, "They are finally asleep. Take them please." When she received no response she leaned up and saw him seated on the floor beside the bed, his head propped against the side. He had dozed off. "Karen…Gerry…" Olivia whispered out to them also." She looked across the room and saw them asleep in the other two recliners. Olivia laid her head back and closed her eyes. "I've put them all to sleep."
Olivia returned to rocking, and let the time pass. There was a knock at the door, and then someone pushed it open.
"What is going on in here? We only have 1 hour before the ceremony begins," Mildred announced stepping into the room.
"Mommy, I put my family to sleep and they are dressed in their formal clothes."
Mildred walked over and took Annie and then Arthur from her arms. She placed them on the bed.
"That's evidence enough that you are all plain worn out. Fitz, Karen, Gerry, wake up." Mildred said firmly.
"Did we all fall asleep?" Gerry said, yawning.
"Yes, you all did. No one would listen to me last night when I told you all to get a good night's rest after the rehearsal dinner. It wasn't a good idea to put Annie and Arthur to sleep. They aren't going to be up in an hour for the ceremony so we will have to wake them up which will not be pretty. You all get downstairs and make sure you are in place at ten minutes till three. Olivia, do you think Huck and Harrison can handle the twins during the ceremony instead of Karen and Gerry?" Mildred took charge. She took a lint brush to their tuxedos. She smoothed Karen's peach bridesmaid dress and ushered them to the door.
Fitz blew Olivia a kiss before they followed Mildred's orders and left the room. Olivia caught the imaginary kiss in her hand and held it to her heart before answering her mother.
"They were going to walk down the aisle with Karen and Gerry…"
"I know, but they are going to be too cranky for that. Just let Huck and Harrison watch them." Mildred smoothed Olivia's hair and helped her stand up.
"I guess you are right," Olivia said, yawning.
"Of course, I'm right. Let's start getting you dressed. You know they say it is bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding. But since you two are already married, I suspect it is okay," Mildred smiled at Olivia's reflection in the mirror. "I know I don't say it enough, but I'm so proud of you and the life you've built with Fitz. You are a great mother to the twins and to Karen and Gerry. They all love you so much, along with Harrison, Huck, and Abby. It is no wonder because you have such a giving and loving heart. I know that I have been hard on you, but it's because I only want the best for you. I'm not always right, but know it always comes from a place of love."
"Mommy, thank you for that. I love you." Olivia's eyes watered as Mildred spoke. They shared a hug.
"Look at that. We've both ruined our makeup. I'll get that stylist back up here to help us get our faces back on."
When Mildred left the room, Olivia walked over to the closet and pulled out her wedding dress.
Olivia and Fitz held hands under the maple wood arch flanked by Karen and Abby on one side and Demarchelier and Gerry on the other. They only had eyes for each other. The onlookers sat in silence as the pastor gave the occasion of their gathering.
"Now we will have the vows prepared especially for this occasion by the bride and groom."
A breeze caused a ringlet of Olivia's hair to blow across her face. Fitz lifted his hand and tucked it gently behind her ear.
"I, Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III, make this sacred vow to love, honor, and cherish you, Olivia Caroline Pope Grant, for all of eternity. Our love has bared all things, endured all things, and it has never failed. You have made my life complete. Why do I love you and make this sacred vow? Is it because of your beauty that takes my breath away? Is it because everyone you meet is better for having known you? Is it because of your unconditional love and support for me that has made me a better man? Yes. You are engraved on the walls of my heart, etched on the contours of my soul. As sure as the seasons of life may change, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, in life and in death, the seen and unseen, my love for you will be unchanged. This is my sacred vow."
Olivia smiled but did not blink. She has promised herself she would not cry so that she could proclaim her vows clearly. However, those gathered in the audience and the witnesses were dabbing their eyes with the handkerchiefs monogrammed with the initials of the bride and groom. Then there was the sound of a baby's laughter. Olivia and Fitz looked over and saw Annie giggling as she held Huck's nose in her little grip. The image caused Olivia to laugh and the tears that brimmed subsided.
"I, Olivia Caroline Pope Grant, make this sacred vow to love, honor, and cherish you, Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III, for all of eternity. Our love has bared all things, endured all things, and it has never failed. You have made my life complete. Why do I love you and make this sacred vow? Is it because of your passion that consumes me? Is it because of your kindness and compassion for others? Is it because of your unconditional love and nurture that lifts me up? Yes. You are engraved on the walls of my heart, etched on the contours of my soul. As sure as the seasons of life may change, in sickness and in health, for richer for and poorer, the seen and unseen, my love for you will be unchanged. This is my sacred vow."
While Olivia made her pledge, tears cascaded down Fitz's cheeks. She lifted her hands to brush them away. In that moment of declaration, joy filled their hearts to capacity.
"Thanks for keeping Annie during the ceremony. I think she has a crush on you, Huck. You and Harrison were lifesavers looking after the twins for us," Olivia said. She danced with Huck under the big white tent. Night had fallen but hundreds of lights illuminated the inside and outside of the reception area.
Huck didn't respond with words only a smile. They circled a couple of times. A low ache caused a little moan to escape Olivia's lips. "Liv, are you okay? I've been wanting to say something for an hour and a half. You are tired. You need to lie down. I can tell Fitz."
"So that is why you asked me to dance. I knew something was up because it is so unlike you to be like this...dancing…close. I am tired, but it is because my overbearing doctor put me on bed rest at 5 months. My stamina is kaput. I haven't been on my feet this long for months." She laid her head on his shoulder.
"She needs to go home, Mr. President."
"I agree, Huck," said Fitz
"Let me take her back up to the house. I'll call you when she is settled," Huck said.
"No, I'm fine. Where are Annie and Arthur?" Olivia yawned and looked around the tent. Fitz's father, Michael, was letting Arthur rub icing on his face. His mother held Annie who was enthralled by her earrings. "Oh, I see them. Okay, I'll lie down."
"Thanks, Huck. I'll be up shortly," said Fitz.
Huck ushered Olivia through the crowd not stopping as guests tried to engage her in conversation. Harrison fell in step with Huck as they walked to the exit.
"Huck, slow down. I can't waddle that fast," Olivia said. He slowed down.
"Where's the fire guys? Looks like you are kidnapping a pregnant bride!" Abby appeared beside them a little tipsy from the champagne. "Wait, I am coming with you."
When they exited the tent, Liv's knees gave way and she almost fell. Harrison scooped her up in his arms and they rushed towards the house.
"I think Huck and Harrison have both lost their minds, Abby. Put me down, Harrison. Where is my husband? Doesn't he realize I am being kidnapped by my associates? Where is the security?" Olivia laughed and held on to Harrison's neck. The twinge in her lower back, more pronounced now, caused her to inhale sharply, but she ignored it.
"Harrison put me down on the sofa." Olivia pointed to the area where she wanted to rest. "Okay, someone please explain what just happened."
"Don't look at me, Liv! I am just along for the ride on this one," Abby said too loudly.
"Huck spotted The First Lady earlier today," said Harrison.
"She was in a disguise…a big hat and glasses, but I could tell who she was once I started tracking her movements," Huck explained.
"Get the hell out! Why didn't anyone tell me?" Abby said loudly.
"Abby, would you stop screaming! You were having such a good time. We didn't want to alarm anyone. We have it under control, right Huck?" Harrison set Abby down in a chair.
"I'm not sure. I lost sight of her when we were dancing, Liv. I just thought it would be best to get you out of there." Huck walked over to the window to look out.
"Thanks for looking out, but I doubt that it was her. She contacted me about 6 months ago by text message. She tried to set up a meeting between us. I ignored the text, but told Fitz. He said he was taking care of it. We think she is out of the country," Olivia said. "I am going upstairs to lie down. I am so tired all of a sudden probably because you made me sprint across the yard. Tell Fitz where I am, but I am sure he will be here soon. I love you guys. Thanks for being here today." Olivia yawned loudly. "Oh My! I can't stop yawning." Olivia sat up and swung herself around. Huck helped her up off the sofa. She walked up the stairs.
"You all can go back. I'll stay until Fitz gets here," Huck said.
Harrison grabbed the remote and started flipping through the channels while Abby began chatting, "Wasn't that a nice ceremony? Did you notice how Olivia used, "Grant" in her name during the vows?"
"Not really, but why do you ask?" Harrison took his eyes off the screen for a minute.
"I've been keeping this big secret for months now...Fitz and Liv were married months ago."
"Aww, Abby, we already know that. She told us already," said Harrison.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Abby said.
"We thought you knew," Huck said in a monotone voice.
Upstairs, Olivia grinned through a yawn. She closed her bedroom door to the conversation going on downstairs. She walked to the bathroom and looked at her reflection in the vanity mirror. "Whew! Mrs. Grant you need some sleep," Olivia said. She reached for the zipper of her dress, but couldn't reach it. She rubbed her stomach. "Little junior onion ring, looks like I need to call your dad home because I need help getting undressed all because of you."
Olivia lifted her head, and what she saw made her scream, but it was muffled by the hand that flew over her mouth. "Olivia…shhh. I am not here to hurt you. I simply want to talk. Please don't scream when I move my hand. I don't want to use this," Mellie said. She revealed the blade that she held in her other hand. "Doing something like this is so beneath me, skulking around at my ex-husband's wedding while he marries his mistress for the second time. I am not a skulker. I should be the center of attention, but…anyway…can we talk woman to woman or will you force me to hurt you while you are in the family way?"
Olivia shook her head in agreement, but she couldn't staunch the flow of tears that streamed down her face. Mellie moved her hand slowly.
"Don't cry, Olivia. It is just little old me, Mellie. We've shared so much since we've known each other, a mission to get Fitz elected, campaign buses…we've even shared Fitz."
"Mellie, what do you want?" Olivia said.
"I want you to set up a meeting between me and my children. I want to make amends and try to forge a new relationship with them. When you decided to start sleeping with Fitz, you didn't realize how much that would change their lives, but I don't want to harp on that. I need them and I know they need me," Mellie explained as she dabbed her own tears.
"Mellie, I can't do that. You should…be talking to Fitz," Olivia said.
Olivia's eyes darted around the room, looking for some way of escape. Her breathing was becoming more labored. She was afraid of Mellie because of all the memories that flooded into her mind from the kidnapping. Olivia began to panic as she thought about the possibility of Ivan working with her. Maybe they were planning to kidnap her again. Olivia started to shake as she was gripped with fear, so she screamed, "Help me!"
"Shut up, Olivia!"
Olivia rushed to the door just as it opened. Huck filled the doorway. Abby and Harrison were behind him. Mellie grabbed Olivia pointed the knife at her.
"Come any closer, and I'll stab her. This is not what it seems."
Huck reached for his gun, but he stopped when he heard a voice behind him.
"I hope Liv isn't sleep yet."
It was Karen.
Before they could do anything, Karen and Gerry were in the room with Fitz behind them, holding the twins.
"Oh My God, Mom, what are you doing?" screamed Gerry.
Mellie dropped the knife and ran to Gerry and Karen. "This is not how it appears. I can explain!" Huck grabbed Mellie as she reached for Karen and Gerry. Harrison and Abby took the twins from Fitz's arms as he ran to Olivia.
Olivia collapsed in Fitz's arms. "Are you okay, Livy?"
"Yes, but I my water just broke."
"Did you get a prescription for birth control?" Mildred asked.
"Where did that question come from, Mom?" Olivia asked. She tossed a soiled pamper into the Diaper Genie. Mildred watched as she fitted Benjamin with a new diaper. Annie and Arthur were there to standing on an ottoman looking on. They were her helpers. "Okay, Diaper Deputies get ready," Olivia said. She held down the front of the pamper while their chubby fingers grasped the tabs on either side to fasten it. "Mission accomplished! What would I do without my Diaper Deputies? Aren't they just so helpful?" Olivia said.
"Nana's babies are the best. Is it time for Doc McStuffins?" Mildred walked to the television and flipped it on. She pulled the twins down off the ottoman. They ran to the TV chanting, "Doc! Doc!"
Olivia laid Benjamin in his bed and turned on the mobile after kissing him on each cheek. She knew that her mom wanted to talk so she took a seat in the rocker.
"Well did you, honey? You know why I'm asking this. I love my grandkids, but I'm concerned about you. You have twins that are barely one year old and a six week old. Considering that both pregnancies were unplanned, you need to be careful that you don't end up being surprised again. "
"Mom, I appreciate your concern. I did get the prescription,"
"Now the next step is to make sure you take one pill every day."
"Yes, Mom, I know. Benjamin will probably be my last one."
"Make sure you check with Fitz. Based on some comments he's made, I think he wouldn't mind more children."
"Oh, his comments don't count. This is my body and three in one year is enough not to mention Karen and Gerry."
"When is Fitz coming back from DC?"
"On Friday night. He was surprised when President Sally Langston asked him to chair one of the presidential commissions. It seems like a life time since he resigned." Olivia rose from her rocker to pick up Benjamin who was beginning to whimper.
"Olivia, you have to let him cry so you can know what he needs."
Olivia rolled her eyes heavenward when her back was to her mother. "I know what my baby needs. Isn't that right, Beeeeenjamin…Beeeeenjamin." Olivia said in a singsong voice." She returned to the rocker and began to nurse him.
"I don't know how to ask this, Olivia, but I've been trying to find the way to get you and Fitz to trust me. I know that you are keeping something from me. He is not just the leader of that Center. I never mentioned this, but Nate said some things to me that seemed strange. He told me that the man who kidnapped you is Fitz's brother. I am trying to figure out who Soren is as well as the woman with the long red hair and her husband."
"Mom, I know…"
"No, Olivia, I'm not finished. Where is Nate and why can't he receive visitors? Where is Fitz's ex-wife? Since her craziness at the wedding, I'm wondering where she is especially considering her mental state. Is she in jail? No one says anything about it. Was she arrested? Will there be a trial?"
"Mommy, you wouldn't believe me if I told you. Just know that all is well."
"Try me. Where are Nate and Mellie? Are they in the same place?"
Olivia and Fitz had talked about whether or not to tell her mother about Fitz's past and current affiliation. They had never really come to a consensus about it. Olivia made a decision.
"They are both in a maximum-security facility in the United States, but outside of American authority," Olivia explained.
"Please don't keep feeding me bits and pieces. The whole truth would be nice."
Olivia contemplated her mother's words. She and Fitz had not disagreed on whether or not to tell Mildred about The Organization. The disagreement had come when discussing how much to tell. Olivia only wanted to reveal parts of the story, while Fitz was okay with telling Mildred everything. Olivia was always awed at the change in her mother's relationship with Fitz. They genuinely loved and respected each other.
Olivia released Benjamin from her breast and placed him on her shoulder. She breathed in his baby scent. She looked at Annie and Arthur who were chattering away at each other instead of looking at the television show.
"The woman with the long red hair is Fitz's real mother. Michael, his dad, is the head of a secret group called, The Organization. Many of its members hold powerful positions in the highest echelons of society. The weird part is that Fitz was groomed from a very young age to become the President. His mother and father created a new identity for him, new family, backstory, and everything. They essentially gave him away. After serving two terms as President, he was supposed to take over for his father as head of The Organization. Well, you know what happened. Fitz and I started seeing each other and all the plans fell apart. He knew that he couldn't continue being President and divorce Mellie. Since he was not following the plan prescribed for him he decided to leave The Organization also. Ivan is his real brother. He thought he would lead in Fitz's place, but Michael decided to contact Fitz and convince him to come back in, divorced, ex-President and all. Ivan, who is mentally disturbed, decided to kidnap me…and you know the rest. Nate and Mellie are both a part of The Organization only because they know about it. Fitz will soon be assuming the leadership role as planned. Mellie, Nate, and Ivan are in a facility owned by The Organization. They won't go through the American criminal justice system. It is too dangerous since they might leak information or an investigation could implicate The Organization. When Fitz takes over we will probably have to move yet again, but I am not sure." Olivia took a breath and waited for her mother's response. She laid a sleeping Benjamin on his bed.
"Arthur and Annie, we must be quiet. Benjamin is sleeping. Let's get some lunch. Off to the kitchen," Olivia shut off the TV.
The twins started chanting, "Lunsh! Lunsh!"
"Shhh. We must be quiet so we don't wake Benjamin. If he wakes up, we ALL will have to lie down for a nap now," she said. She put her forefinger over her mouth and they followed mimicking her movements.
A little later, the twins were eating their lunch. Mildred hadn't made any comments about Olivia's explanation.
"Mom, you don't have any questions about what I told you?"
"How did you two come up with such a story? Did you invent it or do you tell this to anyone else who presses you? I am sorry for how I helped Nate early on, but please don't push me out as punishment. " Mildred said with disappointment in her voice.
"Mommy, I know it sounds far fetched, but I am telling the truth!"
"Let's just change the subject. So when is this nanny arriving?"
"Mommy, don't get like this. You're pouting. I am telling the truth. When Fitz gets back you can ask him yourself."
Mildred ignored Olivia. "I smell a little stinker or do I smell two little stinkers? Can the Diaper Deputies help Nana change their own diapers?"
"No, Nana! No Nana!" the twins responded from their high chairs. They hated getting their own diapers changed.
She pulled out a mini bag of cotton candy from her blazer pocket and waved it in front of them. They came out of the high seats with ease and walked with Mildred to their room.
"I don't like bribing them with sweets," Olivia said. Mildred ignored her.
At just the same moment, Karen came downstairs.
"Good morning Kare Bear or should I say afternoon? Did you sleep well last night? It was pretty late when you went to bed. Thanks for helping with Benjamin. I don't know how I could have made it this week with your dad out of town. I think my mom might stay tonight so you can get some rest." Olivia noticed Karen's red-rimmed eyes.
"He's my brother so of course I will help. I'm going to take Olitz and Patra for a walk," Karen said as she put in her ear buds.
"You shouldn't go out walking alone. Take Gerry with you." Olivia said, sounding like Mildred.
Karen laughed. "Did you forget about all the security we have? Unfortunately, I am never alone. I'll be fine."
"Is everything okay? It looks like you've been crying." Olivia placed the washcloth on the counter and walked around to face Karen.
"Other than my life that is a steaming pile of lies, I am…I don't know how I am. I don't want to make you or Dad mad, but…I…want to see Mom…" The last of her words trailed off.
Olivia inhaled deeply and squeezed the kitchen island for support. She wanted to help Karen, but never seeing Mellie again would be too short of a time. She still had nightmares of being stabbed repeatedly by Ivan, Mellie, and Nate. In her latest one they were stabbing little Benjamin, but he had Fitz's face. Olivia hadn't yet resumed her sessions with Dr. Edison since the birth, but she knew she needed to.
"I think you should talk to your Dad about that when he gets back. I will be totally honest with you, Karen. I wouldn't ever stand in the way of you seeing her. I…would rather not be involved at all."
"I know. That is why this is so hard. I want to hate her so bad. She has always loved Gerry more than me. I know she had something to do with your kidnapping, and then she tried to st..stab…" Karen couldn't make it through the sentence without sobbing. Olivia walked her through the door do the couch. She hugged her close and let her cry on her shoulder. Olivia's eyes were wet too. After awhile, Karen pulled back. "I'm worse than Benjamin. Your shoulder is totally wet, Liv."
"It's okay. You don't have to explain why you want to see her. Aside from all that has happened, she is your mother."
"I can't stop thinking about her. She looked so sad when she saw us walk in and she had the knife to your belly. I've never seen her look sad, ever. I've only ever seen her look mad, disappointed, and happy. She has never looked happy about me, though. I want to talk to her to find out why she did what she did." Karen snuggled back against Olivia.
Olivia didn't say anything. She couldn't. She wanted to be there for Karen, but she knew that she couldn't discuss Mellie without being filled with so many conflicting emotions: rage, guilt, and fear. So she just listened. When Karen stopped talking, they just sat there. Olivia holding Karen against her chest. Olivia felt Karen's breathing become even.
"Karen? Karen?"
Olivia smiled when she realized Karen was asleep. She slipped her arms from around Karen and let her lean back onto the sofa. Olivia covered her with a blanket.
"How am I going to convince Fitz?" Olivia said out loud to herself. She pushed those thoughts aside and walked to her bedroom to change her shirt. Karen was right. The shoulder was completely wet. The last nanny candidate was coming by in an hour and she needed to look over her file again. The only thing she remembered from her first perusal was that her name was Quinn Perkins. Initially, Olivia didn't want a nanny. She had seen, "The Hand that Rocks the Cradle," too many times. Now she was looking forward to having some help. Fitz was increasingly gone because of his new role in DC and that would only increase when he took over for Michael. She was really eager to get to work at OPA. None of the other nanny candidates appealed to Olivia or Mildred so Quinn Perkins was her last hope. Otherwise the process would have to start over. Her mom had helped her vet the candidates and most had not made it through her interrogations.
"Ms. Perkins, I hope you are the one." Olivia said aloud as she smoothed the blouse around her waist.