The rest of their honeymoon and vacation was fun and exciting. Everyone was happy for the couple, but the kids were extremely happy.
Fitz explained to her that it was official for them. They didn't have to wonder if they were going to be a family officially anymore.
When it was time to head back home and to work they had taken their wedding bands off and pinned it to their clothes.
A week after their return Lauren received a call from Mellie.
Mellie said, "This is Ms. Grant. Can you put me through to the President?"
"I'm sorry Ms. Holden I can't."
"Why is that?"
"Because the President was very specific that unless you two had business there was no need for the two of you to talk, and he said he would let me know if you two had something you were working on together."
Mellie was fuming, "Fine, we don't have business. I'm trying to reach Olivia, but she is not returning my calls. I need to discuss a bill with her."
"Ms. Pope is busy with the children. They have activities going on that she asked not to be disturbed unless it was an emergency. I will email her assistant, and she will call you if she is able to squeeze you in when she returns to the White House later in the month."
Mellie was flabbergasted but she had no choice but to accept.
When Charlotte received the email from Lauren she followed up with Mellie. She wanted to meet Olivia for lunch to discuss a bill that would make more options available when treating ALS.
Charlotte called Olivia to discuss the possible meeting.
Olivia said, "I'll take the meeting but..."
"I will make sure that it is at the White House, and emphasize if the meeting is leaked then you will cancel and make her pay."
Olivia smiled, "You know me so well."
"That is what you pay me the big bucks for.
They laughed. Olivia told her to email her when the meeting was scheduled so she made sure to include it in her personal calendar.
Before Fitz headed up to the residence Lauren & Charlotte had given him the head's up on Mellie.
Fitz called Olivia on Face Time. He smiled when he saw her relaxing in bed with papers everywhere.
"Mrs. Grant, do you ever take a break?"
"Rarely, I am a wife, mother, student, business woman, and First Lady in hiding."
Fitz laughed, "Well when you put it like that you should never sleep."
She smiled, "How are you baby?"
"Good now that I am looking at my beautiful wife."
"Ditto my handsome husband."
They talked about their day, and Olivia told him what the kids were up to. A couple of days ago Karen & Jonah both received early acceptance into George Washington University.
Olivia said, "Karen & I talked earlier about housing when she goes to college."
"We are going to get her an apartment right."
"I think it would be best. So it doesn't disrupt the other students, and it will allow her to enjoy her college experience."
"So why do I think there is more to the story?"
"She talked to me about the possibility of Jonah & her getting an apartment."
Fitz sighed and thought about it.
"Honey, if it makes you feel any better I don't think it is about them shacking up. Actually the opposite. Yes, they are in a relationship and care for each other a lot. Actually they love each other, but they push each other to be better. They want more out of life than to shack up and make a baby."
"Livvie, you are right. I didn't hesitate because I question the decision. Surprisingly I'm okay with it. I know them. They are not going to screw it up, and if it comes to the point where they start having sex. I know my wife has prepared her."
"I have."
"Good, then all is left is for me to accept is that my daughter is a young woman. A young adult."
"I know baby, but she is still your little girl. She will always need you and want you. As a matter of fact when we talked she didn't want to disappoint you. I assured her that was the last thing you were feeling."
"You are right. When you guys get here. I'll talk with her."
"Sounds good baby. What else is going on?"
"The ladies told me that Mellie is requesting a meeting with you."
"Yes, Charlotte scheduled it after we informed her that there would be no public meetings."
"Oh, she wanted to get some free press. Make it seem like everything was wonderful between the two of you."
"You know Mellie."
"Sadly, but that is my past. My present and future are so much brighter."
"Ditto"
"You don't have to meet with her Livvie."
"I know, but Mellie needs to understand that she doesn't scare me. She doesn't control me. I am the First Lady. If anything she bows down to me. I'm not kissing her ass anymore. Those days are over. If she wants something from me she'll have to kiss my ass, and then I'll think about it."
Fitz smiled, "That's my girl."
"I talked with Vera & Monique today on the phone. I have narrowed down my gowns for the ceremony."
"That's wonderful. I spoke with Abby & Lauren. We are going on a honeymoon. A full week just the two of us. Maybe we can make a baby."
Olivia was excited, "How did you manage?"
"March and April will be jam packed, but it will be worth it. I loved our weekend, but it will be nice to be out and about as an official married couple. You deserve that Livvie. I'm happy we are married, and it was under our terms. I just want to be able to acknowledge to the world that I am taken. You run our household,"
"I know baby, but it's not like before. For one we are married, and two we are doing things our way. We have a life time together. So I know that you want this, because you are thinking about me. I know who I belong to. I wake up every morning with a smile on my face, because I am with my soul mate. We are raising a family, and working on adding to it. We are changing the world and doing good. At the end of the day I have more than I ever dreamed of. You show me what it is like to be first in someone's life baby."
Fitz just stared at the screen. Olivia wasn't always this open and vulnerable. It was a welcome change in their relationship. They no longer had to guess what the other was thinking or wanted.
Fitz nodded, "Good, that is all that matter."
They talked for a few more minutes before ending their chat. Fitz couldn't wait for his family to be in his arms again. He hated the distance, but they were all flourishing. He was living his dream as President, and he wanted to make sure they lived theirs.
Two weeks later Olivia & the kids arrived at the White House. Fitz was there to greet them. Olivia had her meeting with Mellie in 20 minutes.
Karen wanted to hang out with her dad & Teddy was sleep in Olivia's arms. She told Fitz she would put him down.
On their way to her office he woke up. She put him down. When they made it to her office she didn't notice that Mellie had arrived early.
Teddy asked, "Where is daddy at? We haven't seen him since the wedding?"
"He is in his office. Karen is with him. Do you want to stay here with Charlotte & I or do I need to call daddy."
"I can stay and work on my story."
Huck nodded to let her know that he had Teddy. She turned around and noticed Mellie.
She turned back to Charlotte, "Anything new from the time I left this morning?"
"Nope, we have the final guest lists for the Christmas parties. Santa did call and confirm for the kid's party. The gift cards that we ordered will be here in two days, and Taylor Swift & DJ Harris have confirmed they will perform at the teen party."
She whispered to Olivia, "She heard Teddy."
Olivia smiled, "I know Charlotte, but she wouldn't be dumb enough to leak that we are already married to the press. She doesn't want me to ruin her. Give me five minutes to get myself together, and you can send Ms. Holden in."
Mellie cringed when she heard Olivia address her.
Five minutes later Charlotte showed her into her office. She was already pissed, because she realized that Fitz had her office in the West Wing. Which meant that he wanted everyone to know that Olivia was not ornamental.
Mellie sat down in front of Olivia. Olivia cut to the chase, "What can I do for you Mellie?"
"You are married?"
"We are?"
"So why the fanfare?"
"Because it is what we want. We wanted a private ceremony & a public one. The public wants to see our ceremony, and we want them to have that. However we have waited long enough to be together. So as a family we became one. You are the queen of optics. You know how it works."
"That is not why I came?"
"Oh, I know. Yet you couldn't resist asking for the details. Let me be clear Mellie you are a non-factor in our lives. You are not even the other woman. You don't even make the hairs on my head stand up anymore. I allowed that for far too long. See your worst nightmare has come true. After all the lying, stealing, cheating, and under-handed moves you did I am still Mrs. Grant. While you sit at home trying to think of any small way to sabotage us we are living, and you might think of something but be prepared Mellie for me to ruin you. Things are different. See now I'm no longer protecting the President. I am protecting my husband, the father of my children and future children, and the President. You don't want to test me Mellie. You have won a couple of battles with me, but you haven't won any wars and you won't where I am concerned."
Mellie just looked at her for a minute trying to get her bearings. She hated that Olivia knew her so well. It is what made her an excellent fixer.
Mellie shook her head.
"So did you really want this meeting for a reason or to play games, and make yourself look good since you wanted this meeting in public."
"Olivia give me a break. This isn't easy for me."
Olivia stood up, "Fuck you Mellie. You want me to feel sorry for you when I was the one that helped you become First Lady. You forget I know how dead your marriage was. Time and time again Fitz was ready to end it, but I made him stay. I made him do things he never should have done. I am an intelligent woman. I could have been the First Lady a long time ago, but you, Cyrus, and my dad made sure I felt like scum of the fucking earth when it was you who was scum. The only thing hard about this is that you are out on a rafter alone, and no one is there. You are on your own. What is that you use to throw in Fitz's face? Oh I believe it was I graduated at the top of my class. Since you are so smart get up off your ass, and act like it. My husband and my children are not for lease. I am not for lease. You don't get any more favors from the White House. This is not a competition anymore Mellie. He has always been mine. He is mine. He is my husband. My children are happy and thriving. So if you came here as Senator Holden then we can talk, and I feel like it is something that is beneficial for my husband I will support you. Otherwise now and in the future don't call here hoping for a hand out Mellie. You don't want to test me. I may not be handling cases on a regular basis anymore, but I still know how to do the job. I'm just doing something you never found important."
Mellie stood up, "What is that Mrs. High and Mighty Grant."
Olivia came around, "I am taking care of my family. My husband and my children. I don't have to be on television saving a Senator's job to get my high. My high comes from eating breakfast with the kids most mornings. From watching Teddy make friends and see how excited he is when he learns something new. Watching him perform in a play where he remembers all his lines. Watching my daughter shine in her last year of high school. Seeing the look on her face when she opened up the letter saying she got accepted into the college of her choice and earlier. Spending the weekend watching movies and eating pizza. My husband buys me gifts just to show me he loves me, and sometimes those gifts are a couple of bucks but the meaning is priceless. He writes me a love letters to remind me how much he loves me. Your problem Mellie is that you came here with an agenda. One that started by trying to get me to go in public so you wouldn't look so frigid and cold. Where you were smiling and hugging me to say to the public we are all good. Instead of you kicking butt and taking names as Senator you are still trying to find a loop hole to get back at me and Fitz."
Fitz & Karen were standing in the door. He had come down to get Teddy so they could go up, and start dinner to give Olivia a break. Huck had already left with Teddy. They were on their way out when they heard Olivia's voice raise.
She was in her own world that she never saw them step into the office.
Fitz finally spoke up, "Livvie, is everything okay?"
Olivia looked at them and took a deep breath, "Yeah honey we are fine."
Mellie looked at Karen, and if looks could kill she would be dead. She looked at Fitz who was looking at her like he had never seen her before. Never had she felt so ashamed and embarrassed as she did in that moment.
Fitz looked at Olivia, "Honey we have Teddy. Well he is already upstairs with Huck. We are going to work on a car tonight. We will handle dinner, and Erin is coming by with some gowns for you and Karen. I also told Karen as a gift for getting into college early she could pick any gown she wanted for prom. Erin is aware. I told her to leave that for you to decide with Karen. Will you be able to come up in the next hour."
Olivia looked at them and smiled, "I will guys. After this meeting I will check emails in the Residence."
"Nope mom. You are relaxing tonight. Charlotte has handled everything. You are off tonight and tomorrow. You need to relax."
Olivia had to admit she had been going nonstop between the kids, school, events, and meetings. She could use the break.
"Sure honey. We'll talk more later."
She walked over and they kissed her cheek. They walked out without saying a word to Mellie. Olivia no longer had it in her heart to feel sorry for Mellie. Those days were long gone.
She closed the door and looked at her, "Do you want to discuss business?"
"I do. I do have one more personal question?"
"What?"
"Did you send me a picture of me and your dad when we met in my office?"
"No, Mellie. I don't need to send to pictures to keep you quiet. One phone call and your house folds. We both know that. I don't have the time to play games with you. As you heard just a few minutes ago my hands are full. When I say I don't think about you I'm serious."
They sat back down. Olivia had read on the bill that Mellie was spearheading.
Olivia said, "Mellie in order for you to be successful you have got to loosen up. You have to get engaged in the community, and mean it. The bill is wonderful. We do need to use technological advances to care for patients with ALS even those who just have Medicaid or Medicare. You need a face. People connect with faces and issues similar to that & you will get your bill passed."
Mellie nodded
"I understand that you hate me. You think that I took your family, and in some ways I did. However Mellie they never should have been on the auctioning block. You are a junior Senator, and yes you received support from Fitz but you put in the work. Stop listening to your dad & Big Jerry's voices. You don't need a man to complete you, and when you do have one in your life they should be there because they want to. They love you for you. Karen turns 18 soon, so she is entitled to decide if she wants to deal with you at all. For Teddy's sake I can't put him out there because you have no remorse. You still have a future. When appropriate I will support your endeavors. Fitz will support you."
Mellie looked Olivia in the eyes, "You are right. Thank you for helping me. If I need another appointment do you know when you are available?"
"It won't be until after Christmas. I have a lot of events to attend with Fitz and the children. Once you have your revisions you can email me. I can look them over when I have time so you won't need to schedule a meeting. Things are going to be hectic until the summer with prom, wedding, and graduation."
"May I ask what college she is going to?"
"Sure George Washington. She is studying pre-med."
"Good. Congrats on you getting married. I know that you both are happy."
"We are. I hope that you attend the ceremony here."
"I look forward to it."
"Good, and Mellie I honestly mean it. I hope that you find happiness. Whether you stay single or you find someone who loves you for you."
"I know Olivia. I get I'm a bitch. I'm not half the woman you are. I know you don't wake up wishing harm to others. I'm sick of failing."
"You never failed Mellie. You lost your way because you stopped living for you. When Fitz started living for him you didn't know how to do the same thing. I get it. I was the same as you. It is why it took us so long to get to this point. At times I regret the time we lost, but I'm glad because it makes me appreciate what we have even more."
Mellie stood up to leave. She turned back around, "I get why he loves you. I get why the kids gravitate to you so easily. Kids are not my thing. I had them for the wrong reason. You deserve them. Down the road when we have all had time to digest everything, and Teddy is older maybe he can say hello every now and again. I'll write to Karen after she turns 18 if that is okay."
Olivia stood up, "That is fine. Take care."
Mellie left. Olivia closed the door and breathed a sigh of relief. She smiled. She didn't cower. She stood up for herself and her family.
She made it up to the Residence where Fitz and the kids pampered her. She told Fitz & Karen about the remainder of her discussion with Mellie.
Surprisingly, Fitz didn't argue with her seeing Teddy in a neutral location with one of them if the time came. Olivia could tell that even Karen didn't seem so hard. None of them disliked Mellie. Just her actions, and if she was willing to change then they were willing to open the door just a little. Only time could tell, and no one was holding their breath.
Erin came and helped the ladies select their gowns, and some other clothes. They talked about gown ideas for Karen to wear to the prom. She was open to the color, but she did want a long gown with lots of detail.
Olivia changed the tone of the White House for the holidays. After the Christmas tree lighting she sent out an email to the staff. She had spoken with Fitz and he gave her the go ahead with her ideas which included:
*There would be a drawing everyday up to Christmas Eve where the staff would receive a gift.
*They had set aside fun contests for the staff such as ugliest Christmas sweater, best Holiday outfit, best Christmas hat, and best holiday dish to name a few. There would be prizes for all the winners.
*Each Friday they would be allowed to dress down.
Those were just the big things. She still had little things planned here and there. The mood was festive and happy.
The day after she arrived was the children's party. Santa was there to hear everyone's wishes. Olivia hired their wedding photographers to come in and take pictures of the kids with Santa. Each parent got to choose three photos each.
Each child also received a $50.00 gift to Toys R Us. The excitement on the children's faces was everything.
When Teddy got his gift card he came over to his parents. "Mom, may I give my gift card to Gina. Her daughter is an adult, but I heard her say that her granddaughter is sick. When she gets better she can get some toys. I have enough."
Olivia had to blink away her tears. Gina was a lead over the cleaning crew. Although she was promoted she still cleaned the Residence. Partly because she didn't feel comfortable watching others clean, and two she enjoyed her chats with the family. Especially since Olivia became the woman of the house.
Olivia & Teddy found Gina in the cleaning supplies closet.
She was startled when she saw Olivia & Teddy. "Ms. Pope is everything okay?"
"Yes, Teddy wanted to give you something."
Teddy handed her the gift card, "I heard you say your granddaughter was sick, so I wanted her to have my gift card to cheer her up."
Gina smiled, "Why thank you Teddy. She is still sick. She has to have surgery soon because she has cancer."
Olivia frowned, "Gina, why did you not tell anyone?"
"I don't know Ms. Pope. I come here to do my job. Honestly in the past the First Lady wouldn't care. The President asked about our families, but he is a little busier. We are still getting use to you. Things are a little different."
"I understand. So here is what we are going to do Teddy & I will schedule an appointment to go see the children including your granddaughter. We will bring Christmas to them. Teddy don't you think Santa wants to go to the hospital to visit the sick children."
Teddy smiled, "I think so mommy."
Gina was excited. She knew the kids would love it. Olivia went over and discussed it with Fitz and Tom. Plans were underway for them to visit the children's hospital.
A couple of days later they made the visit, but the entire family went along with Santa. They arranged for the children & staff to have dinner. They gave out gift cards to each child, and one for the families. Santa gave each child two toys courtesy of the Grants.
They took tons of pictures and posted them on their Facebook and Twitter accounts. They also posted a challenge for the nation to give back during the holidays. If you didn't have money then a little bit of your time. They wanted to see what people were doing so they told them to post using the #HolidayGiveBack.
The challenge, parties, and shows were a success. The nation fell more in love with Olivia. Her approval ratings were at 90%. Fitz's was at 80%.
When Abby gave him the report he smiled at her, "See I told you they would fall in love with you."
After Christmas Karen had come down to see her dad for a minute. Olivia had told her she talked to him about her and Jonah living together. Olivia didn't tell her it would be okay.
"Dad can we talk?"
"Sure pumpkin what's up?"
"Mom, said that she mentioned to you Jonah & I getting an apartment together when we go off to college, and I wanted to discuss that with you."
"Oh honey, I am so sorry. We did. I agree with your mom. I think that the two of you living together will make life easier especially for you. You are about to be 18 soon, and I trust you. I know that the two of you understand how important completing your education is. Not for me but for yourselves. When & if the time comes before marriage I trust you to be responsible, and to at least talk to your mom."
"Really"
"Honey, you will always be my little girl no matter how many more children I have, but you have had to grow up early and you handled it well. You didn't ask to be in the spotlight. My decisions have caused that, but for the post part you handle it with grace and respect. I want your life to be as normal as possible. That is why as hard as it for me to go weeks and sometimes a month without seeing you guys I do it. You deserve to live your life, and see your dreams come true. So we will make it happen. Your mom & I will find a place near campus."
Karen went over and hugged her dad, "Will you come visit my apartment when you have time?"
"We will. Your mom has decided that after you graduate she is going to move back to D.C. full-time. She is going to talk to Teddy. He will be able to visit his friends when we are there during the summer, and some holidays. That way we can be together in one place for at least two years."
"Good, that is what I want."
Lisa & Marta were keeping the kids while the couple headed to Camp David to bring in the New Year together.
Fitz told Olivia he was cooking them dinner that night, and to wear a nice dress. Olivia settled on a Noir Monique Lhuillier Beaded Sheath Dress.
Olivia walked downstairs and smiled. The lights were dimmed. There were rose pedals that led her to the dining room where the table was set for a romantic dinner for two.
Fitz was standing in the corner staring at her. She had to compose herself. Her knees felt like they were going to buckle. He always looked at her like she was the only woman in the world. With him she always felt beautiful and desirable.
He walked over and they shared a passionate kiss. He finally forced them to pull apart, but kept her in his arms.
He smiled, "Hi"
She looked up at him and grinned. After all this time that simple two-letter word still meant everything to them, "Hi"
He reached over and handed her a glass of wine. She sipped it and looked up at him, "What's the occasion for us to be drinking a bottle of 1982 Chateau Petrus Pomerol."
"Being together is a celebration, but this is the first time that we are bringing in New Year's together, and more importantly as a married couple."
Olivia nodded trying to get her emotions in check. They stood there in each other's arms for several minutes sharing the glass of wine, and enjoying just being free.
A year ago Olivia was sitting in her apartment wondering how much worse her life would be in the next year.
Now as she she looked at her husband she wondered how much better her life was going to be in the coming year.
They finally sat down for dinner. Fitz had prepared them pork chops with red wine sauce, roasted yam halves, and warm lentil salad with goat cheese. For dessert the chef had made them homemade ice cream with butterscotch sauce.
Jazz music played in the background. The couple concentrated on each other. They fed each other and talked about everything and nothing. They laughed and had fun. Something neither had done enough of in the past.
They danced by the windows and watched as the ball drop signifying a new year. Their kiss was earth-shattering. So much hope and promise was shared in that kiss without saying a word.
Fitz picked her up and she gladly wrapped her legs around him as he took them to their bedroom. Fitz showed his wife how much he loved her. They made love several times throughout the evening. In between they talked and slept. They were happy, and that is all that mattered.
A/N-The wedding is approaching.
Now you know what was in the envelope that Mellie received, and down the road it will be revealed who sent it to her. It will be a shocker. The question is will Mellie now stay in her lane after Olivia told her off.
Most of you should know this, but them pinning their rings in their clothes is an idea that I borrowed from Kerry. In several interviews she has noted that is where her wedding set is when shooting.