Fitz blinked and had to make sure he heard Eli correctly. Harrison was supposed to pay those people off and it would be the end of it. Now if he doesn't speak soon Eli might kill him, but the old man was calm which eased Fitz a little.
"I can explain sir….."
"Good, because quite frankly Fitz I like you. I like how happy you've made my Livia and my granddaughters happy. I know your father and he's a good man. You are a good man Fitz, explain this to me so I can help you."
Fitz was stunned into silence, no wonder why Olivia is so amazing because her parents are just like her. Never in a million years he'd imagine Eli being this understanding.
"I can still remember that night like it was yesterday. I was waiting at the airport bar and a marine knocked into me, I was angry at first because I didn't know who the person that knocked my drink over. Then I realized it was a marine and i asked him to join my table, where I was entertaining a guest.
Before I met Olivia I was a lonely pathic sob, and the guest was a lady. But now, her and the girls have changed me for the better. Anyways little did I know it was Sully. He introduced himself and told me that he was going back to surprise his wife and daughters. I was very envious of him, but I was happy for him. So when he told me back his flight being cancelled I thought I'd give my ticket to him, since I'd just be going home to an empty house anyway. At least if i gave him the ticket he get to go home to his family.
So I went over and sweet talked and bribed the lady at the front desk so that Sully can have my place on the plane, and I'm sure by law you couldn't do that…..Then I had too much to drink, the next thing I know I was waking up to a naked girl next to me in a hotel room. I looked out the window and there were police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks. I turned on the TV and saw that there have been a plane crash….I've never felt so shitty in my life…..I...killed...him….." Fitz broke out into sobs unable to control himself. The amount of guilt that was inside him was insane.
"I am the reason Olivia doesn't have a husband, that Vanessa and Izzy doesn't have a father…." Fitz said still crying.
"Fitzgerald, son I need you to take deep breaths and look at me…" Eli felt terrible for the boy. The amount of guilt he was carrying.
"Fitzgerald, the plane crashing was not your fault and from what I can see you had good intentions. You can't let that guilt take over your life. Now finish telling me the story. Deep breaths." Eli tried to calm Fitz down.
"I went to Sally's funeral and I looked at Olivia and the girls….It broke my heart to see them suffering…..Somehow I felt like I owned it to Sully to take care of Olivia and the girls. So...I had information searched for his family...Months later when I heard that Olivia was struggling with her flower shop I decided to make her flower shop a visit…..I was in need of a florist for the new film it was perfect timing. From then on I got to know her and the girls….it just have been the best three months of my life….I would give up my life for them….I am in love with Olivia and her girls sir…."
"I see the way you treat my daughter and grandkids….I wouldn't be offering you help if you didn't make them happy."
"I love Vanessa and Izzy as if they were my own….." Fitz said passionately.
"I know you do...I can see it in your eyes…..Now I'm not saying keeping this from my daughter and the girls is a good idea Fitz…..It will be better if the truth comes from you rather than the news…..
I also heard that you tried to pay off the lawyers to keep you out of the trial….You know it's impossible….Money can't buy everything son….."
"I am going to lose them….It is my worst fear and I can't let that happen...This is my chance to be happy and have someone who loves me and have a family….."
"I know Fitz, but you are going at this all wrong...Okay say that you did pay them off….Who's to know that they won't still bring you in as a witness….? Sure you can deny it but what about Olivia and the girls…
You said you'd do anything for Olivia and the girls well telling them the truth is doing something for them. It wasn't like you made the plane crash…..You are doing them a favor by explaining your story…..I'm not saying you should do it now, but before the trial starts…..and I will help Olivia and the girls understand" Fitz nodded and was in deep thought. He was quiet for the remainder of the ride and getting the ingredients they needed to get. On the way back Fitz was still quite. Once they pulled into the driveway Eli decided to speak up.
"My girls are falling for you too and I pray to god that they will be understanding because they deserve this happiness and so do you." With that Eli got out of the car and headed into the house. Fitz followed into the house and Olivia picked up that his mood has changed. He was still the same with the girls, but quieter and looked like something was troubling him. She decided she would confront him after her parents leave. Dinner was fun as usual. Fitz and Vanessa talked about basketball as Izzy looked up at Fitz like he hung the moon.
Finally Eli and Maya have said their goodbyes and the girls were taking showers. Olivia decided to ask Fitz what was bothering him.
"Hey…..what's the matter Fitz….?" Olivia went over to Fitz and rubbed his chest.
"Olivia...do you think I am a good person?" Fitz asked in a low voice.
"I think you are a great person with the heart of Gold." Olivia smiled, she cupped his face and gave him a kiss.
"Say if someone you really like made a huge mistake and that person regrets it and sorry about it….What would you do…?" Fitz was not making sense and Olivia was confused.
"Fitz what is going on? Are you feeling okay? You were really quiet during dinner. Did something happen between you and my dad?"
"No Livvie nothing happened between your dad and I…Livvie...I have something to tell you…."
"What is it Fitz?" Now Olivia was really worried Fitz was on the verge of tears. Just as he was about to speak they heard Izzy calling Olivia from upstairs.
"Hold that thought I just have to go help Izzy." Olivia gave Fitz a quick peck on the lips and ran upstairs.
When Olivia finally came down after helping the girls get dressed she saw Fitz on the couch. She went over to him and he opened his arms. Olivia sat on his lap and they shared a comfortable silence. After a while Olivia spoke up.
"Now what was bothering you….?" Olivia asked with her big beautiful eyes.
"Nothing….babe...I just didn't feel well and I usually get like that when my stomach is bothering me." Fitz kissed Olivia's forehead.
Olivia knew that wasn't it, but decided to let it go. Fitz just held her tighter and laid his head on her chest. They didn't move until the girls said they were ready to say goodnight. Fitz smiled and headed upstairs taking Olivia's hand. After reading Izzy a goodnight story and tucking her in and Vanessa as well, Fitz didn't want to leave yet.
"Livvie…..?"
"Yes, Fitz?"
"Could I possibly stay the night?"
"Of course….I was going to ask you anyway to make sure you were feeling better….Also, Vanessa's birthday is next friday and she said she just wants us to celebrate it…..
So it's you, me, Izzy, my parents, Abby and Stephen."
"I wouldn't miss it for the world…" Fitz smiled and kissed Olivia on the lips. They walked into her bedroom and Fitz got in the shower. When he got out he saw Olivia was watching something on her phone. He walked over to her and it was Sully singing to one of his daughter.
"Sully sang this to Vanessa when she was born…" Olivia gave Fitz a small smile. Just then Fitz knew he was going to give Vanessa for her birthday.
"Livvie...can you send me that video?"
"Ummm sure…..?"
"It's for Vanessa's present please…"
"Okay." She sent him the video right away. Then Olivia got into the shower while Fitz got Vanessa's presents ready. When Olivia came out and got dressed, she climbed into bed and Fitz took her into his arms.
The days leading up to Vanessa's birthday Fitz was excited. He couldn't wait for her to see her presents. Fitz, Olivia and Izzy went to both of Vanessa's games and cheered her on. Finally it was Friday and everything was ready. They were wrapping up filming and it was a good day. Mellie finally cracked and decided to give Andrew one date. Fitz went home and got ready. He just decided to wear light jeans and a white linen button down. When he got to the house he decided to leave the special present in the car and bring the others with him.
Fitz ranged the bell and Vanessa answered.
"Fitz!" Vanessa yelled and hugged him.
"Happy Birthday champ!" Fitz smiled and hugged her back. Vanessa looked at the presents and her eyes grew huge.
"Fitz! Are those all for me?" She nearly screamed.
"Why, yes yes they are." Fitz smiled and took the presents in.
"HIIIII FIZZZZ!" Vanessa came running to Fitz. He played the presents down and picked Izzy up.
"Hi, cupcake!" Fitz kissed her on the cheeks. Then he went over and greeted Eli and Maya, but his eyes were searching for Olivia.
"She's yelling at the pizza guy right now." Vanessa answered Fitz unasked question.
"Thanks champ." He smiled and ruffled her hair. Everyone was here and it was great company.
Eli saw how happy Fitz made his granddaughters and was glad he offered to help this boy. Especially Izzy, she loved Fitz like a dad. Moments later Olivia emerged and she found Fitz right away.
"Livvie…"Fitz smiled at his Livvie and hugged her.
"Hi….baby…" Olivia smiled and gave him a peck on the lips, which got a whistle from Stephen. Fitz gave Stephen the evil eye and Stephen just laughed it off.
The party was going well and now it was time to cut the cake and open the presents. Olivia brought out the four layered Basketball cake with eight candles on it. On the cake it said "Happy Birthday Vanessa MVP." The group sung Vanessa happy birthday. Izzy was in Fitz's arms and he had his arms around Olivia. Vanessa blew out her candles and Maya told her to make a wish.
"My wish has already come true grandma." Vanessa smiled. Now it was time for presents.
Vanessa's grandparents got her a drum set since Vanessa wants to start learning how to play the drums. Also, a snare drum along with the set because she wanted to join the school band. Abby and Stephen got her a lot of Vineyard Vines clothes and a hefty check. Olivia got Vanessa new sperrys and toms she's been asking for, a lot of clothes, and private drum lessons. Now it was Fitz's presents turn. The first present was a signed Kobe jersey, which Vanessa freaked out about. On the Jersey there was an envelope.
Vanessa opened it and screamed. There was three Lakers season tickets to this coming season. Then it was the new Kobe's basketball sneakers since Vanessa talked about how much she liked them. Vanessa ran to Fitz and hugged him.
"Thank you so much….I'm glad you are here...Not because you got me gift, but because you make us so happy." Fitz got a little choked up.
"You don't need to thank me for anything champ…" Fitz cleared his throat.
"There is one more present I have to get from the car." Fitz smiled and headed to his car and came back with a medium sized box.
Everyone was now curious. Vanessa opened the box and it was a Build a Bear dressed like a solider. Over the heart it said press me. When Vanessa pressed it was the voice of Sulley singing.
"Cheeks are rose, tiney toes, there's our little baby…...Eyes are blue, fingers two, coming with all her glory…..Daddy's girl….You'll make me proud….I thank the lord….Here's our little baby….." It was the song he always sung to her before she went to bed.
Vanessa cried and ran into Fitz and her mother's arms. There was not a dry eye in there.
"Now you'll never forget what he sounded like or the song….Your daddy was a hero and I am honored to be taking care of you guys for him…." Fitz dropped some more tears as he hugged his girls.