A/N: Hey there. A lot happened in the last chapter. So, yes, Gerry and Karen were at the dinner table which is why Fitz thought they knew. Olivia thought that Karen knew because of her reaction when she first met Lizzy. That is why both Fitz and Olivia were shocked when they discovered that Karen didn't know. I really hope that clarifies. Anyway, I'm honestly trying to get past the drama that is Fitz's presidency because that's not the basis for this story. So, here you go.

6 MONTHS LATER

It had been two months since Fitz left the White House. Mellie was back in Asheville, Fitz and Olivia were in Vermont with the kids. Teddy ended up staying with Fitz because Hal didn't want anything to do with the child and well even though Fitz wasn't Teddy's father he had still grown to love him and wanted the best for him. No one liked the idea of Teddy being ripped from his siblings, not even Mellie, so they all agreed that Teddy will stay with Gerry and Karen and visit Mellie alongside.

Gerry and Karen were adjusting to post-presidency life pretty well. They loved the house in Vermont. The space, the lake, Gerry especially loved the basketball court. They both agreed that this was better than their California Ranch and even though they spent summers in California, they were happy to live in Vermont.

They had long since realized that Liz was in fact their sister which they were ecstatic about because they adored the little girl. Teddy and Liz got along great. Liz was just happy she had someone who was small like her to play with now. Molly enjoyed the company as well.

Olivia and Fitz were in pure bliss. They weren't married nor were they engaged, yet, but they could both live the rest of their lives like this and still be happy. They were enjoying just being together after many years of bumpy roads and broken hearts.

Cyrus was still in DC with James and Ella but he spoke with Olivia and Fitz daily. They had made arrangements for them to come up to Vermont and visit so they would be seeing each other soon. Huck and Quinn had decided that because of Quinn's pregnancy, they would go to the courthouse instead of having an actual wedding ceremony. Quinn was now 8 months pregnant and big as a house but that didn't stop Huck from loving every inch of her body.

Abby and David were also enjoying their marital bliss after five years. They had been trying for a baby to no avail so eventually they decided they would adopt. They were going through the process of adopting three year old twin boys at the moment and everyone was beyond excited for the new addition.

Mellie was also doing well. Since the ending of Fitz's term, she had seen her kids twice. She had even met someone. She had went to the local fresh market and met the owner. Andrew Nichols. Turns out they both shared a love for hunting ducks, fishing, and fresh foods! They clicked instantly. Mellie had stayed in contact with her mother against Randolph's request and now that Mellie was actually doing something for herself, she and her mother's relationship was stronger than ever.

Because of Mellie's failure to be discreet, it was starting to get out that Mellie and Fitz were living separately. Everyone knew that at some point their divorce would have to be addressed. They just weren't banking on it being this soon.

"Breakfast is ready!" Olivia called out particularly to Gerry who was sitting in the family room. Still, all four kids came running into the kitchen with Teddy in Karen's arms. Olivia chuckled at their eagerness to eat while preparing their separate plates.

"Liv, did you know that Hawaii is a part of the United States." Karen asked

"Well, yes Karen I did." Olivia chuckled.

Karen shrugged, "I wonder if dad knew."

Olivia moved to sit everyone's plates in front of them as Gerry spoke, "You worry me sometimes Kar. What did you think the 40th state was?"

"Oh my god." Olivia said.

"What?" Gerry and Karen said in unison.

"They're 50 states guys. Hawaii is one of them."

Gerry and Karen looked at each other in embarrassment. Eventually breaking out into full on laughter, Olivia shook her head at them. Just as Olivia finished making sure Teddy was in his chair securely, Fitz walked in.

"You would think with their dad being the 44th president of the United States they would know these things. But oh no, not my kids, ladies and gentlemen." He sneaked up behind Olivia and spoke again, "Hi."

Olivia turned around and placed her hands on his chest, "Hi." Fitz leaned in to kiss her but was stopped when he heard, "DON'T!" From Gerry and Karen.

"Just let us finish our food first and then you guys can make out or whatever." Karen said frowning her face.

Olivia giggled and wiggled out of Fitz' grasp, "Make out or whatever." She mocked

Fitz chuckled and pinched his lips together as he blew her multiple kisses causing Elizabeth and Teddy to break into a fit of giggles.

Olivia knocked on Karen's door twice before Karen gave her the okay to come in. Karen would be turning 14 in two weeks and she and Olivia were planning her party.

Olivia walked into her bedroom and shut the door behind her, "Hey Liv." Karen said first

"Hey." Olivia said as she sat on a small couch adjacent to Karen's bed. "So, your dad wants to know the final details of your party. You know it can't be too big because of the media and blah blah blah."

"Not to mention, Uncle Cy might have a heart attack." Karen laughed.

"Exactly." Olivia laughed too.

"Well, I just want my four closest friends. Aniya, Najah, Cierra, and Niara. That's really it. Of course I want our family. Nothing spectacular. I'll save that for later." Karen said with a smile that mimicked her mothers.

Olivia smiled back, "Well, of course that's doable. I just want to make sure that's exactly who you want because your mom and dad have to call to inform them of the party."

"Okie Dokie. That's it. I can tell mom to call Najah and Dad can call Niya, Ci Ci, and Niara."

"I got it. I'll tell your dad when he and Tom come back."

"Alright thanks, Liv." Karen said as Olivia got up to walk out the door.

"You're welcome, Kar." Olivia said walking out.

Gerry sat on the bright orange carpet in Lizzy's room watching her play with her toys. He loved spending time with her and decided that he would use this time to get to know her a little better. He picked up a toy and began to try and play with her.

"So, what is this we're playing?" Gerry asked.

"Well the guy here is Marcos," she started holding up her action figure, "He has to save Queen Darla" she pointed to a doll that was sitting behind a barred dollhouse window, "Your toy, is Wiener." She snickered.

"Wiener?" Gerry asked mortified.

"Yes, you're Marcos's horse. But you're a little crazy if you know what I mean." She giggled as she took her finger and twirled it near her head.

Gerry laughed causing Lizzy to giggle even more. "Well, in that case, what is Weiner's job?"

Before answering, Lizzy started laughing again at Weiner's name. "Just take me to the princess, horsey!" She screamed.

Gerry trotted his horse over to Lizzy's hand as she picked up Marcos and placed him on the horse's back. Marcos trotted toward the castle and Lizzy scurried to the back of the doll house so that she could control Princess Darla.

"Help Help!" Liz called out.

"I'll save you!" Gerry said in his best deep voice trying to give life to the prince. Gerry made Marcos hop off the horse and climb a vine connected to the castle. Once up by the window, he kissed the princess and pressed a button which made the magical bars come down. Princess Darla jumped onto his back as Marcos climbed back down the vine.

Once the dolls were on the ground, Liz went over to continue playing the part of Darla. She got onto the horse with Marcos's help and said, "Oh Prince, how can I ever repay you?" She batted her eyes.

Gerry took a moment to look at his sister. He was truly fascinated with how Lizzy's eyes lit up as they brought the scene to life. "No worries princess, I'm just doing my job!" And with that he trotted the horse down into the imaginary sunset.

When he turned around he noticed the biggest smile on Lizzy's face. "You enjoyed that huh?" He chuckled.

She nodded her head viscously. "Can we do it again?" She pleaded.

"I don't see why not." Gerry smiled. Lizzy hauled herself into his arms as they set up to play again.

Olivia walked out into her yard with a tall glass of water in hand. "What are you staring at?" She chuckled as she handed Fitz the glass of water.

Fitz turned around and smiled as he took the glass of water and drank from it, "Do you see those mountains in the far distance?" He said pointing.

Olivia had to squint but she saw them and nodded, "Well that's Mt. Mansfield. Highest mountain in Vermont. When I was 16, I would come out here to spend summers with my grandparents. I climbed that mountain twice in one and half days." He said proudly.

"Oh really? Well maybe we should go up there some time." Olivia suggested.

"Are you crazy? You wouldn't last 2 seconds up there. The temperature is an average -6.7 degrees on a daily basis."

"I don't know, I think I could hang. I'd just have to do so-" Olivia was interrupted when she heard her iPad ring in the kitchen. Hand in hand, they walked back into the house to answer the call.

When she pressed answer, Quinn's face filled her screen. "Olivia I'm sorry, Huck and I won't be able to make Karen's party." She said with finality.

"What? Why?" Fitz wanted to know.

"I look like a cow!" She exclaimed.

"Honey you do not look like cow." They heard Huck say from the other room.

"Yes I do. I look like a fat hungry cow! I look like a cow!" She began to sob.

Fitz went wide eyed. He really had no idea what to say. He turned to Olivia who was trying to stifle a laugh.

"Quinn, sweetie, you look beautiful what are you talking about?" Olivia tried to comfort her friend.

"Don't lie to me Olivia Carolyn!" Quinn snapped causing Olivia and Fitz to jump back as if she was standing right in front of them. "I may have lost my body but I haven't lost my eyes! I know a cow when I see one!"

It was now Fitz's turn to stifle a laugh. Olivia sighed. "Sweetie, you look gorgeous. You have that glow. I've never seen a pregnant woman so stunning." Olivia beamed.

"Oh, so you can tell I'm pregnant?" Quinn fired.

"Well, I um I uh." Olivia truly didn't know what to say.

"Oh my God! Oh my God!" Quinn went into full hysterics.

Huck made his way over to Quinn where he rubbed her back soothingly and helped her to get into bed. Once finished, he went back over to their iPad and apologized.

"I'm sorry, she's on edge right now."

"We see that." Fitz said.

Huck chuckled, "I'm gonna go rub her feet, fetch her some pizza, or something. We'll see you guys at Karen's party."

"Alright." Olivia and Fitz said in unison before hanging up.

"Were you like that?" Fitz turned to Olivia wanting to know.

"My entire pregnancy GiGi was here with me and she says I wasn't as bad as she thought I would be so who knows what that means." Olivia shrugged.

Fitz nodded. "Speaking of Gigi, is she coming down for Karen's party?"

"I'm not sure. She may. If she does, Verna will definitely come. So be mentally prepared."

"Sounds like trouble." Fitz smirked.

"You have no idea." Olivia said getting up. "So look, Karen wants you to speak with Mellie about her four best friends coming out for her party."

Fitz nodded, "She has new best friends every week so which set is this."

"Najah, Aniya, Niara, and Cierra." Olivia said.

"Got it. I will call Mellie later on." He got up, and kissed Olivia on her cheek. "I love you."

"I love you."

"I'm getting ready to head out. Anything you need from the store?" Olivia asked to no one in particular.

"Gatorade."

"Strawberry Shortcakes, please."

Olivia took note and then turned to Fitz. "Anything?"

"Are you taking Tom with you?" He asked seriously.

"No." Olivia replied.

"Yes, you are." He said.

"Fitz, come on!" Olivia groaned.

"He's going." Fitz said with finality.

"How would that look? Secret Service following a normal citizen? That would look weird and definitely raise many questions we are not in position to answer." Olivia reasoned.

"Tom, you wouldn't mind throwing on some khakis and riding in Olivia's passenger seat would you? Fitz asked.

"No, sir."

"Well, that settles that." Fitz beamed. He got up and kissed Olivia on the cheek, "He'll be ready in 5."

Olivia rolled her eyes and Gerry and Karen burst into laughter.

Fitz picked up his phone to dial his ex-wife. This was a call he wasn't looking forward to making but knew he had no choice. The phone rang 3 times before Mellie's voice rang through the speakers.

"Hello, Fitzgerald." Mellie spat coldly.

"Mellie." Fitz responded even colder. "Listen, I need you to make calls to Aniya, Cierra, Niara, and Najah's parents for Karen's party."

"Fitz, don't be ridiculous. They all live in Virginia, what makes you think they'll come all the way to Vermont for a party?"

"I'll have them picked up and dropped off. I can assure you. I just need you to call them."

"And why should I do this?"

Fitz sighed, "Because Mellody, not everything is about you and I. This is your daughter's wishes. Can't you just grow up for two minutes and make the phone calls." Fitz was now irritated.

"Fine. I'll call. But this is the last time. I mean it. If the kids are going to be living with you, you need to learn how to do these things. Olivia's a mom. Why isn't she calling?"

"You know she can't do that right now."

"Whatever. I'll make the stupid phone calls. I'll call you when I've made them."

"Thank you. Goodbye."

"Bye."

Olivia and Tom made their way to the check out line at Harris Teeter. While waiting Olivia's eyes went to scan the magazine rack. Her eyes widened when they landed on one magazine in particular.

KEEPING UP WITH THE GRANTS: MELLIE GRANT LIVING ALONE?

Olivia grabbed the magazine and threw it in her cart. She quickly paid and made her way out to the car. She then drove home with Tom following her.

Once home, Olivia went to the kitchen, put groceries away, and gave everyone their respective items. She went upstairs, dropped the magazine in her nightstand drawer and went back downstairs to start on dinner.

After everyone had eaten, they played a few games and all retreated to their bedrooms. Olivia and Fitz put Teddy and Lizzy down with ease considering they were both tired. Molly decided to sleep with Karen since she had become her new found best pal.

Olivia and Fitz had taken separate showers and were now getting themselves ready for bed in a comfortable silence. Once in bed they talked about their days and engaged in small talk before Olivia decided to bring up the magazine.

"So, I saw something today." Olivia said. Fitz turned to her and raised his eyebrow. Olivia then reached into her nightstand drawer pulled out the magazine and handed it to him.

Fitz's mouth parted as he read the words. He looked up at Olivia with confused eyes. "It's starting."

"It's starting." She repeated.

"Right now."

"Right now."

Fitz sighed. "So what do we do?" He asked.

"Well first, you need to call Cyrus first thing in the morning. We need to act before people start paying attention and start following up on this. Whatever we do, we cannot let it backfire on Karen's party."

Fitz nodded. "Okay, I'll call him first thing."

Olivia took the magazine back and stuffed it back into the drawer. She turned back around to find Fitz in deep thought.

"Relax. Everything will be fine. We're in this together." She tried to calm him down.

"We're in this together." He repeated. He then turned to her and propped himself up on his elbow so that he was looking down on her, "I don't regret it. Any of it. I love you."

Olivia looked up at him and caressed his face, "I know. I love you too."

Fitz leaned down a pecked her lips a few times before she said, "Get some rest."

He nodded and turned off his light, "Goodnight, Livvie."

"Goodnight, Fitz."

A/N: There you have it! This chapter was all fluff. Just a little peak into Olitz family life. However, the past is now catching up with them and some issues are now demanding to be addressed. All in the midst of Karen's party. Thoughts? Predictions? Please leave reviews. I do love them so. :)