"Hey Liv, we're on the way back home. Was there anything you'd like for me to pick up?" Gerry asked making Liv smile hearing him refer to their house as home.

"No sweetheart Karen and I managed to get everything we needed."

"Cool, if you think of anything just let me know."

"I will. Drive safe and see you soon."

"Will do, thanks Liv." Gerry flipped his phone closed and put it into his shirt pocket.

"So you've told me loads about Liv and her daughter Bellie, but not the connection. Are they family? Family friends?" She asked. Gerry hesitated. He spoke of Liv and Bellie as family but never defined who they were. For one no one really knew about Bellie or Liv in that capacity and he knew the risks of telling her the truth. He appreciated that though his Dad and Liv had the same concerns they had trusted him to make his own judgements. A part of the reason why he waited to introduce her to Liv and Bellie was because he did worry about the repercussions. He didn't want to be the one to expose his little sister and the woman he loved as a mother to a scandal. The moment anyone laid their eyes on Bellie they would know who her father was, especially when you put Fitz in the same room. Gerry pulled up on the side of he road not wanting to be driving while engaged in that conversation. He turned to face her.

"Amy, Bellie is my little sister, and Liv..." Gerry took a deep breath.

"Liv is the love of my Dad's life. My parents have a political marriage which when you see them in the same room you'll realise what I mean. They married each other because on paper they were well suited and it was what their parents had planned for them before they were even born. Which was fine, but Dad met Liv and he loved her from the first moment he met her when she first came to help with his campaign. So he fired her, of course. But Liv was the best campaign fixer there ever was and he needed her to win the election. That and Uncle Cyrus pretty much told him he'd walk if he didn't get her back. So he re-hired her and for months they fought it, but there's a connection between them that's inexplicable. Again you'll see it when you're in the same room. Long story short they got together, but when Dad was elected and we moved into the White House Liv left while Dad was doing his State of the Union address. She didn't want his presidency to be tarnished with a scandal of an affair and she knew Dad would never let her go so she left without telling him. To Dad she wasn't an affair, to him she was the person who made waking up in the morning worth it. When she left he fell apart and he was heartbroken behind closed doors. They didn't see each other again for over a year till Uncle Cyrus had to call her to fix a possible scandal. Liv stayed away as much as she could but Dad refused to let her go again. He would rather have her in his life in any capacity than none at all. Then something happened between them and she pushed and pushed him away refusing to be his mistress until he let her go. I guess Liv didn't think he ever would so when he did, she took it really hard. She sort of dropped out of DC and no one really knew where she was. Her closest friends, who are her family knew where she was and reassured Uncle Cyrus that she was okay. To Karen and I nothing really changed. We still received care packages and letters from her so it never really tweaked for us just how drastic her sudden move was. It wasn't until Bellie was born that she sort of resurfaced and even then she refused to see Dad. She had Huck bring Bellie to a secure location so that Dad could meet her and know about her giving him the option to be a part of her life or not. She was ready to take Bellie to Paris and raise her but she knew that Dad deserved to know about Bellie and give us a chance to decide if we wanted to be a part of Bellie's life." Gerry looked at Amy a little uncertain till she placed a hand over his encouraging him to go on,

"Karen and I have always loved Liv. She was more Mom than Mom ever was. She took care of us and loved us so unconditionally from the moment she met us. Not because she had to but just because she was Liv. Liv chose to live in the outskirts of DC so that Bellie could be close by for us to see her. And honestly the moment I laid eyes on that kid I fell in love with her. More so when she started to get her little personality. Liv knew that Karen and I wanted to be a part of her life, so as hard as it was for her to make sure that Bellie remained undetected they stayed close by, in hindsight mainly for me and Karen. We made sure we got to spend every spare moment we had at Liv's. Dad hardly ever saw her, for obvious reasons. He called every morning and every night so she could hear his voice till she was big enough to gurgle and finally talk back. Dad didn't see or really speak to Liv for those two years. She made a point of not the one being with Bellie when he called. If she did speak to him it would just be about Bellie. When Bellie got bigger it was harder for her to understand why Dad was hardly around and always left and it was starting to affect her. So Liv finally decided to take her to Paris so she could just be a normal kid worried that Dad's inconsistent presence was doing more damage than good which Dad reluctantly agreed with. He wanted Bellie to have a full life and if she in DC the places she could be would be limited and the reason to stay close by was only so he could have access to her which he couldn't really utilize as often as he would have liked.

"Is that why you and Karen chose to study in Europe? To be closer to Liv and Bellie?"

"Yes and no. I think Karen and I would have ended up in Europe anyway because we both hate the media hooplah and we knew the only way we could have a decent chance at anonymity is out of the US. Actually it was Liv who taught us that way back when we had to endure campaigning for Dad's first election. Was it more appealing knowing that Liv and Bellie were going to be here, absolutely. I wouldn't trade all the time we're had with them for anything. Karen and I were lucky, we were big enough to protest to the show, and we always had each other. Teddy was not only born into it, but born for it. Karen, Dad and I were always the three Muskeeters and when Liv came along we became the awesome foursome even though they weren't even together. Liv always fought for us and what was best for us. Teddy has only really had Dad and Mom isn't any more interested in him that she was with us. When I say Karen and I are lucky, it's because Liv always treated us as though we were one of her kids. We've never felt less than completely loved the way she loved Bellie. In every home she's ever had since we've met her Karen and I always had a room should we want or need it. I don't come to Paris almost every weekend because I have to, it's because I want to. I love walking into that house and just feeling completely loved. When Karen came into the world she and I were immediately partners in crime. I loved her so much and I never thought I would ever feel that way again and then Bellie came into our lives. You're going to love her. She's a little runt, cute as a button, sharp as a sword and hilariously funny. But most of all, she's entirely loving. I wanted to give you a heads up because what you're about to walk into isn't exactly the norm. You're the first person in my life who's ever met Bellie and Liv."

"Thank you for trusting me with something so precious to you." Amy said leaning over to plant a kiss on his cheek before giving his hand a squeeze reassuringly. Gerry nodded appreciatively and started the car up again. He brought her hand to his lips before placing it back on his knee without releasing it. It didn't take them long before they got to the gates of Olivia's home. As they drove up the the driveway Bellie announced their arrival to the rest of the household with an excited squeal. By the time Gerry had parked the car Bellie had burst out of the front door. Gerry grinned at the sight of her,

"Hey Kid, come meet my friend." He said as he opened the door for Amy. Amy could see why Gerry was so enamored by Isobel Grace Pope as she walked over to Amy and gave her a somewhat shy but heartfelt hug hello.

"Welcome to our house. It's so nice to finally meet you." She certainly had Grant charm, Amy observed falling in love with Bellie immediately,

"Ger talks about you all the time," she added with a teasing glance at her brother making Amy laugh,

"You better run little one," he suggested about to pick her up till she ducked out of his arms and ran back inside the house giggling.

"Welcome to the madhouse." He said taking her hand in his.

"This is going to be fun." Amy said confidently

"Well for one our mother isn't here so that's always a good start." Karen said as she came out of the Kitchen receiving a "Karen Millicent Grant" from Olivia who was following close behind wiping her hands with a tea towel,

"We wouldn't want Amy to think I encourage your mother bashing." Draping an arm over Karen's shoulder, giving her a pointed by loving look.

"Sorry Liv. She really doesn't. If you weren't here she'd make me run laps for my transgression." Karen stated earning a chuckle and an eye roll from Olivia while the rest of them laughed.

"Hi, I'm Olivia. Please call me Liv. It's nice to finally meet you. We've been hearing great things about you." She said shaking Amy's hand,

"Like mother like daughter," Gerry muttered making them laugh as he blushed.

"Where's Dad, to think he might actually be the less embarrassing parent, who knew?" He said out loud.

"I heard that." Fitz said dryly coming into the room with Teddy and Bellie close behind.

"Amy, this is my Dad, my little brother Teddy and you met the little monster already." He said pointing to Isobel who only giggled in response.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr President, and you too little man. You brother and sister talk about you a whole lot." She said as she bent down to his eye level while he smiled shyly at her.

"And it's Fitz behind walls and doors." Fitz insisted,

"How about Mr Grant?" She bargained not entirely comfortable referring to him so casually,

"Sold." He agreed.

Gerry wasn't at all exaggerating when he said there was something about his Dad and Olivia's chemistry. It was almost a force of nature on its own. The way Fitz looked at her, regarded her, how his eyes followed her every move, how he instinctively knew what she needed before she did and provided it without being asked. He anticipated her every need, while she too was attentive to him without a word being exchanged. They weren't openly affectionate with their gestures but there was something about their energy that even if she didn't have the back story she'd undoubtedly think that something was between them and if she didn't know he was the president and that he had a wife back home in DC she would assume that Liv was his wife just by the way he regarded her.

"Teddy sweetheart would you like me to help you cut up your chicken?" Olivia asked just after Bellie had said grace.

"Yes please," he replied giving her a grateful smile. Olivia stood to her feet and helped Teddy cut his chicken into manageable pieces. When she as finished her gave his head an affectionate little caress before heading back to her chair. The look of love that was on Fitz's face at her gesture was worth a thousand words, especially as she thought nothing of it.

After dinner they had gathered in the living room ready for a movie. Fitz and Liv popped popcorn as they finished cleaning up after dinner. By the time they joined the kids for the movie they had all finally agreed on one. Fitz and Olivia had both Teddy and Bellie between them while Karen was on the other side of Liv. Gerry and Amy sat on the floor leaning against one of the other couches. Karen had gotten the little one changed in their PJ's and teeth brushed before the movie began. Not even a quarter into the movie Teddy's head fell on Liv's arm, Bellie a close second as snuggled into Fitz's embrace.

"Lets put them to bed," Olivia suggested. Gerry stood to his feet.

"Don't carry him Liv he's too big. Let me take him. Dad and I will put them to bed." Gerry said taking Teddy from her arms.

"Thanks Ger, I've set him up in Bellie's room. You and your Dad in your room. Amy in Karen's room and Karen's bunking with me."

"Karen you didn't have to give up your room, I would have been okay with the couch." Amy said slightly embarrassed,

"Don't sweat it. I love sleeping next to Liv. She doesn't kick, unlike some." She answered looking at Gerry pointedly who just laughed. Liv stood to her feet to give Bellie a kiss.

"Goodnight Mommy's sweet sweet girl. Mommy loves you to the moon and back again." She murmured softly in her ear.

"Love you Mommy," Bellie replied unconsciously. Liv dropped a kiss on Teddy's head.

"Night little man. I'm so glad to have finally met you. Love you." She uttered without reservation before sitting back down next to Karen oblivious to the look of adoration in Fitz's face at her ability and capacity to love.

"You alright Dad?" Gerry asked asked as they tucked both kids in.

"Yeah, I just don't want to ever leave." Gerry smiled.

"This house has that effect on people, especially Grant's I suspect it has a lot to do with the Pope's who live in it."

"I don't know how to resume my other life, this one surpasses it immeasurably."

"Not long to go Dad. You're almost at the finish line. You and Liv okay?" Gerry asked,

"Yeah, she's not quite convinced that everything will just fall into place once I'm done with my presidency. I think she's also scared of what your mother will unleash once we're finally going our separate ways. She knows your Mom would be willing to throw anyone under the bus to get political gain and what better way to do that than declare that while her husband, the ex president was in office and she was Pregnant with our third child, he was having an affair with the great Olivia Pope and created a love child. Liv's done an amazing job keeping Bellie out of the limelight that she's scared what it would do to her. People will be cruel and Bellie is old enough to understand intolerance and be hurt by it." Fitz paused,

"Ger, she thought I loved her less because I barely have any pictures of her. She didn't understand why there was none of her at the house. She thought I didn't love her as much because she didn't look like me, or the three of you."

"Oh Bellie Boo." Gerry said heartbroken at the thought reaching down to run his fingers through her soft curls.

"How could anyone not love this kid? Mom wouldn't really throw Liv under that bus would she?" Gerry asked but already knew the answer.

"You have to find a way to make sure she doesn't Dad. You can't let her do that to Bellie. It'll kill Liv."

"I know Son, I know. You know I'll do everything I can to make sure they don't get dragged into your mothers political ambition." Gerry nodded clearly upset by the thought that anyone would purposely hurt his little sister and Liv who he loved so much. When they returned to the living room Gerry sat between Liv and Amy who had moved to the couch. One by one they started dropping like flies. When Karen yawned and headed upstairs Amy went with her. Not long after Gerry followed though not before giving Olivia a massive hug telling her how much he loved her.

"I love you too Ger, up to the moon and back." She said affectionately running her fingers through the back of his head before releasing him.

Olivia and Fitz cleared up the living room and wordlessly loaded up the dishwasher with theice cream glasses and popcorn bowls. She made them both a cup of tea. Olivia grabbed Fitz's hand as if to draw him out of his reverie.

"What do you say we take midnight stroll handsome and you can tell me what's on your mind?" Fitz brought her hand to his cheek before placing his lips on her palm.

"I'd go anywhere with you." Hand in hand they walked along the stretch of the beach,

"I don't ever want to leave. I want to stay here forever. I want today to be my every day for the rest of my life." Olivia gave his hand a squeeze,

"Today was a good day."

"I don't know how to go back to my other life knowing this one exists. One where I have all my kids under one roof and the love of my life within reach." Olivia stopped walking to look up at him.

"Me too." She said with tears in her eyes as Fitz held her face with both his hands,

"But you do have to go back Fitz, but it's not for much longer."

"Promise me you'll wait. The thought you and Bellie and our family at the finish line is the only thing that allows me to function till then."

"Even if I didn't want to wait anymore, my heart demands it does." Fitz brought his forehead to hers.

"I love you Liv."

"I love you too Fitz."

Thank you again for your amazing reviews. It fuels me to give up sleep and keep writing :) Hope you enjoy this chapter. Let me know what you think. Have a fab day!