Disclaimer: I don't own Scandal nor the characters related to it. They are the creation of Shonda Rhimes.
A/N: Sorry it has taken so long to update. Thanks to those of you who have stuck with this story. I appreciate you reading and would welcome a review and feedback. Thanks again for reading.
Recap: Mellie is on a rampage because she witnessed Liv and Teddy out and about for the day.
Lauren listened to Mellie when she demanded to speak to the President. She knew this was the last thing her boss needed to deal with right now. Having herself been on the receiving end of many unpleasant conversations with Mellie Grant she knew how this would go. Brought out of her thoughts she hears her name being said in a harsh tone.
"Lauren did you hear me? I need to speak to my husband now."
"You mean your ex-husband. Who is currently not available."
How dare she correct me, who does she think she is talking to?
"What do you mean he is unavailable?"
"He is the President of the United States. That is a full time job. He doesn't get the day off because it's the weekend. Unlike the rest of the world right now he is currently working."
"He will make time for me….."
Lauren cuts her off. "I'll let him know you called." She hangs up the phone.
Mellie is left with her mouth hanging open. She looks at the phone in her hand staring in disbelief. She never did like Lauren.
As Lauren places the phone back on her desk she sighs. She knows that may not have been the wisest thing to do, but it sure felt good. Turning back to her computer she types up the few memos President Grant requested while waiting to see if he will need anything else once his meeting is over. 30 minutes later the door to the oval opens and fellow cabinet members file out. She gives them a polite smile. Last to leave is Mr. Beene. He stops and takes a candy from the dish on her desk. This is his routine. She gives him a knowing look. James is always on Cyrus for eating sweets. As he walks away president Grant calls for Lauren. Rising to her feet she grabs the memos she's prepared and takes them into the office.
"Mr. President, I have the memos you requested."
"Great, you know I don't know what I'd do if you weren't here."
"Well Sir, I don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon. I think you are stuck with me until the end of your term.
Fitz smiles while running his hand over his face. He is glad they were able to settle the issue and divert a crisis. He can't wait to wrap things up and go spend the rest of his day with Teddy and Liv.
It's only then that Lauren gets a good look at Fitz and realizes how tired he looks. She hates to be the bearer of bad news, but she has to tell him his ex-called.
"Before I forget, the former Mrs. Grant called."
Fitz's already long day was about to get exponentially longer. Cursing under his breath he lets out a long sigh. Lauren noticed him grimace at the mention of Mellie Grant's name. He quickly composes himself.
"Thanks Lauren. That will be all. Can you close the door behind you?"
Once the door is closed Fitz steels himself and dials the number he hates calling.
Mellie answers the phone deceptively sweet. "Hello"
"Hi Mellie, Lauren told me you called." Fitz doesn't waste time with niceties. He is already on guard. Mellie only calls to cause drama.
"Well, how are you?"
"Mel, this isn't a social call. I'm sure you didn't call to see how I'm doing."
Rolling her eyes, she realizes he isn't going to play her game.
"Actually Fitz, I am checking to see how you are doing. I know you must not be feeling well because what other reason could there be for Olivia Pope to be out and about with my son unaccompanied by his father."
"There it is! That is what this call is really about."
"What was that? Yes, as a concerned parent…"
"Just stop." Fitz shouts.
"Concerned parent, that is laughable. All Teddy has been is a pawn for you. Well Mellie, I am going to put an end to this ridiculous phone call. Olivia spent the day with our son because she asked if she could and Teddy was more than happy to spend time with her. It's about time you accept that Olivia is part of both of our lives. Sometime in the not so distant future I plan on marrying her. We have waited long enough. Most important is the fact she loves Teddy. How about you focus on the fact she cares about our son as if he is her own. Goodbye Mellie. Enjoy your weekend." Fitz hangs up the phone and lets out a long sigh.
Mellie is left fuming, but she knows she better back off. For now. Hearing Fitz say he plans on marrying Olivia has her heart racing. All those years of plotting and they still end up at this place makes her so mad. She lets out a scream. Catching a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror she lets a few tears fall. She isn't crying because she loves Fitz. She is crying because he has found something she never had. His true love.
Fitz takes a cleansing breath. It felt good to express his intentions for Olivia with someone. Despite it being Mellie, she needed to know where this was headed. Placing his palms flat on his desk he slowly pushes his chair back. Rising to his feet and stretches his limbs. Grabbing his jacket off the back of his chair he takes four long strides and he is at his office door turning the knob. Spotting Lauren at her desk he tells her to take the rest of the afternoon off. To which she gives him a big smile. After officially shutting down shop and telling everyone who came in on their day off they can head home he does the same.
Making his way up to the residence he is greeted by the sound he loves. He can hear the faint sound of laughter coming from the kitchen. Leaning against the door frame he sees Olivia with a her hair in a messy bun on top of her head wearing leggings and one of her famous cardigans wrapped snuggly around her body and Teddy and Ella her assistants making what looks like cookies. They both have flour on their noses. There is music playing in the background. James is seated at the kitchen counter w/ his phone out trying to snap a picture while they all make funny faces. None of them notice Fitz until he clears his throat.
"Hey Dad, Liv is teaching Ella and I how to make chocolate chip cookies."
"It looks like you are wearing the cookies." Making a funny face he steps further into the kitchen to inspect the dough. Grabbing a chocolate chip off the counter and popping it in his mouth he makes a face. "Mmmmm, chocolate my favorite. Giving Liv a knowing look."
"How about you go change your clothes while we pop these in the oven so that we can all share lunch Mr." Liv says swatting Fitz w/ a towel.
"Alright" Fitz heads towards the bedroom.
"I'm going to go see if I can get Cyrus to wrap up his work and call it a day." James exclaims
Liv and the kids finish scooping the rest of the cookies onto a baking sheet and place them in the oven. Removing the first batch Liv places them on a cooling rack just as Fitz makes his way back into the kitchen. Sending the kids off to wash up the lunch she turns heads towards the dining room, but not before Fitz catches her arm and pulls her flush against his body trapping her between him and the kitchen island.
Leaning in Fitz kisses her chin and whispers she had a little bit of flour on her nose. His hands graze over her hips resting on her backside pulling her in closer so they are pelvis to pelvis. Her eyes flutter shut and then she remembers the kids could walk in at any moment.
"Moaning Fitz"
"Yes"
"We have to stop. The kids."
"What about them? "
"I don't want them to walk in on us."
"What?"
"You know what. How about we save this for later."
Just as the words come out of her mouth… she hears what sounds like a stampede coming down the hall. Only to be met by Teddy and Ella barreling into the kitchen. Fitz gives Teddy a pointed look. He knows he shouldn't be running in the house. Fitz decides to forego disciplining his son in front of everyone as he can see Teddy gets the point by his expression.
"Would you two go set the table up for everyone? Liv and I will start bringing the food to the table in a few minutes."
As Teddy and Ella go put down the placemats and dishes on the table Fitz walks up behind Liv and whispers "This isn't over." Brushing his lips against her neck right below her ear.
Liv legs go weak and her knees buckle. She grabs the countertop for support.
Just then James walks in giving a knowing smirk.
Cyrus grumbles "NOT OVER THE FOOD."
Everyone gives a hearty laugh as they all head into the dining room each carrying a dish.
The room is filled with love and laughter and he couldn't think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Catching Liv's eye she winks and his heart swells with even more love for her. Fitz looks around and can't help but smile thinking this is the way life should be.
