Second Chances Chapter 14: Holiday Celebration, a scandal fanfic

A/N-I had planned to update this story during the holidays,

It was two weeks before Christmas, and they were headed to Italy. Everyone was excited to see each other. They had spent Thanksgiving together. They quickly became one big happy family. Shane had not been able to come due to work, but they video chatted with him several times.

The kids called their cousins aunt and uncle. Right before they left to come home from their honeymoon Fitz asked Olivia if she would wait until Thanksgiving to share the news they were expecting.

Olivia thought it was because he wanted it to stay between them, but Thanksgiving she found out otherwise.

Before dinner everyone stood and said what they were grateful for. Fitz had surprised the family when he turned on the television and Shane was there with his fiancée.

When it was their turn they stood up and stepped back. The family was able to see that they were expecting. Everyone went crazy, and there was tears of joy from the grandparents to be.

Fitz & Olivia were last. They went through their spill. Finally, Olivia opened up her long cardigan sweater. She had added a belt to her dress that showed the family her small baby bump as well.

The family went crazy. Fitz nodded at Shane. Although they had yet to meet they had grown really close. Fitz had sent several care packages. He was making his way up the ranks, and the money would come eventually but it took time. His fiancée Kelly was in college to be a nurse. She didn't think twice about joining him in Italy. He wanted her to focus on school. Money was tight at times, but they were happy.

In one of the care packages the Grants had included two checks. One for the couple that made sure they no longer were concerned about their next paycheck. The other was a check to pay for Kelly's college tuition for her to get her degree, pay for nursing school, and money just for her.

When they called Fitz & Olivia they informed them they were family. They had more than enough to make sure their family was okay.

Now they were on a private jet to Italy. Olivia had just turned four months pregnant. Her small baby bump seemed to grow overnight.

Fitz was the attentive and loving husband she always knew he would be when she was carrying their baby. She was surprised that he didn't hover. Thus far her pregnancy had been pretty easy. She didn't have morning sickness she had night sickness for a while which made it easier to hide from everyone until they made the announcement. The kids were happy, and took great care of her when Fitz had to away on business.

They had a thirteen-hour flight ahead of them so they headed to the bedroom to relax. The couple got comfortable in the bed.

Fitz kissed her hair, "You okay babe."

"I'm more than okay. I'm married to the love of my life. I have this great family that you have brought into our life. I have two wonderful children that I love, and we are adding to our family. My mom loved Christmas. It was the one day of the year she wouldn't let my dad destroy. In the end he did. Then it was special for us too. It was more than the gifts. I get that back this year."

"I promise it is going to be special."

"I know. Next year we will have a baby of our own."

"I still remember when you told me."

"I still remember us celebrating."

Flashback-After Fitz found out they were expecting

The couple made it back to the villa. Olivia was about to go change, but Fitz stopped her.

"Another night. Right now I just want to celebrate our marriage, and the fact that you are carrying our first child together."

Olivia nodded. She grabbed the remote and turned on the stereo.

Fitz sat down. He could see that his wife was in a playful but sexual mood.

She loved that she never had to explain what she wanted or how she felt for the most part with her husband. They were in tune with one another.

Ah
What cha doing?
Really
You know I'm coming over right
(Now baby tell what you wanna do with me?)
Now you got it hot for me already baby
Okay
I'll be there in about uh, give me ten minutes
Be ready
Hey, wear that little thing I like
(Now baby tell what you wanna do with me?)

Olivia untied her dress. She allowed it to fall to the floor. Underneath the dress was a lace royal purple bra and panty set.

Fitz's breath hitched. Not only was he looking at his wife, but he was able to see that her body was already changing. No bump, but her stomach wasn't washboard flat anymore. It was her breasts that had changed the most. She wouldn't be wearing that bra much more.

He could tell that she was nervous. Not about them having sex, but the changes to her body.

It's seven o'clock on the dot
I'm in my drop top cruisin' the streets, oh yeah
I gotta real pretty, pretty little thing that's waiting for me
I pull up anticipating good love
Don' keep me waiting
I got plans to put my hands in places
I never seen girl you know what I mean

Fitz went over to his wife. He picked her up and gently placed her on the bed.

Without speaking he began to worship his wife.

He took her bra off. He kissed, sucked, and licked each breast equally. Then he went down to her stomach.

He started talking to the baby. Olivia found herself getting emotional. Before she had a chance to let it go she felt his tears on her stomach. She sat up, and what she saw broke her heart.

She pulled him up. She made him stay on top of her. She leaned up and kissed him. Finally, she pulled back.

"You are not dreaming. This is real. We are married, and expecting. Stay with us baby. Stay with me. No foreplay tonight. We don't need it."

Let me take you to a place nice and quiet
There ain't no one there to interrupt ain't gotta rush
I just wanna take it nice and slow
(Now baby tell me what you wanna do with me?)
See I've been waiting for this for so long
We'll be makin' love until the sun comes up
Baby, I just wanna take it nice and slow
(Now baby tell me what you wanna do with me?)

He nodded and pulled her panties off.

She threw one leg over his shoulder.

He smiled, "I love you"

He slid into her in one thrust.

She gasped before she breathed out, "Love you more."

Now here we are, drivin' round town
Contemplating where I'm gonna lay you down
Girl you got me sayin'
My, my, my
(My)
I wish that I could pull over
(I)
And get this thing started right now
I wanna do something freaky to you baby
I don't think they heard me
I, I wanna do something freaky to you baby
So call out my name

It was clear that the night was not going to be about words. They weren't needed. People had tried to break them, and for a while it worked. Their love prevailed. Tonight they were celebrating that love.

As Fitz mad love to her she submitted to her husband's every silent demand.

It was getting freaky and she loved it. She couldn't tell you how a couple of minutes ago he was thrusting her to new heights, and now she was sitting on his face screaming in pleasure. Thankful they didn't have anyone around them.

Fitz whispered, "Livvie, let go"

She couldn't stop the scream that came out as she gave into her husband's demands.

They call me US-HER-RA-YM-OND
Now baby tell me what you wanna do with me
Gotta nigga feenin' like Jodeci
Every time that you roll with me, holdin' me
Tryin' to get control of me, nice and slowly
You know, never lettin' go, never messin' up the flow
This is how the hook go

Olivia slowly climbed on top of him, and slid back down on his cock.

She winked as she took him nice and slow. Her hips swerving to the music. She smiled as she looked down at her husband.

He winked back at her. He was the only man she had ever been with that was happy to let her have control, and not just in the bedroom. He wasn't intimated by her. It was why she fell in love with him.

"I love you Fitz"

"Love you more Livvie!"

"We did it baby"

"We more than did it sweet baby. We did the work, and I promised myself if I got you back I would never look back. Promise me Livvie, no looking back."

"No looking back baby"

Now tell me, do you wanna get freaky?
'Cause I'll freak you right I will
I'll freak you right I will
I'll freak you like no one has ever, ever made you feel
I'll freak you right I will
I'll freak you right I will
I'll freak you, freak you like no one has ever, ever made you feel, yeah
(Now baby tell me what you wanna do with me?)
(Now baby tell me what you wanna do with me?)

Both of them were ready.

Fitz sat up and entwined his fingers in hers.

He began to meet her thrust for thrust. She gave as good as she got.

All you could hear were their moans and whimpers. Someone could have come in to rob them, and they wouldn't have cared.

This was their moment as a married couple, and it wasn't going to be taken from them.

Neither knew how many more thrust it took to take them over, but when it did it took both of their breaths away.

Neither let go for the longest time. Tears were falling down their eyes. They were happy, grateful, and thankful tears.

Eventually between the tears and the passionate love making it wore them down, and sleep took over. Both had never been happier or more at peace then they were in that moment.

End Flashback

Their honeymoon was everything and more for the couple. They talked until they fell asleep. After a nice nap they joined their family where they ate and watched a movie until it was almost time to land.

When they landed there was cars waiting for them. It was early afternoon in Italy due to the thirteen-hour flight they were six hours ahead in time.

When they arrived at the house the family was in awe at the house that Fitz had gotten for them to stay in. Before the family walked in the house their first surprise opened the door.

Shane and Kelly walked out. Simone and Cynthia were overwhelmed. They had not seen them in almost a year physically.

Fitz, Olivia, and the kids allowed the rest of the family to reunite with Shane & Kelly first. When it finally there turns it was a whole new set of tears. Fitz & Olivia felt like they found their long lost brother and sister. They completed the family in a way that none of them could explain. They were a happy and tight group, but they made the group better. After the kids were introduced they finally made it in.

Fitz had selected a nine bedroom, ten-bathroom villa on the hills. The house was separated by two floors. All of the bedrooms had their own bathrooms, and there was one additional separate bathroom downstairs.

The house included a home theater, gym with spa, laundry room, large pantry area, and utility room.

Fitz took them to the parking area. When the door lifted they were shocked to find cars in them.

Fitz looked at his family. "This house is not a rental."

Everyone gasps including Olivia.

"I have been speaking with Shane. Before I explain further he has some news to share."

Shane explained that he had Kelly had decided to elope. They were hoping it would make it easier to get housing, and other benefits. They still planned to have a ceremony once they came back to the United States. It had helped to a degree.

Everyone congratulated him. His parents assured them they were not upset, and understood that their decision.

Fitz smiled, "Well they haven't had a lot of luck with housing, and the houses they have looked into off base are either too small for their growing family or the distance is too far for Shane. I know that Mama Simone and Mama Cynthia want to be here when the baby arrives, and I didn't want them to worry about finding a place to stay so I bought this home. When we leave Shane & Kelly will stay here. Where you are staying is a wing. You can decorate and make changes as you see fit. I know you still have another 14 months here."

Olivia smiled. That was her husband. Always thinking about the bigger picture. She could see that Shane was overwhelmed.

The tears were falling. Shane came over to them, "Bro you didn't have to do all this."

"For my family I will do anything. This home is our home. Livvie has always wanted to visit Italy, and I promised her we would make it here someday. Both of the kids have been looking forward to this trip especially our daughter so she can shop. This home will build memories for years and years to come. You are not far from work. We can make sure the house is safe for the babies. Everyone can come visit when they can, and know they have a place to lay their head. "

Steve came over. He looked Fitz in the eye, "Despite the fact your father didn't give a damn about you, and you had every reason to fail I am proud of the man you are. I am proud that you came back for Liv, and you guys are getting your happily ever after. Most importantly I am proud to call you my son, and you are my son."

Fitz was now the one choked up. He kept shaking his head. He was always strong for everyone else. Sometimes he forgot that others loved him just as much, and Olivia was glad this was happening so he could see how special he was. How important he was to them, and it had nothing to do with money.

Jonathan came over, "Shane & I use to play in the yard. We would tell everyone we had a pretend brother from another mother. As we got older we grew out of it of course, but I believe that it was God way of preparing our family for this time. You guys have healed our moms in ways we never could. We are all better. We don't have to worry about our new sister. We have babies on the way. We have two headed to college soon. I always wanted to be that uncle to scare a guy."

Karen laughed with tears in her eyes.

"This is good for all of us Jonathan finished."

Olivia grabbed her husband's hand, "It is the best for all of us. Nothing will ever break this family again. From this day forward we only grow. Agreed."

Everyone agreed.

Fitz held onto his wife's hand, "During our time here I have reserved a car service to take us anywhere at any time. Their information is in your rooms. However, since this is our family home these cars are ours. They will remain here in Italy at anyone's disposal.

The family headed in. They noticed the large tree they took over the foyer. It was bare, and Olivia began to jump up and down.

Fitz explained, "In college we had the Charlie Brown Christmas trees. I promised Livvie when we got settled in life I would buy her a live tree like the ones they have at the White House. However, I promised we would decorate it. Also the kids never got to do this before. My ex wanted everything perfect so the decorator always handled it so I know this is something they have wanted for some time as well."

Everyone was excited about decorating the tree later on in the evening. The rest of the house had been taken care of by the decorator.

The house was a thing of beauty. It was simple but elegant. The views were amazing. The highlight of the house was when they went down to the wine cellar. You could swim right to the one of three windows.

It brought tears to her eyes. She could imagine enjoying a glass of wine, and seeing the kids with their dad making faces at her.

He came over to her. She kissed him with all the passion she could muster in that moment. "Thank you."

"Never thank me for loving you."

"I will always thank you for loving me. It is what has kept me going."

"Ditto."

Everyone headed to their rooms to get settled. For their first night Fitz had hired a chef to make them a four-course Italian meal. They were going to enjoy Bruschetta, Italian Romaine House Salad with lemon vinaigrette dressing, Chicken Marsala over wild rice and vegetables, and Triple Chocolate Cake.

Dinner was wonderful. Everyone was relaxed, and enjoyed getting to be together as a family once again.

Karen headed to Jerry's room to talk.

Jerry looked up, "What's wrong Karen?"

"Something happened to mom!"

"What?"

"I just get this feeling that something bad happen to mom. All we know about the reunion was that it was now safe for Nana Simone and Nana Cynthia to be around mom."

Karen started crying. Jerry pulled her over to the bed.

"Maybe not Karen."

"I am telling you something really bad happened. There is a story."

"Okay I agree. It has been on my mind, but if it is bad I am not comfortable making mom tell us. That is unfair."

"I agree which is why I just needed to get it off my chest. I am just sad for mom, and it hurts. When we hurt she is there for us."

"You are right Kare, but our hands are tied on this one."

"No your hands are never tied as long as I am in the picture."

They looked up shocked to see Olivia standing at the door.

"I told your dad that I had a feeling that this trip would make your curious, and I don't want you to feel like I created a version of myself for you."

Olivia sat in the middle of the kids.

Karen said, "Mom we don't think that. We just feel like something happened to you."

Olivia grabbed their hands, "You are right some horrible things happened to me. My dad was abusive. I now know that his dad was really abusive, and taught him that it was okay to beat women. My mom didn't die from his abuse. He just made our lives hell. It took a lot for me to pick myself up as I got older, and believe I was worth anything. Your dad played a large part in helping me, but I was still struggling. I was embarrassed to tell him. Especially when I was put on medication. It is what your mom used against me. I later found out my dad had a hand in me dating my ex Edison. It was a train wreck that I stayed on, because I felt like I deserved every bad thing that happened to me because I left your dad. I left the one man that not only saw me for me, but was okay with it. The problem was I wasn't okay. It still hurts at times guys, but for the most part it is water under the bridge and you know why?"

The kids shook their head.

"I have you two, your dad, the baby on the way, and my family. At the end of the day your mom, Edison, or my dad didn't win."

Jerry was pissed and Olivia had to giggle a little. Like father like son. "Please tell me that bastard is dead."

"Language…."

"Sorry mom, but he is. I would have given up my freedom to get hands on him."

Karen nodded, "Me too Jer."

Olivia could only smile at the loyalty her children had.

"He is dead."

They both said, "Good."

Olivia looked at them, "So while I don't have great stories to share with you about a lot of my past I am still an open book. I am your mom. I love you two, and there is nothing that I won't do for you. This baby is no substitute, but an addition to our family. When you need me I need to know you both understand that you can come to me."

Karen leaned on her mom's shoulder, "We know mom, but we don't want to cause you anymore pain."

Jerry agreed.

"I appreciate that guys, but that little bit of pain I went through was to prepare me for the joy that I have now. When your dad called me into his office to talk. I knew that if we got back together it was a package deal. Your dad always wanted kids. In college he was preparing to be a family man. He wanted this. That is why he never thought about quitting on you two. That is what parents do. We accept our children flaws and all."

Fitz was talking to Shane when Olivia excused herself. He checked their room first, but she wasn't there. He knew she must have gone to check on the children.

He knew at some points the kids would have questions. Olivia wanted to be honest with them. He was concerned about his family.

What he walked into warmed his heart. Although they were teenagers they loved being spoiled especially by Olivia. Mellie was never a hands on parent so it was something they enjoyed.

Their heads were in her lap. She was massaging their scalps, and sharing stories with them. He noticed that some of it was unpleasant, but it shifted to their life in college.

While it had been hard at times it had made them better and stronger individuals. He was about to interrupt when he heard Karen ask an odd question.

"Mom, I know this sounds selfish but I am not ready for you to work."

Olivia was a little shocked to hear her say that, but honestly she had been thinking a lot. It was something she hadn't discussed with Fitz.

"What do you want me to do honey?"

"I know it sounds selfish, but I want you at all my events. I want you part of prom. I want mom-daughter weekends. I want family trips. I'm rambling."

"No honey you are not. When I thought about working you both were headed back to school. I needed something to fill my time thinking you guys wouldn't want me around."

Jerry looked at his mom, "We do. It is nice to have a mom. A real one. One that is invested in what we are doing. Besides Karen & I are kind of glad that our sibling will arrive before we head to college. I want them to know us."

"They will know you guys. That is a promise. Your dad always said that his kids would know and love each other even if they hated him."

The realization that their dad kept his word. Even when they were mean and rude to him he would never allow them to be that way to each other. He preached they were all they had.

She continued, "I'll talk to dad about me working."

"I'm right here."

He came and sat on the couch with his family. He knew Olivia was ready to address why she was so reluctant to take a job offer, or consider opening her own business. He decided to say his piece first.

"Livvie, I know that you have been working since you were a teenager. That is all you know. To depend on yourself. Here is the thing; all that hard work has paid off. You have earned and saved a lot of your money. You have trust fund money. Then there is my money, because what is mine is yours. That is why there is no pre-nup. We are forever. There is no you and me. There is just us which is why the decision to not work shouldn't be this hard. Livvie, there is nothing wrong with being a stay at home mom. You can still do charity work. We can do more with the foundation. Mom and dad can use your expertise with their business. You can be mom, but keep busy at the same time."

"You are right, and I am sorry it took so long for me to find a way to tell you. With me being pregnant I thought it was hormones, but when the kids came home from school talking about the clubs they joined, the teams they were on, and just wanting to do things together work just didn't feel so important. Mom stayed at home with me, because dad was so jealous. Didn't want anyone else to notice her, but our time together was still precious. Since I am blessed to be financially stable I just believe that being a mom is first and foremost."

Fitz smiled, "I support your decision. You are right we are more than financially stable. The kids not only want, but need you. I know when the baby comes your world will change. You have survived baby, and I just want you to be happy."

"I am honey. I have you, the kids, our baby on the way, and family. It doesn't get much better than this."

The rest of the evening was relaxed. They enjoyed snacks together. Decorated their large tree, and talked about the future. Something that use to scare Olivia, but now she embraced it.

That night her husband made passionate love to her. When she had her sixth and longest orgasm she silently thanked God for her man. It was more than the sex. It was the words, emotion, and effort that he spent on her. Making sure her every want and desire was taken care of. It was like he got off on her being satisfied.

She woke up early. The baby was resting on her bladder. She could tell her husband was exhausted so she decided to let him rest.

She went down to the office to watch some news and check her email. She was shocked to find Kelly sitting on the couch. She looked upset and deep in thought.

Olivia decided to make them some tea. When she made it back to the office Kelly was pretty much in the same position.

Olivia handed her a cup of tea, "Care to share what has you so troubled this morning?"

Kelly opened up her IPad, clicked on something, and handed it to Olivia.

Between reading the emails and Kelly the reason Kelly was upset was becoming clear. Kelly's father was also an abusive man. He wasn't always that way. An injury in the military that required him to be honorable discharged changed him.

Shane had gotten Kelly out. He found out that after dating close to a year he got tired of her excuses on why he couldn't meet her parents. They broke up for a short time before Kelly told him the truth.

He went to his parents who got her out. Her mother only stayed because she had nothing. Her husband was the sole breadwinner. She had always been a stay at home mom. She had few skills to enter the workforce, and he controlled all of their finances. Time only made him more bitter, and he was upset that his daughter was with a man who was in the military.

Olivia found that Kelly & her mom stayed in touch. For the last year and a half, they had been going back and forth trying to find a way out for her. It was about more than money they wanted to keep her safe. Her dad knew people. His business also was not on the up and up. They were concerned he would do something to her because she left even if she didn't ask for a cent in the divorce.

By the time Kelly had told and shown Olivia everything Shane and Fitz were in the office. Shane tried to tell her not to worry. Her blood pressure was high, but he knew it wasn't really fair to ask her not to worry about her mom. If the shoes were on the other foot, he would feel the exact same way.

Fitz could tell his wife was formulating a plan as Kelly spoke. As she read the emails, and could feel how desperate this woman was. She wasn't in a position to save her mom. She was a child, but she could save Kelly's mom.

She didn't realize that her husband had caught on, but she should have known.

Fitz grabbed her hand, "Do what you need to do Livvie? If you need anything from me let me know?

"Can you get Huck & Charlie on the phone?"

"They are on speed dial!"

Olivia nodded.

Fitz stood up, "Shane & Kelly let's go hang out with the family. Liv will take care of this I promise."

The rest of the family had sat down for breakfast. Fitz had taken Olivia's food to the office. He didn't ask any questions.

After some time, Kelly asked, "What is she doing?"

"Being Olivia Pope!"

"Don't you mean Olivia Grant."

"I can't take credited for the awesomely smart woman that is going to save your mother's life. She has always been smarter than me. That will never change. Sit back and relax. You want and deserve a healthy baby. Your situation is in the best hands."

The way Fitz spoke about his wife comforted her. This man used to be the President of the United States, but he was quick to say he wasn't the smartest one in their relationship. She had heard that Olivia was one of the best lawyers and crisis consultants when she worked.

She had talked with her husband and in-laws about ways to get her mom out. The keeping her safe part was where they kept running into road blocks. They had resources, but he had military friends. Fitz was right. She was going to trust Olivia.

It was hours later before Olivia joined the rest of the family.

She went over to Kelly, "I need you to trust me, and consider it handled."

"I'm scared…"

"I know you are, but we are family. That makes your mom family. I want you to relax, enjoy yourself, and know that the nightmare is coming to an end for the both of you sooner rather than later."

It was clear by Olivia's tone she was sure of herself, and Kelly believed her. They had already given her and Shane money. They were now going to be living in a wonderful home that had plenty of space for them and their unborn child. She got the feeling she would be seeing her mom soon, and that gave her peace.

No one questioned Olivia. The next couple of days they prepared for Christmas. They did some shopping and sight-seeing. They bonded as a family, and were excited that two bundles of joy would arriving in the new year.

Christmas Eve everyone woke up to Kelly shouting. Everyone ran to find out what was going on. Fitz had an idea especially when he saw how calm his wife was.

When they entered the foyer Huck, Charlie, Harrison, and Abby were standing in the doorway with Kelly's mom.

After some time, Kelly asked her mom, "Does he know you are gone?"

Patricia looked at her daughter, "Yes, he was served with divorce papers?"

Kelly was confused.

Patricia explained, "A couple of hours after I sent you the email I received an email from Mrs. Grant. She informed me that she was having a pre-paid phone dropped off to my home so your dad couldn't trace my calls. He then got a call, and he left the house. All planned I am sure. I talked with Mrs. Grant who wanted to hear from me what I wanted. I told her I wanted out, but I had no means. She asked if she provided the means would I leave. I told her in a heartbeat. She told me to sit tight. A team would be there. In 24 hours the dream team showed up. Huck & Charlie took your dad, but not before Abby & Harrison served him with divorce papers. That is when I found out Mrs. Grant hired them to assist me in the divorce."

Kelly whispered, "Is he dead?"

Huck shook his head, "No that would be too easy. Although Charlie & I gave him a couple of permanent bruises like the ones he gave you otherwise he is fine. Liv hired us to do a background check. She had a hunch he had skeletons in his closets. For him not to work a lot he was sure living well. We found out and, and let him know we knew. If one hair was touched on you or your mom's head, we would let those secrets out. Your mom is getting her divorce. Your dad has agreed not to fight it, and your mom has agreed that she just wants a fair settlement. She will be here when you give birth. Olivia promised she would get her in classes so she can learn to take care of herself."

Abby continued, "I have also hired her a therapist who will work with your mom via video chat so she can remain here to help out. Once the new year begins we will get the ball rolling. All services have been paid for, and nothing is going to happen to Patricia."

The floodgates opened as mother and daughter shared a long embrace. Afterwards they thanked them for everything they did. The four left so they could be home part of Christmas.

Finally, Patricia & Olivia shared a long embrace. Patricia said, "I can never repay you."

"You can by living and being happy."

Kelly went over and shared an emotional embrace, "You got me the best present ever."

"You both deserve it."

"All that you have done to change our life. We can never repay. I'll use some of the money you gave me to find mom a place."

Fitz stepped up, "You absolutely will not. This house is big enough. We aren't here 24/7. Your mom could take care of the baby. Even pay her as the nanny so she has her own money. Patricia is family. You have your mom back. Embrace the moment."

Kelly looked at Olivia. She could see how emotional this for her. She would never see her mom again. When her baby was born her mom wouldn't be there yet she didn't hesitate to make sure that Kelly had a different experience.

Kelly grabbed Olivia's hand, "Thank you. know that while your mom was not there in person to witness you marrying the love of your life, and she won't be there when your little bundle arrives we will be. It won't be the same, because she loved you with everything she had. I know it is not the same but mom and dad are going to enjoy running around being grandparents. I will make sure to visit to be there for you, and your mom will be there in spirit proud of the woman you have become. We sure are."

Olivia could only nods so that her emotions did not get the best of her. The family spent the rest of Christmas Eve baking, watching movies, and bonding.

At some point Olivia made her way down to the wine cellar. She was sitting on the couch in front of the pool. She looked forward to coming back in the summer to see the kids in the water. She knew her husband got that feature for them, and she couldn't wait to utilize it.

She was so deep in thought she didn't notice Jerry come down. He sat down beside her with some lunch.

"Please eat. Dad is happy, and I don't want him to worry. Beside you if anyone deserves a good Christmas it is him."

Olivia was curious why he would say that.

"Dad won't tell you, but for the last three Christmas our mom would get on a plane with dad to keep up with appearances. As soon as we made it to the ranch she would have a car waiting to take us to a house she purchased in Beverly Hills. The first year dad fought her tooth and nail. Even the second year he put up some resistance, but by Christmas day he just had the agents to deliver our gifts. That last year nothing. We made his life a living hell. So please eat. I want him to remain happy. It is the least we can do for him."

Oliva' heart ached for all of them. Yes, for her husband, but also for the children. They were forced to choose, and Mellie had convinced them that Fitz was the wrong choice.

Olivia grabbed the plate, "Sometimes Jerry even when we make poor choices they aren't always wrong. You made a choice. You chose your mom, and although she was the bad seed she still loved you in her own way. You and your sister have to really forgive yourself, and let it go. The reason I fell in love with your dad all those years ago was that he didn't hold my past against me. He only cared about the person in front of him. As his kids and you are he is even more forgiving. Does he remember that time of course, but it means nothing to him?"

"How did you forgive yourself?"

"You guys…"

"Yes, I realized when I was at the White House your dad had forgiven me. He was giving me another chance. More than that he trusted me with his children. Your dad for years knew who your mom was. I allowed her to win so he settled. I knew when he called me to the White House he was ready to fight. All he needed me to do was forgive myself, and we could win. That is what I did. You have your whole life ahead of you. I am sad your mom lost her life, but her mistakes are not yours or Karen's they are hers alone. We can talk about your mom anytime you want, because she is your mom. What we will never talk about again is her decisions that she happen to use you guys to hurt others. Deal."

Jerry went into his mom's arms, "Deal, I love you mom."

"Love you more."

Christmas was indeed special. The biggest reason was they were together. One big happy family. Fitz woke up to the kids jumping on top of him. It was Olivia's idea. She decided to not share what Jerry told her. At the last minute she told him she thought it would be fun to lay out some gifts like the kids were little.

Although they no longer believed in Santa she thought it would be fun to record the kids going downstairs to see some of their presents around the trees. At first he was reluctant thinking the kids would think it was dumb.

After they went to bed she pouted and batted her eyes. It worked. They had gotten them so new Mac Books for school. Jerry wanted some new video games. Karen was now into makeup so Olivia had gotten her a makeup case, and filled it with everything she could desire.

When they followed the kids downstairs Fitz was not prepared for how happy they were. They knew who purchased the gifts. They didn't care. They were waking up on Christmas morning with two parents who loved them. They were receiving gifts that had been picked out by them for them.

Mellie's assistants bought their gifts, and while they were expensive they didn't really care for them. Not because they were ungrateful, but because they were things that were more about her than them.

The music played in the background as they opened gifts. Fitz & Olivia had gifted the parents with a cruise around the world. Their siblings had told them it was their ultimate dream so they wanted it to come true. The rest of them bought them things to take like new luggage, clothes, and spending money.

By the time everyone opened up all their gifts everyone was beyond happy. Someone made sure that each person had the best Christmas ever including Patricia. Fitz had spoiled his wife. Despite the expensive jewelry, purse, and shoes he bought her none of those were her favorite gifts.

He had found a baby boutique in town, and decided to buy some onesies for the baby. They would work for either sex. They had cute slogans on them. She was a mess as she went through them.

While breakfast was being fixed she still was holding them like it was a dream that these were for her baby.

She was sitting on the chaise, and Fitz climbed behind her. She immediately leaned back into him.

"You okay Livvie?"

"More than. I can't begin to tell you how happy I am. Watching the kids this morning, and then knowing next year we will come back as a family of five is everything. Then seeing Kelly this morning was…"

"I know baby. That was all you sweet baby."

"She told me what you said."

"It was all true."

"I am good, but I am at my best with you by my side. You give me an added layer of confidence. I was good at what I did, because I had you in the back of my mind encouraging me. Right now I want to put my all into being a wife and mom. If I ever work again it would be pro bono and give back. I know we talked about it earlier, but I have thought about it even more. Then seeing the onesies today solidified it for me."

"I knew that you needed to work through it Livvie. You know we know each other better than we know ourselves. We both know you will be working. Abby & Harrison are going to want your expertise from time to time. I also know our surrogate parents want your help with the business. So you won't be home cleaning house, and looking after the children and me all day. I wouldn't want that. It wouldn't make you happy."

"I love you. When we get back to California we have an appointment to find out the sex of the baby. I don't really care for a baby shower, but I have a feeling they will throw one. I do want a gender reveal party. I want us to celebrate announcing our baby. Sharing our baby's name. I want him or her to know just how excited and happy they make and complete us."

"Then we will do it Livvie. We will celebrate. For now, let's celebrate with family."

Olivia smiled. For the remainder of their vacation they bonded and planned. They moved Kelly & Shane into the house. They went shopping for things for Patricia.

Kelly & Olivia went baby shopping. Simone & Cynthia promised to come back up when the baby arrived. Olivia couldn't promise she could travel, but she knew they would talk.

She reminded Patricia that Abby & Harrison would be in touch. Anything she was required to be back in Maryland for she would make sure she got there.

For the first time no one was sad to see a new year. The new year was going to bring lots of changes and additions, but it was a good thing. They all had at least one thing to look forward to. They were sad that the vacation was coming to an end, but they knew they would be seeing each other a lot more. The death of Rowan had created life in the family.

A/N-I really want to thank you all for your love and support. I don't always get it right as a writer, and even as a person with thoughts and opinions but I try.

Don't forget to check my Twitter account out for pictures. kimberl7711667

Next chapter will be all about the gender reveal party, and some Olitz time. They had the honeymoon, but the holidays were about family. Making sure their family was taken care of. Now it is time for them.

I am more updates coming in the next couple of days.