And I'm dreaming of a place
Where I could see your face
And I think my brush would take me there
But only...
If I were a painter
And could paint a memory
I'd climb inside the swirling skies to be with you
I'd climb inside the skies to be with you
Painter Song- Norah Jones
This Chapter picks up not too long after the last. Days or so. Enjoy.
The first parenting class that they'd gone to was pretty interesting and Fitz was looking forward to the final two. With the Lamaze class only scheduled during the week, their plan was to leave straight after work and head to the birthing center separately. Madison was staying at their after school program with Quinn. Olivia had given the garage opener to their home so she was able to have Madison fed and in bed by the time they'd gotten home. They were using tonight as their date night for the week, and were excited to go out for dinner after their class. Olivia had arrived first and was chatting with a few of the ladies while waiting for the class to start in just a few short minutes. They were being your typical ladies, gossiping a bit about the instructor and how she could be a complete bitch and a bit judge-y but knew what she was talking about.
"Have either of you been through this class with her before?" Olivia asked. They were crowded around a small snack table provided by the center and the moms were obviously grateful.
"I have once." A red headed woman named Natalie responded. "With our first, we came to her class and she's such a bitch at times, but I'm telling you I couldn't have gotten through squeezing my big headed daughter out of me without the techniques she taught us. Some people say they don't work and they don't recall them when they're in the middle of it all, so that's why we started out at five months and try to come at least once a week until the birth."
"They let you come that early?" An African American woman named Trina asked skeptically.
"As long as it's not full. They have another instructor on different days and she's sweet as hell so most people fill her class up. Besides, Lisa Woods might be crazy, but she's good and her assistant Josh makes everything worth it. He's probably the sexiest guy I've ever seen."
"So your husband doesn't mind you oogling him while you're spread eagle and practicing breathing techniques?" Olivia sassed, laughing.
"Oh Josh is as gay as they come so Ron doesn't care one bit."
"Gotcha" she smiled and they talked a bit more before a few of them went back to where their husbands were sitting with their pillows and yoga mats.
Going to the area she had set up, Olivia reached into her purse for her phone to see how far Fitz was, when the door opened and she noticed her handsome husband walking inside. His long legs striding towards the check in notebook to see if she was there made her mouth water and she suddenly wished they were alone. She watched him from her position, and could tell that he had spotted her name when a smirk appeared on his face. He turned towards the sea of couples, scanning their faces until his eyes landed on hers.
Olivia's face lit up when their eyes met, and before she could make her way towards him, he gestured with his chin to the opposite end of the room where the sign read "Bathrooms" and she nodded, letting him know she'd be waiting for his return. She loved that he could still give her butterflies. Moving back towards the snack area, Olivia watched as one of the nurses brought out a cart of bottled water and others that noticed walked towards the area to grab a couple before they were all gone. Although you were encouraged to bring your own water, they always made sure to have some just in case.
"Did you see that tall glass of ice, ice cold water that walked in a second ago? I think he went to the bathroom. I mean hot damn. It's like he just stepped out of a magazine or something." Natalie said fanning herself.
"Or at least a shower."Said Trina speaking up. "He walked right past us, and smelled delicious. I swear I've never been with a white man before but I'd make an exception for that one."
Olivia could feel two things immediately happening. One, her fists were clenching just a bit at the woman making comments about her husband as if he were a piece of meat, and the second was her face heating up as she inwardly agreed with everything they were saying. She too noticed that he looked freshly showered and he was definitely not in the work clothes he had left out the house in which meant that he was probably puked on by a child and had showered not too long ago. He looked so damn tasty. Olivia felt a jilt of pride knowing that her husband was the one the ladies were going crazy over and she counted down in her head the seconds it would take him to finish up and greet her in front of everyone. He had a way of kissing her in public at times that made her want to rip his clothes off. This was one of those times.
Fitz locked eyes with Olivia and somehow he made his way through everyone without breaking eye contact with her.
"Shit he's coming this way…" Trina said and out of some strange habit, began to fix her hair and smooth her shirt over her extremely large baby bump. "Ugh why am I fixing myself? Ain't like he's coming for me. Olivia, is that your man?"
When Olivia continued smiling and didn't acknowledge them, they knew it had to have been her husband.
"Yea that's her man. Looks like they're making love just by looking at each other." Natalie laughed and gestured for Trina to follow her and gave them some privacy.
Olivia blushed at her words and fought against the hold her husband had on her and looked down at the table and grabbed two water bottles before walking to their area.
"You leaving me high and dry, Livvie?"
His voice was sexy as fuck as his lips were pressed against her ear and his hips pressed against her backside.
"Never" Olivia sat the bottles down before turning around to face him.
"Hi"
"Hi"
She smiled at their familiar greeting and brought her arms around his neck as he moved his own to rest only partially above her ass. There was no way he could hold her without rubbing his hands over her mounds.
"It's like he knows you're here or something" Olivia whispered, bringing his hand to her stomach. There was a limb moving back and forth on the right side of her stomach and Fitz smiled at the feeling.
"He started up the second you walked through the door, I swear."
"Is that so?" he asked smiling at her.
"Yes. Maybe it's because you still give me butterflies and make my heart race."
Fitz was done waiting and refused to respond until he got a taste of her sweet, pouty mouth. So that's what he did. He pecked at her bottom lip for a few seconds, one hand keeping her face still and the other moving under her arm and up her back to thread his fingers through her hair. Olivia gripped his bicep with her left hand while her right moved through his curls. Feeling eyes on them, Fitz swept his tongue across the roof and side of her mouth before pecking her top lip once more and pulling away.
"Wow"
That was all Olivia could've said in that moment as she felt moisture pool between her thighs.
"I need to use the restroom." She said breathily.
"Oh really?" he said smiling cockily, knowing exactly why she was going.
"Shut it" she pinched his side before stepping around him and going to the bathroom.
Mid class, Olivia stayed seated until Fitz reached down and helped her stand. When class first started, they went on a mini tour of the hospital, going over the admissions paperwork each set of parents would have to fill out, different policies for visitors, what different protocols for hospitals were and before coming back to the room, they went to visit the nursery. There were looks of joy and fright on the parent's faces, which was normal, and now they were back working on different stretches to help alleviate pain. They did a mini work out which a few of the moms almost refused because they were so far along and didn't feel up to it. After their stretches, the instructor, Lisa nodded to Josh and he went over to a cart before ripping the sheet off and revealing large white things that had everyone confused.
"Alright dads, I need five volunteers"
Whispers could be heard throughout the group as they tried to figure out what they would be agreeing to do.
"Babe, go up there." Olivia said nudging Fitz forward a bit.
"What? Not happening."
Trina and Natalie who were in front and beside her motioned for their husbands to go up as well and received the same response. Olivia rolled her eyes at them seeing that they were in the same boat.
"Fitz, please go up, or else she'll just call on someone and let's face it, everyone here has a crush on you. She'll probably let Josh pick and you saw the way he was eyeing you earlier. You're toast."
She had heard them counting what was on the cart and knew exactly what the volunteers would be doing.
"Livvie, do I have to? If I say no, will you use this against me?"
"Maybe…. Probably…. Definitely" she finally said, smirking.
"Fine"
He raised his hand and walked slowly to the front of the class as Josh clasped his hands and went to pull a few of the guys in front. Finally relenting, Natalie's husband Ron made his way up to the front while Trina's husband, JJ relaxed seeing as there were five men at the front.
"Alright you brave gentlemen, I know that each of you cares for the woman that you came with today and I want to know who, if you could, would be willing to trade places with her even if just for fifteen minutes? Would any of you carry the baby weight around for her and take a walk in her shoes?"
Lisa looked around at mostly all of the men in the room raise their hands and smiled before motioning for Josh to wheel the cart closer.
"Well, you five are our lucky winners for the day. While we have our fifteen minute break, you will be able to take a walk in your lady's shoes. You're going to feel what it's like to carry that precious baby bump around! These are our faux bellies and each of you are going to wear this during our break. Come on up and we'll get you strapped in."
The men groaned silently but tried to put on a brave face as they waited to get the body pillow strapped to them. Fitz walked back towards Olivia with wide eyes as she held one hand to her face, trying her best to not laugh out loud. This was a sight to see and when the teacher let them know to be back at their mats at a certain time, loud laughter could be heard from all corners of the room.
"Not a word, Livvie"
"Oh I can say whatever the heck I want. I've done this twice now and I'm nearly positive you'll have me doing it a third time a few years from now. This is only fair that you get a tiny percentage of what I go through carrying your offspring."
Knowing that he had no comeback to that, Fitz nodded for her to go ahead of him and along with the other four men wearing the bump, he was joked throughout the break until it was time to jump back in and they were able to take it off.
The Lamaze portion of the two-hour class went quickly and before they knew it, Lisa has set up a projector and they were watching "The Miracle Of Life" a film about three different women giving birth. Each couple stayed in their Lamaze positions, with the wives sitting between the husband's legs, some with pillows propping them up, and others simply were leaning into their husband's chest for support. The only sounds in the room had been Lewis's wife going to the bathroom for the fourth time and Natalie and Trina cracking up when Ron almost fainted during the c-section scenes.
As soon as the lights came up, Fitz rose from his lying head first position beside Olivia.
"Wow. That was intense, but it really is a miracle of life. It's nothing I haven't seen before and I can't wait for this little guy to come out." He rambled, placing his hand on her stomach smiling as he felt fluttering as if the baby was placing his hand against his own. "You think we should record the birth? We could set up a camera in the room.. But then again who would we even let watch besides you? Probably not, can you imagine like what happens in movies where kids put in a tape and bam, there's a birthing or sex tape? They'd be scarred for life." He shook his head laughing before suddenly realizing Olivia hadn't responded and was looking to be in an annoyed mood.
"Livvie, what's wrong. Is it the baby? Do you feel sick?" He sat up on his knees, moving his hand to her creased forehead. Fitz knew they were completely over the risks to her pregnancy but she was starting to look so sick and nauseous. "Tell me what's wrong, Baby."
The couples around them waited with baited breath as Olivia had tears forming and suddenly turned angered eyes towards her husband. "Fitz did you see that movie, all that blood all over the baby? Did you hear all that screaming? That did NOT happen with Madison! It's going to hurt like hell having your child. He's already measuring bigger than she did. I….I can't squeeze your big headed son out of my….well…..no, I can't do it! Nu uh!"
"So he's my big head son, now." He snickered.
With a sighs of relief all around and a few giggles, Fitz moved so she was back between his legs and rested her weary head against fitted t-shirt.
"I'm going to be right there by your side, Olivia. Yes, it's going to hurt and if I could take that pain from you, Baby, you know I would. But the reward for all your hard work will be this tiny piece of magic, a little bit of me and hopefully a whole hell of a lot of you that we made out of love, together."
"A big piece of magic" she said softly before turning sideways to burrow her head under his chin.
Laughing as well, Fitz rubbed a soothing hand along her abdomen, the baby seeming to follow along inside. "Definitely a big piece of magic. He's going to be incredible, Livvie."
"Yea, he will be." Olivia's hands joined his and she smiled, reassured.
"Okay, now that Olivia is over her labor freak out." Lisa teased. "It happens to at least one person each class, how about we finish up?"
Walking over to the table in the left corner of the class that was covered by hospital screen, she took a stack of diaper bags filled with everything a new parent could need from the box beside the table and started handing each mommy-to-be one.
"As first time parents, having a newborn can be a very disruptive and unsettling experience. We here want to make your transition as easy as possible." She explained after handing out the last bag and returning to the table.
There, she rolled away the screen to reveal a long table with eleven of the cutest babies dressed in brightly colored sleepers resting comfortably in individual car seats. They looked so real. She put back the handle on one of the carriers and carefully removed the newborn sized doll, holding it as if it were a real child.
"This is the Babylove 2400. They can do everything a real baby can including, cry, eat, sleep, poop, wet, gurgle and move. They have a monitoring chip that tells exactly how often and how well their needs are met." She raised the left arm showing the underarm. "There are three buttons, the pink one for when the mommy is caring for the baby for long periods of time, the blue for daddy and yellow when you're both spending taking care of Babylove here. Each daddy will come up and chose a child, Mr. Thomas you get two since your wife is having twins. Please try and chose a doll that stands out from the rest for you because studies show you treat them more like your own child. After everyone has selected one, you'll learn how to hold, feed, change and clean the dolls. You will name your baby and care for them until you return next week. Then we'll check your statistics and see just how ready you are to be parents."
She watched a mixed of curiosity, fear and excitement show on the couple's faces before she placed the baby back in its carrier and clapped her hands enthusiastically. "Ladies please take a feeding station. Step up, gentlemen. Congratulations, you're about to become a daddy!"
Chatter was instantly heard throughout the room as men helped their partners to their feet. Fitz glanced at Olivia almost guiltily for not realizing this was a portion of the class. She had already gone through the whole taking care of a newborn before- with an actual newborn- and he could tell she wasn't really looking forward to it.
"I'm alright, I promise."
"Are you sure? I could ask if it's mandatory to participate"
"Oh it is! Trust me, we tried talking to her before the class started and she wasn't hearing any of it" Natalie said slowly standing up next to them. "Go ahead up there and grab your baby before you get stuck with a redhead. That's usually what's left for some reason but I think it's because those few were the older editions that don't look as real."
There were only six babies left as Fitz stood in the same spot since he made it to the table. His eyes focused on a light brown-skinned baby in a yellow sleeper with big brown eyes, curly brown hair with honey streaks and rosy cheeks. A few men stepped forward and grabbed babies, and now with only two babies left, Fitz saw a man he had chatted briefly with early move towards his baby. He was on his phone and a bit distracted, leaving Fitz ample time to reach her first.
"This one's mine." Fitz blocked him, picking up the carrier and heading for his wife.
"Lisa! Fitz took the last girl and he's having a boy!" He shouted hot on his trail.
By the time Lisa reached the feuding men, Fitz had placed the carrier in his and Olivia's feeding area and was pushing back the handle so the doll could be fed.
Lisa moved closer to Olivia and Fitz and noticed their calm reaction compared to Randy's frustration and knew it would be better to try and ask them first, rather trying to calm Randy down.
"Mr. Grant wouldn't you prefer a boy? The last one on the table has beautiful blue eyes like yours and dark brown curls." She urged but shook his head adamantly as Olivia looked on, trying her best not to laugh. There was no way in hell her husband was giving up their "baby" and she knew his reasoning for picking that particular one.
"No thank you, I like this one. Besides, Randy doesn't even know the sex of his baby yet." He dared looking over his shoulder at the slightly overweight man. He didn't intimidate him at all.
"But Mandy's mama said it's going to be a girl." He whined as his girlfriend frowned at him. She knew if he hadn't been on the phone they would have gotten one that could pass for their child. The last doll looked nothing like either of them but neither did this one.
"She looks just like Mads, Livvie. That's why I chose her." Fitz said emotionally. "Can we call her Cam?" Fitz said hopefully, a full grown smile covering his face.
"Sure Babe. Cam's perfect." His wife wasn't about to argue and his gesture had already made her teary eyed. He wanted this and Olivia wasn't going to deny him. She knew he was more than excited to be having a boy, but apparently Fitzgerald Grant wanted a little girl for at least a week.
After learning the basics; feeding, changing, cleaning and burping, the now activated baby doll, Fitz and Olivia were sent on their merry way with the rest of the students.
Fitz stood at the kitchen island secretly nursing a glass of wine as Olivia changed clothes and tended to the "baby" in the bedroom. They had only been home a few minutes and while they both alluded to the excitement of alone time that night, the "baby" had a different game plan and Olivia sent Fitz to grab her a bottle of water while she did her best to stop the crying.
"What's taking so …"
She didn't need to finish her sentence as she rounded the corner and caught her husband in the act. They had an agreement and he was violating it.
"Livvie, i… it's not what it.."
He couldn't find the words to say, knowing it was a lie but was soon cut off by her lips crashing into his in an open mouth kiss. Her tongue forced its way into his mouth and she sucked hungrily on his tongue, before pulling away just as fast.
"Drink more." She demanded nodding towards the hall full glass.
Fitz raised his eyebrows in confusion as to what she was doing, before Olivia groaned.
"Babe, it's cheating"
"Drink the damn wine, so I can just taste it! I miss wine so damn much!"
Fitz smirked and took a long gulp, finishing the glass and purposely swishing it around his mouth for a few seconds before plunging his tongue into her mouth and wrapping his arms around her waist. Holding onto her tightly, he walked them down the hall and into the bedroom, just making it in before the loud crying started up again.
"Fitz, wait."
"Babe, ignore it. We can still..."
"That damn thing is gonna interrupt us and you know it."
"So what, it's not like it's real" he blindly removed the baby from her arms using one hand and let it fall to the ground.
"It's real enough! We're gonna show up to class and be the only ones with a horrible score for this damn baby."
"Livvie, just relax and let me take care of you." He brought his hands to her thighs and moved them upwards, ridding her of the slip she had put on only minutes ago. When it was on the floor, Fitz moved his lips up her body, stopping on shortly to leave kisses on her stomach he had lotioned earlier, and finally stopped at her lips. He moved to her side and turned her body so he was spooning her from behind. Olivia whimpered at the feeling of his body pressed so tightly against hers. Feeling his abs against her, Olivia arched her back as she felt her husband lift her leg, immediately allowing her to feel his hard shaft against her skin. He was just so big, and she couldn't wait any longer.
"Baby, put it in" she turned to bring her lips over his, but he pulled away and shook his head.
"Let me take my time with you, baby."
She felt him move down against her body and instantly his member was between her legs, rubbing against her dripping folds.
"Ahh… baby, stop…. Just..go faster."
Reaching down, Fitz pushed his member against her full slit, applying pressure to the entire area before thrusting his hips and sliding against her heat. Olivia brought her hand to his hair and tugged at the curls. Her teeth had a tight grip against her bottom lip and she knew she was almost there. Bringing her leg down, Olivia squeezed his length as tight as she could against her and came loudly.
Gasping for air, Olivia released him before moving her hand to his length, intending on fitting in exactly where she needed him most, but was stopped by him pulling away from her completely. Groaning, she rolled onto her back and was debating on whether she could threaten him with sex, when she felt him move in between her thighs.
"What did I tell you Livvie? I'm gonna take care of you" he didn't wait for her to respond and attached his mouth to her right breast, sucking and nipping at it. He felt her nipple go hard against the back of his tongue, and retracted a bit to take it in his mouth, feasting on the brown bud. He felt her fingernails dig into the skin of his hand and he sucked harder on the nipple until she screamed and thrust her hips higher into his, then he moved to her left breast giving it the same attention. They were so sensitive and he knew if she wanted to, he could make her come just from pleasuring them.
"I can't… Fitz, please" She could only see the top of his hair that was curling even more from the sweat he was working up.
"You can cum soon enough, Livvie" he kissed the crevice between her breast, noticing how heavy she was now breathing.
"You okay like this?" he said wanting to make sure she was I no pain from being flat on her back. She nodded and was touched at the restraint he showed before he continued his ministrations on her body.
Moving lower, Fitz pushed her legs even further apart, and took one long lick up her pussy. He felt her hands against his head pushing him away, but that didn't deter him and he continued the pattern, being sure to focus on her bud and seconds later, his face was washed with her essence. Her hands pushed his head further into her, while her thighs held him tightly in place, her toes curling. When he felt her thighs loosen against him, he peeked up at her and noticed how swollen her lips were due to her own assault on them while trying not to cum so soon. He loved watching her face. Seeing that she was still savoring her orgasm, riding it out till the very end, he dove back in, pushing his tongue as far as he could into her heat, making her scream and arch her back off the bed. Just as she was about to lower herself onto the bed, Fitz removed his tongue, sat up, and thrust his hardness between her slick, trembling folds. He groaned loudly, not believing how wet she was, and took a second to settle in, knowing she needed to adjust to him.
Pulling out some, he moved slowly, allowing her to take more of him in with each forward thrust, loving the way her body welcomed him home. He repeated his actions, hooking one leg high on his arm, and he finally bottomed out and his stomach was pressed against her bump. He knew how extra sensitive she was during her pregnancy and every thrust felt like a high to her. He stayed filling her, swiveling his hips in a circular motion and gently squeezing her thighs. Being sure to stay buried deep inside her, Fitz moved his lips to hers, kissing her quickly before pulling away. He was mindful of her stomach and knew he couldn't rest on it for more than a couple of seconds.
Taking a hold of her hips, he raised her ass higher, feeling her walls close tighter around him, and began to pound into her relentlessly, working his hips into overdrive. His ass tightened with every thrust and he reached down with one hand and played with her clit, causing her to scream out as another orgasm hit. He felt her juices running down his balls, and seconds later, he joined her, spitting his seed deep inside of her. When their panting finally quieted down Olivia and Fitz looked at each other in confusion at the life-like wails that could be heard from the corner of the room.
"Oh shit" Fitz said moving from Olivia and over to the fake car seat that held the baby. "I wonder how long she's been screaming for?"
He noticed Olivia plop back down against the pillows and roll her eyes at the interruption, "oh fuck me" she groaned in annoyance.
Dropping the baby carrier to the ground, Fitz jumped on the bed and immediately hovered over his wife's lazy form before pushing his tongue completely in her mouth. He explored for a few second before pulling out and smirking at her. "Your wish is my command, Livvie. I'm gonna fuck you so good."
"Please stay"
"Livvie, come on, not only is this not my scene, it's supposed to be YOU that stays, and I'm supposed to disappear."
Her pout grew deeper and she stomped her foot in place before she crossed her arms in front of her stomach and looked up at her husband.
"You're supposed to do what I want you to do! Fitz you're my best friend and you were supposed to warn me about a surprise baby shower! You broke the vow to tell your wife about all surprises."
"Funny, I don't remember that in our vows" he said jokingly before watching her roll her eyes and continuing. "Baby, you've lived with Abby long enough to know that when she threatens you, you listen. I won't mention the physical threats she mentioned, and besides I only knew about it because they decided that my parent's house was too far for everyone they invited, to drive out to. This is supposed to be fun, Livvie. Just go with it."
"I know it's supposed to be fun, but I honestly am not having the best day."
"The best what day?"
He knew her too well. Her pregnancy had ended up being near perfect, but the closer she got to her due date, which was just under three weeks away, the more she had random days of "pregnancy funk." She would get into these moods where she either cried because it was almost over, she pouted about her appearance, or she just wasn't in the mood to be around anyone but him.
"I feel extra fat today."
"Livvie" Fitz said in a warning tone that she knew all too well. He never allowed her to speak negative about any of the weight she had gained during her pregnancy or her new appearance since she'd officially 'popped' last week. He knew she would be going into labor any day now because their last doctor's appointment proved that with her short frame, their little boy had no room left to move around and would probably be there before his due date. Fitz also knew that she was being extra careful since losing her mucus plug just last night and he could imagine that she wasn't feeling the best with the impending labor.
"You don't have to say it, I know I'm not fat, just pregnant and that every ounce of extra weight is worth it, blah, blah, blah. It still doesn't help that I feel fat, Fitz."
He opened his arms and smiled as she dragged her feet, but walked into his embrace and sat on his lap sideways.
"Alight, what's upsetting you today?"
"These are at it again."
She gestured her chin downward to her breast.
"A lot or a little?"
"Just a little, but it's the second shirt I had to change today. It's just annoying, and I wasn't expecting all these people here when I got home. I'm in total nesting mode so I know he's coming soon and they're gonna dirty my house up"
"I know you're definitely nesting, but you know Abby, Mom and I will make sure everything is back to normal when it's over."
"I know and it's my fault anyway. If everything hadn't happened a few months ago, we could've had it when Abby first mentioned it instead of postponing it."
"Livvie, stop. We had other things to deal with and it was not the time for a baby shower. Today is going to be great, and I'll stay for as long as you want me to."
"The whole time?" she said hopefully, working her pout in her favor.
"If that's what it takes, then yes, the whole time."
He patted her thighs before standing her up and getting off the bed to hover over her. Fitz took her face in his hands and kissed her as slowly as he could, not wasting any time inserting his tongue into her mouth. Knowing she fell short of breath quicker as of late, Fitz moved down to her bottom lip and continued until he was at the top of her chest.
"You two be good, okay? No more leaking until Mr. Man arrives." He cupped her breast through her blouse before kissing the exposed flesh there.
"You're crazy."
Fitz smiled as she laughed for the first time that afternoon. He had done his job.
The baby shower was in full swing room and Olivia couldn't lie and say that she wasn't having a great time. There were several colleagues from her school, a few of Fitz's co-workers wives, and a few friends that she and Abby had from school. Rounding out the room, were Abby, Quinn, Fitz's parents, and a two of Catherine's closest girlfriends. Madison had clearly had enough attention from everyone present, and decided to entertain herself and Scooter in her bedroom. Fitz was the only male there and felt completely out of place but would stay until Olivia assured him he could go; something he was certain wouldn't happen. She was almost glued to his side, and even when she would mingle with others, she kept a tight grip on his hand, sometimes squeezing his fingers unexpectedly.
"I'm gonna go check on Mads, I'll be back."
Olivia nodded and reluctantly let go of his hand. When Fitz made his way into Madison's room, her face lit up at the sight of her daddy, and Fitz looked just as excited to see her.
"Hey cutie, are you gonna come out and get some food?"
"It all looks funny, daddy" she said scrunching up her face to show her disgust.
"I know but Auntie Abby and Grammy made some food just for you. Let's go eat."
He didn't wait for her reply and scooped her up in his arms before carrying her out of the room and into the living room full of people. Everyone was finishing up from making their plates before taking a seat while Abby was announcing the next game they would be playing.
"So everyone takes the roll of ribbon and cuts a piece of it off and passes it to the next person to do the same. It can be a long piece or short piece, that's up to you."
"Is this for measuring the belly? Cause if so, I know how much I'll be taking."
"Don't you even dare, Nikki!" Olivia said shifting her gaze to her co-worker Nicole from school.
"I ain't saying nothing!" she threw her hands up in surrender, receiving laughs from her antics as Olivia rolled her eyes in fun.
It was a minute or so later when everyone was done passing the ribbon and continued eating their food, talking amongst themselves.
Olivia and Fitz sat next to each other at the dining room table, while Madison sat on his lap, eating her sandwich and fruit that was cut into different shapes. Catherine came over with a fresh glass of water, and Olivia smiled in thanks as she also cleared away the plate she was no longer eating from.
"Alright, who thinks they have the longest piece of ribbon?"
Abby asked the question and chatter was heard throughout the living room as a few people compared theirs before Fitz raised his hand, declaring that he had the longest piece. He didn't mean for it to happen, but Madison had pulled on the ribbon until he forced her to stop so he could cut a piece off. Madison held on to him when Abby told him to stand up and only when he heard the instructions, did he pop a kiss onto Madison's head before sitting her in his empty seat next to his wife.
"So you're gonna take the ribbon and wrap it around your pinky finger and each time you wrap it around, you have to say something about Olivia."
The female population in the room both laughed and cooed at the instructions, knowing that Fitz had no idea what the game was about, but also knowing that he was about to probably bring them all to tears.
"So I can say just anything about her?" he double checked with Abby.
"Yep, anything you want."
"Well this will be embarrassing, but nothing you all don't already know about my incredible wife."
Taking a deep breath, Fitz straightened out the long piece of ribbon that fell past his waist and turned towards Olivia as he began speaking.
"Olivia Grant is kind"
"She is passionate"
"She is brilliant"
"She is loving"
The ribbon wrapped around his small finger just four times and he could already see the tears beginning to well up in her eyes.
"Olivia is beautiful."
"She's an amazing mother to our daughter and son"
"She's a great cook"
"She is great at organizing our lives so we don't go crazy."
"She's my best friend."
"Alright, alright, give us some facts, Fitz." Abby sassed out, forcing Olivia to gasp at her forwardness.
"Ok, okay. Olivia is funny."
"She snorts when she laughs sometimes."
"She is great at surprising people."
"She is not the best at card games."
"Hey! I always win!" Olivia pouted from her chair playfully.
"I let you win" Fitz said chuckling and ducking when she threw a wadded up baby blue napkin at him.
"Olivia is semi-violent when provoked."
"She's very loyal"
"She's.."
"We get it, let's make a deal, I'll cut it so you only have to do a couple more if you give us something better than how awesome she is. We already know that."
Fitz raised his eyebrows at Abby's suggestion and looked to Olivia to see her eyes shift before he agreed. He wasn't embarrassed to lavish his wife with praises, but he was ready to sit down and have all eyes someplace else but on him.
"Okay… Olivia is incredibly sexy."
"And?" Abby pushed as Olivia elbowed her in the side, feeling even more in the spotlight than before.
"And….. we had a hell of a good time making that little guy in there."
"OK, we're done!" Olivia managed to get out while everyone else gave catcalls and whistles.
Fitz laughed loudly before going back towards Olivia and dodged the hand that swatter at him.
"You're such a mess! You are definitely free to go now." She said shoving him away from her.
"You do not have to tell me twice."
He leaned down to kiss her good bye when Madison stood on the chair and reached out grabby hands to him.
"Daddy, can I go with you?"
Fitz grimaced, honestly having planned to have a low-key few hours alone but with the pout Madison wore, he knew he wouldn't be saying 'no'.
"Yes ma'am you can, Go grab your shoes."
She scurried off and Olivia reached up a hand to turn his face towards hers.
"You sure you wanna take her? I know you wanted to relax and get some errands finished."
"Yea, I'm sure." He leaned forward and pecked her lips before removing a piece of hair behind her ear. "It won't be long at all before we're playing man-to-man so I'll give her all the extra attention I can before the big guy comes."
Olivia smiled, loving that he was willing to give up his afternoon of free time when Madison could've stayed at the shower with plenty of people to entertain her. He really was one of a kind.
"I love you. It's only for another couple hours, and then they'll all be gone."
He laughed at her convincing tone.
"I know. I love you too. I'll see you later."
Madison and Fitz bid everyone farewell and left out for the rest of the afternoon as Olivia continued to enjoy one last game before she was lavished with baby clothes and gifts.
A few hours later, as suspected, Abby, Catherine, Quinn and Nicole stayed behind and helped with either cleaning and taking down decorations, and washing and folding the new clothes before putting them up. Fitz and Olivia were already aware that his parents wanted to purchase the crib and changing table set, and it purposely was delivered and set up today for all the gift to sit on. The crib was in the room, but Abby and Nicole brought the changing table in the room before Catherine began washing the new clothes and blankets.
"Oh Quinn, you don't have to wash the dishes, I can just load them in the dishwasher."
"I've got it Liv. The washer is full and there is just a handful left."
Olivia smiled and noticed Scooter's water bowl was near empty, and went to fill it up. After sitting the bowl down, Olivia went to grab the load of clothes from the dryer and walked into the nursery and sat in the glider before starting to fold the tiny baby clothes. Their little boy already had so many clothes in his drawers and he now had fifteen new outfits, lots of onsies that would definitely come in handy during the summer months, hats to keep the sun away, and a good amount of shorts as well. She had been happy to see clothing in other sizes than newborn and already had most of them hanging in the closet, planning on using the drawers for the summer clothes he would be using. All the things her and Fitz had already put away were washed and had been cooed over as they looked through his tiny wardrobe.
"Babe you have to see all the little shirts Abby got him last week." Olivia pulled out the bag that set at the foot of her bed and dumped out a fifteen onesies in different colors, each with a tie sewn into the shirt.
"These are pretty cutesy"
"Fitz, they're cool!" She couldn't believe he called them cutesy. She knew what he really thought about them if he was calling them 'cutesy'.
"They're cool, but in a dorky way." He admitted sheepishly.
"Ugh, whatever. He's wearing them whether you like it or not."
"I'm sure he is. Just as long as I'm not the one dressing him."
"You're gonna make his godmother feel like crap, you know"
"Eh, I'll live." He said laughing. It was a new thing to purposely do things to annoy the redhead, and he loved getting under Abby's skin with their playful banter.
He watched as Olivia began turning the shirts inside out with the intent on throwing them in the wash before putting them away in the nursery. Fitz moved to his workbag in the closet and came out with a small bag in his hands.
"I got him some shirts too. Some cool shirts that he'd be proud to wear." His smile was smug and Olivia rolled her eyes before snatching the bag out of his hands.
Pulling out three onesies, Olivia laughed reading the first one.
'I'd Flex, but I like this onsie' with a tiny barbell under it.
"I drink till I pass out'
"Mommy's little stud. Daddy's wingman"
Just as Fitz suspected, Olivia rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile at the clothes.
"This is so inappropriate, but somehow I don't care."
Fitz laughed before nodding his head and turning them inside out to go in the small pile of clothes for the laundry.
"Good. I wanted to get more, but I stopped myself knowing he'll be getting plenty of things from people."
"I think we should do matching or coordinating outfits for him and Mads and send out an "I have arrived" type of card to friends and family."
"Can't we just text out pictures and put some on your facebook or something?" Fitz asked hesitantly.
"Well we're doing a newborn shoot anyway, so we might as well get some of them dressed alike and send it out. Come on babe, we won't be sending out another card until Christmas and he'll be….4, 5, 6..he'll be seven months come Christmas. We can send one out for the summer and put their pictures on it and we can put that Madison is about to start Kindgarden and we will be celebrating our one year anniversary."
"I can't believe it's almost been a year since we got married, Livvie."
She smiled softly at him as he came to stand in front of her, encircling her waist.
"I know, it seems just like yesterday I was held up in our bedroom, waiting to see you at the end of the aisle."
It's been a good year so far, wouldn't you agree?"
"I would agree. I like that it wasn't the perfect first year that most people tell you about and that we had moments that we had to work through. Is that weird to say?"
"I don't think so. We've learned early on that there isn't anything we can't work through together and overcome. I couldn't do it without you though."
" Can't even imagine it."
"Liv?"
Olivia snapped out of her day dream and focused her attention to where the voice was coming from.
"Do you want to lay down at all, Liv?" Catherine's voice was calm as she noticed her daughter-in-law day dreaming while holding a tiny pair of shorts on her lap.
Olivia looked at Catherine and smiled sheepishly.
"Sorry Mom, what did you say?"
"Honey, you've had a big day. Why don't you lay down for a while until Fitzgerald and Madison get home. We will finish up and Abby can lock up for you."
"Are you sure?"
Her question was immediately followed by a yawn, signaling her tiredness . Olivia normally wasn't one to leave her home to others while she was present, but she couldn't deny that she needed a nap after their exciting afternoon. Before she could even agree to take a nap, Abby appeared at the door.
"We are positive Liv, go lay down."
Agreeing, Olivia stood up from the chair, needing to use the arm for more support than usual, and gave them both hugs along with a kiss on the cheek before leaving the room and saying goodbye to Quinn and Nicole. Retreating back to her room, she stripped off her dress before putting on her usual cool slip. She turned the fan on high before climbing into bed and falling asleep almost instantly.
"Daddy, when the baby comes, is it still gonna be a brother?"
"Yep. Do you remember what his name is gonna be?"
"Like yours, Daddy."
"Yes, his first name is gonna be Fitzgerald like mine, but his middle name is gonna be Elijah, so we are going to call him that."
"Grandpa Pope had the name Elijah, too." She constantly made connections nowadays and Fitz expected them at every corner.
"That's right, his name was Elijah and your baby brother will have my name and your grandpa's name in it."
"That's not fair! I want to have your name too." Her pout was worn proudly and Fitz chuckled inwardly before responding.
"Hey now, you remember when those very special papers came in the mail and me and mommy showed them to you?"
"The ones for the 'doption?"
"A-doption. Yes, those papers. Do you remember what they mean? It means that you're my little girl and I'm your daddy and you now can have my last name. Remember your new last name?"
"Grant! It's Grant like your last name." A smile was back on her face and Fitz wouldn't have it any other way.
"And you have mommy's name as your middle name. You are Madison Olivia Grant and you have a part of each of us in your name."
"Okay. Is my little brother gonna be nice and play with me?"
"Well do you remember when Aunt Sarah came to visit with baby Addy when you played together but we had to remember that she's just a baby and doesn't understand rules yet?"
"Oh yea, she kept pulling my braids and knocking my blocks down."
"But you still loved her and wanted to play with her, right?" He asked and when she nodded, he continued. "That's how it'll be with Elijah except at first he's gonna be really, really small so he can't play. But you're gonna be the person that teaches him how to play and say words, and crawl. You are gonna be such a great big sister, Mads."
Her cheeks held a slight blush to them and she had a serene look on her face before it suddenly turned into a frown.
"I wish Elijah was a sister. Anna had a sister named Elsa!"
Fitz chuckeled and moved to stand in front of the swing he had been pushing her on and brought it to a halt. He bent down to her eye level and placed his hands atop hers around the chains.
"Don't you worry baby girl, Mommy and Daddy will keep having babies until we get you a sister."
"You will?" her hopefully question made his face light up at the thought of having many more children with Olivia.
"Yes. Just don't tell your mommy I said that."
"How can you NOT know how to do this? You know between the first ultrasound appointment and today, I'm really starting to question your medical degree, babe."
Fitz laughed and looked up from his hunched position at the back of her car and shook his head at his wife. His wife was getting antsy over the last few weeks and she insisted on cleaning the house thoroughly, ordering Fitz and Madison to leave her be. He and Madison had gotten home over an hour ago and found Olivia changing Madison's sheets and swiffer-ing the hallway floors. She was definitely nesting like crazy and he remembered that they hadn't installed the car seat into place. She still had over a week before her due date but they knew he'd be making his appearance any day now.
"I got it in, I just want to make sure it's in there tight enough and it's stable, woman. And then I'm putting the second one in my truck."
"Second one?"
"I didn't get a second car seat, just a second base to have in my car."
"Oh. Did you remember to pack your bag for the hospital like I told you?"
"No, but I will."
"Fitz! You know I could go into full on labor tonight and you still haven't packed a bag? My plug fell out for goodness sakes. Don't even worry about it, I'll go pack you a bag myself."
"Liv" he called after her retreating form as she walked back into the house. "Baby, come here" Fitz turned and scooped Madison up from her position on the ground with her sidewalk chalk, and jogged into the house after Olivia.
He walked into his room to see Olivia pulling out clothes from his drawers and bring them to the bed.
"Do you want shorts or pants to sleep in?"
"Livvie, babe stop. I can do this."
"Well I've already asked you to do it and you haven't. I packed my bag for the hospital and even Madison's for wherever she'll go while we're there. You just had to do your own so I wouldn't have to worry about that."
"I know and I'm sorry." Fitz said not caring if he didn't think it was a big deal. His wife was nesting, semi-moody, and drained; he'd apologize for anything right now. "Let me finish with the bases and I'll come right in and pack. I swear."
"Alright. Thank you. I just want us to both be ready. I'm not sure these are Braxton Hicks anymore, it could be labor and I don't want to take any chances. "
Fitz sat on the edge of the bed and pulled Olivia onto his lap before squeezing her hands.
"I'm sorry, Livvie. You're right I should have gotten things moving sooner because it really could be any day now. Thank you for staying on top of things and making sure we're all ready when our boy gets here."
Olivia smiled at Fitz before chuckling and throwing her head back in laughter. Fitz raised an eyebrow questioning her reason for laughing, but allowed her to continue for a few more seconds before she leaned down and kissed him chastely on the lips.
"I know you're ready for him to come even more than I am. That was so bitchy of me."
"It wasn't"
"Yea it was. I've been extra moody lately and I'm sorry Fitz. Anything kinda sets me off."
"Well, at least you're only that way with me."
"It's cause I know you love me even when I'm being a bitch"
He laughed and kissed her hard on the mouth. Fitz intended it to be short but Olivia had other plans and pushed her tongue into his mouth. He kissed her back eagerly, relishing in her taste and pulled back when he felt two things. Below his left hand, Fitz felt her stomach tighten and grow hard right as hip bottom lip became trapped between her teeth.
"Ahh"
"Liv? You okay? Braxton Hicks?"
"I think so. It felt the same but I don't know."
They both sat still for a few additional minutes before Olivia let out a long breath.
"I'm okay."
"You sure, that seemed real?"
"They're all real, Fitz, but I think it's just a false alarm."
Fitz stared at her for a few seconds before nodding and lifting her from his lap. He turned to her with a watchful eye before walking out of the room and returning moments later with a black duffel bag.
"I have a feeling I'm going to be needing this tonight."
Don't worry with it ending there- next chapter will be up THIS WEEK