There's nothing sweeter than my baby
I'd never want once from the cherry tree
'Cause my baby's sweet as can be
She give me toothaches just from kissin' me
When, my, time comes around
Lay me gently in the cold dark earth
No grave can hold my body down
I'll crawl home to her
-Work Song, Hozier
Hi all. I'm really glad to see you guys enjoyed the last chapter and I'm very thrilled to see that you're willing to stick around a little bit longer! I appreciate that more than you know. This chapter is definitely shorter than normal, but I hope you enjoy the simplicity of it. I really wanted to add certain things in before the next segment of chapter. Those will offer something different I think. I was very surprised I was able to get this up with my new busy work schedule, but I'm glad I was able to. Anyway, here it is.
"Daddy, you gotta fix my hair like everyone else's!"
"Mads, let's just wait for a few more minutes, she'll be here soon and can fix your hair, okay?"
"Daddy! It's gonna be too late. It's almost time to start my dance."
Madison's pout wasn't one she pulled out to coerce him into doing something he didn't want to do, it's an authentic pout accompanied by tears pooling in her eyes. Fitz looked around at the mother-filled dressing room and sighed knowing that he was the oddball out. He loved being the one that took Madison to her practices on Thursdays, while Olivia took over Saturday morning rehearsals while Fitz stayed home with Elijah. But performance days were Olivia's thing completely. She would be the one in back with Madison getting her dressed, putting her make up on and fixing her hair. Today that was different. Olivia was stuck in a thirty car pile-up coming from the downtown area, and was definitely going to be late. Olivia assured him that she was completely fine, but waiting for the police, ambulance, fire truck and tow trucks to clear out was taking forever. So Fitz had no problem letting his mom head back to assist Madison in getting ready, but the little girl insisted that her daddy be the one to come help her. Fitz had been worried at first, but the abundance of moms prepping their little ones assured him that he could relax and just take care of getting Madison ready without worry. He was a familiar face and even with little girls in and out of tutus and bodysuits, they knew they had nothing to worry about.
"How about we let Jordan's mom do your hair?"
Fitz suggested and glanced over at the woman sitting with her daughter in between her legs. It reminded him of the way that Olivia did Madison's hair and he watched as she smoothed the brush over the little girl's edges and was sold. It wasn't that he didn't know the other woman, but he knew his daughter's hair was most like Jordan's, and yes it was because she was black. Her hair was natural, that much he knew and it was gorgeous. A little more what Olivia had called coarse than Madison's but beautiful and thick just like it.
"I don't want her to."
"But I bet she can do it pretty just like Jordan's."
Madison didn't respond but sent Fitz a look that spoke volumes. The little girl still only allowed her parents, grandmother, and Auntie touch her hair and today would be no different. Fitz sighed and moved her to sit on a chair in front of her before he began brushing her thick hair towards the top of her head. Everyone was supposed to have a bun, and he wished he could do this in privacy so he wouldn't feel so judged by the mothers. He knew that there were tangles he was hitting by the way that Madison flinched on occasion, but she wouldn't dare protest out loud with everyone around.
Fitz looked up when a woman he had only met once stood in front of Madison with sympathetic eyes and spoke in a soft voice.
"Does your Daddy need a little help? I can do your bun for you sweetie if you want?"
Madison shook her head without speaking and Fitz sent the woman a grateful smile although he was anything but grateful. He reached for the hair tie and finally secured it tightly around her hair. He grabbed Madison by the shoulders and turned her around to face him. The tears were nearly spilling out of her eyes but she was being brave and not allowing them to fall.
"I'm sorry baby girl. I didn't mean for it to hurt, okay?"
"I know. It's okay daddy. Can you finish it?"
Fitz nodded and kissed her head before turning to look at a few other mothers as they twisted the hair around the base to get it into a bun. It looked simple enough but he knew it wouldn't be that easy.
"Does mommy use these in your hair, Mads?"
She looked up at his handful of bobby pins and nodded. Fitz began to twist the hair around the ponytail and place bobby pins in her hair to secure it in place. He took his time, brushing the hair down before sticking more pins in. When he was done, he went back over and secured flyaways with more bobby pins before grabbing the spray Olivia had packed in the bag and told Madison to close her eyes. He gave her hair a quick spray before he lifted her up and took her to stand in front of one of the large mirrors in the room. Once she approved of his bun, Fitz brought her back to their station and opened up the make up bag before he allowed her to pick out the color the teacher had told the girls to wear. Fitz didn't have a problem putting the purple eye shadow on Madison, or the blush and lip gloss, but the mascara was something he wanted no part of. He just knew he'd ruin Madison's eyes from his hands shaking and in all honesty, he didn't want his daughter wearing it at all.
"Daddy, will Mommy get here to watch me?"
The little girls were being lined up backstage and parents were giving last words of encouragement before they went to their seats. Madison's group was the second to go on, and Fitz only prayed Olivia would make it within the next fifteen minutes before they hit the stage.
"I'm sure she will baby. There were so many cars around her from the accident but I'm sure that she's able to drive now and she's coming as fast as she can."
"Are the people okay?"
"I don't know sweetie."
"I hope they're ok. We should pray that mommy doesn't get into a accident too."
Fitz nodded his head and smiled at her words. She had such a great heart and concern for others. He leaned forward and whispered a prayer into her ear, wanting to drown out the loud voices around them. When he was done, he kissed her face and told her to have fun and do her best.
"I love you Best Girl. I'm gonna go sit with Grandpa, Grammie and FJ okay?"
"Did Auntie get here yet?"
"I don't know, I've been back here with you, silly. But we saved her and Mommy a seat so they'll be sitting right up front with us okay? I love you."
"I love you too, Daddy."
When Fitz did get back out to the front, he was happy to see Abby sitting up front next to his mother and his father walking around with Elijah high against his chest.
"I'm glad you're here. She was just asking if you had made it."
Abby smiled and held up her phone towards Fitz showing him a picture of him and Madison backstage.
"I'm already on my game tonight Fitz. Rendezvous backstage to sneak pictures and all."
"That's kinda creepy." He sighed and pulled out his phone to check for news on Olivia when Abby stopped him.
"I just spoke to her. She had to park and is walking over now. I was freaking out that she wasn't going to make it."
"You and me both. I'm going to go meet her in the lobby."
Fitz got up and began walking down the aisle as soon as the lights flashed and a two minute warning was announced over the intercom. His walk turned into a jog and once he made it to the lobby he peaked his head out of the door and spotted his wife walking up the sidewalk and towards the door.
Her head lifted and her eyes caught the blue orbs belonging to her husband's and she smiled. Fitz grinned back at her and took a step back held the door open as she walked inside and into his arms. Their hug was quick because Fitz grabbed her hand and began walking her towards the auditorium swiftly.
"I'm sorry! I couldn't get around all the traffic! Did Mom get her ready?"
"It's fine, we just have to get in there cause it's starting. I got her ready."
Olivia dug her heels into the ground and stopped Fitz from opening the double doors the auditorium.
"What do you mean you got her ready? Why didn't mom? Did any of the other moms offer? I know Tina was back there with Jordan..."
"Liv, you know her, if it wasn't you then it was me. She was pretty adamant about only me coming with her and helping her."
Olivia sighed knowing he was right. Guilt immediately set in and her eyes were cast downward.
"Hey, she's fine. And you're here now so that's all that matters. Let's go. I'm pretty sure FJ is gonna be more than excited to see you."
Olivia leaned up on her toes and kissed the corner of Fitz mouth before walking in before him. They made their way to the front of the room quietly, and sat down as the lights were dimmed and the director came on stage.
Liv smiled at her in laws and allowed Fitz to take the seat next to her mother while she sat opposite him, next to Abby.
"Glad you made it." Abby whispered to her friend.
"I would've never forgiven myself if I hadn't. Oh wait, " Olivia stopped and turned to Fitz who was being passed Elijah. "Who did her hair?"
"You think she let anyone else touch her hair?" He said sarcastically.
"Oh god."
Elijah spotted his mother and lunged at Olivia with open arms. His pacifier from hanging from his mouth when his mouth opened wide. Drool immediately attacked her face as he gave warranted kisses. He was always so affectionate with family but especially with Olivia and Fitz. As usual, Elijah was lightly reprimanded for biting his mother's cheeks as his kiss became aggressive.
"Thank you baby." Olivia whispered kissing his lips lightly. She turned him around in her lap and stuffed the pacifier in his mouth so his babbling wouldn't interrupt the show. Fitz handed Elijah the small toy he had been playing with and leaned over to kiss Olivia's head.
The first group of mini dancers came out on stage and danced to a harmonious song. They were the group of three and four year olds and the audience smiled and cooed at how adorable they looked stumbling over their own two feet. There was one little girl that continued to face away from the audience and simply shake her butt the entire dance. Olivia leaned over to Abby and prayed that Madison wouldn't do something similar. Four minutes later, the mini's instructor came out and curtsied with the girls before they did it alone and followed her off the stage. The audience clapped loudly, making Elijah squeal as Olivia moved his hands together in light taps.
"Up next, we have Ms. Taylor's Petite Ballerinas dancing to Fly To Your Heart"
Cheers were heard in the audience but it was obvious the two Grant men cheered the loudest as they saw the little girls hit the stage. Jerry sat on the aisle seat holding his video camera up and began recording as soon as the little ones walked out. When Madison took her place on the left side, she stared at the front row and moved her eyes over each person until she locked eyes with Olivia. "Mommy!" She blushed realizing that everyone heard her excited voice and her little nose scrunched up as well. She smile largely and brought her hand from behind her to send a little wave to her mommy. Olivia felt tears well up in her eyes and she felt immensely proud to be Madison's mother. The strength of love she just felt from her daughter was more than she could digest at the moment and she leaned her head on Fitz's shoulder. The few tears that escaped her eyes were soaked up by his shirt and Olivia felt silly for getting so emotional.
"Damn Liv, what are you pregnant or something? It's just a dance."
Olivia sent her elbow into Abby's side making the redhead move out of her personal space, and focus on the stage. Seconds later the music started and Olivia nodded her head along with the gentle song that she'd known by heart now. Madison had watched the Tinker Bell movie several times and when it was announced that they were using that song, she insisted on listening to it and practicing non stop. They straightened their arms out and took two large steps before jumping and landing in relevé. They continued dancing and Olivia winced inwardly at the next move coming that all the girls had been having trouble with. Chainé turns were introduced to the girls early to prepare them for their next level classes. They each stumbled but continued dancing and completed the perfect chassé. The little girls lined up and soared in opposite directions as their number hit and the song's final chorus came to a slow end and they bowed into the shape of a heart before falling into a split.
Olivia held Elijah against her chest as she and her family stood up and clapped loudly, her grandparents, father and Abby yelling Madison's name. Others stood and cheered for their little ones but the Grant family was in a league of their own. Madison twisted back and forth with a large smile on her face as she eyes her family. She became fidgety and was pushed from behind, bringing her attention to the line that was moving off the stage.
It was Olivia who went backstage once the performances were done and the final curtain call on all the dancers were called. She and the other moms went to their Petite side and signed them out before they came out with their bags to the authorized guardian.
"Mommy!"
Madison's voice and smile lit up Olivia's heart and she scooped the little girl up in her arms before smothering her in kisses. She hugged her tightly to her chest and told her how proud of her she was before standing her own her own two feet.
"Toots you did so great!"
"We messed up on our turns though."
"It's okay. Ms. Taylor put that turn in there for you to keep practicing it and so that next year you can do it. But guess what? I'm so proud of you for completing your last recital."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome sweetie. You've got a few people waiting for you so let's go."
Olivia grabbed Madison's bag and hoisted it over her shoulder before holding her hand and walking to the lobby.
"Hey Short Stuff, you did so great up there!" Abby was the first to greet her and hugged her tightly to her chest before moving over for Catherine and Jerry to do the same.
"You looked gorgeous Maddie-Cakes!" Jerry exclaimed pinching her cheeks.
Olivia moved over to take Elijah from Fitz's arms and he immediately bent down and held out the bouquet of sunflowers to Madison. Her smile it up and she went sideways into her Daddy's arms and hugged him while she touched the yellow petals.
"They're so pretty daddy! I love them!"
"What do you say to Daddy?" Olivia encouraged.
"Thank you!"
She squeezed his neck tightly before leaning back and kissing him.
"You are so very welcome, Best Girl. I'm so proud of you."
Olivia smiled before glancing at the door and noticing that it was raining outside.
"Babe, can you put her pants on her and her tennis shoes?"
Fitz nodded and unzipped her bag before pulling out her leggings and Nike's. He put them on her and changed out her ballet shoes before looking to make sure Olivia was putting Elijah's jacket on him.
"Are you all still up for going out tonight?"
Abby, Jerry and Catherine all nodded their heads and Fitz reminded them of the location and lifted Madison up before he headed towards the door with Olivia behind him.
"You got him?"
"Yea, I do. I'll follow you to your car and strap him in."
"I wanna go in Mommy's car" Madison spoke up, turning to look at Olivia.
Fitz made eye contact with Olivia, both silently agreeing that it would be easier to switch kids because while Madison had a booster seat in each of their cars, Elijah only had one car seat for both bases in their cars.
Fitz lowered Madison to the ground and Olivia handed over Elijah, who immediately began to cry and reach for Olivia.
"It's alright buddy. Alright Liv, let's go. I'll meet you guys there. Be safe."
"Always am." She winked at him before feeling the overwhelming need to kiss him and captured his lips in hers. There was just something about her husband being who he was that just turned her on in ways she couldn't explain.
It was after seven when The Grant family arrived home and Fitz and Olivia carried a sleeping child inside their home and straight into their respective rooms. Knowing Olivia wanted to clean the make-up from Madison's face, Fitz took care of getting Elijah wiped down and into his pajamas.
After leaving the school the bunch headed to Outback Steakhouse for dinner. The table of seven was loud and happy as Madison and Elijah took it upon themselves to entertain everyone in between bites of food. They enjoyed times when their schedules allowed for them all to be present at an important event and they knew they'd had so many more to look forward to. Once the checks were paid, they all said their goodbyes and Fitz followed Olivia to the frozen yogurt shop for Madison's promised dessert. Opting out, Olivia had taken a seat at their regular table and decided to nurse Elijah while Fitz and Madison got their dessert. It was his bedtime and although he was in a great mood, she knew he'd turn fussy the second no one put a spoon in his mouth. If he saw food, he wanted food. Olivia was content nursing her little boy while her husband and daughter ate happily in front of her, sharing a bite with her ever so often.
Fitz walked quietly into Madison's room and sat on the edge of the bed, opposite of Olivia. She had a blue pack of make-up remover wipes that he'd seen her use every single night, a wet wash cloth and the infamous jar of coconut oil.
"I didn't use too much, did I?" He asked softly.
"No, you barely put any on her." She softly chuckled, glancing up at him and noticing his smirk.
He shrugged, not really caring. "That was the plan."
He watched Madison lay completely still, in a peaceful deep sleep as Olivia ran the wipe across her face a few more times. Next, she brought the wash cloth to her face and wiped over her brow and neck before moving to wipe her hands. Olivia didn't say a word as she held out the used wipe and wash cloth to her husband, but Fitz knew to accept it. Lastly she opened the jar of oil and put a small amount in the palm of her hand before using her fingertips to massage the oil into Madison's dry face.
"I'm pretty sure you take the best care of our kids, Baby."
"I try, I try." She responded jokingly.
She finished moisturizing her face and moved further onto the bed and placed Madison's head onto her lap. She slowly began taking the bobby-pins out of her head and after the seventh one, she glanced up at Fitz. The apologetic, nervous look on his face let Olivia know that was just the start. Olivia reached across the full sized bed and grabbed his hand before laying it flat next to her and began discarding the pins into his palm. It took everything in her not to laugh. She was just finishing up the pins that controlled Madison's flyaways and she had already placed thirteen of the black pins into his hand.
"Babe, really?"
"I wanted it to be perfect for her. Everyone else had a mom there perfecting their hair and I just wanted hers to be as perfect as possible."
Olivia's heart raced at his words and she didn't respond as she took out the last seventeen pins. She slowly took the elastic band from her hair and allowed the thick locks to breathe. Olivia smoothed Madison's hair down before looking up at Fitz. She beckoned with a crooked finger for him to move closer and when he was finally in her personal space, she attached her lips to his in a sensual kiss that went on much longer than they intended with their daughter between them.
"I think I'm ready for my dessert."
It was Friday afternoon and after the rough morning Olivia had with the kids, she knew she couldn't put off doing the inevitable any longer. The indoor pool, the indoor sandbox and her eleven month old feeding himself lunch meant that Olivia HAD to wash Elijah's hair. She used to think Madison was bad, but her little boy had inherited his father's distinct curl and his spirals were tiny on top of his little fro. Olivia knew his hair would be a huge task once he got older and it became longer, but even now with Elijah not even being one, his hair still got a wash deep wash at least once a week. His hair was always washed when he got a bath, but a real conditioned wash was barely done once a week. The only time Olivia usually did it is if Fitz was there to entertain him as she lay him across the kitchen counter long enough to use the conditioner in his hair, or if she sat in the tub with him and nursed him as she washed and detangled his hair. That's exactly what she was about to do.
It was almost his nap time and she knew this would be the perfect opportunity to get it over with then put him down for a nap afterwards. Deciding to put on a pair of swimming bottoms, Olivia filled their tub up before lowering herself inside the almost hot bath water. Seeing that Elijah hasn't crawled over yet, she called his name a few times and asked him if he wanted milk. The greedy baby lit up at the mention of eating and moved as fast as his arms and legs could carry him. He pulled up on the side on the tub and Olivia began stripping his clothes off before she lifted him inside.
"Mads, did your movie come on?"
"Mmhmm" the little girl called from her parent's bed.
She was worn out from their morning too and Olivia knew that even if she didn't sleep, she would rest and watch a movie quietly. Olivia lifted her knees to her chest to keep Elijah steady with only the support of her legs and once he latched on, she picked up a nearby cup and began wetting his hair. The second he felt the water on his hair, he released her nipple and smiled up at her. She felt him try to turn around but she told him no and coaxed him into re-latching on while she finished setting his hair. She grabbed the shampoo from the side of the tub and began to lather his hair in the honey smelling wash, scratching his scalp softly. She could feel the sand in his hair and wanted to be sure got it all out. Olivia used the cup once again to rinse his hair and ended up lathering his hair in shampoo two more times before his hair and scalp was rid of the sandy feel. She grabbed the conditioner and poured a generous amount in her hand before using her finger tips to massage the lotion-y cream into one side of his scalp. When half of his head was slicked back, she grabbed the tiny comb she had set out and began combing through the tangles as gently as she could, rocking her legs a little when he began to protest.
"I'm almost done baby."
She blindly reached to the back of his hair and combed through the tangles before she rinsed the conditioner from his hair. Olivia broke Elijah's latch and moved him to her other breast to finish eating and began to condition and detangled the other side of his hair.
"Mommy your phone is ringing two times!" Both Olivia and Elijah looked towards the door at Madison's voice that startled then.
"Is it daddy?" Olivia questioned, knowing Madison would've noticed right away and answered it.
"No. It says L-I- L- Y H-A-L-L"
"Just leave it sweetie."
Olivia rinsed the rest of Elijah's hair, assuming that it wasn't important. She was tempted to answer because Lily never really called her but didn't think anything of it.
"Mommy! It's ringing again with the same letters."
"Bring it to me baby." Maybe something was up.
Olivia accepted the phone from Madison, silently praying that she wouldn't drop it in the water. She sat still allowing Elijah to finish eating for a few minutes while she answered and was greeted by a frantic Lily Hall.
"Liv, I'm really sorry to bug you but I don't know who else to call. I need a huge favor."
"Lily it's okay, what's going on?"
"Remember I told you we decided to take a vacation for spring break just me and Jeff? That way we didn't have to worry about someone picking up the kids from school and all that goes into that? Well we are supposed to be on the way to the airport to switch off with my mom. She was flying in and supposed to get here at one and our flight leaves at three but she missed her flight this morning due to some delay and she didn't make it so now the earliest they can do is the first flight out in the morning. I'm stuck Liv. We need this vacation but I have nowhere for him to go. Kenz went to the beach with my sister and they already drove down and..."
"Lily, it's okay! Just bring him over. Pack him some things and we'll keep him for the night." She could tell her friend was near tears and knew she had to help. They had planned on having a relaxing spring break and just stay in town and it wouldn't mess up any type of plan they had. Besides Olivia knew if they were in a sticky situation as such, that the Hall's would do the same for them.
"Are you sure? You'd be saving our lives! My mom will take a cab to my house tomorrow and she already has keys and everything and I'll leave her your number so once she's there you could just drop him to her. This means so much to me, Liv! We need to get to the airport so can we drop him off soon?"
"No problem at all, I just need about fifteen minutes to get FJ done with his bath and I'll be ready for him."
"We can do thirty! Thank you so much Liv! He's already had lunch and we'll give him a snack now and we will see you soon."
"Alright sounds good, I'll see you soon."
"Hey Mads, guess who's coming over?"
When Fitz stepped into the house, he was surprised at how quiet it was. His wife's warning to get his ass home almost seemed unnecessary from the looks of it but he'd never admit that to her. She didn't usually call or text him in a panic but the times that she did always made him feel bad that he couldn't be home to help her right away. Fitz knew they had a visitor for the evening and he was threatened to be on his best behavior with their guest.
Fitz walked into the kitchen to empty his containers out and load them in the dish washer. He moved to the sink to wash his hands and dry them he was done he peaked into Madison's room and after noticing that it was empty, he went into Elijah's room after hearing the soft music coming from that direction. Olivia was rocking the fussing baby on her lap and she sighed loudly when she saw Fitz walk in.
"You're late."
"I know, I'm sorry. Our meeting ran over and we all stayed behind to stock supplies since Jenna's been out this week. How are they? Has he not gone down for you?"
He reached out and grabbed the baby from her lap, missing his face the second he was in his arms.
"You couldn't have called or sent a text? You said six, not eight."
"Really Liv? It's not like I was out having fun with the guys, I was at work in a meeting and finishing up stuff."
"Oh that's right. Your phone doesn't work when you're at the office. Sorry babe, I completely forgot."
Her words were full of sarcasm and Fitz knew he just needed to be sensitive to whatever she was feeling. She had been with the kids all afternoon and from her last text he remembers reading, nap time didn't go so well.
"You're right and I'm sorry. I should've let you know I was going to be late. Did he ever go back down for his nap?"
"Does it look like he took a nap today? He slept for all of ten minutes before they woke him up and he's been awake since. I've got the worst migraine ever and of course our dinner is going to have to be reheated."
"What did you make? You could've eaten with the kids, Liv. You didn't have to wait for me."
"They ate chicken nuggets which I'm tired of eating and I didn't want yogurt which is always what they requested. I just wanted to eat dinner with my husband but that didn't happen. I couldn't have eaten anything anyway with keeping them from playing at the table together and feeding him. I had just washed his hair after swimming and it took every ounce of strength to keep him from getting food all in his hair."
"Told you that kid is trouble" Fitz mumbled under his breath, making Olivia's eyes cut to his.
"It wouldn't have been that difficult if I would've had help. Don't even think about asking for another kid anytime soon. Hell no. I'm going out back and I expect them all to be in bed asleep by the time I come back in."
Olivia walked out leaving Fitz there with a whinny Elijah and a defeated look on his face.
It took Fitz a good twenty minutes before he was able to leave Elijah's room without the baby screaming loudly once he was sat down. He was never a really fussy baby, but with him not having a nap today, he was extremely over tired. Normally Fitz would've suggested that they bring the baby in with them, but he could tell that his wife did not want to co-sleep tonight by any means. And regardless of what Olivia's preferences were, Fitz was not a 'cry it out' dad by any means. He made his way into the master bedroom and rolled his eyes at sight before him.
What the hell. She's lying next to this kid in my bed as though they're together or something. And he's holding her fucking hand? This aint some drive in movie, kid. Ugh. His damn grandmother better show up tomorrow or he can sleep at home by his damn self.
Fitz took a deep breath and relaxed a little. He knew Olivia would hate to know the thoughts going on in his mind and he would be in trouble with her if he dared voiced them. It wasn't that he didn't like Lennox. He was a great kid, but the way the five year old looked at his daughter and treated her like she was the only person that could save him, drove Fitz crazy. He also knew that Madison loved Lennox and although she was only five and a half years old, Fitz knew that she actually meant those words. He also knew the two of them would be growing up together unless something moved the Hall family away, but he didn't see that happening. Jim had a great job at the Deer Park factory downtown that he had been at for over ten years and that was a position and income that you didn't walk away from.
This kid will probably always be in my life.
Fitz removed Madison's hand from Len's and lifted her in his arms before carrying her into her room. He laid her down in the bed before tucking the covers around her and kissing her forehead. He glanced to the left of her bed and noticed Elijah's mattress on the floor made up with a sheet and blanket and smiled in victory. He had texted Olivia to set Elijah up in the pack and play for the night and use his mattress for Len to sleep on. He knew she had listened to him when he noticed the pack and play in his son's room, but seeing the small bed and knowing that he didn't have to lay the boy next to his daughter, made Fitz fist pump in the air.
God, I love my wife.
After Fitz laid the small boy down, he made sure Scooter's bed was in his and Olivia's room before closing the door and hopping in the shower. He didn't stay in long because he wanted to make up for his lateness in any way that he could. By the time Fitz was done getting dressed, Olivia was in the kitchen reheating their dinner and refilling a wine glass. He went to stand behind her and turned her around so he could see her face. She was stressed out and it showed, but there was more. His wife had a lot on her mind and Fitz needed to know what it was.
"Talk to me." Fitz hands went under her arms and he lifted her body onto the counter and moved to stand between her legs.
"I think I'm overwhelmed."
"With the kids? I know today was a lot and so last minute…"
Olivia reached out to wrap her arms around his shoulders before burying her face in his neck.
"It wasn't just today. Don't get me wrong, they drove me crazy today," she stopped speaking and had to laugh at the craziness of the day. "Our eleven month old was wild, cranky, and into everything, while Scooter followed Madison and Len all over the house begging for attention and barking. The two- five year olds were simply mischievous together and if they didn't want to be outside, they wanted to play a game. If they didn't want to play a game, they wanted to color and if they didn't want to color… It was a tiresome day."
"But it wasn't just today?" Fitz asked, wanting her to go back to what else he could tell was bothering her.
"FJ's almost one and I really still don't know what I want to do for next school year. I love being home with him, but I miss working and I need more time with you."
"Baby we make time for us.."
"But I need more of it, away from the kids. I know a lot of it was me, but we still haven't really left the both of them overnight since FJ was born and I think I'm ready to. Hell I need to. We don't get enough time together as it is and then I was thinking of if we have another baby, we'll never see each other and…"
"Livvie stop. Baby we make time for each other, but we will make more for each other. I miss you too and I know it's not easy being at home every single day with FJ."
"I love being home with him though. I can't imagine being at work and not seeing him grow up this first year. I would've hated myself if I would've gone back that soon, so I don't regret it at all. I just can't help but think about the future and if I can do it all."
"Goodness I love you." Fitz leaned in to kiss her forehead and wrapped his arms around her before scooping her up in his arms and walking them to the couch. He didn't want to talk to her without fully holding her and knowing he had her undivided attention. "Livvie, you are such an amazing mother. I am so blessed to know that you've been caring for our son since he's been here and that I've never had to worry about his well-being. When you need a break, I want you to tell me. We have lots of people that would love to have mornings with FJ while you have time to yourself. You deserve that and you need that. You do this twenty-four – seven and I don't take that for granted. If I could trade places with you, I would but I know I wouldn't do it as great as you. You are the best person to raise our kids and I have no doubt in my mind that if we have more kids that everything will work out beautifully. I have no doubt, Livvie."
"When."
"What?"
"You said if we have more kids. It's not 'if' it's 'when'. I want more kids with you, Fitz. You know I do. I just need that reassurance that I can do this. So thank you."
"You don't need to thank me. This is something you need to know, always. It's my job as your husband to let you know that you're incredible and that I'm always going to be there when you need me. And I think you're definitely right about one thing."
"What's that?" She sat up on his lap and brushed her fingers through his hair, loving how silky his hair felt between her fingers.
"We need to get away. Just the two of us with no kids."
"I know I said that but I would rather wait until our anniversary. FJ will be one and I won't feel so guilty about leaving him, plus he'll be on regular milk by then. Plus it'll be a getaway before you guy's birthday and then school starting."
"Are we not doing a summer vacation?" He asked with his eyebrows raised. They usually did but she hadn't mentioned anything.
"The only vacation we're doing is locally. I don't want to travel anywhere with FJ right now. Half the vacation will be spent with him napping or eating and that's not fair to Madison. Besides we can save up and do Disney World next year for Christmas. He'll be two and a half by then and Mads will have asked us a billion times by then."
"True"
Olivia noticed his eyes change and knew he was holding back.
"Spill it, Grant."
"Alright, I kinda wanted to take her sooner than next year."
"When were you thinking?"
"This summer."
"This summer? Fitz, no."
"Just hear me out. We could leave FJ with my parents or Abby for a weekend, just like three days and take her. It would be fun."
"It would be just as fun next year."
"By next year she'll be in the first grade and will barely believe in anything."
"What does that even mean, babe." She was laughing at him but stopped at the serious look on his face.
"I want to see her face light up the first time she sees Cinderella because she thinks she's found a real life princess. Or when she sees Tiana for the first time and gets excited because it's a princess that looks like she does. Or Rapunzel or hell Minnie Mouse and Doc McStuffins. I don't want to show up next year when she knows it's some regular person dressed up or someone in a costume. I want to take her while that innocence is still completely there. And I wanna see that and be able to remember that for the rest of my life. She's only going to be this young for so long, Livvie. I mean hell, she's got boys sleeping over already."
He smirked up at her and she knew it was his way of making light of his serious confession. Her husband was going to have the hardest time ever with their daughter growing up and Olivia could only hope to one day give him another little girl to do it all over again with.
"So what you're telling me is that I need to start planning a trip to Disney world this summer?"
The smirk on Fitz's face turned into a full smile and Olivia shook her head as his lips descended to hers.
"Yes," he spoke between each kiss. "Let's" kiss "take" kiss "our baby" kiss "to" kiss "Disney World" kiss.
"Go get him."
Silence
"Please go get him. I wanna wake up with him in bed with us, Fitz. I already caved and let him sleep in his crib last but, but I'm demanding him now."
Silence
"Fitz!" Olivia whispered harshly.
Fitz finally turned over and faced his wife who was staring at him with raised eyebrows. He had been awake the moment he felt her reach over him to grab his phone and check the time. Fitz remembered seeing her phone on the kitchen counter when he climbed into bed that night, but had been too lazy to grab it for her. Fitz's internal alarm clock was always on time so he knew it couldn't have been later than six-thirty when his wife began waking him.
"Liv you couldn't let me sleep in just a little longer. It's Saturday for god's sake."
"Babe, bring him in! I want to wake him up on his birthday with the both of us there."
"But if we get him out of his crib, you're gonna wake him up."
"I won't."
"Yea you will."
"Babe, I really won't."
"Liv, the second I bring him in, you're gonna be all over him kissing him nonstop and cuddling him and he's gonna wake up."
"Well didn't we do that to Mads on her birthday?"
"Yea, at like eight o'clock, not before sunrise."
"Fitzgerald Grant, go get my baby."
"Olivia Grant, no."
"If he wakes up, I'll nurse him and you know his lazy self will go right back to sleep."
Fitz eyed her, but still didn't look convinced.
"It's either you bring him in, or I'm gonna lay here and completely break down. Fitz our baby is one! How did that happen?"
Fit didn't answer her but smiled nonetheless and was feeling nostalgic just thinking of their little boy.
"He's like quadrupled his weight"
"Hey!" Her hand slapped against his chest in Elijah's defense. And she smiled when Fitz gave in and rolled over to engulf her from behind. "Don't make fun of baby chunky monkey."
"He's such a butterball. I love it."
"He's such a mini you, and I love that."
"Mom kept saying he would look just like me but I tried not to get my hopes up."
"Why not?"
"Mads looks like him a little but I see so many of your features in her so I assumed he'd look like you."
"Have you not seen your niece? She's Sarah's clone. I knew from the get go he would look like you all the way around. All I really gave him was a hint of chocolate to that pretty skin of his."
Fitz's hold on her waist tightened and he attacked her neck feverishly, running his tongue over her jaw before kissing her skin thoroughly.
"I love my chocolate wife."
"God that's cheesy."
Olivia smirked and rolled over to face Fitz. She indulged him for a few moments and only stopped him once his hands began to wander to dangerous territory.
"Go get my baby."
"Olivia" he responded seriously, but she wasn't backing down.
"Fitz! He's one today! One! Go get him so he can wake up with us. I promise I'll make it up to you tonight."
A single eyebrow rose at her words and he moved out of her embrace and left the room. Olivia sat up against the headboard and waited. She heard his heavy footsteps before she saw him appear in the doorway carrying their big boy. Fitz lied down on his back and Elijah was sprawled out on his chest, his breathing so heavy it gave off a light snore.
"He's so damn cute."
Olivia moved closer to occupy the other side of Fitz's chest and stared at the sleeping baby. His plump lips were slightly open and Olivia couldn't stop herself from kissing them. He smacked them together twice before he became still again.
"Think we should wait until this one is out of diapers before we have another?"
"How about we wait until my breasts stop leaking before we try to get me pregnant again?"
"Deal."
"Deal."
Fitz sighed happy that he had listened to his wife. They both needed to wake up holding their little boy on this day. After all, he was their miracle baby.
"Happy Birthday baby boy."
Three hours later Abby, Catherine and Jerry came over to celebrate Elijah's first birthday. Fitz and Olivia had already decided to do something small for his celebration knowing that he would not remember it, and that they didn't have to do something extravagant. They had ordered donuts from their favorite shop just a few miles away and the colorful glazed donuts spelled out "Happy 1st Birthday FJ" in blue, gray, and yellow icing. Spread around the words were both chocolate and glazed donut holes along with an assortment of juice and coffee for the grown-ups.
Fitz had been sure to grab multiple balloons to attach to his little one's chair, and Elijah was constantly focused on the helium filled balloons. Olivia and Fitz knelt down beside the high chair, each holding a hand of their little boy as Catherine placed a single glazed doughnut in front of him with one lit candle flickering in front of him. He stared at the bright candle and glanced around as everyone began singing happy birthday to him. When the song was finished, Olivia and Fitz blew out the candle before removing it and allowing Elijah to stare at the donut. He poked at it before glancing back up at both of his parents to gauge their reactions. When he noticed that they only smiled and encouraged him to 'eat-eat', the little boy took a hold of the sugary treat and brought it directly to his mouth. The seven teeth that he had did more damage than they expected to the donut and it only took minutes for him to completely devour it. Olivia brought his sippy cup over to the high chair and set it down so that he could see it. He reached for the yellow cup and drank generously from it, all the while Olivia was holding her breath. Her doctor had encouraged her to mix the remainder of her breast milk with Elijah's new milk, and she had been silently praying that he would not reject the mixture. She silently cheered as he continued to drink the milk, and she was grateful to know that she wouldn't have to let her milk go to waste. Everyone continued to eat the sweet treats and Olivia caved in and allowed her baby boy two more donut holes. As per their request, he had only received a few outfits and three toys because he really had no need for anything. Just as they expected, he spent more time playing with the wrapping paper and boxes than his actual gifts.
Overall, it was a great first birthday and Olivia and Fitz were glad they were able to spend it with family.
It was definitely warming up outside but the breeze was welcomed. Olivia sat outside on the trampoline and knew if she waited for her husband to come out on his own, that she would be waiting forever. According to her calculations, Fitz should have been outside at least ten minutes ago. It was fifteen minutes ago that she'd awakened him and told him to meet her outside as he was. He mumbled an agreement and Olivia had taken off to get things ready for their breakfast. She had chopped up the fresh pineapple and watermelon she had bought the night before and had perfectly fried their omelettes up. Once she had everything on a tray, she covered it before carefully placing it on the trampoline.
Standing up, Olivia walked slowly to the opened net and stepped down before jogging inside of the house. She went to peek her head into the bedroom and saw him exactly where she left him. Olivia rolled her eyes before going into the garage and reaching in the top cabinet and pulling out the plastic bag she had stashed there the night before. She hadn't planned on pulling these out until later but Olivia figured this might be the only way to wake her husband up.
Olivia tip-toed back into the room and held the large orange and blue nerf gun tightly in her hands. She quietly pushed the bedroom door open and smirked at seeing her husband just as she'd left him. He was sprawled out on his face sideways on the bed and snoring heavily. Olivia closed one eye and aimed for the small of his back where the sheet was no longer covering and pulled the trigger once, expelling five bullets.
"AH SHIT!"
His body jerked up and Olivia couldn't stop the hollering from coming out of her mouth and the second he heard her, the confusion disappeared from his face as he saw her hunched over in the doorway.
"What the hell was that, Livvie?"
He stretched his arm back and touched his tingling skin before he looked down and finally saw what had hit his bare skin. He picked up one of the yellow bullets and looked up at her shocked.
"Don't even think about it. I'm armed, Fitzgerald!"
"Oh I can see that." He began and picked up the remaining four bullets and holding them up. "Do I get one of these?"
"No."
"That doesn't seem entirely fair."
"You should've woken up when I told you." Olivia shot another round at him and moved back as he continued to walk slowly towards her.
"Liv where is it?"
He didn't stop walking towards her and she moved backwards down the hall before Fitz broke out in a full run, reaching her in a split second.
"I guess you either need to run and hide or go find a new weapon" Fitz said as he disarmed her and held her hands together with one of his.
"Can I have a head start?"
"Did I get a head start?"
"No, but I'm kinda sexy and you love me."
"Oh is that right. What if I did this?"
Olivia squealed as she felt the plastic gun slide under her t-shirt and over her panties, firing once.
"Ah! Fitz that hurt!"
"I think you'll survive. I'll kiss it and make it feel all better, later. Now you still want that head start?"
When she nodded her head, Fitz grabbed the bottom of the t-shirt she was wearing, which was his, and in one swift move pulled it over her head, leaving her in just her bra and panties.
"This is my compromise, baby. Now you got to the count of twenty."
Olivia broke out of Fitz's hold and made her way into the laundry room for the other nerf gun before she scurried into the living room and ducked down behind the couch. For the next twenty minutes Olivia and Fitz Grant ran around their home and backyard in only their underwear shooting each other with nerf guns. Fitz had shot Olivia directly in the chest, and the second she fell to the ground and held her chest, Fitz was immediately running to her side, which caused him to get shot right in penis. Olivia had played him good, but Fitz couldn't fake the pain the plastic, fast shooting bullets caused his manhood.
"Dammit Livvie!"
She fell to her knees beside him and rubbed his face as he groaned and kept his hands over his groin.
"I was just paying you back, Babe."
"Oh so I shot you in your dick?"
"Not exactly, but.."
"You know he's off limits. Nothing comes close enough to hurt my guy."
"Your guy?" Olivia asked rolling her eyes at his words.
"Yes my guy."
"I'm so sorry that I hurt your guy, baby."
Her tone was condescending and Fitz didn't appreciate it.
"If you're really sorry you'll make sure he's okay down there."
"And how do you suppose I do that?"
"Just touch him."
"Touch him?"
"Yep. He's pretty easy. Just likes to know he's well cared for."
"Oh okay." She played along and moved her hand under the waistband of his boxers and ran her finger tips over his flesh.
"I'm serious. I keep him safe and protected on a daily basis. It's why he grows so big and strong."
Fitz subconsciously lifted his hips towards her hand as she wrapped her hand around him, deciding to give him exactly what he wanted.
"You know we now have cold breakfast outside on the trampoline?"
He took his time responding, instead he allowed his hand to wander to her back as he easily unhooked her bra and exposed her bare chest to his hungry gaze. They pleasured one another for what seemed like hours, Olivia forcing Fitz to touch her where she desired him the most until they both came from foreplay alone. When they fully connected on the living room couch, Olivia rode him backwards as he guided her hips swiftly into his hard length. They were panting and sweaty, neither being able to remember the last time they were this free in their own home. They came a final time simultaneously, Fitz not daring to last any longer with her walls milking him the way they always seemed to.
It was nearing lunch time, but Olivia and Fitz stayed tangled together on the couch, naked save for the throw blanket atop of them. They were content in being lazy with one another and they always would be.
"I don't think I've ever been so grateful for your parents."
Fitz laughed and agreed. His hands continued to trace soft patterns on Olivia's back as she rested her head on his chest. Their omelets had been stashed in the microwave, but Fitz had thrown the neatly placed fruit into a bowl and brought it to the couch in all his naked glory after hearing his wife's stomach growl several times.
"I completely agree. They are a god sent."
"They are. And we still have two more days of this."
Olivia took a bite of the watermelon Fitz held to her lips, purposely licking his fingers before he pulled back.
"Is it so bad that I miss them like crazy?"
Fitz had to laugh at her confession because he knew it was coming. The truth was he missed their children too, but he was more than happy with his parents giving them an extra long weekend in their home alone. It was a first for them, so they were bound to be just a little sad and missing their babies.
"I've been thinking about what you said with me going back to work being my decision…"
"And?"
"And I think six more months. Maybe sooner? They have the eighteen-month old class as Apple Creek and I really want him to go there. Mads went there at that age and it's amazing. If there isn't a waiting list, which there usually is, but if there's not, I know I could talk the director into letting us enroll FJ in a couple of months early. I mean he's pretty advanced for his age, don't you think?"
"Of course I think so, but we're so damn biased baby."
"You're right."
She left the conversation there and Fitz didn't mind at all. They still had time to think about it and didn't have to decide anything at that moment.
"Let's just see what happens when we get to that point."
"Okay."
He felt her sigh heavily and knew she was completely content with everything that was happening in that moment.
"I have a feeling that as amazing as life is right now, that it just might get a bit crazy soon."
Olivia sat up at his coy words and looked him in the eyes, confusion written all over her face.
"Why do you say that?"
His facial expression was the cockiest Olivia had probably ever seen and when she raised a single eyebrow, telling him to continue, his words came out with just as much confidence as his appearance.
"Because Livvie, I'm pretty sure I just got you pregnant."
Olivia Grant laughed loudly at his statement and shook her head slowly and he nodded his head in disagreement.
Like i said, cocky. Lord knows I hope he never changes.
Leave your thoughts. Until next time.