A/N-Happy Holidays to everyone. I hope that you have enjoyed your time with your family and friends. Sorry for the day computer issues. As a treat I posted at least one chapter to all of my stories.
It was full steam ahead in the Grant household. There was so much to accomplish in so little time. Olivia & Nicole were talking to someone daily making final arrangement for their trip. Olivia was a nervous wreck. She was trying to make sure that everything had been arranged for Christmas for the kids. She was talking with David daily. David assured her that everything was good. He had made contact with the vendors. They had shipped some items over ahead of the trip and confirmed that his friend who was wedding planner in the area had the items.
Olivia had decided that it wouldn't look good if they didn't participate as a family with the Christmas festivities that she had assisted in planning for the White House. While she would not officially be First Lady for a couple more weeks in the eyes of the public she was already First Lady. Her approval rating continued to climb as word got out about how personable she was with everyone. Several big names including Melinda Gates had spoken about the new First Lady.
As it got closer to their wedding it seemed their were more articles and news clips about her. They had taken her life apart. Lucky for Olivia that she had no secrets other than the affair with Fitz so no harm was done.
The Washington Post had spoken with several high-profile African-American women including Judy Smith, Shonda Rhimes,Oprah Winfrey, and Beyoncé on their thoughts of Olivia Pope. They all spoke highly of her. The common statement that kept coming up was that the administration seem more in tune with the American people.
Along with the media profiling Olivia they profiled Fitz. They compared his Presidency when he was married to Mellie and now with Olivia. It was clear he was not the same man. CNN ran a segment looking back on his first term. Fitz barely had support across the aisle for anything. Since Olivia came in the picture they stated that the President was more approachable. He listened to both sides. There were times where he clearly sided with the Democrats. They had spoken with Senators and House of Representatives that stated they felt that the country would see a lot of positive changes with Olivia as First Lady. They had a President who was fully engaged. His approval ratings were at a all-time high of 85%. Olivia was at 90%.
Karen had come in the room the other day to show them that they were now considered one of the sexist couples in America. Karen was a little grossed out. These were her parents.
The White House had planned several activities that they were participating in before they left. Olivia made sure that they included some Hanukkah events as well.
The family went to a homeless shelter and served dinner. The cameras followed them around as they talked with the families. Once the cameras left Fitz & Olivia presented each person with a $500.00 gift card at Wal-Mart. They asked the shelter to not share that they gave them a gift. They didn't want the attention. They just wanted to help.
Olivia along with the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation adopted ten low-income schools across the United States. Olivia held a press conference to announce the schools that they selected. Each school selected who be receiving computers and tablets for their school. They would be putting new curriculum in place. New programs would be implemented to provide these children with a chance to grow. For the holidays each school had received clothing, food, and gifts so that these children would have a good holiday. Olivia would be traveling to each school once she returned.
Olivia became a super star over night. Between those two events there were very few people who did not love Olivia Pope. If you didn't like her you didn't say it out loud.
Olivia visited two local low-income elementary schools with Karen & Teddy and read to the kids. They gave each child a goody bag before they left. Olivia took pictures with the administration, teachers, and the children. Each school talked about how down to earth she was. The kids were respectful and seem to truly enjoy being there helping their mom.
The family enjoyed the Christmas tree lighting. They were all dressed in either red or black. The fashion world could not get enough of Olivia Pope. They gushed over her wardrobe. The consensus was that she didn't have a bad outfit in her closet. For the tree lighting ceremony she wore a red Monique Lhuiller Floral-Lace & Gazar Fit-and-Flare dress. It was the first official picture the public had of them together as a family.
#FirstNewFamily was the number one trending topic. Someone on their staff posted the picture on the official White House twitter account. It caused Twitter to temporarily shut down. You could clearly see that they were a happy family. Everyone commented how relaxed President Grant looked with Olivia by his side. Everyone enjoyed seeing the President with his kids which they didn't see in the first term. The kids looked comfortable and genuinely happy.
Their last event was the "Christmas in Washington" celebration. Fitz called his good friend Tom Hanks and asked if he and his wife Rita would host the event. They accepted. There were performances by Sam Smith, Aretha Franklin, Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson, and One Direction. Olivia wore a black Monique Lhuiller Long-Sleeve Gown with Bateau Neckline.
The night was filled with good times. They invited kids from the schools that Olivia visited. They took pictures with them. They talked with the parents. The kids sang to them. Olivia recorded it, and posted it to her twitter account. Olivia was a class act. She was the woman beside a great man. Their love radiated throughout the room. Everyone continued to comment on how the White House no longer seemed stuffy.
Fitz worked with the hill to get funding for Ebola. They had put measures in place to try to get a handle of ISIS. He got through all the briefs. He met with his staff and made sure that all important documents had been signed. He had taken care of everything. He planned on this being a vacation. He knew that he was on call all the time, but he wanted to really enjoy their time together.
The Friday before they left they had an Office Party. Olivia had the food catered in so the kitchen staff could enjoy themselves. They gave every member of their staff a $500.00 gift card to Wal-Mart and any staff member that had a child they gave them a $100.00 gift card to Toys R Us for each child they had. The couple was dressed down in jeans. They thanked them for their hard work, and let them know that they appreciated them.
Olivia spent the evening going through her checklist. She had to make sure that nothing was left behind.
The day had arrived for them to begin their Christmas vacation, and the countdown was on till they were officially married.
Everyone was a ball of energy. Everyone was excited. They decided to pack the vehicles last night to save time. All the SSA and Fitz took care of that. They were all up five the Saturday before Christmas preparing to leave. They were schedule to depart at eight for the ten-hour flight.
Fitz, Olivia, Karen, Teddy, Marta, Rowan, and the two dogs were the first to arrive. They got them settled. Nicole, Kimberly, and Courtney were right behind them. Abby, Harrison, Quinn, and Huck were on their heels. Cyrus and Ella came on. Lauren was at the end. They brought their SSA details, but Fitz had 24 more assigned for two reasons. He intended for everyone to be able to have some down time and enjoy themselves especially their primary detail. Also they wanted the additional help on hand for the wedding.
Everyone aboard was excited, but Karen was over the moon. She had barely slept the night before. Olivia had never seen her so excited. It made her happy that this trip meant that much to her.
Everyone got settled and they took off. Once they were able to move around Olivia went over to Karen who had her I-pad and was reading things to do there.
Olivia smiled, "How is the research going?"
Karen jumped. She didn't see her mom. "Sorry mom I was just looking at family activities that we can do together. I was also reading the history of the country."
Olivia nodded, "I'm really glad we made this come true for you."
Karen looked at her mom and smiled. "Happy doesn't seem to convey enough about how I feel. I never thought I would get to be the typical teenager. I love the balance we have now. It's not that I didn't understand what being a politician's daughter meant. I just didn't want to be that all the time."
Olivia shook her head, "We get it sweetie. Your dad and I will continue to make sure that you have that balance. Show me what you found for us to do."
Karen smiled and made room for Olivia. They spent the next hour or so looking at activities that the family do. Karen began to yawn. Olivia knew that she hadn't slept much from the excitement of the trip. Olivia brought a throw and pillow over so she could take a nap.
Once Olivia got Karen situated she realized that she was tired as well. Teddy was hanging out with Papa and Nana. She decided that she would go and lay down. She didn't see Fitz. She thought he might be in the office. She headed to their bedroom. When she opened the door she found him laying across the bed.
Olivia smiled. This is what she loved the most. It was not him as President. It was this. Fitz being a normal guy. He looked at peace and happy. She remembered his face was not always this serene. Pain used to always be etched on. Whether it was his dad, or Mellie, or Cyrus, or even her it showed a man who was not happy. She was glad those days were over.
Olivia took her jeans off. She kept her t-shirt on and climbed on the bed.
Fitz said, "I was wondering how long it was going to take for you to join me."
Olivia jumped because she didn't realize FItz knew she was in the room.
Olivia laughed, "I like being creepy every now and then too. It's relaxing to watch you sleep especially when you are happy."
"It is easy to sleep these days. Our administration is finally shaping up to be what we dreamed. Our kids are truly happy with life. We have great family and friends. Most importantly my dream is about to come true. You are about to become my wife and my First Lady. Life can't get any better. Well it could when we finally get you knocked up."
Olivia whispered, "It will happen. Trust me"
"I do Livvie. I have always trusted you."
"Ditto. Let's catch a nap."
Fitz & Olivia were able to get a couple of hours of sleep. They got up and after getting dressed joined everyone. They all enjoyed a light meal and talked about things they wanted to do on the trip.
They had finally arrived to their destination. Karen looked out the window and the glee in her eyes said it all.
Karen looked at her parents, "We are here. We are finally in Brazil"
It was an exciting time. Everyone was relaxed and happy. It was clear that this was going to be a good time for all.
There were a fleet of vehicles waiting for them. The drivers as well as the SSAs helped to load up all of their luggage. They were headed to a luxury condominium home that Olivia found for them to rent.
When they pulled up everyone was thrilled with what they saw. Olivia had paid spoken with the owner, and she had gladly allowed the staff to decorate the home for the family. Olivia told the owner she would pay them. The owner tried to say that it was no bother. Olivia knew it was because their were the First Family of the United States. Olivia refused to take advantage of that, but she did thank the owner for being so accommodating.
There was a Santa in a sleigh on the lawn. They had put lights on the trees outside and around the outside of the home. Inside of the home they found a 15 foot Christmas tree. Per Olivia's request they had only put lights on the tree. Olivia wanted the kids to decorate the tree. She had purchased decorations. Fitz also brought the children's ornaments that they had collected over the years. Kimberly & Courtney didn't know, but Olivia had made sure that Nicole brought theirs. Olivia had also purchased them an engraved ornament that she had gotten Karen, Teddy, and Gerry.
Underneath the tree were a ton of gifts. They had most of the gifts shipped down ahead of time for two reasons. One they wanted Christmas to feel like Christmas even though they were on this exotic vacation. Two it made packing a little easier on them.
Their were poinsettia around the house. The inside of the house had been decorated as well. Everyone's eyes lit up including Fitz. She had told no one of her conversations with the owner. She wanted to surprise them. It seemed to work.
The home itself was beautiful. The house was in Angra Dos Reis. It was twelve bedrooms and eleven and a half baths. The house was located on the seafront. It included a pool, private beach, and sauna. She made sure thy had a large kitchen so they could cook sometimes. The owner's private chef was available to them at anytime.
The kitchen had been fully stocked with everything that she requested and more. Everyone was suffering from jet lag so they decided to relax. Olivia made a lasagna and a salad for dinner. The kids changed into something more suitable for the hot weather in Brazil.
After dinner Olivia brought out the decorations. It was an exciting fun evening watching the kids decorate the Christmas tree. Teddy had never got to decorate a tree. Karen had been a toddler the last time she decorated one.
Olivia taped the tree being decorated. Love and happiness was in the air. It was something that they all could use.
Sunday they decided they wanted to go hiking so they went to Tijuca National Park. Everyone enjoyed being outside and enjoying nature. In addition to hiking they were able to enjoy wildlife-watching. That was Teddy's favorite. They also visited Christ the Redeemer while they were at the park. It was recognized as being one of the seven Wonders of the World. It was an educational experience for the kids.
They made it back to the house. After showering and changing clothes they decided they wanted to eat out. They knew that the kids wouldn't want a fancy meal so after looking up restaurants in the area they decided on Outback Steakhouse. They made a call and were able to get their party room reserved.
It was a fun evening out. Everyone was having a great time. It was nice not having to deal with cold weather. Everyone at the table was grateful that they were together.
After dinner and the kids got ready for bed they watched "The Polar Express" Olivia loved the movie. None of the kids had ever seen it so Olivia was excited that she could share something that she loved with them. The kids all loved the movie.
Teddy was in Olivia's lap, "Mom can we watch that every Christmas?"
Fitz was a little choked up watching the moment.
Olivia had to take a breath. "How about every year we will decorate the Christmas tree together and watch "The Polar Express" to end the night. It will become one of the Grant's family tradition?"
Teddy jumped down excited. He looked at Fitz to make sure he also agreed. He pulled Olivia in his arms, "Buddy I think I would enjoy that tradition. What do you say?"
Teddy yelled, "Awesome. I have the coolest mom and dad ever"
Everyone laughed. Fitz told Teddy it was time for bed. Teddy gave everyone hugs and kisses. When he got to his mom he hugged her tight. He looked Olivia in the eyes, "Love you mommy. Thank you for loving me."
Olivia looked him in the eyes, "It is easy to love you Teddy Bear. Slept tight"
Teddy ran up to his room. Everyone was making their way to their room to relax for the night.
Abby sat down beside Olivia, "I want you to know that I am truly happy for you. I never knew this Olivia Pope existed. At first it was weird. Over time I realized this version of you is better. Seeing you truly happy and not having to fake it has been a pleasure to watch. I am sorry if I ever caused you any problems with Fitz."
Olivia shook her head, "Honestly Abby nobody caused more problems in our relationship than me. Despite Fitz being married to Mellie he was always clear and honest with me that I was the love of his life. He was clear that he would give it up for me over and over. He tried and I also sabotaged it. Sometimes I look around and wonder how we made it, because I wished for it but I never worked for it to happen. I know that it was because Fitz refused to stop loving me even when he was mad at me even when I didn't love myself."
Abby nodded, "I was wrong about him. I grouped him in the Republican bandwagon. If that wasn't enough of an insult I grouped him like his dad especially when you guys began your affair. Men like that don't put love before power. I realized it's not fair to group people in categories like that. I think being married to Charles made me bitter."
Olivia looked at Abby, "I get it Abby. It is water under the bridge. I'm glad you are here. I love you and thank you for all that you have ever done. I'm not the same Olivia Pope, but to me it is a good thing. I know that I can handle being a crisis manager with my eyes closed. Now it is time for me to branch out."
Abby got up, "I love you too. I have no doubt that all your dreams will come true."
Olivia made it to their bedroom. She heard Fitz in the shower so she went to join him. They had been so busy for the last couple of weeks that they barely had time to sleep let alone have sex.
They need each other. They enjoyed a couple of rounds of love-making in the shower. They were making up for lost time. They made it to the bed and continued to make love to the sound of the water in the back-ground.
They finally wore each other out, and it took no time for them to fall asleep. Olivia had never been more content than she was now. Life had not always been easy, but she was happy.
They had decided that for the next two days that they would do things just as a family of four. They wanted the kids to have their undivided attention. Karen had found some activities that she thought they would enjoy.
They started their day with the Sugar Loaf Mountain tour. It would take up most of their morning. They would get to view the city from a cable car that would take them to the top and allow them to see the city.
Karen was in heaven. Olivia had bought Karen her own digital camera for her birthday so that she would have it for the trip. It was money well spent. Karen had taken a lot of pictures and Olivia noticed that she was really good.
They had seen the city from up high and now they were going to see the city from the water. They took the Guanabara Bay Cruise with a Seafood lunch. All four of them enjoyed the cruise. The water was beautiful and they all loved being on the water. This was definitely turning out to be the trip of a life time.
When they got back to the house they decided to spend time on the beach. Olivia made them a picnic, and the four of them made their way to the private beach. They were having a blast. They played in the ocean. They built a sand castle. Fitz let the kids bury him. Olivia took lots of pictures.
They cleaned up and sat down to eat the food Olivia had packed for them.
Fitz looked at the kids, "Guys are you having fun?"
Karen laughed, "Is that a trick question dad?"
Fitz laughed, "No sweetheart. I just wanted to make sure that you kids are having fun. Your mom and I wanted to make sure this was a vacation for us. After Christmas your mom will have to focus on the wedding, but we wanted to try to spend quality time with you guys."
Karen smiled, "Dad I have been having the time of my life since we boarded Air Force One. The fact that mom made this trip happen has been everything, but to be here with family and get to spend time with just our family is something I will always remember."
Fitz & Olivia smiled. Fitz turned to Teddy, "What about you buddy?"
Teddy smiled, "Yes. Lots of fun. Love being with you daddy, and mommy, and Kan Kan. Will Santa know that we are at a different home this year?"
Olivia laughed, "Yes buddy. Mommy made sure to send our location this year for you."
Teddy smiled, "Thank you mommy. Love you."
Olivia kissed his cheek, "Love you to baby."
They finished their food and made it back to the house. They all took their shower and put some lounge clothes on. They checked in with everyone else to see what they did. They had promised the kids a day of shopping on Christmas Eve so they decided to head to bed. Fitz & Olivia read to Teddy after he read. They stopped by Karen's room to say goodnight.
When they got to the room and got in bed Fitz turned to Olivia.
Fitz said, "Teddy is making leaps and bounds. He is reading now about his age. He has finally mastered those LEAP frog lessons for six and seven-year olds. He is not the same little boy. He is an almost five-year old-young man. You did that. I'm so happy. He is a happy little boy."
Olivia looked Fitz in the eye. Her tone was serious as she spoke to him, "No we did that together. We are partners in this relationship. We are partners as parents. Sure I gave him those programs, but my dad did the same with me. He balanced education and fun when my mom was alive. I am doing the same thing, but you play a part in that. Your dude days mean a lot to him. When he dresses like dad that means the world to him. That some nights you read with him means the world to him. He needs us both. Don't downplay your role as the father and the man of our house."
Fitz nodded, "I get it Livvie. I'm sorry. Sometimes I just get scared that this is a dream and that I am going to wake back up in hell. I won't survive if I ever have to live that way again."
Olivia took Fitz's face in her hands, "I promise you that we are never going back. We are moving forward as a couple, as a married couple in a week, and as a family. The only ones who can break us is us and I have no desire to see that happen."
Fitz smiled, "Ditto"
They fell asleep in each other's arms. Christmas Eve had arrived. As promised Fitz & Olivia promised the kids that they would go shopping. The kids wanted to buy a couple more Christmas gifts, and they wanted to buy souvenirs. They spent most of the day in Rio De Janeiro shopping. They stopped for a quick-lunch and went back to shopping.
When they got back to the house they put everything up. The kids asked if they could have pizza for dinner. They checked with everyone and they were fine with pizza so Olivia went and placed the order.
Olivia had promised all the kids that they would bake Christmas Eve. They decided to allow the Chef and his team to prepare their Christmas dinner. The chef had given them a menu that he wanted to prepare that was a combination of American and Brazilian foods. The couple was fine with his menu. She however told him that she would handle the deserts.
After dinner Olivia, Abby, Marta, and the kids spent the evening in the kitchen preparing deserts for Christmas dinner and a snack to leave out for Santa.
Fitz was sitting outside looking at the water when he heard the door opened. Rowan came out on to the deck.
Fitz smiled, "Hey dad'
Rowan nodded and smiled at his son-in-law, "Hey son. How are you?"
"Honestly I am great. I know we have the Mellie issue to deal with when we get back, but I really can't give her anymore of me. I have the kids to think about. I have my fiancée/wife to be concerned with."
"I understand son and I am glad that you feel that way. I am proud of you. Most men would have folded. I wanted you to fold. I wanted to break you and prove that you weren't worthy. I am glad that I had it all wrong. You gave me a life. A real one."
"Yeah you busted my balls, but I get it. She was your little girl. You went about it the wrong way, but I knew that you really did love her. It was why I could never really fought you. I really need you to know that she is my everything. She always was my everything. I never seen the color of her skin. I'm not dumb I know that Olivia has to work four times as hard as me to make it in this world. She is a black woman. Some people never get past that. I hope that we can put a small dent in the continuing cycles of racism; not only for my wife's sake but the sake of our children that they will be more that some mulatto babies."
Rowan smiled. It warmed his heart to hear Fitz talk. "I think that was always my biggest fear when I found out about the two of you. My gut told me it was more than a fling. One is Olivia doesn't love or like easily, but two is the word had always been that you were nothing like your father. I knew that Mellie was nothing more than an entitled brat that had been promised the world without having to work for anything. I was worried how you would treat Olivia. I raised her to be strong. There are a lot of things that I have come to love and respect about you, but the one things that stands out is that you have always allowed Olivia to shine. She gets to be the smart and brilliant person that she is."
Fitz looked at Rowan and spoke in a business like tone, "Olivia Carolyn Pope-Grant will always be the most brilliant, smartest, and kind woman I know. She is smarter than me. Our kids will have her brains. While Teddy is not biologically hers she has tapped into that little boy and brought out someone who I didn't know was there. As long as I am alive she will either be beside me or in front of me, but never behind me."
Rowan got up and hugged Fitz, "I know son. I know"
They talked for a few more minutes before heading inside. They seen a table full of deserts that were out cooling. Huck let them know that the kids were wrapping gifts so Olivia and Nicole were helping them out. Marta was tired and headed to bed. Rowan said good-night to everyone and went to join Marta.
Fitz went to their room and took a shower and found some sweats and a t-shirt to wear they played Santa.
Once Olivia & Nicole finished with the kids they brought out their gifts and placed them under the tree. They then went and took a shower and put on some lounge clothes.
It was a little after midnight when they got started. It took them about two and a half hours to get everything put out and set up.
Nicole went over to Fitz & Olivia. She had tears in her eyes, "I want you both to know that I love you. I love you not because of all of the monetary gifts that you have given me and my girls which we appreciate, but it is the love and kindness that you have shown. My girls have this family that loves her. Karen treats them like they are her sisters. She looks out for Courtney as much as Kim does. You gave me a job and you have allowed me to flourish. I get to learn new things and better myself. For the first time in a long time we are happy. I can never repair you. I just need you to know that I appreciate you both. I love you."
They hugged Nicole and smiled. Fitz decided to speak, "Olivia gets most of the credit. We are proud of you. You work hard. You don't take advantage of us. We need you as much as you need us. I know that between you and Lauren that you guys have our back. You hold us up. With Liv about to become First Lady it is what we need. Family is what you make it. I never had a loving one. Liv went a large amount of time without one. We just want a better future for ourselves and our family. You are family. We want you to succeed. Not just to make us look good, but for you to look in the mirror and be proud of yourself."
Nicole nodded and thanked them again. They all headed to bed for a couple of hours. They were able to make it to 6:30, but the kids were in full played mode.
Teddy freaked out when he seen his new train set. He didn't see much else for a while. Santa had been good to the kids. They had got the youngest ones each a got a Kindle Fire to read his books, he got a new kid's laptop, and an Ipad. There were a lot of new trains to go with the set that Santa had left out. He got a couple new Lego sets to put together. Finally there were several new outfits and shoes.
Karen had asked Olivia if she could start wearing some make-up. After talking with they agreed to allow her to wear so light make up. They got her a make-up kit. A lip gloss kit. The new I-phone six in gold, the kindle fire HD, a Macbook, some jewelry, clothes, and shoes.
Kimberly & Courtney had a lot of things that were similar to Teddy & Karen. The adults exchanged their gifts. Fitz & Olivia decided to not exchange gits on Christmas. They each got the other something, but it was for their wedding.
Fitz & Olivia had given Marta & Rowan a 21 day European couples cruise all expenses paid. They handed Nicole a box and an envelope. She opened the envelope and there was a personal check for $10,000. The card thanked her for doing a wonderful job, and hoped that she enjoyed her Christmas bonus. In the box was a key. Kimberly came over with a video that she had on her cell phone. It was Olivia & Fitz and the four kids in front of a brand new Acura TL. The salesman described the luxury package that had been added to the car. Fitz handed the salesman and check, and he said I hope that Nicole enjoys her new car. The kids were singing Nicole got a new car, Nicole got a new car, and it is going to be great. Nicole looked at them with tears in her eyes. Fitz told her that the car was parked in the garage at home.
Nicole hugged and thanked them. The girls were telling her about the car since they got to see it. They continued to open gifts and enjoy spending time together. Fitz made them breakfast. They all sat down and enjoyed breakfast. They made the kids go shower and put some clothes on and then allowed them to come back down and play.
The family spent the day playing with the kids. Watching basketball and movies. The chef made them an excellent dinner and they enjoyed all the dishes that he prepared. Later on they stuffed themselves with desert and laid around. They took lots of pictures and knew that they would remember this day for years to come.
The day was finally coming to an end and everyone was wiped out. As Olivia was getting in bed it hit her that in seven days she would be married. That didn't scare her at all. She just hope that the wedding went off without too many problems.
As she lay there in thought she heard him.
Olivia turned and looked at Fitz. He smiled at her, "The wedding will be fine. It is our day. It may not be perfect. Issues may arise. It is a wedding, but it is our day. As long as I get to read you my vow and put that ring on your finger and hear that you are officially mines I am okay."
Olivia nodded and took in what he said, "You are right."
When she woke up tomorrow it was full steam ahead for the Grant Wedding...
A/N-Sorry for the delay. Computer issues caused me not to be able to post. You finally know the destination for the wedding. Brazil will host the wedding in one week. I am hoping nothing comes up next week so that I can get everything posted on before New Years