Olivia was rushed to George Washington University Hospital where Dr. Jerome was waiting on them.
Although Fitz wanted to freak out he couldn't do that. His wife needed him, and he was not going to let her down.
Dr. Jerome quickly determined that Olivia was suffering from low blood pressure as a result of the pregnancy.
Dr. Jerome explained that Olivia did nothing wrong. It is a side effect of pregnancy, and that relieved Fitz. He knew that once Olivia was coherent she would be concerned that she did something wrong.
Dr. Jerome made sure that they gave Olivia something to keep her calm. She didn't want her to go from low blood pressure to high blood pressure, because she didn't know what was going on.
Dr. Jerome was treating Olivia by giving her magnesium sulfate in her IV to stop the contractions. She was also giving her corticosteroid to accelerate the babies lungs and brain maturity should they have to go in and deliver.
The next couple of days were hard. Especially on Olivia. She remained calmed because she didn't want to cause the babies any more distress.
Thankfully they were able to get the contractions to stop, but Olivia & the babies would need to be constantly monitored.
Dr. Jerome owned several birthing centers so with the help of secret service one of her birthing centers would become the temporary home for Olivia & her kids.
The birthing center had two private rooms. Olivia insisted that Karen & Teddy be with her. She needed her children with her otherwise she would be worried.
The media was under the impression that she was still in the hospital. The doctor gave all of her updates from the hospital.
The goal was to get Olivia to at least 32 weeks.
Fitz made sure that Dr. Jerome and her staff was more than compensated for what they were doing. She tried to explain it wasn't necessary but he insisted.
The first night it was just Fitz & Olivia. They were laying in the bed watching TV. Olivia hadn't said a whole lot since she woke up. Fitz wanted to give her space, and to keep her stress down.
He grabbed her hand to see if she would pull away. She didn't. Actually she moved so he could hold her, and she put his hands on her bump.
"I'm sorry that I scared you. Honestly when we left the party I was just really tired."
"I know honey. Dr. Jerome said with low blood pressure fatigue & dizziness are common symptoms. That is common in a pregnancy."
"I need them to be okay. I can't lose them."
"You aren't going to lose them. Just relax. The kids will be here tomorrow. The family will drop in to see you. I will handle everything else."
"What about the nursery?"
"Mom, finished it up for you with Karen. They took pictures and will bring them tomorrow, and are also bringing everything for you to work on the scrapbook."
"I forgot about that for a moment. That was the best surprise ever. It means more to me than she will ever know."
"I think she feels the same way that you look at her as a mother figure and grandmother to the children. She is really happy."
"I'm glad we talked before this happened."
"I am to baby. I am glad you were able to realize how loved and desired you are. I can never do better than you. Soon we will have Noelle & Nathaniel. In the meantime relax. You got some reports from the school. The kids sent you some things. There is a lot that you can do from bed."
"I am sorry that we can't have sex. I know that the six weeks for a long time for you, and now add-on another month or so."
"I will miss being one with you, because it was never just sex but I'll be fine. You being healthy, and the twins coming into the world as healthy as possible is the only concern I have."
"I love you Fitz. Thank you for loving me faults and all. You are everything to me, and I don't say it enough."
"Just because I use the words a little more than you doesn't mean I don't know it. I do. I know you, and I know that when you love you love hard. There is nothing you wouldn't do for that person. You have always been that way with me. Ready to slay dragons. Now it is my turn. I know this is hard for you, but I got you."
"It is a little hard, but I want my babies here and healthy. So if staying in a bed or chair all day long is the requirement then so be it."
Fitz pulled her close to him and hummed until she fell asleep.
When she woke up Fitz was at the table responding to emails. Before they could say anything to each other Olivia's stomach began to growl.
Fitz was laughing so hard he had tears in his eyes. When he finally calmed down he said, "Worst Husband in America"
Olivia continued to laugh.
Tom walked in and saw them laughing and was confused what was going on. He walked over to Olivia and handed her a bag.
Olivia opened up the bag and smiled. The Chef made her a Grilled Bacon Ranch Chicken sandwich and Tatar Tots.
Tom said, "I thought it would put a smile on your face."
Olivia grinned because she was fortunate to have a group of people around her that loved her so much.
Tom hugged her, "I am just glad that you and the babies are okay. You scared us."
Olivia nodded, "I'm sorry"
"Don't be. Just relax so we can get Nate and Noe here in one piece."
They enjoyed a quiet evening. Olivia wasn't sure when she fell asleep.
She woke up the next morning to the sounds of her kids coming into the room, and it was the best sound in the world. If you would have told Olivia a year ago that the sound she looked forward to most was the laughs and cries of her children she would have told you that you were crazy.
Olivia now understood why moms gushed over their children so much; why no matter how successful they were it was nothing compared to them being a mother.
Teddy had a gift bag in his hand that was as big as him. She looked at them, and could tell that they were scared. This has been hard on them too.
Olivia scooted to the middle of the bed. She opened up her arms and the kids climbed on the bed on each side of her and she held them. She felt her top getting wet. Both of them were crying.
Fitz was about to come over when she shook her head. He nodded.
Olivia was whispering in their ears, "Mommy is okay. I got a little sick, but Dr. Jerome gave me and the babies some medicine. We are okay now, but mommy has to relax in the bed or on the sofa until Nate and Noe come."
After a few minutes the kids settled down. Fitz came over and helped them clean their faces.
Olivia kissed Teddy's forehead, "What's in the bag Teddy Bear?"
Teddy grinned, "Sissy, Nana, and Daddy helped me put a care bag together."
Teddy jumped off the bed, but he didn't go to the bag he went over to Tom who stepped out for a second and came back in with a monogrammed body pillow.
Teddy was proud of himself. It was his idea but Karen helped him, and she was proud of her little brother.
Olivia was grinning as Teddy was trying to bring over the pillow that as tall as him. Olivia assumed that the pillow had her name on it, but upon further inspection it actually said "MOMMY'S PILLOW".
Teddy handed it to her, "Sissy said that you had to rest so Nate & Noe don't get sick. When I'm sick you put extra pillows under me so I'll feel better so I thought you would want a pillow. Sissy let me pick out. She said I did good. Did I do good mommy?"
Olivia smiled, "You did great and I am proud of you for being a big boy. You are going to be a great big brother. Sissy is doing a great job teaching you."
That made both kids happy to hear.
Teddy then gave her the bag. Inside was a new I-pod and Olivia noticed that it already had several play lists. As she scrolled through it was a lot of music designed to keep her relaxed. There was a pair of Beats headphones. Olivia looked up curious
Teddy said, "Dr. Jerome said that babies like music. It relaxes them. I thought if Noe & Nate hear some music they will calm down and you guys won't get sick."
Olivia looked up at Fitz who was also trying to keep his emotions in check.
Olivia loved to play Sudoku and Crossword puzzles so there were some puzzles in the bag. Also her laptop, cell phone, and Ipad.
Olivia helped Teddy climb back on the bed, "I am really proud of you buddy. You did a good job, and you are being a big boy. I love you."
"I love you too mommy"
Olivia turned to Karen, "You are growing up and I could not be more proud of you. Your daddy told me what you did. After the twins get here and we get settled in we will do something together just the two of us."
Karen looked up, "Really?"
Olivia smiled, "Absolutely so show me. Your dad thought you needed to show me."
Karen pulled out her MacBook. When Olivia got sick Karen initially freaked out, but she knew that her brother needed her so she had to find something productive to do.
She talked to her dad who was hesitant at first, but decided he was going to trust that his daughter knew what she was doing.
Karen sent out a message via Twitter and Facebook on the FLOTUS page.
The message said, "On behalf of my mom the FLOTUS we would like to take the time to thank you for all of your love and support. Right now everyone is doing well. Unfortunately she will not be able to travel, or attend any engagements in or outside of the White House, but we still want to continue to give a voice to equality. We want to see how others are doing their part to make this country a better place. Use the #EqualLove and you could get a direct response from the White House. We are even considering recognizing some individuals based on what we see. It doesn't matter your age, race, if you are an individual, or group. We want to hear from the nation."
It was a success all the way around. The public respected the White house for thinking about the nation as well as their family. The public thought that it was appropriate for her to take care of herself obviously, but they were finding ways to stay engaged with the world.
Their approval ratings jumped up to the nineties. The videos were coming in, and Fitz was impressed.
Fitz turned to his wife, "You know she would be an excellent fixer one day. She's got it honest. It was a way to keep you out there without you being out there, and it will allow you something to do to pass the days by until the twins come in a relaxing way."
Olivia agreed. It was genius.
Now to see it was beyond anything that she could explain. Karen had redesigned her page. She had added pictures from events they had done. There were some of her favorite quotes that Karen had posted on her behalf.
Olivia was so proud of her. Olivia was reading all of the well-wishes from all over the world. Olivia loved the idea that she could interact with them from the comfort of the bed so she took out her cell phone and snap some selfies with the kids.
She posted one of the pictures with a note "Resting with all of my babies. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I see you. I looked forward to meeting some of you after I get my other two babies here safe and sound."
Between her and Karen they spent the next couple of hours looking at videos and responding to some. They even decided to pick one everyday that they thought was the best.
They had social media on fire. The news was hailing her as mother of the year. Dr. Jerome came in and checked on Olivia and the babies. All of her vitals were great.
She was concerned how Olivia was going to handle the bed rest, but the kids were making it easy. Her whole family was. It was impressive the amount of love they had for each other, and most of them were not biologically connected. It showed you that family is not always about blood.
That night Karen helped Teddy get ready for bed. He read with his mom for a few before heading to the other bedroom where Karen tucked him in. He was out in no time.
Karen came back in the room with her mom. Once she climbed back on the bed Olivia grabbed her brush and began to brush her hair. She loved when her mom did this for her. She didn't think Karen would enjoy it. Teenagers today are different, but Karen enjoyed it. It was their time to talk about any and everything.
Olivia said, "Proud of you doesn't even seem like the right word. You are like your dad. You are beautiful and smart, and there is nothing that you can't do. You can do great things, and that is what I want for you. I want you to know that your dad and I are your biggest fans. We could not be more proud, and we want you to continue to do great. Try different things until you find that one thing you know will make you happy."
"Do you think that Gerry is proud of me?"
"I know he is. Teddy loves his sissy. You handle him like Gerry handled you. He never coddled you. It was like you were twins. He never threw the big brother card. He loved being your big brother. He loved protecting you. That is what you are now. Teddy was so proud of his self with the pillow. You helped him, but still you allowed him to do it. Showing him he can be independent even when he needs help."
"He is so smart mom. He is so easy. Give him a book, or a tablet and you might forget that he is there."
"That was you. I remember when we were on the trail one day. No one could find you. You were in my office curled up on the sofa reading where Gerry left you, but he thought at some point you got up."
Karen was laughing, "Really I don't remember..."
"I do. Mellie tried to berate you and your dad and Gerry stopped her. They were not about to let her chide you for staying put and reading. They were right, but it was interesting to see the dynamics."
"It doesn't hurt as much as it use to when he first died, but some days I am so mad at God for letting Mellie hurt us so much, but after we found out that they were able to get the contractions to stop I felt like Gerry got God to give us a break. If he wasn't there then things could have been worse."
Olivia took a moment to compose herself, "I agree sweetheart. I love you."
Karen turned and hugged her mom, "I love you too and I am really glad that you adopted me. You changed my life."
Karen got up before Olivia could say anything else. Karen came in with medicine for Olivia. Dad had to stay late as they were trying to finish up some bills, and he wanted to keep Cyrus away from them so he sent him overseas so it was just the three of them and the SSAs for the night.
Karen brought over a bottle of water, juice, and a snack should she get hungry in the middle of the night. Olivia assured her she was fine, and she should go and relax for the night.
That was their life for the next month. The nursery was complete. They had brought over the car seats and Olivia's bag to the birthing center.
By the end of August Olivia was really uncomfortable. Olivia's blood pressure was all over the place, and the doctor decided it was time to get them out.
The babies would be about 3 1/2 weeks early. They waited until late in the evening to transport Olivia to the hospital.
Olivia had spent time with their family and friends earlier. She allowed the kids to eat dinner in the bed with her. They explained to the kids what was about to take place. They were both eerily calm.
Fitz asked the kids if they were okay and they nodded.
Olivia said, "Talk to us."
Karen shrugged, "Just nervous."
Teddy whispered, "Don't won't you to die like my friend's mom died."
Olivia now understood. Karen was having flashbacks from when she was shot, and Teddy's friend mom died in surgery. She was in a car accident, and her injuries were severe.
Olivia didn't want to make a promise. Nothing was guaranteed, but she had no reason to believe that this was anything but routine.
Olivia grabbed their hands, "Guys it was always planned that they would get the babies out this way. So even if I had not gotten sick Dr. Jerome wanted to get the babies out this way. She thought it was the safest. So mommy should be fine. You guys hang out with Nana & Papa. Daddy & I will see you tomorrow.
Teddy asked, "Is tomorrow still just us like you promised?"
Olivia nodded, "How about we let Nana & Papa get a peek then it will be the four of us for the day before everyone else comes in?"
Teddy agreed
Olivia looked at Karen but she said nothing. Olivia opened her arms, and she went to her. Olivia just held her. She knew that the only thing that would make Karen feel better is to see her after the surgery. She was going to down play her emotions.
As they got up to leave Karen ran back over to her, "I love you mom. I love you to the moon and back."
Olivia croaked, "I love you to honey. I'll see you soon."
Fitz understood how Karen felt. He was a little nervous as well, but he couldn't show it. A couple hours later Tom & Ethan came in with Dr. Jerome.
They went over the plan one more time.
An hour and a half later they were in the O.R. about to get started.
Fitz was right above Olivia's head holding her hand. He kissed her forehead, "Ready to meet the new additions."
Olivia didn't say anything. She just stared at him with tears in her eyes. Fitz never broke eye contact with her. He didn't see fear or even nervousness. He saw shock.
"It is happening Livvie. In a few minutes we get to see Nathaniel Gerry and Noelle Carolyn, and I bet that Noe comes out first because she is like her mother. She has to win, and she has to hold it over her brother that she is the oldest by however many minutes. Nate won't care because he loves her, and he will have a gentle soul like Gerry & Teddy."
Olivia smiled because she could see it. It made it real, and in her mind she knows he is right. Now she wants to see them, and ten minutes later she did.
Like Fitz said Noelle came out first weight 4 pounds, 8 ounces, and 17 inches and four minutes later Nathaniel joined them weighing 4 pounds, 9 ounces, and 18 inches.
They were so beautiful. Fitz cut the cord on both of the babies. It was an emotional moment that Olivia would never forget. Now that they were here she felt complete. She had Karen & Teddy. They made her a mother, and now she had Noe and Nate who were their first biological children.
Dr. Jerome stitched her up. Tha babies were taken to the NICU for observation, but Dr. Jerome assured them that both babies looked to be in relative good health. If she had to guess they might need some oxygen, but that was it.
A little later Olivia was resting in her room. The drugs knocked her out. When she woke up it was a sight she would never forget. Her husband holding their babies, and the happiness on his face is something she had never seen.
Olivia realized that he was now the one in shock. She couldn't tell you how many times Fitz talked about their babies and what they would look like.
Olivia finally spoke, "I guess now that I gave you children you will no longer look at me. They will get all the love."
Fitz looked at her and he was crying and that melted her heart.
Fitz got up and brought them over for her to hold. He passed her Noelle first. Once she was in Olivia's arms she opened up her eyes for the first time. She had brown curly with big brown eyes. She really was a mini version of her in a lot of ways.
Olivia cooed, "Hi mama's baby girl. You are so beautiful. Mommy is so glad you are here. I love you so much.
Fitz handed her Nate who also opened his eyes once he was in Olivia's arms. He had curly brown hair also, but his eyes were blue like his daddy.
They were everything. She looked at Fitz
"They needed some oxygen but otherwise they were great. You did good baby. I love you so much. Thank you."
"No thank you. I gave up, but you didn't. Now we have everything we wanted and more."
Fitz got the camera and took several photos of Olivia with the babies and Olivia took some of him. Fitz then took some just of the twins. They sent out a couple to their family and friends so they could at least see what they looked like since they would be seeing them until tomorrow.
The twins began to get fussy. The nurse helped her adjust since she was still in some pain from the surgery. She helped with some tips to get them to latch on. It seemed that Nate was only fussy because of Noe. Once she calmed down he did too.
Olivia fed them and Fitz burped them, and rocked them back to sleep. They had their own SSAs now so once they were put back in their bed they followed behind the nurses with the babies.
Fitz arranged for a bed to be put besides her so he could be close to her. Olivia just looked at him and smiled which made him blush for some reason.
"What?"
"We have something that Mellie or Cyrus can't taint."
"I agree"
"The kids are going to love them. I don't think they are going to be difficult kids which means next go round we will get our hellion."
Fitz laughed, "You are probably right."
"Now that they are here I definitely want to move to Vermont. D.C. was my old life. I know that we will still have responsibilities here, and we probably come back several times a year. I just want our family to be in a different environment. Like Karen said it will be closer to normal than staying here. I'm not even sure that I want to go back to being a crisis manager. As the First Lady my eyes have opened up. I'm not sure if I will ever be comfortable helping politicians get away with murder again."
Fitz was shocked for a moment, "Honey, you have time to think about that. Besides you can still be a fixer. Just maybe specialize in a certain area, but whatever you decide I will support you."
"I will. I just know that whatever I decided it will be based out of Vermont."
"Okay well I will contact the contractor that I used to build the house and have him fly out here to meet us. We can talk about any renovations to the house we want to make, and we will have him bring some designs to build a house for mom and dad. I think we should spend the holidays in Vermont."
"I do want to stay there. Last year was about us getting married. This year I want it to be about family. I want us to cut a tree down every year and decorate it as a family. I want to bake with mom and the kids. I want to be a normal wife taking care of our family. I..."
She trailed off. Fitz grabbed her hand, "You want to be yourself"
Olivia looked up at him surprised.
Fitz smiled, "When you were in Vermont I felt that you were different. At first I thought it was something that I had done, but then I realized you felt free. No judgements, no expectations, and for the first time you found the real Olivia. The woman who you were satisfied with. I think that we see most of that woman here, but I realized that when you left D.C. I think that is the first time you realized that you were more than the formidable Olivia Pope. You were the woman I saw the moment I met you."
Olivia nodded
"I get it Livvie. I always told you that I just wanted you to be happy. I wanted a life with you, my Livvie. Vermont is our safe haven. It is for us and our family. Not the world. You don't have to explain it to me. Rest sweet baby. The other part of your brood will be here in a couple of hours.
She got as close as she could to Fitz, and was sleep in no time. When she woke up she saw her family. All five of them on the sofa. Fitz was holding Noe. Karen had Nate. Teddy was in the middle talking to both babies. It was a sight that brought her to tears. She looked at Tom. He nodded.
She knew he captured the moment for her to look back on. Fitz felt her eyes on him. He looked up and smiled.
Teddy realized she was up. He got up and walked over to her. Tom helped him climb in the bed. He curled up under her.
He looked at her, "I think Noe & Nate like me."
Olivia kissed his forehead, "They love you buddy. Just like I do."
Teddy was just looking at her to see if she was telling the truth. Olivia was confused at first, but she quickly caught on.
Olivia was trying to sit up. Since Fitz had the baby Tom came over and helped her. She adjusted so she could face Teddy.
"What did mommy say would happen when Noe & Nate got here?"
Teddy looked down. Olivia touched his chin. He looked at her like she taught him.
"You told me that you would still love me to the moon and back. The only thing that would change is that you would have to pay more attention to the twins at first, because they can't feed themselves, take their own baths, or talk. But you still loved Karen & I the same. We were your oldest children. Karen is first and then me."
Olivia nodded, "So what 's wrong Teddy Bear?"
"I'm just scared a little. I don't want you to stop loving me. My first mom said she loved me, but one day she stopped and I am not sure why."
Fitz looked up. Olivia shook her head.
Olivia kissed his forehead and moved him as close to her as possible, "Buddy your first mom was selfish, and didn't take the time to realize how special you are, and for that mommy is really sorry. I can't live with out my Teddy Bear or my KareBear. Mommy still loves you the moon and back. I love all of you to the moon and back. Mommy is not going anywhere. We will still doing things, and I promised to take you to the All-Star Basketball game next year so you can hang out with Kiyan."
Teddy smiled, "And the Digital Kids Conference."
Olivia grinned, "Exactly, and daddy is not as cool as us so he has to baby sit that weekend so it will be just us."
"Cool I love you mommy."
"Mommy loves you too. Why don't you go grab some breakfast while mommy and daddy feed and change your bother and sister."
"Okay mommy."
Karen got up and handed her Nate.
Olivia smiled, "You looked like you enjoyed holding your brother."
Karen smiled, "It was better than I imagine. When we were older Gerry told me how he hated that he was going to have a sister and had to share, but when I came he spent every free moment with me. He talked about how much he wanted to protect me. Holding Nate I get it. I was not mad about them coming. I was nervous, but now I am just happy that they are really here. I feel more complete. Love you mom. "
"I love you to sweetheart."
Once the kids left they got to work changing, feeding, and burping the babies. Like anything else they did they easily fell into routine.
Fitz was looking at Nate, "I'm so happy they are here. Looking at him reminds me when I held Gerry for the first time."
Olivia looked at him, "Tell me about."
Fitz shared with her the experience of holding Gerry. Since Mellie didn't really involve him in her day-to-day life holding Gerry made it feel real. It was the first time he felt like he had done something good.
Olivia smiled, "You have done so much good. I miss him to so much baby, but he is with us. I can feel it."
Fitz nodded. He looked at Olivia, and she noticed the tears in his eyes.
"You are more than the President. You are the best husband and father in the world. Like I told Teddy I'm really sorry that Mellie never understood what she had, but I do. This is my family. You, Noe, Nate, Teddy, and Karen. I will never let you go. I will never put anything before you. I love you so much baby."
Fitz leaned over and kissed her and Noe. "I dreamed of the moment when I would be holding our first child. As usual the real thing was so much better. Starting with the fact that we started with two, and they are everything. I love this. I love you and as much as I hate the pain we went through physically and emotionally I would do it all over again."
"Ditto"
The kids came back and Karen had picked up Olivia's favorite yogurt and juice. She had also grabbed her dad a sandwich. Fitz smiled. He was fortunate that he had good responsible kids. Gerry always took care of Karen. Now he could see how Karen was stepping up to the plate. He had thought about talking to her, and letting her know she didn't have to. One day he just looked at her when they were at the birthing center. She wasn't being forced. She was enjoying her role in their family.
It was a nice day spent with the family. They watched the press conference as the world found out that Olivia had delivered the twins, and for the first time found out the sex of the twins. The couple had already decided that after their six-week check-up they would have their first sit-down interview introducing the twins to the world.
Karen had become their little social media guru so she of course was keeping up with the Twitter and Facebook feed. The public was going crazy about the twins.
Once again Karen had a genius idea. With the help of Tom they took several pictures of their hands. The one that was posted was Fitz & Olivia holding hands with the twin's hands on top of their hands, and hers and Teddy's hands were on the side of the twins.
The shot happened by accident. When they put the twins fingers together. They didn't let go. It was that connection they had.
Karen posted with picture in black & white with the #America'sFamily.
The picture shut down the internet. By the afternoon the picture was being talked about on every news station. Once again they were given points by sharing with America while still enjoying the private moment.
What made Olivia pause was a segment that was done by Anderson Cooper. He had a family on who talked about how their children were bullied because they were an interracial family. It was the second marriage for the couple so they each had a child from their previous marriage. Since the President's relationship with Olivia became public she said her children were not treated so harshly. When the picture showed up on twitter she showed her children.
The women in the segment was African-American and the husband was Caucasian. After the commercial the whole family was there. Olivia & Karen noticed the little girl who looked like she was maybe ten at the most.
Anderson asked her what her came was. She smiled and said, "My name is Callie."
She hugged Anderson and it was the cutest thing. Anderson asked her, "What do you think of the President, First Lady & his new family?"
Callie looked at her stepmom who nodded. She looked at Anderson, "The First Lady looks like my mommy. My first mommy died, but now I have a new mommy and she loves me a lot. I look like Karen. Mommy told me I am like Karen. I am pretty and smart, and I can be anything I want when I grow up. Karen's new mommy loves her like my new mommy loves me, and it doesn't matter what others think."
After the interview Anderson turned to the camera, "I want to end my segment tonight by thanking the President & the First Lady for being who they are. Often times we forget that being President & First Lady are titles for the job they have which is to protect and make America the best it can be. They are humans with lives and feelings. Their names are Fitzgerald & Olivia Grant. They have children Karen, Theodore, Noelle, and Nathaniel. Like any parents they want their children to live in a world that allows them to be the best people they can be without race or creed being a factor. Whether they are gay, lesbian, or straight. As a white man I have learned that we like to say that we live in a post-racial world. We don't. Just because white people don't come up to a black person and caller them the n word to their face doesn't mean that racism doesn't exist. It just means that it is more closeted. Racism is different than it was in the Jim Crow days, but it still exists. The fact that interracial families have to explain their love to their children shows it is still there. While I know that many have given the President a hard time especially those on the same aisle as him we at CNN say shame on you. To the First Family we would like to extend our best wishes to you. You are a beautiful family. All of you. I want you to know that your message is being heard, and it gives me hope that we will learn that all life matters Black lives matter. Biracial lives matter. Gay lives matter. Have a great evening."
Olivia looked at Fitz. Fitz smiled. He knew what she wanted to ask.
Fitz said, "You aren't really asking when you look at me like that."
Olivia looked down. She didn't want him to think that she was forcing him.
"You aren't forcing me Livvie, but those eyes just don't give me much hope if there was a battle. Now I have Noe. Between you, Noe, and Karen I'm doomed."
Karen & Olivia laughed at him.
Olivia smiled, "So let's make it a two-part event. Kimberly Mitchell gets to introduce the twins. A short interview. Let's call Anderson and get the family to the White House for the weekend and do another interview to educate the world on interracial families. Let Karen do her thing and maybe find one or two more families. Have an event here. Let Karen take the lead on this one."
Karen looked at her mom in shock.
Fitz was shocked for all of two seconds. He knew that Karen could do this.
Karen walked over to her mom. Before she could speak Olivia did, "When and if you need me I will be there, but you can do this. Do what you have been doing this whole time? Don't make this more than it has to be. You are not alone, but I want you to try this. Your dad and I are here."
Karen looked at her dad, "Daddy thinks you can do this, and this can be something that helps you figure out a little more what you really like."
Karen agreed.
The next day their family and friends arrived. Olivia found out that the twins were calm babies for the most part, but you knew when it was time for them to be changed or fed.
Huck bonded with both of the twins. They didn't open up their eyes for anyone, but him. It was the cutest thing.
Noe really loved Marta and it was special to see Marta holding them, but especially when Noe snuggled on Marta's chest, and Nate was the same way with Rowan. It was clear that they were going to be some spoiled but very happy children.
That night Cyrus stopped by after Fitz went home with the children. Olivia expected him to stop by. She wasn't mad at him.
Cyrus came in her room while she was holding both of the children.
Olivia smiled, "Hi Cyrus"
"Hi Liv"
He stood there for a moment. Olivia finally spoke, "Well on my left is Nathaniel Gerry and on my right is Noelle Carolyn."
"They are beautiful children."
"Thank you. We did okay for our first time."
"You did. I just wanted to stop by and wish you and your family well. Congrats again to you and your family. I'm sorry for all the pain I caused."
Olivia didn't say anything for a moment, "Thank you Cy. The sad part in all of this is that when this moment happened I always imagined you being one of their godparents, but you forgot what and who was important. I forgive you. I forgive all of you who tried to hurt, harm, and kill me. Not for you but me and my family. They deserve all of me, but I will never trust you again. I do believe you are sorry, but the damage is done. I can't let you hold them. You lost that right the moment you thought for a second that I was better dead than alive, but I wish you well."
Noe began to fuss a little. Olivia turned her attention to her, "What's wrong with mommy's ladybug? You are clean and full so what the problem? Daddy will be back soon to sing to you."
Cyrus watched as Olivia turned into mommy. It was a sight to see. One he had never imagined, and she looked good doing it. Her children were her world. She had done something he hadn't she had learned how to be the best without selling her soul. She had power, but she also had respect.
Cyrus left. Olivia didn't know when he left as her focus was on the twins. She now knew what it felt to be happy. Really happy and it wasn't her job that gave her this feeling. It was her family.
Three days later Olivia and the twins were released. For the first time in almost two months the public saw the first lady. The twins were rushed into the limo, but Olivia was gracious and answered a couple of questions.
Olivia took the time to thank Dr. Jerome and her whole team. She thanked all of the nurses by name. Although it was being kept under wraps to even the family that appeared on Anderson Cooper that they would be meeting the first family Olivia thanked Anderson & his team for the segment that they did. A heartfelt message was delivered to the family.
Olivia was so thankful to be back home at the Residence in her own bed. Her children there. Her family and friends there. The White House Staff were all there to greet Olivia. Olivia was loved by all in the White House. She treated them all with love and respect. She asked about them and their children.
When Olivia saw them all she became emotional. It felt great to see them and to know that they cared so much about her. After spending a few minutes with them she made her way to her room where Fitz, Karen, and Teddy helped her to get comfortable.
Olivia noticed that Fitz had the room changed around to accommodate the twins. On her side of the room were two Cherubini Cradles with Caning Silver with Gold Gildings. On each side of the bed were changing stations and all kinds of baby supplies. A compact refrigerator was in the room for them to store milk after she pumped. Fitz told her there was also one in the nursery. There was also matching Tiara Park Avenue Gliders in the room.
Olivia looked up at Fitz, "I had time with you not being here. One day I was thinking about ways to make life easier for you so I made some changes or additions depending on how you see it. Your office is also set up and I made sure you had a private area to nurse in your office."
"You are the best!"
"Not really just being a good husband."
"Still the best. I love you."
"I love you sweet baby. I am glad you and the babies are finally home."
"Me too!"
She noticed a toy dog beside the baby monitors. Fitz immediately started laughing. It took him a minute to calm down before he could explain.
Fitz said, "It seems that our mom and dad want to make sure that the children are safe so that is actually a nanny camera. Although we won't have a nanny they wanted to make sure that the room would capture anything should someone be so bold to try it, but also it would allow us to stalk the babies from our office is the other reason they purchased it."
Olivia burst out laughing too because she knew could only imagine how that conversation went. She hated she missed it. She did enjoy the idea that when she was working she could look in and see them when she went back to work.
The couple talked. Olivia pumped so she didn't have to get up when it was time for the twin's next feeding.
The day was catching up to Olivia and Fitz heard her groan. He jumped up and got her medicine. The staff had already made all of Olivia's favorite including snacks as a welcome back.
Fitz helped her change into something more comfortable. Olivia noticed he already had food for her.
Fitz smiled, "The staff made all of your favorites for you. The kitchen has sandwiches, meals, popcorn clusters, and even oatmeal raisin cookies."
Fitz kissed her forehead, "They love you baby. We all do, and we are glad you are back with us."
Olivia nodded. Olivia took her medicine and ate something. Fitz held her until she fell asleep.
Shortly after that he heard Noe fussing. He walked in to find Karen already in the nursery. Together they changed and fed the twins. It was great spending time with his children.
The twins loved Karen & Teddy and responded to them. Teddy would rub Noe's hand to calm her. It meant everything to FItz. Gerry might not be there physically, but he was there. He could feel his presence, and it gave him such peace.
A/N-The twins arrived with very little problems. In real life they probably would have spent more time in the NICU, but in FF world I decided not to go there.
Up next is the interview where the world gets to meet the twins. Then the interview with Anderson Cooper.
After that chapter there is only one more chapter before there is a time jump. I wasn't going to write too much about life outside of the White House, but I am thinking about writing up to five chapters post White House. It depends on what the reviews say.
Thank you again for all of your love and support. I have no intentions of quitting until I complete all of my stories. I have one or two more that I have in my journal that I may put out.
