Chapter 36: Family
Olivia was lying in bed with her head resting on Fitz's shoulder. He had his hand resting on her stomach. Ever since they had found out she was pregnant, his hand always found its way to her stomach, even in his sleep. She placed her hand on his and threaded her fingers through his. She smiled, thinking how they had made a baby with their love. It wasn't what they had planned, but they both immediately realized it was what they wanted. She wanted this. She wanted this baby. This baby they had created. She wanted a baby with Fitz.
"God, please don't let me lose our baby," she whispered. The fear of another miscarriage lingered. She thought about it daily. And, daily she prayed that it wouldn't happen.
They were both so happy with her pregnancy. Even with her morning sickness, she was happy and excited. Fitz had gotten more protective, more caring, more compassionate, more loving. In other words, he was just more Fitz. She didn't know how she was going to survive two weeks away from him. She kissed him lightly on the lips. He stirred a little as she planted small kisses on his neck. She made her way to his chest, reaching under the covers to help him wake up.
Fitz woke up to the incredible feeling of Olivia kissing and stroking him.
"Livvie?"
She smiled. "Hmm?"
"What are you doing?"
She looked up at him. "If I have to tell you, we have a serious problem."
He grinned. "Didn't we just make love a couple of hours ago?"
"Are you complaining?" She continued to stroke him with her hand.
With closed eyes and ragged breathing he replied, "No."
"Good," she replied and straddled him.
Fitz looked up at her. He couldn't believe how lucky he was to have her in his life. He loved her beyond measure, and he planned to spend the rest of his life showing her. She was everything he wanted and more. He ran his fingers through her hair, resting his hand on her cheek.
"You're so beautiful," he commented as he gazed at her.
"You make me feel beautiful," she whispered as she leaned into his caress. It always amazed her that every time she looked in his eyes, they were filled with love. There were few things she was certain of, and one of them was Fitz's love for her.
"I love you," she said, wanting him to be always be just as sure as she was.
"I love you," he replied.
She smiled. "I know."
Leaning down, she kissed him deeply, letting her tongue dance with his as she ran her fingers through his hair. His hands caressed her naked skin and she moaned in his mouth. She gently moved her lips from his and kissed his cheek before moving to his ear, nibbling on it as she ran her tongue along her earlobe. She smiled when he gripped her body tighter and moaned.
She allowed him to take her by the hips and guide her onto his erection, moaning as he slowly entered her. She would never get over how good he felt. She looked in his eyes as she allowed him to control their movements. But, she slowly started contracting her inner muscles, gently squeezing him. It was so soft at first that he didn't even notice, but she gradually increased the pressure until she knew he felt her.
"Livvie," he groaned.
"Yes baby," she asked innocently as she took over their movements, rhythmically moving her hips as she continued to squeeze him.
"Livvie…if you…don't stop…shit…I'm gonna cum."
"I want you to."
"Livvie...I…"
He was trying desperately not to come yet, but she was doing everything in her power to make sure he did.
"Come for me, baby," she whispered. "You know you want to."
His eyes squeezed shut, and he gripped her body tighter as his orgasm shot through him.
"Fuck," he groaned as he came inside her.
Before he could open his eyes to look at her, her lips were close to ear as she softly sang, "Hope you ready to stay up. One time is not enough."
She took his earlobe between her teeth, before whispering, "do you have one more in you baby?"
She kissed his cheek as she took his hands in hers. "Just one more time," she whispered against his lips. "Just one more."
She felt his length hardening inside her and she sat up, dragging her nails along his chest.
Fitz grabbed her and flipped her over. "I can go as many times as you need me to," he said and started moving in and out of her at a slow, languid pace.
Olivia wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him deeper into her.
"Baby, you feel so good."
She couldn't respond. All that could be heard was her soft, rhythmic whimpers. He was rhythmically hitting her spot, and she was expressing her pleasure in tune with him. He increased the pace, and she arched her back, exclaiming, "Oh. Yes, baby."
He could tell that she was close. Her body was starting to tremble and her walls were slowly gripping him.
"You…feel…so…oh," she exclaimed as her back arched off of the bed and her nails dug into his shoulders as she came. Fitz followed close behind her. He kissed her, prompting her to open her eyes.
"Hi," he whispered.
"Hi."
/
Fitz walked in their bedroom, carrying a cup of ginger tea and slice of toast. He had read in one of the dozen pregnancy books that he had purchased that ginger tea was good for morning sickness. So, he made Olivia a cup every morning, and whenever she wanted some. Olivia was sitting against the headboard, smiling at him.
"I've told you about dressing like that," she said, eyeing his naked upper body. He was wearing nothing but a pair of grey sweatpants.
He grinned. "It's all for you," he said, placing the toast on the nightstand and the tea in her hands.
"Thank you, honey," she replied as she reached up, puckering her lips for a kiss.
You're welcome," he said, pecking her lips.
"You've become quite the chef," she said, taking a sip of tea.
He grinned and sat down beside her. "Quite a change from the first day I made it."
They laughed as they remembered the first time he tried to make the tea.
Even though Olivia was able to make the tea, Fitz wanted to make it for her. The books had suggested fresh ginger tea, so he found a recipe that called for grated ginger. He had to find a picture of a grater online, and then search the kitchen to see if they had the contraption. He found it and ended up with a couple of grated fingers, trying to grate the ginger. Wanting to do it himself, he found a YouTube video that walked him through it. The video suggested slicing the ginger, rather than grate it. And, he succeeded without causing any more damage to himself.
"And, I have to say, nobody makes toast better than you," she said as she finished her toast and tea.
"Thank you, baby," he said.
"What time do you have to leave?" Olivia asked.
"In a couple of hours."
She placed her empty cup on the nightstand and slid onto his lap. "Can we cuddle?"
"Of course we can," he said, wrapping his arms around her. He lay down on the bed, still holding her in his arms.
She took his hand in hers. "I'm going to miss you," she said. "I'm looking forward to being with my family, but I'm going to miss you."
"You'll see me tomorrow. But, I doubt if you'll miss me."
"I will. I'm especially going to miss your kisses," she said, leaning up to kiss him. "I love you," Olivia said as she laid her head on his chest.
"I love you."
After an hour of cuddling, trading kisses and intimate touches, they had to get up and go to their separate destinations.
/
Kasey, Harrison, and Huck met Olivia in North Virginia to get the keys to the house they were renting for the family. It was nestled on twenty acres of land. It had fourteen bedrooms, eight full bathrooms, three half bathrooms, and was guaranteed to sleep forty. There were over forty Popes and Wrights flying in from Alabama and Georgia that day. Along with her parents, Kasey and Harrison's parents, and their grandparents, the Georgia crew included their uncle CJ, his wife, Wanda, their daughter Carla along with her husband, Michael, and their sixteen-year-old son, Trey and their five-year-old daughter, Catelyn. CJ and Wanda's other daughter, Whitley and her husband, Derrick and their fourteen year old son, Desmond, and CJ and Wanda's son Christopher, their uncle Harper, his wife Sheila, their daughter Hilary and her husband Terry with their fifteen year old son Tariq and their sixteen year old daughter Taylor, their uncle Cameron, his wife Erica, and their seventeen year old son Ethan, twelve year old son Carter, and seven year old daughter, Cassandra. Olivia's family that was coming from Tuscaloosa included her aunt Diane, her son Marcus, his wife Nicole and they eight year old twins, Jeffrey and Jackson, her aunt Shelby, her husband, Nate, and their seventeen year old daughter, Alicia, her uncle Lance, his wife Rachel and their ten year old son Terrance, six year old daughter Makayla, and three year old son Brian. But, the house was huge, and it was the largest Olivia could find. She was certain they could make it work.
She and Kasey agreed to share a bed, and Huck and Harrison brought sleeping bags to crash on the floor.
"What about this room, Liv?" Kasey asked.
"Works for me," Olivia said as she walked in the room, pulling her suitcase behind her. The room had a full size bed, dresser, closet. "Just don't roll over in the middle of the night, thinking I'm Tom," Olivia teased.
"You are way too small," Kasey told her.
"Good to know," Olivia said, lying down on the bed.
"Are you okay?" Kasey asked with concern.
"Yeah. I'm just tired. I didn't get much sleep, last night," she said, not wanting Kasey to worry.
"You should have told Fitz to let you sleep."
"Actually, Fitz should have told me to let him sleep," Olivia said, pulling the blanket over her.
"Eww," Kasey said, and Olivia laughed.
"I'm not going to be with him for two weeks," Olivia said in her defense.
"Double eww," Kasey added. "I'll let you get some sleep before the noise and chaos arrives."
"Thanks," Olivia said as Kasey left out of the room.
Before she drifted off to sleep, Olivia got her phone and sent Fitz a text.
Olivia: Missing you.
Fitz: Missing you more.
Olivia: I'm lying in bed, holding a pillow, wishing it were you. I think I miss you more.
Fitz: You're in bed? Are you about to take a nap?
Olivia: I am. Baby Grant is taking all of my energy.
Fitz: Tell my little girl to be nice to her mommy.
Olivia: I will. But, she could be a boy.
Fitz: She's a girl. Anyway, get some rest baby.
Olivia: Okay. I love you.
Fitz: I love you too.
She put her phone away and drifted off to sleep. Kasey woke her up about an hour later.
"They're here, Liv," she whispered.
Olivia jumped up, quickly put on her shoes and raced downstairs. She ran outside and saw the swarm of relatives getting out of their cars. But, in the midst of the crowd, she saw her father getting bags out of the rental car.
"Daddy," she exclaimed.
He turned around with a huge smile on his face. "There's my baby girl." He opened his arms and she ran and jumped in them. He twirled her around in the air, and she felt like a little girl again.
"Mama," she squealed when she saw her mother. She wiggled out of her father's arms and hugged her mom.
"My baby," her mother said, wrapping her arms around her. Olivia buried her head in her shoulder, and her scent enveloped her. She smelled like home. And, with that, Olivia broke down crying in her mother's arms.
"I missed you," her mother said through tears.
"I missed you so much," Olivia sobbed. "You have no idea how much I've needed you."
"I'm here. Mommy's here," her mother sniffed. "Mommy's here."
While Olivia was definitely a daddy's girl, she and her mother shared a special bond. She could talk to her about almost anything. Because she couldn't quite shake her desire to be the perfect daughter, she had to sometimes remind herself of that. So, a lot of times she hid the problems in her life that had the potential to paint her in a bad light, until she couldn't anymore. And, no matter the issue or situation, her mother was always loving and understanding.
Olivia and her mother hugged each other and cried until her father ushered them inside out of the cold.
Olivia walked through the house hugging aunts, uncles and cousins while trying to find her grandparents.
She found them in the kitchen, where seemingly almost everyone was headed.
"Hey Granny," Olivia said as she hugged her Granny.
"Hey Sweetheart." Granny returned the hug, rocking Olivia from side to side. "Let me get a good look at you," she said, stepping back. After a moment, she replied, "You look thin."
"Don't listen to your granny," her granddad said as he hugged her. "You look beautiful."
"Thank you, granddaddy."
"I didn't say she was ugly. I said she was thin."
"Are you sure, Granny? I've been eating a lot more since Kasey's been here. Actually, I think I've gained some weight."
"My god. What were you before Kasey got here? See through?"
Olivia laughed.
"Don't worry. I'll put some meat on them bones before I leave."
"I'm looking forward to it," Olivia said. "You know sweet potato pie is actually very fattening. And, you should probably give me the recipe before you leave to make sure I keep meat on my bones."
"Nice try," Granny said and kissed her cheek. "What's in this refrigerator? I need to cook everyone something to eat."
"Granny, you don't have to do that. I can order some pizzas," Olivia offered.
"That's why you're paper thin now. Where's Junior? I need to go to the store," she said scanning the contents of the refrigerator. Olivia and Kasey had brought groceries, but it wasn't really anything to cook meals with. It was mostly juice, sodas, milk, cereal, yogurt, chips, fruits and vegetables. They knew their mothers and Granny would go to the store to get the groceries they wanted.
"How about this," Olivia began. "I can order the pizzas for lunch. And, you can cook us a big dinner."
Granny was silent for a moment before she finally agreed. "Okay. But, I'm only agreeing so the kids won't have to wait too long to eat."
Olivia smiled. It was a small victory, but she would take it. She wanted Granny to relax, but she knew that wasn't going to happen.
"Where's Junior. Tell him I want him to take me to the store."
"Okay. I'll get him," Olivia offered.
She saw Harrison in the family room, arguing with their cousin Terry about football.
"Ask Liv," Harrison said when she came in.
"Ask me what?" Olivia wanted to know.
"Nothing," Terry said. "You're biased like him."
"Tell this man the SEC is the best conference," Harrison said.
Olivia smiled. "Well, we've got seven straight championships that say we are. Biased or not, those are the Crystal Ball facts."
"Ugh," Terry groaned. "I can't believe I married into a SEC family," he exclaimed.
"Y'all leave my Big 12 baby alone," Hilary said, defending her husband as she rubbed his back.
"And, you're not just fans. You're the annoying fans," he pointed out.
"Seven straight years of bragging rights will do that to you," Harrison said with a laugh.
Olivia laughed with him. "Oh, Granny wants you to take her to the store," she said, remembering her reason for being in there.
"Okay," he said.
"Have you seen my mom?"
"Upstairs," he told her.
Before going upstairs to call her mom, she took out her phone and quickly ordered twenty pizzas, hoping it would be more than enough to feed everybody. Olivia made her way upstairs. She found her mom in the bedroom, unpacking.
"Hey. Need some help?"
Her mom looked at her and smiled. "No. In fact," she sat down on the bed and patted her lap. "Come talk to me."
Olivia climbed on the bed and laid her head in her mom's lap like she used to do as a kid. Her mom rubbed her hand over her hair and started humming.
"Do you want to tell me where you're living?" She asked after a couple of minutes. "Never mind. You don't have to."
Olivia turned and looked at her. "With him."
"I'll let you tell your father in your own time."
"Thanks."
"Are you happy?"
Olivia smiled brightly and her eyes lit up like magic.
"Oh my," her mom said. "Look at you."
Olivia covered her eyes with her hands. "It's so unreal," she said as she removed her hands from her eyes. "But, he makes me soooo happy. So happy."
"That's all that matters. But, how are you? I know you don't tell me everything when we talk on the phone."
Olivia quickly looked away from her mother's comforting eyes. They were like a magic wand that always got her to be honest, even when she didn't want to.
"They're back, aren't they?"
She slowly nodded her head in confirmation.
"Does he know?"
"Yeah. And, he's so amazing. Technically, I've only had one. Well, two. But, they were back to back. And, he stayed with me, even though Kasey was there, to make sure I was okay."
"So, are they back as a problem or just the one that popped up?"
"I don't know. I almost had another one."
"Almost?"
"Yeah. He was with me. And, he calmed me down and got me to relax. But, I'm still always afraid that I could possibly have another one. And, you know, fear is one of the triggers," Olivia explained.
"Punkin, maybe you should talk to someone again," Carol suggested.
"I don't know. I really don't want to."
"Why not?"
Olivia shrugged.
"It doesn't mean you're weak. Or crazy," her mother said. "Everyone needs some help every now and then."
"How do you do that?" Olivia asked.
"Do what?"
"I don't know. Just know me? Know what I'm thinking," Olivia said, throwing up her hands. "I don't even have to say anything," she pointed out.
"Honey, you hung out with me and only me for nine months. We bonded. Not to mention, your eyes tell on you all the time. They're very expressive, and I have a PhD in reading them."
Olivia's mouth dropped open. "And, you told me sunglasses would harm my vision," she said, pointing at her. "You just wanted to be able to see my eyes at all times."
Her mother laughed. "A mother's gotta do what a mother's gotta do."
"That's what I like to see and hear," her dad said, stepping in the room. "My favorite girls together. Honey, have you seen my sneakers?"
"Did you unpack them?"
"No."
"Then, they're in whatever bag you packed them in."
"Thanks sweetheart," he said, sarcastically.
"Anytime darling," she replied with the same sarcasm. What do you need sneakers for?" She wondered.
"I want to go outside and see what all this place has to offer. This is a lot of land."
"It is," Carol agreed. "And, this house is beautiful. I could see myself retiring in a place like this."
"What would you do with all this space?"
"Maybe Liv will fill it up with grandbabies for us," Carol said, and Olivia closed her eyes, praying her mother wouldn't look at her.
"That would be nice," her dad said much to her surprise. "Speaking of that, who's this man I'm supposed to meet tomorrow?"
Olivia swallowed and sat up, nervously. "Um...he's nice," she said, tentatively.
"That's the same thing you said about Edison," he reminded her.
"Daddy, he's nothing like Edison," she assured him.
"Ok. What else? What does he do? Where is he from?" He fired off questions. Olivia had purposefully not told him anything about Fitz, because she didn't want him to think he knew him from what he heard in the media. She knew she couldn't erase any preconceived notions he had about Fitz, but she could only hope that seeing them together would erase those notions and give him a fair shot.
"He's from here. But, I think it'll be best if you just let him fill in all of the blanks when you meet him," Olivia said. She looked at her dad and could tell that he still had questions. "I really want you to like him. Because, I love him, Daddy. I really do."
"That's all that matters," her mom said.
Her dad grunted. "Oh. Junior's taking Mama to the store. She told me to ask you if you wanted to go. She said there's nothing here, and if you still want to cook some of Punkin's favorite foods, you're going to need to go."
"Yeah. I do need to go." She looked at Olivia and laughed.
"What?" Olivia asked.
"I was going to ask if you wanted to go."
Olivia laughed. "I still hate the grocery store," she said.
"Okay." She kissed them both. "Be good. Both of you."
"I'm always good," Oliver said.
"Me too," Olivia agreed.
"Ha," Carol said on her way out.
"So," Oliver began. "How's work?"
"Good."
"Are you still having fun?"
She glanced at him. "Sometimes."
"Do you remember what I told you?"
"I'll know it's time to walk away if it stops being fun."
"You're making a huge sacrifice, baby girl. And, it's not worth it, if you're miserable."
"I know," she said. She knew what he said was true. But, she never wanted to quit. It would be conceding defeat. And, she couldn't do that.
"You plan on getting any Bama players, this year?"
She looked at him and smiled. "I want Ha Ha bad. So bad. Like you have no idea."
"Oh, he's good," her father agreed.
"God, he's just so good," she added. "And CJ Mosley. And Norwood."
"Two more good ones."
"But, I feel like I would be biased towards them. I know I would treat them differently from my other clients." In all of her years as an agent, she had never signed an Alabama player. And, that was why. Plus, she would want to meet with them personally. Her love for Alabama would totally cloud her judgment.
"You're never going to sign a Bama player, are you?"
She shook her head. "Nope."
"Well, at least get an SEC player. Just not from Auburn."
She laughed. "But, daddy you like Cam. And you liked Cadillac."
"Don't say that too loud," he said, looking around. "Your uncle Lance might be around, and I don't feel like dealing with him. I just don't know where the family went wrong with him."
Olivia laughed. Her uncle Lance and his family were the only Auburn fans in the entire Pope family.
"Come on," he said, hitting her foot. "Let's go have a look around outside. I know you've probably seen it all. But, take a walk with your old man."
They strolled around taking in the beauty of the acres of land.
"It would be nice to come out here during the summer," Oliver said, looking at the pond.
"You're itching to fish, aren't you?"
He grinned. "You know it."
"Look," she said, pointing up the hill.
"What?" He asked, following his gaze.
"The stables. Do you remember how I used to beg you for a horse?"
Oliver smiled. "I do. When you cried after I told you we didn't have the space for a horse, I actually consider moving out to the country."
"You didn't."
"I did. Ask your mother. We had a long discussion about it. Listed pros and cons of staying and moving. Her pros for staying won over my one pro of you being able to have a horse."
"But, you got me riding lessons."
"Yep. That's what I had to settle for. Your mother always ruins the fun," he said, playfully. "One day you're going to believe me when I tell you I love you more."
She smiled and bumped his shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Punkin," her father apologized.
Olivia furrowed her brow and looked at him. "For what?"
"I failed you with Edison," he stated.
Olivia stopped walking, causing him to stop. "I don't understand."
"I should have let him know that hurting you was never an option. I should have told you that I didn't have a good feeling about him," he explained.
"Daddy, Edison wasn't all bad. I just didn't love him the way that he loved me. In fact, I was never in love with him."
"And, he wasn't in love with you," her father said. "I didn't see love in his eyes when he looked at you. But, he was a nice, respectable young man. He came from a good home. And, you said that you loved him. So, I didn't think a relationship with him would be bad. Besides, you were young. And, I figured he'd be gone before you graduated. I didn't think you would end up wasting so many years with him. Living with him and pregnant and not married to him."
Olivia swallowed and looked away. He's going to hate Fitz. He's already got two strikes against him.
"I know you don't like to talk about that," he said, noticing the change in her demeanor. But, I'm glad you didn't marry him."
"Me too," she said.
"Your mother says you want us to tell you if we like the new guy, even if we think it will hurt your feelings."
Olivia nodded. "I do."
"Okay. And, I'll let him know up front that if he hurts my little girl, I will hurt him."
She looked at him and smiled. Even though she was an adult, and not fond of being treated like a child, something about her dad calling her his little girl always warmed her heart.
He kissed her forehead. "Come on, let's get inside," he said and pulled his coat tighter around him. "I don't know how you deal with this cold."
Olivia laughed. "It takes some getting used to."
They got back to the house at the same time the pizza was being delivered. Olivia took care of the driver, even though her father tried to. And, he helped her carry the boxes inside.
"Pizza's here," Olivia yelled as they took it to the kitchen and spread the boxes on the island and counters. The teenage boys were the first ones to come running in the kitchen.
"Hey," Oliver yelled at them. "Step back and let the adults get some before y'all get in here, playing over it. And, how many of you washed your hands?"
They all quietly left the kitchen. Olivia knew they were all going to wash their hands.
"Thanks Uncle Ollie," Carla said as she gave Catelyn a slice of pizza and a juice. "You need help with your juice?" Carla asked her.
"I got it," she said as she made her way to the table where Makayla was sitting, waiting on her pizza. Olivia looked at them and smiled. She found herself sharing Fitz's sentiments for a little girl.
"Here Punkin," her dad said, giving her a plate.
"Thanks." She eyed the pizza, wondering if she could eat a slice. She decided to take a chance on simple slice of pepperoni. All it took was one bite for her stomach to revolt against her. She quietly & quickly dropped her plate in the trash before darting upstairs to the bathroom. She made in there just in time to throw up everything she had eaten that day.
"I hate this," she whispered as she laid her head on the sink. She cleaned up and locked herself in the room she and Kasey were sharing, hiding out. She knew no one would believe that she had eaten her pizza that fast. So, she sat alone in the bedroom, hoping no one would notice she was gone. She was not supposed to be locked away from her family. What was the purpose of them visiting, if every time they ate something, she was going to have to run away, and then pretend she ate with everyone else? What was the point?
She got her phone and sent a text to Fitz.
Olivia: I'm hiding from my family, and IT'S YOUR FAULT!
A few seconds later, her phone was ringing.
"I hate you," was her greeting.
"What did I do?" Fitz asked.
"You knocked me up," she retorted. "You and your damn super sperm."
He roared with laughter.
"Don't laugh at me. I just want to eat pizza, and laugh and talk with my family," she said as tears started falling. "But, I can't, because I'm throwing everything up," she sniffed.
"Livvie, baby, please don't cry. Everything-"
"Don't tell me what to do," she snapped.
"Okay," he replied cautiously.
She took a deep breath, and had a moment of clarity where she wondered why she was so angry at him, and depressed to the point of tears about not being able to eat a slice of pizza.
"Damn pregnancy hormones," she replied quietly and took a moment to gather herself. "I'm sorry," she apologized.
"You don't have to apologize. I got to participate in the fun part of making our little baby. But, everything is on you now. The morning sickness, the fatigue, the backaches, the mood swings, that's all on you. I can't do anything to change that. But, I can make you tea, rub your back, hold you while you sleep, and let you lash out at me. So, don't apologize."
God, this man, she thought. In all honesty, she knew he wasn't perfect. But, times like that made her think that it was possible that he could be. He always knew what to say to calm her or just assure her that he loved her more than she could ever imagine.
"I love you," she sniffed.
"I love you too. Now, go grab a banana and spend some time with your family."
She smiled. "Okay. I'll talk to you later."
"I love you."
"I love you more."
She took a moment to make sure her eyes weren't red and puffy before rejoining her family downstairs.
"Liv, did you get some pizza," Ethan asked and shoved a slice in his mouth.
"Yeah." She grabbed a banana and slowly ate it as she watched the teenage boys eat the pizza as if someone was going to come take it from them.
"That's seven," Tariq exclaimed and then burped loudly. The group of boys laughed loudly.
"I bet you can't eat ten," Desmond challenged him.
"I bet I can," Tariq said.
Olivia grabbed a ginger ale out of the refrigerator and left the kitchen, knowing she wouldn't be the only one throwing up.
"Are the boys still eating pizza?" Whitley asked.
"Yes. I think they're trying to see who can eat the most. I think Tariq is on his eighth slice," she told them.
"Idiot," Hilary exclaimed and jumped up.
A few moments later, she came out the kitchen, with Tariq shuffling behind her. "Go somewhere, sit down, and act like you got some sense," she scolded.
"Don't you eat no more pizza," Terry told him. "You get sick, and your mama will be up all night with you."
"Yes sir," Tariq replied and went to the basement.
"Why Hilary gotta be the one up with him?" Kasey asked.
"She's gives that my "poor, sweet baby love" even if his own foolishness is the reason for him being sick. But, I'm going to hold her hostage, if he gets sick tonight."
"I'd like to see you try," Hilary said.
"See," Terry laughed. "But, that's one of the many things I love about her. She's loving and nurturing," he said, and kissed her cheek.
"Yeah. Yeah. Yeah," Olivia teased.
"Oh, don't even try it," Carla said. "I can't wait to meet this man who's got you practically skipping around here with your eyes shining like diamonds."
"Okay," Olivia said. She could feel her cheeks heating up from embarrassment.
They all laughed.
"Don't you even laugh," Whitley said, looking at Kasey. "Your mean ass got yet to be mean. I've said for years, all you needed was to get you some and all that meanness would go away."
"I can be mean, if you want," Kasey said. "But, I figured this cold weather was mean enough."
"Oh, it is," they all agreed. Thankfully the conversation shifted to the differences between winters in the northeast and south.
"A little help please." They looked up and saw Harrison, Carol, Granny, and Karen walking in. Harrison was carrying as many bags as he could.
"And somebody move these pizza boxes," Granny said.
"I got this," Michael said. He went to the basement door and yelled. "Y'all get up here and help Granny with these groceries and cleaning the kitchen. A few moments later all the teens and tweens slowly came upstairs, their faces showing that they did not appreciate their games being disrupted.
"So, this is what you do when you have kids," Olivia teased.
"Yep," Carla laughed. "We don't have to do anything now. You know like our parents when we were growing up."
They all laughed. "Ain't that the truth," Olivia said as they all reminisced about their days growing up.
After dinner, they played Christmas music, drank eggnog, and decorated the Christmas tree.
"I just want to say that this is a total and complete waste of popcorn," Olivia said, as she helped Catelyn, Makayla, and Cassandra make popcorn strings.
"You're not supposed to eat it," Makayla giggled.
"Why not?" Olivia asked as she popped a couple of kernels in her mouth. She was eating more popcorn than the kids, and they found it hilarious.
"Because it's supposed to go on the tree," Cassandra said.
"But, you can't eat it if it's on the tree," Olivia pointed out as she ate some more.
"Liv, are you eating all of the popcorn?" Her mother asked.
"Oooh," the girls exclaimed. "You're in trouble."
"What did I do?" Olivia asked. "I didn't eat any popcorn."
"Yes, you did," Makayla said.
Olivia gasped. "Makayla, girls stick together. Aunt Rachel what have you been teaching Makayla? She just ratted me out. Doesn't she know girls stick together?"
Rachel laughed. "With an older brother, she's always looking for a reason to tattle."
"I'm going to go get us all some more hot chocolate, even though you all tried to tell on me," Olivia joked as she got up.
When she got in the kitchen, she sent Fitz a text.
Olivia: I want a girl, too.
Fitz: I knew you would eventually come around.
Olivia: I'll talk to you soon.
Fitz: I'll be waiting.
She went back in the living room with their cups of chocolate. The girls were able to finish their last strings of popcorn without her there, stealing popcorn. She could only smile at their diligence and determination to make the popcorn strings, added their contribution to the tree. Her mom learned early on that they would never be able to make popcorn strings for their tree.
"Can you tie it, please?" Makayla asked, holding up the popcorn string.
"I sure can," Olivia said, taking the end of the string.
"And, don't eat it," Cassandra said.
"I won't," Olivia said as she tied the end of the string. "Here you go," she said, placing the string of popcorn in the girls' hands so that they could place it on the tree.
"Who's putting the star on top?" Harrison asked.
"Granny," Trey said.
"No thank you," Granny said.
"Come on. I'll pick you up," Trey offered.
"The devil is a lie," Granny told him. "Let Brian put it on."
"Here you go, Brian," she said, placing the star in his hands.
"Come on, buddy," Lance said and picked his little boy up. "Put it on the top," he said, helping him to reach the top of the tree.
They all cheered when he placed on the top. He looked so proud of his accomplishment.
"Alright. It's time for my little men to bathe and go to sleep," Nicole said.
"Oh mama," they whined. "Do we have to?"
"Yes, you do. Marcus," she called looking at her husband. "I'll get their pjs."
"Come on, you two," Marcus said, taking the twins upstairs.
Olivia watched as her cousins left to get their young kids ready for bed, knowing that soon she would be doing the same. She absentmindedly placed a hand on her stomach, but quickly removed it, hoping no one had noticed. Later that night after all of the kids were bathed and in bed, Olivia took a shower. She didn't know if it was the heat from the shower or what, but she felt herself getting queasy. She got out of the shower and threw up once again. She kept the shower running, hoping no one would hear her. She was still feeling queasy when finished her shower. She went to the kitchen to get a ginger ale, hoping it would help.
Granny was in the kitchen when she got in there.
"Hey Granny. You couldn't sleep either?"
"No. I figured I'd make me some ginger tea. You want a cup?"
Olivia almost ran to her and kissed her. But, she settled for a nonchalant "sure."
Granny poured a cup of tea and sat it in front of Olivia. Olivia picked up her cup and sipped it slowly.
"Does ginger tea help you sleep?"
"It helps with arthritis," she told her. "And, it warms you up."
"Oh."
"How are you?" Granny asked with concern.
"I'm good. Great, actually."
"That's good. You know, I worry about you being up here."
"I'm not by myself. Harrison and Huck are here. And, now Kasey."
"I know. But, you don't take care of yourself. I feel a little better since Kasey's been here. She makes you eat."
Olivia smiled. "She does."
"But, you have to make a conscious effort to take care of yourself. Can you do that for me?"
"I will."
They heard laughter coming from downstairs.
"Let me go make these children go to bed."
"I can go, if you don't feel like going downstairs," Olivia offered, remembering that she had made the tea because of her arthritis.
"I'm okay."
Olivia smiled. "Okay."
"Goodnight Punkin." She kissed her cheek.
"Goodnight Granny."
She pulled out her phone and sent Fitz a text.
Olivia: Sleep?
Fitz: You know I can't sleep without hearing your voice.
She heard the stampede of teenagers running upstairs. She knew all Granny probably did was clear her throat, drawing attention to her presence, and everything was immediately turned off, followed by goodnights and kisses to her cheek as the teens made their way to their beds. She dialed Fitz's number. He picked up on the first ring.
"Hi."
She smiled. "Hi."
"What are you doing?"
"Drinking ginger tea."
"You were able to make some without anyone wondering why?"
"My granny made some. Apparently, it helps with arthritis."
"Oh. That's good. Are you enjoying your family?"
She smiled. "I am. My mom made one of my favorites."
"What's that?"
"Chicken and dumplings."
"Sounds delicious."
"It is. Apparently there's a fatten Liv up mission going on."
"Is that right? Tell them you're perfect."
"We'll see how perfect you think I am when I'm as big as a house."
"Just as perfect as the day I met you."
"You say that now."
"I'll say that forever."
"What if I just let myself go?"
"I'll let myself go with you. Wait," he quickly added. "I better not. You might leave me."
"What? Why do you think I would leave you?"
"I love you for your mind, spirit and heart. Your beauty is an added bonus. But, I think you only love me for my body," he teased.
"I do not. How could you think something like that? I told you I'm just here for the curls."
"I'm getting a haircut tomorrow."
She gasped. "You better not touch my curls."
"Your curls?"
"Yes. You're mine. So, your curls are mine."
"I am yours."
"And I'm yours. I love you so much."
She heard giggling and turned around to find Catelyn peeping around the door.
"Hi Catelyn."
"Hi Liv."
"Does your mommy know you're up?"
She shook her head no. Her long plaits swaying from side to side.
"You should probably go back to bed," Olivia told her.
"But, I can't sleep. Warm milk makes me sleep at home. Can you make me some, please?" Catelyn asked as she jumped up on the stool next to Olivia.
"Fitz, can you hold on for a minute? I have to make warm milk."
He chuckled. "I heard."
"Can I say hi?" Catelyn asked, pointing at the phone.
Olivia smiled. "You don't even know who I'm talking to."
"Your boyfriend," Catelyn sang.
"I'll say hi," Fitz told her.
"Okay," Olivia said and gave Catelyn the phone.
"Hi Liv's boyfriend," Catelyn greeted him. "Catelyn," Olivia heard her say, and assumed Fitz had asked her name. She put a cup of milk in the microwave and finished listening to Catelyn's end of the conversation.
"Are you cute?" Catelyn asked just as the microwave beeped.
Olivia transferred the milk to another cup as she heard her say, "yes, it's important. If you're not cute, that means you're ugly. And, Liv can't marry you if you're ugly, because that means she'll have ugly babies. And, Liv can't have ugly babies, because she's pretty like my aunt Carol."
"Thank you, Catelyn," Olivia said. "Say goodnight to your new friend."
"Goodnight Liv's boyfriend," she said, singing the word boyfriend. Olivia gave Catelyn her warm milk and Catelyn gave her back her phone. When she put the phone to her ear, Fitz was still laughing.
"That was interesting," Olivia said.
"I like her," Fitz said.
"I'm just glad you're not ugly," Olivia said.
"I don't know. I'll have to hear the verdict from Miss Catelyn tomorrow."
"I'm so excited that you're meeting everyone."
"I'm nervous."
"Don't be. They're going to love you."
"I hope so."
"I don't want to, but I'm going to let you go," Olivia said. "I know you have an early day tomorrow."
"I love you," Fitz told her.
"I love you too," Olivia said and cut her eyes at Catelyn who was trying to hide her giggles behind her hand.
"I can still hear you," Olivia said, pinching her cheek.
"Do you let your boyfriend kiss you?"
Uh oh. I'm so not ready for this.
"I don't let my boyfriend kiss me, because," she lowered her voice like she had a secret. "They eat bugs."
"Since when do you have a boyfriend?" Olivia looked up and saw Carla walking in the kitchen.
"Hi mommy. Liv made me warm milk," Catelyn said, totally dodging the question at hand.
"I'm sorry she bothered you," Carla apologized.
"It was no bother," Olivia said.
"I talked to Liv's boyfriend," she said, singing the word, boyfriend again. Olivia just accepted that was how she said boyfriend.
"And, you didn't answer my question. When did you get a boyfriend?"
"Um…" Catelyn drank the rest of her milk in a gulp and jumped down off of the stool. "Goodnight Mommy. Goodnight Liv," she said as she ran out of the kitchen.
"She's adorable," Olivia said, laughing.
"Five dollars and she's yours," Carla joked. "So, she talked to your boyfriend?"
Olivia smiled. "She did."
"I hope she didn't embarrass you."
"No. He likes her. And, he thinks he wants one."
"Ha! I better go check on that munchkin and make sure she's in bed. And, find out about this boyfriend she supposedly has. Goodnight."
"Goodnight." Olivia washed the cups she and Catelyn had before making her way back to bed.
/
The next morning, Olivia was watching NFL Game Day and drinking ginger tea that granny had made when Harrison came and sat beside her.
"That stuff actually tastes good," Harrison said, looking at her cup of tea.
Granny had made a big pot of ginger tea for everyone, letting them know that it helps warm you up.
"It's ginger tea, Harrison."
"Whatever. Anyway, I wanted to let you know that you don't have to worry about today. I'll handle all of the games."
"What? No."
"Liv, enjoy our family. I just saw everybody for Thanksgiving. Spend some time with Aunt Carol and Uncle Ollie. I got this."
"Thanks Harrison. You're the best," she said, hugging him.
"I know. If they gave out an award for best cousin, I would definitely win," he said, rubbing his chin.
"Yeah, whatever."
"Now, put your old folks' tea down and come play some football."
Olivia almost said yes when she remembered that she was pregnant. "I'm going to pass, this time Harrison," she told him.
"You can't. We'll let you play quarterback." He leaned in close and whispered. "See what you've learned from Grant."
"What I've learned from Fitz, I can't show you," she whispered.
He frowned and looked at her. "Now, you have to come play. Just for saying that to me."
She laughed. "Honestly, I just don't feel up to it. I'm sorry."
"Fine," he said and walked back outside. "But, I still got today."
Olivia followed him and watched the game from the sliding glass door in the kitchen as she continued to sip her tea.
"Why aren't you playing?" she heard Kasey ask.
She looked and saw Kasey standing next to her.
Olivia shrugged her shoulders. "I don't really feel like it. And, it's -"
Kasey grabbed her hand and pulled her away.
"What are you doing?" Olivia wanted to know.
"Be quiet and follow me."
Not knowing what had gotten into her crazy cousin, Olivia followed her to their bedroom.
Kasey closed and locked the door, and then she turned to Olivia. "You're pregnant," she whispered.
"What?"
"You willingly took a nap yesterday. You drank hot chocolate, instead of eggnog last night. And, I have never known you to turn down a chance to play football. And, Harrison told me you had a stomach virus earlier this week." She made air quotes when she said stomach virus. "And, I heard you in the bathroom throwing up last night."
"You should have been a detective," Olivia said.
"You are!" Kasey exclaimed.
"Yes," Olivia said, smiling.
"Oh my god," Kasey exclaimed as she hugged her. "Wait. You are happy about this, aren't you?"
"Yes," Olivia said, smiling.
"Oh my gosh, this is so exciting," Kasey exclaimed.
"Shh," Olivia shushed her. "Nobody knows."
"Obviously. Why didn't you tell me?" Kasey asked. Olivia and Kasey shared almost everything, especially the big moments. And, Olivia had wanted to tell her so many times. She was actually relieved that Kasey had figured it out. Now, she had someone she could talk to.
"I didn't want to say anything too soon, and then...you know," Olivia tried to explain.
Kasey nodded, understanding.
"How did Fitz take the news?"
"Girl, he's over the moon. It's so cute, though." Olivia giggled. "I didn't think I could love him anymore, but I do. He wants a girl. He's under the impression that he wants a daddy's girl."
"Aww," Kasey said. "What about you?"
"I just want a healthy baby. I'm so scared that I could lose him or her," she said, touching her stomach. "I just want this for us."
"So, when are you telling Aunt Carol and Uncle Ollie?"
"I thought I was going to have to wait until after the first trimester, but we saw the heartbeat at five weeks. So, my doctor says we can tell everyone somewhere between eight to ten weeks."
"They're going to be so excited."
"My mom will. I don't know about my dad, though."
"She'll pull him around. She's going to want to move here."
"That would be great," Olivia said. "Oh, speaking of moving, have you made a decision, yet?"
"No. And, I don't have much time left."
"Well, I was thinking you could come work with me."
"As an agent?"
"No. You and Abby could be the legal department. I can't pay you exactly what you make now. But, close. And, nobody does nine to five. But, sometimes, and this rarely happens, something happens in the middle of the night, and you might have to go with Harrison to handle it."
"Let me think about it," Kasey said. "And, talk to Tom about it," she added. "This including someone else in my decisions takes some getting used to."
Olivia smiled. "You seem to be adjusting well. Now, let's get back downstairs before someone notices we're gone."
When they got downstairs, they found both of their fathers dressed in full combat gear like they were about to go into battle. Kasey and Olivia looked at each, clearly confused about what was going on.
"Why are y'all dressed like that?" Kasey asked.
"We're ready to meet your boyfriends," Harry said.
Olivia's eyes widened. "You can't be serious," she exclaimed. "You're changing, right?"
"Nope."
"Daddy," Olivia whined.
"Nope," Oliver said, firmly. "I should have worn this when I met Edison."
"But, Daddy," she whined again. She forced tears to her eyes. Tears were a last resort with her dad, but they usually got her what she wanted. She could literally count the times when crying didn't result in her getting what she wanted. "Please Daddy," she added with a lip quiver. She could see her dad breaking.
"Stay strong," Harry encouraged him. "Look away." Harry turned Oliver so that he couldn't see Olivia and her tears. "This is for her own good."
"You're right," Oliver agreed. "Sorry Punkin. You'll thank me later."
Kasey and Olivia looked at each other. "Mom," they yelled, racing to find them.
"Gone tell. I ain't scared of your mama," Harry threw in.
"What's wrong?" Karen and Carol asked as they came in the living room.
Olivia and Kasey pointed at their fathers. Both women looked at their husbands and sighed heavily.
"Oliver, go change."
"You too, Harry."
"We're protecting our baby girls," Oliver said in their defense.
"They said they're not afraid of you," Derrick offered, from the couch.
"Shut up instigator. I didn't say anything," Oliver chided.
"You're not going to ruin this for the girls," Karen said.
"We're just letting these guys know that we mean business."
"By embarrassing our baby. Not going to happen, Oliver. Go change. Or you will be sleeping outside tonight."
"Damn. Outside. Not even the couch," Derrick chimed in again.
"Shut up," they all yelled at him.
"I ain't changing," Harry said.
"Me either," Oliver added.
"Fine. Don't change," Carol said, and walked out of the room with Karen following behind her.
"Wait. What does that mean?" Oliver asked, following behind her.
"What did it sound like?" Carol threw over her shoulder.
"A disguised threat," Oliver said.
"Take it how you want to."
Oliver looked at Harry, who no longer looked as determined with their plan. "I think I better change," Oliver said.
"Me too," Harry agreed and they both went upstairs.
Kasey and Olivia both exhaled loudly.
"Just imagine if we hadn't seen them," Kasey said.
"I know. That was a close one."
"My poor Tom would have been terrified"
/
Kasey was sitting in the library, waiting on Tom to arrive. The family had designated the library as the boyfriend meeting room. She didn't want to be nervous, but she couldn't help it. Her father had proved that he was crazy in the best and worst ways. The fact that he had brought his retired combat uniform and dressed in it like it was okay proved that.
"Relax, Sweet Pea," her mother said. She placed a hand on Kasey's shaking knee. "Your dad will behave. I'll make sure of it."
"Mama, he was just dressed like he was about to go into battle."
Her mom chuckled. "Your dad is a little over protective."
"A little," Kasey exclaimed.
"Maybe a little more than a little. But, don't worry. I know how to handle your father. Besides, if Tom really loves you, you have nothing to worry about. True love is visible to everyone around it. We'll see it. Even your dad," she promised.
"What's that about me?" Harry asked as he walked in the library.
"You're going to behave when Tom gets here," Karen stated matter of factly.
Harry sighed and sat next to Kasey. "I don't want to like him," he confessed. "I want to intimidate him and send him running away with his tail between his legs."
Kasey bucked her eyes and her mouth dropped open. "But...but, you haven't even met him," she protested. "You're not even giving him a chance."
"I don't want to like the man who has stolen your heart, and is stealing you away from me." Kasey wondered where that came from. She and her parents were close. But, she wasn't a daddy's girl like Liv. If she had to pick, she would have said she was a mama's girl. She always found her mom easier to talk to, and forever going to bat for them. But, as she thought about it, her dad was the protective one, preferring to shield them, mostly her, instead of allowing any kind of hurt. After law school, he didn't understand or like her choice to get her own place. He argued that she was in the same city, so she might as well stay at home with them. Her mom, on the other hand, was happy that she was stepping out preparing to tackle the world on her own, while reminding her that she wasn't alone, and they were there, if she needed anything at all. She let them grow up and make their own mistakes, hoping and praying they were learning from them, while her dad held on tight.
Kasey softened. "Aww Daddy," she said, empathetically and laid her head on his shoulder.
"You've fallen in love, and you're preparing to move up here."
"Daddy, you can't say that I'm moving up here. I don't even know that," Kasey said in her defense.
"Kasey, you've basically moved up here. You didn't even spend Thanksgiving with us, this year. You were with his family," Harry pointed out.
Kasey sat up and looked at him. "Why didn't you tell me you wanted me at home for Thanksgiving?"
"Your mama wouldn't let me."
Kasey looked at her mom and smiled. She was always in their corner.
"What's so special about this guy?" Her dad asked, looking a little bit dejected.
"He loves me," she simply stated. "And, you know that's not easy to do," she pointed out. "He's also very patient with me. Something else that's not easy to do. And, I love him, which isn't easy for me to do." She was mature enough to admit that she could be difficult when it came to relationship. It was a defense mechanism designed to keep her heartbreak free. But, with Tom, she didn't even have time to put on that armor. She fell hard and fast.
"You're right." He gave a small chuckle. "You've ran a lot of men off."
"So, can you not run this one off for me? Please?"
"He's good for her, Dad," she heard Harrison say as he came in the room.
She looked at him and smiled. He winked at her and double tapped his fist to his chest. "Trust me Pops. I've seen them together. Just look at her. When's the last time you saw Kasey like this? Hey Huck," Harrison called, bringing Huck into the room and conversation. "What do you think about Tom?"
"I like him," Huck replied. "He loves Kasey."
Harrison gave their dad a knowing look. Huck wasn't quick to like anyone, especially when it came to guys vying for Kasey and Olivia's hearts.
Her dad looked her in the eyes. "You really love him, don't you?"
"I do."
He sighed loudly. "Fine. I'll be nice."
"Thank you, Daddy," Kasey said, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing his cheek.
"As if he had a choice," her mom mumbled as the doorbell rang.
"Oh my god. That's him." She looked at her father one last time as she got up.
"I'll be nice," he promised.
"Hey. Look who I found," Olivia said as she came in the room with Tom trailing behind her. He had a bouquet of roses in his hands.
"Hey," Kasey said. She wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. She could feel the nervousness radiating off of him. His body was so tense. "Relax," she whispered. "There's nothing to worry about. Remember how I trusted you about your family? Trust me about mine."
She felt his body relax and pulled away from him. "These are for you," he said and gave her a bouquet of roses.
"Thank you."
He still had roses in his hand, and Kasey assumed they were for her mother. "This is my dad," she said, pointing to her father. "Dad, this is Tom."
"It's nice to meet you, sir," Tom said, extending his hand. Harry took his hand in his and shook it. "You too, Tom."
"This is my mom."
"It's nice to finally meet you," she said, opening her arms for a hug.
"You too," Tom said, hugging her. "And, these are for you," Tom said, giving her a bouquet of roses. He still had a bouquet in his hands.
"Thank you. They're beautiful."
"Who is the other bouquet of roses for?"
"Your grandmother," he told her.
"Oh. Come on. I'll introduce you to her and granddad."
"Granny was in the family room, talking to Ethan and Alicia," Olivia told her.
Kasey took Tom's hand in hers and led him to the family room. "Hey Granny," Kasey said. "I want you to meet someone."
Granny looked up.
"This is my boyfriend, Tom," Kasey said. "Tom, this is Granny."
"It's nice to meet you," Tom said. "And, these are for you."
"Thank you, dear," Granny said. "They're beautiful. Come on. Give me a hug," Granny said.
Tom smiled and bent down to hug her.
"I know you're a special guy," Granny said. "Kasey usually runs her boyfriends off before I have a chance to meet them."
"You just going to put all my business out there," Kasey teased.
Granny smiled. "You can't have any secrets with your future husband, unless it's a secret checking account for if he decides to show his ass."
"Okay," Kasey said. "I think we better get back to my parents."
"It was nice to meet you," Tom said as Kasey started pulling him back to the library.
"We'll talk more later," Granny assured him.
"Have a seat," Harry said once they got back to the library.
Tom sat down next to Harry, and Kasey sat next to him, placing her hand on his knee. Karen took her seat next to her husband, in case she had to check him.
"So, Kasey tells us that you're a driver," Karen said.
"Yes ma'am. At the moment, I only have one client, who really doesn't need me. So, I have a lot of free time. It's good for now, because it allows me to spend a lot of time with Kasey," Tom said.
"Yeah, he basically gets paid an insane amount of money to hang out with Kasey," Harrison added.
"You get paid when you're not working?" Harry asked.
"Yes sir. I'm on retainer," Tom said. "But, I need to stay busy. So, I'm putting some plans in motion to start my own personal driver business," he explained.
"That sounds good," Karen said.
"Starting a business requires a lot of time and energy," Harry said. "It's good you don't have kids yet. You would miss a lot."
"Kasey and I have talked about it. And, we won't be having any kids, until we're married."
"You've talked about marriage?" Karen asked. Kasey could tell from the look on her face that she was shocked. She hadn't shared that information with her, and wasn't planning on it without a ring.
"Yes ma'am. We love each other. It's the natural next step. Of course, when the time is right," he added and squeezed Kasey's hand.
Kasey looked at him and smiled. His answers were perfect, reaffirming her belief that he was perfect.
"How much have you talked about marriage?" Harry asked. "Because it seems you have a lot to work out, mainly you living here and she lives in Georgia."
"We've talked about that," Tom replied. "And, I want to live wherever Kasey wants to live. Basically, the ball is in her court."
"Is that right?" Her dad said, looking at her.
"Yes Daddy," she smiled.
"Kasey says your family is in Chicago," Karen said.
"Yes ma'am. They're going to be arriving tomorrow," Tom said.
"Why don't you bring them by once they get settled? I would love to meet them."
"Definitely."
"So, do you like football?" Her dad asked.
Kasey released a breath she didn't even know she had been holding. The conversation shifting to football was assurance that he had her dad's approval.
/
Even though Olivia told him not to be nervous, Fitz couldn't help himself. He had stared three hundred pound defenders in the eyes, and been fine. That seemed like child's play compared to meeting the love of his life's father. And, it wasn't just that he was meeting her father. He was meeting the man she adored, her first hero. Probably the only person in the world, who could pull her away from him. He took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. He nervously stuffed his hands in his pockets and waited.