Chapter 37: Meeting the Parents
The door opened and he watched as the teenager's mouth dropped open. "You got to be shitting me," he exclaimed.
"Trey, watch your mouth," he heard come from inside.
"You got to be shitting me," he said, again.
"Trey, I know you heard your mama."
"You got to be -"
"Boy, what's wrong with you?" Fitz watched as an older guy walked up to the door. "Whoa" he said, quietly.
"I'm looking for Olivia," Fitz finally said.
"Yeah man. Come on in," the older guy said. "It's hard for us to get used to the fact that Liv and Junior know you guys. I'm Michael, by the way. This is my son, Trey."
"Nice to meet you," Fitz said, shaking both of their hands.
"Go tell Liv she's got company," Michael said to Trey.
Fitz picked up the bags that were on the porch next to him.
"Come on in. Make yourself comfortable," Michael said, ushering Fitz into the living room that was filled with family.
"Thank you," Fitz said, taking his coat off.
"No way," Fitz heard someone say.
"That's not Fitzgerald Grant."
He nervously waited for Olivia as he listened to the hushed whispers around him.
He looked up and saw her come in the room. "Hi," he said. He smiled as a smile spread across her face.
"Girl, do you ever not work?" Michael asked.
Just seeing Fitz standing there made her day. She had missed him so much. And, it had only been one full day. For a moment, she forgot all about introducing him to her parents. All she wanted and needed was to be in his arms. She quickly made her way to him.
"Hi," she said as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"God, I missed you," he whispered as he held her tightly.
"I don't think that's work," Olivia heard her Aunt Shelby say.
"No way. Fitzgerald Grant is not the dude you're dating," CJ exclaimed.
Stepping out of their embrace, Olivia turned to face the relatives that were staring at them. "This is everybody. Everybody, this is Fitz," she said. She slipped her hand in his free hand. "Come on. Let me introduce you to my parents."
"That's how you upgrade." Hilary said, and Olivia looked at her and winked.
So, what's in the bags?" Olivia asked as she led him out of the room.
"Gifts."
"Anything for me?" She asked, peering over into the bags. One of the bags noticeably had flowers spilling over out of it.
"I couldn't fit," he teased.
"Very funny."
"If you're a good girl, maybe your mom will share her gift with you."
"I'm always a good girl."
"Sure," he teased. His expression quickly changed to a serious one. "Should I be nervous?"
Olivia looked at him and shrugged her shoulders. "I honestly don't know." She hated that she couldn't give him anything more. She wanted her father to like him, but after his earlier stunt, she couldn't guarantee that he would. "My dad feels like he didn't do his job with Edison, so I think he wants to be extra hard. But, I hope not."
That did nothing to calm his crazy nerves.
"Regardless, we'll be okay," she assured him.
That helped a bit, but he didn't know if he trusted that. He may have if his mom hadn't told him that she wouldn't have married his father if his granddad didn't like him.
"Hey," she said, lightly tugging on his hand. "I mean that. I love you."
He looked at her and tried to smile.
"Wait. I want to introduce you to my granny first. She's right there," she said, pointing towards an older lady with a long, gray braid hanging down her back, flipping through a magazine. "And she's alone," Olivia continued. "She's in high demand around here. So, I say we take advantage of this moment."
"Okay," he agreed.
"Hey Granny," Olivia said, pulling her attention to them. "Granny, this is Fitz. Fitz, this is Granny."
"Well hello," she said, standing to greet him.
"Hello ma'am. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
"My goodness. Aren't you a handsome thing?" She said as she looked up at him.
Olivia smiled as she watched Fitz's face turn beet red.
She opened her arms. "Give me a hug before my husband comes back in here and gets jealous."
Olivia stifled a laugh as she shook her head. "Granddad's in the living room, asleep, pretending to watch the game."
Fitz chuckled as he bent down to hug her. "These are for you," he said, offering her the bag with the flowers in it. "Olivia told me that you like to garden and love different kinds of flowers. These are -"
"Snowdrops," she said with awe. "We can't grow them in Albany. They're beautiful. Thank you."
"You're very welcome." He smiled.
"Liv, you've got a charmer, here," she said.
"I know," Olivia said, glancing up at him.
Fitz looked at her and smiled.
"Have you met her parents yet?"
"No ma'am."
"Well, when you do, make sure you look at Liv at least once, and everything will be fine."
He smiled. "Yes ma'am."
"We better get in there," Olivia said. "They're in here," she said, pointing to a room.
Fitz took a deep breath. He couldn't believe he was this nervous. He couldn't remember a time in his life where he was this rattled. It was imperative that her family liked him, especially her father.
She grabbed his hand, and led him to the room where her parents were waiting. They both looked up when they walked in the room.
"Fitzgerald Grant." Her dad stood and shook his hand. "It's nice to meet you. I know Liv worked with you. And, she knows we're all fans, especially her uncle CJ."
"Thank you, Sir." Fitz looked at Olivia who looked just as a confused as he did.
"Um...daddy," Olivia began. He had obviously assumed that Fitz was simply a friend, who she was bringing by to meet the family.
"I have to say I'm impressed with how you've turned your game around," he continued, ignoring Olivia. "It's amazing that everyone counted you out at the beginning of the season, and now you're headed to the playoffs."
"Daddy," Olivia began again, looking at her mother for help.
"Oliver," Carol placed her hand on his shoulder to get his attention.
"What?" He asked, finally turning his attention to her.
"Fitz is um...Fitz is my boyfriend."
Fitz watched as his facial expression changed from delight to confusion.
"Wait a minute. Fitz is...didn't you just break up with Mellie Adkins? How long have you been together? Were you with my baby girl why you were with Mellie?" The questions were coming quick and fast. And, even though they should have been, neither Fitz nor Olivia was prepared to answer them like that.
Fitz swallowed slowly. This was already going horribly.
"Daddy, I knew they were together," Olivia said, trying to put out the flames, and hopefully give them a chance to start over. "I'm not innocent in this. Besides, I was with Edison when Fitz and I got together," Olivia tried to explain.
"You were with Edison?"
"Yes," Olivia said, quietly.
"You're the reason she broke up with Edison?" He asked, looking at Fitz.
"I...uh...I think so."
"You were," Olivia confirmed.
"My man," Oliver said and shook his hand.
Fitz chuckled nervously, not sure if her father was serious, or if he was setting him up. Although he couldn't figure out how or why he would set him up. He nervously glanced at Olivia and she shrugged her shoulders.
"Um...this is my mom," Olivia said, drawing Fitz's attention to her mother. "Mom, this is Fitz."
Fitz couldn't help, but notice how much Olivia looked like her mom. It was like he was given a glimpse into the future to what she would look like in the years to come.
"So, you're the man responsible for the sparkle in my baby girl's eyes," Carol said, opening her arms for a hug.
Fitz bent down and hugged her. Looking back at Olivia with a smile on his face, he asked, "She gave me credit?"
"I didn't have to," Olivia said, looking at him lovingly.
"This is for you," Fitz said, taking a gift box out of the bag.
"Thank you," she said, taking the box from his hands.
"Olivia said her love of popcorn comes from you," Fitz said as she opened the box. "It's a lot of different flavors. Hopefully, you'll like them."
"I'm sure I will love them. Thank you," she said, hugging him again.
"Mommy, are you going to share?" Olivia asked sweetly.
"I'll think about it," she said as she looked at the different bags.
"And, this is for you, sir," Fitz said. He pulled a wine bag out and passed it to Oliver.
"Olivia must have told you that I consider myself a wine connoisseur."
"Yes sir."
"Wow. 1982 Cheval Blanc," Oliver said, looking at the bottle. "Thank you. And, don't worry, Punkin. I'll share with you."
Olivia nervously looked at Fitz. He gave her a small smile as he gazed at her lovingly. She smiled and returned the look.
"Punkin, why don't you and your mom give me and Fitz a moment alone?"
The smile on her face dropped. "What?" She asked, quickly turning to him.
"Give us a moment to have a man to man conversation."
"But-"
"Come on, Punkin," her mom said, touching her elbow. "Your dad will be nice."
Olivia nodded and reluctantly left the room with her mother, looking back at Fitz before closing the door; leaving the two most important men in her life alone, praying they would both come out alive.
/
Olivia was standing in the hallway near the library, nervously pacing when Kasey and Tom walked up.
"Where's Fitz?" She asked.
Olivia nodded towards the library. Kasey noticed the closed door.
"Just him and your dad?"
Olivia nodded her head.
"No wonder you're pacing."
Olivia slumped against a wall. "I need him to like him, Kase."
"Maybe he will," Kasey said, trying to offer some hope. "My dad likes Tom," she said and looked up at him.
"That's because Tom got the stamp of approval from Harrison and Huck. And, Aunt Karen was in there. My dad is alone with Fitz. He was just dressed for war. He's going to kill him."
"Fitz will be fine," her mother assured her. "Your dad needs to do this. He feels like he failed as a father with Edison. So, he needs to feel like he did his part protecting you and your heart."
"I swear he was here," Trey said to Ethan and Tariq as they rounded the corner. "He was here to see Liv. Liv, is Grant still here?" He asked when he saw her.
She nodded.
"Where is he?" Trey asked.
"In there talking to my dad," she said, pointing towards the library.
"Can we go in there," Trey asked, already moving towards the library.
Kasey jerked him back by his shirt. "What do you think?"
"What? What are they talking about? I just want an autograph before he leaves."
"He won't be leaving anytime soon," Kasey said.
"I hope not," Olivia said, nervously.
The door opened and her father walked out alone. Olivia could literally hear her heart beating.
"Daddy, where's Fitz?"
Oliver took a deep breath and rubbed his hand over his face. "I didn't expect Fitzgerald Grant to be the guy you were dating. I never thought you would introduce me to the guy who used to be an embarrassment to the league. He wasn't the guy I pictured you with. He definitely wasn't the guy I had in mind for you." The one thing that Olivia feared the most was playing out before her. Her father hated Fitz. She should have told him who he was from the beginning, and explained why she loved him. Why he made her life better. Why he made her better.
"Daddy," she began, her voice trembling. She had to make him understand. She needed him to like Fitz, because breaking up with him was not an option. And, not having her father in her life wasn't an option either.
Oliver shook his head, not giving her a chance to even try to stop him from saying what he needed to say. He placed his hands on her shoulders and tried to look in her eyes. Olivia refused to look at her dad as she fought back tears. "Look at me, Punkin." She took a moment to try and gather strength, before lifting her head to look at him. "You chose well," he said. Her eyes widened in surprise. "Fitz loves you. I don't think he even realizes just how much he loves you."
"Thank you, Daddy," she exclaimed as tears gathered in her eyes.
"Don't start crying on me," he said and kissed her forehead. "You know I can't handle that."
She smiled and wiped her tears. "I know."
"Get on in there," he said and nodded towards the door.
She kissed his cheek. "Thanks for giving him a chance Daddy."
/
Moments Earlier
"Have a seat," Oliver said.
Fitz sat down and looked around nervously.
"Great game today," Oliver said.
"Thank you, sir. But, that was mostly Russ. The kid's really coming into his own."
"I agree. I think the team is going to be great with him, next year."
"You're right," Fitz said, relaxing into the conversation since they were talking about football. "He's a quick learner and he's always looking to learn more."
"So, what made you decide to retire?"
"Honestly, your daughter. I love her, and I want to marry her. And, I don't want her to deal with the pressures of being a football player's wife."
"So, what are you planning to do once you retire?"
"I'm thinking about broadcasting. But, we'll see. Working with Russ, I'm starting to want to coach high school or college. That's where the heart of the game is. And, there's something about being able to shape and mold young athletes."
"It will probably be more fulfilling than broadcasting."
"I agree. I'm learning that life is about living to your full potential and being able to contribute to society. And, sharing it all with the people you love."
"So, why did you start dating my daughter while you were already in a high profile relationship?" Oliver asked, quickly shifting the conversation. "You've had this reputation of being faithful in your relationship. Was that just talk to help your image, because it was shitty?"
"Sir, I don't know if you believe in love at first sight. I'm not sure exactly when it happened. But, somewhere between hearing her laugh, looking at her for the first time, or when we had our first conversation, I fell in love with your daughter. I know it probably sounds crazy -"
"It doesn't. I fell in love with her mother the day I met her. But, I was single. And, she was single."
"Our situation was complicated to say the least," Fitz said. He looked at Oliver and knew that explanation wasn't enough for him.
"Did you first meet when Cyrus asked for her help with you?"
"I met her the day before. I was having this crappy day, and then I heard the most beautiful sound. She was laughing," Fitz smiled thinking back to the day he met Olivia. The day his life changed forever. "I turned around and looked at her and my heart just stopped. She was beyond beautiful." He looked off, remembering exactly how she looked that day, and her eyes when she finally looked up at him. "Normally, I wouldn't have approached her," he said, forcing his attention back on Oliver. "Or any woman, because of my relationship with Mellie. But, it was like I was drawn to her, and I couldn't not talk to her. So, I introduced myself. We talked and she amazed me with every word that she said. Then, she excused herself to the bathroom, and some jerk started grabbing on her, and I beat the crap out of him."
"You defended her."
"Yes sir."
"That's why you got arrested," Oliver said, connecting the dots.
"Yes sir."
"And Cyrus called her."
"Yes sir."
"And, the rest is history?"
"Kind of."
"We were drawn to each other. She tried to fight it. But, I knew that she had to be a part of my life. I was determined to fight for us. Because I knew there was an us, if she just gave me a chance. But, she was in a situation. I was in a situation. And, it wasn't the usual, I've met someone else, and we should break up. It wasn't that easy for either of us."
"I know about her situation with Edison. She doesn't know that I know. But, I do. And, I want to rip his head off for doing that to her," Oliver said with anger.
"You and me both."
"What I don't know about is your situation." Oliver threw a pointed look at Fitz.
Fitz took a deep breath. Something told him he was going to have to put everything on the table. "I haven't told anyone this, except Olivia. But, Mellie and I were never in love with each other. Mellie was with me because she wanted to be a celebrity power couple. She's into reality television and putting everything on display for the world to see. I was with her to try and get my father's share of the team back from her dad," Fitz explained.
"What do you mean?"
"Phil stole my father's half of the team from him."
"I didn't know that."
"No one does."
"But, Liv found a way through the old contract. So, I broke up with Mellie the same day that Liv told me," Fitz told him. "From that day forward, it's been just us. Honestly, it's been just us since the day I met her."
Oliver brought his fingers to his lips in a teepee, tapping his index fingers together.
"I love your daughter, sir," Fitz said. "Since the day I met her, everything that I've done has been about her. I'm a better man because of her. I can't imagine my life without her. And, I'm hoping we have your blessing, because I can't live without her. I don't even want to try," Fitz said, honestly. He had never really expressed his feelings for Olivia to anyone other than her. With Cyrus and Kasey, they saw that she was happy and that was enough for them. But, he felt that her dad needed to hear exactly how he felt about her, although he knew there was no way for him to completely verbalize the love that he felt for Olivia. But, he hoped it was enough.
"I know it was just a brief moment," Oliver began. "But I was able to see the way she looked at you. And, the way you looked at her. You love each other. It's obvious that you make her happy. And, that's all that matters to me. But, that's my little girl in there," Oliver said, pointing to the door. "I know she's grown, but she will always be my little girl. I don't want a repeat of Edison. Know that if you ever hurt her, I will hurt you. I will stand over your body and watch you bleed out. Do we understand each other?"
Fitz swallowed. "Y-Yes sir," he said.
"You know when I realized you were the guy, I knew I wouldn't like you," Oliver confessed. "You've been quite the ass in your career. Well, until recently."
"Until Liv," Fitz corrected him.
"But, after talking to you, I like you. And, I'm glad, because Liv wants me to. And, it's hard to say no to her."
"I know," Fitz agreed.
"She pouts," Oliver said.
"And bats those eyes," Fitz added.
"Then, she hits me with a "Daddy," Oliver said, trying to mock her voice.
"I get a "Baby,"" Fitz said, trying to mock the sing song voice she often used on him.
They both laughed.
"She could rule the world," Fitz said.
"I think the two of us is enough," Oliver said.
/
Olivia walked in the library and saw Fitz scanning the books on the shelves.
"Hi," she said, and closed the door.
He turned around. "Hi."
She beckoned him to her. The moment he was I'm her space, she grabbed his face and kissed him.
She pulled back and smiled brightly. "My dad likes you."
He nodded. "He does. And, I like him."
"What did you say to him?" Olivia asked.
"We just talked. He asked about us. I was honest. He knows that I love you. And, that you are happy with me."
"I am. So very happy." She kissed him again, before grabbing his hand. "Come with me. I have a cousin who's dying to meet you and show you to the rest of our cousins to prove he didn't imagine you."
He smiled. "Okay."
He opened the door, and Harrison and Huck were standing in the doorway, apparently waiting on them.
"Harrison Wright," Fitz said, quickly recovering from the initial shock. "It's nice to finally meet you. I assume you're Huck," Fitz said, looking at Huck.
Huck simply nodded.
"I heard you got Uncle Ollie's blessing," Harrison said.
"I did."
"I haven't really spent any time with you, but Liv has been noticeably happier since she's been with you. And, you've seemingly gotten your shit together. So, it looks like you're good for each other."
"I think we are," Fitz agreed.
"Just don't screw up," Harrison warned. "And, by screw up, I mean make her cry and we find out about it."
"I won't," Fitz assured him.
"Good," he said, and he and Huck walked off.
Fitz looked at Olivia and she simply smiled. "They know about Edison. So, they feel the need to threaten you."
"Okay," Fitz said. He saw Kasey and Tom. "Hey Kasey. What's up Tom? You had your interrogation today?"
"Longest moments of my life," Tom said.
"You can say that again," Fitz agreed.
"But, you both survived," Kasey said.
"Barely," Fitz mumbled.
Olivia looked up and saw Trey, Ethan, and Tariq were still standing there, hoping for a chance to talk to him.
"Fitz, this is Tariq and Ethan. And, I've believe you've already met Trey," Olivia said as she introduced him to her young cousins.
"It's nice to meet you," he said, shaking their hands.
"So," Fitz began as they all just stared at him for a moment. "Either of you play football?"
They all nodded.
"What positions?" Fitz asked.
"DB," Tariq said.
"Wide receiver," Ethan said.
"I'm trying out for quarterback," Trey said. "Our starting qb is moving, so the spot is up for grabs."
"We're going to have to go outside and play a little," Fitz said. "Maybe I can give you some pointers to make sure that spot is yours."
"We got a game planned for tomorrow. We played this morning. But, now the games are on, so everybody's watching them," Trey explained. "Will you be here tomorrow?"
"Yes," Olivia said, quickly. "Unless you have something planned with Russ."
"All of my free time is devoted to you," he said and kissed her cheek.
"So, you two are together," Trey said in disbelief.
"Yes," Fitz said, wrapping his arm around Olivia's waist. "You gentlemen okay with that?"
"Yeah. You treat her right, don't you?" Ethan asked.
Fitz smiled. "I do."
"Then yeah."
"Trey, where's your sister?" Olivia asked.
"Last I saw her she was in the kitchen, getting a snack.
"Come on," Olivia said, taking Fitz's hand in hers. He followed her to the kitchen where Catelyn was sitting at the table finishing up some grapes.
"Hey Catelyn," Olivia said. "I want you to meet someone. This is my boyfriend, Fitz," she said, singing the word boyfriend like she did.
"Hello Catelyn," Fitz said, extending his hand to her. She took it and shook it.
"Hi Mr. Fitz."
"Just call me-"
Olivia bumped him and shook her head.
"What? I was just going to tell her to call me Fitz," he said, quietly.
"I know," Olivia said.
Catelyn tugged on Olivia's hand, pulling her down to her level. She cupped her hands around Olivia's ear and whispered, "he's cute."
"Catelyn, what did I tell you about whispering?" Carla asked, making her presence known.
"It's rude," Catelyn said, quietly.
"Now, what did you say to Liv?"
Catelyn hid her face against Olivia's thigh.
"He's cute," Olivia mouthed to Carla and pointed at Fitz.
Carla laughed. "I'm Carla," she said, extending her hand to Fitz.
"I'm sorry. I'm being rude," Olivia apologized. "Fitz, this is my cousin, Carla. Carla, this is Fitz."
"It's nice to meet you," Fitz said, shaking her hand.
"You too," Carla said. "This one is mine," she said, pointing at Catelyn. "And, you've already met my star struck husband and son, Michael and Trey." Carla kneeled down next to Catelyn. "It's okay, Princess." Carla rubbed Catelyn's back. Catelyn lifted her head and looked at her mother.
Olivia bent down and whispered. "I think he's cute, too."
Catelyn buried her head in Carla's shoulder.
"Wow," Carla said. "Liv, you better watch out. I think this is a crush."
Olivia laughed. "I can't say I blame her."
"Her father won't be pleased."
"Don't tell him," Olivia said, looking at Catelyn with her head still buried in Carla's shoulder with her arms around her neck.
Carla picked Catelyn up. "I'm going to see if I can get a nap out of this," she said, walking out of the kitchen.
"Come on. Let me introduce you to everyone else," Olivia said.
Olivia took Fitz around and introduced him to the rest of her family.
/
After dinner, Olivia helped clean the kitchen and dining room. When she was done, she saw Fitz in the living room, talking and laughing with her relatives. She walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Take a walk with me?" She whispered in his ear.
"Okay," he said, and took one of her hands in his as he stood up.
"Let me run upstairs and get my coat," Olivia said.
"Where are you going?" Derrick asked.
"None of your business," she replied.
"Don't steal the man away. Let him stay and talk," Cameron said.
"Um...this is my boyfriend," she said. "And, I am going to steal him away. Deal with it." She laughed as she went upstairs.
When she came back down, Fitz had his coat on waiting for her by the door.
They quietly walked around the property, holding hands, happy to be alone for a few minutes. Fitz slipped his hand around her waist.
"How are my girls?" He asked, placing a hand on her stomach.
"You're determined to make our baby a girl, aren't you?"
"You said you want a girl too," he reminded her.
"I do. But, I realize that this baby could be a boy."
"She's a girl, Livvie. You just have to accept it," he said, confidently
"If he's a boy, he's going to be born with a complex."
He laughed. "I'll try to stop."
"Kasey knows," she said, quietly.
He smiled. "I knew you would tell her."
"I didn't. She figured it out. But, I'm glad she knows."
"Was it the morning sickness?" He asked.
"That. And, I took a nap. And, I didn't drink eggnog. But, the telling thing was me not playing football with my cousins today."
"I can't picture you playing football," he said, laughing.
"You're laughing, but if I didn't have this little Grant bean," she said, touching her stomach. "I would show you."
He grinned. "That's going to be the first order of business after our baby is born and the doctor says you're okay."
"No," she said, turning to him. "We will be the first order of business." She pulled the lapels of his coat, prepared to kiss him, but she was almost knocked down as a chorus of laughter rushed by them.
"Are you okay?" Fitz asked, wrapping his arms around her.
"Hey. Hey," Olivia called. "Jackson and Jefferson, come here."
With bowed heads they walked over to her. "Sorry Liv," they said in unison.
"That's okay," she said as she bent down to their level. "But, do your parents know you're out here?"
"No ma'am."
"I know at home, you can play out in the backyard at night. But, this is unfamiliar land. So, until you learn the area, you're going to need permission and an adult before you come out at night. Okay?"
"Okay."
She gently tugged on one of the boy's strawberry blonde curls that had escaped from his skull cap. A feature they got from their mother. "Now, go back to the house and see if your dad wants to come outside with you."
"Okay," they said and raced back to the house.
She stood up and looked at Fitz. "You sure you want five more of those," she nodded her head in the direction of the twins.
"With you as their mom, heck yeah. You handled that perfectly." He wrapped his arms around her. "You didn't make them feel bad or anything."
"Everyone knows that they're used to spending all of their free time outside," she said.
"You think their dad is going to come outside with them?"
"Yeah. They get in trouble if they're inside too long. So, Nicole will make Marcus come outside with them," she told him.
"Do you want to go back inside?" He asked.
"No."
"Aren't you cold?"
"I am. But, I plan on being warm very soon," she said as she took his hand and pulled him to the stables.
"This is nice," Fitz said, looking around. "It would be nicer with horses."
She smiled. "I used to beg my dad for a horse," she said as they walked further inside.
"You mean you didn't get one," he asked shocked.
"No. The suburbs really aren't the place for a horse. But, I got riding lessons. That was the best my dad could do."
"Pony or horse?" Fitz asked. "Because most girls want a pony."
"Horse. I knew the kind and color. I had names picked out and everything."
"What were they?"
"I wanted two thoroughbreds, because those are the ones that race. A black one I was going name Thunder. And, a white one named Lightning," she said. "And, they were going to have a little black and white baby named Storm. I know it's corny. But, that's what little Olivia wanted."
"Maybe we can get that for our baby," he said.
"No. She has to pick out her own horses and names."
He grinned. "You said she."
"Ugh," she groaned playfully. "You're a bad influence."
"How bad?" He asked, wrapping his arm around her waist and backing her to the wall.
"Very bad," she whispered, looking at his lips.
He lowered his head and kissed her. Olivia grabbed the back of his head, pulling him closer to her. She moaned as he slipped his tongue in her mouth. It felt so good to actually kiss him.
Fitz moved his hands up and down her back. He found himself getting frustrated with her coat. He wanted and needed to feel her. He moved his hand between them and started unbuttoning it. Olivia put a hand on his. She pulled back and stepped away from him as she fixed the one button he had managed to get loose.
"Not going to happen," she said.
"I know," he said. "It's just that," He dropped his voice to that low seductive whisper he knew she couldn't resist. "I miss you. I just wanted to be closer to you," he said and took a step closer to her
She chuckled and took a step back. "Not going to work."
"Damn."
"It's not that I don't want to. They're too many people here. Anyone could come out. And, we already know that Jackson and Jefferson will be out here with their dad, if they aren't already. Not to mention that my dad could come out."
"Okay," Fitz said, holding his hand out to her. "Let's get back inside around people, before I try to have my way with you."
When they got back inside, there was Alabama, Georgia, and Auburn trash talking going on.
"What did we miss?" Olivia asked Kasey as they sat down next to her and Tom.
"The usual," she said.
"Hey Liv," Lance called when he saw her. "Kick six."
"Fifteen," she quickly replied.
"You tell him, Punkin," Oliver said.
"Come here Brian." Shelby picked up the toddler. "Say Roll Tide for Auntie Shelby."
"No. We say War Eagle," Brian told her.
"That's my boy," Lance exclaimed, proudly.
"Brian, you like dogs, right?" Harper asked.
"Yeah."
"Say Go Dawgs."
Brian looked at his dad, who shook his head.
"No. War Eagle," Brian exclaimed.
"He already got him," Harper said.
"The Bible says train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it," Lance said.
"Did you really just use scripture to justify teaching evil to this poor baby?" Shelby asked, hugging Brian to her.
"Is it that serious?" Fitz whispered to Olivia.
"You have no idea."
"All I know," Ethan began. "Is that everyone in here better be a Bulldog fan next year, since that's where I'm going," he said with a grin.
Harrison jumped up. "That's what I'm talking about," he said, hitting Ethan on the back.
"I'm waiting on Signing Day, but there's no point in keeping it from family," Ethan said.
"Press conference?" Harrison asked.
"Hell yeah."
"Ethan," Erica said, sternly.
"Sorry."
"Wow. Signing day. He's that good?" Fitz asked Olivia.
"Five star," Olivia told him.
Alliances were forgotten and they all congratulated Ethan on his decision, and promised to watch him every Saturday.
"I guess I'm a Bulldogs fan now," Oliver said. "At least for however many years you're there."
"Until he gets his degree," Cameron said.
"Alright Buddy. We have to say Go Dawgs now," Lance told Brian.
"Go Dogs," Brian said, tentatively.
"Say it like you mean it," Harry said.
"My baby is going to be so confused," Rachel said.
"So, are you switching teams?" Fitz asked.
"Not exactly switching, just supporting family."
"Even if Georgia is playing Alabama?"
"Even then."
Olivia snuggled in closer to him and laid her head on his shoulder.
"Sleepy?"
"Mmm-hmm."
"I can go can so you can go to sleep."
"No. I want to fall asleep in your arms," she whispered.
After a few moments, there was an even rise and fall of her chest and Fitz knew she was asleep.
"Is Liv asleep?" Carol asked.
"Yes ma'am," Fitz said.
"Kasey, wake her up, so she can go to bed."
"Liv," Kasey said, gently shaking her.
"No," she groaned and turned into Fitz, wrapping her arms around him.
"Looks like she's in her comfy spot," Hilary teased.
Fitz smiled. "I can take her up."
"Third door on your left," Kasey said.
Fitz stood up with Olivia in his arms. "I'm timing you," Oliver said as he walked upstairs.
When he got in the room, he gently laid her on the bed. At the loss of contact, Olivia opened her eyes.
"Fitz?"
"I'm right here."
She grabbed his arm and pulled him down next to her.
"Your dad said he's timing me," he said. He pecked her lips and tried to get up.
"Just stay right here for a few more minutes," she said, wrapping her arms around him.
"Okay," he agreed.
She laid her head on his chest and within a few minutes, she was asleep.
Fitz placed his hand on her stomach. "Take care of mommy, while I'm gone," he whispered.
/
When Fitz got home, he immediately noticed how cold and empty the house felt without Olivia. He missed her immensely, even though he had just seen her. He missed her presence in their home. Her warmth and love that just radiated all over the house. He stood in the kitchen, drinking a glass of water as he imagined her walking in wearing one of his team shirts, showing off her legs. He shook his head. Visions of her only made him miss her more. What did he do before she moved in? All he could remember doing was coming home and sleeping. But, how was he supposed to sleep in their bed without her there? He put his glass in the sink and walked upstairs to their bedroom. He noticed a piece of paper on her side of the bed. It was a note.
I miss you too. When I miss you, I sleep in one of your shirts to feel closer to you, which really doesn't make sense, because I wear them when you're here too. But, they do make me feel closer to you. This shirt is one of my favorite shirts of yours. I wear it more than any of the others. Maybe, if you wear it, you'll feel closer to me. I love you more than words can express. Liv.
He smiled. He got his phone and called her.
"Hi baby," she answered. Her voice was heavy with sleep.
"I'm sorry, baby," he apologized. "I forgot you were sleeping."
"It's okay. I was hoping you would call."
He smiled. "I just saw your note and the shirt."
"I know it probably won't help, but I wanted to do something."
"It's perfect," he told her. "So, why is this your favorite shirt?"
"It has your name on it."
He smiled. "I wish you were here, because that comment deserves a kiss."
"You can kiss me tomorrow."
"I plan on it."
"Okay. I better go. Kasey's giving me the evil eye."
He laughed. "Okay. Goodnight. I love you."
"I love you too"