AN: Sorry this chapter took so long, writers block was a real pain this time. And that combined with my excitement to write the 50th (yay 50!) chapter and really wanting to end it on a particular note had me so obsessed with striking the perfect balance that I got no words for my trouble lol. Even though everything I had planned won't make it into the 50th, after holding onto it for dear life for two weeks, I still hope you enjoy this chapter anyway.

As always thank you to those who reviewed last chapter and hello to those of you who have favorited or followed since then. Also to those of you who have left a review for each and every chapter and/or stuck this out with me for almost a year now, there are no words to tell you how much that means (and you have to know by now how much I love words)! Have a great weekend everybody!

Chapter 50

Although her body warned her to the point of practically begging to take it easy, Olivia continued pressing forward; the hem of her white pleated dress swaying and caressing her calves while she wandered, observed and mingled until nature initiated another one of its frequent and inevitable calls, prompting her to excuse herself from the presence of those she was assembled with.

Once leaving the bathroom to rejoin the festivities she was distracted by the sounds of faint cries and soft murmuring so moving on instinct she followed the noise until she came upon a touching scene in one of the numerous ornate rooms. Her presence unnoticed, she watched Will Caldwell as he cradled his infant daughter and huddled closer to his wife while she cooed over the fussing twin. Temporarily hypnotized by the tender moment before it dawned on her that she could possibly be intruding, Olivia began to apologize and turn upon being spotted. But when she heard Will call to her and invite her to join them she reluctantly accepted.

"I was just about to go find Marjorie so that she could help us put them down," he explained, referring to their nanny. "Would you mind keeping Gayle company until I get back?"

"No, not at all." Olivia answered honestly, her smile bright and eyes interested as they swept over the picture perfect family.

With her gaze noticeably transfixed on the sight of the tiny twin wonders her hand instinctively lay on her own stomach as her heart melted.

"Grace seems to be in a bit of mood at the moment, but would you like to hold Maddie for me?" Will asked.

"No. I mean I couldn't," she declined with an adamant shake of her head.

The slight fear and hesitation evident in her voice prompted him to try again. "But you'd really be helping me, us, out."

"It's fine, Olivia, really." The blond chimed in and added, "Trust me, you can never have enough practice."

She looked at their sincere faces and then the small swell of cleavage the cut of her dress displayed. "But I have on perfume I wouldn't want to somehow...I mean their skin is so sensitive at this stage..."

Juggling his child and a blanket, Will stood and draped it across Olivia's shoulder so that it would cover all. "Problem solved," he declared.

After he waited for her to get situated he gently placed the baby girl into her arms and remarked, "Now, how easy that was?"

Flashing him a brilliant smile Olivia then looked down in awe at the squirming bundle that she held against her."Well, hi there, beautiful girl."

When the infant's mouth began to pucker and then emitted a forceful squall, Olivia stared at her parents with a petrified expression on her face for aid. "What's wrong? What do I do? What did I do?"

"Nothing," they reassured her, "that's just Maddie's way. You just have to give her a second."

Living up to their guarantee, seconds later the baby calmed and Olivia relaxed as much as she could. And once the atmosphere remained mellow for an acceptable amount of time, Will stepped away with a promise to return, running straight into Marian just as he was out the door.

"Here you all are!" she exclaimed, accepting the support his outstretched hands offered. Sturdy on her feet thanks to his assistance her voice stayed even but her posture was rigid as she looked them over, studying some longer than others. "I was wondering where the party moved to, now I know."

"All of my girls needed a break." Will spoke up. "And now it's time for two of them for go down for the night so I'm on my way to hunt down Marjorie."

"Oh, don't bother," she said with a wave of her hand.

"Why wouldn't I? This is what she traveled with us for."

"I know. But I'm sure between Gayle, myself, and Olivia?" Marian waited a beat for Olivia's consent which came in the form of a nod before continuing, "we'll manage."

After convincing him to return to the rest of his family and welcoming a kiss of gratitude on her cheek, Marian strutted into the room and commandeered the seat Will vacated. Taking in her surroundings with a warm smile she stroked her niece's head before focusing on Olivia, remarking on the easy rapport that seemed to be developing between her and the child she rocked and simultaneously doted on.

"It won't be long for you now will it, Olivia? When did you say you're due?"

"The end of August. August 25th to be exact," she answered absently, her concentration focused on everything Maddie; from fingers, toes and button nose.

"And we've already entered May so you really don't have that much longer."

"So Olivia are you're ready for this to be your everyday life?" Gayle wondered.

"Well, umm..." Eyes bulging and palms sweating at the thought of a wiggling, inconsolable and energetic Nicholas, Olivia swallowed as she tried to articulate her mixed feelings to virtual strangers without sounding standoffish, whiny, incompetent or insane.

"Gayle is anyone ever really?" Marian filled the silence with a question of her own. "I know that for me no matter how many times I've been pregnant there's always this level of fear and doubtfulness that comes over you. I wasn't ready to deliver or leave the hospital with them. And then when we got home, for them to leave the comfort and security of my room for their nursery. I wasn't ready for the first day of school or their first sleepover with friends and the list goes on and on. But I did it and got through it and when I add each and every one of those moments together I realize they help make up the best times of my life."

After the honest revelation the conversation surrounding motherhood flowed freely between the mothers; new, experienced and expectant.


Once the babies were tucked neatly and safely into their cribs and off to a sound sleep the women re-entered the dinner party and eventually their husbands' sides. While Fitz continued voicing his opinion on the topic at hand, he pulled Olivia to him and held her close as he made his point, planted a kiss on her temple and then questioned her well being once he finished. When she admitted that she was ready for bed he began their goodnights, pausing only when Peter pleaded for just a little more of their time. And minutes later an elaborately decorated cake was presented and centered in their midst.

As the creation was applauded and fawned over, those in attendance raised their glasses to the guests of honor as the host made a toast to the newly married couple. Although short on words, Peter managed to give a speech that was funny, heartfelt and encouraging. A speech that dispensed advice and revealed his genuine affection and connection to Fitz. And once the words had ceased, the cake was cut, distributed and devoured everyone went their separate ways.


"So, thoughts on Casa La Famiglia Caldwell so far?"

Watching Fitz through the mirror as he turned down the bed so that she could finally indulge in the sleep she craved, Olivia hurried applying cream to the skin left exposed by her nightgown as she chuckled. "Casa Caldwell is so obnoxiously awesome but I love every room of it. As for the family themselves, they definitely know how to keep everyone on their toes. They certainly had you going."

"Oh, come on! It wasn't a fair fight and it never will be. It was like a hundred of them even in the absence of their parents and Kate."

"It was a shame that they couldn't make it in on time but Marian and Peter more than assumed the responsibilities that come with the title of Host and Hostess with the Mostest. Great qualities to have for a future POTUS and FLOTUS wouldn't you say?"

Ignoring her leading question, Fitz scoffed. "Yeah, Pete was the best until he started that crazy talk about teeing off at 5 am. He seemed to have forgotten that time has passed and we've aged since we played last."

"Well that is a bummer. Like the game itself isn't punishment enough..." she muttered.

"Thankfully he saw reason and agreed to 6 but that means I still need to be awake if not functional at 5."

While he groused and groaned, she sighed. "If it had to be one of us, the way I'm feeling right now I'm elated it isn't me for a change."

"And I'm positive that's a sentiment that Nick shares right along with you," After taking a few steps across the room Fitz stood behind Olivia and placed his hands on her shoulders and squeezed. "I know you have a lot on your plate so I want you to take advantage of the down time and make tomorrow as lazy as possible until Harrison and the rest of your backup arrives. You can sleep in, lounge around or if you need some more time to get your notes together you'll have it. And then in the afternoon there'll be a family basketball game that's sure to make for some great anecdotes. You think you'll be up to cheering me on by then too, Livvie?"

"Of course. At least know that I want to be in spite of how many times I actually make it to my feet or not. I mean just the thought of you using some fancy footwork all around that court excites me and gives me all sorts of thoughts and feelings."

"And you admitting that does the same for me. I understand if you stay seated in fact I prefer it. As long as you remember to scream for me a couple of times and then maybe ooh and aah like I have moves on par with Jordan, I'll be okay."

"Good to know." she said with a perfectly raised brow. "Anything else?"

"Always," he smirked devilishly. "Promise that you'll kiss me even when I'm sweaty and then really congratulate me once we're alone."

"Okay, let me see; scream, kiss, stroke ego amongst other things, I think I got all of that. Will that be all?"

"Well since you're asking, I guess we could practice before the main event. You know, make sure the sounds, the enthusiasm and your technique are just right."

"Do you really think all of that is necessary to get you to victory?"

"It is," he confirmed with light kisses to her bare skin. "Don't put your hair up just yet, Livvie."

"And why not?" She asked as her body already began to respond to the gruffness in his tone.

"Because I'm absolutely positive that it'll just get messed up in practice."


"So are we ready to go?"

The sound of Fitz's voice signaling the end of his shower and grooming and relaying his desire to join the others for a scheduled brunch, Olivia dropped her pen and massaged her temple before rearranging paperwork and closing her journal. Immediately upon Fitz's return from his early morning outing and the enthusiastic retelling of the outcome, Olivia worked on hammering out personal matters in addition to bouncing around ideas for the Caldwell powwow. Satisfied that everything was now in its place, she stood.

Once Olivia was within his reach Fitz held her by the waist and searched her eyes. "Everything okay?"

"Everything's great. I was just jotting down thoughts for the interview to share with Harrison when he gets here. I was also going over some of the things that have to be addressed once we get home."

Interest piqued at the mention of home and family he asked, "Is someone in trouble? Because it sounds like someone is in trouble."

"No, of course not. That's not anger you hear just fatigue. We have a lot going on and talking with Marian and Gayle last night and even Andy before that made me realize just how much there is to look forward to and there's still a lot for us to get done."

"Such as?"

Taking a deep breath, Olivia grabbed his hand and tugged. "Come on, we'll talk on the way. It seems a bit tacky to have the guests holding up mealtime."


As they were shuttled from their guest accommodations to the main estate in a custom golf cart, Olivia began to clue Fitz into the things running through her mind. The recipient of his undivided attention, she spoke of her need to ready their home, family and wardrobe for their upcoming session with Andrea, her desire to visit the agencies that had been recommended to her in hopes of finding suitable help with Nicholas and completing his nursery before his arrival. Believing and relaxing in Fitz's reassurance that all would be well and taken care of in due time, Olivia turned her focus to all things Caldwell.

By the time they arrived on the patio for brunch the space was overflowing with bodies young and old. And while the children quickly filled plates and scurried off; some of the adults welcomed the two of them, inquired about their thoughts on their temporary home away from home and ribbed Fitz about their golf excursion. As more dining selections were displayed and more people trickled in, they chatted extensively about everything under the sun until a thunderous baritone interrupted and the group spontaneously parted for their patriarch's entrance.

After introductions were made between Olivia, Kate and the elder Caldwells, they struck up a brief but friendly chat of their own before the meal and fresh and varied rounds of discussion commenced.


It was early afternoon when all remnants of food were cleared away, when the laughter subsided and the crowd thinned; when the men went off to admire the latest additions to the wine cellar while complaining about the latest political gaffe plaguing the Party along the way, and left wives, sisters, and daughters behind who consciously or subconsciously broke off into exclusive groups.

Doing her best to ignore some of the brazenly unpleasant glances cast in her direction, Olivia kept company with those she naturally gravitated to, those that kept her laughing and engaged, that put her at ease and helped make her time spent in such a breathtaking location as delightful as nature advertised.

"Is something wrong?"

Taken aback by Marian's question and realizing her discomfort wasn't as hidden as she had hoped, Olivia shook her head and smiled. "No, I dont think so. At least I hope not. It's just...what's their deal, if you don't mind my asking."

Marian followed the tilt of Olivia's head and groaned. "Oh don't pay them any attention at all, it's only a waste of time. Missy's really good friends with Millicent or as good of a friend as Millicent allows anyone to be; so she might be offended on her behalf by your being here. She's never has been the sharpest tool in the shed and the boys always tease her saying she's adopted. I have to admit sometimes I do wonder though. And let's see that's Kitty; Kitty is Anson's third wife so she's practically brand new here. That chip you see on her shoulder and that permanent scowl she wears is there to remind us all that she has something to prove and damn it she will. I give them six more months of holy matrimony."

Retaining every morsel of information while maintaining a peaceful disposition Olivia's gaze kept wandering and then honed in on the redhead who was reminding her that it was possible for beauty to only be skin deep. "What about her?"

"Who, Constance? Oh poor, poor Connie," Marian sighed. "She's had a little harmless crush on Fitz for as long as we can remember but he's always been spoken for. And to find him married and expecting so soon after Mellie has probably thrown her for a loop."

"Well this has been a lesson interesting, informative and chock full of surprises. A lesson a part of me wishes I hadn't sought," she admitted giving the women a final once over.


"Oh, thank Jesus, Mary and Joseph you made it! I thought you'd never ditch the guys and get your butt over here." Olivia gasped, flinging herself in Harrison's direction.

Chuckling at her theatrics he caught and hugged her. "Whoa now! Easy there, Mama, what's going on?"

Rolling her eyes as she used a hand to push her hair out of her eye, she answered, "God knows I'm thankful for the opportunity but if there's one interview I ever want to get in the can and then be out it's this one."

"I don't understand; I thought this was supposed to be all fun, laughs, good times with a dash of work thrown in for the hell of it."

"It is...for my husband. For me, not so much. Don't get me wrong, I love seeing Fitz having fun, truly enjoying himself, but the live SportsCenter reenactments are no match for some of the attitude being thrown my way."

"Really now? That sounds like a whole lot of special. Do you want to tell Uncle Harrison all about it?"

She linked her arm in his and groaned. "Oh I can and I will. And I will also even do you one better than that and escort you into the lion's den so you can get a good look for yourself."


Watching Fitz move towards them in gym shorts and a sleeveless t-shirt while grinning from ear to ear, Harrison nodded at the man before leaning over and whispering to Olivia. "So I'm guessing this is where the whole reference to SportsCenter comes in."

"And this isn't even the half of it. Last night they called Fitz out of bed for billiards, in the early morning hour there was golf and now we're about to find out if any of these white men can jump."

Scanning the lineup with a grimace Harrison weighed in. "Maybe once upon a time but most of this bunch looks a little seasoned while the others just look lost. I hope no one pulls anything, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed just in case."

"Well the day really is still young. And I've heard talk of swimming, tennis and lacrosse before the trip comes to an complete end."

Laughing at the possible scenarios that could be born from the glorified field day, Harrison threw an arm around Olivia's neck. "Then I really hope El Presidente knows how lucky he is to have a loving wife to rub those aches and pains away because something tells me he's gonna need you."

"That may be true but please don't remind him, I don't want to ruin his fun," she replied and then flashed a smile for her husband.

After Fitz finally reached them he shook Harrison's hand and then kissed Olivia soundly. Once he released her she put one hand on his chest while the other wiped at the corner of his mouth. "If your moves on the court are anything like the ones used on me this game will be a slam dunk."

Smiling at the compliment, he rewarded her with a quick smack on the lips. "Thank you for the vote of confidence, Livvie. It's nice to know that at least someone around these parts believe in me." he chuckled and turned to Harrison. "So you made it just in time for the games to begin. How was your flight?"

"Can't really complain, as you can see I made it safe and sound."

"And you are about to be thoroughly entertained for all of your efforts, I promise. But first let me show you around before it gets serious out here."


Determined to uphold her vow to support Fitz, Olivia tried to make her voice heard as she cheered him on but she couldn't fully enjoy watching him in action due to the unhappiness that seemed to settle around Harrison. Fully aware of the origins of his frustrations and discontent, she strained to hold her tongue as she watched him fidget and stare at his phone, as she listened to him repeatedly huff and shift and scratch the back of his head.

"Dude why don't you just call her please? I'm sure you'll feel a million times better if you do. God knows I will."

"Wanna bet on it? I talked to her as soon as we touched down and she sounded like she couldn't care less."

"You and I both know that isn't true. Abby is all about you. She loves and cares about you...she's head over heels in love with you."

"Then why isn't she here? Why'd she flake out on you too? We all know how much she loves traveling with you for things like this."

"Believe me, she's helping me far more by being back home with my family than she ever could here taking care of my face."

"I don't doubt that for a minute but we both know that CiCi could have stepped in to handle that. She's probably there looking over Abby's shoulder, pissing her off as we speak. No Abby's using you to avoid me and you're letting her, Liv."

"Abby's an adult so I'm not letting her do anything. I'm supporting her just like I'm supporting you. I'm begging you just like I've begged her numerous times; please communicate! For the love of God if you two still want to be together you've got to be honest with each other and talk everything out."

"We have talked. We do talk, all the time."

"Yell."

"Excuse me?"

"Lately you're both yelling...all the time. There are certain things that she wants that she doesn't feel you want or are ready to give and the both of you seem to be hell bent on not compromising, so you yell."

"Damn, is it really that bad?"

"It's the worse. And I'm only basing the bulk of my conclusion on what I've gleaned through her forgetting I'm on the the line whenever you come around. But it's also something that can be fixed, if you want that is. Do you want?"

"Of course."

"Then work it out before it's too late...before this is the first of many times you have to wonder why the woman you love isn't beside you."


After massaging her eye sockets and releasing an exasperated sigh, Olivia looked to the ceiling before she returned her full attention to her computer screen. A video chat that initially began with an update on the happenings in her absence from home turned into something frustrating and complicated when Olivia off handedly made mention of Harrison. Through bouts of her friend's hysterics; complete with screaming, shrieking, swearing and the urge to pull her own hair out, Olivia finally managed to get a word in edgewise to state her opinion on the matter. "I'm telling you Abs the guy is miserable...totally, completely and insufferably miserable. He's missing you fiercely and wants you by his side."

"I'm not exactly walking on sunshine here myself you know," Abby barked from her seat at the kitchen table. "Do you know how hard it is for me to be with him and love him but feel like he's holding back, feeling like our relationship has stalled and possibly on its last legs? Do you know how much loving him is starting to hurt?"

"Abs, I'm sorry. I really am but..."

"No, don't. I can't listen to you spew that newfound eternal optimism of yours again. You have everything, Liv. You bagged a former POTUS; a damned good one, not a skeevy, smarmy corrupt one, who is bonkers about you. You two have dated, married and procreated all within a years time."

"It hasn't been a year quite yet but almost."

"That actually makes everything even worse but whatevs. The point is, our relationships began at practically the same time and Harrison acts like he's gonna start seizing whenever I even mention us spending more than one week in a shared space. I just don't get him and I can't be around him right now, Liv."

"I hear you and you're entitled to what you're feeling. And I'm not belittling it but you really shouldn't compare my relationship with yours. Despite his issues, Harrison loves and adores you. He's faithful and he's committed to you. Fitz is Fitz. He's older; he's more experienced and his feelings are more intense, so intense that you can't not get swept up in them. And he already did the marriage thing before me so he knew exactly what he wanted and what he could handle in a relationship."

"And he wanted you. With all of your hangups and neuroses he still-"

"Hey."

"With all of your Olivianess he still wanted you. He got you and now you two are like some freaking American Dream. You're some modern-day Camelot and I'm some desperate girlfriend."

"So are you mad at me now too? Are you begrudging me what I have with Fitz?"

"Of course not, never. I love what you've found with the guy. I love what he's done for you, what he's brought out of you. And I love that your practice honeymoon was so damn good that you turned into the real thing. It's just that I want to be that thrilled and in love with my own life."

"Well if you feel that strongly about it...when Harrison gets back in town you know what you have to do."

"Yep. We either have to take one hell of a crapper or get off the pot."


Finding Olivia's head buried in paperwork for the second time that day, Fitz leaned against the doorjamb catching his breath and marveling at her in work mode. Watching her from the time she had agreed to the interview made him realize how much she must have missed her job. As she worked meticulously, tirelessly, even as she dealt with the discomfort her growing pregnancy was starting to bring made him love, care and admire her even more.

When she looked up to stretch and saw him staring, she tilted her head and widened her smile.

"I'm going to be uncontrollably jealous if anything Caldwell related put that look on your face." he quipped.

"Even Grace and Maddie?" she inquired with a chuckle of her own.

"Nah, they're naturally irresistible. And they've helped put you at ease and given you a little exposure to some of everything in just a short amount of time including that famous diaper duty."

"Diaper duty that I rocked..." she proudly amended.

"That I hope you're definitely not smiling over though, are you? Then what?" he asked after she shook her head. "Something that was said to you, that you overheard? Is someone in that brood going to make me compete for your affections? If so you need to point them out so that I can kick their ass."

Batting her lashes, she purred,"This atmosphere is making you aggressive, Fitzy, and it's kinda hot. I think I like it a lot."

Bursting out into a fit of laughter at the look of terror on his face she tried to compose herself. "Seriously, if you must know, after the conversations I've had with both Abby and Harrison today I can't stop thinking about you."

"Me? Really?" he asked, a pleased expression lighting his face.

"Yes, you. I'm thinking about you and everything you've brought into my life. You given me things I didn't know I wanted. Those things I refused to allow myself to want and now I can't imagine life without you, your love or them."

"I feel the same. I've felt it for a long time. I knew it in Vermont."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." He replied, helped her to her feet and brought his lips hers, kissing her desperately; consuming her, drawing from her until her limbs weakened and she clutched his shoulders for support . When she heard him wince she loosened her grip and touched him tenderly. "You know there's quite a bit of time before dinner. I could happily help soothe what ails you if you're willing."

Smiling he stroked her face and tucked her hair behind her ear."Now that's an offer I'd never refuse."


Once evening fell, the night's attire had been selected and Olivia had checked in with her family; she lounged on the bed engaging Nicholas with the sound of her voice and the touch of her hands, enchanted by his enthusiastic response. Hearing her raucous laughter increasing repeatedly, Fitz shifted the phone at his ear, turning to stroke Olivia's cheek before placing his palm flat on her stomach.

As he continued to speak with and listened to Karen and Gerry he basked in the feeling of his soon to be born child's progress. When the baby eventually settled down and his call ended, Fitz glanced at Olivia and found her attention had shifted elsewhere. Following her line of sight to the television screen in front of them, he groaned at the sight of Mellie but couldn't avoid becoming engrossed in the video and headline that accompanied it.

Former First Lady Breaks Silence On Ex-Husband's Surprise Union

"Turn it up please, Livvie."

Obliging without verbally acknowledging, Olivia stared in a trancelike state at the image of the crowded room and the seemingly upbeat, bordering on chipper, woman who was undoubtedly Mellie, but bore little resemblance to the one she had come to know. Reconciling that it was indeed her so that she could concentrate, Olivia listened intently to what was being said.

Spotted out and about supporting The First Lady of California Nichols' Literacy Initiative, Former First Lady Mellie Grant graciously allowed questions about her personal life, speaking candidly about Former President Grant's remarriage and the impending arrival of his first child with journalist Olivia Pope Grant.

"I've known Fitzgerald and loved Fitzgerald for almost half of my life. Although I'm saddened that things between us didn't work out the way we had hope when we recited our own vows many years ago I truly wish him nothing but a lifetime of love and happiness. That Olivia Pope is a great great girl and he's a great man and an excellent father to our children so I have no doubt he will be the same to the littlest bundle on the horizon. Karen and Gerry always speak glowingly about Olivia and they've come to care greatly about her since they've gotten to know her and I know the same is true for her. I imagine she's gotten more than a taste of motherhood with them so when she finally does gives birth, parenting will hopefully be as easy as breathing for her."

"Fingers crossed," the young reporter grinned. "If you don't mind my prying, Ma'am...Can you tell us, were you as shocked by their news as the rest of America?"

"No, of course not. Even though we no longer share a life together, we are still co-parenting. And Fitz keeps me apprised of the changes to his life and I do the same for him. At the end of the day if we raise children that are happy, healthy, grounded and successful and if we set those positive examples as the most important adults in their lives, that's all that matters."

The microphone almost slipping from the reporter's hand due to the vigorous nodding she practiced with every word Mellie spoke, her voice was filled with emotion as she commented on the woman's sage revelations. "What a lovely and admirable testament of a blended family, Ma'am. With such fondness and respect for each other I imagine there's been an exchange of well wishes and gifts commemorating this time in President Grant's life; care to reveal or even hint to America what you came up with? With your impeccable taste, I have no doubt it would be coveted worldwide."

"Why, thank you Cara," Mellie blushed, "You're just so sweet. I haven't actually spoken to them since the announcement was made or picked out the perfect expression of my feelings just yet. I didn't know the wedding would be so soon and the birth is still a ways off so I assumed I had more time. As you can see I've been busy lending my support to First Lady Nichols for this important cause but once this and few more of my commitments are honored I promise you I'm making it my mission to knock that new family's socks off with the lovely surprise I have in store for them."

Once the clip ended and the camera was returned to pair of incessantly gabbing anchors, Olivia clicked the remote's power button. As the screen faded to back she sat up straight and exhaled. "Wow. That was..."

"A steaming crock of shit if I ever heard one. The stench of it even slithered its way through the screen."

"Fitz."

"What? I know you don't believe her. I know you certainly aren't defending her. All those bald face lies you know firsthand that she just twisted and then told."

"Well although her behavior has been deplorable I wouldn't expect her to get on television and admit it. But maybe, just maybe, us cementing our feelings for one another has woken her up. Maybe she's going to get over it and be a big girl now."

"You can't be serious can you? I bet you one mil that Nick will be more mature upon birth than she has been her entire life."

"Come on, Fitz, have a little faith...if only for Karen and Gerry's sake. I know what it's like having train wrecks for parents and I would love it if we could all play nice so that we could spare those two any more of it, they deserve it. If Mellie's finally seen the light and pulled herself together, if she's got her mind focused on the right things it can only be good for everyone."

"Livvie, no. Karen and Ger, they're good. And I'm more than good. There's a reason they've chosen to live with me time and time again and not her. They've long realized that there's no room in Mellie's life for anybody but Mellie; Mellie's wants, Mellie's needs, ambitions, desires and sense of entitlement and to hell with everything else. So don't start buying into anything she tries to peddle; trust me, you'd only regret it later."

Trying to decipher her unreadable expression, Fitz's forehead creased as he saw the wheels turning in her head. "Liv, you do understand where I'm coming from on this, don't you? You understand why it has to be this way, right?"

"Of course. I do." she nodded slowly as she replied. "You're right. We just have to keep moving forward building the family we have. Now let's get ready for dinner."


Making their way onto the grounds hand in hand, Fittz lifted their linked limbs to his lips and kissed as Olivia leaned into him. "You look so beautiful tonight, Livvie," he murmured, his voice full of appreciation of her in a pale pink babydoll dress enhanced with white polka dots.

"Well, you're always a sight for sore eyes yourself, handsome," she stated with a wink, lightly running her fingers over his violet sweater.

When those same fingers traveled lower and squeezed his behind, his steps faltered and he playfully admonished her after a groan escaped. "Alright, behave."

"Who? Me? I dont know what you're talking about, buddy," Olivia feigned innocence despite her smirk being anything but. "It's an awfully nice night and it's even nicer of the Caldwells to throw this barbeque for the crew."

"After you all are wrapped tomorrow you'll have earned every rib, every ear of corn. Are you still as excited as you were?"

"I'm almost smug with it. Did you remember to tell the cook...?"

"Don't worry, they're preparing you something special in the kitchen."

Cupping his face she smiled and gave him sweet kiss. "Thank you, Fitz. Thank you for always taking such good care of me."

"Believe me, the pleasure will always be mine."


When she had finished participating in polite conversations with members of the Caldwell family and some of their invited guests in and outside of Fitz's presence before going on to joke and play catch up with members of the BNN crew, Olivia began what was quickly becoming something of a habit for her; roaming the hallowed halls of Caldwell manor unaccompanied. As she concentrated on and cautiously touched sculptures and paintings and family portraits alike, she moved about unaware and undisturbed until the sound of abundant chatter and laughter caused her ears to perk up. Curious to the source of all the commotion, continual light steps granted her better access and she used it, careful to remain out of sight as she listened.

"I'll tell you one thing, Millicent was definitely right smack dab on the mark; that's a man in the throes of some fetishized mid life crisis if I ever saw one. Can you believe he replaced her with this...this...exotic obsession of his? If he just couldn't stand being married to her any longer there are much more suitable choices out there in the world for him but this is downright offensive, almost criminal."

Flinching at the appalling words and the unrestrained venom behind them, heat coiled in Olivia's stomach and then spread throughout her as she struggled to remain in the shadows. Before she could decide what her next move would be a different voice spoke up.

"This whole situation is way past scandalous and embarrassing. And the way she walks around here with her nose in the air and her hand glued to that bump of hers like she's silently boasting about getting ready to lay that golden egg," another voice nearly, literally clucked, "absolutely classless."

"Well he's obviously given her the power to be. Allowing himself to fall into the oldest trap in the book. Because of that baby he'll never ever be rid of her now. Even when she trades him in for some young Mandingo she'll be withdrawing from the Bank of Grant for the rest of her days."

"Listen, I love Fitz to death but he's the idiot that married her, that has the gall to parade her around from East to West Coast so he deserves all the shame that this little experiment of his will heap on him."

"I don't know the First Lady personally myself but to have your husband leave you for that and making your whole entire life, everything you've worked for, a spectacle? It has to be the worst humiliation in the world."

"More like abomination."

The sounds and nods of agreement died down at the detection of sharply clicking heels and a clearing throat.

"Pardon me...ladies," Olivia said clearly, loudly, snidely before pausing and allowing her unexpected appearance to be felt.

Standing tall and unaffected amid the gasps of shock and looks both guilty and blatant thrown her way, her icy gaze was landed and lingered on each of the faces of those gathered together, "I thought I'd find Marian in here so that I could give her more of the information I promised about my abominable baby shower but I say it's a good thing she's not among the pack. Well, I guess I'll keep looking so that I can give her all the exotic and scandalous details before I get back to plotting all the ways in which to bleed my husband dry."


Spurred by anger and disappointment, Olivia stalked off as her head throbbed, heart pounded and tears threatened to spill. Chuckling bitterly even as moisture welled in her eyes she held herself tight and shook her head. I will not give those bitches the satisfaction.

Realizing she had gotten lost in her search for a restroom, she stopped short to calm her nerves and catch her breath. With her head and then hands coming to rest on the first available door, the entrance which was already slightly ajar widened even more. Taking it as a sign to utilize the space for a much needed respite, she stepped forward but then froze when she looked inside.

As she did, she stood stunned as she witnessed the unimaginable, truly salacious and saddening scene of a brother and sister in law adjusting each other's clothing before coming together in anguished kiss. Her disgust steadily mounting, Olivia fought to keep her emotions in check and stumbled off before she could be discovered by either Marian, Will or someone else; wondering just what exactly she had gotten herself into all the while.


After finally spotting Olivia's face in the crowd, the smile that adorned Fitz's disappeared when he was struck with the realization that something was not right. Her expression was grim; her eyes were without their spark and her the mouth that had been keeping a constant smile was now a thin tight line. Alarm, bafflement and concern gripping him, motivating him, he tactlessly turned his back on the conversation taking place and pushed his way through a sea of bodies until he stood in front of her. "Hey, what's going on? Why the face? Is this turnout too much? Are you not feeling well? Is it the baby?"

"The baby's fine but I've been better."

"What's wrong?" He wondered while he ran his hand along her forehead and cheeks. "With everything going on have we been overdoing it? Does something hurt? Do you feel sick? Do you need a doctor?"

Finding his concern comforting she gave him a faint smile."No, I think I just need to lie down."

"Okay, we can do that. Well, can you make it to the cottage? Because if not I'll just take you inside."

The innocent mention of the estate bringing waves of unpleasantness with it, Olivia quickly protested. "No, I want to go to the cottage. Right now I need to be far far away from here."