This is Part 1. I hope you all enjoy!
Fitz has made his way over to the hotel where the ladies were staying. He burst through the door without knocking, panic and worry all over his face. Everyone had been on the phone trying to call her when they realized her phone was still there. Bibi rushes to his side, knowing she has to calm him down. Not that it was a time for a full body scan survey of Fitz, but the Olivia's family did just that. They noticed everything there was about Fitzgerald Grant III to see. The curl of his hair. The way he frowns. His chiseled body that couldn't be missed. And the lopsided smile that Liv has grown weak for. This is the first time all of them have had the chance to lay eyes on the man that Olivia was soon to marry, or not.
Candace whispers to Patricia, "Now if that is not an upgrade, I don't know what it is."
Patricia whispers back, ever so muffled, "I don't blame Liv. I would never get off my back."
Candace burst out into laughter, as everyone turns their attention to them, "That's why she's pregnant," she whispers back then nodding her apology for the outburst.
Fitz realizes he's entered the room without knocking. But he looks around the room totally at a lost. He doesn't know most of the room, which he realizes. He looks over at Bibi for a little help as she has already made her way to his side. She quickly whispers, "I'll introduce you to everyone."
He takes a deep breath. He doesn't want to be rude, but he couldn't care less about the faces starring at him in pity at the moment. He has one person on his mind, Olivia and their baby.
Maya comes to the rescue, "Hey Fitz, this is my mother, Edna. Over here is Eli's mother, Rose. This is Sandra, Olivia's stepmother. And over here are my two sisters, Marilee and Margaret. She points, "And my two sister in laws, Angela and Felicia. And the two chatty ladies over there are Olivia's closest cousins, Patricia and Candace."
Fitz tries to calm himself, "Nice to meet all of you. I am sorry for intruding," he answers as he looks over at Abby and Quinn.
"That's okay son, we understand," Bibi answers quickly.
"I've called and called her, she hasn't picked up. Or, she won't pick up because it's me." Fitz cuts through the tension.
"Well, that would be because she left her phone in her room," Abby answers.
They can all see that Fitz is scared to death, "Why? Where the hell did she go?" Fitz speaks.
"Son, don't worry, everything will be fine. She's not gone. She's just," Bibi searches for something less dire to suggest.
"She's just what, Mom. She's gone. I don't know if she's still on the island. She could be on a plane to God knows where. What if I never see her again? What if something happens and she can't reach us. And the baby….my little girl," Fitz utters, imagining all the worse possible scenarios.
"It's a girl," Maya says.
Fitz looks at her confused, realizing he let the surprise slip that they were planning to tell everyone once they got back to LA. He realizes he can't retract, "Yes, we found out a few days ago."
"A great granddaughter," Grandma Rose says.
"A little Olivia," Grandma Edna finishes.
The aunts are all elated at the slip of the tongue. Abby and Quinn look tickled as Bonnie smiles.
"And he's a girl maker," Candace whispers to Patricia. "You know what that means."
"Yes, Olivia is one lucky broad," she praises with a laugh.
Maya can hardly contain her excitement, but realizes gushing over the baby is the furthest thing from everyone's mind right now. "Fitz, I don't think you have anything to worry about. I am sure there's a perfectly good explanation for where she is and why she left."
"She didn't talk to you at all," Fitz asks.
"No, when I went to bed she was talking to Candace and Patricia. I left them gossiping," Maya answers.
"And she was getting tired but didn't want to go to sleep without talking to you," Patricia adds.
"When we left, she was getting ready to call you," Candace finishes.
Fitz takes a deep breath, Bibi jumps in, "Did you talk to her?"
"Yeah, we talked a little while. I asked her how she was feeling and how the baby was. She said everything was fine and we agreed that we would see each other at the altar."
Bibi can tell that nothing is going to calm him down. She takes his hand, "Let's go take a walk."
Fitz quickly protests, "I want to be here if she comes back."
"I've got my phone and you've got yours, they'll call us," Bibi says.
"We will," Maya answers.
"I'll come find you if I have to," Quinn answers.
Fitz looks at everyone with the lost look of a child who lost his favorite toy. He reluctantly agrees with a nod to leave as he turns and leaves with Bibi. As they watch them walk out of the door, everyone turns to each other helpless. They know that they definitely have to find Liv and quick.
Liv is sitting on the bench in the botanical garden at Diamond Falls. She's watching the butterflies that are swirling in the air above her, as they occasionally touch the petals of the flowers. She's watching a few ladybugs that are treading the flower beds. She needed the moment of solitude surrounding by the sound of nature and view of the beautiful exotic flowers. She is holding 3 of the lotus flowers, just like the ones Fitz had the night he proposed to her. She's softly caressing her stomach. She's been feeling flutters all night and morning.
"You must know that today is a big day for me and your daddy. You want us to know that you are definitely here for the party too. Don't worry, it wouldn't be a party without you," she says with a smile.
A butterfly is flying toward her and then lands on the petal of the lotus flower in her hand. She continues to rub her stomach. "I wanted to come here and spend a little time with the woman that I am going to lose in a few hours, Olivia Pope Davis. This place was a new beginning for mommy and today is a new beginning for both of us. The only thing that's going to be missing today is you Daddy," she says as she looks up toward the skies. "It's funny, it never occurred to me to tell you about Edison before we got married. I guess deep down, I knew it wasn't right. I knew he wasn't the one. I was ashamed of myself. I didn't want to tell you about a man that I didn't love that I was going to marry out of obligation or repayment. I was so full of guilt and shame, I thought marrying him was some sort of redemption."
She sits back on the bench, watching the engagement ring catch the sun's glare. She moves the ring around and then takes in the scent of the flower again.
"Fitz," she says with an adoring sigh. "You would love him daddy. Remember when you took me on my first date, to show me how a guy should treat me. You explained how a good man should treat me. How he has to treat me. You said a good man would give me the world, even if he didn't have it to give. Or, that nothing would be too good for me. No number was too high. You were definitely describing Fitz. Although, he would have no trouble giving me the world. He could definitely afford it." She lets out a small giggle. "Fitz has given me everything like he is giving me today…this little girl inside of me. He brings out the love in my heart that I've pushed away for so long because I had no one to truly give it to. Daddy, I just can't breathe sometimes. Most of the time with him. You know that moment you break the surface of the water as you float to the top. That exhilarating feeling that takes your breath away. He takes my breath and it scares me to death sometimes that it is sooo strong."
The baby makes more flutters which makes her smile in delight. She looks and seeds a couple walking hand in hand on down the nearby path. They steal a kiss from each other as they walk. After all, it's Valentine's Day, it's a day for lovers.
"I'm going to marry him today daddy. The man that loves me unconditionally, under the condition that I love him the same way. I know you'll be walking me down the aisle in spirit. You'll kiss me on the cheek and I'll feel it. And you'll wipe the tears away that will fall. The tears I've been crying since I met him. You'll hand me over to the man I deserve and that deserves me." Her face is drenched in tears.
She looks down at her watch, realizing she's been sitting there for some time. She realizes the time is getting close noon. She touches her stomach, making her way to get up, "We better get back before they think I'm a runaway bride and send out search party for us, led by your daddy."
Bibi has taken Fitz for a walk along the coastline outside of the hotel. They find some beach chairs to sit in. Fitz's jaws are clenched. His shoulders are tight. He plops down in the chair, seemingly left without resolve. Bibi is trying to find the best way to console her son but she knows words of encouragement isn't going to change that the thing he needs the most, the person he needs the most is not there. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a box. Bibi studies him and the box.
"What's that?" She asks.
"Our wedding bands," he says.
She's hesitant to ask him to open it, it will just be a reminder of the current situation. Without asking, he opens the box and the sun hits it shine at that precise moment. She gently takes the box from his hands, "They are beautiful. You chose well."
"I'm starting to wonder if that's true," he says defeated.
"Fitzgerald, this is not the man I raised. I raised you to be strong and resilient and I raised you to be a fighter."
"I can't fight Mom. She's gone," he answers.
"How do you know she's gone?"
"Is this a trick question?" he asks looking at her as if she's alien. "Well, last time I looked. She was gone," he finishes.
"Fitz, I know after what happened the last couple of months you can't help but be scared but you chose well, and not just those rings."
"I thought I did...she's my dream. My real live dream come true."
"Yes she is and she loves you, more than you realize."
He gets up from the chair, standing with his hands in his pocket, "I'm a damn idiot. I shouldn't have done this. Instead of pulling her closer, I pushed her away. I knew she was overwhelmed and after the accident, the baby, I should have waited."
"You didn't push her away, son," she says as she runs her fingers through his curls.
"I messed up. This is my fault."
"You were afraid of losing her again.. You wanted to make things more real for you two, that's all."
"And look where that got me," he sulks.
"You know what's the hardest thing in the world for a woman?'" She asks.
"No," he says almost childlike in expression and delivery.
"Being madly in love with a man and coming to this moment. That final step in a relationship, marriage. Even harder if you have been down this road before and it didn't work out. You doubt yourself, you doubt love. Hell, you might even doubt men. You doubt second chances and ever finding that perfect match."
"Mom," he says, wondering if she's speaking from experience.
"I got serious with someone in Hawaii and it was hard. I am no spring chicken. I still look damn good tho," she jokes. "But it was hard because after your father cheating on me, on our family. You kind of lose faith in marriage. Edison did some pretty shitty things to her and preyed on her weakness. She can't help but be scared."
"I'm not Edison. I never will be. I just want to love her and make her happy."
Bibi takes his face into her hands, "And she knows that. She's just protecting herself. It's a natural reaction to pain. I couldn't move on with the guy that came along after your father because I still love that bastard and I always will."
"Maybe she realized she still loves Edison," Fitz says breaking away from Bibi.
"Bullshit, she loves you. I got to spend time with her in Hawaii, we talked a lot about you. She is madly in love with you."
"Just not ready to marry me," he sighs.
"Fitz," she slowly utters.
"When we talked last night, she was worried about being a good wife to me."
Bibi laughs, he confirms exactly what she's being trying to explain.
"I told her she will be. I should have taken this at her pace. I just don't want to lose her and the baby. I don't want to lose her."
"You haven't and you won't. Let's get back to the room, so we can figure out what to do next."
She reaches out her hand for him, as he takes it, "Thanks for always being there for me. No matter how this turns out today."
"You are going to get married tonight and I'm going to get to dance with my son to our favorite song on the dance floor."
"Mom, I am not dancing with you," he protests.
"The hell you aren't. I'm celebrating a lot tonight. Out with Smellie and in with Livvie," she jokes as she pulls him along.
All the men are sitting in the suite, having breakfast. Everyone's trying to be positive about where Liv is.
"You think she left the island?" Marcus asks.
"Listen, I've known Liv a long time. She's been sort of introvert, but she's has reason to be. Grant makes her happy. I haven't seen her this happy in a while. If she left, she had a good reason," Harrison says.
"It's been my experience that marriage is the greatest commitment you can make besides raising children. You got walk into that thing with your eyes open and you gotta be ready to listen," Levi says to the younger guys.
"All I know is, that arrogant wanna be Casanova Brown would have never done something like what this Grant guy did for her. He's never met us. He knows nothing about us until last night but he wanted to make sure this day was special for her. Liv is crazy if she walks away from this guy, " Ricky says grabbing another sausage link.
"I know my niece," Oliver speaks up, "I know her taking off like she did ending up here doesn't help the situation but I trust what I saw in Grant's eyes last night. He loves her and he fell in love with the woman she used to be before Davis took that from her."
"So, how did Ebony and Ivory meet again?" AJ asks.
Everyone laughs, Harrison provides the details, "It all started with a voice, a photo, and a phone call."
"I've never known a man to fall in love with a woman over the airwaves, but that's exactly what Grant did," Cyrus tells them.
"He used to call the radio show and flirt with her and talk about this woman he had fallen for and he didn't know how to tell her," Harrison shares.
"Shut the hell up, don't tell me, Fitz was Tom," Franklin bites.
Charles and Marcus look confused as does Levi and Anthony. Cyrus and David definitely feel like they've missed a part to the puzzle.
"You are a regular listener," Harrison asks.
"Yes, I'm gonna listen to my niece and brag about her. I've been following this Tom dude. This was like weekly episode of The Young and the Restless. This Grant cat is Tom."
"Yes," Harrison answers.
"What are we missing?" David asks.
"Grant didn't know how to approach Liv I guess," Harrison starts to explain.
"Well, he was married," Ricky chimes in.
Harrison continues, "So he decided to become a listener/caller and throw out all these hints. I gotta give it to a brother, that was pretty smooth how he'd ask her for certain songs to play."
"He didn't tell me that," Marcus says.
"He definitely didn't tell me that," Cyrus concurs.
"Leave the man alone, he was trying to wrap, for a white boy, I gotta give him props. He met her on her turf," Harrison finishes.
"My man," Franklin says with a laugh.
"Well, it looks like it worked," David says.
"Let's hope so," Harrison answers as they all get a worried look on their face.
Fitz and Bibi have made it back to the suite. Everyone's faces have sort of turn to a little gloom. There is still no sign of Liv. Abby even checked with the front desk to see if she stopped at the concierge desk for directions to some place. All they could say was that she left in a taxi.
Fitz is out on the terrace with Maya. She can tell his heart is breaking, "I know this seems meaningless right now but Livvie loves you."
"I love her too," he answers.
"I don't know where she went. I can't answer for her but she's been through a lot. I know that's not answer and it's not an excuse, it's just the truth."
"Why did she run? I've never hurt her, at least I never meant to, if I did."
"There's a scared little girl that shows up every now and then and she pouts and she gets sad but she fights to hide that girl"
"I don't want her to hide from me, I want her to trust me," he answers.
Just as Maya is about to answer they hear a collective shrill of Liv's name come from inside. Without a moment to think, Fitz rushes back into the suite with Maya right behind him. Liv is looking at all them confused noticing that Fitz is there.
"What's going on? What are you doing here?" Liv asks Fitz as she catches his
"What's going on?" Patricia says.
"Why are you looking at my like you are shocked to see me?" Liv asks, still wondering why Fitz is there.
"Liv we couldn't find you," Quinn answers.
"Honey, where have you been? Everyone's been worried sick, scared to death."
"Why?" Liv asks again.
"It's not funny Pout, we thought you skipped out on us," Candace adds.
"I left a note on top of Abby's phone. I told her I wanted some time alone, go to my favorite place and I would be back before all the prep started."
Abby looks over, a little confused and embarrassed, "Shit, when my alarm went off, I knocked my phone down. The note much have fell under the bed," she answers as she goes toward the room to look.
"So, you haven't changed your mind," Fitz says barely audible but voice cracking in relief.
She walks over to him, realizing he's standing there frozen in fear, "Why would I have changed my mind?" She asks caressing his face. Bibi has a sigh of relief she knew her son was hanging on by a thread.
"I don't know," Fitz answers faintly. Before he can say anything more, she takes him into her room and closes the door.
Everyone looks like curious wanting to run to the door to hear what's being said between the two.
"Looks like we still have a wedding tonight, we better get our asses in gear," Felicia says as the chaos begins again.
"Wait, do we know there is a wedding?" Patricia asks.
"There's a wedding,' Maya says confidently
Fitz is standing at her window looking out. Liv comes behind him, stroking his back with her fingertips.
"Fitz, did you really think I took off again?"
Fitz is still a little silent. He doesn't want to turn to her. He's full of emotions that he can't put into words in that moment.
"Fitz, look at me," she says as she gently turns his face to hers. "Did you think I took off again?"
"Yeah, I did. I think my heart stopped beating the moment they said you weren't here. I felt like a dead man walking until you walked in that door." Liv's face turns to sadness as he strokes his cheek.
"This is all my fault because I left before and I'm sorry."
"I was scared to death I lost you two again and I just found you," he answers.
Liv takes a deep breath, "Some way to start off a marriage, not being able to trust your wife," Liv finishes.
"I trust you….," he hesitates.
"You can be honest Fitz, you don't completely trust me to not hurt you," she pushes.
"I don't want to feel that way, not about you," he says.
"You have every reason to feel that way Fitz. We should be able to trust each other, especially if we are going to embark on this journey called marriage."
"I want you to trust me. I want you to believe you can talk to me about anything. Even if you don't want to marry me, tell me. It will hurt. It will kill me but at least you felt comfortable enough to tell me."
She lays her chin on his back, "You think I don't want to marry you," she asks.
He stays silent for a minute, "I don't know...I worry."
She turns his shoulders to her, so she can look him squarely in the eyes, "Fitzgerald, I want to marry you. I'm scared. In fact, I'm petrified. I just took some time away to do something I need to do for me and it had nothing to do with talking myself out of not marrying you. Everything has been moving so fast for us. I just needed to catch my breath. I just needed to breathe and think about what today is going to mean for us."
"If you feel like I'm controlling, by doing this, I am sorry. I just wanted this to be special but I should have considered this may be too much for you. I'm not trying to be Edison, I don't want to control you. I don't," he pleads.
She reaches up and gives him a soft kiss on the lips, "You just want to give me the world," she says.
"I do, you and this baby, our baby. I want to give you the world."
"Fitz, I know this past year has been a rollercoaster and I've mainly been the one with a front row seat on this ride but I'm gonna leap."
"We leap together," he finishes.
"Yes," she answers as he kisses her. The kisses is soft and sweet and he pulls her into his arms holding her in place so he can focus on the softness of her lips and the passion of their kiss. She lets out a moan and soft laugh, "You better go before we do something bad."
"Like what," he says as he rubs her ass softly and pushing her more into him.
"Like that," she says as she feels a twitch between them. She looks down and then laughs. She looks back up at him who is sheepishly grinning back, "That is going to have to wait until tonight."
Fitz lets out a groan, "20 minutes...I think we can do it and do it well."
"You and your 20 minutes. Is that Fitzgerald Grant trademark?" she says flirty trying to pull away but he squeezes her tightly.
"We both know, my trademark is all night long. That's how we got this little one," he says as he pats her stomach. "My patent is the ability to satisfy you completely in 20 minutes if that's all we got."
And with just that little seductive sentence coming out of his mouth, she's warm all over for him, "You have to go. You aren't supposed to see me before the wedding anyway."
"I've seen every bit of you, every little nook...," he says as he slowly bring his hand between her legs. "For the record, tonight, you are mine. Legally and physically. I am going to have my way with you," he says as his fingers are having a little adventure walks between her legs.
She lets out a whimper, "Out Mister, out!" she instructs as she pulls away and points to the door.
"Do I get a kiss?"
"No, I don't trust you," she answers.
He starts toward the door, faking sadness, "Okay...I'm going," he says slowly turning the doorknob.
"Goodbye," she answers with a laugh.
"I mean, I'm going this time...you won't see me for a few hours."
"I'll take my chances," she answers.
He stops, trying one more tactic, "After what I went through this morning," he says.
"Damn you," she says as she goes to the door, "One kiss!"
He turns around with a smirk, "One kiss, one minute."
"What?" She asks, confused by what he's asking.
"Bring your lips here," he says as he scoops her in his arms as he smashes into her lips as they enjoy the taste of each other's lips. They are both moaning in pleasure and unison as their tongues dual in it's own dance to moaning for one passionate minute.
"Fitz you have to go before my grandmothers spanks you with a switch," she pleads as he gently nuzzles the curve of her neck.
"Okay, okay...that sounds menacing. I'll go."
"Thank you," she laughs.
"I'll see you two at 6pm sharp," he says he touches her stomach again and opens the door to leave.
She gives him a soft kiss, "Sharp," she responds still letting her lips graze.
Grandmother Rose speaks up as they can see the little show between them through the crack of the door, "Young man, do I have to get a switch for you?"
Fitz turns around and looks at Liv, "Would she really?"
Liv is laughing at the fear that now covers his face, "You are family now. Yes, she would." She continues to laugh, he stops her by pulling her in for another hard kiss that takes the wind out of her.
Fitz releases her from the kiss, as he opens the door widely, "I'm leaving," he says loudly as he starts out. He turns around and mouths I Love You to Liv and leaves. Liv is staring at with dreamy eyes as she rests her back on the door. Fitz smirks as he leaves, "Ladies," as he goes out of the door, as Bibi quickly follows him. Liv is lost in the feel of his lips.
"He got you whipped bad," Grandma Edna finishes that causes a roar of laughter.
"I am not whipped," Liv protests.
Grandma Rose looks at her sternly, with a playful grin, "Should we check your underwear."
"Grammy," Liv says shocked with rosiest of cheeks to show her embarrassment.
"Oh Lord! You are going to be barefoot and pregnant for that man all the time," Angela says jokingly as everyone laughs.
Maya, again coming to the rescue, "Y'all leave my baby alone. We have a wedding to get ready for." Liv looks at her mom with relief for the recovery.
Bibi is outside with Fitz, "Everything okay, although judging from the stars in Liv's eyes I'll say it is."
Fitz's cheeks turn red, "Everything is fine."
"Good," she answers.
"Mom, thank you again. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"You are stuck with me forever," she answers as tears are starting to fill her eyes. She clears her throat, "Now you are getting married. You need to go and get ready."
He kisses her on the cheek and leaves.
Back at the men's hotel all the men are starting to get ready as they got a text from Fitz that the wedding is still on. Fitz has made it back to the chaos. He and Marcus are sharing a suite. He asked him to be the best man. There is a knock at the door. Fitz is taking a shower with the door to his bedroom shut. Marcus is just about to hop his shower when he hears the knock again. He goes and opens the door. He opens it to find Big Jerry standing there.
" ," Marcus says shocked by him standing there.
"I know you are shocked to see me Marcus and I am sure my son won't be happy at all to see me."
"We didn't know you were coming."
"I didn't know I was either but I had to," he answers.
Marcus is fully aware how awkward this is and is going to be. He opens the door fully for Big Jerry to come in. "He's ummmm, taking a shower."
"I thought you guys would just about ready to get this show on the road," he says looking around at how relatively calm it is."
"Well, we are kind of getting a late start," Marcus answers not wanting to give details of the morning's mishap.
"How's he doing?" Gerry asks.
"He's good...he's ready," Marcus answers.
"Don't worry Walker, you won't get in trouble for letting me in. Just be by the door when he motions for me to get out," Gerry says as he's about to take a seat when Fitz opens the door, towel around his waist and a towel thrown over his shoulder.
"What the hell are you doing here?"
"It is good to see you too son," Gerry answers.
"Let's not act like we have this amazing father and son relationship. I am in no place to play that role today," Fitz says annoyed.
"I am going to go and finish getting dressed," Marcus says quickly , excusing himself.
"What do you want?"
"I wanted to be here for you today," Gerry responds in earnest.
Fitz lets out a strained laugh at Gerry's admission, "Aren't you a little late for the proud dad act?"
"I'm not here to try and gain points. Son, I know I've done nothing but piss on your for one thing or another. I just wanted you to be better than me."
"I'm already better than you," Fitz answers.
"Yes, you are. And that was all on your mother and not on me."
"Does mom know you are here?"
"No and I am sure she will want to kick my ass back to Los Angeles when she finds out I am. She begged me not to come here and mess things up for you."
"And you decided to do it anyway?" Fitz questions.
"No, I wanted to come and prove you both wrong. And I am hoping today is a new beginning for you and for me. Maybe we can try to salvage something in our relationship."
"Mellie," Fitz says simply.
Gerry takes a deep breath, looking out at the view of the ocean that can be seen from the suite window, "Mellie was the 3rd biggest mistake I've made. Cheating on your mother first and causing Christopher's accident comes in second. If I could go back and do all those things I would. You are my first born son, my namesake, and I want you to know I love you and I want you to be happy."
"Or, do you want your seat back on the board?" Fitz says not believing Gerry's sentiments.
"Son, this is not about work or my seat. Today is your second chance and I want to be there for you. I made you marry Mellie and I shouldn't haven't done that. You are living your own life and I want you to know I support that."
Fitz's hard shell begins to break a little, "Olivia is the woman I plan to spend the rest of my life with. She's different. She's not Mellie, the debutant wife. She's a very smart woman that has the brains to match and her hue is black and beautiful. She might not be your idea of the wife a Grant man needs on his arm but she's perfect for me."
"Then she's perfect. She's not marrying me. She's marrying you."
"You are going to treat her like my wife or I don't want you around. And you tell your friends who aren't so colorblind that I expect the same 'loving' courtesy they gave Mellie."
"You got it," Gerry relents.
"I need to get dressed," Fitz says going toward his room.
"I got a hotel room. I am going to go and get dressed." Gerry starts walking toward the door. "Thanks for letting me stay."
Fitz takes a deep breath, "Thanks for coming."
Gerry let's out a relieved breath and leaves.
Liv is sitting in front of the mirror in her suite with Maya as Maya is doing her hair.
"I am surprised you sent the hairstylist away and you wanted me to do your hair," Maya says.
"Mom," she says incredulously.
"I haven't done hair in so long," Maya says.
"You are the best I know. You own two salons in Baltimore and two in DC. You are the perfect person for the job plus I needed my mommy. I also wanted to ask you something." Liv says looking into the mirror at her mirror image in Maya.
"What is that?"
"Would you give me away?" Liv says timidly, not knowing what the reaction will be.
"Livvie," Maya says surprised.
"I could have asked many uncles who are here. I could have even asked Levi but none of those choices seemed right. The only choice that seemed to be right is you."
"I don't know what to say."
"I hope you say yes."
"Of course its a yes."
"You and dad walking me down the aisle. It seems like the perfect full circle moment. I know he'll be with me and you'll be there holding my hand." Maya is overcome with emotion as the puts the comb down that was in her hand.
"Don't you dare make me cry Olivia Carolyn Pope. I won't forgive you," Maya says with tears already threatening to fall.
"I went to talk to Daddy about everything, Edison and Fitz. I realized this morning, the first date Daddy and I ever went on was on Valentine's Day. Today is Valentine's and I am going to marry my dream man. He's not exactly what he had in mind for me," she finishes.
"No, he's a pretty white boy with money and an Ivy League education. Who's actually smart. He's the worse," Maya says with a laugh as they both laugh. "Your father just wanted you to be happy and be loved. You got that. That pretty white boy loves you with all his heart."
"I just want him to be proud of me. I've done enough to disappoint him. I haven't been half the woman I should have been."
"What happened in the past wasn't your fault. You were a victim of circumstance."
"And I let that define me and I know better. I've studied the mind. I couldn't figure out my own."
"Occupational hazard of being a doctor. You are your own worst patient," Maya says as she turns Liv's head from left to right, looking at her almost completed work.
There is a knock at the door, as they both say, Come In.
Sandra appears in the door, coming in. She's completely dressed. "I hope I am not interrupting," she says.
"Of course not," Liv says.
"You look beautiful," Sandra says looking at Liv and at Maya. "You still have the magic hands Maya," Sandra finishes.
"Thank you," she says. "Gotta make our girl look good."
"I just wanted to give you something," Sandra says to Olivia.
"You didn't have to give me anything."
"Well, it's not from me. It's from your father."
Maya and Liv look at here confused.
Sandra continues, "He had me transcribe it for him, when he lost the use of his hand. He wanted me to give it to you on your wedding day. Whether he was here with us or not." She hands the envelope over to Olivia.
Olivia holds it close to her heart, "You had this when I married Edison."
"Yeah, I did. It just didn't seem right to give it to you then but today, it's the right time. I can see it in your eyes. I didn't see it with Edison. I don't know what I saw that day but I was sure it wasn't meant for you in that moment to read these words. Your father expected me to do right by you and I hope I am finally doing that now." Sandra takes a deep breath, "I don't want to overstep Maya but he trusted me with this."
Olivia looks down at the envelope, slowly opening it. Maya nods to Sandra and mouths a thank you to her. Olivia get the letter open and begins to read.
Olivia,
I don't know where I'll be when you read this. I'll either be holding your hand the best way I can or I'll be above smiling down on you. Your mother and I tried to give you the best of everything with what we had and we tried to love you better than the best parents could. Today is the day that every daddy dreads for his little girl. The day she leaves him for another man that deep down he'll hate forever. Not because he's a bad guy but because he took his little girl away. The man you marry today is going to be that guy I hate, because he will marry my little girl. He's going to change your name and you become his girl. He's going to love you, he's going to protect you, and he' going to spin the world on its axis for you. He will do everything a daddy does but as your husband. He will capture a place in your heart that I have to let him have. We will have to share you. This lucky guy will be everything I dreamed you'd marry. Be happy Livvie! Be in love!
Daddy
Liv looks up from the letter as she begins to sob. Maya into her arms and console her.
The men have arrived at the hotel where the ladies are staying, Jade Mountain. They all go upstairs where the ceremony is going to take place. They are met by Quinn, Abby, and Bibi who making sure the last minute touches are what they should be. The Celestial Terrace is decorated with various red flowers. There are red roses, red tulips, red hibiscus, and red dahlia's. Liv's bouquet has just been delivered with red and white amaryllis. Randy has flown in to be the DJ and they plan to surprise Liv with recording the show there. Fitz is making sure everything is to his liking. The guys are having a drink. Bibi is giving the bouquet to a waiter to refrigerate when she hears Big Gerry's voice in the distance. She turns around slowly. As he is approaching her.
"Before you say anything, Fitz knows I'm here," he says with his hands up.
Fitz notices the Category 5 storm that's soon to be named his parents forming, he rushes over, "Mom, he's telling the truth."
"I told you not to come."
"I know but I wanted to do one right thing by our son," he answers.
"I should kick your ass for having the ball to show up."
"I expect you to. I'm leaving first thing tomorrow morning, I promise."
Fitz looks at his mom, knowing she's trying to be tough but Gerry is her biggest weakness, "Mom," he says.
"I am only letting him stay because it's too far of a kick with my bum knee," she shakes her hand in Gerry's face and she walks away.
Gerry watches her walk away, "Just as feisty as the day I met her."
"Why did you mess up dad?"
"Because I'm a jackass, that's why. She's still got killer legs and a nice little caboose on her," he says staring at Bibi instructing the works.
"I'm not old enough for this conversation. I am walking away."
Gerry laughs as Fitz excuses himself.
Fitz walks over to Bonnie, who came with Bibi, Quinn and Abby. She and Charles are talking as Fitz comes over, "Hey Fitz," she says.
"Hey Bonnie, I just wanted to thank you."
"For what?" She asks.
"For coming. For supporting me and Olivia. I know this is an awkward situation."
"I told you before, I love Mellie. She's a good friend. But I really like Olivia and you are a good guy. You deserve to be happy just like Mellie does. We wanted to be here."
"Well, thank you!," Fitz says.
Cyrus and James walk over to join the threesome. "Are you ready?" Cyrus asks.
"No, I'm not. I'm nervous."
"Why? You couldn't have planned this better," James says.
"Yes, if this billion dollar realty thing doesn't work out, you can always be a wedding planner to the stars," Cyrus jokes as they laugh.
"I'll keep that in mind," Fitz says as he wipes his brow. Victoria and her friend Becky comes in with Huck in tow behind them. Fitz rushes over to her. He gives her a hug and a kiss on the head.
"You okay," Fitz says. "Hi Becky!"
"Hi, Mr. Grant."
"I'm fine dad, but you don't look okay," Victoria says with a laugh.
"I'm fine! Why would you say that?"
"Mr. Grant," Becky says cautiously, "You are sweating real hard."
"Shit," Fitz says not wanting his shirt to get ruined.
"Dad, why are you nervous? Olivia's cool," Victoria says.
"I just want everything to go right," he says.
"It will dad."
"You like her right," Fitz says nervously.
"Dad, you know I like her. Chill dad, just chill," Victoria says.
"How are you feeling? How's your shoulder?" he says concerned.
"It's good. Grandma made me do my little exercises this morning."
"Good, you have to keep that going, okay."
"Okay Dad, I promise."
He gives her another kiss, "It's almost showtime," he says as he nervously walks away.
The ladies are outside of Olivia's bedroom. She wouldn't let them see the dress she was picking. She spends an hour making the decision all by herself.
"Liv you have to come out some time today. The wedding starts in an hour," Candace.
Liv screams from the room as she stands in the mirror in the dress she chose, checking our every angle of herself. She notices that her bump fits perfectly in the fabric and style that she chose. "You are starting to grow so fast little one." She says as she continues to note the dress.
There's a knock at the door, "I'm coming out right now," Liv responds.
They are all growing anxious on the other side of the door and cameras in hand to take a picture of the bride. They all hear the latch of the door, as she opens the door and steps out in front of them. They all stand in awe.
"Did I pick the wrong one?"
None of them say a word, they just stare at her.
"I picked this one because it's…," Before she can finish.
"Because it's perfect," Maya finishes.
"His jaw is going to hit the floor," Patricia says.
Liv turns around so everyone can see the back too. Maya has done her hair up with strands of curls dropping down the sides of her cheeks. Liv has opted for no veil. She chooses the Madeline Gardner Sakura Wedding Dress in Ivory Rose.
"Do I look like a vision or a disaster?" She asks.
"You look like an angel," Grandma Rose says.
"Well, I guess I'm ready," Liv says as she grabs the shawl that goes with it.
"You can't leave yet. We have a little something for you," Felicia says.
"What's that?" Liv asks.
"You need something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue."
"Do you even do that when you get married a second time?" Liv asks.
"You do when it's right," Angela says as she hands her a bag. Liv looks inside and pulls out a blue garter. "Well, since it's Valentine's and its a red and white party, this is the perfect place to hide something blue."
"I wore these diamond earrings when I married your uncle. This is your something old," Margaret says as she starts putting the earrings in her ear.
"This is my favorite charm bracelet. You know that. I want you to wear it today," Felicia says putting the bracelet around her wrist. "That's your something borrowed."
"We just have to find something new," Marilee says.
"She's already here," Liv says as she pats her stomach. There's a smile that goes around everyone's faces.
"Let's get this show on the row," Candace says going towards the door. She opens as they all begin to go out in a single file line. They all let Liv go our first, holding her dress small train that is behind it.
The ladies arrive outside of the terrace. Abby comes out to see Liv and the dress she chose.
"I love it," Abby says.
"Thanks so much Abby for helping Fitz with all of this."
"Anything for my best friend," Abby says as they hug.
"And thanks for standing up for me too. Red, you look beautiful in red," she says noticing Abby's red dress.
"Thanks," Abby says as she goes to peek.
Everyone goes and takes a seat. Leaving Abby and Maya outside with Liv. Fitz and Marcus are at the altar with the minister. Fitz and Marcus are both dressed in a custom havana linen suit. They are both adorning red roses in their lapel. Abby is peeking in.
"I can't believe we pulled this damn thing off," Abby says proudly as she walks back to Liv and Maya.
Abby hands Liv her bouquet, Liv looks at it in amazement. "This is beautiful. How did you get these specific flowers and in red?" Liv asks.
"Great teamwork," Maya says.
"If I may ask, what is the cue for this start?" Liv asks.
Just as Liv asks the question, the music starts. Liv lets out an audible gasp. "How did he know?"
"He didn't, you played this one night on the show. You said you loved this song and it spoke to you. You said it was the perfect wedding song. I figured it was perfect for today, for you."
Liv has tears, as the music gets a little louder, Giving Myself by Jennifer Hudson starts to play. Abby gets in front of Maya and Liv and starts walking into Terrace. The song as the play.
I never been who I want to be
I never felt completely free
No one's ever had all of me
Or made me feel so beautiful and sexy
Liv and Maya then appears into view for everyone to see as they rise to their feet. Liv look around the terrace at all the red flowers. It's like a secret garden. She quickly locks eyes with Fitz who looks at her with the look of all the love has inside. Liv feels like she's floating. As the sun slowly starts to set over the ocean. Liv begins her walk to the man who she's ready to give herself over to.
Now I'm flying like an airplane
Now I'm riding like on the open range
Now I'm living out my destiny
I know the truth,
I got it all in you and me
I'm giving myself over to you
Body and soul
I'm giving it over
I'm giving myself over to you now
It seems like the longest walk ever but Liv can't contain the tears that stream down face which makes everyone cry.
Like a brand new day
Now you and I, we're the face of fame
Ain't nobody got nothing to say, no
And from my feelings
I never have to run away
No more
Because he's here
Holding me tight
Liv and Maya make it over to Fitz. Maya wipes Liv's tears with an emergency kleenex she had on hand. Maya whispers to Fitz, "We're giving you our baby, you take care," as she places Liv's hand in his and takes Liv's bouquet to hold. The song continues to play as they step in front of the minister as they stare into each other's eyes and they let the song finish.
Can't you see?
I don't wanna be without you anymore
I'm giving myself over to you
Body and Soul
I'm giving it over
I'm giving myself over to you
For the first time
I can stand in front of someone
Finally
I can be me
I can just let my love spill over
I can cry
I don't have to lie
I can finally let someone all the way inside
All the way
Fitz takes her face in his hands, "You look beautiful," he says as he wipes her tears.
She tries to laugh through the tears, "You don't look so bad yourself," she answers wiping his tears.
"We are here," Fitz whispers.
"Yes, we are," she says
You know it's the right time
I know it's the right night
I know it's the right life
I know you're the right man
I know I'm the right girl
Come on now feel it
You feel it
I'm ready to give it over to you
Fitz takes the palm of her hand and brings it up to lips and kisses the inside. He turns her hand over, kissing the top just as gently. "We leap," Fitz says.
"We leap," she answers as the song finishes.
I'm ready to give it over to you
I'll never love nobody else
The minister announces that everyone can be seated. As they all take their seats except Maya.
"Who gives this woman away?" He asks.
"Her father and I and her whole family do," Maya answers as that breaks the tears and turns them into laughter.
"I am going to assume no one is objecting to this marriage," The minister quips.
"They better not," Fitz says as he looks around the terrace.
"Fitzgerald's request was that this not be your traditional wedding. He wanted it to be about their love and their family and I can definitely feel both of those things here this evening. Olivia and Fitz you are now going to state your intentions to each other," he addresses them as they never take their eyes off of each other. "You are about to make a commitment in front of God and your family. This should not be entered into lightly but with reverence and honesty."
"Olivia and Fitz, do you take each other to be wedded husband and wife. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer…"
Everyone laughs at the irony. The minister looks confused.
He continues, "For poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part, according to God's holy ordinance," he turns to Olivia, "Do you?"
"I do," Olivia answers spreading the widest smile across her face.
"Fitzgerald, do you?" The preacher asks.
"I do," Fitz says quickly before the minister can finish which brings about more laughter.
The minister has the rings in the crease of his clergy book. He prayers over the rings as they place them on each other's fingers.
"I understand Olivia and Fitz have something they want to say to each other. We will now hear from the bride and groom," as the minister motions to Fitz first.
Fitz tries to compose himself. He clears his throat so he can say what's been sitting on his heart for so long. He pulls out a piece of paper and starts to read, "Livvie," he says with so much emotion. He looks down at the paper again. "No," he says, "No," he repeats and throws the paper away. "Livvie, the moment I heard your voice over the airwaves I fell in love with you. Then everyday I kept my computer on your webpage just staring at you from the start of my day until the end. I didn't know why. I didn't know why or how this woman who I never met, captured my heart and my thoughts. How I could become obsessed with the notion of life with you? And then we met and I looked into your eyes and I saw the rest of my life, the rest of being. Those eyes, that smile, and everything else I love about you..that maybe I can't say right now," he jokes as everyone laughs. Liv can stop the tears from flowing, as Fitz takes his thumb and tries to wipe them. "We had an unconventional beginning, not one I would recommend to others but when you meet your soulmate you can't close the door on that truth, no matter what the circumstance. I never gave up on a future with you. I promise to smother you with love. I promise to smother you with gifts, even when you say no. I promise to smother you with protection. Most of all, I promise you fidelity, trust, and family. What I need to complete me, I am holding in my hands right now. I love you and always will."
"Fitz," she says trying to compose herself. He reaches down and gently kisses her.
"Fitz," she whispers again. She takes a deep breath, "I saw you on a magazine cover and I started researching you. I had to know everything about you. I wanted to know everything about you and I couldn't figure out why. You intrigued me. I found myself some days wondering what you were doing. I even wondered something so simple, when I would make breakfast or pour a cup of coffee. How does he like his coffee? I learned quickly, you liked it black and strong," she says with a laugh as everyone laughs. Then I met this mystical and magical unicorn named Fitzgerald Grant III and then I had even more questions. Then when I wasn't looking, I fell in love with you. I knew it as early as you did but I was so scared to feel it. I was so scared to give in to it. A man like you couldn't be real. Then thought to myself, if it is real, why didn't I meet this amazing man sooner. I never knew a love like this before and I don't think I'll ever know it again. You invaded my life and you showed me a side that I had lost faith resided in men and that was compassion, unselfishness, and sincerity. When I am with you I feel like the most important person in the room. You say what I need to hear but I know when you say it, it comes from truth and from love. I'll spend our days embracing that love and redefining everlasting love in my heart. With you, I never have to question love. I know this time, it's love."
Bibi looks at Gerry and she can't help by lay her head on his shoulder as she wipes away her tears. As Levi pulls Maya into his chest. There's not a dry eye in the house.
"Without further adieu, Mr. Grant, you can kiss your bride." Fitz waste no time planting the softest kiss on Olivia that turns hungry and wild. As the whistles egg them on to keep going for it. They finally break away from the kiss. They stand still in the moment, foreheads pressed together.
The minister says, "I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III."
They turn to their family and friends hands locked. Now, no longer two but one. Everyone is clapping for them. They start down the aisle greeting their family as they go out of the entrance.
"Where are we going?" Liv asks.
"I want to be alone with my wife for a few minutes."
"We have to get to the reception Fitz."
"Don't worry we are going, but for right now, I want to spend a few minutes with you."
Huck is already outside with a car waiting for them. He leads her to the car as Huck opens for them to get in.
"Congratulations," Huck says.
"Thank you Huck," She answers as she gets in.
They get in the car as Huck closes the door, Fitz hold Olivia's face in place as he stares into her eyes.
"When you walked through that door, you took my breath away," Fitz says.
"This whole day took my breath away," Olivia returns.
"I wanted to run down the aisle and steal you away and just hold you in my arms."
"Abby may have actually killed you if you did that," Liv laughs.
"And my mother, your mother and Quinn," he agrees.
He looks at her again, and without a word he just kisses her. "How about we skip the reception? I take you back to our suite and I make love to you all night."
"I would love that...but," Liv says as she gently tugs at his bottom lip. "But I am not falling for that. You are trying to distract me from the surprise. Where are we going?"
"I wanted our first dance, as husband and wife to be just you and me in a special place."
"Fitz," she says breathless. She looks out of the window, thinking she knows exactly where they are going. She settles into his chest as he holds her tight until they get to their destination.
To be continued!