Hello everyone. Sorry it's taken so long to update, but sometimes real life gets in the way of fiction. Thank you so much for your patience, your kind comments and your welfare PMs. Hope you enjoy this chapter. Again, thank you so much for your patience and for your interest in my story. Happy reading.
TBOT
"No, Cecily Marie, Fitz did not spend the night in my home. I can't believe you asked me that."
Olivia had just returned to her office after the firm's weekly partner meeting. She had a little time before she had to leave for a meeting with her client so she decided to return her sister's call.
"Calm down little sister, I didn't ask if you'd slept with him."
"No! Of course not. I just saw the man for the first time in four and a half years. I'm still trying to sort out how I feel about that."
"I have to admit Lib, I'm still a little shocked myself seeing him after all this time. Where has he been? Why now?"
Olivia filled her sister in on what happened from the moment Fitz rang her doorbell Sunday morning, until he'd left her in the parking lot of their daughter's school three hours ago. She told her about their attempts at a conversation, and how excited Elliott was that her daddy was home.
"I knew patootie would be happy. She's been asking about her daddy more and more lately. You know, it may not have happened the way you wanted but I'm glad it did. My baby wanted her daddy."
"Yes, she did. But Cis I'd already decided that I was going to find him and tell him about her."
"And you changed your mind?"
"No. Mom's nomination happened and we were so busy with that entire process, and Elle hadn't asked about him again so I left it alone."
"And he just happened to show up." Cecily stated.
"Well about that. He saw mom's swearing-in ceremony on television, saw me holding Elle and put two and two together."
"Oh, wow."
"Yes, wow."
"So the three of you are just one big happy family now."
"Cis, please. It's only been a little over twenty-four hours. We are not a family. Well not Fitz and I anyway. He and Elliott are a family and they're bonding. That's what most important. She already loves and trusts him. My baby's very happy and I'm not going to do anything to jeopardize that."
"Okay. So Fitz just shows up and all's forgiven?"
Olivia sighed deeply. "No. Fitz was angry and wanted to know why I didn't tell him about Elle; but then you showed up, he saw Elliott and we called a temporary truce." She was also angry. How dare he show up, after all this time, demanding answers.
"Of course he was angry. You gave birth to the man's child and kept her existence from him for almost five years. To this day none of us know why you really did it."
"Cis, I told yo…"
Cecily cut her sister off. "I know what you told me but I refuse to believe that seeing him with another woman was enough for you to keep his child from him. You were adamant about moving on and purging Fitz from your life. I never understood that either, considering patootie's his clone, and you made sure that she knew who her daddy was. I just figured you would tell me in your own time. Something happened and I don't think it had anything to do with your trip to L.A."
Cecily Pope, always astute, Olivia thought. "Cis I know I was wrong and I should have told Fitz four and half years ago. I didn't and now I'm dealing with the consequences of that decision. But he made a choice, and he didn't choose me." That would always sting, no matter what happened in the future.
"Maybe so, but people change. You're not the person you used to be. And you're right, what you did was wrong. He deserved to know. As I told you then, it was ridiculous and selfish of you to do what you did. I fault myself too. I felt I should've contacted Fitz because I love that little girl. I was even willing to deal with your anger and all the fallout it would've caused, for her. But I didn't because I also cared about you and your feelings. Besides, it wasn't my place, although I'll always regret that I didn't."
Olivia knew her sister didn't agree with what she'd done but she hadn't realized she'd felt so strongly about it. "You're right, it wasn't your place. But I shouldn't have put you and the rest of the family in that position in the first place. I was a coward."
"You weren't a coward. Whatever happened between you two was enough to keep your child away from her daddy for four years. You love her more than life itself and I know there isn't anything you wouldn't do for her."
Olivia's eyes filled with tears. "Thank you, Cis. That means a lot," she said, her voice breaking.
"So patootie's a happy little girl, huh? Cecily asked, lightening the mood.
"Oh, Cis, in the short time he was in D.C. she's blossomed from his attention and affection." Of course she didn't mention that Fitz's presence had an effect on her as well. "I thought for a little while that I was losing my baby to the new man in her life," she said with a chuckle.
"I'm so happy for patootie. I always knew Fitz would be a great father and he's already proving it."
They were both silent.
"He came for you too, you know."
"I don't think so. He's back for his daughter."
"You still love him, don't you, Lib?"
She paused, wondering why her sister was bringing up something to which she knew the answer. "Yes, I still love him." And I don't think I will ever stop, she thought. "Walking away from Fitz was one of the hardest things I've ever done. And I took the bar exam and gave birth." They both laughed. "I'm still trying to recover from the shock of his sudden appearance after all these years of no contact."
"Oh I'm sure you are. But Lib, Fitz is still in shock too. He's going through the motions right now. Give him a little while and he's going to demand some answers. He's going to regain his senses and that temporary truce will be history."
Olivia stood and looked out of the large window of her Georgetown office. She knew her sister was right.
"I know and I will be ready to answer his questions." And she would be. She walked over to her Armoire and opened the doors. Using her thumbprint, she opened the safe and removed the copies of an envelope with the Singapore return address along with the letter that came in it, and held it in her hand. She didn't need to read the words, she knew them by heart.
In all this time, she'd never said a word to anyone about the letter or the unreturned phone calls. Not a word. She was ashamed and couldn't believe that she'd allowed a man to use her and to break her heart again. She'd kept her word and had attempted to contact Fitz. When he'd finally responded, he'd made it clear, his family and career were more important than a relationship with her. She'd been stunned and hadn't wanted to share his words with anyone, not even with her sister. Getting over that heartbreak while pregnant had been really hard.
If she needed to, she would remind him of what he'd said almost five years ago. She placed the envelope back in the safe and closed the door. She had the original in the safe in her home office.
"Well you know if you need to talk, I'm here," Cecily told her.
"Of course. I know," she sighed.
There was a knock on the door before her assistant, Chenille, stuck her head in the office to remind Olivia that she would need to leave in ten minutes for her meeting. Olivia nodded before moving behind her desk. "Cis, I have to leave in ten minutes for a meeting."
"Okay, Lib. Call me tonight."
"I will. Love you, sister."
"Love you too."
X
Fitz landed at Teterboro Airport where a car and driver were waiting. After greeting the driver, he sat back in the backseat for the drive to his temporary home in the city, a Manhattan duplex facing Central Park. Now he understood why he'd been so indecisive about choosing a new home in New York, he wasn't staying. He'd called Michelle earlier that morning and scheduled an appointment so they could begin his search for a home in D.C. He wanted a backyard and sidewalks for Elliott, so his housing requirements needed to change. He'd already requested that one of the Grant corporate houses in D.C. be prepared for his extended stay. He would set up residence there for the time being because it was more private than Victoria House. Fitz was excited at the prospect of seeing his girl every day, and if he was being honest, her mother too. He removed his phone from his shirt pocket and pulled up his photos. For the remainder of the trip, he stared at the pictures he'd taken of his daughter.
X
Fitz mounted the steps to the large building, where he had grown up. The door opened before he rang the doorbell.
"Hello, Georgia, thank you."
"You're welcome, Mr. Fitz." The housekeeper had been with the family since Fitz was in high school. She was one of only two full-time household staffers, and they didn't live in. The others only came in three times a week.
Fitz placed the box containing the scrapbook on a side table just as the door on the opposite end of the hallway opened. Christine Sloane Ford Grant walked toward her son with a smile on her face and arms outstretched. It was a rare occasion when he saw her without a hair out of place. She was conservatively dressed in navy tailored slacks, a white blouse, Gucci loafers and a strand of South Sea pearls and matching studs she had inherited from Fitz's maternal great-grandmother, Sloane. She was the epitome of style and grace. Just like a certain doe eyed beauty he knew.
"Hello, gorgeous."
His mother blushed at the compliment. Fitz was being honest. His mother's beauty hadn't faded at sixty-five. She was tall and slender, with naturally blonde hair and vibrant blue-green eyes all of which had attracted Fitzgerald Thomas "JR" Grant Jr. They married after a whirlwind courtship and had their first son, Fitzgerald III, a year later.
Christine kissed her son's smooth cheek before hugging him tightly. She stood back and touched his cheek where she'd kissed it.
"You are definitely your father's son," she said smiling. "You always know what to say to make a woman feel good."
Fitz leaned in and kissed her forehead. "You have to know by now that I never lie." He put his arm around her waist and they walked through the foyer and into a formal sitting room. His father was already seated on one of the sofas and stood to greet his oldest son with a strong handshake and a hug. He stepped back and seated his wife before taking a seat next to her. They made small talk and both parents noted that their son had yet to take a seat.
Fitz paced in front of them before his father spoke. "Son, you said you needed to talk to us. Is there something wrong?" He asked.
He stopped pacing and turned to look at his parents. He had their full attention.
Christine's eyelids fluttered as the color drained from her face. She clutched her pearls. "Please don't tell me something that's going to break my heart."
He shook his head. "No, Mom. It's nothing like that. What I want to tell you is actually pretty good, wonderful in fact." His mother let out a sigh.
"Well, sit down," JR said. "You're making us nervous."
Fitz caught the look of worry his parents exchanged. He took out his phone and scrolled to pictures he'd been looking at earlier and stopped on a selfie that he and Elliott had taken on Sunday in Olivia's backyard. With their identical faces and crooked grins, the 'Daddy and his princess' caption was unnecessary. He handed the device to his father and then took a seat across from them.
"Son, this is a picture of you and a little girl who looks just like you and your mother," JR said incredulously. Both parents stared at the picture and then at Fitz, then back at the picture and back at Fitz again, who was now smiling.
"Is this some kind of sick joke?" His mother asked.
"Fitz knew he'd shocked his parents when they stared at him as if he'd lost his mind. He slowly shook his head. "No, Mom, it's not a joke. I have a daughter. Her name is Elliott, she's four and a half and until three weeks ago, I didn't know she existed."
His father looked at his wife next to him. "She's so much like you and Fitz, Chris," he whispered, in awe. "She has your eyes, too."
"That she does, Dad," Fitz said, still smiling at his parents. "I know you guys have been praying for grandchildren, well you've finally got your wish. It didn't happen the way any of us would've liked or wanted, but what's important is that she's here."
Christine Grant buried her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking as she tried not to break down. "Why? How?" She asked. His father remained silent, still looking at the picture, still in shock. "Who is her mother? Why did it take her all this time to tell you about this child? Is she after your money?"
Fitz laughed, he couldn't help it. "I wish it were that simple, Mom." He sighed wearily, before leaning forward and resting his arms on his thighs. "Her name is Olivia Pope, and she's definitely not after my money. She's from a prominent family in D.C.
He told his parents about his and Olivia initial meeting on the Vineyard in 2013 and seeing each other again months later in L.A. He also told them about seeing Olivia holding a child on television, about his sneaking suspicion that the child could be his and hiring an investigator to find out more.
"If I hadn't had the television on in my office, it's possible that I could've spent the rest of my life not knowing that I had a daughter."
Sniffling, his mother pressed her fingertips to her eyes. "Thank goodness you did."
"Pope, huh?" JR said, thoughtfully.
"Yes. Her mother was recently sworn in as the U.S. Surgeon General. The ceremony aired on CNN. That's why she was on television."
Christine interrupted. "I don't care about her family. I want to know why she kept our granddaughter, and your little girl, a secret all this time."
"We were together the first three months of 2014. She's a lawyer and both of us were in L.A. temporarily, working on projects. Olivia wasn't looking for anything serious or permanent and I thought was okay with that."
"You weren't?" his father asked.
"No, I wasn't."
"Is this the nice girl who'd caught your eye?" his mother asked.
Fitz smiled and nodded. "When her project was complete, she went back to D.C. and I never heard another word from her. She didn't try to contact me at all. My pride didn't take to kindly to that, so I didn't contact her either. She knew that I was ready to settle down and marry her, she just needed to say the word."
"You were in love with her," his father said in stunned disbelief.
I still am. "Yeah."
"Fitzgerald, why did you keep this from us? No one loves you more than we do," his mother said. "You're a part of us."
He looked directly into his mother's eyes, exact replicas of his daughter's. "I never intended to keep her or us a secret, Mom. I fell in love with her so quickly and gave her my heart. I was ready to make a commitment but she walked away from it all. I couldn't talk about it," he confessed. "It hurt too much. It still does."
He didn't notice the look his parents exchanged while he stared down at the Aubusson rug.
"Is this the reason you decided to join the Grant AsiaPac team?" JR asked.
He shook his head. "Yes. I needed to get away, lick my wounds. I couldn't stop thinking about her. No matter where I was or what I did, she was always on my mind. Leaving was the only way I could make sure to stay away from her."
"How do you feel about her now? His mother asked.
"It doesn't matter how he feels about her now, Chris. What matters is our granddaughter. You said she lives in D.C.?" JR asked.
"Yes." Fitz sat back in the chair and crossed one leg over the other. "My little girl knew who I was. Her mother told her that I was away working and that I would come to see her one day." He shook his head. "Olivia kept her to herself all these years."
"And when she got older, and you didn't show up, what would she have told Elliott then?"
He looked at his father and shrugged. "I honestly don't know."
"Fitzgerald, you're my son. You have a kind, gentle spirit. You're a good judge of character. If you loved this woman, she must have been a good, decent person with admirable qualities. Although I'm hard pressed to understand why she kept your daughter from you," Christine said sharply. "It wasn't as if she didn't know how to get in touch with you or your family. There is no excuse for it."
"Did she give you any reason for what she did, Fitz?"
"No, Dad. She just kept saying that she did what she had to do and that there was room in my life for a baby."
Christine tsked. "That makes no sense. She obviously didn't know you too well, and apparently you didn't know her as well as you thought you did."
Fitz was surprised by an unexpected need to defend Olivia to his parents. But, he reminded himself, she deserved their anger.
"I can't believe she kept your baby from you. She hurt you, Fitzgerald. And I don't like it." His mother's eyes filled with tears.
"Mom, please don't." Fitz had to blink back his own unexpected tears.
"I'm sorry, Fitzgerald." She wiped her eyes. "I'm fine, really. I'm just worried about you. I want you to be okay."
"All I want is my daughter. She knows I'm her dad and that she is loved. That's all that matters."
His parents nodded in silent understanding.
Fitz, unable to sit any longer, stood and began pacing again.
"I spent all day yesterday with her. We had breakfast together this morning and then we took her to school. I didn't want to leave. I just met her yesterday and I left her this morning. She wasn't too happy either. All she knows is that her daddy just returned from a trip and he was leaving her again. She doesn't really understand why I wasn't there before, in her life, but I do. How am I supposed to get back those first few years? Where do I even begin? My daughter has been growing up possibly thinking that I didn't want her or love her." His voice caught. "That I deserted her."
With those words, the dam broke. All of the hurt and anger that he'd kept pent up inside since the day Olivia walked away from him, for good, came out in a rush of tears. He stood with his back to his parents as the tears fell silently.
His mother stood from the sofa and walked over to him. She rubbed his back as he released all of the emotions he'd hidden so well. Her heart went out to her son. He didn't deserve what Olivia Pope had done to him. "You begin by talking to your father and me. You're not in this alone."
JR walked over and handed his son a few Kleenex and then he spoke. "Your mother is right, son. We can't change the past. We can only go forward from this point."
Fitz wiped his eyes and nodded. "I know."
His parents returned to the sofa and waited for him to get himself together. When he turned around, they were looking at the pictures of their granddaughter on his phone.
"Tell us about our grandbaby," his mother said, looking directly at him.
Fitz stared at them and then remembered the scrapbook. He left the sitting room and quickly returned with the box. Taking his phone from his father, he placed the box on his mother's lap. She looked at the box and then up at him.
"Open it, open it," he said excitedly, mimicking his daughter.
She removed the top and handed it to JR, before lifting the book and placing it on her lap.
DADDY. "Oh Fitzgerald, this is beautiful," she said.
He wasn't at all surprised by her reaction when she turned the page. She placed both of her trembling hands over her mouth, while tears filled her eyes, overflowed and ran down her cheeks.
"Oh my heavens," she whispered through her fingers. "She gave her my name?"
"Yes, Mom, she did. Elliott is her maternal grandmother's middle name and Marie is a family name."
"She put a lot of thought into naming my grandbaby. I knew she had to be a good person if you loved her."
Christine's words and expression spoke volumes. It was obvious she'd instantly fallen in love with her granddaughter, just as he had. She and JR slowly looked through the book that Olivia had prepared with such love, care and amazing detail.
"She's so precious," his father whispered, shocking his son.
Christine looked at her son. "Fitzgerald, I don't know why Olivia did what she did, but she loved you. She certainly didn't hate you. If she hated you, she wouldn't have given Elliott my name. Women don't name their children after their ex-boyfriend's mother unless there's a lot of love there. Something bad happened, and hopefully you'll find out what it was."
Fitz didn't respond. He sat watching his parents as they oohed and aahed at the pictures of their granddaughter. It was the only sound in the room.
"This scrapbook is beautiful," his mother's voice penetrated his thoughts. "Olivia took the time and the trouble to put this together, and so meticulously. This was made with love, Fitzgerald, a lot of it. And not just love for Elliott. Every single page shows how much she cares for you."
"I know, Mom, which is why none of this adds up." His mother was right, the book was beautiful and it had been created with a lot of love. Who the love was for he couldn't say; he had to assume it was Olivia's love for Elliott that had led to her putting it together.
"Well whatever her reasons were, this book proves that she never intended to keep Elliott from you." She looked up and sighed. "Elliott Christine Marie. My grandbaby. I can't wait to meet her." She shook her head as if she still couldn't believe it.
"Wait until I tell Lennore," she whispered conspiratorially.
Lennore Grant was married to Frazier Grant, one of JR's brothers. She had three children and five grandchildren, and last Fitz heard, one on the way.
"Please don't tell me that you and Aunt Lennore compete as to who has the most grandchildren."
"Well until today, it really hasn't been a competition because you and your brother have been dragging your feet. Lenn couldn't wait to call me to say that Sumner and his wife are expecting. Then she invited me to lunch and cackled like the witch she is because she was so excited that she was getting another grandbaby. If she weren't family, I would've given her a good cursing out for gloating like she did."
Fitz laughed. He'd never heard a curse word come from his prim and proper mother's mouth. "You shouldn't let her upset you, Mom. You may only have one grandchild so far but one day Ford may settle down and give you all of the grandbabies you want and need." They all knew she probably shouldn't hold her breath, but no one said it.
She looked up from her third or fourth viewing of the scrapbook. "What about you, Fitzgerald? Don't you want to marry and have more children?"
"Yes."
Christine smiled. "So you're still ready to settle down?"
"You'll just have to wait and see, won't you, Mom?" he said cryptically.
"I guess I will," Christine said as she rested her head on her husband's shoulder.
"Are you going to marry your daughter's mother," JR asked.
"Please, Dad. Don't get ahead of yourself. Besides, Olivia and I have yet to discuss our future. Right now, my only concern is my little girl. Plus I don't want to put any pressure on Olivia about what I want for us and our daughter."
"You're not going to marry her?!"
"Don't put words in my mouth, Dad."
Christine placed a hand on her husband's arms. "JR please. You have to let our sons handle their own affairs. Besides, Fitzgerald and this young lady have a lot to figure out before they even think about marriage. You know, like why she kept our grandbaby a secret all this time."
She sat up. "So what are your plans while you're in New York?
He told them his plans and his father agreed to convene a board meeting the next day. His parents weren't surprised that he was planning to relocate to D.C. indefinitely.
"Does your brother know about any of this?" His mother asked.
"No, and I would appreciate it if you didn't tell him anything we've talked about today. He's in Spain for another month. If he happens to find out about my daughter, and I'm sure he will, fine. But please keep everything else to yourselves."
"Of course," they said in unison.
Fitz couldn't shake the feeling that his brother may have had something to do with him not knowing about his daughter. He had no proof…yet, but his gut was telling him that it was possible, and this time he was going to trust it.
He stood as did his parents. His mother had placed the scrapbook back in the box and she handed it to him. "Let me know when you want to meet your granddaughter."
"We'll be in D.C. on Friday," his father said quickly. "I'll have Kathleen make the arrangements."
Fitz nodded. "I'll let Olivia know you're coming. Maybe we can all have dinner Friday evening. It would be the perfect way for you to meet my daughter, and her mother."
He leaned down and kissed his mother's cheek and gave her a tight hug. He then turned and hugged his father. They both walked with him to the front door. He opened the door. "I'll see you guys on Friday." Stepping out onto the wide top step, he closed the door behind him. His driver was rounding the corner when he reached the sidewalk. He jumped out and opened the door for Fitz, before getting back in. Fitz gave him his next destination and sat back. He was glad he'd spoken to his parents. It was as if he could exhale for the first time in more than twenty-four hours.
X
The next two days passed slowly. Olivia couldn't believe the number of times Elliott mentioned her daddy. He was her favorite subject, and it annoyed her mother. Time and again Olivia had to remind herself to be grateful that her daughter had accepted Fitz in her life and as her daddy. It had certainly made things easier.
By Tuesday morning, Olivia was relieved when she dropped Elliott off at school and she could go to work and not hear "my daddy this" and "my daddy that" for a few hours. Unfortunately, Fitz had never been far from her thoughts either. She thought back to Sunday, recalling his face when he saw his daughter for the first time. Or when he'd shown up on her doorstop early yesterday morning to make breakfast, and later when they'd taken her to school together. He'd been as excited as their little girl.
Elliott was not pleased with Fitz's absence even though he'd explained where and why he was going. From the moment Olivia had picked her up from school Monday afternoon, she'd whined and complained about every little thing. She didn't want the chicken nuggets that she'd requested for dinner that night.
On Tuesday morning she wanted to wear uniform shorts instead of the dress her mother laid out. That was an easy fix. But after Olivia had braided her hair, which Elliott asked for, she then decided she wanted ponytails. Nothing she said or did could please her daughter. By the time they were both dressed, Olivia was seriously considering going back to bed and pulling the covers over her head. In other words, her baby girl was working her already unsettled nerves.
It took a while before Olivia figured out that Elliott feared that her dad wasn't coming back. She had tried to reassure her child, but nothing seemed to work. As promised, Fitz called his daughter both nights he was gone and it was those calls that eventually alleviated Elliott's fears.
Olivia didn't even try to fool herself into believing that Elliott was the only one looking forward to those calls. She knew better. He'd FaceTimed their daughter both nights before bedtime. They'd made small talk before she handed Elliott the phone and walked away, keeping busy putting a few of her daughter's things away, while she talked to her father.
X
Early Wednesday evening, Olivia laughed when Elliott beat her to the front door. She was in her daddy's arms as soon as Olivia got the door fully open. She and Fitz exchanged a smile above their daughter's head while Elliott hugged him and peppered his face with little girl kisses.
They didn't get to have a word until after Elliott opened her gift, a 258 piece Magnetic Designer Construction Set Model with Building Toy Magnetic Blocks. When Fitz had found it while browsing at FAO Schwarz, he thought it was the perfect gift for his daughter. After thanking her dad for the gift, she took off upstairs to find the paintings she'd made just for him at school.
Fitz watched his daughter disappear before turning to Olivia.
"How are you doing?"
"I'm good. As you can see, your daughter missed you." Olivia chuckled.
"Yes. The feeling is mutual," he said as he looked into her upturned face and those big brown eyes. "I got a hug from the princess, is it okay if I hug you too?"
She surprised herself when she wrapped her around his waist and squeezed. Looking up at him she asked, "Did you get your business taken care of?"
"I did. You should receive the paperwork from my attorney next week."
"Okay."
He leaned down and kissed her temple but before he could say anything else, Elliott came running into the family room and stopped short when she saw them.
"Daddy, what are you doing to my mommy?"
"Giving her a hug and a kiss," he said as Olivia moved out of his arms. He squatted down until he was eye level with his daughter. "Is that okay with you?"
Elliott giggled, the sound melting his heart, as she nodded so hard her ponytails bounced. "Look what I made for you, Daddy." She held up two paintings.
Olivia stood watching father and daughter. Elliott's question had surprised her when it shouldn't have. It was the first time her daughter had ever seen her in a man's arms who wasn't related. Having Fitz in their lives was going to be a big adjustment, for all three of them.
The doorbell rang. "That's probably dinner," Olivia said as she went to answer the door. They were having Thai, one of Elliott's favorites. Olivia thought it was probably because she craved Thai food during most of her pregnancy.
They enjoyed their meal as a family. Elliott chattered non-stop, telling her daddy everything she'd done since they'd last talked. Olivia had to gently coax her to eat more and talk less. But she knew her baby was happy and excited to see her daddy, and was full of girlish chatter. Dinnertime passed pleasantly, both Olivia and Fitz sticking to safe topics while Elliott gave them the blow by blow of her day at school, keeping her parents thoroughly entertained.
After they ate and cleaned up the kitchen, the three of them moved to the family room where Olivia watched from the sofa as Fitz and Elliott built a castle with the bright pink, purple, yellow and teal magnetic blocks he'd bought. He was in his element, building something with his favorite girl. Eventually she joined them on the floor and began to help Elliott. She'd loved every minute of it, as did Fitz. Elliott moved onto her mother's lap and they watched as Fitz finished their creation.
"Somebody's getting sleepy," Olivia said as leaned down and kissed her daughter's cheek.
"No, mommy. Not me. No." Elliott protested.
Fitz and Olivia laughed at their daughter's attempt to get her second wind.
"Yes you, sweet pea."
"You can barely keep those pretty eyes open, princess," Fitz said as he stood to his feet. "I'll carry her. She's getting too heavy for you."
"Yes, she is," Olivia agreed, as he bent down and lifted his daughter into his arms and offered her his hand and assisted her from the floor. He headed for the stairs with Olivia following behind them. They entered Elliott's room where Fitz sat her on the bed while Olivia went into the bathroom and ran water for her daughter's bath. He walked to the door of the bathroom.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to tuck her in tonight."
She nodded. "Of course. I'll let you know when we're finished."
Fitz smiled and turned and left the room.
He'd disassembled the castle and set the room to straights when Olivia descended the stairs.
"Your turn. She still has to brush her teeth and hear her story. Are you up to it?"
"Yep." He gave her that crooked grin.
Olivia, ignoring the way her heart suddenly raced from the familiar smile, walked farther into the family room, leaving father and daughter to finish up.
Later, when Fitz entered the family room, she was sitting on the sofa with Michelle Obama's autobiography propped on her lap, sipping a glass of wine.
"All done. She's tucked into bed, already asleep."
He walked over and took a seat on the love seat, across from Olivia. This was their first time being alone since he'd arrived earlier that evening.
"Good." Olivia stared at the words in the book, and all the lines seemed to merge together, not making any sense. She read the same page three times without comprehension before finally giving up and placing the book on the coffee table.
"Would you like a drink?' She asked.
"Yes. I would."
She moved to stand but he stayed her with his hand.
"I'll get it."
She watched as he walked to the bar and poured himself a scotch neat before returning to the love seat and sitting once again.
They sat looking at one another before she spoke.
"So how was New York?"
"New York was great, productive. I managed to get everything done, including telling my parents about their granddaughter.
Olivia sighed. "How did that go?" She wasn't sure if she wanted to know the answer.
"As expected. Initially they were shocked but once they recovered, I had to convince them not to show up on your doorstep yesterday."
"Why not, you did?"
He glared at her but didn't take the bait.
"I'm sorry, Fitz. Go on."
"I assured them Elliott wasn't going anywhere; that they could wait. They'll be in D.C. on Friday and they want to meet their granddaughter and her mother."
Olivia chuckled mirthlessly. "I seriously doubt your parents are interested in meeting the woman responsible for keeping you away from your daughter for so long. Are you sure this is a good idea? They must blame me for keeping Elliott…"
"This is not about blame, Olivia. My parents are just anxious to meet their granddaughter. I thought we could have dinner Friday at my place."
She shook her head, "I don't think Elle will be comfortable in a public setting."
Fitz explained that he was now staying in Grant Holdings corporate housing and that he would be happy to cook. "If you're not ready or feel you may be uncomfortable, I'd take her on my own but I know you'd never allow it and I don't want her to be afraid. After all, they're strangers."
Olivia's nerves were getting to her at the thought of her baby meeting her grandparents without her. She was relieved when Fitz spoke to her fears. But this wasn't about her and she was going to have to share Elle with her father and his family.
"Why don't we have dinner here? That way Elle will be comfortable and in a familiar setting."
"Are you sure, Livvie?"
"Of course." She was nervous about meeting Fitz's parents but she was going to have to get over it.
"Thank you. I'll cook. We can discuss the details tomorrow."
They sipped their drinks in silence, both trying hard not to stare at the other. Fitz finally set his drink on the coffee table, before he spoke.
"As I said earlier, you should receive the legal documents next week. There shouldn't be any surprises. The trust and college funds have been set up as has the monthly support."
"That's fine."
"Good. Now what about her name?"
"Well my attorney has the name change form as well the Acknowledgement of Paternity. She just needs our signatures on both. If you're available tomorrow, we can meet in her office to sign all of the necessary paperwork and have the new certificate sometime next week."
"Of course. Just let me know when and where."
"I want her to have both of our names, Fitz, but I think Elliott Christine Marie Pope-Grant may be a bit too much for her."
"I don't think so, Livvie. We'll just have to sit her down and talk to her about the name change. I don't want to just spring it on her. And the sooner, the better."
"I agree. We'll do it tomorrow."
They were both quiet again.
"It was kind of you to bring the gift, Fitz. She loved it. And honestly so did I."
They both laughed.
"Well her daddy's an architect, and it just felt appropriate."
Olivia took a sip of wine before she spoke. He was probably not going to like what she said next.
"Fitz, please don't start bringing her things."
She was right. "Why? I've already missed four birthdays and four Christmases. I plan to make up for lost time."
"If you bring her a gift every time you come, she's going to expect it."
"What's wrong with that?" he asked, as he squeezed the glass in his hand.
"A lot. She's four years old. She's too young to understand what you're trying to do. She's going to start expecting gifts from you, as if you're Santa Claus. After only four days in her life, she already loves you for the man you are, not because of what you can give her."
Fitz drained his glass before standing. He walked over to the bar to pour another drink and thought better of it. Deep in thought, he eventually looked over at Olivia.
"I haven't thought of it that way. I want to be a good parent." Reluctantly he admitted, "Evidently I have a lot to learn."
"It takes time. You're pushing too hard. When she was born, I didn't know how to change a diaper that well but I had to learn quickly. It will be the same for you. You can't expect to get it right all at once."
Fitz walked over to the sofa and sat down next to her, letting out a deep breath. "Livvie, our baby deserves the best. I have so much catching up to do."
Olivia nodded in agreement and reached out to squeeze his hand.
"She does, but you need to give yourself some time."
Looking into her eyes, he nodded.
"Okay. No more gifts."
"Good." She blushed and quickly looked away when she realized she'd been staring at his mouth.
Fitz stood, stretching his long, muscular body. "I'd better get going. I'll be here in the morning to make breakfast."
"Elle will love that. Would you also like to take her to school?"
The look on his face told her he would be more than happy to take his little girl to school. "Are you sure about this? I mean she's had so many adjustments in such short period of time."
Even though Olivia knew this, she also knew that he and Elliott had a relationship to build.
"Yes, I'm sure."
"Well I know you saw the SUV, complete with a new booster seat for the princess, in the driveway." He chuckled, "I've never owned an SUV in my life."
She laughed at the expression on his face. "Welcome to the club. And yes, I saw it and I appreciate your sacrifice." They both laughed.
He'd purchased a Silver Metallic Mercedes Benz GLS AMG. If he was going to be an SUV driving, dance and taekwondo dad, he would do it in style.
"Livvie, I can also pick her up from school too, if that's okay."
"She has piano tomorrow. The music school is a block from my office, so I usually pick her up and take her to my office where she has a snack before we walk to her lesson."
"How about I pick her up, get her a snack and then bring her to you?"
"That would be great. Then we can both walk her to her lesson and you can meet her teacher."
Fitz pulled her into a hug and she rested her head on his chest. He whispered close to her ear, "You have no idea how much all this means to me."
She leaned back and smiled up at him. "I think I do."
What started out as a mere peck on the lips to show his gratitude quickly turned into much more. He waited to see if she would pull away. When she didn't he slowly covered her mouth with his. Pulling her close, Fitz closed his eyes as he inhaled her familiar scent. It had been so long…too long since he had been able to hold her like this. He kissed her as if the mistakes of the past were just that, in the past.
Olivia was shocked by her response to him. She'd allowed him to hold her and kiss her as if they hadn't been apart for five years. And if she were honest with herself, she'd admit that it felt good…too good.
She had to stop.
She broke the kiss and looked up into his deep blue eyes, filled with passion. For her. He wanted her. She couldn't believe it. Despite the years and distance, the sorrow and anger and longing, he wanted her.
"We can't do this, Fitz." Her eyes looked at his mouth. He held her in the loose circle of his arms. She still fit perfectly. She moved away abruptly and turned her back to him.
Fitz moved closer and gently turned her around to face him.
"I'm sorry, Livvie, I shouldn't have done that."
"Sorry you kissed me?
He raised his hand to move a stray hair that come loose from her messy bun away from her face. "No."
Her voice a mere whisper, she said, "Then…what are you sorry for?"
"Sorry that this can't go any further…tonight."
"Oh," Was her only response.
He let out a deep breath. "Walk me to the door."
She nodded and led him into the foyer and where she watched as he retrieved his blazer from the coat closet and put it on. He reached for the door handle and turned to her.
"I'll see you and my princess tomorrow morning."
She smiled. "We'll be here."
Fitz leaned down and brushed his lips against her forehead.
"Goodnight, Livvie. Sleep well."
"Goodnight, Fitz."
He opened the door and she watched as he walked to the SUV, climbed in and drove off.
Olivia closed the door after Fitz left and rested her back against it. She squeezed her eyes shut and licked the lingering taste of scotch off her bottom lip. "Fitzgerald Grant. Damn, damn, damn."
X
Friday evening, Olivia sat in front of the vanity in her bedroom. Her hands shook as she dusted her face with translucent powder, applied lipstick and combed her hair. She was nervous about meeting JR and Christine Grant.
She had been second guessing her decision to have dinner with Fitz's parents, and she was especially reluctant to meet his mother. The woman had to resent her for keeping Elliott away from their family for so many years. How could she not? She couldn't help wondering if Mr. and Mrs. Grant would resent her because of the pain she'd caused their son. She hadn't slept the night before and had spent most of the day worrying about it.
Olivia's thoughts were a million miles away when Elliott skipped into her bedroom, excitement all over her face, and asked her a question. She and Fitz had told their daughter about her new name the day before. Her reaction had surprised them both. She was thrilled to have both her mommy's and daddy's name. They'd also told her that her daddy's parents, her new grandparents, were coming to meet her and to have dinner. Of course she'd asked questions, non-stop.
She'd also insisted on picking out a special dress to wear and had decided on a mint green, sleeveless, hand smocked dress with a Peter Pan collar that her Yaya had bought for her. A pair of little white sandals completed her ensemble. Olivia had added mint green bows to the two ponytails she wore.
The sound of her daughter's voice brought her back to the present. She reached out and cupped her chin. "I'm sorry sweet pea. What did you say?"
"Will my new grandmother like my dress?" She looked at her mother, her small face creased with worry.
"She's going to love your dress and you too. And so will your daddy and your new grandfather." She kissed the tip of Elliott's nose before hugging her close. She stood and they went downstairs to wait for their guests.
Olivia had just removed the rum baked beans from the oven when the doorbell rang.
"Hurry, Mommy," Elliott yelled excitedly as she ran for the front door.
"Don't open that door," Olivia warned as she followed her daughter.
"I won't. But hurry, Mommy. It's Daddy and my new grandparents.
"I'm coming, little girl," she said, chuckling as she glanced at herself in the foyer mirror, on her way to the door.
Taking a deep breath in hopes of calming her nerves, she unlocked and opened the door. She managed a smile as Fitz stepped aside to allow his mother and father to enter.
Moving back she nearly stepped on Elliott, who had been hiding behind her, peaking at her grandparents.
"Hey, little princess, you've gone all shy on me today? She giggled, still standing behind her mother.
Fitz leaned over and kissed Olivia's cheek as she closed the door, and then he reached down and lifted his baby girl into his arms.
"Oh Fitzgerald, she's beautiful," Christine said, as she took in her granddaughter, tears filling her eyes.
Fitz could see that his parents were bursting with pride and joy at seeing Elliott for the first time. He understood. He'd never experienced a feeling quite like that before either.
Olivia was surprised that her outgoing daughter had suddenly turned shy. "She's not normally shy, but for some reason she is today."
"Mom, Dad, this is Olivia Pope. And this little beauty is, Elliott Christine Marie, your granddaughter."
Olivia offered her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you both."
"No sweetheart, we're the ones who are pleased." Christine Grant gave Olivia a warm hug. "Thank you for inviting us into your home. You're every bit as beautiful as Fitzgerald told us. And so is our grandbaby."
Olivia smiled. "Thank you, Mrs. Grant."
Christine wagged her finger. "None of that Mrs. Grant. Please call me Christine. You're the mother of my grandbaby."
Olivia nodded. "Thank you, Christine."
She smiled at the tall, slender blonde man walking toward her, arms extended. She noticed that Fitz shared his height, hair and crooked smile with his father. He hugged her and kissed her cheek.
"Hello, Olivia."
"Hello, Mr. Grant." He kissed her other cheek. "Please call me JR." He stepped back and looked at her. "My granddaughter has a beautiful mother."
Olivia blushed. "Thank you." She was in a mild state of shock by the elder Grant's greetings. Expecting the worse, she had received the best reception she could have possibly gotten. She was fairly sure they wouldn't say anything cruel in front of their son and certainly not their granddaughter, but when they were alone…
Elliott had surprisingly remained quiet. She'd laid her head on Fitz's shoulder and observed the adults.
Olivia looked at her daughter. "Elliott, say hello to your grandmother and grandfather."
Elliott smiled shyly. "Hi, I'm Elliott. I'm four."
Christine stepped forward. "Hi, sweetheart. I'm your daddy's mommy. You probably don't know what you want to call me yet, but we'll figure it out. Okay?"
"Okay," she said quietly.
"We'll answer to whatever you want to call us," JR added, smiling at his granddaughter.
They all laughed.
"Please come in and relax before we sit down for dinner," Olivia said.
Fitz set Elliott on her feet and was surprised when she took her grandmother's hand in hers, and led the group into the family room.
"Something smells good, Olivia," JR said as she walked next to him. "Fitz told me he grilled spareribs, my favorite."
She smiled up at JR, liking him already.
Fitz brought up the rear, happy that everyone was getting along. They entered the family room where Elliott sat on the sofa between her grandparents and Olivia joined Fitz at the bar.
"Mom, Dad, what can I get you to drink? We have everything." Olivia chuckled at his comment. Fitz had to ask twice since their granddaughter had their attention.
"Oh, nothing for me. Thank you." Christine finally answered.
"What about you, Dad?" JR Grant was still stunned by the existence of the little girl, and was staring at her as she told her grandparents about her school and her extracurricular activities.
"Dad?"
"I'm fine, son."
Olivia exchanged a smile with Fitz as they looked at their daughter and her grandparents carry on a conversation.
"Fitz will you please help me in the kitchen?" She now felt comfortable enough to leave Elliott alone to bond with her grandparents.
Fitz took her hand, pulling her into the kitchen.
"So far, so good." He said as they stood looking at one another.
"Can you believe how shy she was? Olivia asked, shaking her head.
Fitz smiled, thinking about his daughter's initial reaction to her grandparents. "But it didn't take long for her to warm up to them."
As they put the final touches to dinner, Fitz noticed Olivia's hands shaking. "You're kind of quiet. Not nervous are you?"
She stopped mixing the sangria and looked at him. "Doesn't matter. This is for Elliott, not me."
He took her hands in his. "Livvie, it's going to be fine. Honest."
"Mmm-hmm," she mumbled, not convinced. She wondered if that was something Fitz knew for sure or something he was hoping for.
X
The weather in D.C. was already warm, but not too humid, for the beginning of May so they decided to dine al fresco. Olivia and Fitz transferred the food and drinks to the table on the covered patio. Once they finished, Fitz walked into the family room and announced that dinner was ready. He approached his parents, who were still seated with their granddaughter, took his mother's hand and helped her to her feet.
"I'll show you where you can wash up."
When he returned, his father was alone and looking at the pictures on the mantel.
"Where's Elliott?" he asked.
"She's in the kitchen with her mother." They were both silent as JR continued looking at the pictures placed around the room. Minutes later, they were joined again by his mother. She stood next to her husband, as they looked at all the pictures.
"Your baby pictures are almost identical, Fitzgerald," his mother said. "I still can't get over how much she looks like you."
"She looks like you too, Mom, especially those eyes."
Christine didn't respond, but she agreed with her son. JR put his arm around her shoulder as they stood staring at an oil painting of Olivia with Elliott on her lap hanging behind the sofa.
"This painting is beautiful."
Fitz joined them. "Yes, it is." Olivia told him that it had been painted when Elliott was two.
JR excused himself to use the powder room. When he returned, Olivia walked into the room holding Elliott's hand, to announce that dinner was served.
"I hope everyone's hungry. We're having spareribs, and Elliott's having a cheeseburger."
JR looked down at his granddaughter who was now holding his hand. "You don't like ribs, ladybug?"
Elliott giggled at the nickname. "I like cheeseburgers and fries, Grandpa."
The adults laughed.
Christine smothered a gasp when Olivia opened the French doors to a covered patio and a backyard garden with trees, blooming flowers and several mini lanterns. Deck lights surrounded the inground pool and the smell of chlorine mingled with the smell of the food and all of the flowers.
Elliott's landscaped play area included a large playset, complete with a playhouse, fort and a rock wall. A trampoline sat nearby. She and her father had been spending a lot of time together out here.
"Olivia this is beautiful," Christine said, as they walked to the table which was set for five and covered with damask linen, crystal stemware, china and stainless steel flatware.
"Thank you, Christine," she responded as she watched Fitz lift their daughter onto her booster between her grandparents, and JR seat his wife.
Fitz pulled out a chair, seating Olivia before he sat next to her.
"Olivia, I hope you and Fitzgerald will allow us to spend as much time as we can with our grandbaby before we go back to New York," Christine said, smiling at Elliott who was busy eating her fries.
"Of course. How long are you planning to stay in D.C.? I'd like to introduce you to my parents."
Fitz squeezed her knee under the table and they shared a quick glance.
"We would love that," JR said looking at his wife. "We plan to stay until the end of the month, or longer."
"That's perfect. Elliott's spring piano recital and her Stepping Up Ceremony are both at the end of the month." She took a sip of sangria before she continued. "Unfortunately, you missed her dance recital." There was an uncomfortable silence because they all knew why. "But, we did get it on video."
"Well we will be here for both and I want to see the dance recital after dinner," JR said, breaking the silence.
"What's a Stepping Up Ceremony?" Christine asked.
Fitz set his glass of beer on the table before answering his mother's question.
"It's basically a preschool graduation without all of the pomp and circumstance. They're stepping up, transitioning from preschool to kindergarten. The children are going to present their school year achievements to their families."
Olivia was impressed. Fitz had taken Elliott to school Thursday and Friday and had gotten as much information about his daughter's school and activities as he could. He'd even signed up to volunteer in her classroom and was accompanying her class on a field trip to a dairy farm the following week. They hadn't told their daughter because they knew they'd never hear the end of it. She was already trying to picture him on a bus with a group four year olds. He was also taking their daughter to taekwondo tomorrow morning. Fitz was becoming an involved parent, just like she knew he would.
Elliott, who'd been picking the melons out of the watermelon and feta salad, perked up when she heard her father mention the ceremony.
"We learned new songs and everything, and Mommy bought me a new dress to wear. Grammy, you wanna see it?"
She moved to jump from her booster until her mother suggested it could wait until after dinner.
"Well your Grammy and Grandpa will be there to see you, ladybug," Christine assured her. She wiped away ketchup from Elliott's face before she leaned down and kissed her. Her heart was full because her grandbaby had given her and JR names.
After the meal, including dessert, was finished, the men took over kitchen clean-up, with "help" from Elliott. Olivia wondered if JR Grant had ever cleaned up a kitchen or if he was as domesticated as his son. She left the three Grants in the kitchen and went to join Christine in the family room, carrying two glasses of a Château Pape Clément Red that she hoped she would like. They drank in silence until Christine asked her if there was somewhere they could talk privately. Upstairs, Olivia showed her into the cozy sitting area of her master suite.
"I would like to thank you again for inviting us into your home, Olivia," Christine started, "I'm sure having us here wasn't easy for you."
"No, it's really okay, Mrs. Grant. Elliott is enjoying herself with her new grandparents."
"Please call me Christine. You're probably wondering why I asked to speak with you privately. I just wanted you to know how much my husband and I appreciate the care you've given out granddaughter. Naturally, Fitzgerald can't stop talking about her. And he is right. Elliott is a loving, well-adjusted little girl. We owe that to you."
"Thank you, but you don't have to say that."
"Yes, I do. I'm sorry things didn't work out for you and Fitzgerald. I don't know what happened but I know that you loved my son, because you gave your daughter my name."
When Olivia's eyes filled with tears, Christine gave her a hug. "I didn't mean to upset you. I just wanted you to know that I'm honored that you cared enough to do that. And regardless of what the future holds for the two of you, Olivia, you will always be a part of our family and welcome in our home."
"Thank you." She was genuinely touched.
"I also hope that once you get to know us, you will allow Elliott to spend more time with us. JR and I already love her."
Olivia grabbed a tissue and wiped her eyes. "I'm not concerned. Elliott is lucky to be a part of a loving family." She looked away before she turned and looked Christine Grant in the eyes. "I will always regret that I kept Fitz and Elliott apart. He's already a good father, so patient with her. I couldn't have wished for more. And she adores him."
Christine was equally candid when she spoke. "Make no mistake, we were shocked, surprised and upset that Fitzgerald didn't know about Elliott for so long. But there is nothing any of us can do to change the past. We've all done things we regret. Or maybe not. Either way, she's here and I hope that things between you and my son are better now, for her sake. He was so excited for us to meet his daughter, he could hardly contain himself. He loves that child."
Both women chuckled before Christine looked at her watch.
"I suppose we should get back before my beautiful granddaughter comes looking for you."
Olivia smiled, "I'm glad we talked. You and JR are welcome to come and visit Elliott anytime. I'd like for her to get to know her new family."
"Thank you so much, Olivia. I hope you and I can be friends.
"I hope so too."
X
Getting Elliott settled for the night after spending the evening with her daddy and her grandparents wasn't an easy task.
As Christine had predicted, she had come looking for her mother and her Grammy after they'd been gone for too long. Fitz and JR had entertained her for as long as they could. Olivia knew who the noisy knock belonged to as soon as she heard it. When Elliott received the okay to enter, she dashed across the room and climbed onto her grandmother's lap as though it was the most natural thing to do, shocking both women.
"Hello, sweetness," Christine said, hugging her granddaughter close.
Elliott laughed. "Daddy says I'm a sweet little girl."
"Well your daddy's right." She looked at Olivia over Elliott's head and smiled before kissing the child's hair, some of which had come loose and was now curling around her face, including the Grant curl on her forehead.
They sat talking quietly for a few minutes before Elliott turned around and spoke to her grandmother.
"Grammy, come see my dress," she slid from her lap and excitedly took her hand.
Christine laughed and stood. "Excuse us, Olivia."
"Excuse us, Mommy," Elliott added.
Olivia chuckled as she watched them walk out of her bedroom, hand in hand. Sitting back on the sofa, she sighed deeply, grateful that the evening was going very well. Elliott was a very lucky girl, she had four grandparents who loved and adored her.
Olivia could already see that she needed to prepare herself for the attack of the doting and overindulgent grandmas. Maya Pope alone was a force to be reckoned with but add Christine Grant to the mix, and together, those two could be formidable. She and Fitz were going to have to work overtime to keep them from spoiling their daughter rotten. Rising from the sofa, she picked up Christine's empty wineglass then went to check on her and Elliott before going downstairs to join Fitz and JR.
The remainder of the evening found them watching Elliott's dance recital…twice. Then she had to play both the songs that she was learning for her piano recital for everyone. She played French Children's Song and was beside herself when Olivia and Christine joined her to play Menuet. Olivia was surprised because Fitz had never mentioned that his mother played piano in all their time together.
After the impromptu concert, Olivia announced that it was time for Elliott's bath. They were already thirty minutes behind her usual schedule. As expected, her daughter protested and attempted to recruit her daddy and grandparents for help. They compromised and promised they would still be there when she finished. Her grandmother was even given the honor of tucking her in and reading her story. Olivia saw the tears in Christine eyes before she turned and followed Elliott upstairs to her room.
It was almost nine by the time Elliott had gotten bathed and in her pajamas. After her bath she'd grabbed Bugsy and went downstairs to say goodnight to her daddy and grandfather, whom she would see the following day. Christine followed Elliott back upstairs where they found Olivia folding back the covers on the bed. She took a seat in the rocking chair and watched as Christine expertly tucked her grandchild in.
She then removed her shoes, sat on the bed and picked up the book from the night table. The little girl rested her head against her arm as she opened to the first page. Elliott had chosen If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and her grandmother had gamely read it to her with all of the expression in her voice.
The touching seen had nearly brought tears to Olivia's eyes…again. She had found it hard to tear her gaze away from them. Elliott was so worn out, she'd fallen asleep before Christine finished. Quietly she stood from the bed and leaned down to kiss her grandbaby one more time. Olivia did the same on the other side of the bed before turning off the lamp and joining Christine, who was waiting for her in the hall.
"Thank you for this gift, Olivia. You have no idea how much this day has meant to us. What you did today makes up for everything and we're just so grateful."
Olivia took her hand squeezed as they walked towards the stairs. "It was time."
They found father and son sitting on the sofa deep in conversation. They both stood when the women entered the room.
"Finished I'm a Pretty Black Girl already?" Fitz asked.
Olivia chuckled. "Can you believe she chose a different book tonight?"
"What?!"
At JR and Christine's confused looks, Fitz explained that Elliott requested the same book every night but tonight was different.
"Maybe she reserves that one for her mother and me. Mom I guess you're getting your own book too."
The adults laughed and Christine tried to stifle a yawn.
"Well, it's been a long day," JR announced. "We should be going."
Christine pulled Olivia into a hug, squeezing her extra tight. "Thank you, Olivia."
JR hugged her and stepped back. "You've made us very happy, Olivia. That little girl is beautiful."
Olivia noticed the sheen of tears in his eyes. "Thank you, JR."
They stood in the entrance of the family room smiling as they watched their son kiss Olivia's forehead. Olivia looked at Fitz, aware that his parents were a few feet from them.
"I'll see you tomorrow morning. Nine o' clock, right?"
"Yes. I'll make her breakfast."
"Okay."
He slid his arm around her waist and she did the same. They walked behind his parents to the front door. Fitz leaned down and whispered close to her ear. "If my parents weren't here…" He brushed a kiss over her parted lips. "I'll see you tomorrow."
She nodded. Stunned by his words.
Christine's voice brought back to the present. "Goodnight, Olivia."
"Goodnight, Christine, JR."
Olivia watched as Fitz turned and followed his parents out the door and closed it behind him. She walked over and locked it and set the alarm. Extinguishing all the lights, she climbed the stairs to the second floor and first went to check on Elliott. Her covers were already on the floor and she was tangled in the sheets. Untangling her, she made the made and covered her before tucking her in securely and kissing again.
When she entered her bedroom, she went straight to the sitting area and sat on the overstuffed chair. This was where she did a lot of thinking. It gave her mind a moment to settle down from the nonstop doubts and questions she had for herself and Fitz. For example, was he looking for them to pick up where they'd left off five years ago? She thought about Fitz's behavior in front of his parents. She didn't want them getting any wrong ideas. But Fitz was making it hard. The way her body had responded to him meant that she was going to have to keep her distance. That was going to be impossible since he made sure to hug and kiss her every chance he got. Yes she still loved him, but could she trust him with her heart again?
Olivia glanced at the clock and was surprised that she'd been sitting so long. Deciding she wasn't going to get any answers to her questions tonight, she stood and walked to her bathroom where she undressed and stepped into the shower, counting the hours until she saw Fitz again.
