The Courage To Love Him

Chapter 13

A/N: Hello Family I hope everyone is safe and well in this time. I have decided to take this story a little further. As our couple love life progresses we take the journey with them. Thank you all for your patients and thanks to all the authors who keep the updates coming…so many updates and I love it. I kind of miss reading sometimes and fall behind missing all the conversations about the new chapters. Thank you all for the follows and reviews. I will try to update more often as time and life permits. Stay Safe and Happy Reading!

The night of the proposal was a defining moment for Liv and Fitz and the Pope family. Harrison gain a great deal of respect for his sister, Eli stands for his only daughter, Maya is muted for now, and Angela and Edison is still in shock. As they danced they were lost in one another. Nothing else mattered. No one else matter.

Eli's favor to Fitz was to allow him a moment to surprise Liv with his proposal. Being a large contributor to the Black Ball event he had some say so which allowed Fitz this moment. He simply made a call and stated what he wanted and everything was set in place. He watches as his daughter smiles at the man she loves and sees the joy in her eyes as he watches them dance.

Liv is so happy in this moment. She would have never imagined the love she feels for the man in front of her. "I love you babe so much and I love my ring it's so beautiful."

"I love you Livvie, I had it inscribed. " Liv face lights up even more "Really what does it say?" Fitz smiles and softly kisses her before answering "You'll have to wait until we get home to find out so no peeking." "But baby I want to know what it says." Liv whines "And you will and you will love it." Fitz presents his crooked smile and Liv lays her head on his chest and continues their dance.

After the third dance they approach the table where Liv's family is sitting. "I'm getting married." Liv pipes out showing her parents her ring.

"Congratulations sweet pea." Eli voice booms with pride

"Congrats sis." Harrison shares while hugging his sister

"I'm happy for you dear." Maya says with a small smile on her face.

"Let's have a toast to the newlyweds." Eli offers causing Liv and Fitz to look at each other with an unsure expression. Dam I didn't think this all the way through Fitz thinks to himself Oh shit Liv thinks to herself when Fitz leans over and whispers in her ear "Fake it babe just don't swallow." Liv smiles and takes the flute from her table already filled as Eli hands Fitz a flute. "To my beautiful daughter and soon to be son in law may your love for one another last as long as Maya's and mines." Maya looks at him now understanding how he can be so excepting of this union. "To Liv and Fitz." Harrison holds up his flute and shares and everyone repeats "To Liv and Fitz." They all take a drink as Liv pretends to take a sip.

"Oh my, this champagne is not that good. I think I'll have water instead." Liv states as she notices Angela and Edison walking towards them. "Congratulation Liv…Fitz." Angela states

Everyone turns their attention to the two. "Thanks." Both Liv and Fitz say at the same time. Edison follows suit and congratulates the couple as well. Fitz is unsure if he's being genuine or not but it seems as if he is. The men shake hands and Edison just nods at Liv and replaces his hand to the small of Angela's back. This didn't go unnoticed by anyone. Edison and Angela were officially dating. This doesn't sit very well with Maya. She gives Angela a look that could kill you on site but keeps her thoughts to herself.

Liv excuses herself to the bathroom and after a moment Angela follows. Fitz on the other hand is stuck with Edison so he uses this as his advantage to figure him out. "So Edison are you and Angela a thing now that Liv is off the market?"

Edison is taken back by Fitz question. "Excuse me?" He questions as the Pope family looks on. "You're excused…But I'm trying to understand you jumping from one best friend to the other. What's your angle here? You do know that Liv and Angela are best friends…right?"

"Best friends…woe woe wait a minute…I didn't know they even knew each other until today. I just asked Angela how she knew the Popes but she didn't answer me. Angela approached me, she showed interest in me. I had no clue they were friends…surely not best friends. I would have never given her the time of day. I swear I'm not that type of man."

"Wait you didn't know? How could you not know…she and all Liv's other girlfriends were all at her house warming?" Looking at him in disbelief and confusion Fitz states

"I swear I didn't see her nor did I pay much attention to anyone at her party. I was embarrassed that she was more focus on you so I left before any introductions were made. Then Mrs. Pope called me and invited me to dinner under the assumption that Liv invited me…Sorry Mrs. Pope but I can't have my reputation out there like this." Maya drops her head in shame. "Look Fitz I was attracted to Olivia yes but she made it perfectly clear she was happily in a relationship and not interested in dating me. I accepted that and moved on. I met Angela at Karen and Kevin's wedding she set next to me and introduced herself. I thought she was beautiful and asked her out to dinner. At no time did she disclose to me that she and Olivia were best friends but she will have to explain it to me when she returns." Fitz and the Pope's believe him so Fitz decides to drop his interrogation and enjoy his drink.

Meanwhile after relieving herself Liv exits the stall and sees Angela. "What do you want Angela?"

"Why haven't you been answering my calls or text messages?" Angela answers with much attitude

"Really Ang..? You are dating a man who was clearly chasing after me…your best friend. That's a violation. I now know that I can't trust you. You not only sleep with married men, but you did not follow the girl code."

"Liv you did not want him. You wanted Fitz. I asked you if it was okay."

"You asked me? When did you ask me Angela…no you told me, you didn't ask me, your exact words were, hell if you don't Edison he's the perfect IBM for me. That's not asking Ang."

"You said for me to have at it." Liv looks at her "It was rhetorical Angela. You were supposed to have a sit down and ask me if it was okay as to not violate the girl code but you never ask Angela you just do… married and all. No one is off limits when it comes to you. I don't need friends like that so yes I have not been answering you calls." Liv replies as she washes her hands.

Angela doesn't like the fact that Olivia has called her out and decides to hit below the belt. "You must still want Edison otherwise you wouldn't be this upset and to cut off our friendship over this shows me that I am right. Admit it Liv you still want Edison or at least have feelings for him."

Liv looks at Angela with disgust and disbelief "Let me make myself clear Angela. I have who I want. It's the principle that fucks me up, but I understand that a whore will be a whore. So please go live your life with whomever and have a bunch of babies for all I care. Don't come for me Angela unless I send for you, your desperation is showing girlfriend." Liv bumps her on her way out of the bathroom. Angela waits and composes herself before she too rejoined Edison Fitz and the Popes.

Angela notices as Fitz and Liv embrace but what she doesn't notice is the look on Edison's face. He is livid. He feels betrayed and played. The fact that Angela didn't mention that she was Liv's best friend doesn't sit well with him. He feels used as if Angela intentionally came after him to have one up on Liv or some dumb shit like that. He now saw Angela as a gold digger after his money, or someone who wanted to be attached to someone who has a title and a trust fund. He was a perfect mark. She seduced him. They slept together on the first night and every night since then. He really liked her and now he felt like he hated her.

Once she reaches him he excuses himself gripping her by the arm and swiftly walking out of the hall. "What was that about?" Liv looks to Fitz and asks in a whisper. "He didn't know you guys were best friends." Fitz answers with a smirk.

Liv decided before anyone can notice she's not drinking that she was ready to leave. "Mom dad I've had a long day so Fitz and I are going to head out." Fitz looks at Liv as he feels her squeeze his hand underneath the table. They congratulate them again and decided to leave as well with a promise to see both Liv and Fitz for dinner tomorrow. As Fitz and Liv exit the building they see Edison and Angela arguing.

"You played me Angela." He screams "No Eddy I didn't play you, I really like you." She quickly stated "You made me look like an ass in there. People think I'm some kind of pig instead of a respectable guy. Why didn't you tell me you knew Olivia?" She begins to stutter "I…I…I don't know Eddy it just didn't come up."

His face contorts "No you knew I would not have given you the time of day if you had told me. I don't jump from friend to friend. I'm not a desperate man and this is…" He points from her to himself "Is over. I never want to see you again."

Angela begins to panic. Little did Edison know Angela had fallen for him… deeply. "Eddy no…please don't do this. I'm in love with you Eddy. Please don't do this…don't go baby." But Edison is not listening he continues walking away.

Angela yells out "Edison please don't go…baby I'm sorry." Edison walks back towards her and tosses her cab fare and walks around his car retrieving his keys driving off leaving Angela standing outside alone. Fitz car arrives and he and Liv also drive off without a second thought. Maya sees Angela but keeps walking to her car as well. Eli and Harrison was none the wiser.

Once inside of the car Liv removes her ring and reads the inscription. THE LOVE OF MY LIFE she reads in her head. Tears pool from her eyes "Baby I love it. You're the love of my life too and I love you so much." Fitz reaches over and uses his thumb to wipe away her fallen tears. "You're going to be my wife." "You're going to be my husband." They both are the happiest they've ever been in this moment.

"You didn't tell me Angela was dating Edison. What's up with that?" Fitz asks

"I didn't realize she was. I knew she stayed behind at the wedding but that's Angela's M.O. she likes going after men that are clear with or interested in someone else including me."

"But isn't it's like some kind of girl code against that sort of thing?"

"Yes babe, if you find yourself slightly interested in someone your girlfriend either dated or the guy wanted to date you are supposed to ask your girl if she's okay with you going after that man. It's kind of like giving your blessing so there won't be any confusion or problems, and if you girl say no then that guy is off limits, if she says yes then it open season but Angela just went for it without the sit down. So she's out of the friend circle once I share with the girls they are dating."

"Oh okay that's why Edison was so upset. He said he didn't know you guys were friends. He said he didn't even see Angela at the house warming and you know what? I believe him."

"Well it's whatever she can have him, but she and I are no longer friends because I don't trust her especially around you. She had the nerve to accuse me of having feelings for Edison. That girl is delusional and jealous."

"Well it looks like karma came back quickly because Edison publicly dumped her in front of everyone."

"Not our problem babe." Liv answers as they arrive at Fitz's home.

They attack one another immediately after closing the front door. They leave no room to breathe. Fitz takes Liv right in the front doorway before taking her to his room and then taking her there as well. The love making is passionate and powerful. The sound of Liv screams can be heard throughout the walls as it echoes through the large home. Fitz strong voice vibrates strongly as well. Liv thought she didn't want or even like kinky sex but with Fitz nothing was off limits.

They made love in every position possible. Standing sitting missionary doggy French scissors upside down right side up on the floor, in the shower, across the bed on the edge of the bed against the wall and anywhere else they desired. Olivia was officially sexually wiped out and so was Fitz by the time they finally collapsed on the bed sideways falling asleep with Fitz still housed inside of Liv's love canal. The sheets were no longer on the bed and neither were the top covers. Too tired to move another inch they both gave in to their body's unwillingness to go any further and give in to sleep.

The following day Fitz wakes and looks over at the clock and is amazed that it read 12:37 pm. He notices Liv is spread eagle on the bed with her arm and leg draped over his body. He eyes land on her stomach and he smiles while rubbing his large hand over it. Liv feels his touch and wakes from her sexual slumber. "Hi." "Hi." Liv looks down at Fitz hand rubbing over her stomach and smiles. "I can't believe you're pregnant." "Me neither maybe tomorrow will make it real at our appointment."

"So when are you gonna share the news with your family and girlfriends?" Fitz asks not really looking at Liv but at her stomach as he continues rubbing his hand over it. "I was hoping after we got hitched."

"Okay how soon can I marry you?"

"I want to get married before I start to show so within the next two months. Hopefully I can still hide it until then."

"Livvie if you can plan it we can do it. Just give me a date."

"Mid-June…let's say June 15th I will be 4 months but I think we can pull it off."

"How about next month on Mother's day. That way we can celebrate our anniversary and mother's day and you get a two for one every year?"

"Are you trying to be funny Fitz? How can I celebrate Mother's Day with my mother if I'm celebrating me being a mom and my anniversary?"

"By getting your mom a gift and spending the rest of the day with me allowing your dad handle the rest."

"That don't sound too bad, I wouldn't have to sit through my mom's drama an entire day." They both laugh "But seriously babe, how about the weekend before or after Mother's Day. I couldn't possibly do that to my mom."

"Okay the weekend after Mother's Day which is…?" Fitz reaches for his phone on the floor at the foot of the bed and checks his calendar. "May 16th." "May 16th it is then. Oh my god I have to call my girlfriends." Liv jumps up and stops in her tracks. "Holy shit my pussy's sore!" Fitz busts out laughing at how she drags it out. "Stop laughing babe that's not funny." "I'm sorry…wait…wait." Liv begins to pout at Fitz laughter "Let me run you a bath. Stay put. It's because of me you're sore I'll take care of you." Liv lies back down with a smile on her face as Fitz leaps from the bed and runs to start her bath handing Liv her phone from her purse after running downstairs to retrieve it.

Liv dials Abby, Abby dials Lisa, and Lisa dials Kim. Once everyone is on the call Liv shares her news "Ahhhhhh I'm getting marriiiiiiiieeeeed." Everyone screams with excitement and joy. They ask her every question all speaking at the same time. When did he ask? How did he propose? Where did he propose? How big is her ring? When is the date set for? Liv answered all of their questions with glee. Everyone is over the top with joy for their friend and sister. The ladies are surprised and shocked that Fitz did it in front of her parents and the fact that Eli gave his blessing. But the energy changed when she told them about Angela showing up to the ball with Edison.

"What the fuck Liv, she really started dating him?" Abby yells out

"She so fucking foul." Kim adds

"So this bitch was for real about going after Edison? Did she even ask you Liv?" Lisa angrily asks

"Nope she used the conversation at the wedding as her green light. I never green lighted it." Liv answers

"I'm so through with her. Angela be doing the most." Abby comments

"Girl we all are. Liv's getting married, I'm getting married, Abs you're in a relationship, Kim you about the only one who don't have to worry she likes dick and married men too much." A frowning Lisa says with great irritation

Liv looks up as Fitz walks back into the room in just his boxer briefs "I got to go ladies my fiancé is ready to bathe me." All the ladies ohh and ahh before hanging up the phone right before Fitz lifts Liv from the bed and carries her to the tub. "It smells delicious in here. Oh my candles and bubbles a girl could get used to this."

"Get used to it Livvie, because this is how I treat the woman I love." Fitz states kissing her before placing her in the large Jacuzzi tub turning on the jets to relax her sore muscles and vagina. "How does that feel?" "It will feel better if you joined me." And with one swoop Fitz is naked and sliding in behind her in the tub. They both relax and take a moment to enjoy just being there with one another.

After twenty minutes of soaking talking and just enjoying one another Fitz gently washes Liv from head to toe careful to take extra care around his favorite area. Once cleaned and relaxed they dry dress and have brunch since it was now after 1 in the afternoon.

"Fitz where is your dad and Boom?"

"He got a hotel last night because I kind of told him about my plans to propose and us having a baby. He should be back tonight. He wanted to give us privacy."

"We could have gone to my place babe; your dad shouldn't be in a hotel."

"He insisted love. It was his idea. Don't worry he makes his own decisions and he's kind of stubborn." This causes Liv to giggle. "How about we invite him to dinner at my parents tonight so everyone can meet?" "Livvie baby that a great idea. You call your parent and I'll call pops." Liv call her dad and Fitz calls his dad and shares with them the plan. All parties agree.

An hour before they are to be at the Pope's Gerry and Boom walks through the door. "Well there she is Ms. Olivia we meet again." Liv looks up from the sofa "Gerry oh my god and Boom." She jumps to her feet but before she could reach Gerry Boom in on her licking her face wagging his tail excited to be reunited. "Wow my dog has even fallen in love with you baby." "Oh my goodness Boom my baby, mommy is so happy to see you too. That's my boy…yessss mommy loves you too Boomster." "Boomster?" Both Fitz and Gerry say at the same time "Oh hell naw come here Boom Skid Daly skid Boom here now. My dog name is not Boomster."

"He's my doggie too." Liv whines as she watches Boom trot over to Fitz on command "Yes baby but his name is Boom not Boomster." Liv laughs as she walks over to Gerry and gives him a hug. "It's so good seeing you again Gerry." "You too Liv, but its dad now or pop as Fitz likes to call me." "Okay then its dad. I will let Fitz have the pop title." "Congratulation dear I knew you could do it." "Thanks dad…really for everything." Gerry heart is filled. He's always wanted a daughter and lately a grandchild and Liv is blessing him with both. "Fitz my boy I'm proud of you." Fitz smiles as he shows Boom attention giving him a big welcome home after realizing he really missed his best friend.

After Gerry got settled in and his luggage was put away Boom feed and walked they head out to the Pope's. "So dad how long are you visiting?" Gerry smiles happy to share his news with Liv "Well Livvie dear I'm actually looking to take up residency now that I'm gaining a daughter and grandchild I want and need to be closer to my family. I was hoping you and my son could help me find a place." "We got you pop. I actually know a good realtor. I will give her a call tomorrow."

They reach the Pope's and Liv walks in first "Mom daddy we're here." Liv yells out and the Pope's all appear from different parts of the home. Fitz takes the lead handing Eli an expensive bottle of wine as he introduces his father to the Pope's including Harrison when Liv notices Harry doesn't have a girl by his side. She would have to ask him about that later. "Welcome to our home. It's nice to meet you Gerry." "Thank you Eli same here and you as well Mrs. Pope…Harrison." "Sir." Harrison responds "Thank you Gerry I wish we would have had time to really get to know each other before now." Maya states as Eli squeezes her waist warning her not to get started. "Come shall we sit for dinner." Eli instructs giving Maya a look after everyone walks towards the dining area

This marriage is happening whether Maya wants it to or not. She needed to find a moment alone with her daughter to try and talk some sense into her. How can she marry a gardener doesn't she know she deserve better. Look at how this man dresses he can't even afford nice jeans. Always so casual with old jeans and putting on a suit jacket doesn't make it a suit. Anyone can rent a tux for a couple of hours. He's probably too cheap or can't afford to buy a tux or a suit for that much. God he needs a haircut. Probably can't afford that either. Yes he's very handsome and charming but what could Liv possibly see in this man? Any man can be handsome and charming but what does his bank account look like?

Maya comes out of her thoughts "Livvie dear can you help me bring out dinner?" "Yes mom." Liv and Maya heads for the kitchen leaving the men at the table. She wastes no time hitting Liv with the questions. "Liv honey are you sure about this whole marriage thing…I mean you barely know Fitz and…" "Mom I love him…Fitz and I are going to be together. You had no problem when Edison planned a whole life with me without even talking to me, but because you thought he was the one I was supposed to just be with him even though I had no attraction to him."

Maya continues placing food in the prep dishes to take to the table as Liv grabs them and places them on the table in the dining room before returning to the kitchen. "I'm just saying Livvie for Christ sake he's a gardener." Liv turns to her mom tired of her calling Fitz a gardener. "No mom…he's my fiancé and a self-made multimillionaire with several multimillion dollar landscaping businesses across the US. So if this is really about you doubting Fitz can take care of me…DON'T! Unless it about something else…like the color of his skin hopefully not and this will be the last time you call Fitz a gardener because I choose him mom. To be my man, fiancé, and soon to be husband and like you chose daddy over your own parents I will choose Fitz over you." Liv takes the two of the last four dishes and walks out of the kitchen. Maya is left speechless. Not so much from Liv's threat but the fact that Fitz is a multimillionaire. Suddenly a smile presents itself on her face as she also exits the kitchen.

The energy at the dinner table is exciting and fun and welcoming. Maya entire posture has changed and she's very chatty "So Fitz my daughter tells me you own several successful businesses. I'd love to hear about them."

Fitz looks across the table at Liv as she sits next to Harrison and she smiles raising one brow as she continues to eat. Fitz smiles as well "Well Mrs. Pope I currently have 5 landscaping businesses one in New York Washington Philadelphia New Orleans as well as here in LA with the prospects of opening another in Chicago." Maya nearly faints at his disclosure

"Son I must say you have really done well for yourself Gerry you must be proud." Eli says

"I stick my chest out every day Eli but his mother was his biggest inspiration and the reason he found his passion. I just showed him the business end of things." Gerry shares

"So Fitz does that mean you're like rich or something?" Harrison finally finds his voice

"Or something Harrison. I do pretty well." He answers

"But how well…are you a millionaire?"

"Let's just say any children I bare will be heirs."

"Wow Liv you did good sis. Your man is loaded."

Eli shifts the subject "Gerry I hear you're retired."

"Yes soiree. I hung up my suit and tie. I have time to enjoy life now."

"So what are you doing to keep busy these days?" Eli continues

"Well boring stuff like golfing traveling or just taking time for myself. I decided to move here from Washington. Fitz and Liv are helping me find a realtor for residency to be closer to my son." He ends it there not wanting to say too much seeing no one is talking about the pregnancy or the wedding "I'd like to propose a toast to my son and his beautiful fiancé Livvie." Everyone raises their glass "Too Fitz and Livvie." They all say in unison "Too Fitz and Livvie."

The dinner is done and Maya request that Liv and Harrison bring out dessert. They both clear the table before bringing out the peach cobbler. While in the kitchen Liv finally goes for it "Harry what's going on with you. No girlfriend?"

Harrison gets a certain look that Liv knows well "I'll talk to you about it later." "Did something happen?" Harrison turns away from Liv "Later Liv." He returns to the dining area. Liv is confused and somewhat worried. She knows something is up with her brother he's been very quiet and that's so not Harry. She also knows she would have to wait until he's ready to talk.

"So Livvie Fitzgerald have you guys set a date yet we really should start planning marriage is a big deal?" Maya asks as Liv sits down to have dessert causing everyone at the table to stop and stare at her. The room is so quiet you could hear a pin drop on carpeted flooring.

A/N: Well there you have it family. Our couple is in this together. Liv is claiming her man and giving her mother the business. She means business when it comes to her fiancé. I bet you guys thought Edison was going to be an ass? What about Miss Angela she too much. She's officially been kicked out of the girls club. How do you ladies feel about the girl code? Do you agree your friend should talks with you about possibly dating someone who tried to date you or dated you? And finally Mrs. Maya how do you guys now feel about her…..Until next time…..Keke