Noticing the changes was her favorite activity.

The subtleties. She was very observant, whenever she stood in front of the mirror. Some days, she couldn't tell. But certain mornings, she just knew, things were happening. The slight poke of her stomach against her lightweight t-shirt. She was filling out her bra, which was fascinating. The nausea that hit her the week prior had finally subsided, but certain smells gave her headaches. There was a little extra "oomph" for Fitz to grab when they said their goodbyes before work. That was a fun perk.

But there was a joy unspeakable. This was really happening. She was having a baby. All of her dreams centered around this new life, were being realized.

"Hi, baby," she greeted, while pressing her hands on her midsection. "I love you."

Thankfully, Olivia had passed the first semester mark. Only four weeks into her knowledge, she was careful to not overdo anything, rest, follow her doctor's instructions, and let Fitz help whenever she was not feeling well. He barely allowed her to take a step anywhere before asking what he could do. Sometimes, it was annoying — how does one shake off 30+ years of independence and stubbornness? But she knew his heart and this was his way to continually love on her. She needed to accept this and allow this process to take place.

It was great to be out of the woods so she could actually reveal what was going on, but at the same time, a bit frustrating. Carefully toeing the line of acting like nothing changed, and eager to spill the beans. Also, she spent downtime to plan what to say, when to say it. Checking out Pinterest and pregnancy message boards had become part of her nightly routine, looking for creative outlets and discuss with others online.

"Livvie!"

"Yeah?"

"They're pulling up."

Fitz's call prompted Olivia to check Teddy's room one more time, making sure everything was set for his return. His trip to North Carolina was successful, with his grandparents and cousins. It was important that he was able to see his mother's side of the family, connecting every few months, and work through his struggles with separation anxiety. Progress had been made, but it was a test for all three Grants. Some nights, Fitz was ready to make the six hour trip and take his son home. But thankfully, everything worked out and technology helped so much.

There was a detailed list of who was going to be told when, but Olivia and Fitz wanted to wait until Teddy came home to share the good news. It was important to be the ones to explain and see his reaction in person. He had been waiting for a year. Always hinting at it, or loudly sharing to anyone in their circle that one day, his parents would tell him a baby was on the way. It was only right for him to be the first to know, outside of Gabrielle.

Olivia had just reached the bottom of the stairs when their precious boy raced into the house. Fitz strolled behind with the rolling suitcase. Gigi was barking and scampering around, excited to see her big bro. Hearing the familiar sound of giggles made her heart sing.

"Hi! Welcome home!"

Teddy hugged Olivia, super tight, before embracing Fitz, being equally affectionate.

"Hi, Mommy! Daddy!"

Fitz lifted his boy high and swung him around. "So happy that you're home."

Teddy asked, "Did you miss me?"

In between kisses, Fitz exclaimed, "Heck yeah!"

"Heck yeah," Teddy copied, with the biggest smile.

Olivia took the suitcase, pushing it to the side, and requested, "Let's get your stuff upstairs, wash up, and get in comfy clothes."

Teddy ran upstairs, amazed by the colorful sign on the door.

"Welcome back, Teddy? Oh, man! This is awesome. I feel so loved."

Fitz rubbed Olivia's back as they watched him hop around, marvel over new curtains and the bedding change. Of course, anything could make her eyes well up with tears.

"Oh, honey," he whispered. "You're so cute."

Wiping her eyes, she rebutted, "The lies you tell. Everything is making me cry."

Teddy snuck to back of the room, then ran with his arms out, very Superman-like, so he could "fly" on the mattress.

"Boy!'

"It's been like a hundred days since I've been in my own room! I never want to leave!"

"Tell me all about your vacation, baby."

The three were back downstairs, on the couch. Teddy, sitting in between, shared about the fun camping trips, eating lots of ice cream and chicken tenders — his favorite meal currently — and sleeping in a hammock.

"I really liked it. It's cool to learn new things, and I made a couple of friends. I was scared a little bit. I cried the first night. Remember?"

Fitz drew circles on Teddy's back — "Yes, that made me sad. I wish I could have been there to hug you."

The younger Grant sighed. "Me too. But you and Mommy helped me go to sleep. And then I felt better. And Grandma let me stay up a few days because we were all watching movies!"

"Is that so," Fitz inquired with lifted eyebrows. "That is amazing! We are very proud of you!"

"Thank you!"

Olivia made sure to give Teddy a few head scratches. After another kiss on the cheek, she said, "You're doing great."

Watching Teddy feel proud of himself for overcoming another fear was the best.

"So... did you have a good time with your mother?"

Olivia looked at Fitz with caution. Anytime Mellie got mentioned, it got awkward. Being the sweetest person, Teddy explained with the highest level of innocence, not catching the tone in his father's voice.

"Yeah! It was good. She was there and I got to drive in her car and we sang songs. She made soup and roast beef. That was good. She told me she misses me a lot now. Sometimes we went to the big town with Andrew. Then, she had to go find a new house."

"Oh?"

With a cheeky smile, Teddy continued, "Mmhmm. Chicago? Is that a place? I think that's what she said. Whew! I didn't think I was able to remember all this stuff!"

Olivia confirmed, patting his knee. "Yes. It's a big city like Washington. Good for her."

Teddy decided it was time to change the subject and climb on Fitz. "What did you guys do while I was gone?"

"We went to Bethany Beach. I still had work. Drove to Philadelphia to meet a new client. Sometimes I would go to your Dad's job and have lunch."

Teddy's jaw dropped. "I wanna do that. Then I can meet everyone. Daddy, can we do that?"

Fitz mirrored the gesture, gasping dramatically. "Of course! How about next week?"

"Cool! I'm so happy I can see you in real life, and not just on FaceTime. Soo...What's for dinner?"

"Spaghetti with meatballs."

Teddy smiled, "Perfect! I haven't had that in a while."

And with that, Fitz went off to make their evening meal.

Olivia and Teddy journeyed to the backyard, enjoying the warm weather and occasional breeze. Teddy hadn't driven his truck in weeks, so he was having a blast driving around.

When it was time to eat, Teddy was enjoying every bite. All the "mmhmm"'s and "yummy"'s, paired with seat wiggles, were comical.

Olivia set a bowl of salad down, and gave Fitz his beer.

"Thanks, Livvie."

She kissed the top of his head, before sitting down.

Teddy narrowed his eyes and pointed at her glass. "What's that?"

"This? Iced tea."

"Oh," he said. "But that's strange. You usually have wine when we have pasta. Red wine."

Olivia and Fitz exchanged glances. Their child was so observant. It was downright hilarious that Teddy would notice small things; a bit weird he didn't catch on about something else.

"Just doing something different, baby."

The adults made eye contact again. He nudged her foot, giving her a specific look. After two years, they were getting good at communicating with their eyes. Expressing themselves through winks, shoulder shrugs, and finger taps.

"Mmhmm," he replied, cutting one of his meatballs in half.

Olivia glanced at Teddy; his nose scrunched while twirling his pasta. The concentration was adorable.

"You're doing a great job getting your spaghetti on your fork."

His tongue slipped out, with laser focus. "The spoon helps a lot."

Olivia excused herself to retrieve a special gift. The guys were chatting about some funny commercial Teddy saw on vacation.

"What's that, Mommy?"

"Remember the wish you made on your birthday?"

Teddy recalled his biggest wish now, was to live in Vermont all year long and have a baby brother or sister.

"Mmhmm!"

"Well…"

There was a small box in Olivia's hand, labeled, Our Teddy Bear.

"Is this for me?"

"Yes, you can open it."

Teddy looked at Fitz, who excitedly gave him the go-ahead.

On the top of the tissue paper, was a note. Teddy stared with intensity, mouthing the words, copying how his father would be, reading briefs.

We know you've been waiting for a long time. But one of your wishes has come true. Here is a new T-shirt for you to wear to let you know what it is.

Love you, Daddy and Mommy.

He rushed to see what else was inside. "A new shirt!"

"Do you see what it says?"

Teddy carefully studied the print on the shirt; he was improving on his reading skills, and was more enthusiastic on speaking the words aloud.

"Big brother."

His head turned to Olivia, while pointing to what he read. "Is this what I think this is?"

"You tell me."

Two seconds in, he gasped. His brown eyes were wide. "You're having a baby?"

Eyebrows and cheeks rising, she replied, "Yes."

"Really?"

"Yes!"

Fitz was beaming, watching his son discover the best news. "Isn't that exciting, Teddy?"

"Yeahhh!"

Teddy started jumping up and down, then skipped around the kitchen.

"I'm going to be a brother! Wait! Do you know if it's a girl or a boy?"

Olivia answered, "We don't know yet."

Teddy hummed to himself, then asked, "Are you going to find out?"

"I will. Don't like being surprised!"

"When you find out, can you let me know? I would like to help decorate. I want to get used to saying, 'I have a little brother!' or 'Hey, I got a baby sister!"

Fitz interjected, "I think we can make that happen. Right, Liv?"

Receiving his adorable wink, Olivia grinned, "We'll absolutely let you know."

"That's so cool! I wonder if he or she will like me."

Scooping Teddy up into his arms, Fitz assured, "Umm, absolutely!"

Olivia said, "Look at this. This is a picture of the baby. It's called a sonogram."

"A sono-what?"

"Sonogram."

Teddy deadpanned. "How does it take a picture when a baby is hidden in your tummy? How does it—"

"They use a special tool to press on my tummy. Maybe you can come to my next doctor's appointment and see them take the picture."

"So you're really having a baby?"

Olivia and Fitz responded at the same time — "Yes."

Teddy's playful eyes moved back and forth, from Olivia to Fitz, before raising his hands in victory. "Finally! I've been waiting for a long time and you guys made a baby!"

Immediately, they burst into laughter at his honest statement.

Waving the sonogram like a golden ticket, he asked, "Can I keep this?"

"Sure."

"Thanks!"

Teddy took off his regular shirt and threw on his new one. He ran to the mirror in the foyer, giving himself compliments. They could hear him say, "Hey, I'm a big brother now. I look good!"

Olivia called him back to the table, to finish his dinner.

"Who knows? Is it just us?"

Fitz took a sip of water. "Just us and Miss Gabrielle and the doctor."

"We are like a secret agency!"

"Something like that. But we are going to start telling more people next week."

Relief washed over Olivia; her first baby was excited!

Teddy set his utensils down, giving the two a stern face.

"Wait!"

"What's up, Bear?"

"How did the baby get there? Did you kiss a lot when I was gone and finally the baby got in your stomach while you were sleeping?"

Olivia rose, and firmly tapped Fitz's shoulder, deciding to let him take care of that question.

The next day, Fitz and Olivia were in their room, going over the "must know" list. The day was going to be jam-packed, calling and visiting the parents, who would be notified in unique ways. Teddy was going to be at Aunt Gracie's with the boys, so it'd just be the two of them all day.

As he styled his hair, Fitz asked."Who are we telling first again, baby?"

She answered succinctly. "Your father."

"You sure?"

"Positive," she affirmed, sounding like she was at work. "Once we get outside, who knows when we will be back."

While Olivia was applying her lipstick, Fitz stood behind her, giving her a kiss on her neck.

"Hi."

"Hi."

Fitz put his hands on her hips. "Today is going to be great. We're in this together, baby."

"Hmm," she leaned back, letting him rock them back and forth. The quiet moments were well worth it.

"Love this."

"C'mere."

She already loved kisses but her need to have his lips on hers intensified. Fitz took her hand, leading her towards the bed. He sat down, pulling her gently. Olivia allowed herself to "fall" on his lap. After looking deeply into each other's eyes, Olivia placed her hand on his cheek and kissed him. Which lead to more kisses, first simple and chaste, then gained momentum, making them lose track of time. Any moment they got to cuddle, they used it.

Fitz rubbed his nose on Olivia's cheek, while her hand was on his chest.

She sighed blissfully, "I love you, Mister."

"I love you too."

Gerry Grant was an early riser, so Fitz knew calling him at 7:30AM, California time, would not be an issue.

Sure enough, the elder Grant answered the FaceTime call after the third ring. "Well, this is a surprise! Hi, son. Hi, Olivia! Look at you, lovebirds."

"Hi, how are you?"

"Everything is going alright. Just poured a cup of joe, took a gander at the newspaper."

Fitz smiled, "You look good, Dad."

"I'm doing what I can — the gym I started going to, has Senior workout sessions. So that's been nice."

"What?"

"Yes."

Olivia asked, "Do you have some time to talk?"

"Of course," Gerry answered, with a big smile. "Anything for you two."

The three chatted, mostly about Teddy and newlywed life.

"Will you be able to come to Santa Barbara this year, son?"

It was a perfect segue. Fitz confidently replied, "That's the plan. Although, we may have to move it up to October or Thanksgiving, instead of Christmas."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, if that works with your schedule."

Gerry's facial expression was a mixture of sad and concerned. "How come? Is everything okay?"

"Well," Fitz started, beaming at his wife, then turning back to his father. "Things are changing in the Grant household."

Olivia winked. Gerry caught the sly grin appearing and he wagged his finger at them.

"Hold up!"

Fitz and Olivia started laughing, and she lifted the sonogram for Gerry to see. He cheered and lifted his coffee mug.

"Well, alright! Congratulations, Olivia and Fitz. I am thrilled for you. When are you due?"

"January 12th."

"A winter baby! Just like you and Teddy, Fitz."

On the homestead, Olivia knew telling her parents could go one of two ways: They would be excited but cautious, which would make her happy. Or they'd be cautious, with the possibilty of them not being as supportive. There were still things she needed to work through with them, but she definitely wanted Eli and Marie to know and share in her joy. Wanting to make sure no drama would arise, Olivia chose to tell her parents separately. Since it would be their first time as grandparents, she wanted to make everything super special.

At their lunch at the Alexandria Waterfront, Eli was given his "announcement" gift - an onesie that read "Hi, Poppa!", a sonogram, and a small bottle of Duvillet. Surprisingly, he set the bag on the table, then stood to give both Olivia and Fitz hugs. He wasn't a big hugger, but once Teddy came into his life, he was expressing himself more.

"You're telling me there's a new addition to our family?"

Fitz answered, "Yes, sir."

"What extraordinary news! How are you feeling, Miss Olivia?"

Grinning, Olivia said, "I'm doing alright. It feels good to finally tell you. But hey, you gotta keep this a secret, well until tomorrow."

"Why?"

"We're going to Mom's for dinner."

Eli leaned back, "Ahh... that should be a treat. You thought she was dramatic at your wedding? She will have a cow tonight. Have you been to her new place?"

"Not yet," she replied, tearing a piece of her roll. "Is it nice?"

"It's very her. Showroom central."

Time to ask the million dollar question: "Do you think you two…"

Eli shrugged. "Who can say? I like where we are. We don't fight, we plan to have lunch twice a month. We're getting close to you. You know how she is. Ready to fly off to a new adventure. There's no point in holding her back. Have you noticed that people are finally calling her Marie now?"

He had a point. While Olivia was at boarding school, her mother went by Maya, but recently, she introduced herself as Marie. Olivia didn't keep track anymore. It didn't make a difference, to be honest.

"Yeah, Dad... One of her ways to show her individuality."

"And I support her. If she wants to proceed with filing, and cut the cords, I'm fine. But as long as we keep it cordial, that's good with me. By the way, Fitz, is everything okay with you and your ex? What's her name, Mallory?"

Olivia closed her eyes, laughing, while Fitz shook his head, who found it very amusing.

"Close. Her name is Melody, or Mellie. Things are okay. Teddy saw her last week while he was in Carolina."

"Good to hear, son."

Fitz finished his glass of wine and responded, "Thank you."

After a quickie and long nap, the Grants headed up Rt. 355. Like Eli mentioned, Marie had recently moved to a fancy apartment in downtown Bethesda. She was always looking for something new.

But in their haste, Fitz forgot the special gift, so he had to go home.

"Hello, dearie!"

Olivia was surprised to see her mother in a simple t-shirt and green shorts. Usually, she always made a point to "dress up", with a bold shade of lipstick, and hair done just so. Only in a bun, and wearing barely-there makeup, was a shock. Now, Olivia felt overdressed with an elegant maxi dress and gold gladiator sandals.

"Hi, Mom."

Marie welcomed her inside, then they hugged and kissed.

"Where's Fitz," she asked, closing the door. "Don't tell me you drove separately?"

"He went to run a quick errand, but didn't want me to be late."

Marie offered Olivia water as they sat on the couch.

"So... did my eyes deceive me or did I see a listing for your apartment?"

Her mother always knew. "You are correct."

"What is going on?"

"I'm selling it."

Baffled, she questioned, "But why, dearie? I'll have to tell your father."

"He recommended it."

"But that's your special place. That you bought all by yourself, after grad school."

"I know, but it's time," Olivia agreed. "I'm not a single gal anymore."

Marie was smiling, but her daughter knew there was sadness in her eyes. "You get married and now everything's changing. What are you going to do now? Buy another place? Cut your hair? That's what I did."

"You know I can be independent and still love my husband, right?"

"Of course, Livvie," Marie said. "I don't want you to lose yourself in the process."

Understanding where she was coming from, Olivia promised, "I won't."

"Good," Marie smiled. Then, standing up, she added, "Let me finish up dinner. Fitz better hurry up or it will be cold."

Olivia followed her mother into the kitchen. "What are you cooking?"

Marie extended her hand to show off what was on the stovetop and counter. "A sensible meal. Oven fried chicken, mustard greens, and yams. I don't remember Fitz having any of this since you've been together so I thought I'd introduce him to it."

"I'm sure Mellie's side of the family has-"

Olivia's face immediately soured. The lid for the greens had been lifted. She blinked rapidly, shaking her head, while trying to disguise what was really going on.

"Liv, what's the matter," Marie asked. "You didn't finish your sentence."

"Nothing," she weakly replied, taking several steps back, covering her nose. "The greens don't smell like what I remember."

"Yeah, wanted to treat you with something home-cooked."

Olivia attempted to force a smile, but it wasn't working. "That's so sweet of you. Thanks."

A moment of silence passed before Marie faced her daughter.

"You're pregnant, aren't you?"

The question startled Olivia. "Huh? What?"

Marie twisted her lips, nodding, giving a "Mmhmm." It was sassy but very maternal. "Your face looks fuller. Just slightly. I don't remember you ever gaining weight like that. I noticed you've been grazing your hand over your stomach, and now you look like you're about to vomit. Who cringes at greens being cooked to perfection? No woman in her right mind! Unless they have morning sickness. Don't you dare lie to me in my house."

Looking down, Olivia quietly answered. "I wanted to surprise you."

Marie went to hug her. "Oh, dearie. It's alright. It's okay! Congratulations."

"Thank you."

Olivia let her mother love on her, with more hugs.

After rubbing her daughter's arms in reassurance, Marie asked, "Do you need some water or ginger ale?"

"I think I'm okay. I'll just wait in the living room."

"Open the balcony and get some 'fresh' air."

Olivia followed the instructions, grateful to feel a little better. She was a tad bummed of getting the surprise spoiled. A few minutes later, Marie was back in the living room, ready to hear all about the news.

"When did you find out?"

"A month ago. I'm...fourteen weeks along."

Marie grinned, observing Olivia's midsection. "Wonderful. Wow. I'm shocked you didn't get pregnant on your wedding night."

Olivia scoffed, "Mother!"

"Oh, come on now," Marie giggled, "I can see how affectionate you are. He can't keep his hands off of you! It was only a matter of damn time!"

That was a topic the duo would never talk about. Ever. Olivia raised her hand, giving Marie the cue to stop.

"Alright, alright. But oh my!" Marie took Olivia's hands, with a sense of pride. "I am very happy for you! My baby is going to have a baby!"

"Thank you, Mom."

A few minutes later, Marie was searching in the cabinets to find something more amenable for Olivia; "Pasta? Maybe with just butter? What about green beans? I'll season them just a bit."

"Both are fine."

Olivia sat at the island, while Marie got to fixing.

"Tell me how you found out and how did you tell your husband and Teddy!"

Taking a breath, Olivia relived those crucial days, when she was anxious and yet hopeful.

"Thank God Gabbi was there with you. It can be so scary..."

When the part about Fitz was mentioned, Marie was swooning.

"Oh my goodness! You two are so in love."

Olivia blushed; "He's wonderful."

"So..." Marie turned off the stove. "How will you handle work?"

"Everything is going to be the same."

"But honey, your industry is fast-paced. Is that even safe for you?"

Olivia smiled to herself, already satisfied with the canned response. "I'm going to continue to work. As much as possible, for as long as possible. My clients are important to me. OPA is an established force in our city and it will maintain its effectiveness, regardless of the personal matters of its staff. Also, my team is the most qualified and when I take maternity leave, there won't be as much of a hiccup in our procedures."

With a proud nod, Marie stated, "Well, alright then. I stand corrected. Just make sure to take care of yourself."

Fitz arrived in time, with a seven-beat knock on the door. Marie sauntered to welcome him.

"Hi, Marie," he kissed his mother-in-law's cheek.

"Hello, handsome son. Looking all dapper in what is this? Brooks Brothers?"

Chuckling, Fitz sweetly replied, acknowledging the make of the dress shirt and slacks. "Yes, indeed. You always have a great eye."

Marie led him to the dining room, "By the way, congratulations!"

"Oh? She knows," he turned to Olivia, surprised the word got out.

Marie giggled again, "My daughter's face and stomach did not agree with the meal I was making for you."

Rolling her eyes, Olivia admitted, "Oh, damn well! I had this wonderful plan to tell you and everything."

Fitz rubbed her shoulders and kissed her temple.

Marie still wanted to get the special treatment, so she insisted that they follow through with the "surprise".

"Here you go," Olivia handed the bag that Fitz brought inside to her mother. His task was to record the whole thing.

Marie thanked the Grants, pushing the tissue paper aside. She also received the onesie with a framed sonogram. But she received a coffee mug.

"Oh my goodness. Mamee. Oh! It says Mamee! I'm in love!"

Olivia watched her mother pause to cover her mouth, looking at the unique photograph.

"This is so—I'm so happy."

That was the moment she wanted captured. To see her mother overjoyed, tears streaming down her face, being elated for the new family member. Outside of the wedding, they hadn't shared many sweet moments, without getting ruined. So, being able to see her mother genuinely happy, was something she'd never forget.

Fitz beamed, moving around to get a new angle.

"Whatever you need, baby, let me know. I'll have to turn my extra room into a nursery and space for the baby and Teddy. That is, if you will allow me."

Olivia took her mother's hand, giving it a squeeze. "Yes. That would be wonderful!"

There were a few more people who had to be informed before the Grants shared with their larger network of friends.

The OPA team was notified on Monday. Olivia arrived at the office before everyone else, and got her stuff situated. As everyone walked out of the elevator, she called for a meeting in the conference room; they were under the assumption she was about to introduce a new case.

With a smirk, she announced, "Alright, y'all. Before we start the day, I need to bring to your attention the following case."

At each seat, there was a manila folder. Everyone gradually opened it to find the typical client cheat sheet.

Make room for our new member: Baby Grant!

Arrival: January 2020

Abby and Quinn squealed at the creative announcement, while Harrison stood and clapped. His thumbs immediately went to loop his suspsenders, chest puffed out, and feeling like a proud matchmaker.

"This baby is here because of me! Uncle Harri is at it again!"

The room filled with laughter and cheers.

"Congrats, Liv!" Abby rushed over to give hugs.

Huck took a minute, but he approached Olivia to whisper something sweet in her ear, which resulted in Olivia shedding a few tears.

"Thanks, guys. This should be an interesting ride. I apologize in advance for random lunch hours, crying days, and if I walk into the room with flats and not my signature four-inch heels! But I'm still going to be here. When the time comes for me to go on maternity leave, I would love for you to consider taking the next step in your positions."

"We got your back," Huck encouraged. "Whatever you need."

The rest of the group agreed. It felt amazing to get the support from her work family; they had been through so much, so it was fitting to share in an intimate setting.

Olivia walked to the oversized window, which they used as their board. "Love you all. Now, let's get to work."

"You ready, Livvie girl?"

A couple weeks after telling all the important friends and family, Fitz was about to push the share button on social media. He had become a flatlay specialist, because of his savvy interns, who assisted with social media. The photos were a lot of fun to stage in the backyard. There was no need to bring in a professional; the regular phone shots would do just fine.

"Yeah, buddy."

Olivia had Gigi in her arms, with Teddy skipping behind. Both took a half day, picked up Teddy from camp, so they could get the shoot right. Even though it was nothing over the top, because with the lighting, a 6-year-old, the puppy, and the heat, who could tell what the day would bring.

The cutest little onesie she found on Etsy arrived in the mail the day before - that was the main focus with the sonogram. Fitz wanted to snap a few photos Teddy wearing his "Big Brother" t-shirt, who was all smiles. Gigi wanted to be involved too, so she made an appearance as well, just being adorable.

The caption was simple: Who else is excited for the New Year? We are! Livvie is expecting!

Once they got cooled down, Fitz was in the office, making sure everything looked just right.

"Baby, don't worry about it," Olivia ran her fingers through his curls, wanting to distract him and keep everything light.

He glanced over with his beautiful smile. "I know, but this is a big deal. Never done this before. I want to make you proud."

"You've already done that," she leaned forward to kiss his ear, one of the go-to places where she knew he'd almost drop everything.

He playfully swatted at her. "Ahh! Okay, here we go!"

Olivia watched Fitz click on the "publish" button. The pictures were amazing on the laptop screen.

"Now," she initiated, taking him away from the desk. "Let's enjoy the rest of our day."

Immediately, celebratory messages were flooding in. Both phones were lighting up with notifications. The neighborhood moms group chat was the most active. In between questions about how she was faring, there were dibs on who would set up Olivia's registry, and who would be in charge of spoiling her with meals and spa days.

Of course, Mr. James Novak wanted all the details, but thankfully, the scoop would have to wait. They just got over the hullaboo with the wedding. There had to be other DC couples who were farther along in their pregnancy, that Washington Life could cover and annoy.

But with all that aside, Olivia felt so relieved, not having to keep secrets anymore. Now, she could freely enjoy this pregnancy.