Hi all,
Hope everyone is safe, healthy and practicing some form of self-care. I'm still sheltering in place. I think this is week 12 or 13, hell I don't even know anymore. I'm so happy so many of you liked the last update. It was nice to write about Fitz and Olivia just being together. Thank you again for the kind reviews, they're always appreciated.
I had every intention of moving this story along, but with everything going on in this country, I just don't have the mental or emotional bandwidth to deal with anymore angst, anger or sadness right now. I'm sorry. So instead of writing nothing at all, I wrote about what currently brings me joy: Fitz, Olivia and Elliott, existing, spending time together as a family. Hope you enjoy it too. Thanks again for taking the time to read my little story.
P.S. If you have to go out, please be careful.
Enjoy,
TBOT
XXXXXXXXXXX
Two weeks passed quickly, and the three of them spent every day together. It was the most wonderful time of Olivia's life. It was as if admitting her love to Fitz had changed her. Had it?
Sitting in her office late the second week on a video conference call, Olivia felt as if she could conquer the world. She couldn't keep the silly grin off her face and didn't even try. She was sure her staff was probably discussing the change and she spent a few minutes to see how she felt about it, and decided that she wasn't concerned. She, Fitz and their daughter being together was all that mattered. She was happier than she had been in years. She'd loved her ex, but her love for Fitz was deeper, more solid. With Garrett, she'd had to pretend to be someone else. With Fitz, all she had to be was herself. That was liberating and exciting.
When she looked up at the screen, she knew that Chenille had noticed the change. She asked what was up because Olivia was smiling so much. She'd also caught the rest of her staff's puzzled gaze as well. Olivia laughed it off and continued their meeting. She now knew the answer to had admitting she loved Fitz changed her? Yes, it had.
Fitz and Olivia slept together every night and woke each morning in each other's arms. They were adjusting to life as a family, and things were coming together seamlessly. Each morning they still got their daughter ready and off to camp, and Fitz had begun to take meetings regarding a new business venture. He'd decided weeks ago that he was permanently relocating to D.C. and that he was leaving his position with GNA. Senior and JR weren't going to be happy but it was time he started making new plans for his career, and his new little family's future.
Each evening, the three of them had dinner together before playing a game or watching a short children's show before Fitz and Olivia bathed their daughter and put her to bed. After she was asleep, they'd have a drink together, talk about their day or fight over the remote and watch one of their favorite shows while they cuddled on the sofa in the family room. They had yet to watch more than thirty minutes before finding something else to distract them. Usually each other.
Elliott was adjusting well to their current living situation. Although Olivia worried that they were moving too fast, and that Elliott may not understand, but Fitz had made it clear that he didn't like the idea of his daughter growing up in a home without him. Elliott didn't seem to be affected, she was just happy to have her mommy and daddy in the same house.
Olivia woke to a small foot in her back. Elliott had come into bed with her and Fitz sometime during the night.
Fitz! Had they left the door unlocked? She glanced at the clock. It was almost seven 'o clock. She lifted her head and saw him currently clinging to the side of the queen size bed for all he was worth because their daughter was laying horizontally across them both. She was also grateful to see that he was at least wearing pajama pants.
Carefully and quietly, she climbed from the bed and walked around to the other side. Gently shaking his shoulders, she called his name.
"Fitz." He moaned softly but didn't open his eyes. She nudged him again, a little harder this time.
"Fitz!"
He had to catch himself before he rolled onto the floor.
"Huh? What? Livvie, what's wrong?"
She put a finger to his lips and nodded toward their daughter who was now on her stomach, spread across the side of the bed.
Fitz turned and visibly relaxed. "She woke two hours ago calling out for you, but you didn't hear her so I went to her room."
Olivia frowned. Her baby was calling out to her and she hadn't heard her? That was a first.
"She was afraid so I tried rocking her but she still wouldn't fall asleep. I couldn't leave her, and since we were both wearing pajamas, I brought her in here with us. I'm surprised you didn't wake up from all of the wiggling and squirming she did before she finally fell asleep."
Olivia was definitely surprised. She hadn't slept that soundly since before Elliott was born.
Fitz sat up, careful not to wake their daughter, took Olivia's hand and led her to the bathroom. He closed and locked the door before he turned to her.
"Fitz we decided that Elle's impressionable and she watches each and everything we do and say. We can't risk sending her the wrong message."
"Livvie, I'm not some strange man, I am her father. I love her more than anything in this world and I would never do anything to upset her or make her uncomfortable. We're in love and I've practically moved in, we sleep together every night. You have to know that this was bound to happen. She didn't seem bothered or surprised that we were sleeping in the same bed. To her it's normal. And honestly, I don't think anyone's expecting us to not be sleeping together. I mean, come on, our daughter's almost five. The jig is up!"
Olivia chuckled softly at his comment.
"I know. But what we do now will shape her little mind, and I don't want that to be affected by our behavior."
He nodded. "Kids are smarter than a lot of people give them credit for, Livvie. And it's not as if she's hasn't seen us being affectionate with each other."
Fitz really didn't give a damn what other people thought. His little girl had a mother and a father who loved her more than life. The fact that they weren't married wasn't her fault. Nobody was going to burden his kid with society's expectations for him and Olivia.
"We are her parents and we decide what's best for our daughter. This isn't a game or some temporary relationship. It's about you, me and our daughter, who deserves to have both of her parents in love, and together. This is forever, Livvie. Okay?"
She looked up at him, her eyes filling with tears. "Okay."
"You know," he said as he moved closer to her, "she's going to have to get used to you and I sharing a bed."
Olivia let out a long sigh. "I know."
"That was a sigh that said you're thinking way too much, Livvie."
She smirked at him. "Can you really think too much?"
"Depends on what you're thinking about. If it's about getting naked right here and letting me make love to you, think away. If you're still thinking about whether our daughter will be scarred for life because she saw us sleeping in the same bed together, stop it."
His face broke into that grin and he took a few more steps before pulling her into his arms.
"Fitz, as much as I want you, we have a kid on the other side of that door, who's currently asleep, but will be awake soon."
It really was too bad, because she wanted nothing more than to have him inside of her right now.
"Well she's asleep now," he said as he backed her up and lifted her until she sat on the counter, and stood between her legs.
"Livvie," he moaned.
"Yes, Fitz," she said, before he kissed her, while her hand reached inside his pajama pants and grabbed his hardness.
He groaned against her mouth. "Are you sure, Livvie?"
She didn't answer, just continued to pump her fist up and down his cock.
He unbuttoned her pajama top quickly. Cupping her breasts, he planted a kiss on each nipple.
"We'll take this thing with Elle slowly, Fitz. If she has questions we'll try and answer them as best we can. Age appropriate of course. Agreed?"
Fitz nodded. "Agreed."
She kissed him again as his hands worked her top from her body.
Breaking the kiss, he took her face in his hands. "Do you know how much I love you?"
"Why don't you show me," Olivia whispered.
Fitz was halfway out of his pajama pants when there was a noisy knock on the other side of the door.
"Mommy? Daddy? You in there?" It was Elliott.
Fitz and Olivia froze. Olivia sitting on the counter, partially nude; Fitz standing in front of her, rock hard, his pants around his ankles.
"What is it, sweet pea?" Olivia asked, as she tried to compose herself.
"I'm up!" Elliott answered as she rattled the doorknob.
Olivia chuckled, while Fitz sighed in frustration.
"Why don't you go to your room and wait for me. I'll be right there. Okay?"
"Okay, Mommy."
They heard the sound of their daughter's bare feet on the hardwood as she left Olivia's bedroom.
Fitz leaned his forehead down against Olivia's and they both groaned.
"We're going to have to work on her timing."
Olivia laughed and kissed him. "Get used to it, mister."
Fitz lifted her from the counter and set her on her feet,
"Come on babe, playtime is over," she said as she buttoned her pajama top.
Fitz kicked his pajama pants aside and tried to ignore the pain in his loins. "I've got to take care of this," he said pointing to his erection.
Olivia looked at him, all of him, before stepping close to him.
"I'm sorry. And I love you," she said kissing him one last time.
Fitz groaned as she walked towards the door.
Olivia laughed. "I'll get her ready for camp and meet you downstairs." She unlocked the door and left the bathroom. Fitz had started the shower by the time she walked out of her bedroom.
After that morning, Fitz and Olivia had long conversations about family and being parents, and naturally their parents came to mind. They had sixty-five years of marriage between them and both couples were still very much in love. They'd shared everything and raised their families together. Fitz and Olivia had both admitted that they'd imagined it would be the same for them. They never expected to have a child outside of marriage, but they both wanted what was best for her. For Fitz that meant marriage, sooner rather than later. They'd put their lives on hold too damn long and he wasn't going to waste anymore time.
X
Wednesday evening, Olivia had just returned home from meeting her mother, Cecily's best friend and line sister, Eve, and a well-known D.C. event planner, to begin planning her sister's baby shower. She was sitting at the island going through her mail when Fitz and Elliott walked through the door. He'd used the key she'd given him two weeks ago to let them in.
"What happened to my baby?" Olivia shrieked as she stood from her chair.
There were Band-Aids on Elliott's cheek and chin, another on the inside of her hand and a small cut on her bottom lip. Her face and hands were clean, but her shirt and shorts had dirt and grass stains on them. She was missing a few beads, and three of her braids had started to come undone. Olivia ran her hands over her daughter's extremities to assure herself that Elliott had no other injuries.
"I had fun, Mommy," Elliott said, wiggling out of her mother's arms. "Daddy and me and Grampy were outside and I ride on my skateboard," she said, very proud of herself.
"Rode, sweet pea," Olivia corrected, before she turned and glared at Fitz.
"You bought her a skateboard? She's only a baby."
"I'm not a baby, Mommy," Elliott said, offended. "I'm a big girl."
Fitz smiled sheepishly. "She's fine, babe. Dad and I were teaching her how to ride when she lost control. The shrubbery next to the driveway stopped her before we could."
Olivia gasped.
"Livvie, Brady from next door has a skateboard and she's ridden it a few times. She'd been asking for one so I surprised her today. She was wearing a helmet, arm and knee pads, wrist guards, and the board has a handlebar."
Olivia looked at their daughter. "Are you sure you're okay, sweet pea?"
Elliott nodded. "Uh-huh. Wanna kiss my boo-boos, Mommy?"
"Of course, baby," Olivia bent down and kissed her cheek, chin, hand and lip. "I'm just glad you're not seriously hurt. Daddy and Grampy should've been paying closer attention." She looked at Fitz, giving him the evil eye.
Fitz chuckled. "Trust me Livvie, Dad and I were properly scolded for allowing the "baby" to get injured. A huge brownie and a scoop of ice cream stopped the flow of tears immediately."
Olivia laughed. She loved Christine Grant.
"She was brave enough to get back on and once she got the hang of it, she and Brady, along with Brady's German Shepherd, Zeus, rolled up and down the sidewalk without a care in the world. She's a very tired little girl."
"Oh I'm sure she is, but she also needs a bath. Get to it, daddy."
Olivia winked at him as she picked up her mail and sauntered towards the family room on her way to her office to finish sorting and reading. Fitz laughed, loudly, as he watched her retreating back.
He looked down at his little girl who was grinning up at him like he hung the moon just for her. And in that moment, Fitz knew that he would hang it every day just to see her look at him that way.
"Well princess, looks like daddy's giving you your bath tonight."
"Yay!" She squealed and turned to skip towards the stairs with Fitz laughing and following behind her.
When Fitz and Elliott returned, Olivia was sitting on the sofa drinking a glass of wine and listening to one of Fitz's smooth jazz stations on Pandora. Elliott climbed onto her lap and Fitz sat next to her. She kissed her daughter's soft cheek, noting the fragrance of her children's lavender and vanilla bath wash and lotion. Before she could get too comfortable, Olivia sent her to the powder room for a comb. Fitz and JR had managed to recover all of the missing beads, so she just needed to rebraid Elliott's hair, and add the beads.
"Fresh Band-Aids, huh? She looked at him and laughed.
"Yep. She insisted." He would do anything for his daughter.
"I'm sure she did. How are your parents?" She asked.
"They're great. They were sad you couldn't join us for dinner but they'll see you next week." They would all be on the Vineyard together by the end of the following week.
"What time does their flight to New York leave tomorrow?"
"Nine."
"We'll have a few days alone before everyone arrives in Tisbury. Between Mom and Christine, our social calendar will be full." They both laughed.
Fitz looked at her before he spoke. "But we'll find time for just the two of us," he said in a low voice.
Elliott came bouncing back into the room before she could respond but the look she gave him said she agreed.
"Here, Mommy." She handed the comb and brush to Olivia, before climbing back onto her mother's lap.
Olivia quickly began to brush the loose ends and rebraid Elliott's hair. She and Fitz fielded endless questions and "Can I have" requests. Of course he was reluctant to deny her anything. It just wasn't easy saying no, but he was getting better at it.
"Did you have fun with Grammy and Grampy, sweet pea?"
"Yeah. Me and Grammy made brownies. We brought you one."
"It's in a bag on the kitchen counter," Fitz added.
He sat back on the sofa with a wide smile on his face. This was what he wanted forever, for them to stay together. A normal, happy and settled family. After a few minutes he noticed that Elliott's lids had gotten heavy as she rested against Olivia. By the time she finished, Elliott was nearly asleep.
"She's worn out," Fitz said softly, before he stood to his feet, scooped his baby into his arms and carried her up to her room. He didn't think he would ever get used to this. The weight of his daughter, small and so precious, and so trusting in the way she curled against his chest.
Fitz stood slowly rocking her in his arms while Olivia turned down the covers on the bed. When she finished, he kissed his daughter's forehead before laying her down. Elliott instantly reached out for her lovey, Bugsy, and wrapped him in her little arms. Olivia leaned over and kissed her forehead.
"Good night, sweet pea. Mommy loves you to the moon and back."
They stood looking at her for a long tender moment before leaving the room hand-in-hand. They went downstairs and Olivia went into the kitchen for her brownie and to refill her glass of wine. She cut a small piece of the large brownie and put it on a dessert plate before grabbing the wine and joining Fitz on the sofa.
She forked a small piece into her mouth. It was a moist, chocolate-and-mint-flavored piece of perfection. "Mmm. This brownie is incredible. I want to sleep with this brownie. I want to have babies with this brownie."
Fitz looked at her closed eyes and the total look ecstasy on her face. "Should I be jealous of that brownie?" He asked, raising his eyebrows.
Olivia laughed. "You're so weird."
"Maybe. That's why you love me."
"That's one of the reasons why I love you." She went back to nibbling on her small treat.
Olivia glanced at Fitz again and caught him staring. She paused, the fork midair, and her expression changed to match his. His gut clenched at the sight of her licking the fork, and he felt a certain part of his body began to harden. It was one of the sexiest things he'd ever seen. His control was beginning to slip. He knew that she was aware of just how aroused he was getting from watching her.
Fitz was the first to look away. Olivia set the empty plate and the fork on the coffee table and picked up her glass of wine. Taking a long sip, she sat back on the sofa, pulled her feet beneath her, and curled into his side. He put his arms around her and hugged her close.
"Your mother's an excellent baker. I love that she and Elle spend time together bonding and baking."
"I loved helping her cook when I lived at home, but we didn't bake. Now she has a grandchild who loves baking with her, and she couldn't be happier."
Olivia smiled.
Fitz reached for her glass and took a sip, before handing it back to her.
"How was your meeting?"
"The meeting went well. We all gave the planner everything she needed to get started. She has everything under control, although I'm not too sure about surprising Cis. But, Mom and Eve insisted so…" She sighed. "I may have to tell her the day before so she'll actually show up."
Fitz laughed. "You know your sister very well, don't you?"
"Yes I do." She laughed with him.
They continued to talk quietly and listen to the music.
He ran his fingers through her thick hair, giving her scalp a soothing rub. Olivia relaxed against him and tried to suppress a yawn, but failed.
"Excuse me," she said.
Fitz checked his watch. It was time to call it a day.
"You're tired. Why don't we go upstairs?" He kissed her forehead and stood from the sofa. He picked up the plate and wineglass, took them to the kitchen, and loaded them into the dishwasher. When he returned, Olivia was still sitting on the sofa. He reached for her hand, and she stood. He kissed her long and hard.
"Come on."
She didn't move. "You do realize that I've had a long day and I'm not in the mood for sex."
He stared at her. "Yes, I realize that. So have I. You try running behind our daughter, while she's on a skateboard, and trying to keep her from falling."
Olivia chuckled.
"I was thinking we could shower together, and go to bed. I think about more than sex you know."
"I'm sorry, it's just that…"
"No apology needed. Any other time, you would be totally correct, but tonight, we both need sleep." He gave her that grin and took her hand, and they headed upstairs. They first went to check on their daughter, who was sound asleep, then walked into her bedroom, neither saying a word, as they continued on to the bathroom. Olivia brushed her teeth and removed her makeup, while Fitz started the shower. He stood staring at her in the mirror.
"What?"
He smiled. "I love you, Livvie."
She gave him a big grin with her toothpaste covered mouth, before she rinsed.
"I want this."
She turned and leaned against the counter. "I want this too, Fitz. I'm so in love with you, and I want this to work."
He looked into those big brown doe eyes and saw forever. She was it for him, the love of his life. He wanted forever with her.
"Good, because I want you now just as badly as I ever did."
She said nothing in response. Instead she helped him undress until he was standing proudly and handsomely naked before her. He returned the favor, and when she was as naked as he, took her hand and stepped behind her into the multi head shower stall.
They lathered each other's bodies with a soft sponge loaded with her bath gel, until every inch was covered. Then he rinsed her off with the handheld showerhead before turning it on himself. When he finished he pulled her close and kiss her neck and her breasts, before ending with a deep kiss on the lips. He stepped out and handed her a thick terry cloth towel to dry off.
He watched her, enjoying the simple pleasure of watching her dry off with a towel.
Olivia looked up and smiled at him. She removed her shower cap before standing on her tip toes and kissing his lips, and then walked out of the shower, naked, to moisturize her body before getting dressed.
Fitz brushed his teeth before joining her in her dressing room, and slipping on a pair of pajama pants. They padded barefoot on the hardwood across the room, climbed into bed and instinctively reached for each other. Fitz kissed her softly on her lips, his hands caressing her body and pulling her closer.
"Goodnight, Fitz." She said drowsily.
"Goodnight, my love." He kissed her forehead.
Sleep came almost as soon as they laid their heads down, Olivia drifting off first and Fitz soon after.
X
Olivia's eyes fluttered open and then closed against the sunlight streaming through the now open drapes. She rolled over onto her back, the sheets in total disarray, as she stretched the muscles in her tired and sore body. As she willed her body awake, she lifted herself onto the wealth of pillows, making herself comfortable. She was wearing Fitz's pajama top, vaguely remembering him helping her into it early that morning after their shower.
She glanced at the clock, it was after eight. Her daughter had probably been awake for a while but apparently Fitz had gotten up with her and taken care of her needs, so she could sleep in. She was grateful to him for that, and would thank him later. She smiled at the reason she was tired.
The previous evening Olivia and Fitz had attended a performance by the Dance Theatre of Harlem at the Harman Center for the Arts. It was a gala to benefit Howard University's Law School general scholarship fund. She had been standing in the lobby with Fitz and her parents when she looked up and saw Garrett. Seeing her, he'd turned and walked in the opposite direction.
Olivia realized in that moment that she was really over him. Instead of rage, she felt sadness that she had wasted so much time on him, and hating him. She glanced up at Fitz, who was laughing at something her father had said, and wanted to be home and in bed with her man. She whispered what she wanted him to do to her in his ear, and hand in hand they quickly left the theatre.
Their babysitter, Olivia's cousin, Natasha Pope, was watching television and had been surprised to see them back so early. They weren't surprised that Elliott had been well behaved and had gone to bed without a problem. She adored Natasha, who was the daughter of Olivia's Uncle Butch, Eli's younger brother, and her favorite little cousin. She was a rising senior at Spelman College and was home for the summer, interning on the Hill.
She'd been in high school when Elliott was born and had spent as much time as she could with Olivia and the baby. As a result, she and her little cousin were close. When Olivia bought tickets to the gala, months ago she wasn't sure if she would attend. But when the law school made the announcement that her father would be receiving an award, she knew she would have to go. Especially since Cecily had bowed out.
Olivia called Natasha and asked if she would like to babysit Elliott and she jumped at the chance. Elliott had been excited that her Nat would be babysitting.
Natasha had raised a questioning eyebrow when they walked through the door two hours early. Olivia saw the look and ignored it. She knew that Nat would ask questions when she got the chance, and she still wouldn't answer them. She hugged her and said goodnight before heading for the stairs.
Fitz had offered to drive Natasha home but she'd declined, saying her boyfriend was on his way. So he sat with her in the kitchen and they waited. They had met at the Pope's brunch two months ago, and he'd liked her. He could also see why his daughter was captivated with her Nat. She was delightful, charming, funny and smart. They were deep in conversation when the doorbell rang about twenty minutes later and Fitz stood and walked her to the door. He introduced himself to the young man and watched as they drove away, before closing and locking the door, and setting the alarm. The lights were set on a timer and had been set to turn off at ten.
Fitz made his way upstairs, bypassing the closed door to Olivia's bedroom. He walked down the hall to his daughter's room. He knew Olivia had already checked on her, but he wouldn't be able to sleep without making sure she was okay. It had become routine. He stood looking down at her as she was snuggled with Bugsy. He leaned down and kissed her cheek.
"Goodnight, princess, daddy loves you."
He pulled the door partially closed behind him and headed towards Olivia's bedroom. Behind that door was the one person on earth who had the power to make his heart race. Turning the doorknob, he entered. Olivia had lighted candles around the room and she was sitting up in bed, naked, her arms wrapped around her knees, waiting for him.
When Fitz entered the room, Olivia heard his sharp intake of breath.
"I was beginning to think you weren't coming to bed," she said smiling at him seductively. "All of this would have gone to waste." She motioned to the candles.
Fitz had his hand on the doorknob, his eyes on hers. He stood staring at her. The glow from the candles gave her flawless skin a warm golden glow.
"Never. I told you I would do all those things you said you wanted me to do."
She laughed softly and slowly rose to her knees and began a slow crawl across the bed toward him.
"Take off your clothes." She said. "And then there's no need to say anything else."
Fitz raised his eyebrows in surprise. The lock sounded softly as he clicked it into place and smiled at her. He then stood from the door and removed his jacket, extending his arm a bit and dropping it on the floor. His eyes never left hers as his hands moved to his tie. He made quick work of untying it and dropped it in the vicinity of the jacket. The custom shirt was next. He immediately unbuttoned the cuffs and then down the center. It joined the growing pile.
When he was bare to the waist, Fitz moved closer to the bed and toed off his shoes. He unbuckled and removed his belt and tossed it over his shoulder, eliciting a chuckle from Olivia. He saw her swallow when he unbuttoned and unzipped his pants. The pants and boxer briefs went quickly in one sweeping motion and finally his socks. Her appreciative gaze drifted downward to his cock which was brick hard, the length and width of him full and solid. Lord! He was a good looking man, and he was all hers.
Olivia reached out and pulled him closer, and lovingly she ran her hand over his chiseled chest. Slowly she lowered her head and took first one nipple into her mouth, and then the other. He gasped. She drew back and gave him a wicked grin. He was proud of the self-control that he displayed as a lover, but she was seriously challenging him. He was close to the edge.
Fitz opened his mouth to speak when Olivia shook her head, pressing her index finger to his lips. The excitement suddenly had him sweating. She lowered her head again, this time leaving kisses down his torso before using the tip of her tongue to circle his navel. She was slowly torturing him. Grabbing her by the shoulders, he pulled her up to him.
"Game over," he said before thrusting his tongue inside her mouth. Olivia responded by returning his kiss and sucking on his tongue. The room echoed with moans of pleasure until they both needed to come up for air.
"Guess I lose," Olivia said huskily as she smiled up at him. He lifted her and she wrapped her legs around his waist. She craved this man, and often wondered if it was wrong to love one person so completely. If so, she didn't care. Fitz was everything to her, and she felt no guilt about it.
"I love you so much," she whispered against his lips.
"Not as much as I love you." He leaned down and kissed every inch of her face.
With her still in his arms, he eased them both toward the center of the bed and lay between her legs. He leaned down and kissed her again before reaching over to the night table and grabbing one of the many condoms she'd placed there. When he'd finished sheathing himself, she reached down between them, encircling him, loving the way he groaned against her lips when she touched him, when she guided him into her, lifting her body up, offering him everything. He took what she gave, all of it.
The rest of the night and early morning, he fulfilled her every desire without hesitation, and she thoroughly enjoyed every moment. On the bed, on the floor and in the shower.
Stretching luxuriously, Olivia forced herself to get out of bed. They had a long day ahead, beginning with a birthday party at one o' clock for Elliott's friend, Yancey Tucker. She stood and looked around the room. Fitz had picked up his discarded clothes sometime during the night, or was it this morning? She couldn't remember. The smell of bacon made her stomach growl and she realized how hungry she was. Suddenly impatient to see her family, she made her way into the bathroom to complete her morning ablution.
Twenty minutes later, she walked down the stairs and followed the music and the sound of Elliott singing 'Almost There' from one of her favorite movies, The Princess and the Frog, at the top of her lungs, and off key.
Fitz looked up just as she walked into the kitchen and smiled.
"Good morning, beautiful."
He watched her walk toward the island dressed in a beautiful and colorful silk kimono. Her face free of makeup. Her hair in a loose ponytail.
Olivia looked at her love. He was sipping from a mug that said, Best. Daddy. Ever. and wearing an apron that said, CHEF DADDY. They were gifts he'd received from his daughter on his first ever Father's Day. They warmed his heart. Later, he was going to shower and shave, using the Creed Body Wash and Aftershave. It was also a gift from his daughter, but for her mother.
Elliott turned to see her mother walking toward them.
"Mommy!" Fitz thwarted her attempt to jump from the high stool at the island.
Olivia walked over and pulled her into her arms. "Good morning, sweet pea. How are you this morning?"
"Fine. Daddy said I couldn't wake you. He said you needed to sleep and you were tired." She looked at her mother curiously. "Were you?"
Olivia caught Fitz's sly smile. "Yes, sweet pea, Mommy was very tired."
"Why?"
This time it was Olivia who gave Fitz a sly smile. "Daddy and I danced a lot last night and it made me very tired."
"Oh," Elliott replied.
Olivia kissed her daughter's cheeks, and hugged her close. "Did you have fun with Nat last night?"
"Uh-huh. We watched Princess and the Frog and she learned me how to play the Connect Four."
Olivia laughed. "She taught you how to play, baby. Did you thank her for the gift?"
She nodded, her beads clacking. "Yes!"
"Good." She kissed her once more before setting her back in the chair.
Olivia walked around the island and over to Fitz who was standing at the stove. She hugged him from behind.
"Good morning, baby," she murmured against his back.
"Mommy, we're making you breakfast!" Elliott said excitedly, unaware that she'd interrupted a moment.
Olivia released Fitz and walked back over to their daughter.
"Oh yeah? What are you making?"
"Pancakes and bacon. And strawberry com…com…She bit her lip and frowned as she tried to remember the word her daddy had told her earlier. "Compo!" She blurted out, proud of herself.
Fitz and Olivia laughed. "It's called compote, sweet pea," Olivia corrected. "Wow. You and your daddy have been very busy."
Elliott nodded. "Daddy let me put the strawberries in the com…compote."
"You're such a good little helper, sweet pea." She kissed her daughter's cheek again.
Fitz turned to face them. "We wanted to let you sleep. You must have been very tired." He winked at her.
Olivia looked at him over their daughter's head, giving him a naughty smile. "I wonder why?" She grinned when he blushed.
Olivia walked over to the counter where Fitz had her mug ready for tea.
She glanced over at him. "You kept me up most of the night, and this morning."
Fitz glanced over at their daughter, who was busy singing and playing a sight word game on her tablet, oblivious to the conversation her parents were having.
"I kept you up?" he chuckled. "Ha! You nearly killed me. I won't be able to walk right for a week."
Olivia rolled her eyes. "Oh, please."
Fitz moved closer to her and grabbed her by the waist. He whispered near her ear. "Later I'm going to have to make you pay for that."
She laughed as he kissed her before she busied herself with preparing her tea, thinking about what he would do to her later.
X
Fitz carried his daughter up to her room. Elliott was exhausted and so was he. The day had been fun, filled with laughter, tender moments and family. He looked down into her sweet little face noticing that his baby could barely keep her eyes open. He was glad Olivia had suggested a bath at her parent's home before they left.
They'd started their day at Yancey's Bumper Bowl birthday party. Fitz had enjoyed helping Elliott load the balls onto the ramp until she decided she didn't need it. They'd laughed when with each turn she walked up to the line and practically flung the ball down the lane, knocking over a few pins.
Fitz had met Michael and Desiree Yancey-Tucker at Elliott's school. Their daughters were in the same classroom, and Desiree and Olivia had been high school classmates. Desiree had no filter and told him about the times she'd talked Olivia into doing things she knew they weren't supposed to be doing. He'd laughed out loud when she told him about the time they'd gone to a fraternity party on Howard's campus and Olivia had gotten so drunk, she'd passed out. Fortunately for them, Cecily was home from college that weekend and came to rescue their underage selves.
An embarrassed Olivia covered her face with her hands, as Fitz and Desiree laughed. "Not my finest hour," she said before quickly changing the subject. Fitz was enjoying hearing more about Olivia as a teenager. Sometimes she came across as too serious to have ever just let her hair down.
After singing "Happy Birthday," (the Stevie Wonder version) and the kids gorged on artisan pizza, wings, fruit, punch and cake, they left and went to the National Children's Museum to see the new Nickelodeon exhibit. Olivia had a membership and she took Elliott as often as she could. They spent over two hours visiting other exhibits and Olivia didn't know who had more fun, Fitz or their daughter. Olivia stood watching her two loves, laughing at their antics.
"What a beautiful family you have. Your husband and daughter are really enjoying themselves," the lady standing next to her complimented. It never occurred to Olivia to correct her. "Thank you," was all she'd said.
The happy trio left the museum at closing time and walked along the Mall trying to decide where to have dinner. They sat on a bench and watched Elliott play with the bubble camera Fitz had purchased at the museum gift shop. She'd taken their daughter to the rest room and when they'd returned, he was carrying a tote filled with goodies for Elliott. For once she hadn't scolded him for spoiling her.
As they sat watching their happy little girl, Olivia's phone rang. It was her mother inviting them to an impromptu cookout at their home. They walked back to Fitz's SUV and arrived thirty minutes later. The Lankfords were already there and to no one's surprise, her sister hadn't waited for them before she started eating. They had dinner on the patio, and after dessert, watched Elliott play on the playset that her Pop Pop had had installed in the backyard, before she could walk.
It was late when they left the Pope's, way past their daughter's bedtime, Fitz thought, as he laid his daughter in her bed.
Quietly, Olivia entered Elliott's room as Fitz was tucking her in. He kissed the little girl's soft cheek, and stood so Olivia could do the same. They stood for few quiet moments before exiting their daughter's room, leaving the door partially opened.
"Today turned out to be quite a day," Olivia said as they walked toward her bedroom with their arms wrapped around each other.
"It was great day!" Fitz exclaimed. "But it isn't over," he said as they walked into the bedroom and he locked the door.
"Oh?" she said as she took a seat on the bench at the foot of the bed, removing her shoes.
He walked over and stood in front of her. "Yes, oh." Leaning down, he kissed her lips. The kiss was sweet, an easy, gentle connection. "Join me in the shower," he whispered.
She smiled. "I'd like that."
Fitz reached out his hand and helped her stand. They walked into the bathroom, where he started the shower and she removed what was left of her make-up and brushed her teeth. As she gazed into the mirror, she noticed the brightness in her eyes and the little smile on her face. She inched closer. The woman staring back at her was very happy. For the first time in a long time she felt complete, and she knew why. Fitzgerald Grant.
When she joined him, the shower was on full force. She pressed herself behind him, wrapped her arms around his waist, her cheek against his back. Hot water ran over them from the multi showerheads. Fitz turned, moving his hands down her back and pulled her closer.
"You okay, love?"
She nodded. "I'm fine, just tired."
She picked up a bath sponge and squeezed bath gel onto it. Raising her hand, she soaped his neck, his shoulders, his chest and stomach, but she didn't stop there. She moved lower and deftly washed his semi-erect cock and his sac.
Fitz groaned from feel of her soft touch. He released the breath he'd been holding when she moved her hands over his tight ass and then down his thighs, his calves and his feet.
When she stood, he returned the favor by taking the sponge, adding more gel and bathing her. He started at her neck, over her shoulders and arms, squeezing her breasts. He took his time moving to her flat toned stomach and down to her essence. She whimpered when she felt him slide a large finger inside.
Olivia cried out as Fitz pleasured her. She was just about to climax when he kissed her and stepped out of the shower. Before she could question his disappearance, he was back, wearing a condom.
He sat on the built-in marble bench and placed his hands on her hips, lifted her and guided her down onto his long, hard length. They sat until he started to move. His thrusts were hard, while Olivia clung to him, wrapping her arms and legs around him, as her head dropped between his neck and shoulder. There was nothing slow or easy about their loving. He stroked her harder and faster, over and over again. Neither of them lasted much longer, their orgasms explosive.
"I love you, I love you, I love you," she chanted over and over again, as her body shuddered.
Fitz suddenly cried out with pleasure, his body pressing closer to hers. The sound startled her out of the erotic trance she'd fallen into.
She clung to him and he held her as the shower's spray beat down on them. They clung together as if their lives depended on it. It was in that moment that Fitz knew. Loving Olivia was bliss.
X
Fitz, Olivia and Elliott arrived on Martha's Vineyard Tuesday morning via the Grant corporate jet. There was an SUV waiting for them, and a skycap quickly loaded their luggage while Fitz installed Elliott's booster seat. Minutes later they were on their way to Tisbury. The three of them would be spend a few days alone in the Grant family home, Sugar Hill, until Fitz's parents arrived on Friday, and other family members over the next week. They'd made plans to spend time in Oak Bluffs with Olivia's parents as well. When the driver finally stopped in front of the house with the familiar red door, and older woman stood waiting. Fitz exited the SUV first and then reached for Olivia, and finally his daughter.
"Hello Corinne, it's been a while since I've seen you," he said.
"How are you, Mr. Fitz?" she asked in an accent Olivia could place.
Fitz took Olivia's hand and pulled her closer. "Corinne this is Olivia Pope. She shook Olivia's proffered hand.
"It's nice to meet you, Miss Pope."
"Olivia, please. It's nice to meet you too."
Fitz leaned down and lifted Elliott into his arms. "And this little beauty is my daughter, Elliott."
"Hello Elliott, I'm Corinne and we're going to have a good time together while you're here."
Elliott grinned at the woman, "Hi," she said waving.
"A little birdie told me you love peanut butter. Is that true?"
Elliott shook her head, her curls bouncing around her face. All three adults laughed.
"Well I may have some fresh peanut butter cookies going into the oven in a few minutes."
"Yay!" the little girl cheered. "Mommy can I have a cookie?"
Olivia smiled at her child. "May I have, and we'll have a snack later. Okay?"
"Okay."
"Come on into the house, I have everything ready. I'll show you to your rooms."
Fitz set his daughter on her feet and Olivia took her hand as they followed Corinne into the house, leaving Fitz and the driver to take care of the luggage.
The room chosen for her was on the second floor and it faced the ocean. It had pale walls and whitewashed floors and the centerpiece, a king natural woven banana leaf bed. The connecting room had been made up for Elliott and was decorated similarly, but with twin beds. Corinne was flitting around the room when Fitz walked in carrying Olivia's and Elliott's luggage. After making sure everything was in place, she left, closing the door behind her.
"Which side of the bed do you want?" Fitz asked. "And before you say anything, this isn't my parent's home."
Olivia turned from watching their daughter, who sat in the window seat that expanded the entire wall, looking out at the pool, the beach and the ocean beyond. "You're kidding, right?" Disbelief in her voice.
Fitz walked over to the overstuffed chair and sat. He stretched out his long legs, crossed his ankles and smiled up at her. She looked at his feet. He'd changed into the new leather flip flops he'd received as a Father's Day gift. She smiled briefly.
"No, I'm not. We've been sleeping in the same bed since New York. Our daughter has joined us on a few occasions and all hell didn't break loose."
He reached out and pulled her onto his lap. "Seriously Livvie, if you're uncomfortable sharing a bed with me in this house, I understand. I'll take the other bedroom and you and Elle can sleep in here. Okay?"
Olivia shook her head. "Fitz it's okay. I'm being silly. We can sleep together, and since this is an unfamiliar place, our daughter will probably join us anyway."
He laughed. "You're right."
She leaned down and kissed his lips.
"Mommy, I need my bathing suit, please. I want to go swimming in the ocean."
Both parents turned toward their happy little girl, skipping toward them, face filled with excitement. Elliott was obviously more interested in swimming than her parent's sleeping arrangements.
They laughed as she took her mother's hand and attempted to pull her up from her father's lap.
"Okay little girl. Why don't you and your dad go for a quick swim while I finish unpacking. Then we'll have lunch."
She stood and winked at Fitz before going to get the requested swim gear.
"Are you going swimming with us, Mommy?" Elliott asked.
"Not right now, sweet pea. I'll go later this afternoon."
"Oh goody!" Elliott squealed, jumping up and down.
Fitz and Olivia smiled indulgently at their little girl's enthusiasm.
He stood and picked up his daughter. "Why don't you and I swim after we eat and relax? Then mommy can join us."
"Yes." Elliott agreed, nodding her head.
The amused look in Fitz's eyes suggested he knew what Olivia was trying to do. They looked at one another and burst out laughing.
"I'm going downstairs to see what Corinne's preparing for lunch. I'll let you two get changed." He loudly smacked Elliott's cheek before setting her on feet and leaving the room.
X
Olivia watched her two loves from one of the sun loungers Fitz had brought out earlier, beneath a large colorful umbrella on the private beach. He wore a silly hat to protect him from the sun, and Elliott was adorable in her two piece unicorn rash guard swim set and her curls flying in the breeze. She skipped across the sand toward her father, who sat building an elaborate sand castle. They'd been at it for almost an hour, as Fitz gave their daughter his full attention. He was speaking in a low voice as he praised her efforts. As always, he was gentle and patient.
Elliott didn't realize her daddy was an award winning architect and that they weren't just building any old sand castle. Fitz had constructed several turrets and was now busy forming the base of the wall that surrounded them. She sat content to watch them. They'd been at Sugar Hill alone for three days and had temporarily disconnected from the world, so they could enjoy themselves as a family. This was their last day together before the elder Grants arrived.
The past two days had been spent swimming in the ocean and in the pool, picnicking on the beach and boating around the island on the Grant's smaller motor boat. Fitz had even pulled Elliott onto his lap and allowed her to "drive the boat." Although their daughter swam like fish they had insisted that she wear a life vest. He'd convinced Olivia to take the wheel and she realized she liked it. Memories of their time on My Ivey seven years ago flooded her thoughts. Fitz enjoyed watching her at the wheel, her curls blowing in the wind, a big smile on her face and not a care in the world.
Fitz had taken one of the smaller bicycles from the shed and added one training wheel so he could teach Elliott to ride. For almost two hours, he ran behind her holding on to the seat as she pedaled up and down the long drive at Sugar Hill. Olivia rode behind them, shouting encouraging words at their daughter. At one point Elliott wobbled and yelled that she was going to fall but she kept going, because her daddy was right behind her to catch her. She had complete trust that he wouldn't let her fall. By the time they made their way up the driveway for the last time, Elliott was confidently riding on her own, to the cheers of her proud parents.
Olivia smiled at the memories but her attention was brought back to the present as Elliott's voice, happily calling her daddy, drifted into her consciousness. Fitz looked up, his face animated as Elliott ran to him with the bucket, water sloshing everywhere, and something in her hand. It was probably another marine creature and Olivia was glad she always surprised her father with her latest discovery. Yesterday it was a hermit crab, the day before it was a sand dollar. Olivia didn't want to know what she'd "found" today.
She lay back and closed her eyes. After what seemed like a few minutes, she felt a presence next to her. She opened one eye and glanced at Fitz as he sat next to her on the other sun lounger. She looked out at their daughter who was sitting in the sand making mud pies and singing Hakuna Matata. They'd watched The Lion King at least four times since Elliott had found the DVD in the entertainment center.
"You okay?" he asked her.
Olivia nodded. "Yes, I'm fine."
Fitz followed her line of vision and chuckled softly. "She's in heaven."
Olivia smiled at her baby. "Elle loves making mud pies. If she had her way, we would live at the beach."
Fitz reached for a bottle of water and took a long sip. "Can't say I blame her, I love the beach myself."
"Well she got it honestly," Olivia responded as she put her shades back on and lay back on the lounger."
"Mommy look," Elliott was standing over her mother holding a brown and green gecko in her hand before placing it on Olivia's exposed stomach. It quickly slithered away and hopped onto the sand before running toward the bushes.
Olivia sat up quickly and shrieked. "Elliott!" But Elliott and her daddy were already laughing…loudly.
"It's not funny," she said looking around for the lizard before kicking sand in Fitz's direction. She reached and grabbed Elliott and began tickling her. Her daughter laughed, helplessly trying to ward off her mother's hands, which were everywhere, and sending her into a fit of giggles before pulling her onto her lap.
Fitz sat back watching his girls. He wanted them with him all day, every day. They were happy and full of love. He loved life when it was fun and easy like this. The sound of his daughter's giggles brought him out of his reverie. Her giggle fit was contagious and, to Fitz, it was the best sound in the world. He soon joined in.
X
Olivia adjusted her aviators before laying back to let the Vineyard sun kiss her body. She and Fitz were lying on the deck of My Ivey. They'd set sail earlier that morning before sunrise, and had watched it rise from the porthole of the master bedroom, wrapped in each other's arm.
Fitz stared at Olivia in the bright orange bikini as she undid the top and laid back to let the Vineyard sun kiss her nipples. He smiled to himself, grateful that they were currently anchored in the outer harbor in a deserted cove with no traffic. He was lying on his stomach next to her on the boat's teak deck. The boat pitched from side to side with the gentlest movement. It was so quiet and still that they could've been the only two people left in the world.
They'd spent the past four days together with their daughter before his parents arrived. The three of them had finally ventured out Thursday evening. They'd taken Elliott to Oak Bluffs so she could ride the Flying Horses Carousel, and to get ice cream. Olivia had seen a few family friends, who gave her knowing looks when they saw Fitz and Elliott together. She greeted them, introduced Fitz, and left it at that. They were owed nothing more.
X
JR and Christine had arrived Friday afternoon and their time as a family of three was over. It was Fitz who suggested that the two of them go sailing for a day or two.
"Who's going to watch Elliott?" The Popes weren't scheduled to arrive on the island until Monday.
"Calm down, Livvie. My parents will take care of Elliott."
She shook her head. "We can't dump her on them."
"It has nothing to do with dumping. They're her grandparents, Livvie."
She looked at him from his side in their bed, for a few minutes, before shaking her head.
"Okay."
X
Fitz leaned back in his chair, puffed on his cigar and enjoyed the gentle breeze blowing in from the sound.
Olivia and his mother had gone into the house a half-hour ago when the sun had set. He and JR were outside on the patio drinking beer and puffing on the imported cigars supplied by the elder Grant. They puffed and watched Elliott as she swung on her new LED swing, courtesy of her grandparents. She licked on a popsicle while happily humming to herself. She could barely wait for the sun to set before hopping on to swing.
JR reached into his pocket and handed Fitz the item he'd picked up for him while he was in New York.
"Senior says to remember it's a gift and not a loan."
Fitz laughed. "I won't forget."
"Daddy! Daddy!" Elliott ran towards them with sticky hands and a sticky face. He smiled at his daughter and removed the popsicle stick from her hand.
"Yes, baby?" he asked.
"Is it time for the sparklers?"
Fitz had found a few bottle sparklers that were left over from the last year's Fourth of July celebration. He kissed her sticky chin as JR smiled and looked at the little girl who had his heart.
"I think it is. First, you have to wash your hands and face," Fitz said over his daughter's excited squeals.
Fitz stood. "Excuse us, Dad," he said before he led Elliott inside to wash up.
JR nodded and took another puff of his cigar. Their conversation had been abruptly cut short.
X
Fitz lifted his head and leaned over and moved took a nipple into his mouth. Both of her nipples puckered and goose bumps raised on her arms.
"Maybe next summer we can spend more time on the boat," she said as she massaged the back of his head.
He replaced his tongue with his lips as sucked her teeth.
"Definitely," Fitz agreed.
Olivia stroked his face. "I love discussing the future with you."
Fitz kissed her mouth. "I love you."
She looked into his beautiful blue eyes and smiled with all the happiness she felt.
They kissed and when the foreplay became too much, Fitz stood and lifted Olivia into his arms. Her bikini top fell to the deck. She wrapped her legs around his waist as they continued their kiss. He cupped her backside and squeezed as he maneuvered them below deck.
He carried her to the bed they hadn't long vacated. He laid her on her back and pulled at her bikini bottom before tossing it haphazardly over his shoulder. Crawling between her thighs, spreading her legs open. Olivia clutched her breasts in her hands as she drew back her knees, the gesture inviting.
That smug grin she loved spread across his face as they locked eyes for a brief second and then dropped his mouth to her core, licking enthusiastically. Olivia clutched at the sheet and closed her eyes tightly, pleasure all over face.
She pressed her hand against the back of his head as his tongue lashed at her clit repeatedly. Her hips rose from the bed as she pressed herself into his mouth. Her body suddenly shook and she lost control as the first orgasm hit…hard. Her back arched as she screamed.
She was still shaking and quivering as Fitz crawled up her body and kissed her long and hard, and she could taste herself on his tongue. He reached down and lined himself up at her entrance, and slowly entered her. She was wet and he entered her easily, as her body welcomed him home. They moved in sync, pulling and pushing. He stroked her over and over again, holding her tight as she held onto to him, her toned arms wrapped around his back.
"Harder!" Olivia screamed. She moved her arms and grabbed his hips and pulled him even deeper into her. "Oh, yes, Fitz!" she cried. "Harder, baby! Harder!"
Fitz increased the pace of his thrusts and she pushed upward to meet him. He quickened his pace, his strokes relentless as he drove himself in and out of her.
"I'm gonna come," she moaned. "I'm going to..." Olivia suddenly tensed and let out another scream of pure ecstasy.
"That's it, Livvie! Come for me, baby." He gasped.
"I love you. I love you," Olivia repeated over and over like a litany.
Their bodies were wrapped tight together but he managed to pull her closer, and with a few last thrusts, he exploded inside her. He screamed with her, his orgasm intense. He continued to push and pull his cock inside her, her vaginal walls milking him dry.
"Marry me, baby. Please marry me," Fitz whispered in her ear before he collapsed on top of her.
This wasn't how he had intended to ask her to be his wife, but he just couldn't wait.
X
Olivia lay beneath him, breathless. Fitz kissed her neck, her chin and finally her lips one last time before raising his head and balancing his weight on his elbows.
She reached up her hand and stroked his cheek. "I love you, Fitzgerald Grant."
He smiled. "You really do love me, huh?" She looked at him. His face was flush, his eyes a bright blue. "Of course I love you. You did hear me say it, didn't you?"
"And you did hear me ask you to marry me."
"You want to marry?"
Fitz shook his head and rolled his body from hers. They lay side by side, holding hands. "No Livvie, I don't want to marry. I want to marry you."
Her eyelids fluttered. "You're ready for marriage?"
His whole face spread into a smile. "I was ready the first time you and I were on this boat." He lifted their joined hands and kissed them. "I don't know what it was about you that tied me up in knots, and I regretted ever giving you a choice as to where our relationship would lead. And I knew that what happens in L.A. stays in L.A. was a boatload of bs, but I went along with it because I wanted you, and I didn't want to pressure you into doing something you didn't want to do or couldn't do."
Her eyes filled with tears as he continued.
"I love you, Livvie, and I will love you until the day I die. The only person I could love as much as you is our baby. And I have to tell you, I want another one. I want as many as you'll give me. Also, I'm moving to D.C., but I don't care where we live. I just want us to be a family, you and Elliott and me."
Seconds passed. The tears that filled Olivia's eyes, now rolled down her cheeks. When she'd first laid eyes on this man six years ago, she never would've imagined that he would change her life forever. It was because of Fitzgerald Grant III she was given a second chance at love, and had learned to trust a man again.
"Ask me again, Fitz."
He blinked once. "Ask you what?"
"Ask me to marry you."
He sat up. "Don't play with my head, Livvie."
"I'm not playing. If you don't ask me now, then the topic is moot, babe."
Fitz smiled. "Always the lawyer."
He moved to leave the bed and she grabbed his arm. "Where are you going?"
He gave her that crooked grin and winked. "I'll be right back."
She sat up and the sheet fell away to her waist. Fitz had to tear his gaze away before leaving the bed. He went over to the leather duffle and retrieved the box his father had given him the night before, before returning to her.
Fitz went down to his knees on the side of the bed. His eyes met hers. "Olivia Carolyn Pope, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Olivia smiled tentatively, knowing her response would change both of them forever. "Yes, Fitzgerald Thomas Grant, III, I will marry you and become your wife."
She didn't have time to react before she found herself in Fitz's arms. He was on the bed in no time, and they shared a kiss. Their kiss meant so many things. It was love and tenderness. It was passion, and it was filled with their joy and their expectations for their future together.
He finally pulled back and picked up the ring box. It was a handmade vintage suede box monogrammed with a 'G' in the center.
Olivia looked at him and then at the box. She then took the box from him and with trembling hands, opened it. She gasped. The ring was exquisite, and one of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry that she'd ever seen.
"Oh, Fitz," she whispered.
The ring was a flawless, three and a half carat antique cushion cut diamond, with two side cushion cut diamonds weighing a total of two and a half carats, set in a platinum pave mounting.
Fitz smiled before he took the box and removed the ring. Olivia extended her left hand out to him and he slid his grandmother's ring onto her finger. She looked down at her hand, and then threw her arms around his neck.
"I love you, Fitz. For always." She whispered near his ear.
Fitz pulled back and held her face in his hands. He placed kisses all over her face, her cheeks, her nose and her lips. "I love you," he muttered over and over, his own tears mingling with hers. "I love you, Livvie. You are my everything."
He lifted her and placed her on his lap. She held out her hand and they both admired the ring.
"It's beautiful."
He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "It belonged to my grandmother, Ivey. It's the ring Senior gave her when they got engaged. She wore it until her death. I always knew that as their favorite grandchild, my Gran and Senior wanted me to have it."
Olivia knew that the ring was expensive and a family heirloom. She looked at Fitz and then at the ring. The nod of her head and the tears flowing down her cheeks, were indications that she understood. She would be honored to wear his grandmother's ring.
"They both wanted to see that ring on the hand of the woman I asked to be my wife. Sadly, my Gran didn't live to see that day, and after she passed away, the ring went into a vault. And then you came into my life."
She smiled again.
"It's the original center stone but I updated the band, and added the side cushion diamonds. You know, something old, something new."
"I love it. It's beautiful." She held her hand out in front of her again. She loved that it was a classic ring that was more about his show of love for her than the flashy large diamond her ex bought, which was a showpiece for him. Fitz understood what was important to her. He paid attention to her. He loved her.
"Senior told me that this is a gift and not a loan. He also said the ring is what he meant, and that you would understand."
She chuckled softly. Smiling through her tears, she recalled the private conversation they'd had during his birthday weekend. When they'd left the terrace, he said, "It's going to look good on you," and patted her hand. At the time, she thought it was just the musings of an old man. Now she understood. He was giving her and Fitz his blessing.
"What did he mean, Livvie?"
She caressed his face. "What's said between Senior and Olivia, stays between Senior and Olivia."
His loud laughter joined hers, as he pulled her down onto the bed and into a spooning embrace.
"We're really doing this, huh?" Olivia asked as she snuggled closer to him.
"You're damn right we are. We've waited long enough."
She sighed deeply. "I never knew I could be this happy, this free to love a man who loves me for me."
He kissed her bare shoulder. "Always remember I love you."
She nodded and kissed the arms embracing her.
"When do want to marry, Livvie?"
"Well, if we don't stop having unprotected sex, soon."
Fitz sighed. Today was the first time he hadn't used a condom since their first time in New York.
"You picked the wrong time to make love to me without a condom, babe."
"Does that bother you, Livvie?"
"Not really."
She lifted her head and looked back at him.
"I want another baby."
"A baby?"
She laughed. "Okay. Another Grant baby."
Fitz nodded. "That's more like it. If we keep this up, we should be able to give Elle that set of twins with no problem."
"I don't doubt it. But Fitz we can't make love anymore without protection. I don't want to walk down the aisle sporting a bump."
"Then I suggest you start planning soon."
"Fitz," she whined.
"I'm kidding, Livvie." He kissed her hair. "You know, we can fly to Las Vegas and be husband and wife before dawn."
"As much as I love you, I am not crazy." Olivia laughed. "I know three ladies who would be upset with us if we didn't have the big wedding, with all the family present: our flower girl and our mothers."
Fitz joined in her laughter. "You've made your point. Elle would never forgive us if she didn't get to wear a fancy dress and toss rose petals."
"We don't have to plan anything right now, Fitz. Let's just enjoy being engaged, without insisting on setting a wedding date. I still have to call my parents and my sister to give them the news. And, you have to tell your parents as well."
"Well, my dad knows."
"Already? How?"
"He picked up the ring from the jeweler in New York. But he promised not to say anything to my mother." He whispered in her ear. "I don't want a long engagement, Livvie."
"I'm not going anywhere," she assured him. "You're stuck with me and our little girl, Grant."
He chuckled, stroking her curls. "I'm so happy, Livvie. I promise I'll make you happy."
"I know, and so do I. But right now I don't want to talk about weddings."
He turned her over onto her back and looked down at her. "Okay, what do you want?"
She grinned. "What I want Mr. Grant, is to have engaged sex for the very first time."
"Damn woman, I love the way you think."
"I'm glad Fitz, because I just plain love you."
"Well that's good sweetheart, because I just plain love you too."
He leaned down and kissed her again with love and passion, and spent the rest of the afternoon showing her just how great engagement sex could be.