Find peace and joy where you can friends. As always, thanks to those who are still with me on this journey, and for the reviews and PMs. They keep me going…and thinking. Enjoy.
TBOT
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Late August
Fitz sat on the Grant jet reading the new report he'd recently received from GNA's security regarding his brother's conduct with at least five employees. According to the investigation, all of the women had willingly entered sexual relationships with Ford and each had signed a standard severance agreement upon leaving the company. But Ford had engaged in inappropriate behavior with his subordinates, violating company policy and his employment agreement. GNA banned sexual relationships between leadership and employee due to the uneven power dynamic. Every board member had received the same report, which was why they were convening an emergency meeting, possibly with Ford in attendance. The more he read, the more disgusted he became until he finally closed his laptop and put it away.
He glanced across the table to a sight that always brought him joy: Elliott Grant. She had been watching The Incredibles when they took off but twenty minutes into the flight, she'd fallen asleep. As always, his heart swelled to the point of bursting at the sight of his precious little girl. He smiled before his gaze shifted to her mother, who was sitting next to him, her head on his shoulder, also asleep. "My sleeping beauties," he mused.
They were on their way to New York to spend the last week of August and Labor Day with his parents and their friends. They were also going to tell his parents about what his brother had done. As a board member, his father had received a copy of the same report Fitz had been reading, but it did not include any information regarding him and Olivia. They felt the elder Grant's should be told in person, before everyone else found out at the meeting. He hoped their reaction would be as calm as the Pope's.
Olivia had gotten halfway through the story when her mother cut her off and asked, "When Elliott is older how will you feel if you know something's wrong, but she won't open up for you to help her?"
Olivia hadn't had to think long. "Miserable. A failure as a mother." She'd tried to stop the tears in her eyes from falling. "Mom, I'm so sorry."
"You're forgiven, baby. That's all in the past, and we've all moved on." They didn't need to hear anymore.
Olivia had smiled through her tears. "I love you."
They chatted for at least an hour before Fitz and Olivia bid them goodbye. "Your parents are next," she'd said. And now here they were, on their way to New York to do just that.
He'd also received the information he requested from Zana and Diego, which also included a video of the interview security had conducted with Lauren McGee.
Fitz and Olivia had watched the video together. He could feel the tension in his body as more of his brothers dirty deeds were revealed. She'd told them everything. How she'd been feeding Ford information regarding Fitz's personal life for the past six years. There wasn't a move Fitz made that his brother didn't know about. It was all so surreal to him. He knew that she'd had a part in intercepting all communications from Olivia, but it was something else to hear it.
A deadly calm had settled over Fitz as he watched and listened to the unbelievable unfold in front of his eyes. If only it was someone else's nightmare. This was a woman who was not only a trusted employee but whom he also considered a friend. And now…Why? Why? Nothing could adequately explain this betrayal. Nothing. She'd apologized several times during the interview for what she'd done, and had asked if she could speak with Fitz. Zana had informed her that under no circumstances was that going to happen. She was probably never going to be in the same room with Fitzgerald Grant III ever again.
She'd given up a promising future when she started having an affair with Ford Grant. He knew she was in love with him, and married, and had used the affair, and later her prescription drug use, to his advantage. He blackmailed her with the threat of telling her husband. For him she tolerated a lot, accepting bad behavior she would have never taken from anyone else, under any circumstances. And for the first time in her adult life, she felt powerless to shake the hold Ford had on her. She'd loved him… and look what that had gotten her.
Olivia explained to Fitz that Ford had in fact broken the law by threatening Lauren with exposure unless she complied with his requests. It was coercion, and in New York, it would be classified as a misdemeanor. Lauren could have easily gone to the police, but she didn't.
Olivia had shown a little compassion for the young woman. She didn't represent GNA but she advised Fitz to meet with GNA's legal team to discuss a settlement and an iron clad non-disclosure agreement before any of this was made public. Fitz didn't feel she was owed anything but once Olivia made it clear that Lauren still had a case against Ford and GNA, and how ugly it could get, he changed his mind. His family's business shouldn't suffer because of his brother. The board would find out everything on Thursday and they would vote to remove Ford Michael Grant as CEO of Grant Holdings.
Olivia had also been the reason they'd waited over two months to tell anyone about what had happened almost five years ago. She wanted to enjoy the summer without the dark cloud of Ford Grant hanging over them. And they had.
X
Fitz and Olivia spent the rest of the day, after he asked her to marry him, having "engagement sex," and making plans for their future. Only hunger had driven them to shower and get dressed. Fitz had lowered the motorized dinghy into the water and they went down island to have dinner in Edgartown. They'd made it back to My Ivey just before sunset. Fitz tied the dinghy to the larger boat and then assisted Olivia up the ladder onto the deck, before climbing up behind her. He went to turn on the white anchor light on the highest mast of the boat and then the sound system, while Olivia went below to get a bottle of wine for her and beer for Fitz. When she returned, he had music playing. He smiled as she came into view holding their drinks.
"Oh, it's a party," she said, her body swaying to the salsa beat.
"It's definitely a celebration," he said as he walked toward her.
She shook her hips from side to side, the exaggerated gesture making him laugh. She removed her four inch platform sandals before holding out both hands, Olivia gestured for him to join her.
"Come salsa with me," she said, her face filled with the joy they were both feeling at the moment. He shook his head, laughing, and pulled her into his arms. With little effort they were moving in perfect sync with each other, their bodies twisting and spinning together like a well-oiled machine. He spun her against him and then away, her body movements graceful and seductive. They were enjoying themselves, it was written all over their faces and in each motion of their bodies. They glided across the deck, and when the song ended they both collapsed on one of the lounge chairs. Fitz lay back with Olivia between his legs. It wasn't long before the first explosion of fireworks lit up the sky in a shower of bright colors.
"Just in time," Fitz whispered.
He tilted his head to look up at the sky, while Olivia's breath caught at the unexpected beauty. They watched the fireworks in silence, listening to the booms ricochet and crescendo across the water. As the sky lit up, Fitz hugged her closer, lifting her hair and kissing the back of her neck. The fireworks ended with a booming finale of color and sound.
Olivia sighed. "That was beautiful." She melted against Fitz, who was now kissing a trail along her jaw and down her neck.
"Uh huh," he said absently, sounding like their daughter, but he didn't stop his exploration, with his tongue, down her neck.
Olivia laughed, turned to straddle Fitz's lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed him long and hard. He wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her closer, and deepened the kiss. They came up for air, chests heaving. She hugged him again and whispered huskily in his ear, "I love you Fitzgerald Grant. Nobody but you."
Spreading his fingers through her hair, he cupped the back of her head and brought her mouth back to his, and kissed her with all of the passion that he felt for her, before slowly pulling away.
The dazed look on her face at the intensity of his kiss made further discussion unnecessary. Fitz reached between them and unzipped her shorts. Their eyes held as Olivia stood from his lap. She shimmied out of her shorts and pulled her silk tee over her head. She stood before him in a matching royal blue, lace bra and panty set. His gaze drifted over her body, taking it in and memorizing her every curve, ending at her pink toes. He was beginning to harden at the sight of his gorgeous fianceé standing before him in the sexy underwear.
"How did I get so lucky to have you in my life?" he asked as he reached out and traced the curve of her hip.
"It was fate," Olivia said as she removed her panties and kicked them aside. She stood before him in only her bra.
"You don't know what you do to me, Livvie," he rasped as he pulled her closer and removed her bra.
"I think I do," she said as she glanced down at the impressive bulge threatening to burst through the zipper of his shorts, and then back at him.
Fitz didn't answer. He just dropped his head to her breasts and suckled. His tongue took in one hardened nipple and then the other. He felt her body shudder with pleasure as she dropped a hand to the back of his head, pulling him closer.
Olivia moaned his name over and over again, until he lifted his head.
She looked at him through hooded eyes before giving him a dazzling smile. Bending, she removed his flip slops and tossed them over her shoulder. Climbing back onto his lap, she straddled him again.
Slowly, seductively, she raised his shirt. Fitz closed his eyes and moaned his pleasure as her tongue slowly traced his nipple, and he nearly jumped from the chair. After removing his shirt, she reached for the button on his shorts but decided to save them for last. The bulge still straining against his zipper was evidence that Fitz was more than ready, but an amorous Olivia wasn't quite finished.
He gripped the arms of the deck chair as Olivia lowered her head again and teased his nipples with her lips and tongue. Her tongue moved from one nipple to the other, giving each equal attention. His stomach muscles clenched and his body stiffened as Olivia stopped just above his stomach and slid back on his lap. She unbuttoned the waistband of his shorts, and then began to play with the zipper. Slowly, very slowly, she brought it down, then up, then down, then up again, repeating the action with such erotic stimulation that Fitz had to bite his bottom lip to keep from yelling. He closed his eyes again as he moved his lower body against the motion of the zipper.
"Open your eyes, baby," Olivia whispered seductively. Groaning, Fitz did as she asked. She moved off his lap and pulled his shorts and briefs down his legs, removing a condom from his wallet in the process. Her eyes wandered past his chest, to his stomach and to the object of her desire. Tearing the wrapper with her teeth, and sheathed his engorged cock, stroking him gently as she did. Her eyes finally returned to his.
"That's a good fiancé," she purred as she returned to his lap. She was wet and ready. Ready for him. Unable to endure the foreplay any longer, he entered her. Her walls pulsed as she adjusted to the feel of him and they both gasped loudly as he buried himself deeper. Their eyes never broke contact as Fitz tightened his hold on her and rose slowly from the chair. Olivia tightened her legs around Fitz and hugged him closer as he walked them over to a deck cushion, still pumping furiously. Her head fell forward as she moaned his name.
They barely made it. By the time her back hit the cushion, they both lost control.
"I love you," she screamed as she shuddered and quivered against him. Fitz followed suit seconds later.
Olivia's breathing returned to some semblance normalcy. The weight of Fitz's body rested on top of her and she savored the feel of him as she gently rubbed a hand up and down his back, damp with perspiration. This man had brought so much joy into her life that she hadn't known existed. Her pleasure was always his first concern. With him she had no inhibitions. Even though no other boats were in the vicinity, and no one could see them, there was a certain eroticism being out in the open with Fitz this way...again. The beach in Aruba, five years ago, had been her first experience with a man naked and under the stars.
Raising his head, Fitz looked down at her and grinned. She looked up at him and then she stroked his face. He leaned down and kissed her lips, softly and slowly. He then slid down her body and began to kiss and lick her from her toes all the way to her neck. He savored her. Olivia's body throbbed, thrashed and responded shamelessly to his touch.
Wasting no time, he entered her again. Just like the first time, she felt so good, too good to go slow. There was an uncontrolled urgency to their lovemaking. It went beyond their joy of simply being together. As if they were still trying to make up for all the time they'd lost. Theirs moans of pleasure filled the silence surrounded them as Olivia wrapped her legs around him tightly, forcing his cock to move deeper within her. She arched her back and hips, meeting his every thrust. His hand moved from one breast to the other as he squeezed, rolling the nipples. The sensation made her muscles tighten and her body exploded in orgasmic bliss.
Olivia cried out Fitz's name again and again as she came, shuddering in spasms around his cock. Seconds later, his body clenched tightly as she continued to pull at him until she'd milked him dry. He collapsed onto her, panting heavily. Beneath him, Olivia gasped, fighting to catch her own breath. They clung to each other tightly.
Fitz's breathing finally eased and he pressed one more kiss to her forehead then nuzzled his nose into her neck. Sighing, he pulled himself off of her. Olivia rolled onto her side and he curled his body around her, wrapping his arm around her waist. Grabbing his hand, Olivia brought it to her lips and pressed a kiss against his palm. She kissed him a second time before tucking his hand into hers and closed her eyes. "I love you, Fitzgerald Grant."
Minutes later, she was snoring softly.
Fitz sighed contentedly and smiled. "I love you, Olivia Pope."
Soon he drifted off to sleep, his hand still tucked in hers, naked and sated, underneath the stars.
Later, Fitz had awakened, lifted Olivia into her arms, and carried her below to bed. He went back topside to retrieve their clothes and shoes before climbing through the companionway doors and locking them behind him. Tossing their things on a nearby chair, he climbed into bed next to her, pulled the sheet over them and fell into a peaceful sleep.
Fitz awoke Sunday morning to an empty bed. He reached for his watch. Ten-thirty. He must've been tired; he smiled when he thought about why. They were engaged! He and his Livvie were getting married. They'd already started their life together with their daughter, but he couldn't wait for them to officially be husband and wife. Grinning, he tossed the sheet aside and stood. Walking to the bathroom, he wanted to shower before going to search for his beautiful fiancée.
X
The newly engaged couple returned to Sugar Hill Monday afternoon. When Fitz had finished his shower on Sunday morning, he'd found Olivia in the boat's galley, wearing nothing but a tank and panties, her hair in a messy bun, preparing breakfast. They'd spent Sunday sailing, sleeping, eating and having lots of hot engagement sex, before anchoring for the night.
Smith was waiting for them at the dock and Fitz tossed him the lines to secure the sailboat. When he and Fitz finished, he grabbed their shared bag and handed it to Smith. He then assisted Olivia down the stairs onto the dock and followed her. Taking her hand, he lifted the bag and they walked down the dock, past the private beach and toward the steps that would lead them to the backyard.
By the time they made it to the back gate, their daughter was running toward them.
"Mommy! Daddy!" she screamed at the top of her lungs. She threw herself at her mother, hugging her waist. Bending, Fitz lifted their daughter into the air, holding her high. Elliott's delighted squeals and giggles filled the air.
Fitz kissed her cheek. "Hi, princess, we missed you." He hugged her close to him, burying his nose in her hair, and kissed the top of her head. Elliott wrapped her arms around her father's neck, while her legs encircled his waist, and she relaxed contentedly in his arms.
"I missed you too. It took you a long time to come back."
Olivia and Fitz exchanged a smile.
"Well maybe we were looking for a present for our little girl," Fitz teased.
She leaned back in excitement. "Where's my present, Daddy?"
Fitz kissed her again and they grinned at each other.
"You'll get it later," He promised as he set her on her feet and picked up the bag, before taking her hand. They walked onto the patio where Christine stood waiting.
"Hello you two," she said with a welcoming smile. She pulled them both into a hug.
"We've been making cookies. Lots and lots of cookies. Didn't we Grammy?" Elliott insisted.
"Oh yes," Christine laughed. "But we've made more than cookies. Corinne's preparing lunch. You're just in time. How was the getaway?"
"Great. Short," Fitz said, taking Olivia's hand into his. "Where's Dad?"
"He's inside. Lunch should be ready. Come on, ladybug," she said as she took Elliott's hand and they walked into the house ahead of Fitz and Olivia.
"I don't think she suspects a thing," Fitz said before putting his arm around her waist and kissing her.
Olivia had removed her ring and put it on the chain around her neck. "Well it won't be a secret for long, but until then..." She stood on her toes and kissed him before taking his hand and heading into the house.
X
Tuesday evening at the Oak Bluffs home of Eli and Maya Pope, fourteen adults and seven children sat around talking while the staff put the finishing touches on dinner. Fitz and Olivia, JR and Christine, Carolyn and Hayes, Jacqueline and Edison Davis, who brought along their grandson and Elliott's buddy, Fletch, Hayes Jr., Harrison, their wives and children were all in attendance.
Fitz looked at Olivia and she nodded. He stood and offered her his hand and she stood next to him. He leaned down and kissed her temple before loudly asking for everyone's attention. Taking Olivia's hand, he squeezed. The room quieted and everyone's eyes turned to them.
"We have news."
"Is it what I think it is?" Maya said, her eyes already filling with tears.
"Maybe," Olivia answered quietly, a sly grin on her face.
"Maya, don't get excited. We don't know a thing yet." Eli warned. Fitz smiled as Eli pretended to play along. He knew.
"Fitzgerald?" Christine said, giving her son questioning look.
Fitz grinned. "Okay, okay." He cleared his throat. "Six years ago on this very island, I met a beautiful, incredible woman. We had a wonderful time together before going our separate ways. A few months later, we ran into each other again and spent what was probably the best time of my life." He took a deep breath and continued. "I made the mistake of my life by letting her walk away. Of course I didn't know she was carrying a precious gift, our baby, Elliott." He smiled at his daughter who was sitting on JR's lap.
Olivia tried to blink back her tears. This man, her man, without shame, was exposing his soul for everyone to witness his love for her.
"I thought about her every day, and promised myself that if she were ever in my life again, I wouldn't let her go." He looked at her. "Ever."
Fitz reached out and wiped a tear from her cheek with the pad of his thumb. "I've been in love with Olivia Pope since the day I met her, and decided that it was time to make her mine forever."
Mine. The word came to him at that moment and he knew without a doubt it was true. She was his one true love. Just his.
He reached into the pocket of his jeans and removed the small velvet bag he'd placed the ring in earlier. "Saturday, I asked Olivia Carolyn Pope to be my wife, and she said 'yes.' We're getting married." He slid his grandmother's ring on her finger for the second time in four days.
The room erupted in cheers.
Christine gasped. She knew that ring. "Oh my God!" She stood and walked over to the happy couple.
Crying happy tears, Maya nearly screamed, "My baby's getting married."
The mothers hugged each other before hugging their newly engaged son and daughter.
"I'm so happy for you two," Christine said, wiping tears from her eyes.
JR winked at Olivia before hugging her and then kissing her cheek. He then hugged Fitz. "Congratulations son, Olivia.
"Welcome to the family, Olivia," Christine added.
Olivia hugged the woman who she'd grown close to and who was soon to be her mother-in-love. "Thank you for raising such a remarkable son. If I can love him half as much as you do, then my life with him will be as close to perfect as it can be."
Christine was in tears…again. "Thank you, sweetheart." She was so happy. Her son had chosen well.
Everyone was talking at once. Fitz and Olivia were passed around for hugs and kisses. Congratulations rang throughout the room. Maya had them both wrapped in an embrace again when Eli made his way to the couple.
"Let me get to my baby girl," he said to his wife. Olivia smiled at her father. She'd always been a daddy's girl and cherished the special bond between the two of them. He shook Fitz's hand before pulling her into a tight hug. She could tell he was trying hard not to cry.
"Are you happy, baby?"
She looked at him, tears rolling down her cheeks. "Yes, Daddy, I am."
"Well that's all that matters to me." He kissed her again and hugged her tight. "Fitz is a good man. I couldn't ask for a better man for you," he whispered for Olivia's ears only. He stepped back and turned to face everyone in the room. "My baby's getting married!" he said in his booming voice, echoing his wife's words.
Elliott, not quite sure what was going on tugged on her mother's hand. When Olivia dropped down to her eye level, she said in a loud whisper, "Are we getting married?"
Olivia kissed her baby's cheeks. "Yes, sweet pea."
Fitz laughed at the excitement in his little girl's eyes and then lifted her into his arms.
"Do you know what that means, princess?"
She shrugged her small shoulders. He took her face in his hand and explained.
"It means that mommy and daddy, and you, are all going to be a family."
Frowning, she said, "I thought we already a family, Daddy."
She had them there. His daughter was a smart little cookie. "You're absolutely right, princess, we are a family. Mommy and Daddy just want to celebrate us being a family with our family and friends, and a wedding."
Elliott didn't really seem to understand what being married meant. She just knew that her mommy and daddy were together in the same house. They were both there when she fell asleep every night, and when she woke every morning. Nothing would change for her.
"Is that okay with you, princess?" Fitz asked, his grin matching hers.
She shook her head, her curls bouncing. "Now do I get to have a baby sister or baby brother?"
Olivia and Fitz gazed at one another before she said, "I'm not making any promises, sweet pea, but I hope so."
"Good." That answer seemed to satisfy the little girl. She wiggled down out of her father's arms, and Fitz set her on her feet. She took off running toward the other kids.
"Guess what! My mommy and daddy getting married."
Fitz and Olivia watched as she skipped away, smiling at how well that little discussion went.
"I can't tell you how happy I am," JR said walking up to them. "This is such great news. Eli went to have champagne brought out." He slapped his son's back and gave Olivia another hug. "Fitz is my son, but if he gets out of line, just let me know. I'll straighten him out."
Olivia laughed, along with Fitz. "I'll keep that in mind."
The wait staff entered the room, handed out champagne flutes and filled them Dom Rose.
"What about us?" Elliott asked as she and the other children looked on.
"Yeah," Charlotte, or was that Chloe, added when they weren't given a glass.
Laughing, Maya instructed the staff to fill glasses with sparkling apple juice and give it to the children.
With his arm around his wife's shoulders, Eli offered a toast.
"First I want to thank you all for being witness to this event. I'll admit I knew Fitz was going to propose, but I didn't know when."
Olivia's turned quickly to Fitz, but he wouldn't look at her.
"I'm grateful they made the announcement here among family and friends. JR and Christine, you have raised an outstanding man, and it gives us great pleasure to welcome you all to the family."
They nodded, Christine using a handkerchief to wipe away tears.
"Olivia, your mother and I have had the privilege and honor to be your parents for thirty-five years, and we are so proud of the woman you've become. With Fitz at your side, and the love you two so obviously share for each other and for our beautiful granddaughter, nothing is impossible." He raised his glass. "May the love you share now endure and grow forever. To Fitz and Olivia."
Everyone raised their flutes in a toast to the newly engaged couple.
"God bless you," Maya added.
"Here, here!" Everyone said together.
Harrison cleared his throat. "To Liv, Fitz and Tootie," everyone laughed at the nickname. "May you always be as happy as you are today." He raised his glass.
"I'd like to make a toast," JR said. "To my son and the beautiful woman who has agreed to marry him. May each of your days be filled with love, loyalty and trust."
"Kiss! Kiss!" Veronique said, laughing.
Much to everyone's delight, Fitz leaned down and kissed Olivia.
Once all the toasts had been made, the women gathered around her to get a look at the stunning diamond. Maya kissed her daughter's cheek, unable to hide her joy, and pulled her close. "It's so incredibly beautiful, baby. Congratulations."
The others hugged and kissed Olivia and Fitz, offering congratulations and good wishes on their engagement.
Olivia was pulled into a bear hug and lifted off her feet by Hayes, and then Harrison. They were both happy for her, especially after what she'd gone through with her ex. "Congratulations, Itty Bitty," Hayes said, calling her by the childhood nickname he knew she hated. She playfully punched him in the arm. "Thank you, Hayes."
Later, Maya, Christine and Aunt Carolyn cornered Olivia and began asking about a wedding date. No one would listen when she tried to explain that nothing had been decided, including a date.
Fitz saw the look on her face and rescued her. He led her to a small sitting room at the front of the house and they both took a seat on the sofa.
"You okay?"
Olivia smiled and nodded. "A bit overwhelmed but I'm fine." She lightly punched his arm.
"Ouch!" he said, laughing and rubbing his arm. "Why'd you hit me?"
"You told my dad you were going to propose?"
"I hadn't planned to tell him, but when I picked up the ring from Senior, while we were in New York, he asked if I'd spoken with your father."
Olivia laughed. "Wow, how antiquated and a little sexist. I never would've guessed he was so old-fashioned."
"Says the woman who won't sleep with me under my parent's roof because we're not married."
Olivia raised an invisible gavel and let it fall. "Sustained, Mr. Grant." They both laughed.
"I thought it was old fashioned too, and I told Senior as much. But now I'm happy that I did. It gave your father and I a chance to talk, privately. I know how close the two of you are. Your father was very happy that I came to him. He saw it as a sign of respect. And now, any boy who wants to marry my daughter better come to me first if he knows what's good for him."
Olivia rolled her eyes. "We have years for that. What did Daddy say?"
"I had a very nice conversation with your father. He gave us his support and his blessing." She didn't need to know what Eli had to say about his brother.
She nodded, smiling. "Of course he did. He only wants me to be happy. You make me very happy, Mr. Grant."
He leaned down and kissed her hair and she lay back on his chest. They were quiet until Fitz spoke.
"I know I said I didn't want a long engagement but if you want to…"
Olivia shook her head. "No, Fitz." She cut him off. "I don't want a long engagement either. It's just that they were asking questions I can't answer right now. My head was starting to spin."
Fitz chuckled. "Our mother's were getting carried away. The moment I slid that ring on your finger, they were off and running."
Olivia nodded. "They mean well and they're both so happy and excited. And so am I." She looked at him over her shoulder, and he kissed her slow and sweet."
When they came up for air, she turned around and leaned back in his arms, and he squeezed her tight.
"Do you have your phone?" she asked quietly.
"Yes, I do." He loosened his hold on her and reached into his back pocket for the device, and handed it to her.
Olivia took the device and FaceTimed her sister, who answered immediately.
"Hey, Lib. Why are you calling from Fitz's phone?"
"Hey, Cis. I don't know where mine is," she answered simply. "How are you feeling, big sister?"
Cecily's face told the story. "One more month and this kid will be evicted!"
Olivia laughed. She knew her sister wasn't happy about not being able to vacation on the Vineyard this summer for the first time in years. But she was in her last trimester and her doctor had recommended she not travel. Because of her age, her pregnancy posed a greater risk, and she didn't want to take a chance flying this late in her pregnancy.
"I'm kidding, Lib. Everything's fine. I'm eating well and exercising as best I can. August keeps a close eye on me, whether I want him to or not." Cecily sighed. Her husband's only desire was to keep her safe and happy. But she didn't know how much more she could take.
"How are things on the Vineyard?" She frowned. "Wait is that the sitting room at Mom's?"
Olivia nodded and couldn't help the cheesy grin that spread across her face. She held up her left hand and it took Cecily a few seconds to comprehend. Suddenly an ear piercing scream rang through the phone. "You got engaged?"
Olivia laughed, her head bobbing up and down, excitedly. August appeared on the screen. His wife's screams had him running. When he realized what was going on, he said, "Really, Cis?"
Cecily rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Is Fitz there with you?"
Fitz leaned his head on Olivia's shoulder. "Hello, Cecily," he said with an amused smile.
"Hey, Fitz. Congratulations. You're finally making an honest woman out of my sister. Hallelujah!"
"Cecily!" Olivia shrieked.
"What Libby? It's about damn time."
"I happen to agree," Fitz added and kissed Olivia's cheek.
"Is that what you want, Lib?" Cecily Pope, always candid.
"Of course I want to get married. I love this man. I'm in love with this man." She turned her head slightly and he kissed her again.
"Good. You two have made this pregnant lady very happy," she said as tears filled her eyes. "Damn these pregnancy hormones. They have my emotions all over the place. I'm happy one moment and tearful the next."
Olivia smiled empathetically.
"Have you picked a date yet?"
Olivia shook her head. "Not yet. We just made the announcement less than twenty minutes ago."
"Well, Fitz that ring is beautiful. You have good taste in jewelry and women." She winked at them. "You're getting a diamond. I hope you know that. She's the best thing that could happen to you. Well besides patootie, of course." She smiled at them. "Lib's the sweetest, kindest, smartest, most beautiful and thoughtful person I know."
"Cis," Olivia whispered, her eyes filling with tears.
"She's right, Livvie." Fitz said in a low voice. "And there's no one better for me than you. Hell, there are times I feel I'm not good enough for you."
Olivia lowered the phone and turned to look at him. "Are you kidding? You are the best of the best." She kissed his chin before returning her attention to the screen, and her sister, who had tears rolling down her cheeks again.
"Sorry. I'm apparently on hormone overload." She swiped the tears away again.
"That's okay, Cissy," Olivia said, touched by her sister's emotional support.
August handed her a tissue. "Ignore the crying pregnant lady, guys."
They all laughed, the mood lightened.
"My little sister's getting married!" she said, her voice filled with awe.
"Mommy! Daddy!" They heard Elliott's voice before she appeared.
"In here, princess," Fitz responded.
Seconds later, she walked into the room and climbed onto her mother's lap. Olivia leaned down and kissed her curls.
"Yaya said dinner is almost ready."
"Hi, patootie," Cecily said.
"Tante! Guess what?" Not waiting for a response, she announced excitedly, "My Mommy and Daddy getting married!" She said it all in one breath.
Cecily smiled. "Really?" She asked, obliging her.
"Uh-huh." She shook her head.
"Well I'm excited, how about you?"
"Uh-huh. Yaya said I get to be a flower girl." She had the biggest grin on her little face. "She said I get a basket and I get to throw flowers, and everything."
"Well, I know you'll be the prettiest flower girl we've ever seen."
"I know. Bye, Tante." She jumped from Olivia's lap and left the room.
The adults burst out laughing.
"That's your child," Olivia said, nudging Fitz.
"I know," he said, imitating his daughter.
There was another round of laughter.
"Well you two don't want The Maya to come looking for you. Congratulations again, I'm so happy for you both."
"Congratulations Lib and Fitz," August said into the screen.
"Thank you," they responded in unison.
"Lib, I'll talk to you later this week. Love you both."
"Love you too, Cis," Olivia said before the call ended.
Olivia looked at the blank screen before handing the device back to Fitz. She rose from the sofa and he stood next to her. He pulled her closer and grasped her face in his hands. Lowering his head, she lifted hers upward to meet his mouth. The moment they touched, he began devouring her with a kiss that stole her breath away. When they both finally pulled apart, he looked at her. Her face was radiant.
"You're glowing, like your sister."
"That's because I'm so happy to be with you, my fiancé. Ooh, I love the way that sounds."
Fitz threw his head back and laughed. "Well come on fiancée, let's go wash up for dinner." He took her hand and led her in the direction of the powder room.
X
Fitz, Olivia and Elliott spent two weeks on the Vineyard. During that time, they decided on a wedding date, December 28th, and it wasn't long before Dr. Maya Pope was on the phone with DC's preeminent wedding planner to coordinate her daughter's wedding. She'd also nailed down six venues that the couple should look at when they returned to the city. Fitz just shook his head, while Olivia rolled her eyes.
Ryan and Abby Grant arrived with their girls. The next two weeks were a whirlwind of activity. Elliott was in heaven, and Olivia was excited to get to know the redhead better. She reminded her of Cecily, she said what was on her mind. They swam, sailed, sat around the fire pit and danced on the beach at night. And Fitz and Olivia spent every night wrapped in each other's arms.
It was also during this time that Ryan had casually mentioned that Ford would be returning to the U.S. the following week, indefinitely. Fitz didn't react to the news, but he filed the information away for later. In the following weeks it would certainly come in handy.