Fitz stirred in bed. Opening his eyes, he saw the sunlight streaming into their bedroom from the living room of their hotel suite. They apparently had left the drapes open. After laying there for a few minutes he turns his head to the left. He is met with the most beautiful sight. There laid the love of his life. Curls were spread across the pillow. Her arms were tucked under the pillow with her face facing in his direction. He doesn't know when, but she had somehow moved to her side of the bed. When they finally fell asleep, she had her head resting on his chest. His arms were wrapped securely around her petite body. She fit perfectly in his embrace. It was as if her body was made for him. One leg was on top of the covers while the sheet was wrapped over her lower half.

His Livie was a bad sleeper. She snored a little, but he would never tell her because he had no doubt, she would scoff at that and deny it. He had woken up many times with all the covers piled up on his side of the bed. He'd just gently place the covers back over her body only to wake up in the morning with either both with no covers and them lying on the floor or them piled back up on his side of the bed.

Easing out of bed Fitz went to the living room of the suite and dialed room service. He arranged to have breakfast brought up in 30 minutes. He was glad that he asked Stephen to have an afternoon return flight. After the arrangements were made, he walked back onto the suite kneeling down beside Liv's side of the bed.

"Livvie" he whispered while slightly touching her arm.

"No, I'm tired. I can't go again." Olivia mumbled.

Fitz chuckled to himself. He couldn't blame her. He gave her a workout last night. Their last time both were exhausted and collapsed on the bed panting heavily.

"Liv, you have to get up. The breakfast is coming, and we have to pack everything and be ready for the airport in a couple of hours."

That did the trick as Olivia rolled over and slowly sat up with the sheet draped across her chest.

"What time is it?"

"10:30. The food will be here in 30 minutes. Do you want to grab a quick shower together?"

"You and I both know if we take a shower together it won't be quick. You go first and meet room service and I'll join you after I finish showering."

Fitz headed for the shower while Liv began gathering her toiletries out of her weekender and packing her other items. She pulled out some leggings and a comfy long sweater to wear on the flight home. She wanted to be comfortable and able to curl up and take a nap.

After breakfast they did a once over of suite making sure they hadn't forgotten anything and headed down to the lobby. Fitz was pulling his suitcase and atop of its perched Olivia's weekender. They had their hands intertwined. When they stepped off the elevator, they saw Abby, Stephen and Mellie all gathered at the lobby entrance. Stephen was to the side talking the valet letting him know they needed car service to the airport.

When they boarded the jet, they all took their seats around the cabin. Once they reached cruising altitude Abby called Liv over to where she was sitting, and Stephen joined Fitz. They were both engaged in conversation. Mellie and joined Abby and Olivia. They found out she wasn't so bad. She apologized for her behavior towards Fitz. Olivia accepted her apology, though she would never fully trust her. She wouldn't have to see her after this trip.

While Fitz and Stephen were in discussions Fitz would occasionally glance over at Liv.

"You have it bad." Stephen teased.

"I'm not denying it."

"So, I'm assuming one day she'll become an official Grant."

"I'm not letting her get away. Hey, I have something I want you to listen to. Give me your thoughts. You were after all a dual major in architecture and music. Tell me what you think is missing."

Fitz slid Stephen his phone and his earbuds. He hit play and let Stephen listen to audio file.

A smile graced Stephens face as he listened to the audio. He offered Fitz some advice and said it was a beautiful arrangement. Giving him a knowing smile.

They had a relatively smooth flight home. Once returning to the city life was normal for the next 4 months, then the entire world changed.

December 2020

8 months, that is how long they've been living like this. They were now during a pandemic. They weren't sure when or if things would get back to normal. At times it felt like they were just existing and not living. The immediate goal was to keep all family members and friends safe. That was hard. It required keeping a distance. They had adapted though. Lots of zoom calls with family and friends.

Its hard to believe they had been living like this for 8 months. Since then WFH also known as working from home was common. If you were able to do that you were thankful. It took some reimagining, but The Grant Construction Corp had figured out how to weather this storm and keep it staff receiving their wages.

It was a month into the pandemic and Fitz was sitting in his father's home office. They were on the zoom meeting with Samuel Brooks the head of accounting going over the financials. After that meeting it was determined they could handle about 18 months of this before they would have to make some tough decisions. They would do everything they could to keep their works who had been so loyal and valuable to the company working in some form or fashion.

Fitz met with his team leads and informed them of how things were going. A company email and text went out letting everyone know they were going to be okay. No changes would happen in the foreseeable future. He also encouraged his people to take some career development courses. The company always encouraged their employees to update skills, etc. Now that many would be working from home or just at home, they had the time. So, it was encouraged.

Abby was a little sad about her big project being delayed. She continued to do work on the project administrative related. There was plenty to keep her busy. Stephen also remained busy working from home. He could do most of his work remote without any problems. They had plenty of plans in the works for a few projects they were bidding on. So, while not in the office he had stuff to occupy his time. Sometimes spending so much time together could be a blessing and a curse. They would get in small arguments over little things. That resulted in making up. They had making up all over the house. They hadn't been that adventurous since they first got married.

Olivia had adapted to working from home with relative ease. She was currently sitting in her home office/guest bedroom going over the financials for a proposed merger. As she took a break from reading, she reached for her cup of tea. Bringing it to her lips she took a sip. Her eyes shifted downward examining the contents or lack there of in her mug. It was empty. She didn't recall finishing her morning cup of tea. Glancing at the small clock on the wall she realized it was 11:30am. She can't believe how the morning had gotten away form her. After her morning zoom meeting she was focused on the possible merger document. She had run several analyses of the financial terms that she would present to her boss later in the week. The investment in this company could be beneficial to long term goals her company had with regards to projects already in development.

Pushing her chair back she stretches her limbs. Reaching her mug, she heads towards the kitchen. As she makes her way down the hall, she hears the faint sound of music playing softly out of the home audio system. When, she steps into the kitchen she sees a sight she'll never get tired of. Tucked in the small light filled room ff the kitchen she sees Fitz sitting at his drafting table going over floor plans. She observed him for a minute. His foot was tapping against the floor. His glasses were perched on the bridge of his nose and his pencil was poised to make notes about what she wasn't sure. As she stood observing him, he finally spoke.

"What are you looking at from way over there? Come in if you'd like? I haven't seen you all morning."

"I didn't want to disturb you working. "

When she was in reach his arm snaked around her waist pulling her into his lap. Pecking her lips a few times.

"How is your day going?" he asked.

"Not to bad. I'm so glad I only have one more day to work this week and then I'm done for the year. I really can't wait for this awful year to be over with."

"Me too baby. It's been a tough year. So much has happened."

"Hang in there things will get better. So, what are you having for lunch Mr. Grant?

"I don't know Mrs. Grant. He pecked her lips and patted her bottom for her to stand."

It didn't go unnoticed by her that he had started calling her that. It had happened a few times lately. They made their way into the kitchen and made their way around the kitchen together.

Because of current conditions they had practically been living together in order to abide by the city's guidelines for social distancing. It was working so far. They hadn't really had any conflicts for the most part they were enjoying it. They each learned a few quirks about each other. Nothing too bad.

The week wrapped up and they were getting ready to close out an awful year and hopefully bring in a much better year ahead. This was going to be an unusual way to end the year. Things would be low key this year. No getting together with family and friends.

December 31st, 2020

While Liv's parents lived upstairs, and Fitz parents were right next door they had gone though great precaution to limit their contact with both sets of parents. They would facetime and zoom with them. They would talk to them from a distance, everyone masked up of course. Nobody wanted to get anyone sick. This has been the hardest part of the whole thing. Olivia had decided to have little charcuterie and champagne gift baskets sent to their parents, Abby & Stephen and each of their siblings. She wanted them to know while they weren't ringing in the New Year together, they weren't far from her thoughts.

Fitz had insisted they dress up for tonight. She didn't know what the big deal was. They were just staying at home. Since the weather was relatively decent for a December night Fitz wanted to have dinner outside. When they walked outside live was surprised by what greeted her. Fitz had set up a romantic table scape. They had order delivery from one of their favorite restaurants that had put together a special menu for NYE's.

They ate their dinner and facetimed friends and family to wish them a happy new year's. Honestly the night was low key, but nice. As it was getting closer to midnight Fitz asked Liv to dance with him. Fitz led Liv off the back patio and into the backyard. As they walked along the lighted path of the pavers to the middle of the backyard overhead lanterns light up. She didn't know when Fitz had time to do this, but he had. As she looked up in wonder Fitz gazed at her beauty. Nothing compared to the smile on her face. It alone lit up the backyard.

Taking her hand, he his he pulled her close and soft music filled the backyard. They danced to several songs. As one song began to play, she looked up into his eyes as he began to sing the lyrics that she had never heard before. She had heard the song before, but without words. She couldn't place the song. What she didn't know is that it was a song Fitz had composed specifically for her. She had been earing him playing it throughout the house, but there were no words to it. It was just the instrumental version. He had written the lyrics in private and practiced them for this very night. As the song was coming to an end Fitz placed a soft kiss on her forehead as they stared in each other's eyes for a minute. What they saw in each other's eyes was pure love. They saw their past, their present, and their futures. Fitz stepped back from her giving them some space while still holding her hand in his he dropped to his knee. With that gesture Olivia's right hand came to her mouth covering the small gasp that came out. Fitz gave her an adoring smile and let the words of love flow freely. He told her how she was his best friend. How when anything good happens in his life she is the first person he wants to share it with. How she has been his rock through this past year, and he didn't know how he would have survived without her. How he can't see his life without her now. She has made his life better in every way that it counts.

Olivia never was one for crying, but the tears were flowing freely tonight listening to Fitz words. She loved him and was ready to have a future with him. She had no doubt her answer would be yes. But he hadn't asked her that all important question yet. Then there it was.

"Olivia Carolyn Pope, will you marry me?"

"Yes, yes I will marry you."

Fitz then took the ring that had been burning a hole in his pocket all night out of the blue tiffany box and slipped it on to Olivia's dainty finger. As she examined the ring all he could think was Abby was right. That size was perfect for Olivia's petite hand. It looked gorgeous as it caught the light from the lantern above.

Olivia was the one for him. He was the one for her. They belonged to each other.

As Fitz rose and picked Olivia up and spun her around in a kiss cheers could be heard. Their family had watched from their perspective balconies. As well as her sister and brother via zoom. His brother and family from zoom as well. Congratulations and party horns could be heard. This caused Liv and Fitz to burst into laughter. It was an intimate affair just like they wanted surrounded by their loved ones.

Then the second celebratory moment came about 10 minutes later. They were bringing in the year 2021. They relationship went public on New Year's Eve a year ago. Now they were engaged to be married. 2021 was looking better already.

Author's Note: My wish is for you all to be healthy and happy.