A few minutes later, Fitz was still sitting on the sofa with Olivia. He stripped her down to her granny panties. He had a cool towel for her forehead and a dry towel for the milk leaking from her breast. There was a clean bucket on the floor. Olivia still hadn't said anything to him. She leaned on his chest shivering. He had never seen her so vulnerable. He couldn't put a blanket over her because he was trying to bring down her fever. He did the only thing he could. Pulled her onto his lap and let her cry on his shirt. It was still morning, so they could stay like this for several hours. He would have to leave her in the afternoon. The afternoon school run for Karen and going to the hospital for the babies. He was taking Karen with him to the hospital, and he was going to make sure Olivia had a white soda and crackers near her before he left for his errands.
"I'm so mad at you." Olivia said, wiping her tears.
"I know. I'm sorry."
"You left me all alone."
"I'm sorry. I couldn't be there for you."
"Why?"
"I've planned 21 funerals in the last four months. I've been to Scotland six times to identify bodies. I couldn't be there for you the way you needed me Livvie. I'm sorry for that."
Olivia looked up and wiped her eyes again. "That's really sad. I'm sorry. You were fine when I left the house. We made love that morning before I left for the store."
"I had known a few days. I didn't want to bother you with my problems. You were having your own issues with the eating disorder. I couldn't keep it together anymore when you were so happy to have new clothes and shoes. My mom was calling me crying. I had to leave. I'm sorry Livvie."
"I was admitted to the hospital at my next doctor's appointment. The babies were in distress. I had to figure something out really quick. My job was upset that I couldn't come back until the babies were born. I'm going to lose my job if I'm not in my office in four weeks. I don't know how I can go back to work." Olivia cried.
"The damn job isn't important. You're not going back to work sick."
"I have a lot of bills."
"I have a lot of money. We can live wherever you want. We can live next to the beach or in our cabin in Vermont. I don't want you to ever worry about a job. Working is optional for my wife."
"Do you really mean that Fitz?"
"Yes."
"Okay."
"I'm not going anywhere."
"I have to go now."
"You have to go where?"
"You don't want to know everything about being postpartum. Be glad you're a man." Olivia said, getting up and looking down at his pants to make sure she didn't further embarrass herself. He could see the scar on her stomach. She would probably cry from embarrassment if she ruined his pants.
"You're my wife. You don't have to be ashamed of your body."
"Okay, I'll be back in a few minutes. Can you bring me some sweat pants and a shirt?"
"Yes."
"Thank you."
