Chapter 29: Merry Christmas Mr. President
"Jake, come on, put the baby down." Olivia started to hear the panic in her voice as she spoke even louder. "JAKE PUT THE BABY DOWN PLEASE!"
Jake was standing there with the most evil smile on his face as his fingers caressed the baby's face. It wasn't just any baby, it was Olivia's baby, Olivia and Fitz's baby. Olivia let her guard down for a second and Jake scooped up the baby. Now, Olivia was pleading with him. There was no doubt in her mind that he would hurt the baby, maybe even kill him.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Fitz try to charge at Jake. "Fitz, no!" Olivia screamed, but the words didn't come out, and Fitz ran head on into Jake's fist as Fitz fell face first on to the concrete. Finally, Jake looked over at Olivia. "I told you Olivia, I told you he was no good for you. Here, catch." Jake threw the baby in the air and Olivia woke up screaming, "I got you baby, I got you."
She felt arms around her body as she looked around waking from her dream. She realized it wasn't her voice, but Fitz's voice saying those words.
"Liv, you ok? Liv, I am here, I got you baby." Fitz had his head up against hers, trying to calm her, whispering in her ear.
Olivia positioned herself and put her arms around Fitz, her head cuddled on his chest, as he held her tight and lay back down. He caressed her hair and rubbed her shoulder as she drifted back off into sleep. Fitz wasn't sure if she would remember this in the morning. This was the first dream in a while that she woke up screaming. This was the first one, also, since they had gotten married. Fitz wasn't going to lie to himself, it frightened him. He felt helpless. But, given what she had been through the past several months with Simms, Russia, Jake, and Andrew, it couldn't be erased so quickly from her mind. Fitz, himself, drifted off to sleep, holding the love of his life in his arms.
He woke up to the sunlight peering through the window and Olivia sitting next to him on the bed.
"Hi", Liv said .
"Hi", Fitz said.
"Merry Christmas Eve Mr. President", Olivia was smiling and greeting him as he opened his eyes. "I cancelled your 8 am meeting. Despite Cyrus ranting and raving, he finally calmed down. So, you are expected to be at the 10 am otherwise, I am trouble. Apparently, you'll be gone all day according to Cyrus, so I wanted a few hours with you before the guests come tonight."
Fitz wrapped his arms around his pregnant First Lady. "Come here, you beautiful piece of art." He pulled her straight down to his lips and Olivia let out a huge laugh. It was the giggle he loved to hear. He looked her in the eyes. "You have any recollection of a dream last night?"
Olivia looked at him with a very serious look. "I do remember Jake was in it. He was a threat to the baby."
Fitz sighed as he caressed her hair. "Liv, you are going to have to talk to someone. You can have them come here, it will be private, but it was frightening last night. Scared the crap out of me."
Olivia nodded in agreement. "I will have Tammy look up some names of therapists in the area." She didn't want to tell Fitz it is all stemming from her not being around him. She felt an emptiness not being able to protect him. She would tell him in due time, but she didn't want to ruin the time she had planned for him now.
"Now I didn't kidnap you from Cyrus to talk about my dreams. Come here."
She took his hand and pulled him out of bed. She looked at his erection coming from his boxers. Olivia shook her head. "You wake up with that?"
"Only when I wake up next to you.", he bent in for a kiss, and she held him back.
"Give it a few minutes Fitz, I have something for you."
"Not another gift, Livvie, I haven't given you anything yet."
"That isn't how Christmas works Fitz, and besides you've given me something. You came to my rescue, Santa Claus, the other day. I can't thank you enough for that. Now, close your eyes."
He closed his eyes, as he heard Olivia fiddle with something and then place a slightly heavy object in his hand. He started making some corny guesses, as Liv whacked his arm to stop.
"OK, open your eyes."
Fitz looked down and what he saw moved him to tears. He just stared down at it rubbing his hand over it with pure affection. "When did you…?"
"Abby did it for me. I figured that stand behind your desk in the Oval was looking bland with only a head bust of Abraham Lincoln on it. It's about time you have some pictures and there's more to come."
Fitz held in his hand a gorgeous 11x14 picture of the two of them on their wedding day. They were facing each other looking lovingly in each other's eyes. They were holding hands and getting ready to go into a kiss. Under that picture frame was a small postcard size picture in a frame of the ultrasound. It was in a 5x7 frame that said Hi Daddy on the top. On the top of the wedding picture in beautiful calligraphy were the words "Always and Forever, Fitz and Olivia."
"I figured this could go in the center and we can surround it soon enough with pictures of the us and the baby. You know, real family pictures."
Fitz put the pictures to the side and grabbed his wife in his arms. "I love you so much Mrs. Grant." He was locking her lips with his, as she guided him to the bathroom.
"One more gift", she said with a seductive smile.
The tub was filled with warm water and bubbles. "I figured we could talk about what is going on with Iran while we relaxed in the bath. How does that sound?" She knew it would calm his nerves a bit and she wanted him to feel good. Fitz didn't hesitate to take off his boxers and fill his body with bubbles as he helped Olivia join him in the tub.
They sat in the water. Liv's back was facing Fitz and her head rested comfortably on his chest. He was squeezing the sponge so water would flow down her shoulders on to her expanding belly. He couldn't think of another place in the world he would much rather be right now.
"So, Gil is crying like a baby down there. The FBI agents basically have him shitting himself. Huck has been extremely helpful in pinpointing locations also. Turns out, in addition to the money trail you found, Gil had a handful of others across the nation helping him fund these terrorists. Huck found the names and the FBI is rounding them up."
"What do you plan on doing?" Olivia interlocked her hand with his as she listened to him.
"Looks like we are going to start with the drones to see if they give us any indication that weapons are being stored. We are going to have ground troops with intelligence also. As early as today we will probably do a drone attack."
Fitz sounded confident yet down. Liv knew it was the last thing he wanted in fear of any American casualties, but she knows he's the type of leader that will not let this country be bullied by terrorists. It was enough that one of his own was involved in funding them. "I have no doubt you and your team will make the best decision."
Fitz leaned down and kissed her neck as his hands moved to caress her breasts. They were getting bigger with the pregnancy, and he loved to massage them. Liv's hand reached into the water, and it was easy to find what she was looking for. As she was stroking him, she turned so his lips met hers, and the soft moan that came from behind his throat only made her want him more.
Liv turned her body, with the water splashing and locked her arms behind his neck. She pushed his neck, so his tongue went deeper down her throat and she was able to straddle him. He was so ready for her. He guided her hips down, and Liv threw her head back with a deep moan. "Fiiiitz, that feels great."
He kept guiding her hips so that too much water wouldn't splash out of the tub. She was in a position where her breast lined perfectly with his mouth and he took it all in, circling his tongue on her nipple. By this time, Liv's eyes were shut tight and she couldn't hold on anymore. Come with me Fitz, please, baby, come with me. He thrusted her hips faster and he could feel her tighten around him. He buried his face between her breasts and let go as he held her while she let go. She buried her face in the crook of his neck, breathing heavily. They stayed like that for about two minutes, just listening to each other breathe.
With his hands holding the middle of her back, he gripped her tight and stood up carefully as he let her down on the bathmat. She wrapped a robe around her body as he wrapped a towel around his waist. "This is so much better than work, thank you for keeping me here." Fitz winked as he wandered off to get dressed.
Olivia thought about the night ahead of her. She wanted everything to be perfect for Abby and David. She planned for fireworks and sparkles to surround the Rose Garden after Abby said yes. At least Olivia was hoping Abby would say yes. Suddenly, a feeling of panic overtook, and Fitz must have seen it on her face as he came in doing his tie. "Liv, you ok, you look like you saw a ghost."
"Fitz, what if Abby doesn't accept the proposal, what if David asks and Abby says no. She was married before, maybe this isn't what she wanted. You think I was too pushy in suggesting they do it here."
"Liv, slow down. I don't think Abby would compare David to her last marriage. I think you are worrying about nothing. David is a nice guy and Abby, well, Abby is Abby, she's not going to let him down."
He grabbed the two picture frames, staring longingly at them before he leaned in for a kiss goodbye.
"Make sure you let me know if you're going to be later than 7 Mister. I don't want you missing a single thing tonight. Besides, you can't be too late, Santa won't come if you're still awake after midnight."
Once Fitz left, she made a call to David. Abby was on her way over to the White House, as her and Liv were going to discuss potential people for certain positions on Liv's staff. David picked up with some shakiness in his voice. "Liv, is everything ok?" She realized her call must have startled him.
"Yes, sorry to startle you David, I just wanted to finalize everything for tonight while Abby isn't around." David told her all about the ring and how he was ready to propose in the Rose Garden. He thanked Liv a thousand times over, and Liv was assured she made the right decision. David didn't think Abby had a clue, and that's what made it even better. Him and Abby would arrive at 6 for cocktails, and then by 8 they would be in or around the Rose Garden. Liv was starting to find it hard to contain her excitement as well.
Before Abby walked through the doors, Liv got dressed and took the gifts out she had for the rest of her guests tonight. If there was one thing Olivia loved it was Christmas, if there was something, she loved more than Christmas it was watching the faces of the people she gifted on Christmas. Her parents always made the holiday stretch out a bit more than it should have. They believed in the 12 days of Christmas and always made sure Liv had a gift on each one. She was blessed to be able to give back.
Abby walked in. Liv was finishing up getting ready. She had grabbed a few folders and papers and they left for Liv's office in the East Wing. It was going to be a long day, but tonight would make up for it.
Abby was in awe at the gorgeous Christmas decorations surrounding the White House. Liv admitted to Abby she lucked out this year not having to do much as First Lady. Next year, she wouldn't be so lucky. Since Abby was in such delight around the decorations, she offered the task to Abby next year. Abby elbowed her with a laugh. "Not on your life, woman, I'll just dictate. Besides, your little guy will just tear everything down." Olivia rubbed her stomach. "You see Little Grant; Aunt Abby is already calling you a troublemaker." They were both laughing as they entered her office.
Olivia was going to give Abby several names to give to Secret Service so they can be vetted. She needed a Chief of Staff and Olivia already had someone in mind. "Loretta Charles. She was Chief of Police when I was on Metro PD. Not only is she a strong independent woman, but she is also one badass. I want her around here. She is retired, but I have no doubt she'll come out of retirement for this."
They had been working for several hours going over the calendar of events for the next two months. Olivia was starting to feel overwhelmed when there was a knock on her door. Her secretary Tammy was carrying a bouquet of gorgeous poinsettias and one of the cooks from the kitchen was carrying a tray filled with food. The note on the poinsettia said "From your happy husband. Thank you so much for this morning and I look forward to our first Christmas together. I love you Livvie."
Abby read the note holding her hand to her heart. "Oh my God Liv, the way that man loves you. I mean I know you're married now, but still. To have someone love you like that, it must feel good."
Olivia started to uncover the dishes on the tray and said "Abby you have that with David. It is so overwhelming, his love, our love." She stopped in mid-sentence and busted out in laughter. Abby looked down at the food dish. "Eww, Liv, what is that?"
"It's my craving. It's a Nutella, peanut butter and pickle sandwich on soft white bread. They sent up two, you want one. I down it with the ice-cold chocolate milk", Liv said pointing over to the glass on the tray.
"I think the salad is fine for me." Abby said waving the offer away. There was note under her dish and it was from Fitz. Glad you are in her presence while she eats this. I gagged when she ate that in front of me. Enjoy your salad. I look forward to your company tonight.
Liv shrugged. "Abby he's a catch, as David is for you." She noticed Abby glowing at the mention of his name. She knew tonight would be wonderful seeing that glow. They enjoyed a peaceful lunch talking about the men in their life.
By the time Fitz entered the sitting room, it was up to him to go forward with the drone attack. They had solid intelligence a delivery of weapons was being brought to the tunnels of Iran. They had a ground team ready for supervision of the takeoff. Fitz carefully looked over the papers. He wanted to be certain no children or civilians would be in the line of fire, although what he was asking would be almost impossible.
According to the intelligence and the information Gil had given them, there was a delivery from a military vehicle happening within the hour. The drone was launched over the part of the Iranian desert. They were waiting on visual of the truck. As expected, the vehicle entered the drone sighting. Fitz wanted this to be clean. He didn't need more protestors outside the White House screaming about needless casualties. His team was certain the area of desert was not near any residential, if there are casualties it will be whomever is in a driving the vehicle.
Fitz gave the go on the strike. Within minutes the tiny movement on the video screen was a ball of flames. "Direct Hit, Target Hit, Ground Forces Moving in." As Fitz awaited for more confirmation, he heard the static of the radio and he looked at the screen to reveal the body cams of the ground forces.
"Sir, there are six casualties, all Iranian militants." Fitz stared at the screen and did not second guess his decision. Through the smoke from the vehicle fire being put out, Fitz could make out dozens of assault rifles. The make and model would be determined through more investigating. Fitz got up from his seat, as did the others in the room to show respect to the President. "Be seated." He looked around at his team. Good work today. There's more, I am sure, but great work today. He turned to Cy, "get me the President of Iran on the phone. If he isn't going to intervene, we are taking the next steps to shut this down completely." Cy nodded as he was preparing to leave. Fitz thanks the joint chiefs and left the sitting room.
It was nearly 6, and he wanted to make himself clear and concise with the Iranian president. He either gets control of the militant forces in his country or the U.S. will do it for him. The call came through as he entered the Oval. Before taking his seat, he saw the pictures Liv had given him. He had already placed them behind his chair, and did they make his job a bit easier. He suddenly had reason for doing all of this. He is making his world safer for his son, and the generation he will grow up with. Suddenly, and for once, his presidency was making sense. He picked up the phone. "Mr. President, I believe you have some questions for me, but I want answers from you."
It was 630 and Liv still hadn't heard from Fitz, she was getting a bit anxious as Abby, David, Callie, Huck, Burns, and Phillips were there. Rosario and Eriks were there also "working" as Liv called it, but told them they were more than welcome to eat and enjoy the company. As far as she is concerned they are family, not detail. They both nodded to her and, in sync, said "Thank you ma'am." Liv gave them a side eye. "What did I tell you about the ma'am stuff, stop that." Again, in sync, "yes ma'am." Liv shook her head walking away as they both looked at each other laughing. "I think we are pissing off Agent Pope."
Appetizers were being passed around, Liv and Abby talked about the decorations in the Residence, while the others mingled. At about five minutes to 7, Cyrus and Fitz came in. Fitz was smiling, so Liv figured everything worked itself out.
Fitz's first greet was over to his wife. His hand on her stomach and a kiss to her cheek. "Hey beautiful lady, made it just in time."
"Yes, you did Mister. She pulled him closer so she could whisper in his ear. "Thank you for the gorgeous flowers and the delicious lunch. Little Grant thanks you also. I have to make it up to you later." Fitz pulled away and began greeting the guests.
Over dinner there was lots of chatter. Fitz took the moment to stop the chatter to make the announcement. "Today, it was decided federal grant money would be used for a Secret Service training academy for young women. It will be for high school age girls 9-12th grade who plan to move on to a career in the Secret Service Field. The Academy will be named in honor of Agent Simms. He looked down at Callie. I would like you to run the Academy with the Supervision and partnership of the First Lady. Could you do that for me?"
Callie was so shocked by the offer, she just nodded her head yes. "Thank you, Mr. President, that would be an honor. I looked up to Agent Simms. She was very respected as a female leader in the career." Huck leaned over and gave her a casual hug with his arm around her shoulder.
Everyone was finally getting to know one another, and Abby made sure to remind everyone that they were all there in each other's company because Liv had the crazy idea of jumping in front of a presidential motorcade. That brought bursts of laughter to the room. Fitz reminded everyone that it was the best decision Liv had made to jump in front of the car.
Liv held up her glass. "To my husband, the President, who thinks his wife jumping in front of a car was a better decision than marrying him." Fitz turned red, as the guests all threw up the toast.
As dinner ended, Fitz invited everyone to walk with them through the newly refurbished Rose Garden. He let Liv lead the way with Abby, as he stayed a close step behind with David next to him.
In the middle of the Rose Garden, there were was a huge heart in the center made of rose petals. Abby looked at Liv as she backed away and David took her spot. He guided Abby into the center of the heart and got down on one knee. Liv could see the tears of joy as Abby sobbed, holding her hand to her heart. That was Abby's signature move every time something emotionally got her.
Liv thought back to years ago when she found Abby for dead in the gutter. She was beaten so badly; Liv didn't think she would survive. She came out of it though one tough woman and she never stopped thanking Liv. Liv owed her the thanks, though, she taught Liv how to be strong and to put fears in the past.
Then, Liv thought about several months ago when she dragged Abby into the Russian investigation and she was so viciously attacked. It was a guilt Liv still found hard to let go. At that moment, she felt Fitz's arm come around her and whisper, "you ok."
Liv looked at Abby nod her head yes, and her eyes filled up with tears. "I am good." She was so happy for her friend.
"You did good Madam First Lady" Fitz said as he kissed her cheek.
At that moment, two beautiful fireworks blasted into the sky and the Rose Garden lit up with sparkles. Abby and David stood in the middle of the rose petal heart kissing each other to the applause of their closest friends. It was an ending to a night that Liv didn't think could get much better, but she was wrong. She should have known she was wrong being married to Fitzgerald Grant; it could always get better.
As they said goodbye to their guests, Huck and Callie both told Liv how great it was for Abby. "She's glowing" Callie said. "I haven't seen her glow like that since I've met her. You did good wifey."
Liv looked at them. "So, you two next?" Callie shook her head. "No, Liv, we're good for now. We have a good thing going. Huck looked down blushing. "He's lucky to have you Callie." Liv thanked her again for taking the role in the Academy. Callie thanked her for suggesting her. They would be discussing more in the coming weeks, as recruitment would begin soon.
Fitz put his hand out to Huck. Thank you for all your help today. The day after tomorrow, will you start Liv's detail, just for the week. We are still vetting out some agents for her. "Huck leaned in and whispered something in Fitz's ear. Liv noticed, whatever Huck said had Fitz concerned. "We'll talk more tomorrow."
Huck shook his head, "sure, anything for Liv, she knows that." Liv gave him a big hug and handed them their gifts. "Don't open them until tomorrow. Christmas presents get opened on Christmas."
As the guests left one by one, the final two were Abby and David. Abby faced Liv. "Ok, I am going to hug you now, and I know you won't like it, but I am still going to do it." Abby grabbed Liv into the sweetest embrace and Liv hugged her right back. "Tonight, was amazing Liv, thank you so much."
Abby turned to Fitz, "and you, Mr. Smooth, thank you so much."
"We can never thank you enough for putting our wedding together Abby. This is the least we can do. He shook David's hand, congratulations again."
As everyone left, Fitz grabbed Olivia into his arms. "Time for me to hug you Livvie. I am so in love with you Mrs. Grant. Go get ready for bed, I have a few calls to make and I will be in shortly."
After she was showered and ready for bed, she looked out the window as a light snow began to fall. There was nothing like snow on Christmas Eve. She didn't hear Fitz come in and he startled her a bit when he embraced her from behind. He kissed her neck as he looked out the window watching the snow fall.
"It's so peaceful Fitz. In Vermont, the snow is amazing. There is just something different about Vermont snow. Everything about Vermont is just so different."
"You really love it up there, don't you Livvie. "
"I do Fitz. It's part of my life with my parents I cherish. Every year we would do something different. We would ski, we would ice skate, but best of all, we would make jam."
Fitz let out a laugh. "Make jam? My best sharp shooting agent and she makes jam."
"Yeah, Mister. After I spent time at the shooting range with dad, y mom and I would go to an inn where they showed us how to make jam. One day this wife of yours is going to have her own jam line."
"You'll need a big kitchen for that, right. Won't you need a special oven for that too? "
"What are saying Fitz?"
He pulled her close to him as they looked at each other.
" I am saying we need a house after this presidency is done. Just in case I don't win next November it may be sooner than we think, and we have a family to raise. "
Liv looked confusingly at him. "Ok, so what are you getting at?"
Fitz looked down at his watch. It was 12:01. He had Liv look out the window.
"It's midnight, do you see Santa on his sleigh?"
Liv peered out the window as Fitz pulled something from his back pocket. When Liv turned back at him, he handed her the paper. "Merry Christmas to the love of my life."
Liv opened the papers, and she couldn't hold back the tears any longer. She was holding a deed to the land Fitz bought up in Vermont in their names. She was crying such an ugly cry, she put her forehead onto Fitz's chest.
"Don't cry Livvie, it's our future. We are going to build a house on that land. Our house, and it's going to have lots of rooms for kids, and a kitchen where you can make jam. Maybe I can be mayor "
Olivia looked up into the eyes of the man she loved so dearly. She heard both her dad and her mom. "Baby, he is all yours. You have yourself a fine catch. Now go thank him baby girl."
Liv didn't know what to say. She truly had no words to say. This has been and will be one of the best Christmas's she would have since her parents died. She would spend all day tomorrow with the love of her life, and she will be thanking him plenty of times during the day.
As Liv buried herself in a deep passionate kiss to show her gratitude, Fitz swept her up off her feet and headed to the bedroom. She buried her face in the crook of his neck. "Merry Christmas Mr. President"
"Merry Christmas Livvie."
Nearly 3,000 miles away, as Olivia and Fitz were getting ready to celebrate their first Christmas together, the real funding with Gil's money was being planned. Five domestic born militants were planning the New Year's Eve bombing in Los Angeles. The final inspection to the bomb was being made. This operation was going down outside a night club in LA on one of the busiest nights of the year. Even though the five hadn't heard from Gil, they had their instructions to proceed.
