28 weeks

Propping her feet atop the oak coffee table. Olivia sips her chamomile tea, and Coco is snuggled underneath her arms sleeping. He's two years old and already looks full-grown. Olivia wonders if Fitz counted on the curly-coated retriever's growth spurt as she runs her fingers through his fluffy coat. A knock came five minutes after she sat down. Before the second set of knocks come, Olivia ushers coco into her bedroom. She hoped to keep the puppy hidden from her mother, knowing how Maya despises any four-legged domestic animal. Opening the door, she welcomes her mother and brother in.

"Mom!" squealing excitedly. Olivia hasn't seen her family in months, which will be their first time visiting her apartment. She couldn't be happier. Opening her arms, she embraces her mother as Harrison scoots by delivering their bags into the picturesque apartment.

Finally getting a chance to look at his little sister, he smiles. "What're you carrying, twins?" he lets out a belly laugh, and liv's face turns sour.

"Hahaha," she mocks, "But it's just one. oh, and I hear you and Kayla broke up-. I thought yall were forever?" feigning sympathy.

Glaring between her children, Maya puts an end to the bickering before it can really start. Giving them a glare they're all too familiar with.

"Where's Fitz?" he asks, pleading for some masculine energy. Between his moody mother and hormonal Liv, he's not getting an ounce of peace.

Before she can answer, a series of barks and whimpers migrate from the bedroom. Coco must've heard the other voices and wants to see what's going on. Plus, he's not used to being locked in rooms all day. Olivia excuses herself from her guest and opens the door. Coco walks out satisfied and stands next to Olivia like a good doggie. Ever since Fitz brought him home, he's been instinctively protective over liv and the baby growing inside her.

"When did you get a dog?" Harrison asks, bending down petting the ball of fur.

"He was jerry's, and Fitz wanted him, so he brought him home. He's a good dog," she added for her mother's benefit, who was standing there somewhat fearful of the beast.

"Why is it here?" Maya asks, moving a considerable distance from coco.

"We couldn't leave him at the penthouse; he can't be alone," Olivia explains. "But to answer your question, Fitz is out. He'll be back in another hour or so."

"This dog shouldn't be anywhere near you, Olivia," her mother says pointedly as she pulls Olivia up from petting coco. "You also shouldn't be down like that. you'll have enough back problems as it is."

Ready to end whatever it is her mother is doing, "How about lunch? there's this diner not far from here." Olivia suggests,

Waving a dismissive hand, "Nonsense, I'll make lunch." Maya says.

"oh, mom, you just got off a three-hour flight, I'll order something, and harry can pick it up."

"I will?"

If looks could kill, "Yes, you will." Olivia reemphasizes

"I don't mind," walking off towards the empty kitchen.

"Mom. There's nothing in there to cook," she says quickly, hoping it won't turn into something bigger.

Raising a curious brow, Maya inquires why there isn't any food in the house. Considering Olivia is six months pregnant and is in the stage where she has to start building the baby's weight. Harrison quietly separates himself from the women. Knowing this isn't going to be an open and shut discussion. Peering at her brother, hoping for a lifeline, but he shoots her I would hate to be you look. Catching on to the innuendoes, Maya surmises that Olivia no longer lives here.

"So when did you move in with Fitzgerald?" Maya says with arms folded across her chest.

"We didn't move in together... we just figured that since he has more space than me. It would be convenient to set the nursery up there instead of here," Olivia says as if it makes any difference to Maya.

"But you've been staying there?" Maya stares at her daughter. And Olivia begins to wither under Maya's hard stare. She feels like a little girl again, the one who hated the disappointing look she's suffering under right now.

"It's not official, but we set up the nursery there, and it made sense..." Olivia decided to stop talking; her mother wasn't gonna let this go. So she might as well sit down and listen.

Two months ago, Maya was singing an entirely different tune when it came to Fitz. She gave Liv the necessary strength to move forward with Fitz and stick by his side. However, that was before Olivia went venting to her confidant and let it slip that Fitz ran off again. Maya had been giving Fitz a pass, but lately, she's become a bit insensitive.

"What did we talk about." that was rhetorical, trying not to roll her eyes. Olivia listened attentively. "Olivia, he's not in a good place, and it would be wise if you didn't depend on him - not until he proves himself. An unstable man won't make a good father. Now I will understand his grief, but now he's putting you at risk...I won't have it."

Inwardly screaming, Olivia nodded her head softly.

XXX

Sitting adjacent to Dr. Bradshaw, Fitz twiddles his thumbs. He was wondering if the woman will speak. Thinking he can't be the first one. Brilliant minds think alike. Dr. Bradshaw is using a technique she has used many times on patients. She's trying to build a foundation for Fitz to recognize his problems without accommodation. But so far, it doesn't seem like he's interested. He has sat in that exact spot for the last two sessions performing the same nervous habit. He's uncomfortable.

Fitzgerald Grant is a lawyer. Naturally, he dominates any room he's in. Unfortunately for the doctor, he has already sized up his opponent and has no intention of taking her on. She has many tools for people like him, and he's not ready for them to be put to use on him.

After a painful twenty-one minutes of silence, Dr. Bradshaw thinks it's time he's spoken up. She can't go in the usual way, so she'll use the back door.

"How's Olivia?" She asks.

Surprised by the question, "she's good. Her mom and brother are in town. With the holidays coming and we're due in December. They've come to support us through the last trimester." Fitz says, shifting uncomfortably.

Nothing gets past her. "Olivia's mother," she repeats, and Fitz does it again. She put that in her notes. "Do you get along with her? It's my understanding, boyfriends and parents don't always see eye to eye."

A year ago, Fitz would have objected. Maya loved him, and he still remembers the first day he met her in that restaurant in Brooklyn. The kind words, the warm hug she gave him. It's hard to think Maya doesn't feel that way anymore. Fitz took much pride in her approval, under the circumstances of how he and Olivia got together.

"She used to like me- I'm not so sure now," he says, somewhat wounded.

"Why wouldn't she like you now?" Scribbling at her legal pad, Bradshaw makes brief eye contact.

"Some things have happened in the past few months. I was going through some stuff, and I wasn't attentive to Olivia like I should have been. I don't know what Liv's told her," Fitz says, leaning back.

"Would you like to elaborate?" she says, pushing the glasses up her face.

A tired sigh escapes his lips, and Fitz leans forward: he's back to his defenses. This is his chance to get it all out. Say everything's that been plaguing him. Confidentiality is his best friend in this case.

Fitz broadcasts the events of that last night in California. At this point, he's exhausted and tired of shouldering this burden of guilt, frustration, and anger. Staring at nothing, in particular, Fitz finishes the anecdote, and she's stunned by his complete transparency. This definitely goes much deeper. And now she's equipped and knows how to help him.

"From all of that, what do you think Olivia would say- or her mother?" Dr. Bradshaw asks.

XXX

"Hey, baby," Olivia answered, seemingly irritated; that was a tell-all sign of what he is to expect when he goes home. Thank god, he offered to go grocery shopping anything to avoid her. "Can you pick up some..." Olivia looked down at the list Maya had written. It looked like she was trying to make thanksgiving dinner. "6 pieces of tilapia, cornbread mix, a bag of potatoes, collards, and the stuff on the original list I gave you this morning."

"Yea, can you text me the list? I'm not gonna remember all of that." Fitz says as he's getting in the car, "Hey, Liv, are you okay?"

Releasing a breath, "yeah, my mom-well you know her"

"Yeah," Fitz agreed in a hushed tone.

The penthouse was Olivia's home, and her apartment was his home. But when he stepped in, it didn't feel so welcoming. Harrison helped Fitz with the bags and gave him a bit of advice while doing so. The house was quiet, except for 60's jazz music playing in the background. Maya was in the kitchen, rearranging Olivia's cabinets. Olivia sat at the mahogany dining set, watching her mother move back and forth as she enjoyed a vine of grapes. She would have complained, but she's not living here at the moment, as she said earlier. Fitz walked into the kitchen a few minutes later.

Olivia pecked his cheek and whispered: "Whatever my mom says...don't take it to heart."

"I keep hearing that," he snickered, shaking his head softly.

Standing on her tiptoes, pecking his lips. "Hi." Maya didn't pay much attention to the couple, but they seemed to be doing better.

"Hi. Mhm," Fitz kissed her some more.

"The groceries...put up the groceries and meet me in the back." She broke the kiss, sauntering off towards her bedroom.

Fitz didn't spend much time in the kitchen, it wasn't big, and he didn't want Maya to say anymore to him besides "hi," and when she did, he replied and hurried off to meet Olivia.

Olivia was lying longs ways on the bed, with Coco snuggled down by her belly. Her mother would have blown steam out her ears if she saw this.

"He really likes you" Fitz sat down.

Olivia ran an affectionate hand down his cheek, "How was today? I shouldn't ask, but I'm nosy." she said.

"No, no, it's fine. Today I made progress. At least that's what the doctor said. We even talked about your mother- that's what sparked the session."

"What did you say?"

"I told her I wasn't sure if Maya still liked me," Fitz said.

"She does; she's just worried about us. It's rational; she'll be back to loving you in no time." Olivia smiled warmly.

After Olivia's physical examination, Dr. Bennet beckoned for the couple to meet her in the office. Olivia is well in her third trimester and needed to start the birthing plan. She'd already decided on a vaginal birth; the meeting was a formality to familiarize her and Fitz with a draft of their wishes. Dr. Bennet warned the eager couple that deliveries are unpredictable. Olivia could be walking down the street, and her water breaks, Fitz could be at work. The trio spent an hour ironing out the details for when she arrives at the hospital, like who will cut the cord? They were given a choice of waiting for the water to break or being induced. Both are safe unless she goes into early labor. With the current information and results of today's visit, Dr. Bennet is confident Olivia will give birth around her original due date, December 12th. Olivia liked the idea of sharing a month with her first child.

"-Are there any questions?" Bennet asks. She's been aloof since Olivia's outburst. Now strictly doing her job and nothing more. Fitz hadn't noticed he was more concerned about Olivia's results, which were better than expected. Fitz feared that Maya's unwarranted comments and slick jabs would have Olivia's pressure up; he's noticed Olivia hesitancy to spend time at the apartment.

"No," Fitz answered first.

Olivia was still reading over the pamphlet the hospital provided, along with a video. However, they forfeited the video, not wanting to freak themselves out. "How many people are allowed in the room? My mother and my best friend want to be in there, and his mom and sister" Fitz shifted uncomfortably at the mention of Sarah; he hadn't spoken with her since September.

"That shouldn't be a problem. Would you like a private room also?"

"Yes! they said in unison. "Will it have a bath or shower?"

"Yes, if you want, you can come back at a later date and tour some of our birthing rooms," she suggested; they weren't going to find the right setting unless they got a chance to be there at a less hectic time.

"Where do we set that up at?" Fitz asked.

"Talk to kate at the front desk. She'll have everything you need, and as far as this, when the time comes, everything will be in place. All you have to do is show up." she smiled,

Olivia and Fitz stood together; she cupped her belly with one hand and extended the other to Dr. Bennet. "Thank you,"

"My pleasure. I'll see you next month, and don't forget to stop by and talk to the receptionist." Bennet reminded, watching the couple leave.

XXX

Olivia and her huge belly slid into the leather seat. Sighing exhaustedly when she couldn't get the seatbelt in the buckle. "Babe, could you?" She asked sheepishly. Maya made sure to let her know she's bigger than usual, and that just proved it. Actually, It was established yesterday morning when she couldn't do a simple head-to-knee pose. Fitz flashed a smile as he reached over, handling the stubborn belt.

"What are you in the mood for?" Fitz asked as the engine roared.

Olivia cringed at the sound, "We can eat at home." Caressing her protruding stomach. "Also, we need to go car shopping." With a hint of exasperation.

Fitz frowned. He pulled out of the garage as he came to a red light. "I thought you liked this car?"

"Remember, we promised to bring my mother to the penthouse so she can see the nursery."

"Oh... we're doing that today, okay." Fitz accelerated when the light turned green. "And the car?"

"My mom wants me to buy a Prius, safer." She said, laying her head against the window.

Glancing over at Olivia, who'd started dosing off, "What color?"

Olivia didn't bother to cover her mouth when she yawned. She sat up with sleepy eyes. "Blue," she said in between another yawn.

"Okay. If you're sleepy, take a nap, and I'll call up to Maya and let her know we're downstairs."

XXX

Maya walks into the nursery, already wearing a scowl. The yellow and grey decorated room completely threw her off. She smiles at the ceramic horse sitting atop the dresser. Olivia's always been skilled in ceramics, and she's glad to see the evidence. The rest of the room is up for discussion, swiping her middle and index fingers across the bookshelf, collecting a gross amount of dust. She wonders why Olivia let Fitz solely decorate. Shaking her head, she flips off the light and exits the disappointing room.

Olivia's sitting at the island, wolfing down a ham and turkey sandwich with mayonnaise and pickles with a side of salt and vinegar chips. Fitz was a the sink washing leftover dishes from this morning, thinking Olivia's appetite has increased substantially. This morning Olivia ate three whole pancakes, two slices of bacon, and sausage. Not to mention she was picking off his plate when he got up to fetch her another glass of apple juice. She thought he missed that. But all he could was smile at the sight; his baby is growing.

Looking at her mother as she sat down, Olivia swallowed the last bite of the sandwich. "Did you like it? We're waiting for the birth to find out, so we wanted something neutral."

"It's very modern," she replied. Glaring at a sleeping dog. "Good job, Fitzgerald."

Fitz turns around, leaning against the sink, smirking. "Good, do you want anything, Olivia?"

Glancing at the two, there was some silent fighting going on here. Olivia cleared her throat, pushing back from the island. "No, I'm full."

At her nod, Fitz grabbed coco's lease and called for him to follow. On the ranch, coco could just run outside and do his business in the grove outback. City life has been a big change for the dog. When the elevator door shut with Fitz and Coco inside.

Olivia turned to her mother. "Mom can you give Fitz a break, his dad just died, and he's devastated."

"And I understand that-"

"No, you don't, or you wouldn't be going out of your way to make him feel like crap. Mom, you need to show him the same kindness you showed me. I'm asking you to stop- the little jabs are unnecessary and rude, especially in this house. Please, mom," Olivia said before dismissing herself to the bedroom.

"Hello, Fitzgerald," Dr. Bradshaw greeted.

"Fitz is fine, but Hello." sighing silently, thinking about how many times he's had to remind her.

Dr. Bradshaw analyzed Fitz's demeanor and body language. Last week by the end of their session Fitz was relaxed. Sitting up, attentive, somethings changed in the previous five days. The Brunette balanced the notepad on her knee. She observed the man sitting across from her. He seems nervous; she'd wonder how they would cover today. In her profession, men often retreated after opening up, a societal flaw. But one, she knew she could get past with Fitz.

"How was your week? Let's start there."

His sigh was a mixture of angst and ennui—a week. One week and Maya's managed to annoy him at every turn.

"Um..." he was stumped,

"Three words to describe your week" a technique that was quite effective.

"Long, Disturbed, and mistake."

Ruby leaned back in her seat, absorbing his choice of words, questions- so many questions. She knew today would be a step in the right direction.

"Why do you say disturbed, I already have an idea, but I want to know what that means to you," she said.

"Maya, she has Critiques about everything, from what Olivia eats to how she sits. She hates our dog. The nursery and the fact that we're living together."

"What has she said to you."

"The first night after, I left here. We're sitting down eating dinner, and she abruptly brings up my...problem." She knew what he was referring to.

"And when Olivia asked her to chill, she didn't. I don't remember her disliking me this much; when we met, she loved me, or maybe that was when she thought I was perfect."

"Ok, I'm guessing mistake...was?"

"I shouldn't have pushed Olivia away. I fell down on the job, and now she doesn't trust me," he says, crossing one leg over the other.

"Do you see Olivia as an obligation?" Dr. Bradshaw pushes. She wants to dive deeper into this.

"No- I see her as a partner. Someone I want to marry someday" Fitz narrows his gaze at her. He doesn't like her tone.

Ruby Bradshaw stopped scribbling and looked at him, his tone was defensive, and he seemed angered by the question. "You and Olivia are expecting in two months, correct?" At his nod, she continued. "It's normal to be stressed and overwhelmed. when you left Washington, what was going through your head?"

Fitz dropped his sad but serene eyes to his lap and answered, "I needed peace."

"And did you find it?" she asked, twirling the pen in her hand.

"I came back, didn't I? and since I've been back, I haven't left her side once."

"Ah, I see. I want to give you homework. It's simple. I think you should go to the office tomorrow- I know you've been working from home but go in."

"How will that help me with my mother-in-law?"

Ruby arched an eyebrow at him and made a note of his comment. "That's enough for today; I want you to go to the office; it'll help you get away from home and get into work mode. It may be therapeutic." She said ironically

Now it was his turn to wiggle his brows.

"You thrive there; you're a lawyer. It's something you know how to do, and you do it well. Until next week" Dr. Bradshaw smiled warmly, ushering Fitz out and her next patient in.

XXX

Seven and a half months pregnant, and the gallery is still a high priority for her. Her mother advised against it, but Olivia has been working on sculptures for months. And everything with the Grant family has been challenging. So far, Fitz seems to be in a good enough place. They have yet to hear from Sarah, but Mary is doing better. She's been tied up with the Santa Barbara firm. So Olivia's finally taking advantage of this normal day and turning it into an impressive night.

"Liv, are you alright?" Billy asked, looking rightfully concerned. Olivia was seated on the edge of a display pedestal.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine," Olivia answered between breaths. "I just needed a breather."

"Do you need water, juice?"

Olivia stood up, waving her hand dismissively. "Thanks, Billy. I need some air."

"Okay, well, feel free to rest; I have everything under control," billy promised, still not comfortable with her pushing and pulling on sculpture carts.

31 weeks

He awoke the next day as his alarm clock let out a monotonous but loud beep. Fitz rolled out of bed, careful not to wake Olivia. She's exhausted. Last night was phenomenal and very long. When they got home, they were drained, but Fitz promised himself he would go into the office today. And it's progress; he's starting to heal.

Fitz relieved himself and then picked out a suit for the day. And got dressed in the dark so that he wouldn't disturb sleeping beauty. Unfortunately, the little one was pressing down on her bladder.

"Good morning," Fitz called out as Olivia ran to the bathroom.

"Better- good morning, babe" Olivia cupped his face with her wet hands and kissed him.

"C'mon Liv," he groaned. Wiping his wet cheeks

"It's water," she said, laughing as she climbed back into bed. "What time will you be home?" Olivia had gotten used to Fitz being home all day.

"I'll try to leave earlier so that I can cook dinner."

"You don't have to. I'll do it...what do you wanna eat?"

"I'll surprise-you. And don't forget to walk Coco" Fitz kissed her lips and then her belly. "Take it easy on your mommy today."

She giggled and pushed his head away. "I love you, now go be a lawyer" Olivia rested her hand on her tummy, tracing wide circles. "Oh, we're hungry, huh?"

XXX

The senior partners were summoned to the conference room. Everyone was in attendance, and then Fitzgerald Grant, the managing partner. Happened to look down the row of senior partners and laid his eyes on the junior associate occupying Hollis Doyle's seat.

"Where is Hollis?" Fitz directed his question to the associate.

Leaning across the table, "uh- sir, he asked me to sit in for him" He stuttered.

"You can tell Hollis second-year associates don't sit in partner meetings- so you're dismissed." Fitz nodded his head of wavy brown curls towards the door. And Tod excused himself.

Everyone turned from the door back to Mr. Grant. The usually-easy-going-give-everyone-a-second-chance-Fitz.

"Let's get on with this" Fitz opened his laptop.

Getting over their initial shock, the partners opened their files and updated him on the firm's recent clients.

"We're looking at a lawsuit against Humana, and they're looking to settle. But I think we can fight it," Turner spoke up.

"Not in court we won't- settle and we better still have a client afterward. I don't want the media getting wind of this." He said firmly. And then dismissed his colleagues.

Later on in the day, Hollis Doyle finally showed up. He stepped into Mr. Grant's office with Mitchell hot on his tail. He heard the absurd and ridiculous southern accent before the man stepped through the door.

Mitchell pushed ahead of Hollis and apologized for the interrupter

"...that's alright, Mitchell, reschedule my next appointment."

"Fitzy, how you been. So sorry to hear about cha daddy" Doyle perched himself down in front of Fitz.

"What the hell was that this morning, sending your associate to your partner meetings."

"Oh, come on now- I had a breakfast meeting. Down there over on 16th. But I'm glad you made time in your schedule for little ole me" he cleared his throat. "I think it's time we talk about the other name- that little Grant, Grant stunt Jerry pulled was nice and all...but my position should be an elevated-name partner."

Piercing blue eyes glare from under thick black lashes, Fitz folded his hands above his head and leaned back. "I'm not making you a name partner, and you trying to strong-arm me into doing so...isn't going to happen. Both names are staying up there." He shrugged and held out his hand "you're welcome to retire. You are getting up in age" he snickered at that last part.

Hollis fumes, rising slightly out of his chair and shaking his finger menacingly, "You'll regret this boy." Hollis snarled.

Ok, I promise we are going to meet our baby soon. I know I've been vague about the baby's gender. But if you all wanna take a guess, have at it. Have a nice night or day and stay safe. I hope y'all enjoy the read.