Chapter 38

FYI: Discussion about postpartum depression in this chapter.

"How is Atlanta?"

"Hate it!" Abby whined. "I want to be back in DC. All of this Atlanta hype is bullshit."

Olivia chuckled. "How's Stephen?"

"Working a lot as usual," Abby answered.

"What about you? Did you start easing into the firm yet?"

"Nope. I didn't give up my job in DC. I just put in for a leave of absence. I'm not staying here, Liv."

"Abbigale! Did you tell Stephen about the leave of absence?"

"No, because it will make him all nervous and shit. He loves being the boss."

"Oh, Abby. You should tell him. Secrets are not good for a relationship. I know."

"On another note…Stephen and I had sex in his office the other night. That was fun."

Olivia chuckled. "Don't try to deflect, Abs."

"It was hot and steamy. Do you want the details?"

"No, but you need to have a serious conversation with your fiancé."

"Fine. How is the housewarming planning going?"

"Good. I have a planner so I'm not lifting a finger. It's going to be small. Just family and close friends."

"Marcus coming?"

"Fitz insisted, yes."

"Good, I can tell him to get his shit together so he can move his whack ass back here."

Olivia laughed. "You're a mess."

"Where are you headed? Sounds like you're driving." Abby asked.

"To the doctor's office."

"Everything ok?"

"Fitz wants a baby."

"Just Fitz…where do you stand on it?"

"I don't know, Abs. I saw Makayla the other day."

"Wait…hold up…You saw Makayla? Did she speak to you?"

"She didn't look good, Abs. Her hair wasn't done and she looked like she just woke up and walked out of the house. You know Makayla never went anywhere without a full face of makeup."

"Wow…I wonder what happened? Oh yeah, I know…she fucked a man and trapped him with a kid and now he doesn't give a fuck."

"She has postpartum depression."

"Ohhhhhh my bad. Not sure what it is but that's not going to happen to you, Liv."

"A significant number of women suffer from it after their pregnancy."

"Liv, please don't deprive your husband of carrying on his legacy because of Makayla."

"I'm not saying no to having kids. I'm just hesitant right now."

"Makayla's life is not yours and if something like that happens to you, you'll have the support of a loving and caring husband."

Olivia smiled. "You're right, bestie."

"I know I am."

"I can't wait to see you. I miss you so much. We have plenty of room at the house so don't even think about getting a hotel room."

"Awesome. I can't wait, bestie. See you soon."

"Byeeeeee." Olivia chimed.

X

Olivia slung her purse over her shoulder, stepping out of her new car, walking toward the doctor's office. Her hands shook when she signed her name on the paper inside the office. She found an empty seat next to a woman who was reading a magazine and cradling her large belly. Olivia pulled the pamphlet on the table that read 'What to expect when you're expecting.'

"First baby." The woman asked, turning to Olivia.

"Oh, no, just thinking about it."

The woman patted her stomach. "Third one for me."

"Really, how far along are you?"

"Seven months."

"How is the pregnancy so far?"

"So far so good. We were on our anniversary trip nine months ago. Too many tequilas and a lot of sex." The woman chuckled.

Olivia smiled. "I'll be celebrating my anniversary with my husband in a few months."

"Perfect time to make a baby." The woman grinned.

"Olivia Grant." The nurse called.

Olivia stood and walked toward the nurse, looking back at the woman. "Congratulations on the baby."

"Thank you. Enjoy the baby-making process."

X

"Hi, Olivia." Dr. Young, said sitting down at the computer, typing rapidly. "What brings you in today?"

Olivia folded the hem of her blouse, looking away. "I wanted to discuss having a baby."

"Ok. Have you started trying for a baby?" Dr. Young asked Olivia, placing her hand on her knee, stopping it from going up and down.

"No, not yet. I'm still on birth control."

"The first step would be to remove your birth control."

"How quickly does someone conceive after coming off of birth control?"

"It depends. Every woman is different. I recommend women try the natural way for at least a year before starting any interventions. Your young and healthy, Olivia. Once the IUD is out, have lots of sex with your husband." Dr. Young patted her knee, with a smile.

Olivia smiled. "What about postpartum depression?"

"Does depression run in your family? Have you ever experienced any signs or symptoms of depression?"

"I have a friend…she has it."

"It doesn't happen to every woman. We use a scale that measures a woman's emotions after she delivers. Based on the responses we can tell if she is experiencing signs of postpartum depression. Some women may show signs after they leave the hospital that's why I encourage all my patients to come back for their six-week appointment. I wouldn't concern yourself about it right now. Stress doesn't help when you're trying to conceive. It hinders your libido."

"My anniversary is coming up so I was thinking that would be a good time to start. I'm doubtful it will happen on the first try." Olivia shrugged.

"I know plenty of women who've conceived on their first try. It can happen. Let's schedule your next appointment one month before your anniversary. How does that sound?"

"Sounds good."

"If you have any other questions or concerns. Give me a call."

"Ok. Will do. Dr. Young. Thank you."

Olivia gathered her belongings and walked out of the doctor's office. Excitement radiated through her and she skipped to her car, wishing Abby was still in DC. This was a moment she wanted to share with her best friend. She reached inside her purse for her phone, dialing her husband, but quickly hung up. She would surprise him on their anniversary. She slipped inside her Porsche Cayenne and unconsciously placed her hand on her stomach.

X

Olivia whizzed through the house checking each room, making sure it was in tip-top shape. The cleaning had been there the day before and the house sparkled. She stepped inside the kitchen and observed Ace putting the finishing touch on the hors d'oeuvres and the rest of the food.

"How does everything look, Mrs. Grant?" Ace asked with his back to Olivia, plating the remainder of the spinach quiches.

"Everything looks really nice."

"Great."

Olivia shifted one of the trays on the counter.

"I have staff for that." Ace reassured Olivia. "Try to relax."

Relax. She tried her hardest but this was their first major event at the new house and despite knowing that everything was going to be fine she was still nervous. She walked inside the living room and found Fitz staring at the oversized wedding picture hanging on the wall. Before she entered the room, he smelled her floral perfume, turning to her. He took a sip from the glass in his hand before offering her some. She pushed the glass to her and chuckled. Olivia hated scotch. Every now and then she would take a sip from his glass.

Fitz sat the glass on a coaster and walked closer to the picture. "This is my favorite picture."

She stood behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist, resting her head on his back. "Why?"

"It's our first kiss as husband and wife."

Olivia smiled. "You're my something special."

He turned in her arms, cupping her cheeks, kissing her deep.

Within seconds the doorbell rang.

"Butterbean." Diana squealed, hugging Fitz as soon as he opened the door. "It's been so long."

He eased from her tight grip. "Mom, the nickname."

"Oh, boy hush," Diana said, sashaying inside, setting her black Chanel purse on the table, eyeing the grand foyer. "This is exquisite, Fitzgerald."

"Hi, grandson." Pearl extended her arms, slowly moving through the doorway.

"Grandma, it's so good to see you."

"Yes, Fitz. You haven't been to California in a while."

"I know. I'm going to make a trip soon. Work has been quite busy."

"Don't work yourself into a grave." Pearl patted him on the chest, squeezing his hand with her free hand. "Where is your lovely wife?"

Fitz pointed in no particular direction. "She's around here somewhere."

"It's so big. I feel like I'll get lost." Pearl said. Fitz wrapped his arm around hers and slowly guided her through the house. "Let me show you around."

Olivia appeared from the kitchen. "Diane…Pearl…how are you?"

Diane extended her arms to Olivia, embracing her. "Wonderful. Your home is beautiful."

"Thank you," Olivia responded.

Olivia quickly walked to where Pearl and Fitz stood. "Pearl, how are you?"

"Wonderful, my dear. How are you?"

"Good."

"I was just telling my grandson that he was due for a visit in California. Will you be able to join him?"

Olivia eyed Fitz. "Sure. Did he give you a date?"

"Maybe one of the holidays." Pearl held out her hand for Fitz.

"Ok. We'll make it work."

The doorbell chimed again and Olivia opened the door. "Mom, Dad." She yelped, falling into their arms.

"Livvie," Maya said, handing her two large gift bags.

"Mom, what's this?"

"All of the essentials for your first home."

"Mom we didn't do a registry."

"I know, but there are certain things you need."

Olivia glanced inside the bag and saw several of her favorite desserts. Desserts. "Ohhh, mom, thank you."

"Mmmhmm. I didn't think you would refuse."

Olivia pointed. "Dad, Fitz is over there somewhere with the guys."

Eli kissed the top of her head. "You did good, Livvie."

Olivia grabbed Maya's hand. "Let me show you around."

The doorbell chimed as visitors flooded the Grant home, mingling and exploring. Music filled the home while hors d'oeuvres and the finest selections of food were passed by white-gloved catering staff.

X

Marcus couldn't keep his eyes off Emily. She sat with her legs crossed, laughing and leaning her shoulder against her new boyfriend. He couldn't stop staring. Anger suffused his face and his body tensed as he watched her boyfriend peck her on the lips. Annoyed with the displays of affection, he stood and walked inside the kitchen, circling around the island, mumbling. Emily strolled inside the kitchen, ignoring him, reaching inside the freezer for ice. When she closed the door, they were standing face to face.

"You move fast." He smirked.

She took two steps back, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "Having fun playing daddy?"

Marcus sighed, glancing at the black granite countertop. "I was going to get things settled with the baby and come back for you."

Emily laughed. "Come back for me? I made it very clear in Atlanta we were done."

"I deserve a second chance, Ems. He's not even your type."

"No. We…are…done!"

"We were good together and you know it."

Emily slid her hand down his cheek. "We were, but you fucked it up and now you're my past. Trent is my future. Focus on your kid."

"Is there a problem?" A husky voice asked.

Emily turned on her heels. "Oh, hey, Trent, this is Marcus. Remember, I told you about him."

"Trent Vanguard." He said, extending his right hand to Marcus.

"Marcus." He mumbled, shaking Trent's hand firmly.

Trent placed his arm around Emily's waist, hugging her into him, looking at Marcus, he placed a deep kiss on her lips. "Come on sweetheart, your brother was starting to tell us about the house in Aruba."

Emily took one last look over her shoulder at Marcus and walked out of the kitchen with Trent. His anger got the best of him and he quickly found Fitz and Olivia, said goodbye, and left the party.

X

Olivia's parents had retired to their room. Pearl and Diana had settled in as well. Leaving just the couples in the large living room. Olivia pressed her back against Fitz's chest as he whispered all of the things he was going to do to her later. She blushed, sliding his silver wedding band up and down his finger. Stephen had pulled Abby on his lap, kissing the side of her neck. Alyssa and Harrison were slow dancing to the soft music that played through the speakers. Huck and Quinn stood next to the window talking to each other. Trent and Emily were in a full-blown make-out session in the corner by the bookcase. Everyone was lost in their own world. Olivia looked around at her friends and smiled. An idea popped in her head and she whispered it to Fitz. He gave a lopsided grin and nodded his head in agreement.

"Hey, I have an idea," Olivia announced.

All of the couples stopped what they were doing and looked at the Grants.

"What's up, bestie?" Abby asked.

"In a couple of months, we're celebrating our anniversary in Aruba. This is your invitation to join us."

"Wait, at the house in Aruba?" Emily asked looking at Fitz then at Trent.

"Yeah," Fitz answered, trailing his fingers up Olivia's arm.

"We're in," Stephen answered immediately.

"Trent, babe, what do you think? Can you get time off from work?" Emily asked.

"For you sweetheart, yes."

"I'll have to get someone else for security, but we should be ok," Huck said.

Alyssa placed her lips on Harrison's, whispering. "Harry, can you get the time off?"

"Absolutely," Harrison answered.

Olivia smiled. "Then it's set. We'll take care of everything."

Fitz leaned over and grabbed the remote control for the surround sound stereo system, turning up the music. John Legend 'So High' started playing. Fitz softly crooned the words in Olivia's ear…forgetting they had guests, losing himself in his wife's eyes. He linked his fingers with Olivia's and lifted her from the couch, bringing her flush against him. Trailing his fingers down her cheek, kissing her gently, they moved rhythmically slow with the beat. Olivia tilted her head back as Fitz sung to her. Her arms wrapped around his neck, playfully twisting her fingers in his curls. His hands roamed every curve as the song reached the last verse and he whispered, "this is how love supposed to be…let's go to the moon baby…so high." Light clapping resounded in the room when the song ended, Fitz and Olivia looked at their friend's smiling, realizing they were lost in the moment…lost in each other.

X

Marcus slouched in the seat of his car, reading through old text messages from Emily, contemplating if he should delete them or keep them on his phone. Emily made it very clear the relationship was over. Flaunting her new man in his face. His heart felt like it had been broken into a million pieces. He swiped left and pressed his finger on the small red garbage can deleting all of the messages. He exited the vehicle and walked up to Makayla's door, knocking lightly. He was shocked by her appearance. Her hair was in a long ponytail, soft makeup illuminated her face and she wore a pair of tight blue jeans with a white shirt that allowed her breast to stand round and plump. "Going somewhere?" He asked.

"Nope. Just felt like getting dressed."

"Oh. What happened to the sweats and the pajama pants?"

Makayla shrugged. "MJ is sleep. Do you want something to drink?"

"Water is fine."

Makayla handed him a bottle of water and eased on the couch, cradling a pillow in her arms. "Can we talk?"

"Are you kicking me out?" He chuckled, sitting several feet away from her.

"No. I told you, you can stay as long as you like."

"Thank you. I would rather not crash at my parent's. I should have a new place by the end of the month."

"It's fine." Makayla fiddled with the gold fringes on the pillow. "I have postpartum depression."

"What?"

"Postpartum depression. It's a form of depression that can happen to women after their pregnancy."

"Is that why you've been crying so much?"

"Yes. I didn't know what was wrong and I kept putting off my six-week appointment because MJ takes up so much of my time. I finally went to the doctor's and told her what was going on."

"And?"

"She prescribed a medication that I've been taking and it's helping."

"Is there anything I can do?"

"Some days may be harder than others. Can you help with MJ more?"

"I thought I did enough."

"Never mind."

"I didn't mean it like that…what else do you need me to do?"

"Maybe your parents can help me while you're at work."

Marcus shrugged. "I can talk to them."

"I know I owe your mom an apology and I will call her."

Marcus nodded.

"You seem sad," Makayla said, placing the pillow back on the couch.

"It's nothing." He stood, tossing the water bottle inside the garbage can. "I'm going to go lay down."

"Did you see Emily?"

He paused his movements, "what?"

"Emily, did you see her. You two were dating right?"

"How did you know I was dating her?"

"Your phone. You left it open the other night and I read your text messages."

"Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse."

Makayla crossed her arms in front of her chest. "I only did it to see if you were taking MJ around other women."

"I don't take him around other women, Makayla. You could have asked me if you were concerned."

Makayla plopped on the couch. "I'm sorry, Marcus…for everything."

"My relationship with Emily is over. It's for the best." He took a few steps toward the second bedroom and stopped again. "You know what…how about you pack everything up and move to Atlanta?"

"Are you insane?"

"Probably. But what do you have to lose?"

"Nothing really. I'm not working." She answered, shrugging.

"Then say yes." He turned, facing her fully. "We'll figure out the logistics and make sure you have a really good doctor. I have a place in Atlanta already. You can stay with me if you want or you can stay in one of the corporate apartments until I find you a place to live."

"Maybe I'll get my friend back."

"Who…Olivia?"

"Yeah…Ok, fine I'll do it."

"Good." He swung his jacket over his shoulder. "By the way…thanks."

Marcus lifted his cell phone from his pocket and sent a quick text message.

Makayla agreed to move to Atlanta.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Things are moving nicely for the Grants. They have a house. Their anniversary trip is up next. Who did Marcus text? There is a clue. Could it be…

Olivia? She's concerned about Makayla.

Abby? She wants to move back to DC.

Stephen? Maybe he knows that Abby doesn't want to be in DC.

Fitz? Marcus is costing him money and not showing up to work on time.

Gerry? Is he up to something from behind bars?

Ps. Makayla will be fine. This is a good thing for her. Marcus will do the right thing for her and the baby. I know how this story ends and we are getting close. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. I love interacting with all of you on Twitter and FF about the story. Check out my Twitter for pictures of the house.