The lawn of the Farm Neck Golf Club in Oaks Bluff had been decked out with several hundred white chairs and a simple floral altar with a canopy. Once the ceremony ended, guest would be shepherded into the big air conditioned tent once again, for a breakfast reception. The guests had begun to arrive at 8:00 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. start time. The weather was cooperating so far. It was going to be a beautiful day.

Olivia sat in a chair in the ladies lounge at the golf club staring at her reflection in the mirror set up in front of her. The make-up artist was applying concealer while the hairstylist worked her natural curls into a simple updo. Only for Harrison would she agree to be a bridesmaid in this wedding, she thought. She and Veronique were friends, but they weren't close. She'd expected her to ask her closest friends to stand with her on her special day and was taken by surprise when she asked. She really wanted to politely decline, but she loved Harry like a brother. So here she was, at 6:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning, getting glammed up for his big day.

She stifled a yawn and then took a sip of the Lapsang Souchong tea that she'd requested, thinking about one of the reasons that she didn't get much sleep. It would have been apparent to anyone that knew her that she wasn't herself. She smiled because she couldn't seem to get him out of her head.

She had spent a restless night, tossing and turning, then finally getting out of bed after having a recurring dream about…Fitzgerald Grant! In it, they were in bed together, limbs entwined, while his mouth explored every inch of her body. The visions were erotic, frightening and highly inappropriate, especially considering she didn't know this man and for a woman engaged to be married.

Olivia yawned again prompting the make-up artist to laugh and comment, "looks like somebody partied a little late last night." She returned her smile but didn't respond. No, she hadn't partied all night, but she was tired. Closing her eyes, Olivia's thoughts went back to last night's rehearsal dinner, meeting Fitzgerald Grant and the confrontation with her parents. She was still ashamed of her behavior and blamed it on exhaustion. That was certainly part of it, but there were other reasons.

Seeing Raquel Fletcher, Garrett's ex, wasn't a surprise, but her presence this weekend disturbed Olivia's peace. They had dated for a few years after Olivia and Garrett had decided to call it quits while they attended different law schools. Raquel was the ex-girlfriend who always turned up like an unwanted penny. True, they traveled in the same circles and had mutual friends, but Olivia was almost positive that she was not an invited guest to the wedding, because Harry knew how she felt about the woman. Somehow she'd managed to show up as the date of Congressman David Woodson and spent most of the evening watching Garrett's every move and when she wasn't doing that, she actually found more than one occasion to be in the couple's presence, and it pissed Olivia off.

She wasn't insecure, and she was always cordial, but Olivia was tired of Raquel Lewis insinuating herself into their lives, and tired of Garrett ignoring it. He was too damn passive about everything that woman did. That entire relationship had been one firestorm after another. Jealousy fueled Raquel's actions more times than not, but each time she'd offered a tearful and sincere apology, he'd welcomed her back into his life with open arms. When Olivia and Garrett found their way back to one another, and then became engaged, Raquel became insufferable. Olivia had told him on more than one occasion that he was sending mixed signals and that he needed address the woman's behavior. He should've taken care of their Raquel problem a long time ago, but deep down she knew he really didn't want to.

Olivia didn't have the energy to deal with Garrett or Raquel to today. She was exhausted, and she just wanted to spend a quiet week with her fiancé and her family, and finally getting some needed sleep. After the past month and a half of working nonstop on the merger contract that she finally finished, she just wanted to relax.

For the past eight weeks she had been working on a large merger between two of the largest banks in the DC area. Of course Garrett wasn't happy because she'd been spending so much time in her office, although as a topflight attorney with the Justice Department, his cases took him around the world, and she never complained. But it wasn't lost on her that due to their crazy and always full schedules, they were spending less and less time together.

She had been burning the candle at both ends in an effort to complete the bank merger which meant coming home every night, dead on her feet and being accused of allowing the firm to work her to death. He of all people should've understood the challenge and the pace of being on the partner track. She loved being a part of Fleming Law and she knew that if she slacked off, somebody else's name would be on the partner list.

He constantly reminded her that she could make twice as much money somewhere else, and he was correct, but this wasn't about the money. Fleming Law specialized in corporate mergers. It was a small firm but so well respected, it could afford to pick and choose its clients. The staff was predominately women, and Valerie Fleming was a demanding boss, she was fair, treated everyone equally and never took credit for the work done by her associates.

Garrett had made it clear that he wanted his future wife's career to be as prestigious as his. She wanted to please him but lately, and she had no idea why, the more status she acquired for herself at Fleming Law, the less comfortable she was trying to fit into his box. She was tired of her career and accomplishments playing second chair to his. She loved Garrett. He treated her well and would be a good provider for the family they'd planned to have, but was that enough. Everyone was constantly pointing out to her that he was a great catch but if Olivia was being honest with herself, she'd admit that she had been feeling out of sorts about their relationship for some time.

After almost two months, all of her hard work paid off because before she left the office on Tuesday, to begin her mini vacation on the Vineyard, Valerie had called her into her office.

"You did a superb job on the bank merger, Olivia."

"Thank you."

"In fact, you've done so well, I'm considering you for partner."

Her jaw dropped. Although she'd been wanting the partnership, hearing that she was nearly there left her in shock.

"Not like you to be speechless, Olivia."

"Not like you gave me a clue, Valerie."

Valerie laughed, "I'm considering you because you not only work hard, but you're fearless as well."

"I'm honored by your faith in me, Valerie."

"It's a faith you've earned."

Outwardly, Olivia was a presented a sturdy calm. Inside however, she was jumping up and down like a kid on Christmas.

Later, on her way home, she called Garrett with her good news.

He picked up, "hey babe, how are you?"

"I'm fine, babe. How are you?"

"On my way to a meeting, so this call has to be quick."

"Valerie told me this afternoon that she's considering me for partner."

"Considering? Not recommending? You do know those are two different things, don't you, Olivia?

"I do, Garrett."

"Well let me know when the latter precedes the former."

So much for my good news, Olivia thought to herself. "Okay, babe, I'll let you get to your meeting. I'm just keeping you in the loop. See you at home later. I love you, bye."

"Love you too, Liv." She ended the call and for the first time in weeks made it home before the sun had set for the evening.

They had agreed to take a break from any cases that weren't urgent and to hand off any others to capable associates so that they could attend the wedding this weekend and stay a few extra days, relaxing and finally setting a date for their wedding. The plan was to remain on the island and not have to worry about rushing back to D.C. Both had been getting flack from their parents, their mothers specifically, about setting a wedding date. The two women were getting antsy, and his mother was being downright pushy. So they decided that they would take the time to study and compare their calendars and finally settle on three dates to give their mothers. She had to stop dragging her feet, because those two ladies wouldn't stop asking.

"Okay Olivia, we're finished," she heard the makeup artist say. She opened her eyes and looked at herself in the mirror. The women had done a great job. "I love it! Thank you, ladies!"

"No, thank you for being so easy to work with," the hairstylist responded.

Olivia stood and walked to the dressing room where their dresses, shoes and bouquets had been placed. She found her dress and took a seat. It was only seven o' clock so she had time. She took another sip of the now tepid tea and closed her eyes again.

Fitzgerald Grant. Of course she knew who he was. He and Harry were good friends and he had co-hosted Harrison's bachelor party, which her fiancé had attended. Olivia had seen the magazine and New York Society page articles about the young, handsome and brash, architectural designer Grant son, known as the "twenty-first century Frank Lloyd Wright." He was very good at what he did.

When Garrett had walked up to their table, with Fitzgerald Grant in tow, it took all of the social training she'd endured over the years for her to keep from staring. Her mouth was suddenly dry. It seemed as though everything happened in slow motion. The pictures in the magazines and the newspapers did him no justice. He was about six-two or six-three, with sandy blonde hair and a crooked smile, which made his striking blue eyes sparkle and crinkle at the edges. She listened to the introductions and watched him out of the corner of the eye until Garrett said her name. When he reached out a large hand to greet her, his voice reminded her of the ocean, deep and soothing. She looked into his face and after several seconds she found her voice, and quickly remembering her manners, she returned his greeting.

"Fitz, why don't you join us? We were just being entertained by my husband and his awful jokes," she'd heard Jacqueline Davis say.

She was grateful when he declined the invitation. Meeting Fitzgerald Grant in the flesh had had a visceral effect on her. Heart racing, she felt as if every sense, every nerve was suddenly jolted awake when they looked into each other's eyes and he took her hand. There was no way she could sit next to him and hide the attraction she felt the moment he looked at her.

The sound of voices brought her out of her musings and back to reality. The dressing room was now filled with all eight bridesmaids and two flower girls. It was now 7:30 a.m. and everyone needed to be dressed and in place by 8:45 a.m. As far as Olivia was concerned, it couldn't start soon enough. She was half listening to Hayes's girlfriend's idle chatter, until she said something that caught her attention. Tamara had innocently asked the same question that her mother had asked at the rehearsal dinner and Olivia's reaction was so out of character, it now had her parents worried about her.

"So Libby, have you and Garrett decided on any dates? Or at least where you'd like to get married? Do you know if you want a big or small wedding?" her mother asked.

Olivia was glad that her parents, sister and brother-in-law were currently the only occupants at the table. The Davis' were on the dance floor, and Garrett, well he was somewhere around. It disturbed her that she didn't know where. She knew that attending this wedding weekend would bring on the inevitable questions about her and Garrett's wedding, but tonight she just wasn't in the mood to answer them. So when her mother asked her the same questions for the five hundredth time, she snapped.

"No mother, the answer's the same to your questions as they've been the last one hundred times you asked and I wish you would leave me the hell alone about my wedding!" She knew she'd gone too far as soon as the words left her mouth.

Maya cut an eye at Olivia, her stare noting her displeasure with her daughter's curt tone.

Everyone was quiet, holding a collective breath. Cicely's and August's gazes went back and forth between Olivia and her parents, waiting to see who would jump first.

Olivia suddenly tensed, her eyes widening. "I didn't mean to say it like that," she mumbled, lips quivering, and already feeling remorseful. Her eyes moved from one parent to the other. Her father had shifted forward in his chair while her mother had glared at her. "I apologize, that was very rude of me."

Maya nodded. "It was downright disrespectful and I expect better than that from you. Your father and I did not raise you and your sister to speak to anyone in that way."

"Don't let it happen again," Eli Pope said. "You know how to speak to your mother."

"Yes, I know," Olivia nodded. "I really am sorry." She turned her gaze to her sister, suddenly wishing she could find a hole to crawl into. Damn, how old am I, she thought, feeling very small under the scrutiny of her parents.

Breaking the tension, August wrapped his arm around her shoulder, laughing he said, "It's okay Libby, we all know you didn't mean it."

Olivia gave her sister another look. Deep down she had really meant it this time, and her sister knew it. Cicely smiled and winked at her.

Apologizing again, Olivia stood and announced to everyone that she was going to go and get some air. (and maybe find her fiancé) Grabbing her glass of wine and her wrap, she turned and walked towards the exit of the tent.

She had been sitting alone, replaying what had just happened with her parents in her head, when Fitzgerald Grant approached her. They had talked, and he'd admitted to watching her most of the evening. Strangely it didn't feel creepy. Maybe it was because he had a natural charisma that was impossible to resist, and that put her at ease. Whatever it was, she was just starting to enjoy his company when her sister walked up and announced that they were leaving. Reluctantly she said her goodbyes and turned to leave, but not before getting one last look at that face and that smile.

Her sister was waiting for her near the entrance.

"You good?" she asked.

"Yeah I'm fine." She saw her parents huddled in conversation with one of her father's former law partners.

"Are they still angry with me?" Olivia asked.

"They weren't angry," her sister assured her. "Mom's just worried. You know how she is. And you snapping at her didn't help. Now she's even more concerned."

"I didn't mean for that to happen, it just slipped."

"Yeah you were being a little sensitive. Do you want to talk about it?"

Olivia shrugged. "Not really. I'm just ready to get this weekend over with. I need to focus on something other than bridesmaid's luncheons and gowns.

Cicely laughed softly. "It really isn't so bad Libby. By noon tomorrow, your duties as a bridesmaid will be officially over."

They both laughed until Olivia looked at her sister and said, "How you managed to avoid being asked to be a bridesmaid is beyond me."

Her sister replied, "Simple. She went for the sister that she knew she could easily guilt into saying 'yes.'

They were still laughing when their mother approached them.

Olivia smiled. "You still love me?"

Maya stepped closer, palmed her youngest daughter's face in her hands, and kissed her forehead before responding, "Always."

The three women smiled at each other and the rest of their conversation was thankfully, calm and easy.

"Are you staying with us tonight?" Maya asked Olivia.

"No, but I could use a ride to the Inn. The shuttle's picking me up at five tomorrow morning to take me to the club for hair and makeup."

Maya made a face. "I don't' know what possessed those two to get married at nine in the morning. I hope you and Garrett…" She stopped mid sentence after seeing the look on Olivia's face.

"Well plan on lunch next week. I want to make sure you're really okay."

Olivia smiled, exchanging a look with her sister.

"Okay mom."

They watched as their mother turned and walked away.

Cicely turned to Olivia with a sly grin on her face, "Okay little sister, you still haven't told me what you and that sexy Mr. Fitzgerald Grant were talking about when I walked up."

Rolling her eyes and not saying a word, Olivia walked off in the same direction as their mother, but she heard her sister when she said, "that's okay, you'll tell me eventually." She laughed, as she followed Olivia toward the exit.

Garrett hadn't returned when she walked into their room so Olivia was left alone with her thoughts. Undressing and then cleansing the light makeup from her face, she began to relive every single detail of her encounter with Fitzgerald Grant from the moment to she'd met him. It all seemed like a dream, a dream that she wasn't so sure she wanted to wake up from.

Ignoring Tamara, Olivia concentrated on the photographer, who had began to slowly move around the room snapping photo after photo of Veronique and her bridal party as they completed the finishing touches on their makeup and hair. It was an extravaganza of ivory colored lace and pale pink silk chiffon. Olivia moved around as the photographer asked and it wasn't long before the wedding coordinator interrupted the moment.

"It's time ladies. This wedding will start on time," she said, in a commanding tone. Olivia paused to take one last look at her reflection in the floor length mirror. As they moved out of the room, in the direction of the waiting area, she smiled to herself at how successful she'd been at avoiding answering Tamara's question.

X

The guests, entertained by a jazz band, were seated in semi-circular rows around a central aisle. All seats gave everyone a good view of the bridal party as they made their entrance.

The warm-up act was followed by a well known jazz artist who sang a couple of songs that brought some people to tears. For a slightly hungover Fitz, who had been awake since 6:00 a.m., it felt like sitting through the movie previews that went on for so long you forgot what you actually came to see.

Finally, the first notes of the old Streisand classic from "A Star Is Born," 'Evergreen,' (requested by the bride's mother) began and Fitz dutifully turned his head to watch the wedding party processional. He recognized the first bridesmaid as the girlfriend of Hayes Wright. Those Wright men love beautiful women, he mused to himself.

Fitz watched her as she walked past the row where he sat. Beautiful, he thought as he watched Hayes break out into a full-toothed grin. His attention drifted to the second bridesmaid, who up this point, had been blocked from his view by a hat worn by another guest behind him.

It was Olivia! He knew she was a bridesmaid, so he expected to see her but he didn't think that she could look anymore stunning than she did the night before. Somehow she did. The floor length, one shouldered, light pink confection didn't look her like her style but she still looked beautiful. She was genuinely smiling at every familiar face she saw as she walked on the arm of one of Harrison's fraternity brothers, who was serving as a groomsman.

As the couple got closer to where he was sitting, their eyes met and her smile faltered. She recovered quickly, and looked straight ahead. His eyes continued to follow the couple as they walked to the altar. When Olivia took her place, she turned to look back up the aisle, at the remainder of the wedding party, purposely ignoring Fitz.

Fitz didn't observe too much after Olivia walked down the aisle. As the ceremony went on, he found himself staring. His eyes didn't leave her. Admittedly, he had felt instant attractions to women before but never one as consuming as what he felt when he looked at Olivia Pope. It was the first time that he attended a wedding and felt that marriage was a journey that he wanted to take, with as much love and commitment as this bride and groom.

After what seemed like forever, but was probably thirty minutes, the couple was introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Elliott Wright. After jumping the broom, the jubilant and dancing couple led the recessional back up the aisle. As Fitz stood with the rest of the guests, he searched for Olivia who was briefly hidden from sight by the new Mr. and Mrs. Wright. When she came into view again, she was laughing at Harrison's antic and she looked so happy.

She had actually walked right past him, when she suddenly turned her head. Their eyes met again and this time he smiled and winked at her. She raised an eyebrow and moved along with the rest of the bridal party as they went to take pictures

The next time Fitz saw Olivia, she was being introduced along with the rest of the wedding party. He watched her as she made her way to the head table. He hadn't seen Garrett all morning but when Olivia walked past him, as he sat at his table, he grabbed her hand and went in for a kiss. She obliged him, and the guests let out a collective "awww." Fitz couldn't stop the tension in the muscles around his mouth and eyes, and had to remind himself that she was engaged to the guy.

Olivia was not happy with Garrett's little display of affection. Most of the guests knew they were engaged and now she would spend most of the reception being asked when was her big day. It also didn't help that he had strolled in right as she was on her way down to the lobby, where the shuttle was picking her up. When he hugged her, he smelled of cigar smoke, alcohol and a fragrance she didn't wear. She didn't ask any questions, and turned to leave without answering his.

Olivia sat observing the room, and thinking back to earlier. For the most part she had managed to block out the actual ceremony. Her thoughts were mostly on the blue eyed man who couldn't stop staring at her. The memory of a winking blue eye came into her head and she quickly pushed it away.

By the time the bride and groom took to the dance for their first dance, Olivia was ready to go. She was tired and irritable from not getting much sleep. So, when Garrett, who had disappeared not long after his stunt, walked up and asked if she was ready to go, she stood and smiled. They found the new Mr. and Mrs. and extended well wishes again before they left. She went back to the dressing room to grab her things, and when she walked out, she found Garrett talking to someone on his cell phone. She got a sinking feeling.

X

Fitz was all partied out. He had smoked and drank a little too much last night and with the early wedding time, he wasn't sure how much longer he would be on his feet.

Guests were still enjoying the DuPree hospitality as they moved from the banquet tables loaded with food to the waffle, pancake, omelet and crepe bars. There were waiters walking around serving bottomless mimosas, Bellinis, glasses of Dom Rose and the groom's favorite breakfast wine, Bugey-Cerdon. According to Harrison, "there's no better wine with breakfast."

Fitz had stepped outside to take a call from his younger brother, Ford. He needed information for another project that Fitz was scheduled to begin soon, and it couldn't wait until he was back in the office on Monday. Ford Grant was acting President and CEO of Grant Holdings Inc. now that their father, Gerry, was semi-retired. Unlike Fitz, Ford wanted the position. He had the Wharton MBA and the experience, working in almost every department in the company. He had worked through the ranks and had earned the COO position he'd held before he received the board's approval as acting, and when Gerry retired, full-time President and CEO. He had proved himself and earned the position, and he had Fitz's unending support.

After ending the call, Fitz stood and looked around. The sun was shining bright against the bright, blue cloudless sky. Looking out over the magnificent greens, he couldn't help being touched by the magnitude of it all. He was really happy for his friend. As he slowly turned to stroll towards the clubhouse, he saw Olivia and Garrett engaged a heated conversation near the parking lot. So that's where they went, he thought. He couldn't hear what they were saying but she was obviously upset.

Fitz didn't want anyone to see him staring at the couple, but he couldn't turn away. She was now crying and he was attempting to pull her into his embrace. She pushed him away. They stood looking at one another until Garrett pulled her to him and whispered something in her ear. He pulled back and looked at her before kissing her, and then turned to walk down the road toward the club's exit.

Olivia stood rooted in the same spot after Garrett left, for at least ten minutes, before she turned and looked directly into a pair of blue eyes belonging to Fitzgerald Grant. Not wanting him to see her like this, she hurriedly walked away in the opposite direction.

Fitz made his move.

"Olivia! Olivia! Please stop!" he shouted. "Please."

With Fitz suddenly on her heels, Olivia found herself wishing for a deep hole to drop down into. If there was any way possible for the day to go from bad to worse, having to face Fitzgerald Grant in this state had to be it. She picked up her pace, wrapping her arms tightly around her torso. She was now sobbing, eyes swollen red, and all she wanted was for Fitz to go away.

Catching up to her, Fitz clasped his hand beneath her elbow and she stiffened. Gently he turned her around to face him. His heart suddenly broke at seeing the pain in her beautiful brown eyes. Before he realized what he was doing, he pulled her to him and wrapped his arms around her. When she didn't pull away, and allowed herself to give into his embrace, he tightened his hold on her and leaned to whisper in her ear, "I've got you, Liv. Everything is going to be just fine. I won't let anything or anybody hurt you. I promise."

Grabbing her bag, he took her hand and walked with her to the parking lot. Going to the passenger side of a vintage Range Rover, he opened the door and waited for her to climb in. She hesitated and looked back at the building for a few seconds, before sliding onto the aged leather seat. He placed her bag near her feet and closed the door. Walking around to the driver's side of the vehicle, Fitz sent up a prayer of thanks before removing his jacket and tossing it onto the back seat. Climbing behind the wheel, he started the engine, backed out of the parking space, headed to the exit and turned toward Tisbury.

From a window in the ladies's lounge, Cicely Pope stood staring as Fitzgerald Grant hugged and comforted her sister. No doubt Garrett Davis was the cause of her current state. When he led her to his vehicle she was about to run after them but when Olivia turned to look at the building she looked directly at Cecily, and smiled. She would give them an hour before she called to check on her little sister. Turning, she went to join her husband and parents in the reception tent.