Hey everybody, y'all good? Sorry about the technical difficulties last week. Hope this chapter makes up for it. It's another long, mundane, rambling one but I just enjoy writing this version of Olitz, and I never run out of things to say. I am beyond grateful for those who have been with me since chapter one and to those readers who've taken the time to leave reviews and sending PMs. I appreciate you all.
We're getting closer to the wedding. I haven't decided how I'm going to approach that chapter, but I'll make it work. Until then, enjoy.
P.S. Wear a damn mask!
TBOT
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Over the next few days, Fitz and Olivia kept their news to themselves. They weren't quite ready to share it with anyone just yet. Fitz had spoken with both their mothers several times to plan the Thanksgiving menu, so they could create a list of everything they'd need to prepare the meal. He'd also admitted to Olivia that he'd come close a few times to revealing their secret.
They'd gone to Olivia's first OB appointment Monday before Thanksgiving, and Fatima had assured them that there was no reason she shouldn't have another healthy and successful pregnancy.
"Olivia Pope."
Fitz and Olivia stood when her name was called. He held her hand as they walked through the door that the smiling nurse held open for them. Their first stop was the lab where her vitals were taken, her blood was drawn and the nurse gave her a cup for a urine dip. When she finished, the nurse led them into an examination room.
She handed Olivia a gown. "You'll need to undress from the waist down."
She looked at Fitz. "If you'd like, you can wait in the small waiting room down the hall and I'll call you when Dr. Goodrich is finished," the nurse suggested.
"No," Olivia said. "He can stay. I want him to stay."
The nurse nodded and typed something on the tablet she carried. Fitz was relieved. He wanted to be with Olivia every moment of this pregnancy. When the nurse left the room, he helped her undress and gathered the gown in back for her as she took a seat next to him. She laid her head on his shoulder and they made small talk while they waited for the doctor.
They'd waited almost five minutes when Fatima Goodrich, M.D. breezed into the room.
"Hello, Olivia. How are you? I hear congratulations are in order." She said all of that in one breath.
"Thank you Fatima. I'm good, happy and a little pregnant." They all laughed.
The doctor extended her hand to Fitz. "Hello, I'm Fatima Goodrich, Olivia's OB-GYN."
Fitz smiled at the tall woman with braids.
"Fitzgerald Grant, fiancé, baby daddy."
Olivia turned to look at him. "It's not cute when you say it, babe. So stop it." They all laughed as he lowered his head and groaned.
"You know Elliott's your twin, right?" the doctor asked.
Fitz chuckled. "Yes, I'm well aware." He loved to hear people say that.
She leaned against the counter and picked up the tablet the nurse had left. "So you had a positive test last week, huh?" She looked up after asking the question.
Olivia squeezed Fitz's hand and nodded. "Yes. I saw Mira last week. I was feeling run down, suffering chronic fatigue. Now I know why."
"Okay." She looked down at the tablet again. "Well you're definitely pregnant. Based on the hCG levels in your blood and urine, I'd guess you're about eight weeks along, but we'll know for sure once I examine you."
A knowing look passed between the couple. In that moment they both knew exactly when their baby was conceived.
"Now, when was your last menstrual period?"
Olivia looked at Fitz who shrugged. He hadn't noticed that they'd not had to postpone sex due to her period.
"Honestly, Fatima, I've been so busy I didn't even notice that I'd missed a period…or two. If I had to guess, maybe September."
"Well I saw you at the end of August for your annual. We also discussed birth control during that visit." She looked up from the screen and smiled at Olivia before typing a few notes and laying the tablet on the counter. She washed her hands and donned a pair of gloves.
"Okay, let's get you up here and take a look."
Fitz stood and assisted Olivia onto the table where she lay back. He sat near her head and took her hand in his. They both watched as Dr. Goodrich turned on the machine and set the ultrasound parameters. She then picked up an instrument that looked like a wand, and Fitz thought he would pass out when he realized what type of exam Olivia would be having. He'd assumed it was little more than squirting some gel on her stomach, like he'd seen on YouTube, and moving what he'd learned was called a transducer across its surface. But no, this involved the doctor inserting the probe into Olivia's vagina. He wasn't expecting this level of intimacy but the paper sheet placed across her waist, and his position near her head, spared him from possibly losing his man card.
"Ready Mom and Dad?"
Olivia grinned at Fitz. "Yes," they said in unison.
Both pairs of eyes looked at the monitor, and neither paid attention to what Dr. Goodrich was doing below Olivia's waist. Fitz forgot about everything when he saw the image on the screen. He stared, transfixed, as Fatima pointed.
"Here's your baby right here. That's the head and limb buds. In a few weeks he or she will have all the body parts." She circled her finger around a dark area.
"This is the water sac. Now I'm going to measure your baby."
She typed several keys with her left hand while holding the wand in her right. "Olivia, you're at eight weeks and one day. Looks like we're expecting a baby around June twenty-fifth."
"A summer baby," Fitz said with a huge smile on his face.
"Yes, looks that way. Now let's see if we can hear the heartbeat." She zoomed in on an area and placed her finger on the screen. "Right there. That pulsing is your baby's heartbeat and it's strong." She smiled at them.
Olivia glanced at Fitz with tears in her eyes and, when their gazes connected, an unexpected emotion gripped him. The realness of the moment penetrated his heart. He wiped her tears with the pad of his thumb and kissed her.
"May I take pictures and record the heartbeat?" he asked.
"Of course. I can also print a copy. Would you like that?"
"Absolutely," he answered quickly.
Olivia laughed at his eagerness, so grateful he was here to experience it all this time around with this pregnancy.
Still amazed, Fitz took out his phone and took a few still shots. Then they heard it, an underwater beat. And it was fast. He recorded several seconds before putting his phone away.
"That's your baby's heartbeat you hear, Mr. Grant. It's good and strong. Healthy."
Eyes closed tight, Fitz let the sound of the tiny heartbeat wash over him as tears filled his eyes. This was surreal. He loved his daughter more than life itself but in an instant his heart had expanded to include this tiny being on the screen.
"That's amazing," he said.
"That's our baby, Fitz," Olivia said in a soft voice as she squeezed his hand.
He leaned over and kissed her cheek and then continued to listen to the fast heartbeat of their baby. Their son, or their daughter.
Fatima smiled at the happy couple before pressing more keys. When the exam was complete, she handed Fitz a grainy black and white photo of the image they'd seen on the screen and shut off the equipment.
"Everything looks good, guys. Congratulations."
She helped Olivia remove her feet from the stirrups and Fitz helped her sit up. Walking over to the sink, she removed the gloves and washed her hands. She picked up the tablet from the counter.
"Get dressed and meet me in my office," she said before exiting the room.
Fatima always met with patients privately in her office after the first OB appointment to answer any questions they may have. She'd done this when Olivia was pregnant with Elliott. Only this time she wouldn't be alone.
Fitz sat in the small waiting room while Olivia emptied her very full bladder after the ultrasound. He replayed the video again and again. A baby. Their baby. Two children, with the love of his life. This time last year he never thought any of this would've been possible. His world had completely changed in six and a half months and he didn't know if his heart could take anymore. He looked at the picture again, and felt like his heart was going to burst from happiness.
Fitz stood when Olivia walked into the room. "Are you feeling better now?"
She sighed deeply and grinned. "Much better." She took his hand. "Now come on, Fatima's waiting."
X
Later, sitting in Fitz's SUV in the parking deck of the medical plaza, they couldn't stop grinning at one another. Their minds were in the same place.
"About that day…"
She nodded. "About that day."
"It was pretty awesome."
"Yes, it was.
"I didn't have to go into the office that morning," he glanced at her, crooked grin in place.
"And I didn't have the partner meeting until noon." She grinned back at him.
He took her hand and kissed it.
"You had just returned from taking Elle to school," she said.
"And you were clearing away the breakfast dishes."
She nodded again.
"You looked so beautiful standing at the dishwasher in your robe. Your hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail and your face was freshly scrubbed. I thought I'd never seen anyone more beautiful in my life, and I had to have you right then."
Olivia looked into his eyes. "And you did."
Fitz walked in through the front door and found Olivia in the kitchen. He stood watching her for a brief moment before quietly walking up to her and hugging her from behind. She rested her head against his chest and his arms wrapped tightly around his waist. After a minute or two, he turned her around in his arms to face him. She could feel his erection as he leaned down and nuzzled her neck.
"I know you're not wearing anything under this robe," he whispered.
He was tempted to pull on the silk material. A simple tug would loosen the knot and the sides would fall open, exposing her naked body to him.
Olivia stepped back and untied the colorful robe and pushed it off of her shoulders. It pooled around her feet and she stood before him in all her toned naked, glory. He swallowed…hard.
Fitz didn't utter a word as he pulled her back to his chest in a fierce hug. As always, she felt good in his arms. She leaned back enough to look up into his bright blue eyes. Her soft hands slid up his chest and around his neck.
"You saw me when I put my robe on this morning," she murmured before she took his face into her hands and pulled his mouth down to hers, and kissed him slow and sweet. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth when Fitz let out a deep groan.
Stepping back again, she reached for the hem of his long sleeved tee shirt. "Take this off," she panted.
Fitz removed the shirt and tossed it behind him. He jumped when he felt Olivia's tongue on his nipple. He took a deep breath causing her to glance up at him and smiled.
He reached behind her head and removed the silk-wrapped ponytail holder, freeing her hair. His fingers threaded through her loose hair, massaging her scalp.
When he could no longer take her tongue pleasuring him, he lifted her head and kissed her lips before lowering his head and flicking his tongue over one nipple then twirled it around her areola and took it into his mouth. Shame never crossed her mind when she pushed her breast deeper into him mouth while her fingers worked on the button and zipper on his jeans. He toed off his driving shoes as she worked his jeans and briefs down his lean hips and thighs. Pulling away he stepped out of both and kicked them aside, and stood before her naked, unashamedly masculine and proud. His eyes locked on her face. On her lips. On her eyes.
"You are more beautiful than I could ever dream," he whispered.
Her response was to wrap her soft hand around his cock, marveling at how the texture felt like velvet, but was granite hard. She boldly stroked him and watched the emotions play across his face. His body trembled from the pleasure her hand was giving him, and at that moment he needed to be inside her.
Fitz stepped back, causing her to release him.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Nothing," he said as he took her hand and led her to the breakfast nook. He pulled a chair away from the table and sat down. He didn't have to tell Olivia to straddle his lap when he sat. Hovering over him, she balanced herself on her toes. His large head sat at the entrance of her wet opening. He couldn't resist taking a nipple into his mouth again, and the sensation caused her to lower herself down onto the length of his cock. One small hand dug into the muscles of his shoulder as the other cradled the back of his head. She pulled him closer, forcing her breast further into his mouth.
Olivia's head fell back, her eyes closed and her mouth slightly opened from the sheer pleasure of Fitz's mouth and his dick. She didn't care that it wasn't even nine o'clock in the morning, or that they were naked and making love on a chair in her kitchen. All that mattered was that she was here. Right now. With this man. Her man.
Fitz released her nipple from his mouth, and reached out and took her beautiful face in his hands. She opened her eyes and gazed at him.
"Oh, baby," he whispered before he took her mouth in a deep, slow kiss. The kiss was anything was but gentle. It was all-consuming.
His hands gripped her backside as his body sped up, moving up against her, and Olivia met him thrust for thrust. She wrapped her arms around his neck, her mouth going to his ear where she sucked his earlobe into her mouth, grazing his skin with her teeth, causing him to nearly jump from the chair. He thrust harder into her as she rode him furiously. They were panting and gasping, their bodies sweaty as they moved against each other wildly.
Fitz felt himself getting closer to going over the cliff. He could tell by Olivia's expression that she was ready to go over with him. He moaned her name over and over again as he stroked her faster and faster, their bodies moving uncontrollably until wave after wave hit Olivia first and then Fitz. He jerked his hips forward, holding her tight against his body as he strained upward for long seconds, her walls contracting around him.
When Fitz exploded, spilling his seed inside her, Olivia clung to him, her body shaking along with his. She yelled loudly, his name rolling off her tongue. The last quivers of their climax left them both panting heavily. She collapsed against him, her body completely spent.
Fitz kissed her forehead, wrapping his arms tightly around her trembling body.
Too sated, Olivia didn't have the energy to move from Fitz's lap. Their hearts pounded and sweat slid between their bare chests.
After what seemed like an hour but was actually two or three minutes, Olivia finally found the strength to sit back on Fitz's lap and look at his face. He chuckled softly as she attempted to move that curl away from his forehead.
"That was," she sighed, "incredible." It was. And Miss Olivia was still throbbing from the experience.
He hugged her again. "The best way to start the day if you ask me."
They laughed.
Finally, he stood with her in his arms and walked out of the kitchen and up the stairs to the shower.
An hour later they were both showered and dressed for work. Olivia was sitting at her vanity, humming a familiar love song as she applied her lipstick, when she noticed Fitz watching her.
She gave him a questioning smile. "What?"
"You." Coming up behind her, he leaned down and kissed her hair before running his fingers through the sleek, straight tresses. Olivia closed her eyes and leaned back against him, inhaling the scent of his cologne. Earlier they'd toyed with the idea of foregoing their respective meetings to be with each other. However, reason prevailed. Sexy time was over and they both had work responsibilities. It was time to face a new day.
"We definitely need more of those mornings," he said.
Olivia looked at him. "We made our baby that day, Fitz," she whispered.
His hand slid down to rest protectively over her flat belly. Olivia rested her hand over his, and he entwined his fingers with hers, united and protective.
"I can never stop thinking about that morning knowing that I got you pregnant," he said grinning. He pulled her body closer to his and kissed her.
Olivia sat back. "Elle is going to be beyond happy." She sighed. "Before you came back into my life, she asked about her daddy as often as she's been asking for a baby brother or sister. Now she's getting her wish, again."
Fitz smiled. "Well there isn't much I won't give my princess, a sibling included."
Olivia lightly punched his arm. "Silly. We need to discuss when and how we're going to tell her."
"Well whatever we decide, we have to be ready to share it with everyone else because she's only five, and we can't expect her to keep this a secret for long," Fitz said chuckling.
"I agree. We don't have to decide today, but it's something to think about."
"I'm on board with whatever you want to do, Livvie." He pecked her cheek before reaching into the pocket inside his jacket and removing the ultrasound picture.
"It's a boy," he said tracing the photo with his finger.
Olivia chuckled. "Um, Fitz, at this point it's a baby. We won't know if it's a boy or a girl for a few more weeks."
"Nonsense, Livvie," he said dismissively. "It's about a feeling. And I'm feeling 'boy.'"
"Whatever." Olivia rolled her eyes and changed the subject. "I'm starving. How about you feed me and your baby, and then we can pick up our first baby from school.
Fitz laughed again as he started the vehicle and left the parking deck.
X
Thanksgiving morning
Cecily and Olivia sat in the sitting area of Olivia's bedroom quietly talking. Her sister and brother-in-law had stopped by on their way home from Thanksgiving Day Mass. August was currently in the backyard with Fitz setting up the turkey fryer, while Maya, Christine and Elliott were in the kitchen.
"So when are you and Fitz going to share your news?" Cecily asked.
"Share what news?" Olivia looked up briefly from playing in Theo's soft curls while he slept on her sister's lap.
"That you're pregnant."
Olivia's head snapped up, and her mouth opened and closed as she stared at her sister.
Cecily gave her a pointed look, daring her to deny it.
She didn't want to lie to her sister, but she and Fitz wanted to break the news together, whenever that was.
"So you are pregnant?!" It was a statement, not a question.
Olivia glanced at the partially closed bedroom door. "Shh, Cis, before someone hears you." Her face spread into a huge grin and she nodded her head vigorously.
"O-M-G! Lib I'm so happy for you and Fitz," Cecily squealed. "I told you! Everything was going to work out for the two of you." She leaned over and hugged Olivia, careful not to crush her still sleeping baby. Sitting back, she wiped tears from her eyes.
"Thank you, Cissy," Olivia said in a soft, watery voice. She reached over and grabbed tissues from the box on the side table, handing one to her sister and using the other.
"How did you know?" Olivia asked as she sat back, wiping her eyes, and brought her legs under her.
"Girl, I'm your big sister, I've known you your entire life. I knew who you were before you did. Plus, it's all in your face, you're positively glowing. So much so that I'm surprised The Maya hasn't noticed; unless she has and she's just waiting for you to tell her."
Olivia brought her hand to her cheek. "I told Fitz that my face is getting a little puffy."
Cecily chuckled. "I'm not surprised he hasn't noticed. Men don't pay attention to things like that."
Olivia shook her head. "Fitz does. He's usually very observant and on top of things."
"Well you're lit up like a Christmas Tree."
They both laughed.
Olivia looked down at her nephew's angelic, sleeping face. "Fitz and I haven't really decided when we're going to share the news with everybody. Of course we want to tell Elle first but we both know that she won't be able to keep it a secret for long, and we wouldn't expect her to. She's been asking for a baby brother or sister since she found out you were having a baby. Theo's great but he's her cousin and he doesn't live with her."
Cecily chuckled. "Trust me, I know. But she's going to be a happy little girl when she finds out, Lib."
"When she finds out..." Olivia sighed." Nine months is a long time to wait for something that you desperately want when you're five years old. I really want to tell her but telling her now means telling everybody else."
"Well I hope you and Fitz plan to tell her soon, but I also understand if you don't. I know my patootie. August calls her M.A.T.E., Mouth Almighty Tongue Everlasting. Anything she knows, she's happy to share. We both know there's no way she could keep something like this to herself."
Olivia narrowed her eyes at her sister. "I'm going to get August for making fun of my baby. He's right though, nothing's a secret with Elliott Grant around. And she'd have to be in a coma not to tell this." They both laughed.
Olivia reached out and lifted the baby from her sister's lap to snuggle her face into his neck and inhale his sweet baby scent, the way she used to do with her own baby. She absolutely doted on this little boy.
"So how far along are you?"
"Eight weeks and four days. You can't even see the bump yet, but I know there's a tiny life there."
"You're right at two months."
Olivia nodded. "I really didn't want to be fat and pregnant in my wedding photos. But that's what happens when you play wild and loose with birth control."
Cecily chuckled at her sister's comment. "You're not the first pregnant bride to walk down the aisle, Lib. And you won't be the last. Hell Tamara was pregnant when she and Hayes finally got married."
"Yeah but by the time I walk down the aisle next month, I'll be three months."
Cecily's eyes grew wide. "Oh shit, your dress."
Olivia nodded. "Yes, my dress. I have a fitting next week. I stopped them just in time. They hadn't started the major alterations. Marta and I agreed that they shouldn't make any changes until closer to the wedding."
"That's smart, but that dress is designed to show everything. Right now, it's just your face, hopefully you won't 'pop' out before then."
Olivia nodded absently, her attention focused on the baby boy, who was now fussing, and had began rooting for a nipple. Cecily unbuttoned her blouse, adjusted her bra and reached for her son. When she got him situated, he latched on and began to nurse. The baby settled down immediately, his cries quieting as he focused on eating, taking big gulping draws from his mother's breast.
"Don't try to hide your pregnancy, Lib, celebrate it."
"At almost three months pregnant, I'm not too sure how I'll be able to hide it anyway." She glanced over at her contented nephew. "Marta seems to be taking it all in stride though. She told me that they receive calls from newly pregnant and frantic brides all the time worried about their dress, and that they've always managed to find a solution.
She placed a hand on her flat belly. "Right now, we're fine."
"Yeah, you should be fine." Cecily looked at her sister's hand on her belly.
"So, how did Fitz react when you told him?"
Olivia smiled to herself. "Well I told him last week after we…well…"
Cecily laughed as she listened to Olivia explain Fitz's initial reaction when she told him she was pregnant.
"I can't wait to meet my new niece or nephew." She leaned over and pecked Olivia on the cheek. "Share your news when you're ready, little sister."
The sisters talked while Theo nursed. Olivia ran her finger across his soft cheek.
"How's the wedding planning coming along?"
"Pretty good. Let's see. The venue has been booked, the music, caterers, florist, photographers, videographers and transportation have all been confirmed. Coleman and his assistants have been booked for hair, but I'm still working on selecting a make-up artist. Roxy has given me a few options and I've narrowed it down to two. And Fitz and I finally nailed down the cake. I still haven't decided on his groom's cake. You've all selected your dresses, the flower girls dresses will be in next week and the tuxes are almost finished. There are still small things to decide, like favors. Roxy and her team have been a Godsend."
Cecily nodded. "Roxy's good at what she does. She planned Fatima's wedding while she was pregnant, and Fatima was her OB."
"Really? She didn't mention it." Olivia sighed.
"What's wrong, Lib?"
Olivia looked at her sister. "Honestly Cis, I see why people elope."
Cecily chuckled. "Mom getting to you?"
"Yes!"
"Well I don't think you can elope at this point."
"Not if we want to live." Olivia laughed quietly.
"Cis, I thought planning a wedding was supposed to be fun," she whined. "I didn't expect everybody to have opinions. And by everybody, I mean Maya Pope."
Cicely laughed and looked down to make sure her son was still latched. "Lib you know I wasn't particularly interested in all the wedding plans. I was trying to complete my surgical residency and fellowship, and I didn't have the time. I just wanted to get married with no fuss and no fanfare, but The Maya vetoed that notion. She and Daddy weren't having it."
"I remember that debate."
"Yeah, I finally relented. Gave them what they wanted. There could be a wedding as long as someone else did the planning. That's how I ended up with that huge production. Ten bridesmaids. Really? That was all Maya Pope's and Amelia Lankford's vision. It worked well for me because all I had to do was show up."
"It was a beautiful wedding, Cis, and you were a stunning bride."
Cecily nodded. "I was, wasn't I?"
"You've never been accused of being modest, have you?" She gave her sister a playful nudge.
"No, I don't think so," Cecily said, shaking her head and smiling.
Olivia looked at her sister. "I thought all girls wanted to plan their dream wedding."
Cecily scoffed. "You know that's never been me. I've always been okay with breaking the rules, going against the grain, doing my own thing. It drove Mom crazy." She grinned mischievously at her sister. "Still does."
Olivia laughed because it was true.
"The way I see it, Lib, a big wedding is a prelude to the real thing, which is the marriage. Why do couples have a wedding, anyway? For their families and friends," she surmised.
"They also do it for the memories," Olivia reasoned. "Mom still pulls out her wedding album and relives that day. Elle loves looking at it. She likes looking at yours too."
Cecily smiled, thinking about her beloved niece. "She's seen our wedding video more times than I have, and I've never seen it."
Olivia opened her mouth to ask why but remembered she was talking to Cecily Pope. It made sense. "Elle's the biggest reason we're having a wedding ceremony. My baby has her heart set on tossing rose petals, so we're giving her the chance."
"This isn't her first time being a flower girl."
"Cis, she was only two years old then. She doesn't remember that disaster."
Cecily threw her head back and laughed loudly at her sister's accurate description.
Elliott had been a flower girl in their cousin's wedding three years ago. The rehearsal should've been their first clue for what was to come. The next day, during the processional, she made it a few steps down the aisle with the other, older flower girl, before stopping and staring at all the people looking and smiling at her. Dumping all of the petals in a pile on the floor, she tossed the basket underneath a pew before running at top speed down the aisle to the altar where her mother was standing as a bridesmaid. She stood reaching for Olivia yelling "up-up-up" over and over until Eli Pope stepped in, picked her and carried her out of a side door of the church, kicking and screaming. They spent the rest of the ceremony in the playroom of the church's nursery school. Needless to say, all of the wedding photos were minus one flower girl.
Olivia rolled her eyes at her sister. "I was so embarrassed."
"Why? You tried to tell Claire that she was much too young." Cecily shook her head, chuckling. "Patootie put on her full clown suit that day."
They looked at each other and broke out in loud laughter at the memory.
After they recovered, Olivia spoke. "Honestly Cis, it's not the wedding or the planning. I just want Mom to understand that it's my wedding. She wants a say in everything and I need her to understand that I'm not you. I actually like planning my wedding. She did book Roxy and suggested the venue and we're very appreciative, but I need her to take several steps back."
"Where is Fitz in all of this?"
"I told him what was going on and he said he'd rein in his mother. She's really not the problem. Between our families, we're trying to keep the guest list at two hundred people."
"That's a lot of people, Lib."
"Yeah well, Christine Grant's list was three hundred people, alone."
"What?!" Cecily's loud outburst caused the baby to jump and unlatch. She quickly shushed him and softly apologized for scaring him before getting him to latch on again.
"Yes. We could easily have four or five hundred people, whom I don't know, at our wedding.
"Wow."
Olivia nodded. "I know. I want a small ceremony with family only, because I feel that exchanging vows is extremely intimate and should only be shared with people that you really love, those who mean the most. So Fitz and I have decided to have a ceremony with forty of our family and closest friends and a reception with two hundred people afterward. Fortunately, the museum has a smaller, more intimate and private space to accommodate us. Cocktail hour will begin an hour after the ceremony which will give us time for pictures before our guests arrive."
Cecily turned to look at her sister. This was her first time hearing this. "I like that idea, it's a good one. Now to rein in Mom and Christine."
"It's handled," Olivia said, smiling at her sister. "Fitz said something to them because this morning they were both very apologetic and promised to stay out of the planning, and to leave me alone."
"Well good for Mr. Grant. Don't allow Mom to bulldoze over you to get her way."
Olivia shook her head. "You don't know the half of it. Christine Grant isn't a problem. But, Maya Elliott Lewis-Pope…well, you know."
"Yes, I know."
They both laughed again, heartily, until they were interrupted.
"Mommy?" Elliott briefly knocked before entering the room.
"I'm right here, sweet pea."
Elliott walked over to the sitting area, and Olivia sat up and pulled her little girl onto her lap. She wrapped her arms around her and kissed her temple. Elliott leaned back into her mother's arms and watched tante nurse her baby cousin.
Cecily leaned over and kissed her niece's cheek. "Hey, patootie."
"Hi, tante."
"I thought you were helping daddy in the kitchen." Olivia said as she fixed the ponytail holder on one of ponytails.
"Daddy and Uncle Aug are frying the turkeys and Daddy said I needed to come inside so I won't get hurt,
Olivia nodded. "Where are Grammy and Yaya?"
"Setting the table."
"Are they finished in the kitchen?"
Elliott shrugged and reached out to stroke her cousin's soft curls.
"Mommy, can I have something to drink?"
"May I, sweet pea. You were just in the kitchen with Daddy, Grammy and Yaya. Why didn't you ask one of them to get you something?"
"I didn't want anything then."
Olivia looked at her sister and they both laughed. She set Elliott on her feet. "Go back downstairs and ask your daddy to give you something to drink."
"Okay." She started to leave.
Olivia watched her as she skipped away and then called her back.
"Come here, sweet pea." All smiles, Elliott skipped back over to her mother. Olivia leaned down and kissed her daughter's forehead. "I love you Elliott Christine Marie Grant." She hugged and tickled her baby before she could walk away, making her squirm and sending her into a fit of giggles. "Mommy loves you so much."
"I love you too, Mommy," Elliott said, between giggles. She kissed her mother's cheek, when she finally let her go, and skipped toward the open door just as Maya knocked and walked through it. She bent down and kissed her granddaughter's forehead before continuing into the room.
"There you two are." Her daughters looked up at the same time. They may have completely different personalities but they both have my face, she mused. "We're about to leave. Everything's finished for now. I put your gumbo, minus seafood, in a separate bowl. Christine's dough for the dinner rolls is rising, and Fitz and August have finished frying the turkeys."
Olivia stood from the sofa and hugged her mother. "Thank you for everything, Mom."
Maya waved her hand impatiently. "It's not a problem, baby. You have so much going on right now, I was happy to help, Besides, Christine, Fitz and I have had a ball."
"Well I'm still grateful."
"I'm dropping Christine home and we'll be back at two for dinner." She leaned down and kissed her eldest daughter's cheek and her still nursing grandson's forehead.
"I'll walk you out." Olivia was thinking about what her sister had said earlier and was in a hurry to get away from her mother's prying eyes. Too late.
Maya looked at her youngest daughter closely. "You're pregnant, aren't you?"
"What?!" Olivia asked. "Why would you ask me that?"
"You are, aren't you?" Maya moved closer to Olivia and cradled her face in her hands.
Olivia sighed. "Yes, Mom, I am," she said with a smile. "I'm…"
Maya looked her up and down and cut her off. "You're two months, right?"
Olivia eyes widened and she laughed, shaking her head. "How do you and Cis do that?" she asked, looking from her mother to her sister. "How did you guess so accurately?"
"Well I'm your mother and you are my child. I know you. I've suspected it since we had lunch two weeks ago. I saw it in your face, it's fuller. Like when you were pregnant with Elle. And, I am a doctor, remember?" She pointed at Olivia's breasts. "Those are fuller too."
"Mom!"
"What, Libby?" They are." She reached out and touched her face again." I don't like these dark circles under your eyes. Are you getting enough rest?"
"Yes, Mom. I'm fine, really. Fitz makes sure I don't overdo anything."
"I'm sure he does. Now I understand why he asked Christine and I to help prepare dinner. Smart man."
Maya glanced at Olivia's flat belly. "I'm getting another grandbaby," She said, smiling through her tears.
"Yes, you are," Olivia nodded. We saw Fatima on Monday. We're due at the end of June."
"I'm so excited!" Maya nearly screamed.
"Mom!" Olivia said through clenched teeth. "Please keep your voice down. We're not sure when we want to share the news with everyone. You and Cis guessed, but no one else knows."
Maya pulled Olivia into a hug. "Oh Libby. Congratulations baby. I'm just so happy for you. You're getting everything you've ever wanted." Releasing her daughter, she looked at her glowing face and smiled. "Of course I'll keep your secret."
"Thanks, Mom." She kissed her cheek before taking her mother's hand and they left the room.
X
Olivia locked the front door after seeing her mother and Christine off. She turned and casually walked into the kitchen and peaked into the pots and casserole dishes. She was fortunate that so far she hadn't had any morning sickness. She had, however, switched to chamomile tea with vanilla and honey. Unlike his or her sister, Baby Grant #2 wasn't a fan of her beloved Lapsang Souchang and had let her know immediately.
Olivia wandered into the large formal dining room where the vintage Bodart table had been set. She'd purchased the table, two drop leaves and sixteen chairs at an estate sale. At the time, she thought it was much too big but now with sixteen dinner guests coming over, she was glad she did.
Her mother and Christine had done a beautiful job of setting the table, but that should've been no surprise to anyone who knew either of them. There were linen napkins, crystal glasses, china, cutlery and candles, along with the small bowls of fresh flowers placed throughout and a large floral arrangement with orange, brown and burgundy flowers as a centerpiece. She smiled at the handwritten place cards. The indulgent grandmothers had allowed Elliott to write the name of each guest on a card, probably to keep her busy.
She had just walked into the family room when Fitz, with Elliott riding high on his shoulders, and August walked inside from the backyard. The turkeys had been fried and they'd returned to patio to sip on the aged bourbon currently being bottled by Double Barrel.
"Hi, babe." Fitz's eyes were bright and he'd no doubt imbibed in several glasses of the premium whiskey. He leaned down and kissed her cheek before lowering their daughter to her feet. Elliott ran upstairs leaving the adults alone.
"How much alcohol did you consume?" she asked as he grinned at her.
"Aw, Livvie, we didn't drink that much. Just a few small pours." He held up his hand with his thumb and index fingers a good inch apart. "About that much."
Cecily walked into the family room with a cooing Theo on her shoulder. She took one look at her husband and Fitz, and rolled her eyes.
"Hey, baby," August said as he reached out for his son.
Cecily moved away from him. "Hey, yourself. How many drinks have you had?"
He shrugged. "Two or three. Fitz just kept pouring."
"And you couldn't stop, huh?" She shook her head. "Good thing you're not on call today."
August nodded with a silly grin on his face. "Yes, it is."
Cecily turned to her sister. "We're leaving. My baby and my husband need naps before we return for dinner."
Fitz chuckled until Olivia glared at him. He then avoided further eye contact with her.
"Okay, Cis. We'll see you guys at two." She watched as August picked up Theo's diaper bag and they all walked to the front door.
When she returned to the family room, Fitz was lying on the sofa, a silly and drunk expression on his face. She raised an eyebrow and he lifted his arm for her to join him. She sauntered over to him and he took her hand and gently pulled her down on top of him, trapping her legs with his, and wrapping his arms around her.
"You smell like fried cooking oil and bourbon," she said softly.
Fitz laughed. "You're right. But those turkeys are delicious, Livvie."
She chuckled.
He sobered and looked into her face. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm feeling pretty good, mister." She lowered her head and kissed him gently on the lips. "So far, Baby Grant has been behaving."
"Perfect." He pecked her cheek. "Do you need anything?"
She shook her head. "I'm really fine, Fitz."
He softly swatted her backside. "Yes you are."
Olivia rolled her eyes. Using one of Gem's words, she called him 'fresh.'
They both laughed.
"Mom and Cecily know I'm pregnant," she told him when they'd calmed down
Fitz looked surprised. "How?"
"They could both see it in my face. Apparently it's fuller and I'm glowing."
"Livvie you are glowing but why does that have to mean you're pregnant?"
"They're both doctors, Fitz. It wasn't difficult for them to figure out."
Fitz looked up at her. "So do you want to tell everyone today at dinner?"
Olivia sighed. "If we do that, we need to tell Elle first."
"Then that's what we'll do."
"I don't know, Elle is a wildcard."
Fitz chuckled at her description of their daughter. But she was right. He squeezed her tighter. "I know, but don't you think she can keep the news to herself for at least two hours?"
She lifted a brow that said they both knew Elliott Grant.
Fitz sighed. "You're right. So what do you want to do?"
"I don't know, Fitz," she whined. "But I don't like the idea of them knowing and not our daughter, or your parents."
"Then we'll just play it by ear."
"Okay."
That settled, she began to kiss the hollow of his throat.
"You better stop before I flip you over on this sofa." He wiggled his eyebrows. "You know what comes next."
Olivia laughed. "No, you won't. Elle's right upstairs."
He frowned and sat up with Olivia in his arms. "She's awfully quiet."
They both stood and she watched as Fitz rushed towards the stairs. Olivia took her time following behind him, carefully climbing the stairs. She knew that their daughter was probably playing with her dolls or reading. She was getting really good at it.
She found him leaning against the door of their daughter's room. He reached out to her and pulled her close so she could see what he was staring at. Elliott was curled up on top of her comforter in a fetal position with Bugsy snuggled to her chest, sound asleep.
"I guess she was bored with us," Fitz teased.
"I guess so," Olivia said and moved over to the bed. Fitz followed and together they removed her shoes and pulled back the comforter. Elliott nestled close to her father as he gently lifted her to tuck her in. His heart melted, as it always did, when Olivia bent over and gently stroked their child's brow with her thumb, before leaning over and placing her lips on the same brow. When she finished, he helped her stand.
Arm in arm, they left their daughter's room. Olivia lifted Fitz's wrist and looked at his watch. "We'll let her sleep until one o'clock. That's an hour and a half."
She giggled when Fitz tugged her toward her bedroom.
"I just want to lie down. We have sixteen people coming over for dinner and I need a power nap."
Fitz was tired. He, Christine and Maya and had began prepping dinner yesterday evening and had finished most of the dishes early that morning. He removed his MIT fleece and tossed it into the hamper in the closet. Then he walked out in the plain white tee he'd worn underneath, jeans and socks. Olivia was sitting up in bed scrolling on her phone. He crawled into bed beside her, and she set the device on the night table. She cradled him against her body, planting a kiss in his smoky hair.
Fitz snuggled closer, savoring the feeling of being in her arms. He could barely keep his eyes opened and after a few minutes, she heard his soft snoring. She traced his lips before leaning down and kissing him again. Lowering him to the pillows, she shifted on her side and rested her arm across his belly. Minutes later she joined him in sleep.
X
One and a half hour later
Fitz and Olivia had awakened and showered together. Things had gotten heated but they'd managed to finish without getting further distracted. Fitz walked into the closet to get dressed while Olivia put on a robe and went to check on their daughter. She was just waking up when her mother walked into her room.
"Hey, sweet pea," Olivia said in a quiet voice. "Did you have a good nap?"
Elliott yawned and rubbed her eyes. "Uh-huh."
Olivia sat on the side of the bed and pulled her daughter onto her lap. She tried to smooth back the unruly tendrils of hair around her little's girl face that had escaped one of her ponytails.
"Good. Now we have to run you a bath and get you dressed for dinner. Our guests will be here in an hour. Chloe and Charlotte can't wait to see you."
The little girl's eyes lit up at that news. "Is their baby brother coming too?"
Olivia hugged her daughter. "Of course. Drew and Theo will be here."
"Goody! The two babies will be here."
Olivia laughed at her antics. She kissed her nose, and set her on her feet before walking to the bathroom and running her bath.
Ten minutes later, their daughter sat in the middle of their bed wearing only yellow panties and a matching undershirt. She was waiting for her daddy to help her put on her tights.
Fitz finally walked out of the dressing room fully dressed. He wore dark grey wool trousers, a light grey long sleeve dress shirt, a burgundy crew neck sweater and black Oxford Brogues. He looked like he walked off of a page of Town and Country magazine.
"Ready, princess?"
Elliott nodded. "Uh-huh."
She crawled across the bed towards him and he lifted her into his arms. He kissed her cheek before sitting on the bench and placing her on his lap. Together they pulled on her tights while she talked non-stop about Theo and Drew. She was excited that both babies were coming to dinner. If Fitz didn't know any better, he'd think that Elliott already suspected that her mother was pregnant. He continued to listen as he helped her finish getting dressed.
Olivia walked out of the dressing room dressed in a dark grey oversized sweater, black pleated midi skirt and four inch high black leather boots. Her curls were full and formed a halo around her glowing face. She'd applied eyeliner, mascara and lip gloss, allowing her natural beauty to shine, and her only jewelry was large silver hoop earrings and her engagement ring.
She smiled at their daughter. "You look adorable, sweet pea."
Elliott wore a navy layered tulle skirt and a grey cotton sweater trimmed in navy, with a navy and pink sequin unicorn across the front, and brown soft leather ankle boots. The unicorn pattern on her grey tights matched the unicorn on her sweater. The outfit was a birthday gift from Harrison and his family, and the little girl loved it.
"We'll have to thank Uncle Harry and Aunt Ronnie for the gift when they get here."
Elliott turned to her father. "Do you think I look pretty, Daddy?"
"Yes, princess, you look very pretty."
She gave him a huge smile, happy with his response. "As pretty as Mommy?" she whispered.
"Yes," he admitted with a chuckle. "You look as pretty as your mommy."
Fitz gazed over his daughter's head at his soon-to-be wife and winked. She winked back. "I'm a very lucky man to have two beautiful ladies in my life." He pressed a soft kiss to Elliott's hair.
"Alright, sweet pea, go get your hair basket so I can comb your hair."
"Okay, Mommy." They both watched as she turned and left the room.
Fitz stood and walked over to Olivia. "You look beautiful."
"Thank you, babe," she said as she reached up and fixed the collar of his shirt. "You're looking quite handsome yourself."
He looked at her with that crooked grin. "Thank you, Livvie."
"I heard your conversation with Elle. It's as if she knows something's going on."
"Yes, it does. So what do you want to do?"
She frowned. "Do about what?"
"Tell Elle now and make the announcement at dinner later."
She stepped away from him. "What? Tell her now?"
He nodded. "Yes, we shou…"
"Here, Mommy." He stopped talking when Elliott skipped into the room carrying her hair basket.
"Thank you, sweet pea," Olivia said to her daughter, but her eyes were still on Fitz. Finally she took a seat on the bench and he lifted their daughter and set her on her mother's lap so she could comb her hair. Fitz sat next to his loves and listened to their conversation. Elliott was still talking about babies when Olivia finished her hair.
Elliott took the basket back to her room while Olivia went to the bathroom to wash her hands. When she walked out, Fitz was still sitting on the bench looking at her. She smiled but didn't say a word. Instead, she walked into her closet and walked back out carrying a wrapped package.
'What's that?" he asked, looking at her.
"It's for Elle," she said sitting next to him again.
He raised a brow. "Oh?"
She nodded. "Oh."
They were sitting with their foreheads together, laughing softly, when their daughter returned.
"Come here, sweet pea. We have a surprise for you."
"A surprise?" she squealed as Fitz pulled her onto his lap.
Olivia handed her the package. "Open it."
"What is it, Mommy?"
"Open it and see, sweet pea."
As she tore open the wrapping, her parents grinned at one another. When she finished, Fitz took the wrapping and watched as she studied the framed photo.
"It's a picture of something," she said staring at the black and white photo.
"What's it a picture of, princess?"
She looked at her father and back at the picture then shrugged her little shoulders. "I don't know."
Olivia chuckled as she reached out and stroked her daughter's hair. "Have you seen a picture like that before, sweet pea?"
"No."
"No? Are you sure?" Olivia asked, knowing she'd seen her own ultrasound picture in her baby book.
"It's me."
"You think it's you?" Fitz asked.
She shrugged again. "It's a baby in a belly."
"It is a baby in a belly, princess," her father confirmed.
"Who is it?" Elliott asked.
"Who do you think it might be?" Olivia asked.
"Is it Theo?"
"That's a good guess, princess, but it isn't Theo."
"Here, let's turn it around this way," Olivia said. "See, there's the baby's head."
"Whose belly could that baby be in?"
Elliott sighed in frustration. "I don't know. Just tell me."
They both burst out laughing because their daughter was obviously getting tired of playing their little game.
"You don't have any guesses, princess?" Fitz asked as he kissed her cheek.
She looked at her mother, blue-green eyes big as saucers. "Is it your belly, Mommy?"
Tears filled Olivia eyes and she nodded.
Elliott almost leaped from her father's lap. "You're making a baby?" she asked quietly, with wonder in her voice and a wide smile covering her face.
"Yes sweet pea, I'm making a baby," she answered as the tears flowed freely down her cheeks.
She threw herself into her mother's arms, and Olivia hugged her baby tight for a full minute. Fitz rubbed his daughter's back with one hand and wiped tears from his eyes with the other.
Olivia released her daughter and looked at her face. "Are you excited?"
Nodding, Elliott hugged her neck again.
"What does this mean, sweet pea? What are you going to be?" Olivia murmured against her hair.
"A big sister," she whispered shyly.
"Well what do you think, princess?"
She let go of her mother's neck, turned and looked at her father, who was now holding the framed ultrasound picture.
"Yes!" She pumped her little fist. He laughed. "This is a picture of your baby brother or baby sister."
"Is it a brother or a sister?" she asked.
"We don't know yet. Do you think we should find out or should it be a surprise?" he asked.
"I'm getting a baby sister," she squealed as she moved back onto her father's lap and threw her little arms around his neck, completely ignoring his question.
"It might be a baby brother," Fitz reminded her, as he kissed her nose.
Olivia eyed him, remembering his comment after her OB appointment. She knew he was partial to a boy. He grinned at her before returning his attention to the ecstatic little ball of joy sitting on his lap.
"Mommy and I don't know if there's a sister or a brother in her tummy. We're just happy that a new baby will be here next summer."
Olivia wiped her eyes again. "It won't matter if it's a girl or a boy, will it sweet pea?"
Elliott turned to look at her mother and shook her head. "I know what it is, Mommy."
"Oh yeah?" Olivia asked.
She nodded. "Uh-huh, it's a little sister."
Fitz laughed and Olivia shook her head. When had their little girl gone from wanting a brother or a sister, to only wanting a sister.
"Well sweet pea, it could be either one. We'll find out for sure when the baby is born in seven months."
"Mommy! I already know," Elliott said in exasperation. "It's a little sister. And when she gets here we can play dress up and have tea parties."
Olivia cupped her baby's chin in her hand. "But you will love it, whichever it is, won't you?"
She nodded again. "Uh-huh. But it's a little sister.
There was no changing the little girl's mind. Olivia silently prayed that her baby wouldn't be disappointed. But, they had seven months to prepare her for either.
Fitz and Olivia looked at each other over their daughter's head. "Well it seems you have it all figured out, princess." Fitz said laughing. "You're going to be the very best big sister to your baby sister or baby brother."
She looked up from the photo at her father, still smiling, and then hugged it to her chest.
They spent the next ten minutes answering her questions as best they could. Elliott had questions and she wanted answers! They answered all they could, but kept it light, short and simple.
After she'd asked all of the questions she could think of, she was still so thrilled that she didn't know what to do with herself. She got quiet and wouldn't let go of her picture of her new baby brother or sister.
They told her it was a surprise and they were going to allow her to tell everybody at dinner. Elliott was so excited about the surprise that it was her idea to leave the picture on the night table next to her bed so no one could see it just yet. Fitz and Olivia were hopeful that she could hold it in. If not, that was okay too. They still felt they'd made the right decision to tell her.
They had just walked into the family room, with an absolutely over the moon Elliott, when the doorbell rang. Olivia took their daughter's hand and followed Fitz to the front door so they could greet their first guest.
X
Olivia sat next to Fitz at one end of the large table, while her father sat at the other end. She was having an "I'm Grateful" moment. Almost everyone near and dear to her heart sat around her. Her parents, Harrison "Poppa" Lewis, who never remarried after his wife and her grandmother, Cecily, passed away. Her Aunt Carolyn, Uncle Hayes, sister, brother-in-law, nephew, her cousin and his family and her in-loves, JR and Christine. This was Hayes Jr's year to spend the holiday with Tamara's family, so they were missing. And of course her baby, who sat next to her, eating her second helping of macaroni and cheese.
When Harrison and his family had arrived, Elliott had thanked him and Aunt Ronnie for her birthday gift and then took off upstairs with Chloe and Charlotte following closely behind her. They'd remained in her room until they were called downstairs to dinner. So far, she hadn't mentioned that she was getting a baby brother or baby sister to anyone.
Poppa Lewis offered the blessing and everyone dug in. The conversation centered around Fitz and Olivia's upcoming nuptials, of course, their new home and where he was taking her on their honeymoon. She admitted she had no idea. He'd only asked if her passport was valid. But privately she remembered him telling her to "pack light, Livvie." Smiling at the memory, she glanced at Fitz who was smiling at her. He knew what she was thinking, and squeezed her hand underneath the table.
The conversation shifted to gender roles in a marriage. Olivia glanced at Fitz, who shrugged. Her head was swimming with all the comments and opinions. It was interesting to hear some of the strict and downright archaic views from the elders at the table. But none of the older generation seemed to be bothered. She did notice when her sister stood and picked up Theo from the Pack and Play in the corner of the room, and left to nurse him. Olivia breathed a sigh of relief because her sister definitely had strong opinions on the topic, but chose to keep the peace. She was just grateful to have Fitz as a partner, and that he supported her decisions.
Elliott, who had eaten enough macaroni and cheese and turkey to feed three people, had become restless and was ready for dessert. She'd hopped down from her seat and gone to her daddy and pulled him up so he could help her select a dessert from the buffet. They returned to the table and she sat on his lap eating a slice of her Grammy's chocolate pie.
Olivia smiled at her loves before excusing herself and going to check on her sister. She found her sitting on the sofa in the family room nursing her baby. Olivia sat next to her.
"Had enough of that conversation, huh?"
Cecily rolled her eyes. "Men can dish it, but they can't take it. They can work long hours but we're supposed to keep our jobs and careers to a nine to five gig in order to be available to them and their children."
Olivia frowned at her sister's comment. "Cis, what's going on?" She touched her arm, and Cecily turned to look at her. "You and August?"
She nodded. "Can you believe he made the suggestion that I take a leave of absence? He wants me to stay home with the baby for at least two years. As if I don't have a career too. He knows that."
Olivia could tell her sister was getting worked up.
"We had this conversation long before I got pregnant. It's one of the reasons I had my first baby at thirty-seven. I think he thought that I would change my mind. That giving birth would somehow persuade me to come over to the 'right side of things.' Whatever the hell that means."
August didn't know his wife as well as he thought, Olivia mused. "So the nanny was the compromise?"
She nodded. "And six months. That was the deal. I'm returning to work in February, just as we planned."
"Good for you."
"Libby, you and Fitz need to start having these conversations now. Do you plan to continue working after this baby is born? How much time do you intend to take off? You didn't have to think about anyone else when you had Elle. It was just you making all of the decisions. Now things are different."
"Fitz isn't like that. He'll support whatever I choose to do."
Cecily looked at her sister long and hard. "I thought the same thing. We're okay now, but I hate that we even had to debate this."
Olivia watched as her sister ran her fingers through her son's soft curls. She knew that her fierce, independent and strong sister was afraid that a baby would ruin her career, which is why she'd waited so long to have one. She saw herself as a surgeon first and just didn't feel that she could give a child the attention and love it deserved. Even the fact that she'd chosen the same career as her mother, who married, had two children and a career, wasn't enough to convince her that she could do both, albeit with sacrifices.
In the end, Olivia had figured out that Cecily didn't want a child to grow up without her being present, as she had. Maya had sacrificed time with her family for her career and that had really affected Cecily. Therapy helped, and then she finally got pregnant. Until today, Olivia thought all was well.
"You're not having regrets are you, Cis?"
Cecily shook her head and kissed her son. "No. I love this little guy and my husband with my whole heart. August just caught me off guard with this change to the plan."
"Cis it was just a suggestion."
"True. But why can't he be the stay-at-home parent for two years? Why does it have to be me? We're both surgeons and the only difference in our career is that he's a man."
"Okay. But don't you think you're doing the same thing you felt Mom did? You resented that she spent more time at the hospital than she did with us." She sighed. "Come on, Cis. You paid a therapist a lot of money to help you sort this out."
Cecily looked at her sister, and then burst out laughing. "I hate it when you do that."
"Do what?"
"Throw my words back at me."
Olivia laughed too. "Well it's true."
Cecily looked away and nodded.
"You have a lot to think about." Olivia said.
"I know."
Olivia was in the process of burping the baby, while Cecily was fixing her clothes when Fitz walked into the room holding Elliott's hand. She had chocolate on the front of her sweater.
"Someone had an accident. I'm taking her upstairs to change her shirt."
He looked at Olivia and she nodded before the two Grants walked towards the stairs.
"Fitz, make sure you spot clean her sweater," she called after them.
"On it," he called back.
Turning to her sister, she kissed her cheek. "Let's go back before Mom comes looking for us."
They both stood from the sofa, laughing, and walked to the dining room.
X
Fitz and Elliott returned to the dining room a few minutes later and the little girl was wearing a different shirt. Fitz took his seat next to Olivia and waited. JR saw it first and called his granddaughter over so he could get a closer look. She skipped over to her grandfather with the biggest grin on her face. He picked her up and sat her on his lap. Slowly the conversation grew quieter as he and those close enough to see, read it.
JR read the shirt out loud. "I'M THE BIG SISTER SO I MAKE THE RULEZ!"
His head snapped up and he looked to his son and future daughter-in-love for answers, while the smile on Christine's face grew bigger.
"I'm gonna be a big sister, Grampy!" Elliott squealed. "My mommy's growing me a baby sister."
All heads were now turned to the couple sitting at the other end of the table.
Fitz stood and helped Olivia to stand next to him. He put his arm around her waist and pulled closer, and she melted into his side.
"We're having another baby," he said, smiling at his little girl who could hardly sit still on her grandfather's lap. "We're due in late June, and at this time, we don't know if it's a boy or a girl."
"Yes we do, Daddy. It's a little sister."
The room erupted in laughter.
"Oh my goodness! Oh my! Oh my!" Christine screamed and began shaking her head. "Another grandbaby? I'm getting another grandbaby?!"
"Me too!" Maya exclaimed. She was so caught up in Christine's excitement she forgot that she already knew. "This is such wonderful news, just wonderful."
Eli was as excited as a school kid. "I can't believe it," he said. "We're getting another grandbaby to spoil."
Everybody at the table laughed.
An emotional JR and Christine stood, and with Elliott in JR's arms, walked around the table and approached the couple. They kissed and hugged them both. Both were overcome with emotion and Olivia understood why. This time they were there when they found out they were going to be grandparents. They would be there for every step of Olivia's pregnancy and the birth of their new grandbaby.
"We are so happy for you both," JR said in a shaky voice.
"I've prayed for another grandchild so my ladybug wouldn't be alone. Now she's getting a playmate." Christine added, tears flowing down her cheeks prompting Olivia to cry as well. Christine moved closer and pulled her into a tight hug. She stood back and wiped Olivia's tears. "Don't cry."
"I'm not. Not really. I think it's just hormones leaking from my eyes."
They both laughed, lightening the mood.
There were hugs and tears all around and everyone began speaking at once as the happy couple was surrounded by their family, offering kisses, hugs and handshakes and smiles.
When everyone was seated again, the topic of discussion was the new baby. Fitz and Olivia were amused by the conversation going on between the grandmothers. They'd already chosen baby names, come up with ideas for the new nursery and asked Olivia several times if she'd had enough to eat. The couple took it all in all in stride. The conversation also signaled the end of the official meal but the fellowship portion of the day had clearly just begun.
X
Fitz and Olivia tucked their exhausted daughter into bed later that night. Although she was tired, she still had more questions. They answered them as honestly as they could, but were also grateful when she drifted off to sleep after five minutes. They stood watching her sleep before tip toeing out of her room and leaving the door slightly ajar.
Olivia took Fitz's hand as they walked into their bedroom. Once they crossed the threshold, Fitz closed the door and took Olivia into his arms, and she slid her arms around his neck as he kissed her. She moaned, molding her body flush against his. That place between her legs where she so desperately wanted him tingled in anticipation as his thick erection nudged her. She slowly rotated her hips letting him know she was ready.
Finally, Fitz broke the kiss and leaned his forehead against hers. "Now that we've taken care of sharing our news with everyone else, why don't we take care of each other?" He reached behind her and locked the door before lifting her in his arms. Olivia wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her to the bed. They were also exhausted but they needed to connect in that moment, because on this day, they had so much to be thankful for.
X
The next day, Fitz, Olivia, Elliott, JR and Christine went off to find the perfect Christmas tree, and braved the crowds of the holiday weekend to get more Christmas decorations. It was Fitz, Olivia and Elliott's first Christmas together as a family, after all, and they were creating traditions that would last their lifetimes and be passed on to their children.
"You know what, Fitzgerald? This time next year, there will be two grandbabies to spoil and shop for," his mother said with a big smile. "I can't wait."
He laughed at the excited look on her face as they shopped for ornaments. Wrapping his arm around her shoulder, he hugged her close as they followed Olivia and JR, who carried Elliott in his arms, around the store.
Later, Christine got a little teary when she thought of the enormity of what they were doing as a family, but she didn't say anything. She just hugged Fitz really hard while they were in the kitchen making lunch for everyone after their shopping expedition. Fitz seemed to understand what his mother was trying to communicate. He felt it too. For the first time in a long time, he was eagerly looking forward to the holidays and to the future.