Hey everybody, y'all good? Hope this update finds you all in good health and following CDC guidelines. Thank you all so much for the reviews and PMs (IAMASCANDALLOVER, I love you!) they're what keep me going in this fanfic writing game. Lol This chapter is long, sappy and fluffy (still can't do the drama, sadness and angst), but I think it has something for everyone. Read it and let me know what you think.
Enjoy,
TBOT
P.S. Please wear a mask when you're out and about.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
December 28th
At six o' clock in the morning, Olivia stood in the living room window of her three bedroom suite at The Ritz-Carlton, sipping her tea and watching the city come alive. The weather was going to be perfect: sunny, clear and temperatures in the high sixties.
In the silence, she could hear the one thought constantly running through her mind, I'm getting married today. She never thought that her and Fitz would be here, but somehow they'd found their way back to each other, despite his brother's best efforts. That chapter was now closed, and today would be the culmination of what they'd started six years ago on Martha's Vineyard.
Olivia sighed. The week had been crazy and hectic, just as she had predicted. They'd begun with her OB appointment on Monday morning, where she received a glowing report. Little Jellybean Grant, the name Elliott had began calling the baby, was growing on schedule and everything was fine. They left the appointment and stopped by the jewelers to pick up gifts for their wedding party, Roxy, Elliott, and unbeknownst to Fitz, his wedding band.
Their next stop was the Marriage Bureau where they showed proof of ID and made the required payment to accompany the application that they'd submitted online for their marriage license. They waited an hour before receiving the piece of paper that would make them official.
Next on their list was Mazza Gallerie, where Olivia did some last minute honeymoon shopping. Fitz still hadn't revealed where they were going, but he'd told her it was warm and made suggestions about what she should pack. They would be gone for two weeks and he told her she wouldn't need a lot of clothes. She'd ignored him and made sure to pack enough for any occasion. Although they were excited to get away, their daughter was quite upset that she wasn't going with them.
"You're really not going to tell me where we're going, are you?" Olivia asked as Fitz drove his family home after finishing their errands and picking up their daughter from her play date.
"Nope."
"So I'm supposed to just bring my entire closet?"
"I saw the lingerie you just picked up," he said looking at her briefly, "it's perfect. You won't need much more than that, because we're spending two weeks inside," he glanced in the rearview mirror at their daughter before lowering his voice, "in bed."
Olivia nudged his arm. "You're a mess."
"Livvie, all I'm saying is to pack light, like I did. It took two minutes."
She glanced back at their daughter whose attention was on something in her backpack. She smiled. Next to her was the framed ultrasound picture of Jellybean. It pretty much went everywhere with her. To the grocery store where she'd explain to all of the shopping mommies who asked, that she was going to be a big sister, on errands around the city, and of course to bed with her each night.
She turned back to him. "What are you bringing?"
"My toiletry bag and a change of underwear, that's it."
She chuckled. "I can't with you."
"Oh but you can, babe," he said in a low voice, and reaching out and squeezed her thigh. "That little bean you're carrying says you already have."
Grinning and shaking her head, she looked away from him.
"Mommy, what do people do on honeymoons?"
"Ohhh, they talk, and sleep and eat," Olivia answered and slyly pinched Fitz for laughing at her answer to their daughter's question.
"Well why can't I go?" The little girl pouted. "I can talk and sleep and eat, too."
"They only serve Mommy and Daddy food," Fitz added, "and I'm eating mommy without company."
"Fitz!" Olivia nearly screamed, snapping her head towards him.
Realizing his slip up, he laughed so hard he had tears in his eyes. "Livvie…I'm sorry, I meant eating with…"
"Just drive and say nothing," she scolded.
She turned to face their daughter. "You're going to have so much fun with your grandparents while we're gone, sweet pea."
They'd vacillated between postponing their honeymoon and going but it was the grandparents who stepped in and convinced them to take some time away together while they can. It was only for two weeks and they would get Elliott to school and her extracurricular activities while they were gone. JR and Fitz's engineers would manage the renovations to their new home, although construction had been delayed because there wasn't enough inventory available to complete the floors.
"You're also going to spend time with Tante, Uncle Aug, Theo and Turbo. You may have more fun than me and daddy. I don't think you'll miss us at all."
Elliott nodded absently. "One more sleep until Santa comes!" Fitz and Olivia laughed at how quickly their daughter changed the subject.
"Yep, Santa's coming tomorrow night."
"Yay!" She squealed, pacified for the moment.
X
Christmas Eve
Eli and Maya Pope hosted their annual Christmas Eve soiree and several members of the Lewis and Pope families attended, as well as Fitz and his parents. There were also several children in attendance so the house was filled with adult conversations and giggles and child chatter. Fitz had introduced his parents to Malcolm Pope, Eli's older brother, who was also a judge, and who would be officiating their wedding ceremony. His daughter, Claire, had told the elder Grants all about their granddaughter's command performance as a flower girl in her wedding and had everyone bent over laughing. An annoyed Elliott had reminded everyone that she was a baby then, but now she was five years old and a big girl. She couldn't wait to walk down the aisle, tossing petals.
After everyone had eaten from the buffet set up in the dining room, they started migrating to the living room where the twelve foot Christmas tree that Maya had had decorated in heirloom ornaments, handmade pieces by Cecily and Olivia, and some that she had collected over the years. The gold and white themed tree stood in a corner of the large space. Elliott and her cousins gleefully ran around the tree, searching for gifts with their names on them. All of the parents made sure their child had a gift, and if they didn't, there were always extras. The adults continued their tradition: no gifts.
The children opened their gifts while the conversation around them centered on Saturday's big event: Fitz and Olivia's wedding. Olivia had jokingly asked Fitz on numerous occasions why they'd chosen to marry three days after Christmas. She was exhausted and excited and overwhelmed, but what calmed her was the love surrounding her. Her family.
She still had to pinch herself sometimes. Eight months ago she was a single mother, working ten hour days, going home and starting her second job as an attentive and engaged mommy to her little girl before falling face first into her bed, and doing it all over again the next day. She never imagined that this was where she and Fitz would end up, and that the two of them would be all that she could think about. Her gaze fell on her daughter at that moment. She was beaming as Christine placed the gold locket that she'd received, around her neck. Olivia knew that there was a picture of Elliott on one side, and one of her and Fitz on the other.
Smiling to herself, she glanced up just as Fitz, August, Hayes, Harry and few other cousins walked into the room. They'd been on the patio drinking premium whiskey and smoking imported cigars, both supplied by Fitz. It was obvious some had imbibed more than others. After a few minutes, she heard one of her cousins and his wife arguing, loudly.
It was Carolyn Lewis Wright who stepped in and stopped them.
"Not tonight, and certainly not in front of the children."
"Thank you," Maya added. "I'm not letting anything or anyone spoil our family time. I just won't. Now we're getting ready to play some games with the children, sing Christmas carols and finish drinking that spiked eggnog that JR made. I've had a few sips and it will knock us all out until tomorrow morning." Everyone laughed, some nodded because they'd tried it. "We do not have time for foolishness. Not when we have so much to celebrate. The birth of Jesus and my baby's wedding." She looked at Olivia who was sitting on Fitz's lap, quietly conversing with another cousin.
"She's right, let's get this Christmas cheer going," Aunt Janine, Malcolm's wife, announced. It was her son and his wife who had made a scene.
"Here, here!" Maya chimed in.
Cecily handed her son to his father, stood and walked over to the large Steinway and sat on the bench. She started to play, distracting the children, who quickly joined her, making requests. Before long they were all singing and drinking, one song after another. Cecily pulled her niece onto the bench next to her and together they played the finale to 'Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.' The argument was long forgotten.
X
It was some ridiculous hour in the morning when Fitz, Olivia and his parents made their way to bed. The elder Grants were staying in the downstairs guest room, so they would be there when their granddaughter woke on Christmas morning. Olivia and Elliott had spent the past four Christmases at her parent's home, but this year she'd decided they wanted to wake up in her own home, with her new family. And since her parents had had the honor of spending every Christmas morning of their granddaughter's young life with her, it was time JR and Christine had the privilege. It hadn't been hard to convince Elliott that Santa would know where she was.
Elliott hadn't awakened when Fitz picked her up from where she'd finally collapsed, on her Grampy's lap. She slept during the ride home, through her parent's undressing her and changing her into Christmas pajamas, and tucking her in. She never opened her eyes. They'd all had a good time at Maya and Eli's, especially Elliott.
There had been games played with the children. 'Pin the Tail on Santa,' and 'Hide the Elf,' which was a hit with the parents as well. Fitz and Olivia had won the gingerbread house building contest and there were calls for their team to be disqualified because they had an obvious, and unfair advantage. Olivia had laughed, loudly, and stuck out her tongue at the sore losers. It had been after midnight when parents started gathering their sleeping children and saying goodbye.
X
Christine and Olivia watched as Fitz and JR constructed a four and half foot tall KidKraft dollhouse for the ladybug. It was four levels and eight rooms, with interactive features including garage doors that open and close and a gliding elevator connecting the second and third floors. Fitz had done his research and decided against the popular plastic house that everyone else purchased, and settled on the mansion. He'd also ordered the furniture and the dolls. When it was delivered he was so excited, he couldn't wait to put it together.
Father and son had also put together Elliott's big girl bicycle, without training wheels. She'd asked Santa and showed her parents a picture of the one she wanted Santa to bring her. It was pink and aqua, and of course she had to have a basket. The ladies had wrapped last minute gifts before settling back and talking about Christmas memories, and just enjoying being together.
Fitz had taken a bite out of two cookies while JR munched on carrots to create illusion that Santa had been there. Olivia had tears in her eyes from the excitement on all three Grant's faces. They had missed a lot in four years but that was all behind them, and now they were creating new memories. They couldn't wait to see Elliott's face later that morning.
X
Christmas morning
Olivia opened her eyes in the dark room. Turning over in bed, she looked at Fitz and laughed at the silly Santa hat he was wearing.
"Merry Christmas, Livvie," he whispered, rolling his body against hers. She could feel his morning wood.
Olivia turned in his arms. "Merry Christmas, Fitz." What time is it?"
He yawned. "Almost six.
Shaking herself awake, Olivia lifted herself and looked around. "Elle hasn't been in here yet?"
Fitz chuckled. "Nope, I checked on her earlier, she's still sound asleep. We kept her up way past her bedtime."
Olivia shook her head and chuckled. "We definitely wore her out last night."
"Well you know it won't be long before she's awake," he said as he massaged her scalp, "so let's enjoy it."
She moaned at his ministrations and smiled at him. "Lock the door or our daughter might see mommy doing a lot more than kissing Santa Claus."
Fitz laughed at her joke. "Already done."
Olivia squealed as Fitz flipped her on her back, and lay between her legs. "I love when you don't sleep in panties," he whispered, pulling her bottom lip with his teeth and pressing his dick into her core. He released her lip and began to unbutton her silk pajama top. When he finished, he removed it from her body. He kissed her lips, and then nuzzled his face into her neck, before his mouth moved downward. When his lips touched the top of her fuller breasts, each kiss was followed by a lick, his tongue teasing the outer edges of one breast and then the other. Slowly, he slid further down her body stopping at her bare belly. The bump was still barely visible. He grinned up at her before lowering his head.
"Good morning, Bean," he said, placing several kisses on her bare flesh.
Olivia laughed quietly as he crawled back up her body and kissed her again. She cried out against his lips when his large finger entered her wet core.
She broke their kiss. "Fitz, please," she moaned as she clawed at his back
"Soon, my love."
She waited with anticipation as he moved down her body again. Sitting on his haunches, he used both hands to slide her pajama pants down her legs, tossing the silk fabric over his shoulder. Olivia opened her legs wider for him to touch her. He glanced at her, his wicked grin made her knees go weak and she grabbed onto to the sheets to steady herself.
"That's probably a good idea, babe," he warned before kissing the insides of thighs and delving his tongue into her core. Olivia gasped and her body bucked up and her toes curled. He voraciously devoured her like a starved man. His tongue twisted and turned inside her, and just when she thought she couldn't take anymore, he added his fingers. As her moans grew louder and louder, she released the sheets and grabbed a pillow and placed it over her face. She screamed into it out of pure ecstasy, again and again.
After a minute, Olivia removed the pillow, and caught her breath before looking down at him. His deep blue eyes were watching her intently, as he pressed his tongue and finger deeper inside her. Her moans sounded deep in her throat, signaling her first orgasm. Her entire body trembled; her thighs shook and her knees weakened. She rocked her hips against him as her head swam.
"Please, Fitz," she begged, reaching for his shoulders trying to pull him up her body to where she wanted him. He dropped one last kiss on her mound before moving back up to look down into her glowing face. Olivia pulled his face down and kissed him, tasting herself on his tongue. He kissed her passionately, pushing his tongue into her mouth as he pushed her legs wider apart and teased her, grinding his pelvis against hers, back and forth, over and over again.
"Please don't tease me," she begged.
"You want this?" he whispered back, still grinding his hips against her, making her moan softly.
"You know I do," she panted.
"Say it," he whispered.
"I want you, baby. Now!"
Fitz leaned down and kissed her before placing her legs over his shoulders and entering her, sliding his engorged cock into her in one swift motion. Olivia's back arched off the bed as she screamed his name. He quickly cut the scream short with his mouth or she would've awakened the entire house. He began to work his hips back and forth, slowly sliding in and out of her, as her body rose to meet him stroke for stroke. She gasped again then murmured his name over and over.
"Right there, Fitz."
His stroke was slow and easy, then fast and furious, in and out, out and in. With each stroke she tightened around him, squeezing him harder and harder. Her eyes were closed and her head was thrown back against the pillows.
"Look at me, Livvie."
Olivia opened her eyes and gazed up at him and he flashed her that grin. Fitz's hand fisted in her hair as he sped up his strokes. His hand soothed and massaged her scalp. The sweat on his forehead made her reach up and remove the silly Santa hat. His hair was plastered to his scalp. Her body was covered in a thin sheen as it arched into his.
"Ooh, Fitz," she moaned. "That, oh yes. Please."
Fitz leaned down and whispered into her ear. "I've got you, babe."
And he did. Every stroke. Every kiss. The right hand grip on her hip and the other hand in her hair. She knew what he was telling her with his body and with his lips. She wrapped her legs tightly around his waist as the first wave hit her. Her body started to tremble as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pushed her tongue into his mouth. Fitz felt her coming, her muscles so tight around his dick that she drew him in deeper and deeper with each thrust. He was unsuccessful in his efforts to hold back, and screamed into her mouth. Her orgasm ignited his, and he screamed with her. The last of her climax was still rippling through her when she heard him groan her name. As his body rocked against hers, she held onto him. A growl of utter relief and satisfaction ripped out of him as he finally sank against her warm, soft body.
Fitz felt like a warm blanket as he held her tightly and their hearts pounded as one. Sighing heavily, he eased off her body and rolled over onto his back, pulling her onto his chest where she rested her cheek. His long leg crossed over hers, holding her against him.
Fitz kissed her forehead, and caressed her back before sliding his hand to her waist and finally, her backside.
"Livvie, I think Bean's changing your body in more ways than one, especially this." He lightly swatted her ass. "It's become one of my favorite new things."
Smiling, she rested a hand on his dick and stroked. "You have yours, I have mine." She said, sounding half asleep.
He laughed and she felt the rumbling deep in his chest.
Fitz hugged her tight. "I hope you didn't wake Elle or my parents."
Olivia abruptly lifted her head. "What?!"
He chuckled and mimicked her. "Ooh baby, yes. Right there, Fitz. That, oh yes. Please."
"I do not sound like that," she said indignantly.
Fitz lifted a brow and looked at his beloved. "Deny you weren't just moaning and screaming. I had to kiss you to keep you from waking the entire house."
She rested her chin on his chest and smiled at him. "I can't deny it."
"I know."
They both laughed.
She kissed his chest once more before lifting her head. "We should probably shower and get dressed before our daughter joins us."
Olivia moved away from his body and Fitz sat up. Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, his feet to the floor, he stood.
She gave a happy little squeal when he lifted her out of the bed, carried her into the bathroom, He set her on her feet and opened the door to start the shower. She hugged him from behind while he reached in and adjusted the temperature. When the room filled with steam, she stepped into the stall and Fitz followed, closing the door behind him.
The water cascaded down over their bodies and Olivia placed her arms around his neck before going up on her tip toes to kiss him.
"We don't have time to mess around, Livvie. Our daughter will be awake soon."
"Wanna bet," she said stroking his dick. She didn't know what had come over her. She'd gone through this phase during her last trimester when she was pregnant with Elliott. Now just three months in, she was horny all the time, and even kinkier than before. "You have no idea what these pregnancy hormones do to me. I'm horny all the time."
"Well you'll get no complaints from me."
She continued to kiss him and Fitz moaned before releasing her and turning her around. Olivia relaxed against his pelvis, smiling as she felt his hard dick. She did that to him. His hands cupped each full breast as he buried his face in her neck. Olivia raised her arms and grabbed his head. Arching her back, she pushed her backside against him. His breath caught in his throat. He wanted her, now.
Fitz placed her hands on the wall and then ran his hands down her back and over her hips. He gently tilted her forward and entered her from behind. Olivia groaned deep in her throat as she felt him fill her with every stroke. Her moans spurred him on as he let his carnal nature take over. He buried his left hand in her wet hair while his right gripped her hip for support, and rode her with total abandon as she urged him on. Olivia cried out as spasm after spasm rocked her body.
"Fitz!" Olivia hissed as her body convulsed.
Feeling her clench around him, Fitz felt his own release. Moments later he threw his head back and exploded inside her as the spasms nearly brought him to his knees. Their cries were drowned out by the sound of the water.
He was careful to hold Olivia upright as his head fell forward. Fitz kissed the back of her neck before turning her around to face him. He pulled her close and placed a soft kiss on her lips. She clung to him as if her life depended on it, loving the throbbing she felt in Miss Olivia.
They finally pulled apart and took turns lathering each other's bodies pausing every now and then to kiss. He became aroused again and she grasped him firmly with a slippery hand.
"Oh, please Livvie, no more," he said. "I'm almost raw!"
She giggled and said, "I don't think your penis agrees with you."
"My penis never agrees with me," he said closing his eyes.
"Lucky for me," she whispered, as she continued playing him.
Suddenly Fitz stepped away from her soft hand and turned her around. He washed her back and caressed her breasts with the soapy washcloth. Olivia closed her eyes and enjoyed his touch. He turned her back around to face him and started with her feet, to her legs and thighs, before moving to that place between her thighs. When he finished, she returned the favor. They rinsed each other and stepped out of the shower.
They dried each other's bodies and rubbed Olivia's mango scented body lotion all over before dressing in the Christmas pajamas that matched their daughters. After brushing their teeth, Olivia left the bathroom and crawled back into bed, tired and happy, while Fitz went to check on their daughter. Noting she was still asleep, he returned to Olivia, climbed into bed beside her, pulled her close, and wrapped his arms around her before dozing off.
Olivia and Fitz were asleep when something hit the bed with enough force to sit him upright, with her in his arms. He groaned and her eyes fluttered open before closing again. Olivia finally rolled away from Fitz so their daughter could sit comfortably between them.
"Wake up!" She squealed in her high pitched voice and nudged her father. "It's Christmas! Santa came! He came! You have to come downstairs."
Olivia moaned as Elliott raised one of her eyelids.
"Wake up, Mommy! Wake up! Santa came!"
"I heard you," Olivia said around a yawn. "I'm up."
Finally sitting up against the tufted headboard, she gathered their excited child on her lap as Fitz looked on with an amused smile.
"Merry Christmas, sweet pea." She leaned down and kissed her daughter's hair.
"Merry Christmas, Mommy."
Fitz pulled her ponytail and kissed her forehead. "Merry Christmas, princess."
Elliott leaned forward and kissed his cheek. "Merry Christmas, Daddy."
The little girl turned on her mother's lap and kissed her cheek before leaning down and placing a soft kiss on her belly. "Merry Christmas, Jellybean."
Fitz and Olivia smiled at one another over their daughter's head.
"So you've already been downstairs, huh?" Olivia said when she sat up again.
"Uh-huh. You have to come and see what Santa brought me!"
"Wow, princess, you must've been a very good girl this year."
"I'm always a good girl, Daddy."
Fitz threw back his head and laughed at his very smart and very self-aware little girl.
"Are Grammy and Grampy awake?" he asked.
Elliott nodded. "Grammy's making pancakes. "Come on, Daddy," she said as she moved toward the edge of the bed, pulling her father's arm.
They both laughed at their daughter's excitement.
"Alright, princess. Let's go wash up and brush your teeth, and then we'll go downstairs to see what Santa left under the Christmas tree."
Fitz swung his long legs over the side of the bed and Elliott climbed onto his back. He stood and watched as Olivia walked towards the bathroom.
"Meet you downstairs, Livvie." And then he turned and left the room with a very happy little girl riding his back.
X
Olivia followed the delicious aroma of cinnamon to the kitchen where she found Christine Grant drizzling icing over a pan of warm cinnamon rolls.
"Merry Christmas, Grammy," she said as she walked towards her mother-in-love and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"Merry Christmas, Olivia. I thought we could start with cinnamon rolls before I make the pancakes."
Olivia turned from her tea box and looked at her. "The cinnamon rolls are more than enough, Christine."
Christine smiled sheepishly. "My ladybug wants pancakes and I promised."
"Well at least let me help you."
"No. You are going to have a seat and enjoy your tea. I really don't mind. Do you know how long it's been since we've been awakened on Christmas morning by the excitement of a child?"
Olivia smiled and nodded in understanding. She and Christine were talking quietly when JR joined them.
"Merry Christmas, Grampy."
He walked over to Olivia and kissed her cheek. "Merry Christmas, Olivia. Did the ladybug wake you and Fitz?" He asked as he walked over to the coffee maker and poured a cup of coffee.
Olivia laughed. "How did you know?"
"We were awake when we heard her squealing. She was sitting on the bicycle when we walked into the family room." He chuckled at the memory. "She was so excited she had to wake you two so you could see what Santa brought her."
"Good morning," Fitz said as he walked into the kitchen wearing that Santa hat.
"Good morning, Fitzgerald."
"Merry Christmas, son," his father said standing and hugging him.
"Mom, you made cinnamon rolls?!" Fitz said as he leaned down and kissed her cheek.
She smiled and nodded. He turned to Olivia. "She used to make these every year on Christmas morning. It was a tradition."
Olivia now understood and gave Christine a barely perceptible wink.
"Where's Elle?" Olivia asked.
"She's in the family room waiting for us so she can open her gifts. But, I needed to get coffee first."
Christine finished drizzling the icing, washed her hands, and picked up her mug of coffee. "Let's watch my ladybug open her gifts from Santa, and then I'll start on the pancakes."
Fitz shook his head. "Nope. I'll make breakfast. You relax." She opened her mouth to argue, but one look from her son and she closed it.
"Okay."
JR stood and refilled his mug before taking his wife's hand and leading her into the family room to join their granddaughter.
Olivia stood and walked over to Fitz and he wrapped his arm around her waist. "You're a good son, Fitzgerald Grant."
"That's not hard when you consider my competition."
"Fitz..."
"Do you think Santa brought you anything?" he asked changing the subject.
"I already have everything I need, and everything that I've ever wanted."
Fitz leaned down and kissed her lips. "Well, I don't think the big guy forgot you," he said.
She looked up at him and smiled. "Okay, mister."
He took her hand in his. "Come on, let's go watch our daughter open her gifts."
X
An hour later, Olivia and Christine sat on the couch sipping their refills, and watching Elliott play with her impressive dollhouse. Fitz and JR were in the kitchen making breakfast. When they finished, Christine was going to start on the chocolate pie that Cecily requested for dinner. Olivia had reminded her that it wasn't necessary but Christine had ignored her. Christmas dinner was at Cecily's home, and she was going to get her pie.
Olivia loved her mother-in-love. She treated her like a daughter, not someone stealing her son. They'd worked on building a relationship independent of Fitz. From the moment they'd met, they'd embraced one another, forever bound by their love for Fitz and Elliott. Neither took the other's love and acceptance for granted.
They both sat laughing as they looked around at what had earlier been a neatly arranged room, Discarded Christmas wrapping paper everywhere, toys torn out of the boxes and gifts spread out all over the floor. After watching Elliott tear open her gifts with much glee, the trail of wrapping paper wasn't exactly a surprise.
Olivia and Fitz had surprised his parents with a painting of a picture of them with Elliott in his mother's garden. She'd taken the picture during their first visit to New York in May, and Christine had loved it so much, Olivia had had it printed and framed, and mailed it to her. In the photo, Christine was sitting on JR's lap and Elliott was snuggled in her arms. The three of them resembled a sculpture.
The elder Grants were so surprised with the gift, they were speechless. Finally JR spoke. "Other than our grandbabies, and daughter-in-law, this is the best gift you could've ever given us."
Christine's eyes glistened with tears as her gaze was fixated on the painting. She wiped at the tears, holding her hand over her mouth a few seconds before she could speak. Tears continued to roll down her cheeks as she threw her arms first around Olivia, and then her beloved son. She held him tightly, undoubtedly thinking about her younger son on this day.
"It's so beautiful," she said in a watery voice. "I know exactly where I'm going to hang it"
Elliott walked over and looked at the painting, curious to why her grandmother was crying.
"That's us, Grammy," she said, looking up at Christine with those identical eyes, and pointing at the painting.
"It sure is, ladybug," Christine answered, hugging her granddaughter close to her.
The painting currently leaned against the fireplace, away from all of the other activity in the room.
Olivia and Fitz had agreed to not exchange gifts, but they'd both bought a small gift for the other. Fitz had given Olivia an eighteen carat gold Tiffany oval link bracelet with two charms. One had Elliott's full name and birth date, and the other was blank, until June. She'd given him and elegant black Montblanc Meisterstuck fountain pen and inkwell. They were both engraved with his full name. When he'd opened the box, she'd told him that it was for his signature. Fitz knew the signature was not his handwriting.
Olivia was smiling to herself when Fitz entered the room to announce that breakfast was ready. They'd eaten the cinnamon rolls while opening their gifts, but now Elliott's pancakes were ready. The little girl stopped playing and along with her grandmother, left the room to wash up.
Fitz walked up to Olivia and pulled her into his arms. His heart was full of love and happiness, and his smart, beautiful fiancée was the reason why. Holding the woman he loved in his arms, surrounded by family, was the best Christmas gift he'd ever received.
X
Thursday morning
Fitz and Olivia woke Thursday morning, showered, dressed and went down to her office for their final conference call with Roxy. She confirmed that the blocks of rooms at Victoria House were ready as was the Grant corporate housing. The corporate travel manager at GNA and her team had worked with her to secure the flights on the corporate jets for all of Fitz's friends coming from the West coast and his family and friends from New York. Ground transportation had been confirmed for everybody as well.
The museum would close at six that evening and the wedding party would have an hour to familiarize themselves with the logistics. The official rehearsal on Friday evening would be to confirm that everyone knew what they were to do. They would then be transported back to Victoria House for the rehearsal dinner.
Olivia's bridesmaid luncheon and spa day for her wedding party was confirmed for Friday at eleven at The Ivey, GNA's boutique hotel in the District. They would receive their gifts from the bride, and be pampered with massages, manicures and pedicures. The hair, make-up and nail teams would also be set up and ready Saturday for Olivia and her party.
Since neither was interested in traditional bachelor and bachelorette shenanigans, they were having a joint family friendly celebration later that night for all of their family members and a few friends.
Sunday morning's family brunch would be held at Victoria House before the flights to the West coast and New York departed. Fitz and Olivia planned to spend the rest of the day with their daughter before their flight on Monday morning to their honeymoon destination.
Once everything was confirmed with their planner, Olivia finished packing everything she and her daughter would need for the next four days. Olivia, Cecily and Elliott were staying together in Olivia's suite. They were having a two day sleepover.
Everyone said their goodbyes and left Olivia's home. Fitz was checking into Victoria House and Olivia at The Ritz-Carlton. Elliott would stay with her until Saturday night, when she would go with her grandparents, and Fitz and Olivia would spend their wedding night at The Ivey.
Olivia, Elliott, Maya and Cecily were going for her final fitting. The dress would be delivered on Friday morning personally by Marta. She would try it on and Marta would make sure everything was in place, and the fit was perfect. They were having lunch and running her final errands before checking into the hotel.
X
Olivia was still standing in the living room window of her suite when her phone pinged, indicating a text message. Picking it up, she grinned when she read the message. She walked across the room, looked through the peephole and opened the door. There was Fitz leaning against the wall, a silly grin on his face. He'd apparently been out for a run if the running shoes, running tights and sweat stained long sleeve running shirt, and fitted baseball turned backward were any indication.
She smiled at her handsome fiance. "What are you doing here? And at this hour."
"I ran over so you could see that I'm in one piece."
"You could've done that over the phone, mister," she countered.
Fitz shook his head. "Nope. I heard what you said to Hayes and Harrison last night."
Olivia chuckled. She wasn't aware that Fitz had heard the exchange. They were all leaving the rehearsal dinner when she pulled Harrison aside. The guys were going to the penthouse suite at Victoria House for a private party so they could watch the remaining college bowl games, drink, smoke expensive cigars, and God knew what else. It was a much less harmless bachelor party than the night of debauchery that Harrison wanted to plan for Fitz.
Olivia wasn't about to object to the guys having fun, but she did pull Harrison aside and warn him that her beloved had better come back in the same condition he left.
"Not a scratch, Harry, or else. I'm putting him in your hands, so you have to be the designated, sane grown-up for the night," she said sternly. She also knew that Fitz wouldn't do anything crazy or irresponsible.
Harrison jokingly swore to protect Fitz with his life. "He's a grown ass man, Liv, and he can take care of himself." He then gave her a mischievous smile and walked away.
Evidently the night had gone off without a hitch, because Fitz didn't look any worse for wear standing before her.
Olivia stepped aside so he could enter. They stood in the entryway looking at one another with goofy grins on their faces.
"Tradition says its bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony," she teased as she stood in front of him.
Fitz laughed. "Since when have we ever been traditional, gorgeous? We have a five year old daughter, you're pregnant again and we've been living together without the benefit of marriage for the past six months. All of that in the face of tradition." He lifted a brow and she chuckled. "The day we become traditional, is the day I die of boredom."
Olivia moved closer to him and wrapped her arms around his waist and inhaled. He smelled of sweat and cologne. She would be able to find Fitzgerald Grant III in a room filled with a hundred men. "I won't change on you, Fitz."
Fitz pulled back and looked down into her face. "I love you, Olivia Carolyn Pope. I love you and our children more than life itself," he said passionately.
"Me too." She said before giving him a kiss that could alter her morning plans.
Fitz held her tighter and kissed her deeper. Hungrily. Slowly. He would never be able to get enough of her. He kissed a path down her neck, his hands in her hair easing her head back as he sucked and licked.
Olivia pushed at his chest. "As much as I'd love to take this where it's clearly headed, we have a big day ahead of us."
Fitz pulled her back into his arms. "Come on Livvie, let's go…"
"Fitz, we're not getting into that bed; not with Cis and Elle asleep in one of the other bedrooms.
"Babe, I don't need a bed," he said grinding against her.
"Let's hold off on that," she pushed him away and moved her hand to the appendage between his legs, "until later."
Fitz sighed. "The next time I'm buried deep inside you, you'll be my wife." He gave her that sexy smile that did things to her.
"Twelve hours, baby, and we can make all of the love any way, every kind of way you want. After you put a ring on it and my last name is, Grant." She rose up on her toes and kissed his cheek, before whispering, "I can't wait to be with you…as Mrs. Fitzgerald Grant, III.
Fitz hugged her to him, squeezing her backside, and looked down into her glowing face. "It seems you're putting on a little weight, Mrs. Grant in a few hours."
Olivia smiled and poked him in the chest. "That's because I'm carrying your baby, Mr. Grant. You should be grateful my dress fits perfectly. Another month and we might've been looking for an alternative."
"No!" he teased, grinning. "Well I'm glad that didn't happen."
He moved to kiss her again and she stepped back. He leaned his forehead against hers and sighed. "Alright Livvie, kiss my baby for me."
"I will."
He moved closer to her one last time.
She shook her head. "No touching, kissing, licking or even looking at me until we're together at the altar."
Walking back to the door, she opened it and he laughed. He leaned down and whispered near her ear. "After tonight, I will be touching, kissing, licking and anything else your heart desires, for the rest of our lives. I just need 'I Do'."
"Goodbye, Fitz," she said laughing. "You're something else, and I love you."
Grinning, he squeezed her hand. "I know." He stepped into the hallway. "Hey Livvie, we're getting married!"
"Shh, before you wake Cis, our daughter and the other guests," she said unable to stop laughing.
"I'm heading back to Victoria House but I'll see you at the altar at six o' clock."
"I'll be the one in the white dress."
He laughed and strolled towards the elevator. She watched his tight ass as he walked away. She was still looking when he stepped into the open elevator and the doors closed.
"Damn I love that man," she said smiling to herself as she closed and the locked the door. She headed toward her bedroom to shower and begin what was going to be a long and beautiful day.
X
Olivia sat quietly, the picture of composure in a blue robe with Bride stitched on her right chest. She could hear the shutter of the camera as the photographer, Josie, moved around the room. Coleman had already fussed with her hair and had moved on to Elliott, while his assistants worked on everyone else. She'd chosen Lisa Mattson and her team from Queen of Shades to do her wedding party's make-up.
"May I have a peek, Lisa? Please."
"Libby, stop whining. You'll see yourself when she finishes," Cecily fussed as she sat eating.
Olivia laughed.
"Stop it, Olivia," Lisa reprimanded. She'd already told her to stop her nervous chattering. So she closed her eyes and meditated.
Her eyes were still closed when Roxy entered the third bedroom of the suite which had been transformed into a hair, nails and make-up salon.
"You're looking good, ladies," she complimented. "Does anyone need anything?"
"We're good," Bebe answered as she took a sip champagne from the bar that had been set up.
They'd all had brunch together earlier and another food and drink bar had been set up in the suite for everyone to partake until they started getting dressed, because there would be no food stains on anybody's the wedding attire. Namely, the children. Room service had already been instructed to come back and removed the items at that time.
"Okay, but my team's here for you." She turned to her client. "Olivia you look so serene."
Olivia's eyes were closed and she smiled.
"Relax your mouth, Olivia," Lisa said.
Roxy took the empty seat next to her. "Your luggage has been delivered to the suite at The Ivey, everything's in place at the museum, and the cars will be here in forty-five minutes. Fitz and the guys will be leaving Victoria House in thirty minutes which will put you behind him by fifteen minutes."
Olivia nodded, afraid to speak.
"Your ceremony's going to be amazing," Roxy said as she squeezed Olivia's hand.
"Mommy!" Elliott called her name as she stood next to Olivia's chair wearing underwear, tights and a blue robe with Petal Patrol stitched on the right chest.
Olivia almost risked Lisa's wrath to answer her daughter.
"Oh patootie, you look so pretty," Cecily crooned.
Coleman had apparently finished her hair and done a good job if the oohs and ahhs were any indication.
"Mommy look, do you like my hair?" she asked. Her brown, blonde streaked hair was a curling mass falling down her back, almost to her waist. The curls were held off her face by a crystal and pearl headband.
"Little Miss Flower Girl, come sit next to me," Roxy said as she shifted to make room. Olivia reached out blindly and took her daughter's hand.
"When Miss Lisa finishes, I'll be able to see your hair, sweet pea."
After five minutes, Lisa finished. "Voila, my dear, we're done," she announced, misting Olivia's face with finishing spray.
Olivia immediately turned to look at her baby and her eyes filled with tears.
"Don't you dare cry," Lisa warned.
"Sweet pea, you look so beautiful," Olivia said as she reached out to touch her curls.
"You look beautiful too, Mommy."
She cupped her daughter's chin. "Thank you, baby."
Elliott, caught up in all of the activity around her, didn't react to being called baby.
"Your daughter's correct, you're absolutely breathtaking, Olivia," Roxy said.
Unable to speak, Olivia squeezed her coordinator's hand, conveying her deepest thanks.
"Mommy, can I have some lipstick?" Elliott asked.
"May I, and we'll see after you're dressed. Okay?"
"Okay."
Olivia stood and took her daughter's hand. Together they walked to the second bedroom where Nicole, Abby and Veronique were dressing their daughters. She hadn't given any thought to having more than one flower girl but her daughter had other ideas. She'd asked if her cousins could also be flower girls and since neither she nor Fitz could say no, they now had six flower girls. Elliott and her cousins Nola, Charlotte, Chloe, Evangeline and Isabella were all on petal patrol.
She removed her daughter's dress from the rack and got busy.
"Liv, I can do that, Nicole offered."
Olivia shook her head. "Thank you, Nicole, but it's okay, I want to do it."
When they all finished, the six little girls stood posing and hamming it up for the photographer. They were absolutely adorable in ballerina length white silk taffeta dresses with boat necklines and quarter sleeves, a small petticoat under the fully lined skirt, three buttons in the back and a wide sash in cerulean blue tied in a nice big bow. They wore white tights and on their little feet were white Mary Jane flats. They each wore their flower girl gifts in their ears and on their wrists: pearl earrings and bracelets.
Lisa and her team swooped in to blot the tears…on the mothers, as Erin and another assistant came to escort the girls to the living room and keep an eye on them until they were ready to leave. Olivia had ordered Frozen and they sat quietly watching the movie.
Cecily walked up and put an arm around her little sister's waist. "Patootie looks like such a big girl, doesn't she?"
Olivia could only nod.
"Alright, Libby, let's get you into that dress so we can get you married." She took Olivia's hand and they walked to the master suite where her gown was hanging in the window.
They'd just walked into the room when there was a short knock before the door opened. There stood Maya Pope, stunning and svelte in a silver short sleeved, silk duchesse satin dress with a squared neckline and a trumpet silhouette. There was beading at the waist and on the shoulders and the dress flowed into a sweep train. Her hair was pulled back into a loose bun and the diamond teardrops in her ears were sparkling.
"Wow, Mom. Are you trying to outshine me on my wedding day?" Olivia asked jokingly, trying to keep from tearing up.
Maya pshawed. "Never, baby. You're not even dressed yet and you're absolutely beautiful."
The three Pope women laughed.
Maya turned to Cecily. "You, Miss Cecily, are gorgeous." As matron of honor Cecily wore an eggplant strapless gown that fit like a glove. She'd lost all of the baby weight and then some. Her make-up was flawless and her short curls were a little longer but still beautiful.
Cecily smiled. "Thank you, Mom."
Dropping her clutch on the bed, Maya took Olivia's hands. "My beautiful baby," she said softly, trying to keep the tears at bay. She gave her an air kiss before leading her over to Cecily who'd removed the dress from its hanger. Josie had quietly entered the room and was busy snapping pictures.
It was an emotional experience as Maya and Cecily helped Olivia into the strapless, straight neckline, lace, mermaid dress with a dramatic tulle skirt. Marta and her team had done an excellent job with the alterations and the dress fit perfectly. Finishing with jewelry, garter and four inch peep toe Louboutins with little bows on top, the ladies stepped back as Coleman came in and attached the waist length veil to the chignon, pinned with jeweled hairpins, at the nape of her neck. The veil had belonged to Christine Grant and when she wore it on her wedding day, forty-two years ago, it was cathedral length. Olivia had had it cut down and it looked like a brand new veil. When he finished, there was complete silence.
Elliott, who was standing in the door, was the first to speak. "Mommy, you're a queen," she said in awe.
She turned to her daughter, "come here, sweet pea."
When the little girl stood looking up at her, Olivia leaned down and kissed her lips lightly, giving them a hint of color. "Thank you." Elliott grinned while Josie snapped pictures of three generations of Pope women. After a few more frames with the four of them, Elliott skipped out of the room.
Roxy and Lisa were busy fanning Olivia while Coleman rolled over a mirror and positioned it front of her.
Olivia took a deep breath as she admired her reflection. The woman who stared back at her was confident and sexy, determined and beautiful. She had waited her whole life to be in this place with a man whose love for her was all encompassing. And now she was about to become Mrs. Fitzgerald Grant, III.
She started panting to keep from crying and then she saw her sister's image appear next to hers in the mirror. "We love you, Libby, don't cry," she whispered.
Maya reached into her clutch and retrieved a small box before walking over to stand in front of her daughters. Taking Olivia's hand she spoke."Look at you," she said softly, almost reverently. "You are my baby and you're so beautiful. I want you to be happy. You deserve it. Today is the first day of your new life."
She released Olivia's hand and opened the box. Inside was a diamond brooch with a small charm attached. Olivia removed it from the box and looked at the photo. It was a photo of her maternal grandparents, Harrison and Cecily Marie Elliott Lewis, on their wedding day. Olivia tried to keep from bawling but was unsuccessful.
"Mom, why?" Cecily fussed. "Now she's doing the ugly cry. Hold your head back, Lib."
Laughing, Lisa was there making sure her face was still beat.
Maya took the brooch and pinned it on the inside of her dress. "Now, she's here." That started another round of tears. "And here's one of Poppa's handkerchiefs, he wanted you to have it today."
Roxy knocked on the opened door. "We have to be downstairs in ten minutes." Then she stepped out of the way and Eli Pope entered the room. He took one look at his baby girl and took out his handkerchief.
Maya chuckled. "Only his girls can get to that man like that."
"How do I look, Daddy?" Olivia asked softly.
Eli placed his hand over his chest as he blinked back tears and then crossed the room and took his daughter's hands, bringing then to his lips and kissing her fingers.
"You look like an angel, baby girl." He put an arm around each daughter's waist and pulled them close. "You both do."
"Thank you, Daddy," they said in unison and laughed. "Pinch, poke, you owe me a Coke," they said together and laughed at their childhood joke, before kissing their father's cheeks. Josie snapped away while Maya tried to keep her tears from falling and ruining her make-up.
Releasing his girls, he checked his watch. "It's time we head downstairs to the car so we can get you to the museum. We don't want anyone to think you're a runaway bride."
Olivia smiled up at her father and pressed her cheek to his clean-shaven one. "The only place I'm running today is into the arms of my husband."
He chuckled as Maya and Cecily left the room.
Eli looked at his daughter. "It's hard to put into words, but I am so, so proud of you, Olivia."
"Thanks, Daddy."
He sighed, "You ready, baby?"
She nodded.
"Well come on, let's get you married."
Looping her arm through her father's, they walked out of the bedroom, down the hallway and into the living room of the suite where the bridesmaids, flower girls and ring bearer were waiting. They each wore a different styled gown in cerulean blue that flattered their bodies. The exceptions were Cecily and Natasha. As matron and maid of honor, their gowns were eggplant. Each bridesmaid wore a large cushion cut sapphire and diamond pendant while the matron and maid of honor wore amethyst and diamond. The jewelry had been a gift from the bride.
Eli cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention. There were gasps and murmurs of approval from the assembled group.
"I told you she looked like a model," Cecily said proudly.
Elliott walked up and took her hand, before turning back to look at everyone. "Isn't my mommy beautiful?" She asked with a huge crooked grin on her face.
"Your mommy is absolutely stunning, Elle," Nicole agreed.
Roxy touched the earpiece in her ear. She raised her hand to get Olivia's attention. "It's time. The cars are downstairs."
The bridal party filed out of the suite, and walked to the elevator. When they reached the lobby, they received approving looks as they walked out to the waiting vehicles. Cecily and her cousin's wife, Adrienne, who was also the ring bearer's mother, rode with the children in an SUV equipped with boosters for them all.
There was scattered applause, approving looks and winks when Olivia and her parents walked out of the elevator, through the lobby, and to the classic Austin A135 Princess waiting in front of the hotel. Olivia walked a few steps ahead of her parents who, like always, weren't far behind.
X
Fitz stood in front of the mirror in his bedroom in his suite at Victoria House, feeling like he had ten thumbs instead of two as he tried to tie the cerulean, eggplant and silver striped silk tie into a perfect Windsor knot. There were two quick taps on the door which caught his attention. Turning he smiled as Sumner Grant leaned against the door frame. After a raucous night of drinking and smoking in the penthouse suite, they'd all managed to clean up well enough to make it to the ceremony this evening.
"I came to see if you needed any help with your tie."
Fitz frowned. "So you got jokes," he said sarcastically.
"You should've had a beach wedding so we wouldn't have to wear tuxedos, ties or shoes."
"You can wait for one of the younger cousins to have a destination wedding. This is the wedding Olivia wanted, and whatever the little lady wants, she gets."
Sumner chuckled. "I understand." He smiled at his cousin who wore a pair of dress trousers, black patent oxfords, and a white tuxedo shirt. He walked into the room and took a seat in one of the chairs, stretching out his long legs, and crossing them at the ankle.
"I know you may not want to talk about it, but do you miss your brother not being here today?"
Fitz glared at his cousin. "Honestly, I haven't given him much thought."
He walked over and sat in the chair next to his cousin. "You know I feel closer to you and my friends than I ever felt to my own brother. And after what he did to me, I don't think I could stand the sight of him being here anyway. Dad's been keeping tabs on him for Mom's sake. Apparently he's still in rehab, in Arizona."
"Well, good riddance."
"Hey, he's still a Grant and my brother."
Sumner smiled. "Don't get your nose out of joint. We wouldn't want you getting a headache on your wedding day."
Fitz laughed, giving his cousin his middle finger. "Don't worry about my wedding day or my wedding night."
"Oh, I'm not. Baby Grant is proof that you don't have any problems taking care of business," Sumner said grinning.
"Yep," Fitz said laughing and patting his cousin's shoulder. "Today I begin my new life with the woman I love, our daughter, and our new baby. I couldn't be happier."
"And I couldn't be happier for all of you."
"Thank you, cousin."
The two men sat in reflective silence, until Fitz exhaled and stood. "I guess I'd better finish getting dressed."
"Are you nervous?" Sumner asked.
"Hell, yeah," Fitz answered laughing.
"Damn cousin, you've always been Mr. Cool and Calm, never letting anyone see you sweat. What's up?"
Fitz sighed. "When I woke up this morning, I finally realized the enormity of what it means to become a married man. It's no longer about what I want or need, but also what Olivia and Elliott need."
"I had those same feelings on my wedding day."
"You? Really."
Sumner nodded his head. "I was nervous as hell, to the point where I couldn't breathe. But I was also certain that I loved Nicole, and I couldn't imagine my life without her."
"That's how I feel about Olivia. I want to be with her every second of every day. It's like she was meant to be a part of me and my life forever. We've wasted enough time and I'm doing this right because I'm…"
"One and done," Sumner finished for him. "Everything's going to be okay, cousin. You're a good man and you're marrying a good and beautiful woman."
Fitz smiled. "That she is, cousin."
Sumner nodded and clapped him on his back. "Yep, you're ready," he said, laughing.
Fitz waved his hand dismissively at his cousin. "Thanks for coming to check on me, but I think I'm good here. As soon as I'm dressed, I'll meet you in the living room."
Sumner checked his watch. "I'll see you in ten minutes."
Fitz nodded.
X
When Fitz and his groomsmen, all attired in their custom tuxedos, arrived at the museum, he and Sumner were whisked away to a room near a side door while the groomsmen and bridesmaids were all huddled together in a room near the gallery where the ceremony was taking place. Roxanne's assistants were busy pinning blue orchid, purple calla lily and grey rose boutonnieres to their lapels and handing out bouquets of the same flowers to the attendants. Olivia, her father, the flower girls and the ring bearer, her Uncle Malcolm's grandson, were waiting in the museum director's office, waiting for the clock to strike six o' clock.
Fitz and Sumner followed Malcolm Pope through the side door and stopped at the top of the aisle while the Judge stood on the stage at the white floral wedding arch, as the processional began to Johann Pachelbel's Canon in D, played by a string quartet. Fitz smiled when first, his father in a custom black tuxedo escorted his mother, resplendent in a blue green, short sleeve stretch crepe fit and flare gown with a boat neckline, fully beaded top, natural waistline with a satin bow detail, high back and a sweep train, down the aisle. Like Maya Pope, her hair was pulled back into a bun. She sat next to her mother and Fitz's grandmother, Collier. She and Gem and Senior, had cut up at the rehearsal dinner the previous evening. They were followed by Maya Pope who was escorted by Hayes Wright. The bridesmaids and groomsmen were followed by Natasha and Cecily.
The guests and wedding party laughed when Collin Pope speed walked down the aisle carrying a ring pillow, and a collective awww was heard when the six little adorable girls appeared. Led by Elliott and Nola, they made their way down the aisle, tossing petals onto the white runner. Fitz winked at his little girl, and her grandparents could hardly contain themselves. All three sat looking at her with huge grins on their faces.
On Roxy's cue, Olivia was escorted into position by her father. Her knees began to shake and it must have been noticeable because Eli tightened his hold on her arm. "It's alright, Lib. It will be over before you know it."
She closed her eyes when she heard her uncle asking everyone to rise.
"You ready?"
She nodded. "I am."
"I'm honored to share you with this man. He's a good one."
He leaned over to kiss her cheek just as the doors opened and the music shifted. Her mezzo soprano singing sorority sister, accompanied by the string quartet, began the first haunting notes of Schubert's Ave Maria. They stood and counted to ten. Olivia zeroed in on her baby who stood smiling and waving at her. She inhaled deeply and then focused on Fitz, who stood, handsome in his grey tuxedo, hands folded in front of him, smiling and waiting for her. "That's our cue."
When Olivia and her father began their procession down the flower strewn aisle, Fitz let out a sigh as he saw his beautiful bride for the first time. She'd said she wanted simple elegance, but there was nothing simple about her, with her flawless honey brown skin and the body of a model, as she walked effortlessly exuding grace and elegance. He stared, dazed at the woman moving closer and closer like a vision in a dream.
Fitz smiled when Sumner tapped his shoulder and whispered. "They're beautiful, and so is she." He didn't need an explanation, he knew his cousin was talking about the pear-shaped blue and white diamond earrings and matching pendant, nestled between Olivia's full breasts. The two men had spent a few hours Friday morning at a jeweler going over designs for his bride's wedding jewelry, and then another hour examining a collection of loose diamonds. They'd left the store with the agreement that the gift would be delivered to Olivia's suite at The Ritz-Carlton. He'd also included a written a note for her eyes only, and with one request.
As they reached Fitz, he suppressed the urge to kiss her immediately. Instead he winked at her and faced forward when the Judge began to read from 1st Corinthians. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others ..."
When he finished, he looked up. "Who gives this woman in marriage?" he asked.
Eli smiled at his brother. "Her mother and I do." He placed Olivia's hand in Fitz's and muttered under his breath, "This is not a loan, got me?" Fitz and Olivia laughed and she turned to her father and kissed him on the cheek before he stepped back to sit beside Maya.
Olivia handed her bouquet to Cecily and then turned to the man she loved with all her heart, and adored. The man who would love her forever. He took her hand and together they stepped up onto the stage with the Judge. Fitz leaned down and whispered words for her ears only, which made her laugh and she was able to relax.
"I love you Fitzgerald Grant," she whispered.
"I love you more," he said,cupping her chin, then kissing her lips.
The Judge leaned in, his voice loud. "I love you both. Now, let's save some of that for when I pronounce you husband and wife." The room erupted as the couple turned to laugh with their guests.
After they exchanged personal vows, the Judge nodded to Fitz. "Do you, Fitzgerald take Olivia to be your wife, to love, honor and cherish from this day forth?"
Fitz stared into Olivia's eyes. "I do."
The Judge then turned to his niece. "Do you, Olivia, take Fitzgerald, to be your husband, to love, honor and cherish from this day forth?"
She smiled. "I do."
The Judge placed his hands over their clasped hands after they'd exchanged rings. "As you've pledged yourselves each to the other, I do now, by the virtue of the authority vested in me by the District of Columbia, pronounce you husband and wife for as long as you both shall live. Fitzgerald, you may kiss your bride."
Fitz dipped Olivia low, kissing her passionately to thunderous applause and wolf whistles. "That's how we Grants do it, baby," he whispered against her lips, easing her upright.
Heat filled her chest and face. "You'll pay for that, mister," she said with a wide grin.
"Okay, let her breathed," the Judge teased.
When she was finally upright, the couple turned to face their guests.
"Ladies and gentlemen, friends and family, I'm honored to present Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald Thomas, III." He leaned down and kissed his niece's cheek.
Thunderous applause quickly followed as both Christine and Maya dabbed at their eyes with handkerchiefs. Christine stood when Fitz and Olivia walked over and hugged her and JR. They then moved to Maya and Eli.
The opening chords of Natalie Cole's This Will Be came through the speakers and Fitz looked at his wife.
"Ready, baby?" he asked, grinning down at her.
"Always."
Before they could move, he felt a tug on the hem of his jacket. He looked down at their beautiful daughter who was smiling up at him. He lifted her into his arms and the three Grants led the recessional up the aisle and out of the room. The wedding party was directed to a large room where a small buffet and beverages was set up for them while they spent the next hour posing for photographs.
Olivia and Fitz, sans their daughter who'd abandoned them for her cousins, returned to the director's office where Lisa and Coleman were waiting. They both gushed over the ceremony as they touched up Olivia before they left to work on the rest of the bridal party, leaving the newly married couple alone.
"Hi," he said, reaching out and pulling his wife into his arms.
"Hi," she said, smiling up at her husband.
"How are you feeling, Mrs. Grant?"
She chuckled. "Thanks to you, horny."
Fitz let out a full throated laugh. "I love you, Mrs. Grant," he said holding her tight in his arms.
"And I love you Mr. Grant."
"Did I tell you how beautiful you are?" he whispered in her ear.
"No, I don't think you did."
"You are without a doubt the most beautiful woman in this building, Livvie, absolutely radiant."
"Thank you, baby."
He kissed her lightly on the lips, wishing they could leave immediately for their honeymoon. But they had time, and later tonight would be a precursor to what was to come.
X
From the countless pictures to the receiving line and well-wishes, and dinner, Fitz was counting down the time. They still had to get through their first dance and cake cutting before they could leave. Through it all, he was never far away from the love of his life. Her kisses and subtle touches were signs that she was as ready as he was.
The band began playing the intro to their first dance song. It was Fitz's choice and he made sure that the band's lead vocalist knew the song, and could sing it. The young lady was excited because usually when someone requested Etta James at a wedding, it was At Last. But Mr. Grant had chosen Loving You More (Every Day) for him and his beloved's first dance together as husband and wife. They were soon joined by their parents, grandparents and other married couples on the dance floor.
When the dance finished, they took their seats for more toasts and speeches. And then the chant began.
"Calling all Sorors to the floor, ooh Delta, we got some here but we need some more, ooh Delta."
Olivia lowered her head and dropped it into her hands. Her tears were flowing again and Fitz hugged her close before kissing her hair. She knew it was coming but it still warmed her heart to see her mother, aunts, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, cousins and friends, all of them her sorority sisters, waiting to serenade her. A chair was placed in the middle of the floor for her and she wiped her tears and stood, along with Fitz, who escorted her to her place of honor amongst the sisterhood.
When she was seated, Alicia Masters, the mezzo soprano, began the sweetheart song. "She may be an Omega Sweetheart…" Olivia tried to sing along but was overcome and covered her face with her hands. When they finished, she was enveloped into a circle of love from her sisters for life. Fitz was there with another handkerchief and escorted her back to her seat.
She spent the next few minutes watching Fitz and Elliott on the dance floor, with Elliott standing on her father's feet as he danced her around the room. She smiled, it was like watching a sappy Hallmark movie or something and it was completely adorable. When they finished, Elliott ran off to play with her cousins and Olivia wiped the tears from her eyes.
Later after they'd cut the cake, choosing not to smash each other's faces, they were dancing to Al Green's Let's Stay Together and Olivia had lifted her head from Fitz's shoulder to look into his eyes as he sang along with the song. "I'm, I'm so in love with you, whatever you want to do is all right with me…"
"How much longer do we have to stay?" she asked as she lowered her head again.
"Ready to leave?"
Olivia lifted her head from his chest. "I was ready to leave when we finished our first dance."
Fitz laughed. "I think we have to toss the bouquet and garter."
Olivia groaned. "Do we have to?"
"Yep."
He laughed when she groaned again.
When the song ended, Fitz didn't waste any time searching for Roxy. "We're ready to toss the bouquet and garter…now." He looked directly into her eyes to make sure she understood what he was saying.
"Oh! Oh!" She said moving quickly toward her staff. Whatever she said to them had them scurrying over to deejay. Within fifteen minutes she'd tossed a bouquet of orchids and calla lilies to Natasha, and Fitz's cousin, Payne, caught the garter. When Josie had them stand together for a photo, he tried to squeeze her to him until her ex-football player, medical intern boyfriend glared at him.
Fitz and Olivia had already spent a quiet moment with their daughter, answering her questions before their goodbye hugs and kisses. Thirty minutes later she was sound asleep on Eli's lap and didn't see her father scoop her mother over his shoulder, and wave at their guests. "Say 'goodnight,' Mrs. Grant."
Their guest's hooted and cheered as he walked over to her father so a giggling Olivia could kiss their sleeping daughter one last time before he walked out of the room with his wife hanging over his shoulder, ready to finally consummate their marriage.
X
Olivia and Fitz relaxed in the jetted soaking tub. She lay between his legs, the water washing away the fatigue of the day. With his arms wrapped tightly around her torso, her back cradled against his chest, Olivia couldn't have been happier.
"Thank you," she whispered softly, looking back at him.
"For?" Fitz asked, kissing the top of her head.
"For the most perfect day any woman could ever wish for."
Fitz smiled as he hugged her closer. "It was perfect because of you, Livvie. You don't know how happy you have made me."
Olivia smiled, and water filling her eyes. She wrapped her arms around his, cuddling down against him. The two lay together for some time just enjoying the quiet of each other's company. Olivia sighed as Fitz cupped the water and trickled it down her arms and over her breasts and belly, where he lingered. The light, feathery strokes of his fingers sent shivers through her whole body.
"How's the Bean?" he asked, his hands lightly rubbing her belly, and moving lower.
Olivia chuckled. "The Bean's just fine," she said and moaned as his hand moved over her core. "Why don't we take this into bedroom," she whispered, seductively.
"I like the way you think, Mrs. Grant."
Olivia smiled. "Mrs. Grant. I really like the way that sounds."
Fitz grinned. "Not nearly as much as I do, I'm sure." He kissed the side of her neck. "It has to be the sweetest thing I've ever heard."
She turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged his tightly. "I love you, babe," she whispered against his mouth.
Fitz assisted her as she stood from the tub. She removed a plush towel from the warmer. "I'll be waiting, she said, moving away from him toward the bedroom.
Fitz grinned and shook his head. They were finally going to use the bed.
Earlier...
They'd barely made it through the front door of their suite when Olivia had her arms around his neck with her tongue down his throat. Moaning, she pressed into him, feeling how rock hard he was for her. She stepped back and presented her back to him. He unzipped her dress and helped her out of it. She stood before him in a white lace strapless bra, matching lace thong, vintage lace garter and four inch heels.
Fitz took her in his arms. "You are beyond belief," he whispered against her lips as he felt her small hands pulling at his shirt, releasing it from the waistband of his pants, then unbuttoning his pants and tugging at the zipper. He stopped her hands and quickly removed his clothes before helping her out of her bra and panties. He backed her up and pressed her against the wall, and she could feel his dick jutting between her thighs. He was ready and so was she.
Fitz lifted her into his arms, pressed her back against the wall, and kissed her with such intensity she trembled. She her legs wrapped around his waist as the kiss deepened, he entered her swiftly, burying himself deeply inside her. Olivia she tilted her hips and he slid deeper, drawing a long moan from her throat.
Time stood still and he filled her again and again, his hips rocking back and forth. He groaned her name and her legs locked tighter around his waist. Their breaths came faster and the wall knocked with the force of his thrusts.
She held on as he drove into her, again and again. They rocked against the wall, fierce and sweaty.
"I love you, Mr. Grant," she yelled as she shuddered.
"And I love you, Mrs. Grant," the words coming out strained as he closed his eyes, yelling and shaking through his orgasm.
They stood trembling, holding each other after their first orgasm as husband and wife. When they could finally breathe, Fitz gently lifted his wife into his arms and carried her to the suite's large bathroom. Olivia closed her eyes and hugged her husband close. He had proved that he didn't need a bed.
X
Minutes later when Fitz walked into the bedroom, Olivia was splayed out across the bed wearing nothing but her wedding jewelry. His smile was huge.
"Per your request, Mr. Grant," she purred.
"So you read my note."
"Of course," she said as she crawled towards him, "I want you naked, wearing nothing but the jewels."
"Nice!" Fitz exclaimed, his eyes widening with desire. "Very nice."
The closer she got to him she noticed his erection beneath the towel wrapped around his waist, his dick fully engorged. Fitz let the towel drop to the floor at his feet as he moved toward his new wife. Just as he got closer to the bedside, Olivia reached out and pulled him to her.
Like a puppy on a leash, Fitz followed willingly, dropping down onto the bed as Olivia rolled them over until she was lying on top of him.
"My beautiful husband," she said in a low voice. Her smile revealed her intentions sending a shiver of desire to Fitz's groin. Blood surged, making him harder than he ever remembered being.
Using her knees, Olivia pushed his legs apart. Her small hands took full control of his body. When he reached for her, she slapped his hands away.
"Don't move, baby," she whispered, pushing him back against the mattress.
"Yes, ma'am," Fitz whispered back, falling back against the bed.
Olivia's lips followed where her hands led. She kissed his neck and shoulders, his chest, back down to his stomach. Her touch was too much and Fitz began to rock and grind against her. Pushing down against him, she began grinding her pelvis against his. As his breathing increased she continued with her tongue, stopping at his belly button.
Fitz cried out and nearly came off the bed when she took him into her mouth. She wrapped her lips around his cock and began using her lips and tongue in ways Fitz remembered. It was almost too much for him to handle as he struggled not to explode, his whole body throbbing with anticipation.
"Not yet, Livvie," he groaned.
Olivia suddenly felt his hands all over body, pulling her against him as he flipped her over onto her back. He gripped her backside, as he stared down at her.
"Don't make me come yet!"
Olivia smiled up at him, a wicked grin on her face. But that grin was soon replaced with unabashed pleasure as she felt his tongue dip deep inside her core, driving her to the brink of the edge. The sensation was incredible as she lifted herself against his mouth, wanting more. Then, just as she felt her falling, he moved up her body and hovered above her and she gasped as the full length of his cock pushed against her and eased its way inside. Fitz entered her easily, claiming what was rightfully his.
"Ooh! Fitz," she gasped.
His strokes were slow at first and then his pace quickened as he sank deeper and deeper into her core. His strokes filled her until there was no more of him for her to take, and no more of her left to fill.
Her breathing quickened and her heart pounded with excitement when his head dropped and he took a hard nipple into his mouth to suckle while he thrust into her. She cried out as the pleasure spiraled. He didn't stop there. Fitz cupped Olivia's hips silently urging her to open wider for him. And she did. She was rewarded by his deep groans, as she clung to him.
"Fitz. Yes. Oh, yes!" She moaned as she tried to keep up with his relentless pace.
His loving became fast and furious, his want for his woman controlling every move. He was moving hard and fast.
"Don't stop!"
He didn't stop, but reached between them to caress her sensitive pearl. Olivia screamed his name as she climaxed, and pleasure swept through her body. Fitz shouted out right behind her, and they convulsed together, their orgasm intense, and coming in perfect unison. He collapsed, her name rolling off his tongue.
Finally going up on his forearms, Fitz gazed down at his wife, smiling at the contentment he saw on her face. He kissed her intensely before reluctantly withdrawing and rolling on his back, pulling Olivia onto his chest. He sighed quietly, sated.
"You okay, Livvie?"
She smiled against his chest, easing her leg between his, and nodded. "I'm better than okay," she nearly purred.
He tilted her face towards him. "You are my forever, Mrs. Grant, my one and only love."
"And you're mine," she responded, her voice heavy with sleep.
Satiated, they drifted into a euphoric sleep, snuggled together for the first time as husband and wife.