Part Three

X

May

It had been a week since Fitz, Olivia and Elliott returned to D.C., and the little girl couldn't stop talking about their trip to Disneyland. They'd left Arizona Tuesday morning after saying goodbye to JR and Christine who were spending the week with their son. After a sixty minute flight and a short drive to their hotel, they were at the park by noon.

The LaSalle and Higgins families joined them on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Elliott and the other children ran their fathers ragged and when they left Anaheim Friday evening for L.A., Fitz breathed a sigh of relief.

They stayed in one of the corporate apartments at The Maxwell. Olivia marveled at the finished product. Her husband was very good at what he did. She was also happy to see Morris, who'd been the security guard on the construction site seven years ago, and was now Director of Security for the development. He offered congratulations to the couple on their marriage, and their family. Later, Fitz and Elliott spent the evening at the rooftop pool while Olivia prepared dinner for her family.

Saturday morning and afternoon was spent touring art museums and a trip to the Santa Monica Pier for old time sake. Fitz even won their daughter a stuffed unicorn to join the bunny he'd won for her mother seven years earlier. She promptly named it 'Maxwell.'

That night, their last night in L.A., was spent in the LaSalle's backyard. Their daughter, Simone, was a year older than Elliott and the two had been inseparable. Olivia had been touched at the way her baby looked out for three and a half year old Avery Higgins, who had been their shadow. She was going to be an amazing big sister.

The cookout marked the end of a week that ran the gamut of emotions. They'd enjoyed the time spent with family and friends, relaxing. Although Elliott had been to Disneyworld when she was three, she had no memory of the trip. She declared that Disneyland was her favorite place in the whole wide world because of the rides of course, and because her daddy had allowed her order whatever she wanted from room service.

Fitz and Olivia were just happy that their baby was happy. There hadn't been another episode, and Elliott was her usual cheerful and happy self. From the day they'd arrived in California, they'd experienced nothing but joy. Even those moments when Elliott interrupted their private time together. Both were grateful that their little family was well and happy.

Now they were back to reality, negotiating school and work schedules, kindergarten "homework," extracurricular activities, decorating their new home and finally, the move. Olivia was trying to balance all of that while also helping her sister plan their parent's fortieth anniversary party. They'd hired Roxanne to plan everything. The sisters knew they were playing it close given Olivia's date. The party was scheduled three weeks before.

Eli and Maya had told their daughters that they didn't want anything big. They'd chosen the Howard Theatre for the venue. It was where the elder Pope's had had their first date. The color scheme was their wedding colors, ivory and lilac. It was 1980. Cecily and Roxy had chosen the menu for one hundred fifty guests, decorations, favors, band and DJ, while Olivia put together the program. That was another item checked off on her mile long to-do list.

X

The renovations to La Casa Grant were complete. Fitz and Olivia had hired a decorator to bring it all together. The furniture, rugs and even the artwork for all the rooms had been selected with care. Elliott's current bedroom furniture would be going with her because her parents felt she needed to have her creature comforts. She had been very hands on with decorating the room. Her princess perfect purple paradise and the baby's nursery were the most important rooms in the house and they wanted to get them just right.

Fitz and Olivia, with a little help from Elliott, had decided on grey with splashes of yellow for the nursery. They wanted something fun, vibrant, and colorful for the baby's visual stimulation, but also something polished that would go with the rest of the house. They hoped to avoid an overly "kiddie" look and wanted the decor to endure over the years as the baby got older.

The crib, dresser, changing table and armoire had been ordered in white and instead of the traditional rocking chair they'd purchased a large leather armchair with matching ottoman. The chair was big enough for them to sit together with the baby and Elliott. This time around, everything was different. There were many firsts for Fitz, and Olivia was happy to be experiencing it all through his eyes. There was no one on this earth she'd rather be on this journey with than Fitzgerald Thomas Grant, III.

Fitz was handling the logistics for the move to La Casa Grant, while Olivia interviewed housekeepers. They'd agreed there was no way neither of them would be able to do it all by themselves. With their demanding careers and two children, it was the best choice. She currently had a cleaning service but that was only twice a week, and for two people. This was different. She was also labeling things she wanted to take and those she wanted to donate. Fitz had a few pieces in storage in New York that he wanted to move to the new house as well so he was handling all of the packing, transport, unpacking and set up. She was seven months pregnant, no way was he allowing her to do much more.

They were scheduled to begin Lamaze classes in mid-May, and Fitz couldn't wait. Elliott had been registered for a sibling preparation class and private tour for "expectant" siblings and their parents. She would get to see the nursery and the birthing suite where Olivia would be for two or three days. During the class, the children would be given a "newborn" doll to hold, change and feed, but Elliott probably wouldn't be impressed. She'd already held, changed and fed a real newborn, Theo. There was also the playroom with a juice machine and all the snacks you could eat, reserved for siblings. That was always a big hit with the kids. Elliott was going to love it, at least her parents hoped so. But they would do anything to prepare their daughter for her new sibling.

X

The move to La Casa Grant had gone smoothly, as Fitz had promised. By the time his wife and daughter had finally arrived, everything was in place, with a few exceptions. By noon on Saturday, they'd settled into their new home. Olivia went from room to room checking to make sure everything was in its place. They were. The movers had done an excellent job. There was nothing for either of them to do so they'd ordered take-out and spent the evening by the newly renovated pool, watching their daughter enjoy the newly installed water slide.

In the following weeks, Fitz and Olivia began Lamaze classes. He was as attentive as always, asking questions and telling lame dad jokes. Fitz was also preparing for Elliott's spring dance recital. He had his part of the dance memorized perfectly, and Miss Misty now called him her most improved student. He loved it! Olivia wondered if there was enough room in their home for her husband and his big head. Of course his response to her 'big head' reference was filled with sexual innuendo.

Olivia had also endured an intimate baby shower hosted by her mother and Christine Grant. They closed down a restaurant at The Ivey and invited a few family members and friends. She was shocked to see Nicole, Bebe, Abby and Leah. They'd flown in from New York for the occasion and Olivia's heart swelled with emotion. Because Baby Grant needed absolutely nothing, the focus was on Olivia (and Fitz) and the gifts reflected that. Her husband would be very happy. Gem, Cecily and Abby were the entertainment and kept everyone in stitches.

Olivia was in the process of preparing her team for her maternity leave. The plan was to take six months, which would take her through the end of the year, but she wasn't sure she would be able to stay away that long. She'd gone back to work when Elliott was three months old. There had been a lot of guilt, but she was on the partner track and had found a great baby nurse/nanny. Dottie Belle had been a family friend for years. She remained with Olivia, full-time, until Elliott began preschool at age two.

Of course she and Fitz assumed that she would eventually return to work. It never occurred to either one of them that she wouldn't. True, she didn't have to work, but Fitz would never make her feel that her place was in the home, with their children. Or, that his career was more important than hers. Fortunately, Dottie was available, and had signed on to work for the Grants as their baby nurse/nanny until she was no longer needed. Olivia had introduced her to Fitz, who loved her instantly, and Elliott was just excited to have her Dot back.

X

June

Olivia sat on her husband's lap as they watched her parents, and their guests, enjoy their fortieth anniversary party. The party was spectacular but to Olivia it was going on much too long. She was tired and just wanted to be home alone with her husband. But right now that seemed virtually impossible. She and Fitz had danced to a few songs and now her feet were beginning to ache, which is how she'd ended up on his lap. She sat comfortably while his hand caressed her large belly.

"Three weeks and three days, Livvie," he said.

"Three weeks and three days," she repeated.

He smiled at her and then kissed her on the cheek. She leaned back and placed her hands over his as they watched the celebration around them.

The party had begun with her parent's oldest and dearest friends telling stories about their meeting, their two year courtship and about the steadiness of their relationship and marriage. There had been a lot of laughter and groans, but the tears came when Olivia spoke.

"Cis was nine and I was seven. We had just moved into the new house, and the two of us no longer shared a room. I woke up after hearing a noise and it sent me running to my big sister's bedroom."

She looked at Cecily, who smiled at the memory she also shared.

"She was awake because she'd heard the noise too. Grabbing my hand we left her room and were on our way to Mom and Daddy's bedroom when we heard the noise again. That's when we realized it was actually music and it was coming from downstairs. We got midway down the stairs before we saw you. You guys couldn't see us, but we could see the two of you. You were dancing. Those old dances you did to embarrass us."

Everyone laughed.

"We took a seat on the stairs and watched you. The music stopped and Daddy put on another album, before pulling Mom into his arms, and the two of you began to dance slowly. The song playing was 'Love Ballad,' Daddy's favorite song by his favorite artist who isn't Aretha Franklin."

The guests nodded and chuckled.

"We later learned it was the song you had danced to for the first time on your first date in this very theatre at an LTD concert, and two years later at your wedding."

She took a deep breath, looked at her parents and continued. Her mother was openly crying while her father was trying to keep his tears at bay.

"It was that night that I understood the love that you two shared. You have been a true testament of what a marriage is and I can only hope to be blessed with a lasting marriage such as yours. Mom, Daddy this is for you."

Eli and Maya were busy wiping one another's tears, as if they were the only two people in the room. They were so caught up that they didn't notice the tall, bald, handsome man entering the room from a side door with a microphone. They heard him when he began to sing and both of their heads jerked in his direction.

I have never been so much
In love
Before

What a difference
A true love made in my life
So nice
So right

Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Spencer Pope sat staring in wide eyed shock as Jeffery Osborne walked toward their table, singing their song. When they finally came to their senses, Eli stood and offered his hand to his wife. She took it and together they made their way to the dance floor. Maya wrapped her arms around her husband's neck as he hugged her tightly. Their guests watched as the happy and in love couple celebrated forty-two years together, forty as a married couple, two daughters, two sons-in-laws, two grandchildren and one on the way.

"And what we have is much more than they can see."

"What we have is much more than they can see."

Maya leaned in and kissed her husband tenderly, and before she knew what was happening, he had dipped her in a low dance move. When Eli lifted his "bride" back into his arms, he kissed her deeply, causing the crowd to go wild with loud clapping, whistling and hooting. Olivia and Cecily looked at one another, smiling and nodding their heads in approval. They'd obviously seen their parents kiss before, but nothing like that. When their song ended, everyone cheered as the happy couple hugged the singer and the photographer took pictures. The DJ started up as the guests crowded the floor.

"How are you feeling, Livvie?" Fitz asked her for the hundredth time.

Olivia kissed his lips. "I'm fine, babe, just a little tired. Stop worrying." She wouldn't dare mention the dull ache in her lower back.

"I'll always worry, especially now. By the way, did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?" he asked.

She smiled. "Yes, you did."

He squeezed her closer. "Well, you are beautiful, Mrs. Grant."

She'd worn a knee length, chiffon, empire waist, one shoulder dress in violet. Her hair was swept up into an elegant bun. She wore simple diamond studs and her wedding band. She'd almost cried in the Neiman Shoe Salon when she found a pair of three inch strappy sandals in platinum that fit her semi-swollen feet. As always, her make-up was flawless.

"And you are very handsome, Mr. Grant." He wore a light grey custom suit with a stark white shirt, violet and platinum striped silk tie, which matched his wife's dress, and brown leather lace-up shoes.

"Thank you, Livvie."

The couple was laughing and talking quietly, Fitz occasionally kissing his wife, when they were interrupted.

"Daddy, dance with me."

It was a command, not an invitation. Both parents turned to look at their little girl who was adorable, as usual, in a sleeveless, lilac, jacquard dress with embossed flowers, a bow at the waist and a pleated skirt. On her feet were silver metallic ballet flats with a 3D glitter flower at the toe. Fitz had washed and conditioned her hair that morning, while Olivia was at the salon, and allowed it to air dry. Elliott had chosen a silver headband to keep the profusion of curls off of her face.

Fitz smiled at his daughter, who was now standing with her little hands on nonexistent hips.

"Daddy, dance with me, what?"

Elliott grinned at him. "Please!"

"Of course I'll dance with you, princess."

He helped Olivia stand from his lap and set her on the chair before taking his little girl's hand and leading her to the dance floor. They danced one song before JR cut in, took Elliott into his arms and danced away with her, leaving Fitz to walk back to their table with a crestfallen look on his table.

"My father stole my dance partner," he said with a pout.

Olivia laughed. "That's okay baby, I'll dance with you...later." And later he took her up on her offer. He took her hand and led her to the dance floor for one last slow dance. They looked into each other's eyes, talking without words while the sounds of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell played in the background.

Like the sweet morning dew, I took one look at you,
And it was plain to see, you were my destiny.
With my arms open wide,
I threw away my pride.
I'll sacrifice for you,
Dedicate my life to you.

She closed her eyes when he leaned down and touched her forehead to hers. He kissed his wife lightly on the lips because anything more and he'd want to leave his in-law's party. Thankfully, the song ended soon and they returned to their table. The rest of the evening was spent laughing and joking with Cecily, August, Hayes, Tamara, Harrison and Veronique, and few others at their table.

Later that night, after putting their daughter to bed and saying goodnight to Fitz's parents, the couple retired to their well appointed Master suite. There was still an ache in Olivia's lower back that she'd been ignoring all day, but it was nothing that would warrant her to be alarmed just yet. She'd suggested a bath so Fitz ran her a warm bath, helped her undress and into the tub, and then joined her. The warm water helped ease the back ache a little. They lathered and washed each other's bodies before Fitz stood and stepped out of the large soaking tub. He extended his hand and helped Olivia stand before wrapping her body in a bath sheet. Lifting her in his arms, he carried her to their bedroom where he laid her on the bed and dried her. He then retrieved her body butter and a nightgown before returning to the bed and taking care of his dozing wife. When he finished, he repeated the process on himself, slid on a pair of pajama bottoms, crawled into bed next to his already sleeping wife and wrapped his arms around her very pregnant belly. He drifted off into what he thought would be a peaceful night's sleep. But someone had other plans.

X

Olivia squirmed at the discomfort in her back as she sat on the sofa in the sitting room off their new bedroom. She'd begun having contractions the previous day, without any increase in intensity or frequency. But this was a little stronger than the faint twinges that she'd been feeling earlier. During the party, slight pain had poked and prodded in intervals every hour or so, but nothing alarming…yet. So she'd ignored them, enjoyed the party and when she got home, took a warm bath with her husband and then curled up next to him for what she hoped would be at least a few hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Between three and three-thirty that morning, she sat straight up in bed. She'd been awakened by a pulling a bit more intense than what she'd felt the previous evening. She lay back and waited for the next contraction because, unlike the others she'd been having, this was the real thing. By four, Olivia had had several contractions lasting forty-five seconds to one minute. She still hadn't awakened Fitz choosing instead to let him sleep. This was the calm before the storm. She would wake him and call Fatima when they started coming in five minute intervals. She stood from the bed, careful not to wake her husband, grabbed her phone and went to check on their daughter before returning and sitting on the sofa. The bed was no longer comfortable, so she sat timing her contractions.

By five, Olivia had called her doctor and then went to wake Fitz.

"Fitz," she said, shaking him awake.

He sat straight up. "Livvie, are you okay?" He asked anxiously.

"It's time to go."

"What?! Are you sure? You're three weeks early." He said as he stood. Although at her last appointment Fatima warned them that Bean could come anytime in the next three weeks.

Olivia nodded. "I'm pretty sure." She winced as another contraction hit her body causing Fitz to grab her hands and she squeezed. When it subsided, she took a deep breath and put her arms around him, squeezing him in relief.

Fitz thought, this is it, and his nerves began to tingle. "Okay, Livvie, let's get you dressed so we can get out of here." When she stepped out of his arms, something shifted low in her belly followed by a trickle of warmth down her legs.

"Oh no," she whispered. "My water broke."

They both looked down at the puddle on the bamboo wood flooring, and then back up at each other. Olivia wanted to laugh at the look on her husband's face, but winced instead.

"You're having another contraction, aren't you?"

She nodded. "Yes. I'm in labor."

"How far apart are they?"

"Four minutes or so."

"Okay," he said. "Okay. I got this. We got this. We can do this."

This time she did laugh. "Calm down. I'm fine. We have plenty of time to get to the hospital."

Fitz nodded nervously. "Okay," he said again, trying to sound calmer. "Okay. We got this."

"Fitz," Olivia said through clenched teeth as she gripped his hand. "Please help me get dressed and then wake your parents so they'll know what's going on."

Thank goodness they decided to stay with us last night instead of in the guest house out back," she thought.

"Right. Right. Should we wake Elle?"

Olivia shook her head. "No. This could go on for a while. I don't want her to be anxious or afraid."

"Well right now you're the boss so whatever you want."

"I'm always the boss," she retorted.

Fitz laughed. "Okay, boss, let's get you into some dry clothes and then I'll get my parents." He took her hand and led her into the bathroom.

Twenty minutes passed before they were able to leave. Because the contractions were coming so frequently, it had been difficult to get Olivia dressed. Finally, by six and after being hugged by her excited in-loves, Fitz and JR helped her down the stairs and they were on their way.

X

"Ahh, Cis, why do we do this…more than once?" Olivia asked her sister, panting.

They'd arrived at the hospital at six-thirty. Fortunately, her doctor was already in the hospital due to an emergency. Olivia had called Cecily an hour later but waited to call her parents. Her big sister had arrived at eight-thirty, ready to help her and Fitz.

"I mean, we're smart, we're evolved, why do women keep doing this?" She finished with a moan.

Cecily glanced at Fitz and chuckled. "Come on, Lib. Your contractions are less than two minutes apart, you've got this. Now I know you said no medications but-."

Olivia shook her head. "No, I'm going natural this time."

"Okay, but know that the window is slowly closing."

"I kno-" She'd started to speak when another contraction hit her and she moaned loudly as she gripped Fitz's hand.

"Ahh. Why…do…we…do…this?"

Cecily smiled before leaning down and kissing her sister's temple. "You do this because you're so in love with someone that the two of you can't contain it all. So you make another person out all that love."

Fitz looked over Olivia's head at Cecily and nodded his thanks. He was so grateful she was there with them. She winked at him and smiled before they both turned back to the patient. There were at least two minutes before the next contraction. The room was quiet as Fitz whispered words of encouragement into his wife's ear.

"Ahh, here we go," Olivia moaned. She squeezed her husband's hand. "I'm so sorry, babe," she panted.

"No, Livvie, it's okay. It doesn't hurt at all. You should squeeze harder," he said as he tried to hide the grimace on his face.

"Oh, my God!" she cried as Cecily wiped the sweat from her brow. "Here comes another one."

"Come on, Lib. Hang in there, little sis. You can do this," she cheered her on.

"That's right, baby. Squeeze my hand and breathe. That's right, breathe. Let the pain go."

Just as the contraction subsided, Fatima Goodrich, M.D. breezed into the room. "How's my favorite patient?"

Olivia tried to laugh. "You say that about all your patients."

The doctor laughed. "That's true. How are you?"

"That last contraction was really bad" Olivia moaned.

"Sure you don't want anything for the pain? I can have someone from anesthesiology down here right away."

Olivia shook her head. "Not this time."

"Alright, but if you change your mind let the nurse know."

The doctor went over to the sink and washed her hands. "I'm going to check you to see how far along you are." As she grabbed a pair of gloves, she asked, "Is it okay to examine you while Fitz and Cecily are in the room?"

"They can stay," Olivia said, squeezing Fitz's hand tighter. At this point she didn't care who looked, especially if they were going to help get this baby out.

"Wow, you're almost ready. You're at nine centimeters. Maybe an hour or less and you can start pushing. Are you sure you don't want anything for the pain, Olivia?" she asked, while removing her gloves.

"I'm sure."

"Okay, I'll be back in a bit."

"Thank you, doctor," Fitz said.

Cecily turned to follow her friend. "Lib, Fitz I'm going to step out for second. Fitz, you want me to bring you anything?"

He shook his head. "No, Cecily, I'm good. Thank you."

No sooner had the door closed, when Olivia was hit with another contraction. "Ahh…here comes another one." She moaned as she prepared for the pain.

"Okay," Fitz said. "Just breathe." He cradled her to him as much as he could as Olivia's body stiffened and she groaned like a wounded animal while squeezing hand. He coached, using the breathing exercises they'd learned in the child-birthing class. He gently kissed her until the pain eased. It didn't go away, but having her husband there this time made it all the more bearable. Nobody could comfort her like Fitz. Nobody made her feel as brave as he did. He seemed to always know the right things to say, and he said everything she needed to hear right when she needed to hear it.

"Fitz I don't think I can take much more of this," she said in a watery voice as tears filled her eyes.

The serious look on his face eased into that crooked smile. Smoothing her hair back, he did his best to calm her. "Are you kidding? You're doing great. Fatima said it won't be much longer, and then Bean will be here."

She tried to smile at his comforting words as another contraction tightened her entire body.

"Oh, God. It hurts," she moaned.

Olivia was in the throes of a contraction when Cecily returned. She was delirious with pain.

"How much longer?" she asked, the tears now flowing down her cheeks.

From her position on the left side of the bed, Cecily tried to soothe her sister. "You can do this, Lib. You've made it this far."

"No. No. I can't." She moaned, shaking her head.

"Yes you can, Livvie. Cecily's right. You can do this." Fitz assured her as he rubbed her lower back.

"Ahh," she moaned, "here comes another one!" Olivia leaned forward and grabbed Fitz's hand.

She cried for close to an hour as she went from nine to ten centimeters in record time. She wanted to give up, and she tried, but Fitz was beside her the entire time giving her the strength she couldn't give herself. It was as if he crawled into her body and took it over because she had absolutely nothing left. He kept telling her how proud he was of her.

She tried listening to her husband. "Breathe, Livvie! Breathe!" But it did nothing to hold back the loud scream that vibrated the walls. Olivia collapsed against the pillows trying to catch her breath before another contraction hit her.

"I'll be right back," Cecily said, "I'm going to get Fatima."

Exhausted, Olivia could only nod.

"Okay. Thank you," Fitz answered. Helplessness overwhelmed him as he tenderly wiped his wife's brow. Cecily and the nurses told him that he was an excellent coach, but he felt terrible. He appreciated their kind words but watching Olivia going through the pain of labor was tearing him apart. It hurt him to see her in pain like this. He felt completely useless, and prayed that God would allow Bean to come soon to give his wife some relief.

"It's almost over, Livvie," he whispered, and kissed her temple. "I love you so much."

Olivia began to moan again as another contraction began. The doctor, Cecily and two nurses rushed into the room. Quickly, Dr. Goodrich washed and dried her hands before slipping on a pair of gloves.

"Olivia, I'm going to check to see if you're ready."

As the doctor examined her patient, the nurses scurried around the room preparing for delivery.

Fatima smiled up at Olivia. "You're at ten centimeters and ready to start pushing. Okay Mrs. Grant, let's have this baby."

"Thank you, Jesus." Those were the sweetest words Olivia had heard in the last few hours.

The doctor stood and everything seemed to move at warped speed. She removed her gloves, scrubbed her hands and forearms again before one of the nurses assisted her with a gown and surgical gloves, while the other nurse got Olivia into position to deliver the baby.

Fitz watched as she took a seat on a stool between Olivia's opened legs.

"Alright Olivia, you know the drill. With the next contraction, when you feel the need to push, go ahead."

The doctor then turned to Fitz. "Fitz, after each push, give her a count of ten so she can relax a bit, then we'll push again."

Fitz heard her and nodded his head in acknowledgment, but his attention was on his wife.

"It's almost over Livvie," he whispered softly, his face mere inches from hers. "It's almost over." No sooner had he uttered those words, a contraction reared its ugly head prompting Olivia to grab his hand, while he and Cecily helped her sit up.

Olivia took a deep breath, closed her eyes and pushed with Fitz coaching, and Cecily cheering. "Come on, Livvie, that's it. Push! Push! Push!"

The next twenty minutes were spent with Olivia pushing, Fitz coaching, Cecily cheering, and the doctor assuring her that it would indeed be over soon. Suddenly, the doctor told her to stop pushing.

"Olivia, the baby's head is beginning to crown. One more push should do it. Give it everything you've got. Just one big push okay?"

Olivia nodded weakly and when the pain came crashing down again, she squeezed her eyes closed again and pushed with all her might.

"Come on, Livvie. One more time and it'll be over. You can do it, baby," Fitz encouraged.

"That's it, Olivia. Push! Push! That's it! That's it! Push! Push!" the doctor said excitedly. "That's great…okay…okay. The head is out!"

At that moment, Olivia collapsed into Fitz's arms. The room was abuzz with excitement, but for Fitz, everything was suddenly moving in slow motion. When he heard the doctor say the head was out, everything seemed to stop. He leaned over between his wife's legs, riveted, as he watched their baby's head emerge from her birth canal. In all his life he had never been so awestruck by anything. The voices around him seemed to be coming through a tunnel. He watched as, one by one, the shoulders were exposed.

Olivia had pushed to the point of exhaustion but relief came with a final push as a warm solid mass slipped from her body.

Fitz watched his newborn slide from his wife's body and into the doctor's hands.

"It's a girl! You have a baby girl. Congratulations!" Dr. Goodrich said as she held up the squirming newborn, her umbilical cord still attached, for her parents to see. The baby began to cry, loudly, as the doctor placed her on her mother's chest. Her wailing quieted as she made skin-to-skin contact with Olivia.

Fitz's eyes filled with tears. He was speechless. Olivia turned to look at him. "Babe, it's a girl."

When she saw the look in his bright blue eyes, a look of wonder and joy, she knew the pain she had gone through was worth the years of happiness their daughters would bring them. From the look on his face, it didn't matter that Bean was a little girl. Elliott had gotten her wish…again.

There were no words to describe what Fitz felt as he witnessed his daughter coming into the world. For a second, he almost lost it when the baby came out looking purple, and was silent. He exhaled deeply once she began to cry. As long as he lived, he would never forget the intense emotions he felt, nor would he be able to describe them.

He looked at Olivia and their newborn daughter through his tears and knew that there was no way in the world he could ever repay her for the beautiful girls she'd borne him. He was feeling incredible joy and love for his wife. He also felt hurt for not being able to be anything but a helpless onlooker during her labor. As he looked at her and thought about the pain she endured, and the tears she'd shed, he broke down and cried.

"Fitz?"

Fitz wiped his tears and looked at the doctor who held up a pair cord scissors. "Would you like the honor?" He nodded, stepped closer to his wife's opened legs, and reached for the instrument. He felt no shame as tears streamed down his face, and his hand shook as he cut the cord.

Olivia cried silent tears as she held their daughter close, loving her more than she could ever comprehend. In that moment, her heart expanded beyond what she thought was possible to make room for this amazing little girl that they had created out of love.

"Fitz, look at her," Olivia said softly. "Isn't she beautiful?"

"Yes, she is," he said, his voice shaky. He leaned over and kissed Olivia's temple. He had fallen head over heels in love again.

"Thank you, Livvie."

"Don't thank me. I couldn't have made her by myself."

"But you gave birth to her," he said between sniffles.

"I'm sorry," Dr. Perkins, the pediatrician interrupted, "I'm gonna need this little one."

Olivia hated to give her up. Placing a kiss on her forehead, she reluctantly handed the infant over.

After the pediatrician examined the baby, the nurse thoroughly cleaned, weighed and dressed her. "Six pounds even, and she's twenty-one inches long. She's perfect," she said as she handed the baby to her mother.

"She's so tiny." Fitz said, still in awe.

"Six pounds even is just right, from my point of view." They both chuckled. "She can get bigger outside the womb."

He reached out and gently caressed her tiny face.

"She looks like you and her big sister," Olivia finally admitted.

Fitz smiled. "Well I didn't want to say anything, but she sure does look just like her daddy."

Olivia rolled her eyes at him.

Cecily, who had been quietly sitting and texting, giving the parents time to bond with their newborn, finally spoke. "She looks just like patootie when she was born. Almost the same weight and everything. She's definitely your mini-me, Fitz. Sorry, Lib."

Olivia laughed at her sister's words.

"Do you want me to call Mom and Daddy?"

Olivia shook her head. "No, I'm going to surprise them. Besides, they're probably all partied out."

The three of them laughed.

"They haven't called so I'm assuming JR and Christine haven't contacted them." She looked at Fitz. "We need to call your parents too. I'm actually surprised we haven't heard from them. Elle has no idea where we are. She's going to be so surprised."

Cecily nodded. "Okay. Let me see this little girl before I get out of here. I need to get home to my own baby." Moving closer, she wiped away a tear as she gazed down at the baby.

"Are you crying, Cis?" Olivia teased.

Cecily shot Fitz a look when he chuckled. He cleared his throat and looked away.

"Be quiet, Lib. You're ruining my moment of bonding with my new niece."

"Sorry," Olivia said sounding contrite, and trying to keep from laughing.

Cecily playfully rolled her eyes. "Whatever. I'll see you guys later." She leaned down and kissed her sister's cheek and then her niece's tiny head. "Love you little sister. Congratulations."

"Love you too, Cis. Thank you."

She walked over to the other side of the bed where Fitz stood, and he wrapped his arms around his crazy and funny sister-in-law, his daughter's beloved tante. She'd been on their team from the very beginning, and he would always love her for that.

"Thank you for coming, Cecily."

"You kidding? This is the only place I'd want to be. Congratulations new daddy."

Fitz laughed, loving the sound of that. "Thanks. Do you need me to walk you downstairs?"

"No, I'm good."

Olivia looked up her husband. "Babe I'm starving."

"What would you like to eat?" he asked.

"What time is it?"

Fitz looked at his watch. "Almost noon."

Olivia nodded. "Good. I want a chicken and avocado wrap, loaded, from The Bottom Line, with tater tots and a cup of chili."

She looked at her sister and her husband who were both staring at her. "What?" she asked. "I just gave birth. Leave me alone."

They both laughed. Fitz leaned down to kiss his wife and newborn. "I'll walk with you downstairs, Cecily." He turned to Olivia. "I'll call in the order from the car after I call my parents."

"Okay, babe. Cis, text me when you get home."

"Will do, Lib. Bye."

"Bye, Cissy."

X

Olivia was finally settled and alone with her baby. A nurse had assisted her with a shower and helped her get into a set of silk lounging pajamas and pull her hair into a high ponytail, while the baby was in the nursery. She felt much better. As soon as they finished, she requested the baby be brought to her. She was exhausted but she couldn't get enough of holding her. She'd nursed her earlier and now she was sleeping soundly. Laying the baby on the bed, she unswaddled her and studied her sweet little face.

The baby must have known her mommy was looking at her because she stretched, with her tiny fists balled up and gradually opened her eyes. Olivia smiled. Bean may have had Fitz's entire face, nose, and lips, but like her big sister, she had her mother's doe shaped eyes. She touched her hair noting the texture would probably be like her father's, as she grew older. Delicately, she touched her tiny hands and feet, counting her fingers and toes.

She lowered her head as she lifted one tiny foot and kissed the sole, and then the other. The baby's skin was quite fair, and Olivia knew that there was a chance that it would stay that way, but there was also a chance she would darken. She was perfect. Her baby girl was perfect. She was so caught up in her new baby she didn't hear Fitz enter the room, followed by a nurse pushing a cart filled with floral arrangements and balloons.

"Lunch is served!"

She laughed. "Thank you, my sweet, sweet husband. I'm starving."

Fitz set the bag of food on the table and walked over to the bed, while the nurse unloaded the cart and exited the room.

"What's all of this?" Olivia asked, looking around the room.

"This," he gestured towards the flowers and balloons, "is your husband being a very happy man and almost buying out an entire florist shop."

She shook her head, smiling at him.

"Bean's awake," he said smiling down at their newborn. "She has your eyes Livvie."

"And that's it. Everything else is you, mister."

He shrugged, trying to keep from smiling. "We make pretty babies."

Olivia nodded. "That we do, babe."

"Are you ready to eat?"

"Yes. Why don't you take her and then I can get up."

Fitz reached for his baby and laid her in the clear bassinet beside Olivia's bed. He then helped her stand and she slowly made her way to the bathroom and washed her hands. When she came out, Fitz had laid out the food on the rolling table. Carefully she eased her sore body down on the bed with his help. He moved the food closer and she began to eat.

Fitz went to wash his hands. He then removed his shirt and lifted their baby in his arms. Laying back in the leather recliner, he placed the sleeping Bean on his bare chest. His chest swelled with pride. This is what he'd missed out on five and a half years ago. It was the most incredible feeling in the world.

"Mmm, this is so good," Olivia said as she chewed on a tater tot.

Fitz laughed at his wife before kissing Bean's hat covered head.

"I spoke with the grandparents. They were all at brunch with Elle. Mom and YaYa are of course over the moon about a new baby girl, Elle still doesn't know that Bean is here, she just thinks you had to come to the hospital for a tummy ache."

Olivia swallowed, and laughed. "She's going to be so surprised and happy, Fitz. A little sister is exactly what she wanted."

Fitz grinned at her. "Don't I know it."

Olivia stopped chewing and looked at her husband. "What about you, babe, are you happy?"

Fitz frowned at his wife. "Of course I'm happy. I'm very happy. I'm overjoyed to have two healthy, strong and happy little girls in my life. Along with their mother."

Olivia smiled at him before taking a large bite of her wrap. She felt the same way. Being with Fitz and their girls was like experiencing the greatest love in the world.

"So are we still considering the name Elle has been calling this little one since we returned from California?" Fitz asked looking down into his daughter's angelic face.

Olivia took a sip of water before she answered. "What do you think, daddy? Does the name fit?"

Fitz smiled. "I'm not sure yet."

Olivia nodded. "Okay, let's think about it a little while longer."

She returned to her food but after a few minutes of silence she looked up at her husband. Fitz had dozed off. She smiled. She would finish eating and then take the baby, while her husband got some much needed sleep.

X

They heard her before she entered the room. Fitz and Olivia were lying on her bed. They were both asleep when Christine sent a text to let them know that they were five minutes out. Neither could wait to see their other "baby."

Fitz got up from the bed and walked to the door, while Olivia called the nurse to have her bring in the baby. The door opened and the first person he saw was his princess, who was carrying a balloon bouquet.

"Hi, Daddy," she said as her father lifted her into his arms.

"Hi, little girl. Boy, are mommy and I happy to see you. We have a surprise."

The little girl's eyes lit up as she looked at her mother and smiled. "What surprise, Mommy? Look what we got for you," she held up the balloons, not giving her mother a chance to answer her question.

Olivia laughed and opened her arms wide. "Come here, sweet pea. Give mommy a hug."

Fitz set her on her feet and they all watched as she bounced across the room, and climbed up onto the bed.

"Careful, baby," Fitz warned.

Elliott frowned. "I'm not a baby," she pouted before throwing her arms around her mother's neck and kissing her cheek.

Fitz laughed before turning to greet the grandparents.

"Hello everybody." He leaned down and kissed his mother and then Maya, before shaking JR's and Eli's hands.

"Come on in and have a seat."

Fitz had just closed the door when there was brief knock. He turned to look at his wife who smiled at him while listening to their daughter telling her about brunch with her grandparents.

"I think this is your surprise, princess." Fitz opened the door and a nurse walked in pushing a clear bassinet.

"Someone's here to meet her family," the nurse sang.

Elliott sat up quickly, looking at the nurse and then the bassinet as they moved closer. The adults waited for her reaction and they weren't disappointed.

"Mommy," She pointed, bouncing up and down on her knees. "That's a baby!"

Olivia nodded and laughed. "It is a baby, sweet pea. That's your baby sister."

"Surprise!" All of the adults yelled.

The little girl was speechless, and collapsed into tears against her mother. She was overwhelmed by big emotions as tears fell from her eyes, and Olivia almost became a blubbering mess.

"Oh, sweet pea, don't cry." She leaned down and kissed her little girl's hair, hugging her until she calmed down. "It's okay, baby. Mommy was surprised too." Olivia looked at the grandparents and then Fitz, and smiled.

"You wanted a little sister and now she's here. Would you like to hold her?" Fitz said.

Elliott nodded but her head was still buried in her mother's chest.

"Come on, let's wash your hands and then you can hold your baby sister."

Fitz lifted her from the bed.

"I'll take her," Maya volunteered and stood and took her granddaughter to the bathroom where they both washed their hands. When they returned, Olivia was sitting up, holding the baby. Fitz lifted his little girl and placed her on the bed next to her mother and baby sister.

"Are you ready?" Olivia asked.

Elliott nodded.

"Do you remember how you held Theo?" Fitz asked.

She nodded again.

Olivia gently laid the baby in her big girl's arms and softly reminded her to how to support the newborn's head in the crease of her elbow. Elliott looked at the sleeping baby with wonderment, and then grinned at her weepy grandparents. The nine month wait had been incredibly long for her. She leaned down and kissed the baby's covered head several times before she finally spoke.

'You finally came out of Mommy's belly and I'm happy to see you." She placed her face against the baby's cheek and whispered. "I won't ever let you go. I love you."

The adults lost it in that moment.

Olivia sat watching, overcome with emotion. In that moment she realized that her "baby" was no longer her baby. She watched the transition of Elliott into the big sister role as her girls said hello for the first time. It was sweet to see Elliott automatically and naturally begin to love on her little sister, surprising neither parent.

Fitz stood making a video, while JR took pictures.

"Have you chosen a name yet?" Christine asked after wiping her eyes, and regaining her composure.

Olivia glanced at Fitz, before answering her mother-in-love's question. She looked at her daughter.

"Sweet pea, what name did you choose for your baby sister?"

Elliott looked at her mother and smiled. "Maxwell," she answered.

Olivia looked at the grandparents. "Everyone meet Maxwell Olivia Grant."

JR discretely wiped at his tears, while Eli grinned at his daughter.

"She's been obsessed with the name since we visited L.A. and stayed at The Maxwell," Fitz explained. "We knew that boy or girl, Maxwell was the name."

JR kissed his wife's cheek. "That's my mother's maiden name. I love it. It's perfect."

Maya grabbed Christine's hand and squeezed it, while Eli beamed with pride and love as he looked at his beautiful daughter and granddaughters. "My mother, Big Olivia, will be pleased as well."

"Well, welcome to the world, Maxwell Olivia Grant," Maya added.

For the next hour, everyone got a chance to hold Maxwell, while they talked about the Pope's anniversary party, the surprise guest, Olivia dancing herself into labor and Fitz's very strong genes. The baby was back in her big sister's arms again when she begin to whimper.

"I think someone's ready to nurse again," Olivia announced.

"Well that's our cue," Eli said, standing from the sofa, and assisting his wife.

"No, Mommy. I don't want to go," Elliott whined and moved closer to her mother.

Olivia reached out and gently removed Maxwell, whose whimpers were seconds away from full blown cries, from her big girl's arms. She and Fitz knew this would happen which is why they'd planned for her to stay for a while.

"It's okay, sweet pea. You can stay, okay?"

The grandparents offered more congratulations, got kisses from Olivia, Elliott and Maxwell and said their goodbyes, before Fitz walked them to the door and closed it. He turned and stood staring at his family; his wife and daughters. Olivia looked up at her husband with tears in her eyes.

Fitz moved across the room quickly and stood by her side.

"You okay, Livvie?"

She tried to blink back her tears. "I'm just so happy. I have everything I've ever wanted."

He leaned in and kissed her lips. "That makes both of us."

She reached out and grasped his chin, bringing him closer and kissing him, deeper.

Fitz stood and walked around to the other side of the bed. He lifted a now sleeping Elliott and lay next to his wife, before settling his sleeping princess in his arms. He watched his wife as she nursed their newborn.

"Did you ever think it was possible to be this happy?"

"No," Fitz admitted. "I honestly didn't think it was possible." He glanced at Maxwell, who looked into her mother's face as she suckled her breast. Even at almost five hours old, she was one of the most beautiful and contented babies Fitz had ever seen. It was a good thing too, especially after what his wife had gone through to bring her into the world. His wife. His beautiful wife. She was a natural mother, tender and gentle, excellent wife and an incredible lover.

Fitz was so damn lucky, and he knew it. He quietly thanked God for the gift of Olivia Carolyn Pope. Just looking at their daughters nearly brought him to tears…again. He wasn't supposed to be the emotional one, but he swore those pregnancy hormones were contagious. Today he was on emotional overload. He carefully pulled Olivia a little closer. She was sore, obviously, but he wanted to be closer to her. Childbirth wasn't for the weak.

"They were both worth it. Every single second of it," Olivia whispered, obviously reading his mind.

"I just wish I could have gone through some of it for you," Fitz said. "So that you wouldn't have had to. It doesn't seem fair that you had to do it all."

"Well you did have to put up with nine months of mood swings, complaining, parenting Elle when I was too tired, more complaining, cravings, and then one hell of a labor and delivery experience. I think I would have been afraid to be the one on the other end of that. It's almost worse to feel completely helpless."

Fitz chuckled softly. "It's alright. I can deal with all of the pregnancy stuff. That's normal. Besides, I told you that I would be here for every step of our pregnancy. The labor and delivery though…I'll admit, it's hard to see someone you love going through pain like that."

"Well it's over now," Olivia said, looking up at her husband's serious face. "But I want you to remember this conversation, weeks from now, when we still haven't had sex."

Fitz laughed softly and nuzzled his nose in her soft hair before he tilted her face and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

Maxwell finished nursing and was fast asleep so Olivia unlatched her, and then adjusted her clothes. She placed the baby on her shoulder and gently massaged her tiny back until she delicately burped. Mother and father quietly cheered as if their tiny baby had just won an Olympic gold medal. Shifting the newborn in her arms, the parents stared into her perfect sleeping face.

"She's so beautiful." He kissed her tiny forehead again.

Olivia laughed tiredly and laid her head on his shoulder.

"I love you Olivia Pope-Grant."

She stared up at her husband with tears in her eyes. "I love you too. Always."

Always. He could do always. With Olivia. With their daughters. Always. He thought to himself, once more, life couldn't be better.

When the nurse came in to check on her patient, she found the Grant family in bed, sleeping peacefully.