Hey! Thank you for all of the awesome feedback and comments for part one. This chapter is shorter and is focused on Fitz and Teddy. Sorry for the late update (was tweaking and watching HTGAWM!) xo

A car ride from downtown to Chevy Chase took about 15 minutes. Fitz drove to the house in silence, but wore a shit-eating grin the entire way back. It amazed him that a blind date could turn his world upside down and right to where it needed to be. Giddy and pumped don't match the emotion he was feeling when he arrived home.

Turning off the car, Fitz turned to gently shake the sleepy Teddy's leg.

"Buddy, we're home."

Teddy groaned as he rubbed his eyes. Fitz quickly opened the door to release him from his booster.

"You were great tonight, buddy," he said, hugging the boy as they entered the house.

Teddy mumbled, "Thanks."

Fitz was very proud and appreciative of Teddy's behavior. It was a mad rush to get from the house, attempting to bypass typical after-work traffic, and then sitting for a few hours. It was amazing that he could be so awesome. Now that they were in the comfort of their home, Fitz wanted to know what his favorite guy thought. It was a change and they hadn't been through one before. Teddy's opinion meant the world to him.

"It was nice."

"Yeah?"

Gradually ascending the stairs, the Grants migrated to Teddy's room.

"Mmhmm," he added, "Lots of yummy food."

"Awesome."

Switching out of his clothes and into comfy pajamas, Teddy climbed into the rocking chair that has been passed down from his late grandmother.

"Hey, buddy."

Teddy slowly rocked as he answered, "Yeah, Daddy?"

Fitz ruffled his son's hair. "What did you think about Miss Olivia?"

Teddy shot his father a confused look. "Miss 'Livia?"

Fitz knelt down to blow raspberries on Teddy's cheeks, which always made him burst into laughter. "Yes, we joined her for dinner."

Teddy's mouth turned into a huge "O" - it was his Eureka moment. "Oh yes, I liked her. She was very nice even though we were late and she laughed at our jokes!"

Receiving a pure analysis like that, Fitz smiled from ear to ear. "That's great, Ted."

"How about you," Teddy asked. "Do you like her?"

"I do," Fitz answered calmly. "I'm hoping I can see her again. If she says yes, will that be okay with you?"

Teddy nodded, tapping his father's arm. "Of course. Sure, Daddy."

Kissing Teddy's cheeks and tickling his belly, Fitz could tell everything would be okay between them. "Okay," he started in a low and soothing tone, "It's time for bed."

Teddy scrambled into bed, pulling the dinosaur patterned covers up to his neck. Fitz kissed his forehead once more.

"I'll see you in the morning. I love you, Teddy Bear."

"Love you too, Daddy Bear."

Fitz clicked the nightlight on and left the door ajar, before returning downstairs. As he surveyed the dimly lit kitchen and living room, Fitz got to thinking. Maybe he could text Olivia. Just to see if she made it home alright.

He wasn't the biggest fan of texting; only using it for emergencies with Harrison

or other work buddies. But it was very late and it would have been extremely creepy to call, to make sure she got to her place. Of course she would have arrived home well before he and Teddy did.

Fitz bit his lip as he thought out his plan. Something simple yet effective.

Thank you again for a great evening. - Fitz

Satisfied that he went through with his idea, Fitz placed the cell down on the kitchen counter, focusing now on his pre-bedtime routine. About twenty seconds later, the buzzing that came from the phone startled him. It had to be her because who else would be up at 10pm? Fitz checked.

You are very welcome. Let's get together soon. :)

Shock overtook Fitz when he realized that Olivia responded. She responded! He had to think of something to keep the conversation going.

Okay, sounds like a plan!

He noticed that she also owned an iPhone - the floating dots encouraged him. Eyes glued to the screen, he waited for the text to come in.

Are you going to bed now?

Surprised by the question, but wildly enthusiastic, Fitz answered at a rapid pace.

No. You?

Fitz waited for the reply. But the floating grey dots ceased. Maybe he had crossed the line. He probably shouldn't have answered so quickly. The ins and outs of texting etiquette after a certain time was not a familiar concept. Even with his uncertainties, Fitz knew he did the right thing. Tonight was extraordinary and he didn't regret meeting Olivia - this confident and beautiful woman. Missing any chances to talk to her would be devastating.

"Okay," he sighed, keeping the phone right where he needed it to be. On the counter. Downstairs. Hoping the glass of scotch and book would distract him from what was really on his mind.

Fitz crossed to the stairwell when the phone faintly began to ring. Thankfully the tones were so low, it wouldn't scare Teddy awake. Jogging back to the phone, he glanced at the name, and pressed "answer".

"Hello?"

"Hey."

Fitz grinned, silently thanking his lucky stars that Olivia decided to call.

"Hi."

There was a pause on the other end.

"Hi."

"Is this all we're going to do? Greet each other different ways?" Fitz sarcastically asked.

"No," Olivia sweetly laughed. "How are you?"

"Better now that I'm talking to you."

Olivia pshawed at the incredibly corny line. "Is that so?"

Fitz affirmed, "I tell the truth, Miss Olivia-"

"Pope. My last name is Pope."

Her name sounded so lovely in his ear. "Nice to officially meet you, Miss Olivia Pope. Mine is Grant."

"Okay, Mister Grant."

Fitz could feel his cheeks rise. Listening to her speak was like heaven. He must have zoned out again like earlier because Olivia asked him something and he didn't hear her.

"I'm sorry?"

"What are you up to," she repeated. Fitz was thankful that she had a playful vibe going on and not irritated at him. He had to cut this shit out.

"I said good night to Teddy and I was about to participate in my nightly routine."

"And what is that?"

"A book and scotch."

"That sounds like fun," Olivia stated.

Fitz reached over to take a sip and nodded. "It calms me down. Nothing fun about having a busy mind before bedtime."

Olivia agreed, "I know what you mean."

Like earlier, a silence occurred. Fitz was waiting to see if Olivia would say something. But it felt nice to just breathe and know she was on the other line.

As if she was right there in his kitchen.

Fitz leaned against the counter, with the phone glued to his ear. He sighed.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine," he spoke. "You must be tired, so I'll let you go."

"Trying to get rid of me?"

Fitz laughed at the sassy remark. "No! I didn't want to bore you and it is late."

Olivia replied in a softer tone, "I suppose. Alright. Thank you for texting me. Talk to you tomorrow?"

"Absolutely," Fitz enthusiastically replied.

"Great," he could her smile through the receiver. "I'll do that."

"Good night, Olivia."

"Good night."

They grew apart.

On paper, the divorce was simple. Being a lawyer and knowing all of the jargon and time frames had its perks. But the mental and emotional strain of a marriage dissolving while taking care of a one-year-old had taken a toll on Fitz.

They met in law school. Top of their class. It was easy. Two passionate individuals drawn to each other physically and mentally. After three years of marriage, he hinted at possibly including a child. She wasn't so keen. Ambitions reigned in this union. They both had plans and goals; hers involved a rise to power. Children were not in that plan.

Teddy was a surprise. Mellie loved the baby but was not receptive to the mundane responsibilities of motherhood. It crushed Fitz to see her with their son. She was trying but in his mind, not hard enough. On top of this, they hadn't spent any time together. Every dialogue was short and temper-filled. Fitz and Mellie were going in different directions.

If there was a way to fall in love, the Grants fell out. No one cheated, but seeing one another put a wall between them. There was a time when Fitz and Mellie could only communicate via email. Hearing her voice was too much. All of the hurt and anger, rehashing every detail in his head.

He had a part to play as well. Resentment clouded his vision. Fitz used his work and the company of friends to replace the intimacy he craved with his wife. She wouldn't look his way, his touch made her cringe, and it was devastating. At the time, he wasn't seeing how the changes affected Mellie. How this new chapter was not what she wanted. Now, several years out, he understood that her dreams were not his.

When the divorce was being finalized, she suggested that Fitz take full custody of Theodore. Mellie found a job out of state and she believed the move would affect Teddy, so staying in DC would be best. He was pissed that the mother of his child would easily relinquish her rights. It was like she was giving up on the baby. On him.

Scotch and sleep helped bandage the pain of being alone. Planning weekend trips with the baby. Taking classes to learn how to support his child and himself. Thankfully, he found a great babysitter and a daycare who were very understanding. And so his life as a single father began. The weight of a loveless marriage was gone.

But something else was missing - his own happiness.

Feeling the tug of his son's hands on his arm, Fitz awoke and rose from bed. The clock read 8:30 and he was thankful. He had the day off, so he could hang out with Teddy. With his free time, Fitz was hoping the bad dreams of his failed marriage would wear off.

"Ready for breakfast, baby boy?"

Teddy jumped on the bed several times - going higher each time. "Yeah! Yeah!"

After brushing his teeth, Fitz started a waffle breakfast for him and Teddy. Not expecting anything, he glanced at his phone. Two text messages.

Both from Olivia.

Good morning, hope you have a great day.

The second message was a picture. Olivia had taken a selfie on a walking path in Georgetown. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, grey athletic top. With a huge smile and bright eyes.

She was absolutely stunning.

"Daddy, why are you smiling?"

"Huh," he asked, finding the eyes of Teddy. He knew something was going with his father. For a child a few months shy of entering kindergarten, Theodore Wallace Grant sure knew how to read people.

"Nothing much. Just got a really nice message. It made my day."

Fitz waited for his son to respond. All he did was smile back and return to his toys.

As he finished making breakfast, Fitz kept thinking about the picture. He was on her mind as well and that excited him. His heart hadn't raced that fast in years. But he desired to learn about her, know her better.

He told her the truth - he was lonely. Rarely attending social events with the guys. Since the breakup, Fitz has only been on four official dates and two "girlfriends". Every one had failed miserably. One woman thought having a kid involved was a turn off; the other came on too strong and Fitz wasn't ready.

After meeting Olivia, Fitz was now determined to be ready. He was willing to take a chance, go for what he deserved.

True happiness.

Fitz saw a glimpse of that in Olivia.