Everything changed when Olivia heard those three words. When he began to tell her, she kissed him. Distractions were key. She wasn't ready to hear them yet, even though she was aware it was bound to happen. A few weeks later, when he finally confessed, Olivia was rendered speechless. It created a shift in their relationship. Even though she didn't say it back, everything was different.

It was another Saturday, curled in bed with Fitz. This weekend was at her place. Her alarm clock would sound off and even though she didn't have work, Olivia contemplated if she wanted to get moving. It was a miracle that she was tempted to sleep in. The reason was the man snuggled behind her; he was so warm and soft, and protective. He made her room happy again. Lived in, not some beautiful space that was just a resting spot between working hours.

As she shifted her weight, pressing her ass into him, Olivia smiled and knew that he was going to wake up.

"Hmm," she heard him moan in her ear.

"Hey."

"Hi."

"Good morning."

Olivia lifted her hands and ran them through his hair. Fitz peppered kisses on her shoulder and cheek. Whenever they did get to sleep together, the first five minutes would be used to cuddle and ask about their upcoming days. And of course, the alarm buzzed.

"Ohhhh," he groaned, not even close to being ready to get out of bed. But she was scrambling out of his embrace since their legs were tangled. Olivia could feel Fitz's hand grasp her thigh.

"Why did you keep that on? You don't sleep in?"

"Fitzzz, I have to get moving."

Olivia crawled over Fitz, but not before he tickled her sides. A muffled string of giggles bubbled out of her as she moved away. Playfully waving her fist in the air, Olivia disappeared into her closet, pulling out several shirts and pants. Two minutes passed; she reappeared with two towels - one in her hand and the other surrounding her body.

"Where are you going," he whispered, smiling.

"I have to take a shower."

Fitz rubbed his face and gave a sly look. "May I join you?"

Olivia's eyebrows lowered, but she shrugged. "I don't know."

"Okay."

"That's not something I usually do," she answered. "But since I like you, we can."

Fitz sat up against the headboard. "Cool."

His eyes were mischevious and Olivia could not resist that face. Rolling her eyes, she promptly responded. "No funny business. Teddy is in the living room. We can't be loud or silly. I'll get you a towel."

Olivia started the water. All Fitz had to do was take off his shorts, so he leaned against the door, while Olivia prepped - brushing her teeth, washing her face, lining up her soap and hair products.

He quietly gasped when Olivia dropped her towel.

"What?"

"Nothing," he smiled. "Just observing."

Olivia shook her head, before standing under the shower head, with her eyes closed. It felt so good.

"Hi," his blue eyes met her pair of brown.

"Hi."

Lowering his head, he greeted her with a strong kiss. As he opened his eyes, Fitz realized something was different.

"Your hair..."

He had never seen her hair like this before. It always been straightened. Her roots would curl or frizz when they spent hours in bed, in the heat of their love-making. But now the water had activated her natural curls with lots of volume; they were soft to the touch. His hands couldn't resist. He had to touch.

"I know," she remarked, pulling some of the tresses away from her hair. "Sometimes it can be a lot, especially in the summertime."

Fitz kissed her forehead. "I love your hair. However you style it. It makes you you. You just look, extra relaxed right now. I love it."

The spray was hot, rushing down on their skin. Allowing the steam to fog their space. Olivia grabbed her soap, and began to wash her skin, as well as his. He had to kiss her. Gently massaging her shoulders, lather the shampoo. Olivia tried to dodge, but she didn't mind. Then, she caught him staring.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

Olivia began to hide herself by turning away, using her hands to cover the places that she was most insecure about.

"No," Fitz softly replied, taking his time to kiss her skin. "My God, I've never seen anything so beautiful. You are beautiful."

"Fitz."

"I mean what I say," he confessed.

That was the exact kind of thing Olivia did not want to hear. Abruptly, she turned the water off and left Fitz behind. Grabbing her towel and drying her hair.

"What in the-!"

"Teddy's still sleeping," she sang teasingly. One of the ways she could irritate any man would be to halt conversation and deflect. It was too early to get extra sappy with Fitzgerald. She didn't want him to catch her slipping.

By the time he appeared, Olivia had already dried off, moisturized, and put on clothes.

"What are you doing today?"

Fitz began to style his hair while still in a towel. "I have to stop in the office to modify contracts and prepare for my case on Monday. You?

"Grocery shopping."

"Ooh."

Olivia made her bed. It felt damn good to have Fitz here. He kissed her cheek, once again interrupting her thoughts.

"I'm going to check on the boy."

Teddy was still asleep. It was their fourth sleepover and he was opting for the couch, which wasn't Olivia's preference. Of course, Fitz would beg to differ, but she actually liked Teddy being with them. He was literally a teddy bear, not kicking or bumping her out of space. She always got a kick when his tummy rose as he breathed.

When Olivia came down the hallway into the living room, Fitz was gently waking him. "Teddy, you need to get up. We have to go soon."

"Whyyyy…"

"Because I need to go to work."

Teddy whimpered and swatted his hand away. "But Daddy...I don't want to go...it's Saturday!"

"Theodore Grant, we do not whine," Fitz corrected in a fast and low growl.

As the fat tears started to form and wet his dark eyelashes, Teddy pouted, reluctantly leaving his spot.

Olivia overheard the convo as she started the coffee machine. Seeing Teddy look so hurt made her sad. Fitz sat down, rubbing his forehead.

"Don't give me that look," he remarked. "I hate being tough with him, but I have to be consistent, ya know?"

That was true. She knew how to be tough with clients, but disciplining a child? That was a foreign concept.

"I hear ya."

"Sometimes it sucks being a single parent," he said. "When you think you're turned the corner, you fall flat on your ass."

Olivia poured a cup for him, handing it to him. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I'm just bitching."

"What if we hang out," Olivia blurted. "I'm free today."

Fitz's eyebrows lifted. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I don't see why not."

They agreed to meet back at Fitz's place in an hour. Olivia parked in the Grant driveway, and strolled to the door. It seemed like they were always loud enough to hear when she approached.

"Daddy, where is Livia?"

"She'll be here soon."

"Okay."

She knocked and Teddy greeted her. The laugh in his voice made her happy.

"Livia! It's like you read my mind. I was hoping you'd come."

Fitz was dressed in a polo and jeans, stuffing folders in his briefcase.

"Hey. You're an angel."

"No sweat."

Olivia followed Fitz around, getting a review of favorite snacks, toys, and other things.

"Here are the house keys, my work number, and his booster."

Olivia gave a thumbs up, while Teddy leaned against her leg.

"If you need anything, anything, you call me."

How she opened her big mouth to volunteer to be with Teddy for the day, was a shock to Olivia. Her brain must have been shut off when she offered to take him. Babysitting was never one of her jobs growing up. There had to be someone whom she could contact. Olivia decided to text Harrison.

I'm watching Teddy.

Oh yeah?

Yeah.

Everything okay?

Surprisingly, yes. I've never been alone with a kid before.

You'll be fine. Teddy is the perfect kind of kid to babysit.

Is that what I'm doing, babysitting?

I guess. I don't know.

Olivia locked her phone, thinking about what she could actually do with this child. Would he be alright with going to the supermarket and just doing nothing? They would soon find out.

"Teddy, I need to go the store. Want to come?"

Seeing him grin made her heart sing. Hopping up and down, he exclaimed, "Yup! I can't be left alone."

Olivia laughed. "Ahh, silly me. Let's go."

Fitz had graciously put Teddy's booster in her car before he left, so she wouldn't have to deal with it. At every stoplight, Olivia would either turn around or glance through her rear view mirror to see what Teddy was doing. Just swinging his legs or looking out the window.

"You okay?"

A quiet "Mmhmm" answered.

The two found parking and walked to the market.

"Would you like to ride in the cart?"

Teddy smiled, "Oh, yeah!" Olivia lifted him into the seat. And so, they moved along the aisles, finding the items that she needed. They had a nice talk about what gluten-free meant, and the difference between zucchini and cucumbers were.

"Are you ready for kindergarten?"

"Yeah," Teddy answered, grabbing the sides of the cart. "School will be fun. Daddy bought five pairs of everything. I wear uniforms. I'll just wear my regular clothes at home or on Sundays. My new teacher is Miss Wright. I think she's very nice and pwetty. And three of my friends are already in my class. I can actually walk to school. Instead of having to ride in traffic every day!"

With those round brown eyes and using his hands to express almost everything, Olivia was sure that he was his father's son.

At the checkout, an older woman wiggled her fingers at Teddy. "Hi there." Teddy paused, glanced at Olivia, who in return, smiled at him.

"Hi," he softly replied.

"He's such a cutie."

Olivia gave a close-mouthed grin, then cordially agreed. "Isn't he?"

"He's lucky to have you in his life."

As the woman walked away, Olivia pondered. How could she or anyone else figure out what their connection was? They weren't blood relatives. If anything, she appeared to be his nanny. Maybe she wasn't seeing it.

The rest of the afternoon was spent making ham and cheese paninis - which she did not burn, taking a nap, and coloring. Teddy was very simple.

It was around 4 when Teddy ran to the window. Jumping up and down, he exclaimed, "I see Daddy's car!"

"Is that so?"

Sure enough, the sleek, black Lexus had turned on their street. Olivia unlocked the door, giving Teddy permission to greet Fitz.

Teddy ran outside, hopping around the front lawn, waiting for his father to pull into the driveway.

Fitz waved from inside, then emerged from the car.

"Hello!"

Teddy squealed. "Daddy!"

As he lifted Teddy in his arms, Fitz gave him lots of kisses. "I've missed my boy!"

"But its not like I was at Poppy's! We saw each other this morning."

"But you're extra excited to see me like you were at Poppy's!"

Teddy and Fitz laughed at the banter. Olivia leaned against the door post, just in awe at the bond. She didn't have that growing up so to see a genuine relationship between parent and child, was wonderful.

"And hello to you, angel." Olivia stood on her toes to receive a welcoming kiss.

Fitz obliged and pecked on her lips three times in a row. "Didn't hear from you so I guess everything went well?"

"Yes."

"Thank you for doing this last minute. Now that I think about it, Teddy would have been bored to tears. "

"No problem."

"I should get going."

Fitz shook his head, "No, stay a little longer. I'll change and then I can whip up something for us."

"No, no," she insisted, looking for her purse. "Don't do that."

"Well, what are we supposed to have for dinner, my girl?"

Olivia's ears perked as he smiled at her, in a teasing manner. It was still strange to be included in his plans - a month and half into this relationship and she still couldn't see herself as anything more than a casual girlfriend. As if this was going to end and end horribly. That was always her fear. Fitz had already taken this next step, but she was afraid. People trusted her and she couldn't even trust herself to move forward yet.

"I don't know."

Feeling his arms circling her waist, Olivia looked over her shoulder to watch Fitz. There was something about him that she couldn't quite place. He looked so… content. His hands pressed on her stomach, pulling her back into his body. It was like he was centering her, bringing her to the present. No what ifs. He kissed the crook of her neck. Then, without hesitation, he pressed his mouth on her full lips - like he was capable of removing all traces of defeat from her system.

"I want to remind you, Miss Pope, that you are always welcomed in my house. Or wherever I am, at all times. I will always consider you. Never doubt that. I love you."

Olivia closed her eyes, letting out a heavy sigh.

"Okay."

"Okay," he asked in a mumble against her neck, gently rocking her back and forth.

Nodding, she repeated, "Okay."

Fitz kissed her forehead again. "God, I love you," he sighed.

Olivia's eyes darted to the floor.

"Liv?"

"I forgot something in the kitchen, let me go get it."

Fitz blocked her path, causing her to frown. "Hey, Livvie. Don't run. Please." His voice softened as he placed his hand on her shoulder, rubbing gently. "I didn't mean to scare you. It's okay. I'm not trying to pressure you. I just want to keep telling you how I feel, okay?"

"Alright."

Olivia was quite busy the following week. Vacation was over and OPA was back in business. Five new cases were opened; very minimal time for social hours. One exception was the return of a very close friend. Stephen Finch, a former co-worker was in town and they had planned a special dinner months in advance. They had become so close over the years - as close as you can without having a physical relationship. He was her confidant and she was his moral compass. After a few hugs, they sat down. Stephen was ready to talk.

"Tell me everything."

"Y'all set me up on a blind date," Olivia emphasized. "You know how I feel about those things. I almost left because he was late. But he - and his son - walked in. I wasn't expecting to be interested."

"But you were."

"Yes. It turned into something wonderful. We talk all the time."

Stephen grinned. "How do you feel with his around? I remember you were so emphatic about not dating when kids are involved."

"Things change," she answered softly, clasping her hands. "Teddy…he is beautiful and very intelligent. Such a sweet boy. He has his silly moments but he's not obnoxious. We've been bonding very well. It scares me that he could find good in me. I love him."

Taking a deep breath, Olivia smiled. Stephen patted her hand. "You're growing up, Liv."

"I guess so."

"Now what about Fitz?"

"What about him?"

"How do you feel about him?"

Olivia's nose scrunched - a giveaway to her best friend that she was smitten. "He's the best thing that has happened to me in a long time. I don't think I've had this much fun."

"That's great, Liv."

"Yeah."

The two began their dinner. Olivia insisted that Stephen bring her up to speed with his work and love life. When he finished, they continued to enjoy their food.

Then, Olivia interjected, "He told me he loves me. A few weeks ago." She knew Stephen would either cough loudly or release a string of profanity. The coughing fit came.

"What? So soon?"

Olivia nodded as she cut her steak. "Yes."

"How do you feel?"

"The same."

"But have you told him?"

Olivia immediately answered, "He knows."

Tisking, Stephen revealed, "That doesn't count. Men want to hear it. We move with our senses. He needs to hear you tell him. Especially since he said it first."

"It's hard," she admitted. "I… I don't want to disappoint him. Because of what happened."

"You are your own person. Do not let the sins of your parents or anyone who you've let get close to you, ruin you from being at your best."

Olivia took a breath, then gulped down wine. "But that's the thing. I am ruined."

Fitz would call but she'd let it go straight to voicemail. A quick text, apologizing for the missed calls, was accepted. Even with that excuse to not talk, Olivia had to face him. There was much to discuss about the real her. The broken side that needed to be healed. She needed to tell him everything.

"Hey, is this my girlfriend?"

Olivia answered, "You are correct."

"How are you?"

"Swamped, but alive. How about yourself?"

"Doing alright," Fitz said. "Teddy is adjusting to school. I had to move my schedule around so I can be home in time every day."

Hearing him speak was already creating a positive aura. Olivia missed that voice. "That's good. Say, do you think you'd want to take a walk with me? I want to see you. I miss you lots."

"Sure. I'll drop Teddy at Gracie's for a bit and I'll come to you."

After waiting for 10 minutes, Olivia walked outside, beginning to stretch. Running was a therapeutic outlet that she made an effort to maintain whenever she could. No matter the season, she had to run to get the toxins out, and clear her mind.

Olivia waved at Fitz and shouted, "You look cute!"

He looked adorable in a t-shirt and running shorts, while donning a baseball cap. Pursing his lips, he rejected her compliment. "Puh-lease, I dress for function not aesthetics. You, however, are very beautiful and look exquisite."

"This getup?" - referring to a running tee and capris, she shook her head. Then she pulled Fitz into a sweet kiss.

"Wow, baby," he joked. "I should meet you for walks more often."

On their way to a nearby park, Olivia and Fitz caught each other up on their week apart. It was great to just shoot the breeze, cracking jokes as they walked.

"Oh," she began with a smirk, "I might need to run."

Fitz's eyes grew wide. Then, with a puzzled expression, he repeated, "Run?"

The look on his face made Olivia weak with laughter. "Yeah."

"I hate running. And doesn't it seem too hot to do that?"

Stretching a little more, she relented, "You don't have to. I'll understand."

Fitz pshawed. "And look like a slacker? I don't think so."

Fifteen minutes later, they had returned to their starting point. Olivia was content with her timing. Fitz wasn't playing with his no-run declaration, only jogging every two miles, and allow her to go ahead of him.

"You know…," Fitz started, as they crossed Connecticut Avenue, holding hands. "You're the best looking woman I've ever seen. And you're a badass."

Olivia pointed her finger at Fitz. "Ooh, I see you. I know you check out my booty. That's why you lagged behind."

Winking, he said, "Yes and no. Mostly yes."

The snark was high and Olivia was enjoyed this side of Fitz thoroughly. "Thank you for your candor."

Taking a moment to rest, Olivia created a circle around herself.

"What's up?"

"Nothing."

Hands on hips, Fitz gave her a skeptical look. "Alright."

"Let's keep walking."

Olivia squeezed his hand harder, but kept a straight face. Then, a block before they reached her apartment, she stopped.

"Fitz?"

"Mmm."

Olivia sighed into a smile.

"I love you."

Fitz's eyebrows lifted and his eyes had become a tad glossy. His lip quivered slightly.

"Livvie."

"Yes?"

"Say it again."

It was the perfect situation. Unassuming. In a laid-back environment. No glitz or fireworks. Feeling her heart beat extra hard, she repeated herself, looking at him. "I love you. I'm in love with you too."

As her eyes slighty watered, she watched Fitz gently nudge her to the side, out of the way of other pedestrians and kissed her.

"Oh, I've been wanting to hear you say this."