Fitz couldn't imagine life without his sweet Livvie. Three months now and the possibilities were endless. He didn't care that it took her a while to say "I love you". It didn't matter how it happened. He knew for sure that she did love him. It was a blessing, even though date nights and quality time was limited during the week. More importantly, Teddy was adjusting nicely and having another positive influence in his life meant the world to Fitz. Still affected by the decisions he made 10 years earlier, he believed that his world was changing for the better.

Mondays were such a drag. Getting back into the grind, moving on all cylinders. But Fitz began his morning routine - shower, making the bed, clothes laid out on his chair. People needed him and that made his career worth while.

But his new favorite part of Mondays? Receiving morning texts from Olivia. She always messaged first, which would prompt Fitz to get up so he could start his day. They always lightened his mood -

Good morning, Fitz! I hope you have a great day.

He responded immediately, still with hazy eyes.

Good morning to you, my sweet baby. I think about you all the time and wish I could see you right now. Call me later if you can.

After his shower, Fitz walked over to Teddy's room. Knocking on the door, just loud enough so that it could be heard.

"Rise and shine, Teddy."

The little grunts coming the bed made Fitz laugh. Grant men were not early risers.

"C'mon," Fitz added, giving his son a few tummy tickles. "It's going to be a great day! Art class should be lots of fun."

Teddy leapt out of bed. Drawing and using different tools was now a highlight of his week, so Fitz knew a reminder would help him along. Giving Teddy a few minutes to get his routine started, Fitz returned to his room and got dressed.

They met downstairs; Teddy appeared in his uniform of a dark blue polo and khaki pants.

"Hi, Daddy."

"Hey, dude."

Teddy squeezed his eyes shut and gave a raspberry. "I'm a boy. Not a duuuddee."

Fitz couldn't resist being goofy with him. That was part of their bond, finding light-hearted moments. They had special words and glances that they could exchange. Not mattering to anyone else, but them.

"Ready to see everyone? Art class will be fun and don't you have a field trip?"

The sparkle in Teddy's eyes were in full force. "Yeah! It will be fun to check out the market, and see how the people bring the food there. For us to eat."

Fitz had prepped ingredients for a crepe the night before. Sometimes the mood for a fancy breakfast was in order. Not the case for Teddy. Like most four-year-olds, he was the picky eater, especially in the mornings. But after many trials and errors, Fitz found a solution. A plate of toast and yogurt was set at Teddy's spot. The toast had the usual layers of a bear with peanut butter, bananas, and blueberries, in the decorations of a bear. Seeing his breakfast, Teddy rubbed his hands and began to eat. Fitz poured himself a cup of coffee, with some cream, and sat down at the island.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Please eat most of it."

Fitz checked his emails. There wasn't much on his to-do list when he would arrive at work, so he had plenty of time to drop Teddy off and not rush in.

"Daddy?"

Fitz peered over his coffee cup to find Teddy still munching on his favorite combo of toast and fruit. "Mmhmm?"

"One of my friends - Daniel - he told me that his mom has a new boyfriend, and Xavier is his second dad."

The information seemed odd to share at 7:30 in the morning, but Fitz went along with it, since Teddy was very excited. "Is that so?"

"Yeah," Teddy continued, popping another grape into his mouth. "I was thinking...is that going to happen with you and Livia?"

Fitz felt his jaw drop. Then, having enough sense to wipe the bewildered look off his face, he quickly asked, "What do you mean?"

"She's your girlfriend, Daddy. You guys kiss a lot too. We hang out all the time now. You sleep in her room sometimes and she sleeps in your room. You only let people you love do that. So I was wondering, can she be my second Mom now?"

It took Fitz about 20 seconds to fully grasp what his son was proposing. Curiosity should have been part of Teddy's given name. Of all the stunning questions and phrases he heard, this may have been the one that left him speechless. Teddy's intent was never malicious, but there should have been some manual out there to prepare him for something like this. A topic that was incredibly personal and blush-worthy - his love life.

After clearing his throat, he just gave a diplomatic smile. "That's up to Olivia."

The answer must have rang with like a melody with promise in Teddy's ears. Jumping from his seat with the last piece of toast in his hand, he shouted, "Let's ask her now!"

Fitz bolted from his seat, lifting his hands. "Whoa, buddy! How about we wait? She's probably off to work right now. But you need to focus on finishing your breakfast so we can get to school."\

Twenty minutes later, Fitz and Teddy were almost ready to leave. The school was only five minutes away so they would usually walk if Fitz didn't have to get to the office early.

"Teddy, why do you want a second Mom? You have Mommy."

Shaking his head in disappointment, he answered, "Daddy, it's not the same."

Fitz tried to lighten the mood. "But you'll get to talk to her tomorrow, I believe."

Teddy slowly closed his eyes, sighing. "Do I have to?"

"What do you mean? You always talk to her every week."

Fitz was puzzled by Teddy. When Teddy turned four, Fitz and Mellie created a schedule for weekly phone calls, when they could discuss any and everything. Every Tuesday and Friday around 6 o'clock. The conversations were always cordial; FItz would do his best to be nearby, just in case Teddy needed help. He didn't remember anything troubling occuring before.

"I just don't want to."

"She loves you lots. I know you two have fun talking."

"Daddy," Teddy's voice retreated.

Fitz was now worried; the hesitancy in Teddy's voice was alarming. Looking for a clear sign on his face, Fitz knelt down, rubbing his back.

"What's wrong, baby?"

Teddy blinked rapidly, unable to will away tears. "I don't know if she…"

"She what?"

"I just want a Mommy again."

Closing his eyes and gutted by what he was seeing, Fitz tried to find some words of encouragement for his boy.

"But she loves you, Teddy Bear. I know she's not here, but..."

Teddy sighed again, this time deeper and more pained. "Sometimes I wish she wasn't so far away. I don't even know if she likes being my Mom or even loves me."

Fitz's eyes widened. His voice was strained as he asked, "Why do you think that?"

Looking down at the floor, Teddy mumbled, "She isn't always excited to talk to me on the phone. You know how we like to hug and laugh and you get really happy when you see me? She isn't like that. I think that if she didn't leave me, she'd be happy."

"She loves you. Just in a different way than others." Fitz wasn't lying. He didn't know all the details.

Teddy didn't seem too impressed by this response. "Then why do I only see her once or twice a year?"

Of course, when it was time to leave for school, he would ask all the tough questions. Always knowing Teddy would reach a point where he needed to have a conversation about this stage of life.

"Let's walk and I will tell you all about it."

Taking a deep breath, Fitz collected his briefcase and keys, along with Teddy's backpack. After locking the door, they headed towards the school. He whispered a prayer that he would say the right words to his son.

"Like we've told you, we love you so much. But sometimes parents don't always know if they are really ready to have families. Your mom wasn't sure if she was ready for all the jobs that Moms usually do."

Fitz paused to see if Teddy was following. He was used to explain difficult concepts in a professional manner, giving the breakdown of clauses to parties, who needed to decide which direction to take. But Teddy didn't have a say. So, finding the right words to let him know of their reality was hard.

"That does not mean she doesn't love you. Because of how our contract worked, she chose me to take care of you all the time. Maybe now, she could be ready to see you more often, but I don't know. I am very sorry you have to deal with this."

Fitz held Teddy's hand; feeling that precious hand curled into his, Fitz could immediately sense the tension and hurt. How do you explain to a child that his mother doesn't want him? Or would willingly separate herself? The time that he needed her the most, she was not there.

Reaching the intersection, he glanced down. Teddy was quiet.

"I'm so sorry." He repeated, lifting Teddy, pressing kisses on his forehead, holding him tight.

"Daddy, why are you saying sorry? You didn't leave."

"But it's my fault she left. She didn't love me."

Teddy frowned. "What?"

Fitz's eyesbrows knit together. Letting out a sigh, he finally told Teddy what he had been avoiding to share. "When parents don't love each other, things can get very bad. Sometimes that happens after babies are born and it gets stressful, so the healthy way to stop that is to not be married anymore."

Watching Teddy process everything in confusion and sadness, broke Fitz's heart. He and Mellie should have realized it could have been different if they hadn't gotten married, feeling obligated to stay together before they got in too deep. But if that was the case, Fitz wouldn't have Teddy; the joy of having a child was worth the anger and heartache that he experienced. But now, he had to think outside of his own world and consider how Teddy felt.

"I just want a mom. Who is here. Auntie Gracie has her own family and she doesn't cut it anymore."

Fitz didn't know whether to cry or laugh at Teddy's honesty.

"Can Livia to be my second mom? Please? She's very nice to me and I know she loves me."

"How about we ask her to visit and you can have special Olivia time?"

Teddy shrugged, marching forward to St. Lourdes'. It was about the time for everyone to start walking in with their classes. Groups of boys and girls, ranging from kindergarten to 8th grade, had congregated on the sidewalk.

"Good morning, Teddy," Miss Richardson, the school's principal greeted. "Good morning, Mr. Grant."

Fitz nodded in response. "Hello, Miss Richardson. Lovely day, isn't it?"

A few of the boys came to Teddy and said hi. It made Fitz smile. That was his main concern - that his sweet boy would never feel love outside of him. He was a good kid, welcoming and friendly to others for the most part. It was still only a month into the school year and adjustments were still in progress.

Teddy turned to his father, giving that sweet face he had always shown since he was a baby. It was times like these that he wished he could just scoop Teddy away in his arms and return home. He only wanted to protect his child, shielding him from any unkind words or harm.

To Fitz's surprise, Teddy had run back to him, squeezing his waist.

"Bye, Daddy. I'll see you when I get home."

"I love you, Teddy Bear. Have a good day.

Watching Teddy return to his classmates and leave, Fitz sighed. Sticking his hands in his pockets, he began his walk home.

There was a reason why he didn't like Mondays.

The conversation with Teddy threw Fitz into a depressing state. He didn't know what to do. The only times he would talk to Mellie would be to confirm phone call dates, or whenever she was allowed to see Teddy. Their dynamic was nothing. The divorce wasn't amicable; he was still harboring anger at her for leaving him alone. There was never anything to talk about, without a fighting match happening. Fear was creeping in though. What if Mellie wanted to ask for visiting privileges? Or worse, custody. That was the last thing he wanted. But first, they had to speak. They needed to move forward in regards of the well-being of their son. He knew his parental rights, but what if things changed?

Fitz needed to get out of his head. Snatching the receiver off the hook, he dialed Olivia.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Grant."

The confident voice was just what he needed to hear.

"Hey."

"How's it going?"

"Going well. How about yours?"

"I'm... I'm okay."

"You sound a little glum, chum. Spill it."

Fitz rubbed his forehead and chuckled, "You have time?"

"Lay it on me."

Revealing about his life before she arrived was going to be interesting, but he trusted her. It didn't seem logical, but he was willing to task the risk.

"Teddy was going through a hard time this morning. He feels alone. On the way to school, I had to explain to him why Mellie and I broke up."

"Oh wow," Olivia answered. "That's tough."

Fitz continued, "Yeah. The distance is putting a strain on him, which is I've never heard him talk like this before. He doesn't think Mellie loves him."

"Fitz..."

"He's four, Liv. My baby shouldn't be thinking about this. I've failed him."

"No."

Fitz swung his chair around so he could face the window.

"What are you going to do?"

Olivia's question made him think more proactively. "I guess I need to talk to her, to see what's going on."

"You're not alone."

Nodding, Fitz took comfort in his Livvie's voice. "There's more."

"What's that, baby?"

"He asked if you were going to be his second mom."

"Wait, what?" The laugh was borderline comical and nervous.

"Yes."

Olivia didn't respond, while Fitz rolled his eyes, pissed off. Who tells their girlfriend of two months that your son is searching for a stepmother?

"What did you say?"

"I told him that was up to you."

"I see."

Fitz took a breath. He shouldn't have mentioned it because she must have been taken aback and irritated by this statement. "I'm sorry."

"Poor Teddy. Well, he has been getting very cozy lately. I thought it was just me. I think he likes me."

"He loves you, Liv."

Again, Olivia fell silent.

"Liv?"

"Okay. I have a client coming in five minutes and I need to prepare. How about I stop by for dinner?"

Fitz cleared his throat, "Of course. I'll see you then."

The line disconnected in his ear. With a sigh, he opened his laptop, drafting an email before returning from his lunch break. To Mellie. To explain Teddy's feelings, wondering if it was true, but careful not to create a ticking time bomb. He wanted answers. Hopefully he would receive them. For Teddy's sake.

"What's that?"

Olivia walked into the foyer, casually replying, "My bag."

Fitz side eyed her, noting its size. "It looks rather big, don't you think?"

"Sure."

Raising one eyebrow, Fitz took a step. "Trying to tell me something?"

"Absolutely," she smiled, pulling him into a kiss. Her lips felt like heaven.

"Liv-Livvie."

"Shh," she teased. "Let me kiss you more."

Knowing she was close was easing the stress out of his body.

"Mmm," he moaned.

"I would like to spend the night. Is that alright?"

Fitz smiled against her lips. "Please."

Always being slick, Olivia pulled away. "Good. Now let's go see my buddy."

Teddy was surprised and elated to see his Livia. After a dinner of chicken nuggets and macaroni, sharing stories about the market, and giving a beautiful piece of artwork to Olivia, Teddy got his quality time with her. The long day wore him out though. Olivia gave her "Goodnight Teddy" kisses downstairs, and Fitz tucked him in around 8 o'clock.

After flicking on the nightlight and closing the door, Fitz was greeted by Olivia in the hallway.

"Hey."

"Hey."

Fitz breathed deeply as he looked at Olivia. Her eyes always drew him in. "I'm sorry about earlier."

"Don't be."

"I'm sorry. I'm just… I'm very stressed." Fitz paused to stare at the ceiling. "I want to do right by Teddy and this wasn't what I thought. He's still so little. He doesn't need this stress in his life."

"I know," Olivia remarked, placing her head on his chest; her arms draped around him. "You're going to get through this."

Somehow, he believed her. Ever thankful for her confidence in him, he kissed her forehead.

They stood there for a minute. No talking, just breathing. Just being.

"Come on."

Olivia went into Fitz's room. "I'm going to change."

Fitz went to lie down, closing his eyes. He began to think about everything; he was so sure about his future. He spent years putting effort into where he wanted to go. The path was now shifting; others were pushing him into a certain direction, of how everything should transpire. What if he decided to do this for himself? For Teddy?

"Fitz."

Olivia was next to him, out of her suit and now in a t-shirt and boy shorts.

"What's wrong?"

Fitz rolled his eyes again. "Same old, same old."

Olivia cupped his face, lowering her mouth onto his. "Hopefully that erased those negative vibes away. Let's get you out of these."

Fitz didn't realize that he hadn't changed out of his clothes yet. Before he had a chance to get up, Olivia was unbuttoning his dress shirt.

"Liv."

"Uh-uh," she ordered, peppering kisses on his skin. "Let me."

Fitz watched her rub his body, massaging his shoulders.

"You deserve this," she said, then kissed his temples.

He didn't know what had gotten into Olivia. Each kiss lead to another bold move- nibbling on his ears, which were probably beet red by now; straddling him, moving her hips, hitting his cock in a certain way, and they still had clothes on. He was getting so hard, he needed her.

Olivia pulled the band out of her hair, releasing her loose curls. Smirking at him as her eyes darkened with lust, Fitz couldn't help but smile.

"Oh my God. You're tempting me."

"C'mon, Fitz."

Fitz was done being a spectator. Sitting up, so now they were face-to-face, Fitz dug his fingers in her hair, pulling gently. He loved feeling all of her. Kissing her again, he watched in her natural state, just in awe of her beauty and her presence.

"Ahhh…"

The raw heat between them wouldn't be denied. Their hips moving frantically, they were already entranced. Fitz stopped to pull Olivia's shirt over her head, then reaching to take off her bra. Dipping to kiss her breasts, lapping her with his tongue, just the way she liked.

"Fuck…"

Their rhythm was impeccable, pausing to rid the rest of their clothes. Then back to where they were, moving, reaching for that special place. Fitz found a condom and got himself situated. He didn't know where to go first. Her body looked more beautiful every day, the curves, the fullness. Her petite frame just waiting for him. Olivia told him to stay where he was, sitting. She wanted to lead, so he was going to allow it. He'd let her do whatever she wanted.

Olivia lifted herself, only to sink down onto his cock, gasping for air as each inch filled her. Her mouth opening, eyes snapping shut, to express the gravity of their union.

"Livvie," he moaned against her cheek.

Sometimes, they would talk and exchange beautiful nothings. Or the only phrases that fell were dirty little secrets. Other times, no words were needed.

When she rode him, he lavished on her body. Taking her from behind, was such a vulnerable and beautiful place. They had only done it before once, so knowing she trusted him, made him weak, giving her all he had. Holding her hand as they moved together, was amazing. Then when he got to hover over her, satisfying her, and witnessing how she would respond to him. How her face contorted and relaxed, giving him the kisses and love that he wanted.

Their eyes could tell all, knowing everything that was running through their minds. She was gripping his neck, hips raised to meet his thrusts. The friction their bodies created was delicious and breath-taking. His intense stare was powerful; leaning forward, meeting her in that small space between where time doesn't limit and distractions are nowhere to be found. Her mouth was his magnet, pulling him closer into a kiss that pushed him into that bliss that they both craved.

Hearing her gasps quicken, Fitz knew. With another round of kisses, his fingers found that particular spot on her clit that would send her over the edge. Olivia was thrashing as her orgasm washed over her. Hearing her say his name over and over, got him excited as well.

"Oh, shit. Livvie," he whispered, pumping into her, burning to release everything. Getting rid of the anguish that filled his heart. Even if it was for the night and he had to start over. He wanted this so badly. Knowing that she was the reason he could forget everything else and just fall into her.

In a hoarse whimper, she told him, "Baby, please."

Fitz squeezed his eyes shut, with his jaw dropped. Stilling to release, his stomach ached as he pulsed inside of her. It was what he needed. She was his medicine.

While they recovered, showering the other with kisses, Olivia rolled off of him. His body overcome with pleasure and still catching his breath, Fitz went to clean up. When he returned, quick to wash her legs, very ready to get back into her arms. "C'mere."

Looking into his eyes, Olivia smiled ever-so-sweetly. "I love you."

Her voice sounded incredibly pure and genuine. Those words came at the best time, exactly when he needed to hear them.

"I love you, Livvie."

Getting comfortable under the covers, with the bedsheet feeling extra cool to the touch, she asked, "Do you feel a little better?"

Fitz nodded. "I do. Because you're here."

Olivia began to mess with his sweaty curls. "Aw. I couldn't let you go to sleep alone tonight. You sounded so miserable on the phone. I had to comfort my baby."

Fitz laughed. "You silly girl."

"I'm serious."

Seeing her brown eyes glow, Fitz knew she meant what she said.

"Thank you."

Olivia playfully jabbed Fitz in the arm. "We didn't even wake up Teddy."

Refraining from guffawing, Fitz winked at her. "See? We can do everything we want and not be that loud."

He smiled when Olivia tucked her head into his chest again, giggling. When she looked back at him, he could just feel the love. He couldn't explain it, but what they had was special and it was growing.

"You need to get to sleep," she reminded, pressing a kiss on his neck.

A lazy smile formed on his lips. "I know."

Olivia turned the lamp off. Fitz gently brought her back into his arms. He had to kiss her one more time before he fell asleep. Lifting her chin, he captured her lips again. They were swollen but just so delicious. She giggled, returning his affection. Hearing her heart beat against his, it was certain that he would be able to face whatever came his way.