Saturday mornings in a spacious laundry room, basket under arm, tasked with separating three pairs of darks and whites. This was Olivia's new normal. If someone had knocked on her door, gave an envelope with a detailed synopsis of how her year would transpire, she would thrown the stranger out, along with the papers.

The transformation was crucial and Olivia actually was liking this new season of her life. She knew things would be different after agreeing to move in with Fitz. It wasn't like she hadn't lived with a significant other before. There would be a shift in dynamics. It had taken eight months to realize how being in love with someone who truly loved her, could bring amazing results.

Just living in her boyfriend's house wasn't enough. She felt that in order to be part of this household, she needed to chip in with work. Fitz said he didn't care but she wanted things to be in order, not wanting to take advantage of their relationship.

They sat down to discuss a few weeks back; she'd do laundry on Tuesdays, while he would have his turn on Fridays. Easy dinners on Thursdays were on Olivia's to-do lists. Saturdays had become team clean day. Vacuuming, folding clothes, the bathrooms. Cleaning out the fridge. Maybe even trekking to Cleveland Park or Friendship Heights for a fun grocery store trip. It was just like her to make some lists,

With the acquisition of the law firm, Fitz's schedule adjusted, but he wanted to use Saturdays as a chill day. Get the shit done, so they could do whatever they wanted for the rest of the weekend.

Olivia came upstairs with a fresh load of sheets, walking by the bathroom, but stopped when she noticed the view in front of her.

"Damn," she commented, smirking at Fitz, currently scrubbing the shower. He was wearing a pair of tight jeans, with a worn grey shirt that made his muscles look bigger. Olivia appreciated this outfit very much.

He turned towards Olivia, and asked, "What?"

"Hello. I think you're a stud muffin."

Fitz coughed/laughed; "Hello. Thanks, baby. We make a good visual for spring cleaning. You think your T-shirt and shorts are not a distraction."

"I want to be comfy."

"So do I."

Olivia winked, then left to finish her load of laundry.

"Hey, do you want to go out tonight or tomorrow?"

The question didn't phase her. "Doesn't matter to me," she called.

"There's a new restaurant in Southwest we could visit. I've heard great things."

Olivia returned to the bathroom, catching Fitz's flirtatious wink, already feeling the heat on the cheeks. "Fine with me."

"Great, I'll make a reservation."

After a quick breakfast with coffee, they found themselves on the couch, with two piles of clothes in between them. Talking and so focused on doing that, they weren't paying hands touched, grabbing the towel. A spark literally

"Oh, sorry."

"We're on the same page," Olivia grinned, with her thumb pad circling each of his knuckles.

"Livvie."

"Shh. Don't ruin this moment, Mister."

Without a hitch, their chores were completed by 11. Olivia and Fitz were back in bed, fast asleep, enjoying the thirty minutes of silence before their favorite little guy would finish his cartoons for the day..

"Daddy! Livia?"

"Hmm, already?"

Fitz reaches for his phone, confirming the time. "He's going to."

Olivia playfully tugged on Fitz's earlobe. His husky moan was delightful. "Come in," he welcomed.

Flopping his arms around, and singing to a popular tune, Teddy entered the master bedroom. "Hi! Why are you so sleepy? Didn't you go to sleep?"

"We were doing chores."

Olivia snuggled into Fitz's embrace; their legs tangling. It had been a while since they just rested in bed, if they weren't making love. It just felt nice.

Teddy sighed. "Hmm, okay. Are we going out today?"

"Maybe," Fitz answered in a comical voice,. "Did you clean your room, Theodore?"

Giggling, Teddy said, "I put my pillow on my bed and my toys are in the box."

Fitz lifted his hand, giving a thumbs up. "Great job, buddy."

"Thank you, Daddy. Can I call John from school?"

"Yup yup yup."

Right after Teddy left, Olivia and Fitz giggled, resuming their downtown activity of snuggling, whispering silly words.

"Is this okay for you?"

"Yeah, I'm comfortable."

"No," Fitz tisked, tapping her nose, "I mean us. Being here. Doing pretty much nothing."

Olivia lifted her head, to make eye contact. "Look, Saturdays were either going to be a 'do everything under the sun' or a 'do absolutely nothing' day. I prefer doing nothing with you, Fitz."

The apartment was still a part of Olivia's life, being her safe haven for the last six years. Through a career change, various hairstyles, and a major relationship, she considered this cozy space, home. But now she didn't know what to do with it. She was the owner of the property and it would seem foolish to let it go. Would she rent it out? Keep it as is?

In the meantime, she visited once a week to use the space as her "home office", pick up mail, and have some alone time to recharge. For the most part, she got all of her projects done. No distractions.

But the landline rang and usually no one called that number. Olivia checked the caller ID. She groaned. It was her mother, Marie. Dread began to rise in her system. Why was she calling? Three rings later, she picked up.

"Hi, Mom."

"Hi, honey! How are you today?"

"I'm fine."

"That's great! I just thought I'd catch you before things got extra busy."

Quickly, Olivia went to the kitchen to pour herself a small glass of wine. If things got heated, she would call Harrison or Fitz to drive her home. Already backtracking why Marie would be calling her on a random afternoon. "Well, that's good. Where are you?"

"London."

"Cool."

"Remember when I used to bring you here?"

Olivia pursed her lips before answering. "That was a long time ago."

"So, what's new with you?"

"Same old, work."

"That's great," Marie replied. "Soooo...How are things with Fitz?"

Olivia took a swig of her red and answered, "They're actually going quite well. Great."

"I saw the beautiful picture of you two in Washington Life and the Post. What a big announcement!" Marie's enthusiastic comment surprised Olivia.

"Mmhmm."

That's why…

"A few of my girlfriends notified me of it. I can't believe it. You made it public. Your father and I are proud of you."

Olivia stayed cordial. "Thank you."

Her mother didn't add on a snarky comment, which was shocking. "I'm sure the city will prop you up as the couple of the year."

"Why? We are just as normal as everyone else."

Marie laughed, "It's different. The makings of a powerful duo is all right there. Beautiful and smart woman, entrepreneur, a mover and shaker, with an equally motivated man. And you two are gorgeous. What a perfect recipe."

"We're not doing this for publicity. You know that, right?"

"But of course, Livvie," Marie knowingly answered.

Olivia was trying very hard to not vocally question her mother. With traveling and strategic dodging, their calls had been brief.

"How is Teddy?"

"He's fine."

"Is he handling this well?"

"I believe so."

"I'm very impressed. You never had little ones in your life and now you're a role model to this child."

Olivia kept noticing the backhanded compliments — maybe her mother was trying to stay positive. "Thanks?"

"I would like to meet him one day."

"I'll have to talk to Fitz."

"Do you see yourself having children with him?"

Olivia wasn't sure why her mother was interested, asking all of these questions. "To be honest, yes."

What she didn't reveal to Marie — she had been dreaming about a baby for three months. Two babies. Playing with Teddy. Having children wasn't the ultimate goal for her, but it could be a reality now. But she wouldn't share this would anyone for a while.

"Oh my goodness," Marie gasped.

"What?"

"You have changed. By the way, did you receive the package?"

"What package?"

"I sent it last week. For your birthday."

"I'll ask the concierge."

"You moved?"

Olivia groaned. Of course, she would slip out information that would lead to an array of questions. "Mama, please."

"But did you move? I should probably get an updated address."

"I'm keeping my apartment."

"You live with Fitz?"

"Yes," she placed her hand on her forehead, desperate to prevent a migraine.

"That's wonderful, baby. I know that must have been hard to decide. With your relationship with Edison, you hated living with him!"

Olivia interjected, "Got it."

"I'm sorry. That was out of line. What are you going to do for your birthday?"

"Nothing."

Marie let out a laugh, "I'm sure Fitz will do something special for you, honey."

Olivia didn't want to think that far ahead. "I don't know about all of that."

"You deserve happiness. We failed you. But you're making it happen. Fitz is part of that happy. Let him spoil you."

"Thanks, Mama."

"Oh, honey, I have to run. My flight to Dubai is getting ready to board. But I love you. Have a great birthday. Maybe we can get together soon?"

Olivia couldn't say no; all of her work on forgiveness and communication in therapy couldn't fail her.

"No problem. Thanks. Love you."

"Alright, bye bye."

Hanging up, Olivia finally took a breath. It was always touch-and-go with her mother. As she was approaching her thirty-fourth birthday, she knew she had to let hurt go so she could be healed. That didn't mean she had to bend over backwards to have a wonderful relationship but with boundaries, she could have a pleasant conversation.

After considering all his options, Fitz decided to host the magazine interview on the Sunday before Easter break. James Novak, one of the city's premiere journalists was chosen to be with Fitz all afternoon. Olivia helped find a cute outift for Teddy, sort of matching with his father's light blue dress shirt and jeans. Her goal was to stay in the background.

"Why now?"

"I'm in a better place."

"How so, Fitz?"

"I'm happy."

Teddy was jovial, ready to entertain. Marching to James, he extended his hand, "Good afternoon, Mr. James. My name is Theodore Wallace Grant, but you can call me Teddy. This is my Daddy's guitar. He plays it sometimes."

"Is that so?"

"Mmhmm."

The plan wasn't to have Teddy interrupt with possibly awkward questions, so Olivia rushed into the living room.

"Well, hello, James. So nice to see you again."

"Olivia!"

The two greeted each other with a hug.

Fitz inquired, "I didn't know you two knew each other. That's awesome!"

Smiling, Olivia sat down, rubbing Fitz's hand. "Washington is a small town."

"Liv, I've known you for years, and your personal life has been a topic that you do not offer for public consumption," James commented, "Why are you willing to sit next to Fitz, being interviewed for a magazine that will be seen by thousands of readers?"

"I support Fitz. He is truly a man of his word, has courage, and doesn't give up."

"Is this something you would have imagined a year ago?"

"No."

James asked more about Fitz's background, being a California boy, shouldn't have been able to bounce back so quickly after a failed marriage.

"Was it hard?"

"Absolutely. But I have friends who chose to stay by my side and help when I had to work extra hours to support my son."

"Where do you see yourself in five years?"

"More grey," he quipped, pointing to his hair. Olivia laughed. "With the woman I love."

His answer caught her off guard, slightly. Lovingly nudging him with her shoulder.

When she first heard about the feature, Olivia didn't want any part of it. Fitz was the star and the notion of upstaging him or ruining his shine, discouraged her from participating.

James suggested a few shots with the whole family. Teddy sat in the middle. All three smiling, having the best time.

She watched Fitz pose in the kitchen. James asked a few more questions during the picture taken.

"Do you have extra help around the house?"

"No."

James gasped. "Really?"

"I just clean. I learned quickly what a messy house can do for your psyche."

Olivia smirked as Fitz crossed his ankle over the other. Her man was incredibly sexy. What a lucky woman she had become.

An hour later, the interview was done. Teddy was exhausted so Olivia carried him to his room, letting him nap.

They met in the bedroom. Fitz had started changing clothes. She couldn't resist flirting with him, very impressed by how everything went.

"How is it possible for you to look sexier when I'm not there?"

"That's the appeal of me, baby."

Olivia wouldn't let this opportunity go to waste. Her index finger pressed against Fitz's chest as she reminded him, in a sultry voice, "But just remember who you get to see at night."

"Wow," he announced, with a raised eyebrow, I'll be damned."

Olivia's nose wrinkled, while Fitz lifted her in his arms, spinning her around.

"You know it, sweet baby. I won't ever forget."

"I think we need some quality time."

"Oh?"

Olivia nuzzled her nose against his jaw, "Mmhmm. As soon as possible."

Their hands rushing to find a surface to hold on to — neck, ass, chest. Hips moving and grinding. Fitz placed Olivia on the dresser, so he could have full access to her.

"Hey…"

The electric urgency in Olivia's hands, reaching down to unzip his pants. "I wanna see."

Attempting to interrupt her, Fitz stroked her hair, "You see all the time."

"I wanna see again."

Fitz slowly licked his lips — a green light for any kind of flirting and subsequent actions.

"How about you meet me in the shower."

Olivia scooted off the dresser, making quick work of her disrobing, leaving her clothes at the door, waiting for Fitz.

A minute later, he was standing in front of her, at attention, ready to do whatever she wanted. Olivia wrapped her arms around his neck. "You did great, Fitzy. I'm proud of you."

"All because of you."

Their lips connected into a passionate kiss.

"Now, Fitz. Fuck me."

Olivia looked at him with fiery eyes. The light in the bathroom were making her chocolate irises glow.

Fitz grunted, being so powerful, effortlessly lifting her up and against the wall, and inserting his cock.

"How much you want this?"

"Yesss…"

They got into a furious rhythm, incorporating their tongues and hands. Olivia told Fitz to look at her while he fucked.

"You'll make me come faster, baby. Make it happen."

Fitz gritted his teeth, pumping into her, while he kept his focus.

"Shit! Baby!"

It didn't take long for her, which was what she wanted. Olivia slapped the side wall, not able to speak.

"Mmm, did that work for you?"

"Oh, yes."

After she settled, leaning against the wall. Her legs felt like jello, so content with the intense wet fuck she received. Fitz chuckled, then rubbed his thumbs on her full cheeks.

"Hi."

"Hi."

"You wanted the shower on so he couldn't hear us?"

Olivia kissed Fitz's jaw, dragging her hand down his chest - wet curls and muscle. "Absolutely."

Gift giving was her bread and butter. It was easy to lavish presents on Fitz, Teddy, and her friends for special occasions, but Olivia was not a fan of her own birthday. Reminded her too much of years when neither parent wasaround, only sending a simple gift or cash to Switzerland or wherever they placed her for the school year. The day didn't resonate of love or belonging. Just another day to get shit done, and hopefully an extra hour of sleep. For most of her adult friendships, it would take months for her to reveal when the day was. That was her plan. To make April 13th as forgettable for them, as it was for her.

But Fitz Grant had a different agenda.

"What time is it," she sleepily asked as Fitz kissed her bare shoulder.

"Doesn't matter."

"Huh?"

"Good morning," Fitz sweetly answered, kissing her forehead.

Olivia rubbed the sleep from her eyes. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm playing hookie."

Trying to roll over, swatting him away, Olivia groaned, "But why? It's just a normal day."

"I'm celebrating you."

"No."

Fitz hurried to the other side of the bed, facing Olivia, gently brushing his hand on her cheek, "Yes," his rich baritone sent a chill down her spine. "Happy birthday, my beautiful Livvie."

Inhaling deeply, she slowly smiled. "Thank you." Before she could fully appreciate the kind gesture, she asked, "Where's Teddy?"

"At school. I let you sleep in."

Olivia shook her head. "How could you…"

"I know you took the day off, Liv," he quipped, putting his hand on her stomach. "So I thought we could have breakfast, cuddle, and then some… Would you like your first gift?"

Emphatically, she gave a sharp "No."

Laughing, Fitz moved to the foot of the bed, puzzling Olivia. "I think you will."

Her eyes widened, observing him crawl under the comforter, gently tugging at her sleep shorts.

"Fitzz…"

"What?"

Olivia closed her legs shut. "I haven't... shaved."

Fitz shot a skeptical glare. "So? When has that stopped me? I don't care how manicured you are."

"I might."

"Okay, I'll wait then."

Fitz gave her that boyishly charming closed-mouthed grin that she fell for, every single time. Why was she making excuses - now of all days? Her man was ready to pleasure her and she was threatening to stop everything so she could trim? Who really had time for that?

Relaxing her frame, she rolled her eyes, whispering, "Fine."

She bit her lip and stared at the ceiling, while Fitz chuckled, preparing himself. She laughed at his particular motion of setting her shorts and panties to the side. What a gentleman. His hand placed on her thigh, possessively. Adoringly rubbing his nose on her lower lips. Slowly, her eyes fluttered shut. All the little touches would eventually bring out the grandeur.

"Fitz…"

He kissed her knee, then the inside of her thigh. Then a sweet kiss there. Olivia let out a sound that could have been a sigh and moan.

"Livvie."

"Yes?"

"Don't worry. This is only the beginning of your day. I'll be thorough and you will love every minute of it. It's my specialty...my superpower."

Olivia lifted herself, putting her weight on her arms. Questioning with a raised eyebrow, "Superpower? What a proclamation of confidence, Fitzgerald Grant. What is your superpower? Making me come?"

Abruptly, Fitz scooted towards her, his body parallel to hers, nose-to-nose, making her gasp. "Just like that. Making you breathless while I make you come. The perfect orgasm. Now…will you stop arguing and give me twenty minutes, birthday girl?"

Birthday girl.

Olivia couldn't have been more happy to hear those two words as her incredibly handsome boyfriend, ravished her with his mouth.

This birthday had become a love fest. Thirty minutes after Olivia got out of bed, after Fitz's feast, she was in the middle of the living room, riding Fitz. She didn't know what came over her. Was the coffee he made for her, full of some aphrodisac?

Fitz took care of everything. A beautiful lunch on the waterfront. Some light shopping. A long nap after another round of toe-curling sex. It was perfect, because if she had her way, she'd make love to her boyfriend everyday. It was part of their love language — touch. And she loved to touch him.

Teddy came running inside, looking for his Olivia.

"Happy birthday, Livia! It's your day! Did you have fun?"

Stifling a gut-busting laugh, Olivia smiled at Teddy. "I did! It was nice to sleep in and do nothing."

Dinner was at home, Olivia's wish. Fitz prepared a Waldorf salad with a homemade vinaigrette, along with flank steak.

"Thank you, Chef Grant. Will this be your career, post-law?"

Fitz set Olivia's plate in front of her. "Probably not. But if you enjoy what I cook, then I'm happy."

Teddy presented a cupcake with a candle on top. The boys beautifully sang Happy Birthday, with Olivia beaming the whole time.

"Make a wish."

Glancing at Fitz, then Teddy, Olivia closed her eyes, holding her breath, then blowing out the candle.

"Did you?"

"Yes, lovely," Olivia said. "I made a wish."

Teddy handed her a lavendar bag. "Here."

Olivia pulled out a coloring book with a fresh set of crayons.

"I have the same one so maybe we can color together on the days Daddy works late."

"Teddy, this is great! Thank you, baby."

Olivia and Teddy hugged, before he looked at his father, then ran off somewhere.

"Hey, I have something for you," Fitz sat next to her, taking her hands. Olivia frowned.

"What? I told you..."

Fitz gave her a reassuring glance. "Just close your eyes. Trust me."

She heard him call for Teddy.

"Come on here, baby boy."

"Ok, Livvie."

Olivia opened her eyes. Teddy was standing in front of her, holding a sleeping puppy.

"Oh my Lord!"

Tears immediately formed as she sharply turned her head. Fitz was rocking on his toes, with a huge smile.

"I couldn't resist."

Teddy softly added, "We got you a newborn puppy, Livia."

Her face crumpled as she held the puppy for the first time. "How did you know I wanted a dog?"

Fitz rubbed her back, "I see how you look at every dog in the neighborhood. With this longing in your eyes. I thought, you could use some light on your birthday."

"Where did you find—"

"She's a girl and she's potty-trained. Eleven weeks old. Gracie and I were on the search since the beginning of the year. Remember that day I had Rachel watch Teddy?"

"Yeah…"

"We took a trip up to Pennsylvania and we got her. Gracie has been sitting since Thursday."

It was pointless to contain any emotion. Olivia began to cry, bringing the puppy close to her chest.

"Hello, beautiful… you are so precious. Oh, boy. This is too much."

Overwhelmed, Olivia kissed Fitz. "Thank you. Thank you."

"What do you want to name her?"

Olivia lifted the puppy, staring into her eyes, as if to reach into the canine soul and find a connection.

"Josephine. Gigi for short."

"That's quite specific."

"Yes. My grandmother's name. She had a dog almost like this one. Smaller with dark markings. I never had pets growing up. So I would pretend the dog was mine. I loved being with them in the summer." Her voice was small, rocking back and forth. "She passed when I was 10. I called her Gigi."

Olivia noticed the sentimental look in Fitz's eyes. Smiling while he gave her another kiss, he replied, "That's beautiful, Livvie. Right, Teddy?"

Teddy opened his arms, hoping he would receive the new member of the family. He got his wish, not squeezing Gigi too tightly. "Hi, Gigi. I'm your big human brother, Teddy," he kissed her head. "We're going to best friends."

They spent the following hour, letting Gigi take her first steps in the house. Fitz had a bowl, and some food for her as well. After Teddy went to bed, Olivia and Fitz were in the family room, quietly recalling the day's events, full of life and fun.

"Thank you for everything." A kiss to finish the evening as little Josephine snuggled deeply into Olivia's arms.