Fitz's POV

"Red or gold?"

"Mm," Olivia mumbles from bed, not even looking up from her tablet.

"Livvy," I sigh, looking at her from the reflection of the body mirror in front of me. I hold up the two ties and miraculously, she finally looks up. "Which tie?"

"Huh," she cocks her head but her attention is short lived and brought back to the iPad. "Whichever one. They're both good."

I set the ties down and walk towards the bed, sitting by her legs. "I cannot believe I'm losing my girlfriend to an iPad."

Livvy scoffs, typing something, still not looking at me. "Not your girlfriend."

I shake my head and smirk. "That's kind of hard to say when you slept in my bed last night...doing various activities in which the requirement of some type of relationship is mandatory."

"Is that right?" Livvy laughs and finally turns off the Tablet. She looks at me crosses her arms. "Go with the red. It'll bring out your eyes."

"Red," I scoff, laying down next to her. "That'll throw off the democrats."

Livvy turns to me, resting her hand on top the pillow and her face on top of her hand. "I still cannot believe I was in bed with a Republican."

I laugh before leaning over and kissing her cheek.

Last night was amazing - as were all the hours I was with her these past few days. I don't ever remember being happier than I have been in the past couple of days. The only thing that would be make this better, that would make this complete is a ring on Livvy's finger and Gerry here with us. But the latter can't happen, so I just have to work on making Livvy love me just as much as I love her. But tells me, though, that it doesn't matter how much she loves me. It matters how much she trusts me. And how much she trusts herself to actually be in a relationship with me.

When I lean in to kiss her, her arms lock around my neck and she doesn't let me pull away. "Livvy..."

She pulls her face out of my neck but still holds on to me and looks me in the eyes. "If you can't put confidence in yourself today, the senate sure as hell won't do it."

I wrap my arms around her waist and smile softly. "What are you talking about?"

Livvy gently strokes down the waves of hair at the back of my head. "I know you're nervous, Fitz. I can see it in your eyes. But you don't need to be. You're the best politician in the game."

I raise my eyebrows. "But California -"

"What happened in California," Livvy whispers firmly. "Was beyond your control. This isn't. You can do this. You can win this. I believe in you."

I smile at her. How does she know me better than I know myself? I cannot find the words to express how much she means to me. But I think she knows. Livvy knows everything. "If I win...will you move in?"

Livvy pats the space between us. "I'm here, aren't I?"

"Livvy," I roll my eyes. "You know what I mean. After all this. Move in with us. Come to Kalorama with us. With me."

"Fitz," Livvy brings her hand around the side of my face. "Whether I decide to do that or not has nothing to do with your career. I love you anyway."

I smile wider. Even if I knew that, it feels good to hear her say it. Just when I am about to lean in and kiss her again, my phone buzzes loudly from the dresser. I pull away, sighing and sit up. "Duty calls, I guess."

Livvy lightly pushes my back. "Go. Go out there and be the guy I know you can be. Be honest. Be warm. Make them love you."

She sits up too and hugs me from behind. "I know I do."

I take her hand from my chest and kiss it. "I am loving this new supportive-girlfriend Olivia."

She laughs and pushes my back again. "Get outta here."

I turn back and kiss her again.

X

I walk downstairs, briefcase in hand. Livvy is right - I am nervous. I'm so nervous I could piss in my pants right now. This is the only chance to make my career right. If I don't get approved, my political time in Washington - hell, anywhere - is over forever. Even if I could get another chance at politics after this, I am not completely sure I would want it.

I stop at the door in the foyer and open it slightly. I can see the swing where I sat with Livvy before she shared it with my daughter a couple of days ago. I don't exactly what they talked about, but it seemed to work. Karen really warmed up to Livvy and our time together, all four of us, was perfect.

I take that back. It wasn't perfect. None of the four of us are perfect. We have flaws and we've all made mistakes. We will continue to make mistakes because we're human. It took me a while to realize that you have to accept that nobody is perfect. But we were all happy. It was the type of happiness people write poems about.

After dinner last night, Livvy and I were sitting on the couch, staying up late, just talking. Karen literally came and sat down next to Livvy, giving her a hug before she went to bed. Even though it was a simple gesture, it warned my heart.

We still have a long way to go. I still want Karen to go to therapy - or at least talk to Livvy more. The thing is, even if Karen loves Livvy, she still despises me. She won't talk to me. She's still angry. I know it won't be like that forever, but it still kind of hurts.

I tried to take Livvy's advice. I tried to give her space but be there for her at the same time. It's good advice but I think it's just gonna take some time. And I am an impatient guy by nature. But if Karen forgives me in the end, it's all worth it.

I walk across the large, elegant hall and into the sunroom. Like I asked one of the butlers, there's a cup of coffee waiting for me. Just as I am about to sit down, I hear footsteps behind me and turn around.

It's the butler, holding a clear wrap full of baby's breath flowers and white lilies. "Excuse me, sir? Ms. Ballard asked me to give this to you in the morning."

I cringe when he says Ms. Ballard, but I am so happy I can't even stay annoyed. I thank him and take the flowers. They're beautiful and classy but I would expect nothing less from Livvy. I set them down on the table and open the card that came on top of it.

Inside is a picture drawn by Savannah. It's a really fat, short version of me in a shirt with a messed up version of the American flag on it. Also on the shirt is a name tag type thing that says 'secratary of defense'. The misspelling makes me think it was Karen who did that part. And on the other side is a very neatly, cursive note that I know Livvy wrote.

Daddy,

We want to wish you good luck today when you're at your hearing. We know you'll do great. We love you so much, no matter what happens. And we are are so proud of you. Come home soon!

Love,

Karen, Savannah & Liv

I smile, feeling my heart warm. I don't care what's happened in the past. I don't care what's going to happen today, or tomorrow. All I know is that I have these wonderful girls in my life. And I am so goddamn lucky for that.

I think about that note that Mellie wrote years and years ago when I came home that one day - if you come home past eleven/smelling like booze, don't bother coming into the bedroom.

I grin as I pick up the flowers to smell them.

This is a big step up.

Olivia's POV

"So basically," I pull into drop off lot of Sheridan Academy and put the car on park. "If your daddy gets the job and President Langston makes a decision about war with other countries, she has to talk to him about it."

"Really?" Karen's eyes widen as she clicks off her seatbelt and opens the Lexus door, but doesn't get out.

I smile and nod at her. For the thirty minute ride to her private school, I have been trying to explain to her and Savannah what exactly their daddy's job will be. Karen had a general idea but Fitz never really went in depth to it.

Fitz, I realized, is a really good father. He raised Karen really well in general. She is really polite, really respectful and even though she gives him a hard time, she is supportive inside. She was the one who came up with the idea of giving him flowers this morning, even though she refused to write the note or draw the picture.

The only thing about Fitz's parenting is that he shied away from the hard stuff sometimes. He didn't explain everything to Karen thoroughly and he never gave her closure. I think he just didn't want her to be hurt, which I understand, but he really should have went about it differently.

"So can we stay in the guest house forever if he gets the job?" Karen suggests hopefully, taking her backpack from the floor of the car.

I laugh. "I don't think it works like that, honey. We have to be out tonight. But that would be nice, wouldn't it?"

Karen nods and grips the handle of the car door. Suddenly, she looks serious. "Um...Olivia?"

"Yes?"

"He's gonna get the job," Karen looks up. "Isn't he?"

I look back at her. In my mind, I really don't know. I mean, I know that Fitz is a really good politician and would make a great Secretary of Defense. He has the military training. He has the intelligence. And he has enough charm to make the senate fall for him. But in the end, I don't know how things are gonna work out.

I mean what I said, though. I don't care about his position of power or money or anything like that. I just need for him to be the man I always knew he was. And he is. I realized when I saw him two weeks ago in that hotel bathroom that even though I was changed from five years ago, he was the same exact Fitz. And that...is a good thing.

"I hope so," I finally respond and she nods, but doesn't leave. "Karen...do you want your Daddy to get the job?"

"I used to not," Karen admits, putting the grey straps of her backpack on. "But I think it would make him happy. And maybe it won't be so bad if he gets it."

I nod again. Before she leaves the car, she surprises me and leans forward and gives me a hug. Granted, it's a small hug, much like the one from last night. But it's cute anyways and I hug her back. She looks back to Savannah, who is fast asleep in her booster seat. It's really early for Anna to be up but she really wanted to drop of Karen, so I strapped her into the back and she was fast asleep ten minutes ago.

"I'll tell her you said bye," I smile to Karen, who beams and waves before she exits out the door. I watch her to make sure she safely gets inside the school building before pulling out of the parking lot.

I actually have a couple things to do today, starting of with signing those divorce papers. They have been sitting in the bottom of a box in the master bedroom ever since I moved in. I always meant to sign them but I just never went through with it. I read them and everything. I thought for sure that Jake would throw some loop holes and steal all my inheritance or something, just because that's the type of guy he is. But the papers seem legit. I just...I am gonna sign them, I know I am gonna sign them. Just not yet.

"Mommy," I hear a voice coming from the back and look at the Rearview mirror. Savannah is just getting up, rubbing her eyes. "Mommy..."

"Yeah, Anna," I make a turn. "I'm right here."

"Mommy..." Savannah repeats, sounding like she's crying. I know she's not really crying - she's just cranky. "Mommy, I wanna see daddy."

My palms and fingers grip the steering wheel harder. Savannah hasn't asked about Jake since...since we left him. But it was stupid of me to think she never would. I owe her an explanation but even though she's smart, there is nothing that could be sense of at this point. I don't love Jake - I love Fitz. And I can't justify that. "Savannah...honey, we can't."

"No," Savannah whines. "I wanna see him. Mommy. I wanna see him."

"He's gone, Savannah," I am trying to stay calm, trying to keep my voice steady. I'm not mad at anyone - I just don't wanna think about him. I don't wanna think about Jake.

"Noooo!" Savannah argues. "Where did he go, Mama? Where is Daddy? I wanna see him."

"Savannah." I swallow, not even being able to look at her through the mirror again. I think it's justified that she wants to see him - she should be able to. But I don't think Jake cares enough. And I am definitely not comfortable with it. So maybe it's not fair but it's my choice. I don't want him in her life. Maybe when she's older, but again, I don't think he would care. "Savannah, we're not going to be seeing him anymore. Okay?"

Savannah is actually crying now. I feel horrible for that but she'll get over it. In the end, I think not seeing him would be better for her. I just can't imagine why she would want to see him. "Mama...why?"

I sigh and pull into a parking lot plaza. I can't drive hearing my daughter cry. I unbuckle my seatbelt and turn to her. She's actually sobbing now, tears and everything. "I don't like him anymore, Savannah. Daddy is...not a good guy."

"But why," Savannah rubs her eyes. "We gived him flowers. I drawed him a picture. He play wif Barbies. Where he go?"

My heart skips a beat and all I can do is gape at her.

She was talking about Fitz. This whole goddamn time...she was talking about Fitz.

She called Fitz 'daddy'.

Savannah thinks of Fitz as her father.

I lean over and wipe another tear threatening to fall down her cheek. "Are you talking about Fitz, baby?"

She nods really hard, more tears splashing down her bright blue eyes. "Where he go? Did he take the flowers?"

I swallow, feeling tears coming to my own eyes. I take a deep breath, pull myself together and smile. I take Savannah's hand. "You think Fitz is your dad?"

"He not my dad?" Savannah asks with a sniff.

I just blink at her, not finding the words. I just can't believe this. This is Savannah, the shy girl who never even made eye contact with a guy she was raised with for four years. And just a couple of days with Fitz and she's calling him 'daddy'? I know that they were close, but this is something else.

I don't believe in God. I don't really believe in a lot of things. But right now, in this moment, I genuinely think that kids and parents have something locked in. Something in their hearts. Something in their souls, their brain, whether they know it or not. Last night, Fitz told me that when he saw Anna for the first time, a part of him knew. I guess she felt the same thing. There is a connection. Savannah never talks to anyone but she instantly hit it off with Fitz, vice versa. She is his father and she knows. She's not asking questions. She believes with zero percent doubt that Fitz is her father.

And she's right.

I face forward in my own seat. "Y-yes Savannah. He's your dad. And he's not going anywhere."

Every ounce of doubt I had before is just flying out of this Lexus window. I kept looking for an excuse not to be in this, so I wouldn't risk getting hurt. I loved Fitz, I always did, and I was so happy with him. But there was always that guarded part of me. If I needed a sign, it was this.

Trying to refrain from crying, I pull out my phone and shakily unlock it. I go to Fitz's contact, press CALL and hold the phone up to my ear.

Fitz picks up on the second ring. "Livvy?"

I swallow and smile shakily. I have always loved it when he called me that. "Hi."

"Hi," he sounds surprised. "Is everything okay? You sound..."

"Everything is," I swallow again and find the strength to not start happily sobbing into the phone. "Everything is fine. It's perfect. Did I interrupt? Are you with the senators right now? Did you-"

"No, no," Fitz assures me, still sounding confused on the other line. "I'm waiting to go in right now. Look, Livvy, you sound like you're crying. Did Karen get to school okay? Is Savannah alright? Did something happen to you? What happened?"

"Karen is fine," I whisper. I look at Savannah through to mirror. Her confused face makes me laugh into the phone. "Savannah is too. And me? I'm...good."

And I really am. I'm not scared anymore. I mean, I am, but it's a good scared. It's a hopeful scared.

"Okay..." Fitz gives in slowly. Then, his tone lightens. "I didn't get a chance to thank you girls for the flowers this morning. They were beautiful."

"Yeah," I smile softly.

Fitz chuckles. "The only downside was how fat Savannah made me in her picture. Is she trying to tell me something?"

I grin too, then wipe my eyes. I feel tears coming. "She... she called you 'daddy'?"

"W-..." Fitz breaths in the phone, then paused. "What?"

"She called you 'daddy'," I repeat, whispering now. I smile and sniff. "She was trying to tell me she wanted to see her dad. I told her we couldn't see Jake. But...she was talking about you. She wanted to see you, Fitz."

There's another silence. When Fitz finally speaks up, his voice is so soft, like it's threatening to break into sobs. "W... Are you serious?"

I grin and nod. "Yes. She...she knows, Fitz. Like you said you knew, she knows."

"W-..." Fitz chuckles into the phone. I know he's crying, even if he's doing it softly. "That's...wow."

"I know," I whisper. We don't say anything for a minute but we don't have to. I know how he's feeling and he knows I'm. Poor Savannah in the back is probably so confused. But it's okay. I am okay. "D-...Fitz, I'm in. I'm in this. After today...i'll move in."

"R-really?" Fitz whispers into the phone.

I nod, even though he can't see me. "We're in this together."

"We're in this together," Fitz repeats, sniffing.

I grin into the phone. "Stop crying. The senate will be horrified. Nobody likes a bitch baby."

"You're mean," Fitz laughs into the phone. After a moment of both us just laughing, his tone gets serious. "Livvy?"

I look back into the mirror. Savannah's asleep again. I smile. "Yeah?"

"I'm proud of you too."

AN: I hoped you guys liked this chapter as much as I liked writing it. I know it was really short, but I have no excuse. It just felt right to end it there. Maybe it's because I am sucker for any Olitz scene and I have tons of fun just planning out their dialogue. Anyway, I am planning to wrap this story up by August, before I start high school and before I start another one, because I am sure I will. I want to begin the new story just around my fifteenth birthday. And as for the guest reviewer (you know who you are with your paragraphs upon paragraphs of support and love) PLEASE contact me because it would mean to world to me to actually talk with you. :) my Instagram is and My Twitter is jcapsboo. I would so appreciate actually having a discussion with you, especially about the Jalivia dynamic, since you're pretty much spot on. That's EXACTLY what I was trying to portray,