Michael says, "Well, young can chalk it up to being too you and inexperienced to know better. But the good news is she can only get wiser from here." They all nod in agreement with his response. Youth is on her side for sure, but the question is; is it a lesson learned, and what lesson did she learn from this experience.
As the ride continues, the adults continue to chat and marvel at Teddy and Ella playing together peacefully. They all remark on how sweet they look together and Fitz teases that Grant men are irresistible. So it's a given that Ella is going to be swept up by Teddy's charm. While Cyrus boasts, that Ella is merely playing into the situation and will have the pick of the litter, ergo Teddy shouldn't put all his eggs in one basket. Both Michael and Olivia share a look and laugh at the crazed banter between them. As Olivia says, "How about you both allow those kids to figure out for themselves what they want or don't want, before you plan their lives for them?"
Michael smiles as he chimes in and says, "Agreed Liv. Because I'm quite certain getting into kindergarten or tying their shoes is probably more a priority than being a couple right now." Olivia smiles and chuckles as she says, "Exactly Mike." Both Fitz and Cyrus smile at the comment, but it's not hard to see there was some truth in what both of them were saying. Or at least they believe that to be the case.
It's not long before the chopper approaches the destination of the family sledding trip. After falling asleep during the flight, Olivia awakes to the sound of Fitz's voice whispering; "Baby, we're home." She's a bit confused by his words, given the fact they were supposed to be going sledding. But when she sits up and looks around she sees the most beautiful, and familiar scene she hasn't laid eyes on in quite some time.
A sudden grin spreads across her face as she looks at Fitz and says, "You didn't tell me we were coming here." He replies, "You didn't ask. Besides, it's the perfect place for sledding." She kisses his lips sweetly as she hugs him tight with excitement.
Both Cyrus and Michael are none the wiser of what this place is, or where they are. But they see that it's a nicely built home or exclusive lodge. As they prepare to exit the chopper Cyrus asks, "Whose place is this?" Olivia and Fitz look at one another and say, "Ours." Their reply makes them both smile as Fitz kisses her forehead, and she snuggles up to him. Cyrus and Michael look at one another in surprise. Neither knew about the house. Fitz sees the looks on their faces and he says, "It's our best kept secret huh Cy?" Cyrus responds, "That it is sir. That it is indeed." Olivia can't help but notice that Karen isn't the least bit surprised by the news of the house. In fact, she appears to be rather relaxed in the moment, as she says, "it's beautiful dad and Liv." Olivia replies, "Thanks Kare, wait till you see inside."
As they exit the chopper, the kids are grinning from ear to ear as they see the winter in wonderland appearance of the property. The way the larger than life two level log cabin style home sits covered in snow, surrounded by large oak trees. You'd think you were looking at a post card for an exclusive ski lodge.
When they get inside the house, the wait staff meets them by the door and takes their coats. The nanny's take Teddy and Ella to the bathroom, and to get settled in. Karen goes exploring around the house, and after handing over their belongings, Cyrus and Michael stand in awe of the place. While watching them in the living room from the great room; Olivia sees them taking it all in, as Cyrus says, Wow, this is a beautiful home Fitz." Fitz smiles with pride as he says, "Thanks Cy. It's a really special place." He looks at Olivia as his sentence ends and she smiles at him in return.
It really is quite remarkable. She has to admit she falls in love with their Vermont home more and more, every time they visit. it's just as Olivia remembers. Only better because it's fully furnished and decorated for the holiday season. As she and Fitz walk into the living room hand in hand. Olivia suddenly notices there's a huge 8ft tall Christmas tree in the living room, that's fully decorated with gifts under it.
And the fireplace has a raging fire going, with stockings covering the mantle. The moment of taking in the environment is halted, as Teddy and Ella come running into the room. Excitedly, they make a bee line for the tree they missed when they arrived initially.
Each finds gifts under it for themselves, as they rifle through the packages looking for their names. As the photographer captures a few pictures of the children in action. Cyrus quickly jumps into action, as he catches both of the kids in attack mode, trying to open up the gifts. His fatherly voice stuns them in their tracks as he says, "Come on kids, don't open any of your presents. It's not Christmas yet." The kids groan and Michael backs him up as he says, "You both know the drill. One gift to be opened at midnight. And the rest opened tomorrow morning." Teddy looks over at Fitz and he says, "You heard him bud. Don't look at me to bail you out." Both Teddy's and Ella's pouty faces are too cute. But they don't work for them this time, in regard to getting their way. Marta, the head nanny, feeling sorry for them decides to save them by offering to get them a snack until they're ready to go sledding. The kids happily follow her into the kitchen excitedly.
In that instance everything clicks for Olivia. Did she just hear what she thinks she heard? She says, "Wait. We're spending Christmas in Vermont!" Fitz grins as he replies, "Yes. What gave it away?" She hits him playfully as she says, "You're such a smart ass."
He quips, "It's better than being a dumb ass." She hits him again and he grabs her up into his arms, smothering her with kisses, as she giggles. It's like they're the only ones in the room. But they're not. Cyrus and Michael are sitting on the couch near the fire place in awe of them, and how they are together. While Karen returns from her tour of the house, and like everyone else is in awe of it.
As their playful banter settles he kisses her once more and he says, "It's what you wanted right? To spend Christmas in our house." She nods as she thinks about when she made the remark that she wished they were spending their first Christmas in their home together. She then says, "Oh my God Babe. I was just throwing out ideas. I didn't think you'd do it." He smiles as he says, "Well, surprise. It's done. What do you think?"
Olivia hugs him and he hugs her in return, she's so happy she can't contain herself and doesn't want to. Openly she says, "I think you're amazing for doing this, and I can't thank you enough. It was really sweet honey." He replies, "You're welcome Livy. I love you." They share a sweet kiss, and when it breaks they have a seat on the couch across from Michael and Cyrus.
As they settle in on the couch, she says, "I can't believe you put all of this together without me being wise to it." As her sentence ends Karen, walks in and sits down on the opposite side of Fitz as she says, "He had help." Olivia looks at her and watches the look between Karen and Fitz. Fitz gives her a wink and pulls her close, as he says, "Yes. Thank you for being my wing woman."
Karen replies, "You're welcome dad. It was fun helping to plan everything. It's not often we can pull anything over on you Liv." Olivia smiles as she says, "True. But don't get used to this, you two." They chuckle and he hugs Karen with his other arm, as he still has his arm around Olivia. The moment is sweet and special, and it's enjoyed by everyone. The photographer snaps the shot of them on the couch, and even smiles himself at how great they look.
As both Michael and Cyrus look on, they've never seen Olivia and Fitz this way. Michael remarks, "They look really happy." Cyrus nods as he says, "yeah. They do." Cyrus has to admit this setting is clearly what Fitz and Olivia had been vying for now for almost a decade. He can't believe himself that it's actually happening. But it appears, here they are. Despite all the trials and tribulations, the back and forth and the hand he's even had in keeping them apart. Olivia and Fitz have finally found their road to happiness.
Breaking up the moment somewhat, the servers come in offering hot chocolate and they all partake in a cup. After finishing off at least two cups a piece; they get prepared to go sledding. Despite the chill in the air, and the moderate wind. The three hour tryst in the snow is just what the doctor ordered for them.
Of course the press photographers stands by and takes photos of the family fun. Olivia adores seeing Teddy and Ella go down the hill together. Even when they crash, and fall off their sleds laughing as they roll around in the snow. They look adorable.
However, the fun isn't just had by the kids. The adults also get into the act as they all take several runs down the Sledding Mountain, and Fitz manages to beat everyone except Karen and Olivia. Both Olivia and Karen slap hands in the end, rubbing it in screaming, "Girl power!" After finishing their day in the snow, they all head inside for more hot chocolate and sitting by the fire to warm up.
After drying out, and relaxing for a while. They guys decide to watch a basketball game; while Olivia decides to bake cookies with the kids. Although Fitz enjoys watching the game with Michael and Cyrus. He can't stop watching Olivia with the kids in the kitchen. The joy he sees on the kids' faces, especially Karen's warms his heart. He thinks to himself, this scene is motivation of what to look forward to for their future. One day their little ones will be making cookies with her in the kitchen. The thought makes him smile, and then he returns to watching the game.
When the game ends, they all sit down to dinner and dessert is the delicious cookies the kids made. The smiles of everyone at the table are genuine as the great meal, is topped off by a great dessert. Fitz watches as the kids proudly serve their cookies, with the help of Karen. It's a cute moment that makes everyone's heart melt with love and happiness.