What could it be? She thinks to herself. She takes a breath and then looks into Fitz's eyes and then back at the box as she reaches for it and touches the box. She pauses and then lifts the lid. The raising of the lid reveals a key. A key with a symbol she knows too well, and can't believe what she's seeing. Oh my God! You didn't Fitz! He nods as he says, "Oh but I did." Her hands are clasped over her mouth, as she sits in shock. Then she hears him say, "it's outside."
Her eyes brighten and she jumps up, along with the kids as both Ella and Teddy run to the window, with everyone else in tow. Olivia makes it to the door along with Fitz, as they open it together. When the door opens Olivia sees the custom navy blue, blacked out Lexus 570 sports utility vehicle. Olivia is still in shock as she takes in the view, but she is shaken from her thoughts as she hears Karen say, "OMG Liv, your new ride is hot!" Olivia smiles at her and looks at Fitz. She feels his arms around her and she finally breaks her silence as she says, "Baby I love it. But you didn't have to do this for me."
He replies, "I know I didn't have to Liv. But I wanted to. And the fact you were speechless for a full ten minutes, speaks volumes." She smiles at him as he pecks her lips and their moment breaks as the kids scream, new car, new car. Livy can we ride in your new car?" While Karen asks, "Can I drive your car?"
Olivia and Fitz both look at Karen and the little ones with a smile, as Fitz says, "Not right now. But maybe later little ones." While Teddy and Ella both scream, "Yay!" Karen replies, "Hey, what about me?" Olivia responds, "We heard you. It's something we can talk about later. I promise." Karen doesn't push her luck, she simply says, "You're the best Liv." Olivia smiles as she says, "Thanks Kare, but compliments won't get you in that driver's seat."
Karen quickly says, "Darn." The adults all laugh, including Karen. And as the laughter settles, Marta announces breakfast is ready. Happily they all sit down to an expansive breakfast and converse about their day ahead, and their gifts. It's a great time between them all.
After breakfast, everybody showers, gets dressed, and heads back outside to play in the snow. There's more sledding to be done, and photos to be taken. The laughter and fun is cleansing to everyone. It's truly a carefree day that is much needed for everyone. The day is capped off by Olivia test driving her new deluxe, tricked out SUV, fitting everyone inside. Karen grins from ear to ear as she says, "Dad, is there any option you didn't get put in this thing?" Fitz smiles and as he attempts to reply. Michael says, "If there is it's because it doesn't exist."
They all chuckle in response, as Olivia blushes hearing Fitz say, "That's right. Nothing's too good for my lady." Olivia gives her man a sweet kiss as she says, "Thank you baby." He replies, "You're welcome." Their moment is broken as Karen says, "There are two different cell phone charging stations back here!" Fitz responds, "Let me know if you find Bigfoot back there." Again everyone laughs, as Olivia starts the car, and they take off on their journey.
Although Secret Service is in tow, they make it work. Olivia refuses to let their appearance cramp her style, and Fitz adores her resilience. He makes a note to thank her later for her understanding nature. All in all it's a great time had by everyone and an eventful time as well. They cover the entire property, areas Olivia and Fitz have never seen. As Olivia drives she sees the snow covered trees, pond, and barn on the property. And then she sees an area quartered off with a gate.
The section is large and it's something that strikes her attention and curiosity. Just as she begins to ask, Teddy beats her to it. He asks, "What's the fence for daddy?" Fitz smiles as he says, "Let's go see." Olivia looks at him as she says, "Fitz, Mark is going to have a fit if we get out of this vehicle. It's bad enough you're riding in a civilian car." He shrugs his shoulders as he says, "It's Christmas, and it's our property. It couldn't be safer anywhere else for us to be walking around."
She understands his logic, but as she stops the truck. Cyrus says, "She's right sir. Mark isn't going to like this." Fitz looks back at Cyrus as he says, "Too bad. It's happening." With that said he swings open his door, and before he has both feet outside the door, and he rises to his feet. Mark is standing in front of him asking, "Sir what's going on? We agreed to a joy ride around the property. Not to you walking anywhere."
Fitz responds, "Mark, do you like this detail?" He replies, "I'm sorry sir?" Fitz repeats, "Do you like working the presidential detail?" Mark responds, "Yes sir. Of course sir. It's the highest honor for a secret service agent." Fitz nods as he says, "Good. I'm glad you realize that. Now realize that if you want to stay on my detail, doing what I say is a requirement. Especially when I don't have much longer in office anyway. So if I want to walk along my property; I will do just that. Now you can come with me. But you damn sure won't stop me. Do I make myself clear?"
Mark nods as he says, "Yes, sir." Fitz responds, "Good. Now please step back and allow me to show off this surprise I have for my lady, and my family." He nods as he steps back, and when he turns to face Olivia she's shaking her head at him. He pulls her into his arms as he says, "See, it's handled. And I didn't need your assistance to do it."
She grins at him and says, "So you don't need me anymore." He responds, "On the contrary. I will always need you. You're my everything Livy." Olivia's heart swells at how sweet he's being to her. His words fill her mind with nothing but love and adoration for him. They share a sweet smile and kiss, that ends with Teddy and Ella saying, "OOOOW. They're kissing."
They all chuckle at their cuteness. And after their kiss ends; beaming, Olivia holds Fitz's hand. And as they face the quartered off land, walking toward it with the others in tow. Olivia asks, "Are you going to tell me what this is?" He smiles as he stops walking and she looks at him, as he says, "it's apart of our dream." She doesn't get what he's saying at first. But then she looks at the area and sees the posts are set up and the lines are ran.
Like a light bulb coming on, she says, "it's an orchard! You built an orchard!" He responds, "How else will we make jam?" She beams with love in her eyes as she says, "Oh my goodness babe. This is incredible. Incredible and sweet." He hugs her and Karen says, "Wow dad this is amazing. What kind of orchard is it?" He shrugs as he says, "It can be whatever we want." Ella asks, What's an orchard?"
Cyrus responds, "It's where fruit is grown, like the apple picking orchard we took you too last Halloween." She nods as she says, "Oh yeah. So you're going to grow apples in your back yard?" Fitz replies, "That's right Ella. We'll have apples, some berries, peaches, and more." Teddy says, "I love peaches." Fitz responds, "Yeah, I know buddy. I figured it could be a family activity. We can all pick fruit and make jam from it or even pies."
Michael responds, "Fitz this is quite a gift. An absolutely phenomenal idea." Fitz smiles as he says, "Thanks Mike. You and Cy and Ella are more than welcome to come pick fruit too." They all smile as Ella says, "Yay, Teddy we can pick fruit together." Teddy smiles as he asks, "When will it be ready daddy?" Fitz responds, "Not till spring bud. We'll have to come back then. When the trees are planted and bearing fruit." Teddy smiles as he says, "I can't wait!" Fitz responds, "Me either buddy." Fitz sees the joy in the eyes of his son, and looks over at Olivia who's standing with Karen. They're hugged up and he loves to see their comradery.
As his thoughts shift, Karen walks over to him and hugs him as she says, "Thanks for this dad." He replies, "You're welcome Karebear. I hope you're with us when we come pick fruit." She responds, "Oh I will be. I promise." He smiles at his little girl, and kisses her on the forehead as he says, "Good. I'm holding you to that promise."
With the cold air beginning to set in, they all decide to head back to the house. They need to prepare to get back to DC. However, when they arrive at the house; they're told a storm is on the way. So they bunker in for safety, and everyone gathers in the family room to watch Christmas movies, eat popcorn, drink hot chocolate and relax until dinner is ready.
As they carry on their day, Fitz is approached by an agent as he comes from the bathroom. Olivia sees him standing in the hall talking to the agent, and sees him hand him a phone. Throughout the day it's the third time Olivia has noticed that he's been approached by the agent. She didn't say anything before, but at this point she's besides herself with curiosity.
So she decides to find out what's going on. Now wanting to disturb the environment. She gets up, and as she walks between the couches. Cyrus grabs her hand and says, "Fill me in when you find out." Olivia looks at him and says, "I will." Knowing that he too is curious about what's going on, let's her know whatever it is it isn't politically based. Right away she knows it's got to be personal.
When she turns to go talk to him, he's no longer in the hall. So she goes to find him. She passes through the kitchen and says, "Hello Gretchen, have you seen Fitz? She nods as she says, "Yes mam. He's in the study. I think he took a call." She nods as she says, "Okay. Thanks. It smells great in here by the way." Gretchen replies, "Thanks Liv. Dinner should be ready in about an hour." Olivia responds, "Good to know. See ya then." Gretchen replies, "Bye."
When Olivia leaves the kitchen, she heads to the study. When she arrives she sees his personal agent Mark standing outside the door. She knows that if he's standing there it's because Fitz told him to guard the door. Knowing she's not going to be able to get much out of him. She hangs back a bit, thinking he can't be gone too long. And ten minutes later the door opens; with Fitz emerging from the study.
When he turns to come down the hall, he sees Olivia standing there. She's obviously concerned. He didn't mean to upset her or interfere with her relaxing with their guests and the kids. But clearly the cat is out of the bag. As he approaches her, he knows being honest is all he can be. Otherwise this will, and can go all wrong.