Abby curiously asks, "Liv, do you think you and Fitz will marry soon?" Quinn kiddingly offers, "Hey you two could have a double wedding." They all laugh at her comment, and Olivia responds, "Honestly, I don't foresee us marrying while he's in office. But, I know it's going to happen in its own time."

Quinn nods as she replies, "That sounds smart if you ask me. It's a great way to avoid the suffocating snares of White House living." Olivia and Abby agree with her, as Abby says, "You couldn't be more right on that Quinn. Relationships have their own stress, add living in a glass house before the world, and you're almost tempting fate."

Olivia agrees as she replies, "Yeah. And to be truthful, being first lady has never been my dream. I want a life with the love of my life, and I'd prefer that be without the hype of paparazzi. I value my privacy." Quinn responds, "I hear you Liv. Knowing how private you are, I have to say I was shocked to see you in some public appearances with Fitz as of late."

Abby playfully ads, "Trust me, that wasn't easy to put together." Olivia gives her a look and they both chuckle as they remember the conversation that preceded the first appearance. While it's true, she has moved closer to accepting that she can only privatize certain aspects of her life. And, she is opening up to being with Fitz more in a public manner. She still wasn't all in on the idea of appearing with him publicly. Even though she knew it's what she needed to do, for him, and for their status as a couple.

The truth was she'd sold the idea of him needing to sell the view of him being focused on running the country long enough. That message wasn't playing any further. In fact, her absence had begun to cause more questions from the press, and led to stories in the tabloids being written about there being trouble in paradise.

So no longer could she act like being in the shadows was going to work to quiet the rumors and innuendos. Abby didn't hesitate to remind her of this fact, which is why they had a spirited conversation about it where ultimately Olivia had to admit her friend was right.

Both Olivia and Abby simultaneously reflected on that prior conversation, and both come back to the present smiling. Because when it was all said and done, they know they navigated the situation beautifully. So often in the past when they'd disagree, it would be a huge blow out, and nothing would be resolved. But, this was a new day.

Abby quickly discovered her friend had truly learned how to communicate better. It was obvious therapy helped her tremendously, and she was using what she'd learned.

This factor was also evident to Olivia too. Over the past few weeks she'd learned quite a bit about herself in respect to how poorly she handled conflict between herself and others.

This realization was epic, and she knew something needed to change, if she was going to meet her goal of being better at relationships.

Now when finding herself in a conflict, she employs fighting fair techniques, like discussing the matter at hand, not dragging other incidents into the discussion unfairly to attack or discredit the other person. And, also listening to the individual. Actually hearing their side and responding in kind, instead of shutting down and allowing her emotions to take over. While never really resolving anything.

Quinn notices the grins on their faces and asks, "What are the smiles about ladies? Do share." Olivia responds, as she sees the matching smile on Abby's face. We've learned to settle our discussions without attacking one another. I think we both realized it in that moment." Abby nods as she says, "Yeah. We finally grew up." Quinn smiles as she adds, "Growth is always a good thing; we can't stay the same forever, that's futile." They both agree with her sentiment as Abby replies, "I will surely drink to that."

They clink glasses, finishing off the first bottle of wine, and opening up a second. The night continues with more great conversations, and realizations about one another, and their unique bond. The night ends with both Olivia and Quinn staying the night at Abby's, and all of the ladies falling asleep after enjoying a great night together.

Two weeks later

It's the weekend and Olivia is headed to the White House to visit her love after a long day at work. It's been a very interesting few weeks for her in many accounts.

Now that OPA is fully staffed she has made it home for dinners and cuddle time with Fitz during the week more often, not just on weekends. And, the more that's been happening, the more she's liking it.

While driving her new SUV, snug as a bug in a rug with the amazing, heated, cushy seats, and the phenomenal surround sound system that's blasting the best of Anita Baker. She's taking it one minute at a time, and she's completely unbothered by the surrounding D.C. traffic.