It's been a week since the attack. Liv is starting to recognize herself more and more when she looks in the mirror. Fitz didn't stay with her the entire time her parents were there. He has to deal with Mellie which is proving to be much more of a hurdle than he wants it to be. Neither one of them knows that Jake has made it point to watch her house every night, except tonight. He couldn't. When he realized Huck was watching, he was careful. Fitz will be dismayed when he finds out someone else is in town to check on Liv.

"I can't believe I got to you to cook for me. It's so domestic," Curtis says.

"Don't you even try it. I am sure your wonderful wife who you cheated on used to take very good care of you."

"She did! She did! But you know how to fix the grease when you aren't being a healthy salad girl," Curtis laughs.

"I was never the healthy salad girl. I just don't think fried chicken and cornbread with maple butter on top is good for me all the time."

Curtis is checking her out, "Well all that healthy eating hasn't ruined that body at all," he says nearly drooling at her ass.

"Eyes off," Liv says.

"Do you have eyes in the back of your head?" He laughs.

"Maybe I do," she says as she turns around. She really is making fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and roasted broccoli with his favorite cornbread.

Curtis shakes his head when he looks at her face again. "I could really beat that guy's ass. Why won't you tell me his name?."

"Because I know what you might do and he plead guilty. I didn't want him to go to jail. That's why I made the deal," she says.

"Why babe? He could have done worse. He shouldn't get just probation, community service, and mandatory AA.."

"He and his family have been through a lot. Putting him in jail is not going to change anything. I want him to get help. I did as much as I could for their marriage. I want to see him get help and try to forgive himself for his son's death."

Curtis looks at her in amazement. She was always a gentle person. She always saw the best in everyone. "What if he does it again?"

"I've thought about it. I just have to believe it won't. Fitz has made sure that I'm going to be safe. I am not going back to work until I am in the new building. That's going to take another two weeks to get me completely moved in and ready."

She sits down next to him at the island. He holds her hand. "You really like this guy don't you."

She smiles, "I really do and if it makes you feel any better, he doesn't like that helped him either."

He brings her hand up to his lips, "Is it serious?"

"Is what serious?" She asks as she pulls her hand back gently.

"You and this Fitz guy. What kind of preppy ass name is Fitz anyway?"

Liv throws her head back laughing, "His name is Fitzgerald. They just call him Fitz. I think it is getting very serious."

"Why is he not here then?" Curtis acknowledges.

"Because our situation is a little different. Hopefully soon that will change," she answers.

"Different like how? I mean he's not married is he?" Curtis laughs.

Liv doesn't laugh. She stays still. "It's just different."

"Oh shit! He is married. You are dating a married guy. I'm single Liv.. You wouldn't have that problem," he says holding his hand up.

"Well technically I'm still married until the divorce is final. The divorce will be final in a month."

He grabs her hand again, "I am serious. I am single. Why are you giving this guy the time of day? And it better not be because he's good in bed. You and I never had that problem."

She rolls her eyes at him playfully, "We were kids and It's not about sex Curtis. That's not it," she answers.

"We may have been kids but if you enjoyed it. If it's not the sex then is it the money?" Curtis studies her. "You haven't had sex yet."

"I am not answering that but to answer your other question, no. It's not the money. It's just him. There's just a lot of things about him that's right."

"But he doesn't know you like I know you. You don't know him like you know me. You can't have the connection that you and I had that I think we still have," Curtis pleads.

"Curtis you know I will always love you. You are a part of my life that will always be our history and ours alone. I know that you will always be there for me but I think he's the one."

"I am not giving up since he's not single yet," Curtis laughs.

"Are you ready to eat? That roasted broccoli is done. We should eat."

"You are my one that got away. I can't just forget that," Curtis says.

Liv takes his face in the palm of her hands, "I am so glad you dropped everything to spend the weekend with me, well sort of with me but…"

"But for now you are taken," he finishes.

"Yes ! I am taken." She gets up and her phone rings. She moves over to answer. "Hello," she says.

"Hi Beautiful," Fitz says.

"Can you take that out of the oven please," she says. She then closes her eyes realizing the error. Fitz doesn't know yet that Curtis is there.

"Is Huck getting one of your great meals?" Fitz says.

She turns away from Curtis. "Curtis is here. I am cooking for him."

"You are joking right. Curtis is not there right now," Fitz says.

"Yes he is," she tries to say very low. "It was a surprise."

Fitz takes a deep breath. He's trying not to be too angry but he's angry. "A surprise. Where is he staying?"

"Hi Handsome," she utters.

"Don't try to distract me. Is he staying with you?"

"He can stay in the basement. I'll be upstairs," she says.

He gets up from his couch. He's in the guesthouse. "Are you kidding me?" You can't think I am going to be cool with that."

"Can I call you back please? So we can talk about this. Would you please calm down?" She says.

"I am very calm," Fitz says, clenching.

"Fitz you are mad and you shouldn't be."

"My girlfriend is spending the weekend with her first boyfriend. You know the guy who was first when…"

She looks at Curtis who is enjoying this. He smirks. "We are going to have dinner and I'll call you right back."

"Set a place for me," Fitz says quickly.

"You can't!"

"Fitz," she says calmly.

"Fine," he hangs up.

Liv throws her head back. "That went perfect."

"Oh is Fitzgerald mad," Curtis laughs.

"Well I can't say I blame him."

"Does he not trust you?" Curtis asks.

"I am going to kill Harrison for giving you my home address. I am going to kill you for coming here when you knew it was a bad idea and it's my fault I didn't text him as soon as you got here."

"Oh he's acting like a baby. He will be okay! What's the worst that could happen? We have little shag for old times sake," Curtis says with a grin.

"Curtis!" she says.

"Listen, I'll go to a hotel. I got one anyway but I thought maybe…"

"So you wanted to cause a problem," she says.

"Of course!" Curtis smiles. He walks aways.

They have dinner and share some laughs. Curtis leaves and goes to his hotel. Liv is cleaning up the kitchen. She knows she has to talk to Fitz but she knows he's going to be angry. Huck comes in and makes sure all the windows are locked, which he does like 3 times a night.

"Everything looks good," Huck says.

"Huck, I really don't think this is all necessary. Mr. Porter is not going to be coming near me," Liv says.

"I'll kill him before that happens but still. You live alone in this big house so…"

"Huck, I love you but I think you, Fitz, my father, my brother, and Jake are overreacting. I really do."

"Speaking of Jake," Huck says.

"What about him?"

"He's been sitting outside of the house every night. I didn't notice him at first but he has."

Liv looks concerned, "What do you mean?"

"He's just been sitting there watching the house. He leaves when you turn out the lights. He was here that night," Huck says.

"What night?" She asks.

"The night Grant was here. He couldn't see him. He had to move that morning before Grant left because of where he was parked. So, he didn't see him that night," Huck explains.

"And thankfully, Fitz hasn't been here this week so he wasn't caught," Liv realizes.

"Yes!," Huck answers.

Liv takes a deep breath, "I will talk to him."

"No, I am going to talk to him," Huck says as he gets up from the table.. Liv made sure she always fixes enough for Huck.

"No Huck I don't want you to hurt him," Liv says.

"I am not going to hurt him, I promise. I am just going to talk to him man to man."

"Huck," she says.

"I promise. He's in your circle so I don't get to break his knees."

Liv laughs, "He already did that to himself, remember."

Huck looks her dead in the eye, "Put the code on. Lock the door."

"Yes sir! You know you can sleep in here. I have enough beds."

"No, that will make me too comfortable," he says as he goes down the steps.

"Goodnight Huckie," she laughs.

"Goodnight," he says going down the steps.


Liv gets upstairs to her room. She hops in the shower and slips under the cover. She decides to call him. He feels like this has been the longest couple hours of his life.

"Hi Handsome," she says.

"Yeah," Fitz says back shortly.

"Fitz come on," she says, holding the phone. She decides something else would be better. She switches to Facetime. He answers. "Hi," she says.

He really is pouting. He doesn't want to say it back but he can't resist it either, "Hi!"

"I miss you," she says.

"Why? Isn't Curtis there?"

She has never seen him like this. Full of jealousy and being ornery, "My bed is as cold as you left it a week and a half ago," she answers.

"I don't like the feeling of thinking someone is moving in my girl. I mean what if my girl likes that attention because I can't exactly give it to her. I hate it," Fitz says.

"Fitz don't be ridiculous. He is just a friend. The only attention I like getting is from you," She answers.

"But you deserve a free man Liv that is certainly not me at the moment," Fitz says sadly.

"I am not exactly a free woman, remember. And for the record, he wasn't moving in on me. He was honest. He wants us to try again but I told him that I was serious about someone else, even though that someone else is playing hard to get with me," she teases.

He looks at her and that twinkle in his eye is back as he laughs, "I'm playing hard to get. If I recall our last conversation we agreed not to wait to be together but we would leave sex out of it for now."

"Aren't you glad we agreed to do that?" LIv says as she gets more comfortable laying on her stomach, kicking her feet back and forth.

"I am not so sure." He says as he is looking at her.

"Why?" She laughs.

He lays back on his stack of pillows where she can see him fully. "Be"cause I just want you that's why?"

"Fitz you have me. I know it doesn't seem like it but you do," she answers.

"I want to hold you. I want to make love to you. Three times we've slept in each other's arms it was perfect. It was right. I just want that," he looks at her, hoping she can see the truth in his eyes.

"I want the same thing. I just don't trust Mellie. I don't trust her. She tricked you to get pregnant. She is going to try something else. We have to be careful. I don't want us to get caught and she uses that against you."

"Livvie, don't forget, I have information on her too. If she wants to play that game, we can play that game."

"I just don't want you to get hurt Fitz. I don't want that."

"Look at me," he says staring into the screen. She looks at him with a batting eyelash like Bambi. "You let me worry about Mellie." He says.

"Jake has been sitting outside of my house at night watching me," Liv reveals.

"What the hell," Fitz says.

"Huck realized it. He hasn't don't anything. He hasn't said anything but he says he saw you come that second night you stayed with me after the attack. He didn't see your face but damn if he didn't try," Liv says.

Fitz does that angry, nervous, annoyed laugh all rolled into one, "So he's stalking you."

"He hasn't called me or confronted me but I am sure he knows you stayed and he wants to know who you are. We have to be careful Fitz," Liv continues. "I told Huck not to confront him and not to do anything."

"He's coming to start the landscaping job next week to start the job. I'll have a talk with him," Fitz says.

"You can't do that Fitz. Then he will know it was you and God forbid Mellie finds out."

"Can I see those eyes?" He says.

"Why?"

He laughs, "I want to see your face when you tell me no to this."

"Then don't make me say no," she laughs.

"How are we going to spend these holidays together?" He asks

She laughs, "I'll be in DC for Thanksgiving and Christmas. You know that."

"We haven't talked about this," Fitz says quickly.

"Fitz you know I'm going to go see my family. You have to be with your family."

"That means we won't see each other for the holidays at all." He takes a deep breath. "Curtis will have an upper hand on me."

"Curtis is not something you have to worry about," she tries to assure him.

"Waiting for these divorces to be final are going to feel like an eternity,"

"Hey handsome, good things come to those who wait," she says.

"I'm thinking of moving out and finding my own place," he says.

She sits up, resting on her elbows, "Really," she says.

"Yes! I don't want to wait until the divorce is over to move out. I rather rip the band-aid off. I am going to do it. I just have to have enough space for my kids and me and a place you will like."

"A place for me," she smiles.

"Well we are going to spend time together. I want it to be a place you like too."

"We can't live together Fitz," she says.

"No, we can't! But we can have sleepovers," he grins.

"Jake and I are selling the house. After the attack. I just decided to wait until after the new year to do it. I was going to put a down payment on what I thought I liked. I even took Abby to see it but it's not what I want."

"A new house! A new beginning," he says.

"That's the idea," she smiles.

"Can I ask you something?" Ftiz says.

"Anything," Liv says.

"Who was Stephen?"

Liv takes a deep breath. "I met Stephen when I moved here to get my doctorate. I was friends with his sister first and we just hit it off. We just hit it off. We were together for 2 year and I was pretty sure he was the one. He was charming and that accent, I loved it. And one night, the night he was coming to propose to me, he was killed."

Fitz can see the pain on her face. "I'm sorry."

"He stopped to get some chewing gum and gas. Which I hate for anyone to chew gum. The sound, the smacking, the popping is just one of my pet peeves. Someone came in and pulled a gun. They robbed the place and then shot him and the clerk."

Fitz is in deep thought for a moment, "I remember that. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time."

"Yeah, he was. Anyway that's our story. All the sad details."

"How did you know he was going to propose?" Fitz asks.

"They found the ring in his pocket. The funny thing was, they never asked him to empty his pocket. They would have gotten the ring. His sister gave it to me after it was over."

"Liv, it's okay to move on you know. He would want you to be happy. I'm not saying that because I want you to move on with me."

"I know. I know he would and I think that's why I hastily moved on with Jake. He had some of Stephen's qualities, so I moved full speed ahead when I shouldn't have."

"And what about me?" He asks.

"What about you?" She smiles.

"Are you looking for me or are you looking for Stephen?"

The question brings tears to her eyes. She realizes that's what she was looking for in Jake. "I am looking for you. Stephen will always be that little angel on my shoulder. At first I thought it was infatuation or just your crazy sex appeal," she smiles bashfully and Fitz cheeks go red. "But it was during one of our sessions when you explained how you felt like someone trying to break the surface of the water but you could never reach it. I had that reoccurring dream and one night I reached the surface and you were waiting for me, holding out your hand. That dream used to be Stephen but he never reached for my hand, you did."

"Did that scare you?" Fitz asks.

"Yes it did because I felt like Mrs. Grant's husband shouldn't have been waiting for me but he was," she explains.

"Did you take my hand?"

Through her smile, she answers, "I did."

"You can trust in this Liv. You can trust in me," he says.

"I know I can," she smiles.

"If I ever hurt you, I'll walk away."

"Then you know what you better do," she laughs.

"I know," he laughs as they talk a few more hours. Not wanting to let go of each other but they knew they had to.


It's the week before Thanksgiving. Of course Mellie wants her home to be the show piece for the holiday. She wants it to look like the cover of a magazine. She asks Jake to finish the landscaping in time for Thanksgiving. Jake arrives and his team arrives. Fitz is in the guesthouse. Mellie knocks on the door.

Fitz comes to the door and opens. "Good Morning."

"Good morning," Mellie answers.

"Jake is here to get started on the front," she says. She is trying to peek in to see his living quarters.

"Are you looking for something?"

"No I guess not," she says.

"I'm leaving so Jake can do what he needs to do," Fitz says as he puts on his jacket.

"Do you want to give him any directions?"

"No I don't Mellie. The new landscaping was all your idea. You should tell him exactly what you want him to do," Fitz says as he picks up his phone. Mellie notices the brochures on his table.

"What are these?" Mellie says.

"I am looking for a loft, something downtown."

"You are moving out," Mellie says. The reality is getting all too real. "Fitz, we can stop this before it is too late. We don't have to go through with this. What about the kids if you move out?"

"I am looking for a place where Gerry and Karen will have their own rooms and everything they need when they stay with me. I'll take them with me to help me choose a place," Fitz says closing his door.

"This house was for us," Mellie says.

"We can sell the house if you want."

"Fitz I am sorry. What I did was wrong? You have to forgive me,'" she says.

"I forgive you and you know the rest," he answers as he walks toward the front. He turns to her, "We will talk about this later."

He makes it to the front and runs right into Jake. He wants to go to him and threaten him. Just tell him to stay away from Olivia but he can't do that. Jake realizes that Fitz is staying in the guesthouse.

"Ballard," he says. Mellie is right behind him.

"Hello," Jake answers.

"My wife here has big ideas for you. I hope you are up to the job. She can be demanding."

"Demanding customers is my welcomed challenge."

"I'm as meek as a lamb," Mellie laughs.

"They are the meekest," Jake answers.

There's an awkward laugh between them which Fitz actually finds amusement in. "How is ? I heard about that incident, the attack. It must have been scary for her." Fitz asks.

"Well, as far as I know she is okay. I've spoken to her since the attack. She says she's fine and she's tough so I will believe her."

"Is she not in town?" Mellie asks. She knows she's missed something.

"We are divorcing. We are selling our house. The whole sad thing that comes with splitting up. I wish it weren't that way but it is. I fucked up," he says. Mellie looks sad for him. Jake looks over at Fitz, "Your wife here seems like a lovely lady don't mess up like I did."

Mellie rushes to Fitz's side, "You wouldn't do that would you honey," Mellie tries to cover.

"Well Jake, unfortunately, my wife and I are divorcing as well. It happens. Things happen that tears you apart. That happens to us but she is a lovely lady and we'll always be a part of each other's lives. We are going to make sure that our kids are taken care of."

Mellie steps back from Fitz. She's not sure if she is angry because he told their business or because he's so resolute in his feelings about it. "Fitz," she whispers.

"Well, I guess it's great that we don't have children involved. We almost did," Jake says. He knows that Mellie lost the baby when he asked her about using different fertilizers and how it would affect her.

"Oh I'm sorry," Mellie says.

"Our baby didn't survive," Jake finishes. Fitz is struck by the admission.

"You lost a child," Fitz says. He's now very curious. Liv never told him that especially after he and Mellie lost the baby.

"Something like that," Jake answers. He looks at Fitz. His voice is so distinct and he feels like he's heard it before but in a different way. "Well, I'm sorry marriage didn't seem to work out for any of us."

"The commonality of divorce," Mellie says. There is now a collective awkward silence between the three of them. Mellie breaks it, "Fitz I'll be in court this afternoon," she looks over at him..

"Okay that's fine. I am going to pick up the kids," he answers. He looks at Jake. "Jake," he says. They shake hands and he goes.

Jake looks at Mellie, "Give me those demands," he laughs. It makes Mellie laugh as Jake and his team get to work.


Liv is working on her new office. Most of the boxes have been moved in. She and April are fixing it up.

"It was really nice of Mr. Grant to do this. Does his wife know he's paying for this building space?"

Liv takes a breath, "I am already worried about her finding out. He says he has taken care. I have to hope he does."

"I think you are the one for him. I think he doesn't care about the risk."

"I never thanked you for getting together with Abby and disobeying my wishes," Liv says.

"We would never do anything like that," April laughs.

Liv gives her the joking nonsense attitude, "So it wasn't you?"

"Well, I knew you needed someone and I knew it wasn't us. I knew it was him, even if it was for a minute, so we took a chance."

"It was exactly what I needed," Liv admits.

"I really admire you," April says.

Liv starts to laugh, "We just got finished talking about my guy or boyfriend who is married that bought me a building and stayed all night with me. When he really shouldn't have. There's nothing to admire," Liv answers as she looks at her book shelf growing more full

"I admire you for not being ashamed of your face. Most people would wear glasses, try to put makeup on it. To top it off, you didn't put him in jail." April explains. "And as far as Mr. Grant goes, you said once that love is messy. It is."

"Well it's almost healed and I was attacked. I am not going to let myself be a victim. And as far as not letting him go to jail. He needs to face his mistakes. That includes his son, his marriage, and me."

"That's why I admire you. I think you are much stronger than people think you are. You are a little lady with a lot of dynamite."

Liv looks around smiling, "I can't believe he did this for me either."

"He's the one," April proclaims.

"Ughhhhhhhh," Liv says slowly. "I know he is."

"Just let me know what colors the wedding is going to be," April says.

Liv laughs. "We are not ready for marriage," she says as she grabs her purse and keys. "I am going to have lunch with Sonja and then later on I have a condominium to look at. Go home after you are done. We are not opening until after Thanksgiving. You don't have to hang around here."

"Thanks," April says.

"No problem! See ya later!" Liv says as she leaves.


Liv is at the Vista Condos in Downtown Chicago. She's waiting for her agent when she's surprised to see someone else come through the door. It's Fitz and what she can only believe is his kids. They are both surprised to see each other.

They stand looking. "Hi," Liv says.

"Hi," he answers as the kids take off their coats and hats. He is doing the same.

"What are you doing here?" Liv asks.

"I am going to look at one of the Penthouse residences," Fitz says.

"And I came to look at one of their 3 bedroom residences."

"You are kidding me," Fitz says.

"No, my agent said this is one of the best and perfect for me scaling down from a 5 bedroom," Liv says.

He moves in closer and whispers to her, "I've missed you."

"Missed you too," she whispers.

"Gerry and Karen, this is Ms…," he looks at Liv wondering what to say.

"Ms. Pope," she finishes.

"These are my kids," Fitz says.

"Hello," Gerry says.

"Hi," Karen says exuberant.

"Nice to meet you!" Liv says.

As if on the perfect cue, Daphne walks in, "Olivia, I am so sorry to keep you waiting." Then she realizes that Fitz is there. "Oh Mr. Grant I am so sorry. I got held up with the last client. I didn't expect them to want to buy today."

"No problem, ran into a friend of mine," Liv says. Liv can tell that Gerry is very observant as she points at Fitz.

"You two know each other," Daphne asks.

"We do," Fitz says with a smile.

"Again I am so sorry. I understand if you don't want to wait."

"No, I'll wait," Fitz says.

"Are you ready?" she asks looking at Liv.

"Let's do it!" Olivia says as she looks at Daphne. She walks across Fitz as their fingers lock. They both smile at the non verbal show of affection.


Jake is sitting on her step when she gets home that evening. He's taking a chance hoping Liv will be home early. He knows that Huck won't be there to assume his position until 7 pm so he has some time. Much to his surprise. Huck comes out of the house.

"What are you doing here?" Huck asks.

"Why are you inside my house?" Jake responds. Then he realizes what he's said. "Why are you in Liv's house.?"

"I work for Liv so I don't think I have to answer your question."

Jake laughs in irritation, "She gave you a key to her house and I couldn't even keep mine."

Huck comes closer to him. He seals in the space between them. "Olivia is the only reason I haven't extracted teeth from your mouth. I know you've been sitting down the street watching this house.." Jake's eyes widen. "We won't be doing that again will we?

"I," Jake can't find a good explanation.

"I asked a question," Huck says.

"No, we won't be doing that again," Jake concedes.

"That sounds very good," Huck says as he steps back.

"What is going on here?" Liv asks, walking up.

Huck straightens up Jake's jacket. "Nothing at all. We were just having a nice man to man talk."

"Jake," she says.

"Can I come in for a minute?" He asks.

"Well it's too cold to say no. Yes you can," she says opening the door. They walk in. Liv puts her bags down. "What's going on Jake?"

"Are you going to tell me who you are cheating on me with?"

Liv turns around in shock, "Excuse me!"

"I know you are, so try not to lie about it. I've seen two guys go in and out of this house."

"Well Jake, I am not going to lie to you. There is someone I am interested in but we haven't consummated our relationship. Not that it is any of your business. Our divorce will be final soon. Who I am or am not with is none of your business," Liv answers.

Jake is surprised by her tone. "Is it someone I know? Because I have to tell you, after learning the Grants are divorcing, I wouldn't be surprised if Fitz makes a b-line for you."

"I heard they are divorcing," Liv responds. The only answer she gives.

"Well, I shouldn't worry about it. He was your patient. You would never do that," Jake says.

Liv takes a breath, "Is that why you came by? To come tell me what I am allowed to do."

"No, I just. I can't believe it's ending this way."

"Jake, we've had this conversation before. We don't need to have it again."

"Thanksgiving is coming. I would like it if you came by this year," Jake says.

Liv decides to be cordial, "I will be in DC for the holidays. Spend time with my parents and my brother." There is a silence. "I think you should go."

Jake shoves his hands in his pocket, "Okay! Happy Holidays, I guess."

"Happy Holidays," Liv answers as she leads him out.


Thanksgiving was a beautiful celebration. It felt good for Liv to be with her mom and dad. She has been getting stronger every day. She's settled into her new office. They've talked every night without fail. She finally made a decision on going with the Vista Condo that she looked at. It's now Christmas and she and Fitz agreed they would see each other after Christmas and find a way to spend the New Year together. Liv is in DC now. Enjoying the Christmas cheer all over the city. She and her mom are shopping. That is always a bad idea. The money they spend has no end.

"Do you think you bought enough presents?" Maya asks.

"Quinn and Harrison are getting married. It's funny and exciting all at the same time," Liv says.

"Don't make fun of your brother. He's scared to death to get married," Maya says.

"I know but he shouldn't have fallen in love," Liv winks.

"Well I am excited. I like Quinn and you know I want grandchildren," Maya says.

"I'm happy for him. I told him he was falling in love. He tried to say he wasn't. I could see it in his eyes when she would speak. He had that nervous shake around her.," Liv says.

"Like you do around that Fitzgerald Grant. You couldn't see your face when you walked into that living room and saw him standing there. Your skin was just hot all over and your heart was racing," Maya says.

Liv looks away blushing, "How did you know?"

"Because I felt the same thing with your father."

"The divorces should be final soon and I can't wait."

Maya looks at Liv, "Have you two?..."

"Have we what?" Liv asks innocently.

"You know what I am talking about."

"No we haven't," Liv laughs.

"You've somehow managed to hold that man off," Maya says shocked.

"Mama, you told me to be a lady. I've been a lady and he's been a gentleman," Liv laughs.

"I am proud of you."

"It's driving me crazy but I'm determined to do it."

"That's my girl," Maya says. "So what did you get him for Christmas?"

"Well, I am debating between 3 things. It's a good thing I won't see him until after Christmas. I have time to make up my mind."

"You want Mama to help you," Maya says.

"Would you please?" Liv says.

"Of course," Maya says as they continue to shop.


Mellie is wrapping presents at the table. Fitz comes in. He has to give her not so good news. It's good news for him but it won't be for her.

"Mellie, we really didn't have to buy this many presents for the kids."

She's focused on her wrapping, which she usually has professionally done, "This is our last Christmas together as a family. We should make sure they remember it as a fun one. Not a sad one."

"Mellie would you stop being so dramatic. Our kids are smart. Our kids aren't weaklings. They understand what's happening and why."

"You say it like you are selling the family pet or something. We are getting divorced and you don't even give a damn."

"I give a damn Mellie, that's why we are getting a divorce. I don't want my children thinking pretending is what's real. That's no way to influence our children's outlook on love and marriage."

Mellie is surprised by his answer, "I hope this is all worth for you."

"Was it worth it for you to trick me into getting you pregnant?" It angers him to even travel this road with her. "I mean I can't blame you for it all. I felt so bad that I didn't feel what I should feel for my wife that slept with you."

She gets up angry, "Do I repulse you that much?"

"You've never repulsed me. I just reached a new point in my life Mellie. That's not your fault. Truth be told you aren't in love with me but you'll make yourself believe that you are."

Mellie shakes her head, "Well, we will be free of each other soon. Your misery will be over." She continues to wrap the present.

"Mellie," he says.

"What?"

"I'll be going out of town after Christmas for a day. I have something urgent to take care. It shouldn't take more than a day"

"Whatever. Thanks for letting me know," She answers. They can hear the kids coming to approach. Mellie hurries and throws things into the bags.

Fitz takes a breath. The kids come running into the kitchen. "Hey, where's the fire?"

Gerry looks in the freezer, "Dad, they don't have any more ice cream in the freezer," Gerry says.

"Daddy, did you get my presents for Christmas?" Karen asks, jumping into his arms. Mellie looks trying to discreetly hide the few presents she was wrapping.

"Well, you are going to find out on Christmas , little lady," he says, giving her a kiss.

"Dad, they don't have any ice cream," Gerry repeats.

Mellie jumps in, "She is going to make groceries in the morning. So, no ice cream tonight." She realizes she didn't give the nanny the list.

Fitz goes to the cabinet. He reaches into and far in the back, "But dad did save these for our video game challenge." He pulls out cookies.

"Daddy, what about me?" Karen says.

"Don't worry, daddy's got you something too," he says as he reaches in and pulls something else out. She loves gummy bears and he has a whole bag for her.

"Fitz you spoil them too much," Mellie says.

"It's Christmas! It's time to spoil right." Fitz says, reminding her of what she said.

Mellie rolls her eyes, Gerry stops them, "Mom, did I get my new video game for Christmas?"

"What?" Mellie says.

"You are wrapping gifts," Gerry acknowledges.

"Out of the kitchen young man," Mellie says as this brings a laugh to her and Fitz.

"You too little lady," Fitz says as he puts her down.

Mellie looks at Fitz surprised, "They are so smart."

"Yes they are," Fitz agrees, further lamenting what he told her earlier.


It's the day after Christmas and the Pope house is packed. Harrison and Quinn spent the night. They ate too much. They watched basketball and screamed like they were at the game. Quinn, Liv and Maya talked. It's been a refreshing time to be with her family. But there's an ache to see and be with Fitz that she's trying to hide. She's sitting at the table in the kitchen having a cup of coffee when her dad walks in.

"How long have you been holding that handle staring off into space?" Eli asks.

Liv kind of snaps out of it, "Probably about 30 minutes."

"What's going on?" Eli says taking the cup from her and pouring her a fresh one.

"Nothing! It's always good to come home," Liv says.

"Yeah it is. We are always happy when you do."

"I love you daddy," Liv says grabbing his hand.

"I love you but someone is missing the guy she left back in Chicago."

Liv lets out a slight scream, "I feel like a lovesick puppy."

"That's what true love will do for you."

"We talk all the time. When he can sneak away, we have dinner at my house and we talk about everything. I just want that time to finally be ours," Liv explains.

"The divorces are close right," Eli says.

"Not close enough but yes," Liv answers.

"Good things are worth waiting for," Eli says.

"I definitely think he's worth it," Liv says.

"Something tells me he thinks you are more than worth it," Eli says.

"Why do you think so?"

"It takes a strong man to come into the house of a man's daughter that he wants and he's still married. That took a lot of guts to face me and Harrison under the circumstances of your relationship," Eli explains.

"Tell me the truth, you are going to give him a chance once we have a chance."

"He looks at you the way a man should look at a woman. That's what I look for and he's got it. So, I'm gonna give him a chance."

"Thank you daddy!" Liv says as she reaches over and hugs him.

"Thank you daddy," Harrison mimics coming into the kitchen.

"Shut up Harrison," Liv says.

"What are you getting dad to do?" Harrison asks.

"Nothing, we were just talking," Liv says.

"You can get in daddy's lap and tell him what you want to son," Eli jokes.

Harrison fakes disgust, "No thank you," he laughs.

"Sis are you coming tonight?"

"With you, Curtis and Quinn for card night. I can't believe you still do that with Curtis," she says.

"Yeah we cheat each other out of money but it's just a chill night."

"Sounds like a couples night to me," Liv says.

"It's not but we need a fourth person and you know he's always jonesing to see you. Give the man his hit so he can settle down," Harrison says.

"I don't want to give him hope when there is none," Liv says.

"Harrison," Eli says.

"Okay, come on it will be fun tho."

"What will be fun?" Quinn says as she enters the kitchen.

"Your wedding," Liv says.

"Oh my God! Are we really talking about that this morning?"

"No," Harrison rolls his eyes at Liv.

"But it will be talked about," Eli says.

"Yes! When we set a date, geez!" Harrison says.

"Liv I already know I want you to be my maid of honor. I won't take no for an answer," Quinn says.

"Are you serious?" Liv says.

"I don't have any sisters and we are going to be sisters so…"

"I'd be honored," Liv answers.

"Honored to do what?" Maya asks, entering the kitchen. Everyone lets out a laugh. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing mom! Good morning," Harrison says kissing her on the cheek.

Eli stands back and watches his family that is constantly growing and changing. He loves the site before him.


Somehow the card game turned into a truth or dare drinking game and LIv is dead on her feet drunk and she knows it. They all stay at Curtis's house. The next morning they are all trying to doctor a hangover. Curtis brings her home before he has to get to the dealership. They are standing on the porch.

"I am never playing cards with you again," Liv says.

"Hey! It's not my fault your life has been boring and you got drunk. I am perfectly fine."

"That's because you are a terrible, terrible man," Liv laughs and then catches her head. "God, I've never been a good drinker."

"No you haven't," Curtis says moving closer.

"Curtis, you know already," Liv says.

"Yeah I do but he ain't here and I am," Curtis says.

"What?" LIv says and before she knows it Curtis slams into her kissing her. She's taken by surprise. Before she can react they are interrupted by the door opening and a voice.

"Good Morning," Fitz says.

Liv turns quickly to see him. She's shocked that he's there. "Fitz," she says. Everyone stands looking at the other. Liv has some explaining to do for many reasons.


Oh boy! How is this going to turn out?