It's been a month since they became official in every way. They have a routine. He stays with her some night and some nights she stays with him. Last night, Thursday, she stayed with him. She hates these Friday mornings. She understands it. She just hates it. Call it selfishness, she thinks to herself. The kids come over after school and stay until Fitz takes them to school on Monday morning. They don't see each other and strictly spends the weekend with them but he and Liv manage to talk each other to sleep once they've gone to bed. Livis still asleep. Fitz is twirling a rose around her face.

"Wake up sleeping beauty," he says. She swats the flower away. "Come on Livvie!" he continues as he traces the petal tips down her neck and between the breasts of her unbuttoned shirt. "Time to wake up."

"No Fitz," she says, pulling the cover over her head.

"We can stay here in bed but…," he shakes his head as now he's placing soft kisses down her face and neck.

"I don't want to get up," she says, turning away from him tugging the sheet.

"Okay! I'll call work and say I'm not coming in today. Maybe I'll fix us some breakfast in bed and we can stay until I pick up the kids."

That makes her open her eyes. She turns to him. "Good morning," she says softly.

"Good morning," he answers, giving her a kiss on the lips. He hums from the meet of their lips. "All I had to do was mention the kids," he laughs.

She drops her head, "I feel bad. It's only been a month and I hate Fridays. I don't hate your kids. I just hate Fridays and you are leaving on Monday," she says.

He lifts her head, "Is that your way of saying you are going to miss me?" He asks as he brings his arms around her stomach.

She hits his forearm, "Don't laugh at me."

"I am not laughing at you. I am going to miss you too. But I'll be back before you know it," he answers as they stare into each other's eyes for what feels like a minute.

"I can't believe how fast I fell asleep last night," Liv says sitting up in the bed.

"Yes, I was telling you about the meeting and you fell asleep," he laughs.

She confesses, "I didn't want to hear about the meeting. You are leaving for a week."

"I guess I should be glad you didn't pout. I am coming to learn you pout when you can't have your way. Those full luscious lips just get all pouty, although it just makes me want to kiss you more," Fitz says as he takes advantage of the opportunity and they begin to kiss slowly.

"You've learned my signature trait much too fast," she smiles. She twirls his curls in her fingers, "I've had a hell of a week. When I got the call about my patient shooting himself and his wife. It was a lot to take. Thank God they are both gonna be okay but it's hard. I don't think he really wanted to die. He just wanted to be heard," she finishes.

"Hey! You did everything you could," Fitz assures her.

"I know! I have to keep a thick skin otherwise I'd lose my mind,"

"What else is on your mind?" Fitz asks.

"I wanted to talk to you about something," Liv says.

"Okay, I'm listening unless you are breaking up with me. If that's the case then I am not listening," Fitz jokes.

"I have a doctor's appointment today," she's massaging his fingers.

Fitz sits up in the bed quickly. "What's wrong? What's going on?"

Liv laughs, "Settle down. It's nothing serious. Well it's serious but not that kind of serious."

"What?" Fitz says worriedly.

"I am going to have an IUD put in today," Liv says.

Fitz stretches his eyes, "Okay," he says.

"Well I you don't have to wonder if I enjoy having sex with you. I probably enjoy it more than I should," she teases. "I want to take the necessary precautions and I also want to graduate from the condom."

Fitz smiles. "I want to graduate from the condom too."

"So I am getting the IUD and before we go further if we need to get tested for our own state of minds we can. I haven't been with anyone since Jake," Liv explains.

"And I haven't been with anyone other than Mellie," Fitz finishes.

"I got tested after I found out he was cheating because to be honest I wasn't sure if she was the only one or if there had been more," she says sadly.

"He's a bastard for doing that to you," Fitz says scraping his fingertips across her cheeks. "I can't imagine wanting or needing anyone else but you. If you weren't enough for him, he didn't deserve you," He says.

"Fitz," she whispers.

"Sex with you is perfect and fulfilling. You are enough," he finishes.

"You are enough for me too," she smiles.

He kisses her, "And I can't wait for us to experience it freely."

"Me either," she takes a breath. "I wanted you to know my decision and maybe it's a good thing we will be apart for a few days. My body needs to get back acquainted with having the IUD back in. I won't be the most pleasant person to be around."

"I am glad. I am glad you felt comfortable enough to talk to me and tell me your decision. While I already have been dreaming of you and babies," he grins.

"You are already dreaming of us and kids. Are we going to live in the country and make jam?" She asks.

He turns at her with a quizzed look on his face, "Make jam?"

"Well, I mean jam and toast and sam and sex go hand in hand I think," she flirts.

He traces his finger down her chest, "That sounds messy, sticky and sweet and perfect to me."

"Very very messy," she laughs.

He takes a breath, knowing this might ruin the vibe. "I mean I dream about us having babies but I don't know how you feel about kids considering."

She looks at him, "Considering what?"

He sort of looks away. He is immediately filled with regret to bring this up soon. "Nevermind! How about breakfast?" .

She sits up in the bed. In her lotus position. "What are you talking about?"

"Liv," he says slowly.

"Fitzgerald," she answers.

"When Jake came to do the landscaping, he offered his condolences about the miscarriage and said he knew the pain. I assumed you had a miscarriage too but he alluded to something different. If it's what I thought he was talking about...I don't want to assume in that regard we want the same thing," he explains.

Liv is suddenly anguished by this. "I had an abortion. For a long time Jake thought I had a miscarriage but I didn't. I had an abortion and I didn't tell him until before our divorce. He shouldn't have said anything."

Fitz is a little surprised. "You hid it."

"I let him believe it was something else and I am not proud of that deception. I realized I didn't want to have children and I didn't want to have them with him, especially," she says slowly.

"Okay," is Fitz's only response. He takes a breath. She can see he is disappointed.

"I am not saying you are Jake. I am not sure how to feel about having them. At the time it wasn't right and wasn't right for me. Will that change? It just might. I was scared of the thought of children with Jake. I am not scared of the thought of children and homemade jam at the table with you," she smiles.

He kisses her. It's a reflex he loves. "I have children. It's not something I would push on you. The thought of children with you, I love the thought. But, that's not a make it or break it for my relationship with you."

"I think I always knew I didn't want to be tied to Jake for the rest of my life. A child would have done that," She further explains.

"And being tied to me for the rest of your life. How do you feel about that?" He asks.

She kisses her finger and brings it to his lips, "I feel like I would be the luckiest woman alive," she answers.

He doesn't answer. He turns her over on her back. "About sticky and sweet," he says.

She looks at him worriedly, "What about it?"

"Let's test it," he says as he moves down under the covers.

"Fitz we have to get ready. I have a 9 o'clock session..." Before she can finish, her panties are off. His arm appears, throwing them across the room. He plants a kiss on her. "Fitz, we can't…," she sucks her teeth.

He gives her a test lick up the length of her slit. She moans in delight. "Definitely sweet," he mumbles as he goes in again with a lick to lips and clit.

She wants to pull her hair. He's so good at pleasuring her. It's never the same. He is working his tongue in and out of her. She whispers in pleasure, "Damn you!" There is a muffled sound of laughter that is heard under the cover.


Liv is sitting in this office she hasn't sat in, in a year. She knows how the process goes. She knows it has to be done. Her name is called. Liv gets up, following the nurse to the back. She enters Dr. Lawrence's office. Dr. Lawrence is an average height black woman that wears her hair naturally and she drips of beautiful simplicity. She and Liv have a lot in common. Liv immediately took to her bedside manner. She's been her OB/GYN since she moved to Chicago. She was her doctor when she decided to have the abortion. She trusts her. She can always count on Dr. Lawrence to be painfully honest. Sometimes she feels like she's her therapist instead of her doctor.

"Dr. Lawrence will be right in," the nurse says as she shows Olivia to her seat.

She's going through her emails on the phone when Dr. Lawrence comes in. "Olivia Pope, as I live and breathe."

Liv playfully rolls her eyes, "It hasn't been that long Dr. Lawrence," she says.

"A year and a half. I'd say that's a long time," she sits down with Olivia's chart.

"Well, it's time to see you!" Olivia says, not able to hide the grin.

"What in the world is his name?" She asks.

"He's the one! It's just….we need to be safe. We are just starting. I don't think we want to start with a baby," Liv says.

"That's understandable. You are absolutely glowing. I am glad to see you so happy."

"I am very happy. He's a good guy. We are both coming out of marriages. He has kids. There is no rush. That's not a conversation we are rushing into but I want to be responsible," Liv explains.

"So what route are we going this time?"

"I was thinking the IUD would be the best way to go. What do you think?" Liv asks.

"Well I think a copper one would not be the best for you. You already have cramping and heavy days. A copper insert would make it worse," Dr. Lawrence explains.

"I trust you. I know you will always do what's best for me," Liv says.

"You can go with the birth control pill. There are some very effective ones," Dr. Lawrence suggests.

"I thought about it but you know I'm the worst at my pill taking. You know that," she chuckles.

Dr. Lawrence sits back in her chair, "Oh my God! I must meet this man. He's got your nose wide open."

"I am just being a responsible woman," Liv defends.

"Very responsible and very whipped," Dr. Lawrence laughs.

Liv is blushing and can't stop. "I don't trust myself or my body with this man. Help me!" she jokes.

Dr. Lawrence can't help but laugh at Liv. "You are whipped and there is no coming back," she finishes.

They do the procedure and they have a few more laughs and Liv leaves knowing that this is not only an important step but one further confirmation. She's head over heels falling for this man and she knows she is almost at the point of no return.


Fitz is sitting at his engineer's desk. There are blueprints sprawled across it. He is looking at measurements against another print. He's wearing a pair of reading glasses. He just spontaneously smiles, something he's been doing a lot lately. It's not about work. He pulls out his phone. He's ready to dial Olivia when there is a knock at the door.

"Come in," Fitz says.

"She told me I could come right in," Olivia says. He turns so fast, he could have given himself whiplash.

He gets up from the table, walking over to her. "If she hadn't she would be packing up her desk right now," he says closing the door locking it. He pulls her immediately into a kiss.

"Mmmmm," Liv says. "Then this was a good idea," Liv continues.

He continues to kiss her, "This was a very good idea," he smiles. He walks over to the desk, sitting her on it. He stands between her legs. "I was just thinking about you," he smiles. He holds up his phone, showing her number, "Just about to call you."

"Really," she says looking around his office. "So this is where the magic happens," she says.

"I thought the magic happened in our bedrooms," he laughs.

She takes stock in his glasses, laughing at his statement. "That is definitely where it happens. But you are very smart Mr. Grant. There is magic in that cranium of yours too. I think I'm even more attracted to you in glasses," she says twirling his curls.

"I'll make a mental note of that," He says, taking them off, laying them next to her thigh which he doesn't miss the opportunity to massage.

"No, I did not come here for that," Liv laughs.

Fitz shakes his head, "Then why did you come here? That just seems pointless then," he jokes

"I moved all my afternoon appointments to next week after some begging and pleading. The ones I could move. You are leaving Monday and you'll be with the kids. I wanted to spend the rest of the afternoon with you until you pick them up," she explains.

He grins widely, "You changed your whole schedule for me. I do believe you are falling hard for me hard."

"Shut up," Liv says slapping.

"I was just going to call you and suggest I do the same thing," he answers.

Liv looks at her watch, "So we have 4 hours to kill. What should we do?"

"How about we go have a nice lunch and go from there?"

"I like that idea," she smiles. He helps her down off the desk. He puts his jacket on. Liv says, "Too bad you didn't get your hand under that skirt. You would have found nothing there," she laughs as she goes toward the door.

He runs in front of the door, "You aren't wearing underwear," he says shocked.

She softly pushes him to the side, "Well you will just never know," she answers opening the door.

"I won't rest until I find out," he says.

She laughs. Nora notices this banter as they walk toward the elevator. One of his shop workers notices this glow they don't see from until late. He notices how gorgeous Olivia is. "Hands in pocket," she says to Fitz..

"Nora, we are going to lunch. Tell the guys they can take off early. We will be together all week next week. Tell them have a good weekend," Fitz instructs.

Nora looks at Liv and then him, "Have a wonderful lunch!" She looks over at Liv again, "It is so nice to finally meet you."

"Nice to meet you too," Liv says with a smile. She gets on the elevator. Nora gives Fitz a wink.

"You cut out too Nora," he says as he gets on the elevator.

"Thank you Mr. Grant," Nora says.

Fitz slowly moves over to Liv. His breath warming her face. She doesn't fight the urge, She pulls him into a kiss. She's pressed against the wall and his body is pressed into hers. "Thank you ," she says.

He kisses her back. "For what?"

"For our future," Liv says. Her answer even surprises her.

"It definitely looks bright," he answers. This makes Liv blush. He kisses her hard. His hand is traveling up her skirt and there is a ding. They quickly move apart. Someone gets on the elevator.

The person gets on, "Good afternoon." The stranger smirks. The broken up scene in front of him. He gets it.

"Good afternoon," Fitz answers. Liv laughs laying her forehead on his chest. He kisses the top of her head.


Mellie's office is locked. The shades are closed. She's instructed her secretary that she wants no calls and no interruptions. She and Richard are in her office. She's on her knees in front of him on her couch. He's enjoying every moment. Somewhere between Fitz moving out and divorce becoming final, she and Richard picked things back up. She made partner right after the divorce.

"Mellie..right there baby. Right there," Richard says.

She's sucking him off and taking him in deep. "Mmmm," she moans.

"Just like I like it," He reaches down for her hair.

She clutches his waist. They had a deal, no messing up her hair. "Mmm," She moans again.

Richard is squirming up and down on his seat. He's biting his lip. He is holding it as long as he can. He finally can't do it any longer, "Shit," he lets out.

She releases him. They are both breathing heavy. He helps her off her knees. "That should take care of you for now."

"I'd take you from behind right now if we didn't have that meeting in 10 minutes," he says.

She blushes, "You are still coming over tonight right," she says as she is straightening her jacket and skirt.

"Of course I am. I want to finish this plus you didn't do that thing with the tip of your tongue that I like," he says.

"Is that a complaint?" She asks.

"Of course it's not a complaint. That's why I want to bend you over that desk and return the favor," Richard says.

"Well tonight you can bend me over whatever you want," Mellie answers.

"Have I mentioned I love it when the kids are gone and we get to play?"

"I know how much you love to play," Mellie says going into her bathroom to clean up. The perks of becoming a partner gave her an office with her own bathroom.

"How am I supposed to concentrate watching you conduct this meeting? All I am going to be thinking about is those precious little lips wrapped around me, making me feel good."

She comes out of the bathroom, "Settle down. We will continue this later." She grabs her papers and he grabs his. They walk out of her office and into the conference room. They've almost closed this deal and hopefully today will be that day.


Fitz and Liv are sitting at The Girl and the Goat having lunch. Fitz likes the chef's innovative menu and it's always something different to try. This is Liv's first time there. She loves the ambiance but most of all she loves the company.

"I didn't think I would like so many goat inspired dishes. I've never been one for goat cheese but this is delicious," Liv says.

"I know! I didn't think I liked goat cheese either. I brought my mom here late one night after going to the opera. Every now and then I take my mother on a date. My dad gets a little jealous but I'm her only son," Fitz jokes.

"You take your mother on a date," Liv says.

Fitz shakes his head, "I do. My mother has always been there for me. When my father and I are butting heads she is right there. I just want her to know she's the best mother on earth. Next to your mother of course." Liv is just staring at him. "What's wrong?" He asks.

"Nothing at all. My mother always told me that a man who treats his mother right is going to treat you right," she says as she reaches over and caresses his face.

Fitz smiles, "Does that mean I am passing the test?"

"You are passing all the tests," she grins.

"I am learning that going out on dates with you is always an experience," Liv says.

He sits back in his seat, "Well, I sit and think about those dates really hard. I'm in a competition with myself to outdo myself."

"Fitz, I love our simple dates of a movie with wine and popcorn and falling asleep and waking up in your arms. You don't have to compete," Liv answers.

"I know! I just like seeing that twinkle in your eye when I surprise you. I want to keep that twinkle there all the time."

"You really are too charming for words," Liv says.

"I have a beautiful muse to inspire me," he says, taking her hand in his. "How did your doctor's appointment go?"

"It was good. I got it put in. I did it."

"It's that easy," Fitz says.

"Well that part is easy! I just have to get used to it again," Liv explains.

"I didn't pressure you did I?" He asks with a worried look on his face.

"What do you mean?"

"I didn't make you feel like you had to do this. I know you said it was your decision but you didn't feel like I was pressuring you in some way did you?" He clarifies.

"Fitz, you didn't pressure me. I wanted to do this and like I told you this morning. We are official. You are mine and…"

He stops her, "And you are definitely mine," he finishes.

"So, I wanted to do it and you know, that other thing, I wanted that. I want that for us."

"I want that for us too," He answers.

She brings her fingers up to his lips and he kisses them. "Fitz, I…." She looks at him. She wants to say it but she holds back.

"I feel the same way," he answers as he reaches over and kisses her.

"Liv is that you?" They break away from the kiss. Liv looks up to see Jake's sister, JoAnna standing there.

"JoAnna," she says.

JoAnna looks over at Fitz and then back to Olivia. "I thought maybe it wasn't you," she finishes.

"It's so good to see you," Liv says. She doesn't know exactly what to say, especially how to introduce Fitz to her.

"I haven't seen you in forever. I am in town visiting mom," she says looking back at Fitz.

Liv decides to get it over with, "JoAnna this is," before she can finish. Fitz interrupts.

"I'm Thomas," Fitz says, which surprises Liv. He reaches out his hand to shake hers.

JoAnna shakes his hand, "Hello," she answers. She looks over at Liv, "I am sorry I interrupted."

"No problem! We were just having lunch," Liv says.

"I'll tell Mom that I saw you. She really misses you," JoAnna says.

"I will check in on her as soon as I can. It's been really busy with moving the office and everything," Liv explains.

JoAnna looks over at Fitz, "We all get busy."

Liv gets up, giving her a hug, "Good to see you."

"Good to see you too," JoAnna answers. "And nice to meet you," JoAnna says to Fitz. She turns and she leaves.

Liv wipes her face. She looks at Fitz. "I am sorry. I did not know what to say. She's Jake's sister," she explains.

"I figured," he answers.

"Why did you call yourself Thomas?"

"Well, I haven't explained us to Mellie yet because we haven't discussed how we want to do that. I didn't want to do it if you weren't ready."

"I'm not ashamed to be with you," Liv says.

"I know you aren't. I'm not ashamed of you. I'm gonna follow your lead. Everything we do, we promised to do it together. I'm gonna keep that promise," Fitz says.

"She understands that Jake screwed up and she's been so supportive but he's still her brother," Liv says.

"I get it. When I come back from this meeting we will sit down and figure out how we are going to do this."

"Yes," Liv says.

"I have an idea and you can say no," Fitz says.

"What is it?" Liv asks.

"How about we have dinner, me, you and the kids on Sunday?" He suggests.

She looks at him surprised, "Are you serious?"

"You can say no. I don't want you to feel pressured," he explains.

"I want to," she answers surprisingly.

"You do," he says.

"I do. They are a part of your life and you are a part of my life, so.."

"I don't want to scare you but I'm falling in love with you. It might be too soon to say but I am pretty sure I'm already in love with you," Fitz says.

Liv gets a tear in her eye. She doesn't try to hide it. "I am falling in love with you too."

"What are we going to do about it?" Fitz asks.

"Celebrate it," she says, giving him a sexy wink.

Fitz looks up beckoning the waitress. "Can we please get the check?"

"Yes sir! Do you still want the goat cheese cheesecake?"

Fitz chuckles, looking at Liv, "Yes we want it to go."

They get their cheesecakes and they leave. They go back to her condo where they finish the rest of their lunch date. They are feeding each other cheesecake in bed.

"Fitz we act like we are on a honeymoon. We can't leave our jobs in the middle of the day to go home and eat cheesecake in bed," she says.

"Says the woman that knocked off her clients and begged them to cancel so she could see me," he jokes.

She buries her face in his chest, "You are making me a crazy woman. I may have to see a therapist soon."

"Well, I hope it's a woman. I fell in love with my therapist. I wouldn't want you to fall in love with some guy while you are laying on his couch, talking about your problems."

"Well I know some cute ones that help you talk about addictions," Liv says.

Fitz puts the last piece of cheesecake into her mouth, "Are you saying you are addicted to me?"

Liv moves the plate from Fitz's hands. She climbs on top of him. She slowly unbuttons his shirt. She starts kissing him, starting at his lips. "I might be addicted," she says as she continues down his neck.

"I sure do hope so because I sure do love those lips," Fitz says. She continues down his chest. She sneaks a bite of his nipple. "Ouch," he laughs.

"You don't like it," she says as she continues down his happy trail.

"I love it," he says. His chest is rapidly moving up and down at the anticipation.

Her kisses are slow. She licks the ridges of his perfect six pack. "How much do you love it?" she asks.

"Damn…," he says as she's getting closer and closer. She unbuttons his pants. She brings her hand inside his pants, wrapping them around him softly.

"You ready," she says as she massages him.

"I'm more than ready," he says.

She looks at him, with a devilish chuckle. "When the time is right," she smiles as she gets off of him.

"What the hell?" Fitz says in a high pitch.

"You have to be at the kids school in 40 minutes. You don't want to get caught in the traffic," she says, moving to the side of the bed.

"Are you seriously going to do this to me? Look at me," he says as he points down.

"When the time is right ," she chuckles.

Fitz gets up painfully. He sits on the side of the bed. "You are an evil woman,"

"I know," she says. "You call me tonight after the kids are in bed."

"Maybe," he says going into the bathroom. "If the time is right," he laughs.

Liv shakes her head leaving as Fitz goes to get the kids.


Fitz and the kids are having dinner. He made their favorite, spaghetti and meatballs. They have been playing games and watching television. The kids are having the time of their lives hanging with their dad.

"Daddy, what are we going to do tomorrow?" Karen asks.

"Well, daddy was thinking since the weather is good and it's spring, I thought we would go fishing," he says.

"Daddy, I don't want to go fishing," she says in protest.

"You will get to go fishing with Daddy and Gerry. You will love it," he says.

"I can't fish," Karen says.

He looks at Gerry and they share a laugh, "Daddy is going to teach you. You are going to be better than your brother."

That makes her eyes light up, "Really," she says.

"Never," Gerry retorts.

Fitz just looked at them. He's proud. His kids are well adjusted and happy. "How are things at school?" Fitz asks Gerry.

"Okay I guess," he shrugs his shoulders.

"Why do you guess?" Fitz asks.

"I mean hockey is going good. Mom still fusses about it's too rough but the coach says I'm really good."

"You are really good. Your first couple of games have been good," Fitz encourages.

"Yeah but I didn't make it in the goalies," Gerry answers sadly.

"Don't be tough on yourself. No one is perfect at anything on first try," Fitz answers. "I wasn't perfect at what I did when I first started but I had an eye for it. I had a passion for it. You love playing and as long as you love it, you'll keep trying and get better."

"I want to make the first string," Gerry says.

"You will! You crawl before you walk. Always remember that," Fitz finishes.

"What about me Daddy?" Karen says.

Fitz laughs. Gerry rolls his eyes. "What about you peanut?"

"What am I good at?"

Gerry gets up moving his plate, answering, "Talking."

"Don't tease your sister," Fitz says with a laugh. Karent now frowns. "It's okay if you are good at talking. That means you might be a lawyer."

"What's a lawyer?" Karen asks.

"There are many types of lawyers. Lawyers fight cases for people to make sure the right thing is done."

"Dad, you and mom said fighting is bad," Karen reminds him.

"Yes! You shouldn't fight but in this case you are fighting for someone's rights or someone's justice or what they think you deserve," Fitz further explains.

"What's justice?" She follows up.

"See dad, she's good at talking," Gerry says.

"Peanut, we will talk about justice another day."

"Dad I didn't bring my boots and stuff," Gerry says.

"Well, I kind of had an idea. I bought you some stuff for here and you have some stuff at your mom's. How's that?"

"That's good," Gerry shrugs.

"Daddy what about my boots?" Karen asks.

"Daddy got you all taken care of," he answers. He can't help but worry about his children. "How's everything at home with your mom?"

Gerry and Karen look at each other. They react like kids do when one parent asks about another parent. Gerry answers, "It's cool. She seems to be cool."

"You guys aren't giving her trouble are you?"

"No daddy," Karen answers quickly. "I've been good."

"It's no fun that you aren't there but it's cool we get to come here every weekend," Gerry answers.

"I am glad too. I love you guys very much. Your mom and I love you. I told you we will always be here," Fitz assures them.

"Are you gonna get a new girlfriend?" Karen surprisingly asks.

Fitz is taken aback by the question. "A girlfriend," he smiles.

"Come on dad! Do you like a new girl?"

"Well, I might get a new girlfriend. How do you feel about that if I do?" Fitz asks.

With the signature Gerry shrug, "It's cool I guess. As long as she is cool."

"Will she be our new mommy?" Karen asks.

Fitz turns Karen to him, "If daddy gets a new wife or girlfriend, she won't be your new mommy. Your mommy will always be your mommy." He figures now is the time to ease them in. "Listen, there's a really nice lady that lives in this building and she lives by herself. I was thinking on Sunday night, we can invite her over to have dinner with us. What do you think?"

"Okay," Gerry says.

"Will she like my dolls?" Karen asks.

Fitz laughs, "I am sure she will love them."

"Maybe I can give her one of my dolls and she won't be lonely," Karen finishes.

"She's a lady, she doesn't want your dolls Karen," Gerry rolls his eyes.

"Honey, I think that is really sweet of you to want to give her one of your dolls," Fitz says. "So, how about we go to sleep because we have a big day tomorrow."

Karen is looking through her stuff, "Daddy, my doll is not here."

"Which one?" Fitz asks as he gets up looking.

"I had it in the kitchen," she says, starting to get upset.

"Dad, you know, the doll she takes everywhere but school," Gerry says.

"Well honey she's not here. We will have to get it tomorrow," Fitz tries to explain.

Karen starts to cry. "But daddy I want my doll," she says and her tears of course breaks daddy's heart.

Fitz looks at the clock. It's 9pm. "Okay, we will go home and get your doll."

"Dad, I just want to play my game," Gerry says.

"We will go and come back. I don't want her crying all night," Fitz says. "You can go in your pajamas."

Before they leave. Fitz goes into his bedroom and calls Liv, "Hi!" Fitz says.

"Wow that's a record. They are asleep already," Liv says.

"I wish!" Fitz says putting on his tennis. "I have to go back to the house. Karen left her doll and she's having a meltdown," Fitz explains.

"Oh no, her favorite doll. Well daddy she can't sleep without it," Liv jokes.

"I know and she won't go fishing tomorrow without it either. I'm just going to run there, get it and come back," Fitz finishes as he ties his other tennis.

"You are a great dad," Liv says.

"Plus she wants to give you one of her dolls so you won't be lonely since I told them you live by yourself," Fitz chuckles.

"What?" Liv says.

"I asked if they would like to meet my friend who lives in this building and she lives by herself and it would be nice to invite you to dinner. They are cool with it."

"You made me sound like a spinster," Liv laughs loudly.

"No, I'll explain later and for the record, you are the sexiest spinster I've ever met," he charms.

"Whatever! Drive safely. Hopefully I'm not asleep when you get back," she says.

"I hope not. I gotta go, talk later," He says with anticipation.

"Definitely," she smiles as they hang up.


They load up and go downstairs to the garage and get in the car. They drive to the house. Fitz instructs them to stay in the car. He called Mellie to tell her he would be coming by to get the doll and one extra but she didn't answer. He was surprised to not see the housekeeper's car in the drive. He sees the car he's not familiar with but he thinks nothing of it. He turns off the code, opens the door. He goes into the door, slowly closing. It's dark so he figures she's asleep.

Mellie and Richard are in the throes of their rough sex in the kitchen. Fitz hears the commotion. He knows the sounds of sex when he hears it. He makes it to the kitchen to find Mellie bent over the island while Richard plows into her.

"Mellie," Fitz says.

Mellie looks up. Richard looks up. They are both shocked to see him. They both try to undo the scene before Fitz.

"What are you doing here?" Mellie says.

"Richard from the firm right," Fitz says. Richard is trying to find his pants which he realizes are right by Fitz's foot. Fitz picks them up and throws them over to him.

"What are you doing here?" Mellie repeats.

"Well I can see you are busy. I left a message that Karen wouldn't sleep without her doll. So, I came to get it. I didn't want her to cry all night," Fitz says. Fitz looks over to see the doll on the breakfast nook.

"Oh my God, are they in the house?" Mellie asks.

"No, they are in the car waiting," he answers. "Thank goodness," Fitz says softly.

"I um...I umm…," Mellie fumbles.

"Maybe I should go," Richard says.

"No! Don't go. I am going to run upstairs and get her other doll. You can assume your position," Fitz says as he turns to leave. He stops, "We will talk about this later," Fitz says.

"Fitz," Mellie says.

"Later," Fitz says as he goes upstairs to get the doll. He wants to be quick because he doesn't want the kids coming inside.

Mellie finds some clothes to throw on. She's outside talking to the kids through the window. Fitz comes out. Richard made himself disappear somewhere in the house.

"Fitz," she whispers to him. "I can explain."

"I don't need an explanation but like I said, we will talk about this later," he says as he gets in the car.

"My dolls," Karen says. "Thanks daddy!"

"You two have fun this weekend with daddy and be good for him," Mellie says shakily.

"We will," Gerry says.

"Ready," Fitz says as he cues the car.

They both wave goodbye to their mom as Fitz starts backing out. Fitz is giving her a stare as he does.

"I fucked up," Mellie says to herself as the car lights disappear.


The plot thickens!