AN: Amanda J., you are right on so many points. And, the techniques Avril taught Olivia and Fitz have universal application. Fatiti, Cena is a hoot and she's COOL too :-). Bujuman, you're right, Gwendolyn enlightened Maura at the families' meet and greet and she had further regrets at Abigail's baby shower. Cleo, Did Fitz and John have to buy all of those pads for Cena? Reader575, Maura had to come clean so she could grow and move forward. Guest, several older women in their 60s have told me about their experiences similar to Maura's. Guest, your father is right, you can't expect to change the man after marriage. He is who he is. Also, Rev. Walker told Liv during counseling she needed to take care of her man, modern woman or not. Glad you all are still enjoying the story. Here we go!

Chapter 13. Full House

He has been awake for hours, laying on his back with his hands folded behind his neck, and staring at the ceiling. His mind has been racing, flooded with thoughts provoked by the bombshell his mother dropped in the middle of their family room earlier in the evening. He looks over at his sleeping wife who is laying with bent knees and curled into her pillow. He smiles and shakes his head slightly because unlike him, she obviously is not having a problem sleeping. She never has a problem falling asleep, especially when she is pregnant. He reaches over and pushes the nightgown's thin, white strap onto her shoulder then looks back up at the ceiling.

He sighs heavily when he thinks about his father because not too long ago he was that man. Not too long ago he was that man whose wife had left him without notice or discussion. Not too long ago he was that man whose wife had left him alone with their daughter. The similarities of their situations are uncanny and he knows the heartache his father will feel when he discovers that his wife has left him.

Although they are now in a much better place, the memories of those two months of not knowing where his wife was, of not knowing if she was coming back, still haunt him. A tear rolls down his face and onto her neck as he thinks about how much he missed her being in their bed. How much he missed their closeness. How much he missed her scent. He distinctly remembers visiting every phase of loss and grief and he never wants to feel that kind of pain again. He never wants to feel that depth of loneliness and uncertainty.

Needing to be close to his wife, he wraps his body around hers and nuzzles his face in her neck and inhales deeply. He drapes a leg over her widening hip and kisses tenderly down her collarbone, down her bare shoulder. Intoxicated with desire, he slides a hand under the silky nightgown and caresses her warm breasts. He enjoys their fullness and knows they are probably tender, so he massages gently. He brushes his lips across her ear and runs his tongue down her neck, slowly losing himself in the burgeoning sensations. He kicks off his boxers somewhere under the covers, closes his eyes, and gasps silently when the tips of his fingers are coated immediately with her wetness.

"Mmm", she moans softly in her sleep.

"Turn over, Liv", his warm breath flowing softly into her ear.

"Hmm?" She responds sleepily at the sound of her name.

"Turn over", lifting up on one elbow and tossing his tee shirt onto the floor.

"Hmm – what?" Eyes fluttering open and trying to orient herself to her surroundings.

"Wake up baby. I need you", he says with urgent desire.

"Wh - What are you doing awake, Fitz?" She asks hoarsely. "Is something wrong?" Searching his eyes in the darkness.

"I'm fine. Everything's fine."

She looks at him with concern because a few hours earlier she heard his mother say those same words.

"I just need you, Liv", kissing her passionately. And she responds, scraping her fingernails through the hairs at the nape of his neck.

"Babe, don't you think this is kind of weird - with your mother sleeping down the hall?" She whispers, now fully awake.

"Sleeping is the operative word", he says breathlessly. "The sun is barely up - she won't hear a thing. Lift your arms", trying to rid her of the nightgown.

As she lifts her arms, Olivia wonders what the sun has to do with Maura's hearing abilities.

"I love when you're pregnant. Everything always feels so good - tastes so good."

"How long have you been awake anyway?"

"Not long", he whispers huskily, admiring her full breasts with wonder in his eyes. "I want to bite them."

"Don't Fitz, they're too tender", smacking him on the shoulder.

"I'll be gentle – I promise."

She squints at him in the dark.

"I promise", taking a nipple in his mouth and moaning as he kisses and licks tenderly.

"Fitz …" Running a hand through his hair as he suckles.

"Hmm?" Scraping his teeth across the nipple and she flinches. He runs his flattened tongue around the firm nipple, attempting to sooth the pain. Believing each breast deserves equal treatment, he kisses across her chest and suckles the other breast.

"What do you think your father is going to do when he realizes your mother has left?"

Not wanting to think about his father any longer, he kisses his way down to her stomach, running his tongue over the growing mound.

"I don't want to talk about him right now", he says breathlessly.

He slides down the bed and places his hands under her knees, pulling her down to the edge of the bed. Having her exactly where he loves her, he spread her legs wide and roams his tongue slowly around her juicy opening. He loves how she tastes.

"But what if he finds out where she is – that she's here?"

Fitz snatches the covers from over his head and looks up at his wife who is staring at the ceiling, seemingly in deep thought.

"Olivia, we're not going to talk about Gerry or anyone else right now."

"But –"

He pushes a long finger in deep and she gasps out loud.

"Oh my god Fitz", lifting from the bed and filling the room with ahs.

He rubs his nose up and down her slit and inhales. He loves everything about her. He opens her wide and licks and sucks voraciously.

"Mmm. So good. So good, baby."

"Too much Fitz – too much", squirming, trying to escape the tortuous pleasure.

"Stay with me, baby."

He holds her tighter, licking and sucking with extreme joy as her screams reverberate against the walls. With a pleased grin, he slides up the bed and pulls her on top. And she straddles him with her protruding, five-month pregnant belly and smiles and seductively. She kisses him tenderly, for an eternity, because she knows he is hurting. She knows what has kept him awake. She smiles again and runs her tongue around the palm of her hand and he closes his eyes in anticipation. She flattens the moistened hand over the swollen head, massaging him slowly, the way he likes it. Writhing in sheer pleasure, he mutters something unintelligible as she circles her moistened hand around and around and around. He licks his lips and slowly moves his pelvis, silently begging her to take all of him, and she does. He runs his hand slowly through her hair as her head bobs up and down.

"Oh my god, Liv. It feels so good."

And she continues to give him what he needs.

"Harder baby", squirming in sheer delight as she does wondrous things to him. "Now put it in. I need to feel you."

She slides onto him and his mouths falls open at the contact. He holds her hips and glides her up and down, and every nerve cell in his body tingle. He thinks this is how heaven must feel.

"You feel so good, baby", he moans as they pick up the pace. "Just like that, Liv. Ride it like that, baby."

He pulls her down and sucks her tongue with ferocity, thrusting hard and deep. And she meets each stroke with equal intensity. His release is powerful, allowing him to shed the residual feelings of fear, uncertainty, and doubt. The tension is now gone and he feels exquisite. He feels loved. He feels safe. Olivia curls into her husband's side and runs her tongue around his jaw and down his chin. And they kiss forever, as they come down from their high.

After laying in silence for several minutes, Olivia summons the courage to discuss what is bothering him, what has kept him awake all night.

"We have to talk about it Fitz", looking up at his relaxed profile."

"Everything is fine, Liv. I'm fine", rubbing his hand slowly up and down her arm.

"Everything isn't fine. You're not fine, which means we're not fine. Look at me and tell me what's wrong."

They lay on their sides, face to face, looking into each other's eyes. He closes his eyes and sighs. He really does not want to do this, not right now, not after the wonderful lovemaking they just shared.

"We have to talk about things Fitz – no matter how painful."

"It's just …."

She nods, encouraging him to continue.

"It's just – everything happening with my parents reminded me of some things."

She nods again, listening intently."

"I was thinking about my father - about how he is going to feel when he realizes that mom has left him."

She nods in understanding.

"I understand why you left – I do – I get it. But that doesn't lessen the hurt I felt all of those months. I was in a bad place for a while – devastated really. At the time I didn't know where you were. I didn't know why you left. I didn't know if you were coming back. And it hurt Liv – a lot." He raises his arm and lays the back of his hand over his face.

"Don't hide from me", slowly pulling the hand away from his face, and he looks at her with the saddest eyes. She runs her hand up and down his side. "What I heard you say ….", beginning to repeat what he just told her. "What I heard you say is that you were thinking about your parents and those thoughts triggered the feelings you had when I left."

He nods.

"What I heard you say is while you now understand why I left - the memories of my leaving are still painful for you. I heard you say that you were hurt and devastated when I left because you didn't know why I left, where I was, and if I was coming back. Did I get that right?"

"I'm fine Liv", still somewhat uncomfortable talking about his feelings.

"No – Fitz – you're not. We have to settle this – tonight. We can't have it hanging over us."

He nods, and she looks into his eyes a long while before continuing.

"Have you forgiven me?"

"Yes", he says without hesitation and she nods a few times.

"Are you still angry with me for leaving?"

"Honestly - I was for a long time - even after we got back home. But I'm not any longer."

She thinks for a long while about what he said.

"I will never leave our home again – never leave you again – no matter what. Okay?"

XXX

A few hours later the couple walk into the kitchen holding hands and wearing the biggest smiles on their faces. Maura and Cena are hunched over the island's granite top playing a game on Gram's phone.

"Mommy – daddy" Cena climbs down from her stool and runs over to her parents.

"Good morning Princess", Fitz says brightly as he scoops up his daughter and pecks her on the cheek.

"Good morning daddy", pushing her index fingers into his dimples.

"Do I get a good morning kiss?" Olivia pouts, feigning hurt.

"Good morning mommy", wrapping her arms around her mommy's neck and giving her a kiss.

"Good morning, Cee. Did you have a good night's sleep?"

"I was scared", Cena says, poking out her bottom lip.

Maura listens to her granddaughter as she continues to play the game on her phone.

"You were?" Olivia asks with concern and Cena nods.

"Did you have a bad dream, Princess?"

Cena shakes her head no as she plays with her daddy's hair.

"Cena came into my room just before sunrise, while I was reading. She got scared when she heard you screaming in your sleep Olivia, just like she says her daddy does sometimes."

Olivia's eyes widen and Fitz' face reddens.

"I'm sure you must be starved. So, what would you two like for breakfast this morning?" Smiling as she sets down her phone and walks over to the stove.

XXX

After breakfast Fitz calls John and informs him about what is going on with their parents. He asks John to call Bennie and says he will call Nora. He wants them to come to his house this evening for a family dinner meeting. As Olivia and Fitz prepare dinner, Maura tries to help but they refuse to let her do anything. They tell her she should relax on the deck, play with Cena, or do absolutely nothing at all. But Maura does not know how to be idle or relax. She has not been idle in quite some time.

Maura looks around the dinner table at all of her children and shakes her head. She wonders if this an intervention and chuckles to herself at the irony of the situation because just a few months ago she was instrumental in staging the intervention for Fitzgerald. She thinks how much has changed since that day.

"Mom, is this temporary? Do you just need a break?" John asks, glancing quickly at Fitz who is holding Cena on his lap.

"No son, this is permanent. I need to start living the life I want. How are Abigail and Ethan by the way?"

John looks at his mother with wide eyes. He cannot believe she is asking about his wife and son at a time like this.

"They're fine - mom. They're fine."

"That's terrific, mom", Nora says, patting her mother on the shoulder. "I support you 100 percent."

"Thank you, Nora", gently squeezing her daughter's arm.

"Olivia and I want you to stay here as long as you like, mom."

"Thank you son. That's so kind of you and Olivia."

"You're family", Olivia says walking into the dining room carrying a tray of food, and Fitz smiles brightly. "And no taking care of us, that's why we have Fitz", nudging him playfully.

"That's right", kissing her stomach. "Let me help you with the rest of the food", jumping to his feet and setting Cena on her chair.

Bennie's eyes are wide as saucers. He had no idea Olivia was pregnant again.

"Hey, Ben", Olivia says cheerfully, wrapping her arm around her husband's waist. "I didn't hear when you came in."

"I haven't been here long", smiling weakly.

After dinner and dessert all of the Grants retire to the family room prepared to help Maura to develop a plan for her life.

"Children, I appreciate you wanting to support me, but I haven't thought that far yet. Leaving was the first step" she smiles dreamily while rocking Cena.

"Do you need money, mom?" John asks.

"Well, I suppose I will at some point."

"Well don't worry, I'll take care of that."

"We'll take of that", Bennie says emphatically, looking at his brother.

"Mom, does he know? Did you tell him before you left?" Nora asks anxiously.

"I didn't. I left last night while he was at a dinner meeting. I suppose I took the coward's way out."

"You're hardly a coward, mom. You were brave to stay with that man for so long", rubbing her hand up and down her mother's arm.

The wreath hanging on the inside of the front door vibrates from the incessant banging on the other side and the talking ceases immediately. They all look at each other and Olivia's hand instinctually moves to her stomach. She looks over at her mother-in-law and at her husband who is storming from the room. Although he empathizes with his father, he will not allow him to intimidate his mother. Fitz snatches open the door and comes face to face with a pair of angry eyes, eyes the two men share.

"Where the hell is my wife, Fitzgerald?" Gerry growls angrily.

"I understand you are upset, but if you want to come into our home you will lower your voice or this will not end well", blocking his father from entering the house.

"Are you threatening me?" Gerry bellows, face red with anger.

"I'll say it again, if you want to come into our home you are going to calm down and lower your damn voice. Is that clear?" Fitz says through clenched teeth.

Chest heaving, Gerry glares at his son for a long while. He is not accustomed to his son or anyone else speaking to him in such a manner.

"Crystal."

Fitz nods, steps aside, and allows his father to enter the house.

"Where the hell is she?" Gerry demands angrily with spittle flying from his lips.

"Mom is inside. But you will not threaten her. You will not bully her. Not in this house – not any more. This all stops now."

"Get the hell out of my way Fitzgerald", Gerry growls as he pushes past his son and stomps down the foyer.

Fitz grabs the burly man from behind and throws him against the wall, and the painting they bought while on their honeymoon crashes to the floor.

"I said this stops now!" Pressing his forearm against the man's windpipe. "You either calm the hell down or get the fuck out of my house."

With fear in his eyes and unable to speak, Gerry looks at his son and nods slowly. When they hear the raucous, John and Bennie run into the foyer where they see Fitz pinning his father against the wall and cutting off the man's oxygen supply.

"What the hell?" John yells in disbelief. "Let him go, Fitz!" Trying to pry his brother's arm from their father's throat.

Filled with rage, Fitz continues to apply pressure to Gerry's throat.

"I said let him go, dammit!" John demands again, trying to pull Fitz off of their trembling father.

Fitz releases the man and steps back, horrified by how close he came to choking his father to death.

"Shit!" he exclaims, raking his fingers through his hair. He glares angrily at his father then walks into the family room.

Olivia struggles to get to her feet and rushes over to her husband.

"Are you okay? Is everything all right?" She asks quickly with worry in her eyes.

"Sit down, Liv", he says in exasperation. He cannot believe what just happened.

"Fitzgerald, what's going on?" His mother calls out in fear as she rocks a sleeping Cena on her lap.

"Is that Gerry out there?" Nora asks bitterly.

"He's upset. He needs to calm down before coming in here", breathing heavily as he looks at his mother.

"Is he okay? Did you hurt him?" Maura asks with concern.

"Give me Cena, mom. I need to put her in bed."

"Fitz", Olivia calls to her husband in panic in fear.

"Sit down Olivia, please", looking at her pleadingly. He does not want her to get upset, to get stressed because of the commotion caused by him and his father.

Seeing the look of distress in his eyes, she nods slowly as she grabs ahold of the arm of the sofa and lowers her body next to her mother-in-law.

"I need to put Cena to bed", lifting the sleeping girl from his mother's lap.

XXX

After John gets his father to calm down somewhat, Gerry storms into the family room where he sees his daughter and Olivia sitting protectively around his wife.

"What the hell is this all about, Maura?" He growls.

"Sit down dad", John's says as he and Bennie walk into the room.

"Are you all sitting around plotting against me?"

"Sit down, dad", Bennie tries.

"Shut up Bennie", snapping at his youngest son.

"That's why mom left. You're nothing more than a blustering bully. You've always been a bully."

"Watch your mouth, young lady."

"I won't watch my mouth, Gerry!" And the man's eyes widen. He feels like his daughter just slapped him.

"I've kept my mouth closed all of my life while watching you boss mom around because of your antiquated beliefs."

"You have no idea what you're talking about!"

"I do", Nora screams. "I saw it all of my life. Not allowing mom to work outside of the house. Not allowing her to have a voice in any of the family's decisions. Not allowing her to grow and become the person she wanted to be. Not allowing her to be an equal partner in your marriage. Keeping her as your personal housekeeper. I saw it all and I never wanted to be like her."

Fitz stands in the doorway with his arms folded across his chest listening to his sister. With tears streaming down her face Nora looks into her mother's eyes and takes the woman's small hands into hers.

"I love you mom but I never wanted the life you had. You were – you are a great mother but I watched you disappear and shrink over the years. I watched how you catered to him and never got anything in return. I watched how you put everyone's needs ahead of your own and I vowed I would never let that happen to me."

Nora looks over at her father with disdain and continues.

"I don't know what took her so long to leave you."

"Maura", Gerry says, taking a few steps toward his wife. "This is none of the kids' business. Let's go home and talk about this."

"I won't be coming back home, Gerry. I will be staying here with Fitzgerald and Olivia as long as they will have me – until I can figure out what I'm going to do."

"You're welcome to stay here as long as you like Maura", Olivia says, rubbing the woman's back.

Gerry glares at Olivia and Fitz walks over to the sofa and sits next to his wife. He drapes an arm around her shoulders and looks at his father, daring him to cross the line.

"Gerry, you are a good man and have been a good provider for our family. We never wanted for a thing. You worked hard to make sure the kids and I had everything we ever needed – more than we needed really."

Gerry is angry and humiliated that he has to discuss such personal matters with his wife in the middle of his son's family room. The unthinkable is happening. But he knows if he is going to have a chance of saving his marriage he will have to put aside his pride and discuss publicly the private side of his marriage.

"But I have been unhappy for so many years. I always needed more – wanted more. But I knew I would jeopardize my marriage if I tried to pursue anything outside of the home – something that made me happy. And I wasn't willing to risk losing everything. I guess I was a coward", she says sadly.

Nora rubs her mother's back.

"And I don't blame you for not wanting to be like me Nora", looking at her daughter.

"Mom –"

"It's all right. I should have been a better role model for you. I should have been stronger. I should have shown you what is possible for women today. I should have had the strength to give you what Gwendolyn gave Olivia."

Gerry sneers at Olivia again.

"Gerry, I don't fault you - you're only doing what your father and his father did. They were good men - but they were of a certain mindset. You adopted their beliefs about family – about the role of the man and woman in a marriage. And I came from the same kind of family tradition - so I understand. Some men of our generation are unable to see women as anything more than a baby producer and housekeeper. It doesn't make you a bad person Gerry, it's just who you are."

Gerry looks around at his family and sees everything he worked so hard to build crumbling down around him.

"But I need more Gerry - I want more. I look around and see so many strong, bright women who managed to have a fulfilling career and a healthy family."

She looks at Olivia apologetically and Gerry eyes Olivia wondering what her role has been in causing this breach in his marriage.

"And I feel like I've missed out on so much. I feel like much of the world has passed me by."

"So you're just going to leave our home – leave me after all of these years and do what, find yourself?" He spits out the words as if they have left a bad taste on his tongue.

"Yes", she says flatly. "I don't know what my future looks like but I'm excited about trying to figure it out. I'm more excited about that than I have been about anything in a very long time."

"We're all here for you mom", Nora says, wrapping an arm around her mother's shoulders.

"So what do you want to do, become like her and that crackpot mother of hers?" He yells, pointing at Olivia.

Olivia's mouth falls open at her father-in-law's venomous accusation.

"Okay, that's enough", standing from the arm of the sofa and walking toward his father. "You need to leave our home -now."

"So you're all turning against me?" He looks at Bennie then John.

"You should go dad", John says solemnly. "I'll come see you tomorrow."

Gerry is angry and lashes out violently.

"The hell with you, John. You can all go to hell for all I care." He yells as he looks at his wife before storming from the room. He slams the front door violently and the sound of wood crashing against wood reverberates through the house.

"Do you think he is going to be all right?" Maura asks nervously, looking over at John.

"He'll be fine, mom. I'll talk to him tomorrow - after he has had some time to cool down."

Maura looks at her son sadly and nods.

"I think we've all had a long day. Let's call it a night", Fitz says tiredly.

"I'll call you tomorrow Fitz", John says. He walks over to his mother and kisses her on the cheek. "I will come see you tomorrow, mom."

Maura smiles at her oldest child.

"Good night, mom", Bennie says solemnly, pecking his mother on the cheek.

"Don't worry Bennie, I'm going to be all right", Maura says, patting his cheek. "Don't worry."

"I'm so proud of you mom", Nora says, pecking her mother on the cheek. "I'll bring some of your things by tomorrow."

XXX

When Olivia returns to their bedroom after checking on Cena, she sees her husband sitting on the side of the bed, hunched over, and holding his head in his hands. She sits next to him and rubs her hand up and down his back.

"Are you okay, babe?" Looking at him with concern.

"I just don't know what the hell is going on any more, Liv. Everything that I knew to be true – thought to be true - seems to be falling apart. My mother, who is sleeping down the hall in one of our guest rooms, has left my father after 45 years of marriage for Christ's sake."

"She'll be all right, Fitz."

"Am I to choose my mother over my father?"

"No babe, the choice isn't yours. This is between your mother and father."

"Liv, tonight I choked my father – the man I have loved and admired all of my life. I don't know if we can get beyond that."

"You will. You just have to give it some time", stroking his hair.

"Was it all a lie?" Looking at his wife desperate for answers. "Was everything I was raised to believe all an illusion?" He shakes his head, trying to reconcile everything that is happening.

"No babe, it was the reality at the time. Nothing stays the same. Everything must be allowed to grow and evolve or it will wither and die. Your mother is growing - transforming into the woman she needs to be."

"And what about my father? What's left for him? He thinks we're all against him."

"He has to decide if he wants to live the life he always had or if he wants to create a different life - hopefully with your mother."

"We just got back on track Liv and I want us to remain that way. I don't want any of this to disrupt what we have begun to build."

"We're going to be fine, babe."

"I don't want us to end up like my parents after 45 years. I want you to be completely satisfied in our marriage and in your career. Promise me if you ever begin to fee again –"

"I promise", she says softly, resting her head on his back.

"And I want Cena to grow up knowing that she can be anything she wants to be. I want her to have the courage and strength to pursue her dreams, regardless of what anyone else thinks."

"She will because her father won't allow her to settle for anything less", kissing him on the shoulder. "Let's go to bed babe, we're going to need our strength for whatever tomorrow brings."

"And Liv, if we have a boy this time - we have to raise him to respect and honor women. He should know that holding a woman back only makes him weak, not strong."

XXX

The next morning Olivia peels Fitz' hand from across her stomach and crawls out of bed to empty her bladder for the second time before sunrise. She is five months pregnant and each day the baby presses on her bladder a little more. Unable to go back to sleep, she decides to go downstairs and prepare breakfast. She wants to make pancakes for Cena as a surprise and cook Fitz his favorite breakfast too. As she walks through the family room to the kitchen she hears Cena laughing hysterically.

"Good morning", Olivia says, somewhat surprised when she sees her daughter and mother-in-law faces covered with what looks like powdered sugar.

"Oh, good morning Olivia", Maura says, setting the sifter filled with powder sugar onto the counter.

"Mommy, me and Grams made French toast."

"Grams and I", Olivia corrects as she walks over to her daughter and gives her sugary face a big, wet kiss.

"I hope you don't mind, Olivia. I wanted to make something special for Cena's breakfast this morning. I also have something for you and Fitzgerald."

"Thank you, Maura. Remember, don't feel that you have to prepare our breakfast every morning. In fact, you shouldn't cook any of our meals. Fitz does most of the cooking now", taking a seat at the island.

"You're good for Fitzgerald, Olivia. You have really changed him."

"We've changed each other Maura – all for the better."

"I'm glad to hear that. If couples don't grow together they will surely grow apart. I watch how you and my son interact - and it makes me happy."

"How are you doing, Maura? I'm sure all of this change is overwhelming for you."

"Not at all, Olivia", setting a mug of coffee in front of her daughter-in-law. "I've been planning this - my escape – for six years now."

Olivia looks at the woman in surprise. She thought Maura leaving Gerry was a spur-of-the-moment decision.

"Six years?"

"Yes Olivia", wiping the powder sugar from the island with the kitchen towel. "Ever since our families' meet and greet - before you and Fitzgerald were married."

Olivia tilts her head slightly and looks at the woman curiously.

"I listened to what Gwendolyn said about not staying in a situation that no longer serves you - so we can become what we are intended to be. I think your mother could see through my façade – could see that I was pretending."

"She never said a thing", Olivia says slowly, watching Cena devour her French toast.

"She wouldn't. She's too discreet – too kind to do that."

The doorbell rings and the two women look at each other anxiously, thinking Gerry might be making another appearance.

"I got it", Fitz yells as he jogs down the staircase.

"Good morning Captain", Nora says cheerfully, as she stands in a sea of suitcases and carrying several other bags on her shoulders.

Fitz looks down at all of the luggage then back at his sister. With lips quivering, the tears begin to roll down her face.

"Do you have room for one more, Captain?" Nora asks through the tears.

Fitz hugs his sometimes annoying little sister then wipes her tears away.

"Of course - any time. Come on in."

Fitz grabs all of the suitcases and sets them in the foyer. Nora removes the bags from her shoulders and sets them on the floor next to the suitcases.

"Well I guess we're going to need some breakfast after our early morning work-out", Fitz smiles, trying lighten the tension in the air. "Are you okay?" Looking into his sister's tear-stained face.

"He's such an ass. I don't want to live there anymore."

"You don't have to", draping his arm around his sister's shoulders and walking toward the kitchen.

XXX

"Nora, what are you doing here so early?" Her mother asks in surprise.

"I couldn't stand living in the same house with that man any longer."

Fitz walks over and pecks Olivia on the lips and she wraps an arm around his waist and leans into his side. They both watch mother and daughter.

"Nora, he is still your father", Maura chides her impetuous daughter.

"He's an ogre, mom."

"How did he seem this morning? Is he okay?"

"Oh my god, mom. I can't believe you still care about him."

"Nora, he is still my husband. And you don't stop caring for someone just because you no longer share the same space with them."

Nora rolls her eyes.

"Liv, Nora will be staying with us for awhile", squeezing her shoulder gently.

"OK", sliding her hand across the granite top and rubbing Nora's arm. "As long as you want, Nora."

"Thanks, Liv."

The doorbell rings again and Nora looks at her mother with wide eyes.

"I'll get it", Fitz says, pulling away from Olivia's embrace.

"No, I'll get it. That's probably Hildie", standing from her seat and rubbing her husband's back as she leaves the kitchen.

XXX

Two weeks later Olivia and Fitz sit in the waiting room of Dr. Perry's office for her monthly check-up. He looks around the room and smiles when he sees another expectant father sitting nervously with his wife. This must be their first one Fitz thinks to himself.

"How are you feeling, babe?" Wrapping an arm around Olivia's shoulders.

"I'm feeling fine. Terrific actually."

"I'm sorry that my family has invaded our home."

"I really enjoy having them around, Fitz. It's like having the kind of family I always wanted as a kid."

"Are you sure?"

"It's a good thing we have such a big house."

He smiles and kisses her on the cheek.

"How is Mona handling things at the office?"

"She's doing a fantastic job. She got a lot of practice managing things while I was away. And, I'm sure she appreciates the promotion to office manager. She deserves it, babe."

"Do you miss not going into the office every day?" he asks rubbing her shoulder.

"Not really. I go in a few days - when necessary – when I need to meet with someone. By the way, I'm meeting with Marcella next week."

"Are you comfortable doing that? Do you want me to be there?"

"No babe - everything is going to be fine. Mona says Marcella really wants to meet with me."

"If things start to get ugly –"

"It'll be okay", she smiles as she flips through the baby magazine.

He nods but remains silent for a few minutes.

"Let's go somewhere for lunch after our appointment. I don't want to go back to the house just yet."

She turns in the chair and looks at him with an arched brow.

"Is there something wrong, babe? Are you all right?"

"Things are just beginning to get a little tense around the house."

"Tense? What do you mean?" Furrowing her brow as she sets the magazine on her lap.

"Well, I think World War III might be ready to break out at our home and I don't want to be around when it does."

"What are you talking about? Has your father -?"

"No - nothing like that", running his hands down his face. "It's Hildie and my mom. Haven't you noticed how they go at it all of the time?"

"No - I haven't actually. But I'm not there during the day as often as you are."

"Well they do and it's starting to drive me crazy."

The look of frustration on her husband's face has her intrigued and she wonders what has been going on in her own home.

"What are they doing?"

"Hildie has threatened to quit -more than once by the way."

"What?"

"She says the other Mrs. Grant – that would be my mom - is treading on her territory."

"What?" Olivia is shocked by what she is hearing.

"Keep your voice down Liv", glancing over at the nervous-looking father.

"What?" She repeats in a hushed voice.

"Apparently mom is trying to tell Hildie how to do her chores."

"What?" She whispers again.

"And apparently mom has gone behind Hildie's back - more than once apparently - to redo or rearrange something Hildie had already done."

"What?" She says in a hushed voice and wide eyes.

"Will you stop saying 'what'", he says in an equally hushed voice while raking a hand through his hair.

"How long has this been going on Fitz and why is this the first I'm hearing about it?"

"It started shortly after mom moved in", rubbing his forehead. "And this is the first you're hearing about it because I didn't want to upset you. I wanted to handle it."

"Well, we can't lose Hildie. It took us too long to get her." She gives him a pointed look and he rolls his eyes.

"Mom just needs something to do with her time. This is the first time in – well in forever – that she doesn't really have anything to do."

"Babe, we have to come up with a plan that both your mother and Hildie can feel good about."

"Well, we better come up with something soon because Hildie –"

"Mrs. and Mr. Grant", the technician calls out to escort them to the examination room.

XXX

After Dr. Perry performs the internal exam, Fitz helps Olivia to get dressed and they walk down the hall to Dr. Perry's private office.

"Olivia – Fitz, please have a seat", the doctor stands as he motions the couple to sit in the two chairs in front of his desk.

"So, the internal exam shows that everything is going well with the pregnancy. The baby is progressing nicely. Everything looks good and you are still on track to deliver in another three-and-a- half months."

The couple smile and squeeze each other's hand.

"And I assume you two still don't want to know the gender?"

"That's correct", Fitz says.

"That's fine. You'll know soon enough", Dr. Perry says as leans back in his chair.

"So tell me Olivia, have you been experiencing any more signs of depression?"

Fitz squeezes her hand tightly.

"No - not at all", Olivia says proudly. "Everything is perfect", she smiles and looks at her husband.

"That's good. Continue to keep your stress to a minimum and everything will be fine."

"I'm – we're in a much better place now."

"Good – good."

"And are you two keeping your appointments with the counselor?"

"Yes. Every two weeks."

"Excellent."

"Do you have any questions for me?"

Scrunching her face as if she is thinking hard about his question, Olivia finally says she does not have any questions.

"And what about you, Fitz? Do you have any questions?"

"No I don't, Dr. Perry. As long as Olivia and the baby are doing well I don't have any questions."

"Good, then I will see you next month", Dr. Perry says, standing from his chair and extending a hand.

XXX

"How about we go to Stephen's for lunch today, babe?" Olivia suggests as they walk hand and hand through the underground parking garage.

"No Restaurant 52 today?" He asks in surprise.

"Not today, babe. I want pasta and Stephen's makes the best pasta."

"Better than mine?" He asks, somewhat hurt.

"Sorry babe, but better than yours."

As they approach the car she smiles and stops in front of the white Audi Q5 SUV.

"Thank you baby", wrapping her arms around his waist.

"For what?" He asks, furrowing his brow.

"For buying my new car. I just love it. Cena loves it too, by the way. Pucker baby", inserting her tongue into his mouth. They start to make out in the underground parking lot and they are getting aroused.

"Let's go check into a hotel and order room service", he says in a lust-filled voice.

XXX

Olivia waits in the lobby of the luxurious hotel as Fitz registers at the front desk. She smiles because she feels naughty sitting in a hotel lobby in the middle of the afternoon and waiting to do dirty things with her husband. He grabs her hand and ushers her quickly to the elevator, and they enjoy the slow ride up to the 57th floor. Fitz nervously inserts the card into the door three times but the light remains red.

"Give it to me. Let me do it, babe", reaching her hand for the card key.

"I got it, Liv." He has no idea why he is so nervous. After all, he is with his pregnant wife.

"Well I have to pee Fitz", crossing her legs, trying to hold it in.

"Hold it a minute longer while I get this thing unlocked."

"A minute?"

He inserts the card into the lock one more time and pulls it out slowly, and the green light blinks. Olivia rushes into the bathroom and sighs in relief as she empties her full bladder. As she washes her hands, she stares into the mirror and smiles because she is so happy. She rubs her stomach and thinks that just three short months ago it felt like she was falling apart, that she and Fitz were falling apart. But they made it through the test and now here they are in a hotel, in the middle of the afternoon, ready to do all kinds of fun things to each other. When she walks from the bathroom she sees Fitz staring out the window with his hands in his pockets.

"I called mom to let her know we wouldn't be home until late tonight. She'll feed Cee and get her to bed."

"OK", she smiles and wraps her arms around his waist and stares out the window with him.

"This is a beautiful view, Liv."

"It is", kissing down his back.

He slides open the door and pulls her onto the patio. He sits on one of the wicker chairs with the bright orange cushions and beckons her to sit his lap. She wraps her arms around his neck and lays her head on his shoulder.

"After the baby is born, we have to get Joan to start looking at a summer home in the mountains", absently rubbing his hand on her belly as they look at the skyline.

"Yay", she squeals.

"You sound like Cee", kissing her temple.

"I feel like a happy, four-year-old girl. Thank you, baby."

"The sun will be setting soon", looking at the horizon.

"It's been a while since we shared a sunset together", she says somewhat sadly.

"I know. We can never lose ourselves again, Liv. We can't allow ourselves to get to the place where we forget to watch sunsets together. Okay?"

"OK", she says softly as she sucks on his ear.

"There it goes", he says in awe as the horizon slowly rises to consume the sun.

Olivia lifts her skirt and straddles him.

"I'll love you forever", caressing his face and making love to his mouth.

She strokes his crotch and he kisses her passionately and carries her to the bed and undresses her slowly.

"You know I love your body when you're pregnant", massaging her breasts gently as he kisses down her neck. "I love that they are so big", taking a nipple in his mouth and sucking tenderly.

"Wait", she says pushing him away and he looks at her confused. "You've said that a few times now", giving him a stern look.

"What?"

"About my breasts – about my pregnant body."

"What?"

"Will you stop saying 'what'?"

"Well I don't know what you're talking about", he says in exasperation, wanting to get back to the business at hand.

"You said – more than once – that you like my body – my breasts when I'm pregnant. So does that mean you don't like my body when I'm not pregnant", crossing her arms across her chest and leaning back against the headboard.

"I said no such thing."

"You say it all the time, Fitz."

"I don't."

"You do."

"I don't"

She reaches across him and slides her phone from the nightstand. She presses the Videos icon and plays one of several videos of him saying the dreaded words. His mouth falls open in shock and she bursts out laughing.

"You don't know how long I've been waiting to pay you back."

He snatches the phone from her hand, tosses it onto the nightstand, and pulls her back down onto the bed. He runs his tongue up and down her back and slowly slides in from behind, and she feels like heaven.

"You're mine, Livvie and I just want to fuck you all the time. Now record that."

And they ride each other hard, enjoying the feeling of being them again. And they laugh out loud because they are thoroughly satiated and extremely in love. And they know they can never share this kind of intimacy with anyone else. They have ruined each other.

The room has darkened because the sun has set long ago and they lay face to face with her leg draped over his hip. Eyes having adjusted to the darkness, they grin stupidly at each other.

"We have another appointment with Dr. Perry next month", winking at him.

"Date", dozing off when Olivia's stomach begins to growl. She covers her mouth trying to stifle the laugh.

"You promised me room service, Mister", poking him on the shoulder. And he pecks her on the nose then reaches for the phone.