Chapter 77. The Vigil
Sitting on the plush green- and white-striped window seat cushion in the W position, Cena presses her nose against the cool windowpane and sighs. For the past few hours she has been on the lookout and now she is getting bored. She glances down at her watch again and frowns, thinking maybe they are not coming today either.
Minutes later, the bright beam from the headlights illuminates the driveway as the car slowly cruises toward the house. Cena's eyes widen. Their guests have finally arrived.
"They're here. They're here. Mommmmmy. Dadddddy. They're here," Cena, the town crier, yells as she dashes into the foyer.
"Cee — remember your inside voice," Olivia says as she ambles down the long hall wearing the bulky gray sweater Fitz keeps on the back of the chair in the study.
"But mommy, Nana and GrandPop are here. They just drove up in the car."
Olivia smiles down at her overexcited daughter and drapes her arm around Cena's shoulders. She is excited, too.
"We better hurry and let them in," Olivia says, steering Cena toward the front door.
The cold November wind immediately slices through her body and Olivia pulls the sweater tight around her stomach.
"Mom!"Olivia yells when she sees her mother walking up the steps.
"Livvia — get back inside. It's freezing out here."
"It's so good to see you, mom," Olivia's eyes gleam like Cena's when her mother enters the foyer.
"How's my baby doing?" Gwendolyn says, carefully hugging her soon-to-deliver pregnant daughter.
"I'm fine, mom. I'm so glad you're finally here."
"My goodness, Livvia — the Zoom camera doesn't do you justice. You're absolutely radiant. Glowing actually," Gwendolyn says as she steps back to assess her daughter's appearance.
"Nana — I saw you and GrandPop driving in the car."
"You did?"
Cena nods her head up and down.
"Cena — you're getting to be such a big girl. You're going to be tall like your father. Come give your Nana a big hug," bending down and pulling her granddaughter close. "Where are Fitzgerald and Jolie?" Gwendolyn asks, looking over her shoulder at Olivia.
"Daddy took Jo upstairs to the bathroom."
"We're potty-training Jo. She won't use the powder room down here. She insists on using the hall bathroom upstairs. She's so stubborn, mom. Sometimes they don't make it there in time. I'm afraid today is one of those days."
"I see," Gwendolyn says as she slides off her coat. "I don't remember it being this chilly in Church Falls in November."
"You've been in Senegal too long. Let me hang up your coat, mom."
"I'll do it, baby. I don't want you to over-exert yourself."
"What's taking dad so long?"
"He's getting something out of the car. Honestly, Livvia — I don't know what has gotten into your father these days."
Not sure what her mother means, Olivia crinkles her brow.
"Dad!" Olivia screams when her father walks into the house carrying a single piece of luggage. Bowtie starts to growl and Calvin sneers at the family pet.
"Livvia — you're plumper than ever."
"Calvin — you're being rude."
"My daughter knows I'm only teasing her. Give your father a hug," Calvin says, opening his arms wide.
"It's good to see you, dad."
"I'm glad to see my little girl."
Olivia smiles broadly. Although she is a married woman with almost four children, she will always be her father's little girl.
"And how is my number one granddaughter doing? Come give your grandfather a hug."
Cena jumps into her grandfather's arms and proceeds to update him.
"GrandPop. Guess what?"
"What?" Calvin smiles at her excitement.
"I had a birthday. I'm eight now."
"Eight? You're getting to be an old lady."
"I'm not an old lady. Nana is an old lady."
"Out of the mouths of babes," Calvin chuckles as he kisses Cena on the cheek.
"I certainly feel like an old lady after that god-awful flight," Gwendolyn mumbles.
"What's all the raucous about?" Fitz asks as he walks down the long staircase carrying Jolie on his hip.
"They're here, daddy. GrandPop and Nana are here from Senegal," Cena reports the obvious.
"Gwendolyn— it's good to see you," Fitz says, leaning in to peck his mother-in-law on the cheek.
"You as well, Fitzgerald. Give me my stubborn grandbaby," Gwendolyn says, lifting Jolie from her father's arms.
"Calvin — you're looking well," Fitz says, shaking his father-in-law's hand.
"You as well, Fitzgerald."
"Fitz — please get their bags out of the car. Mom, dad — let's go sit down. I'm sure you're exhausted."
"Exhausted? That's putting it mildly," Gwendolyn says, rolling her eyes at her husband as she walks up the hall toward the family room.
With tail wagging, Bowtie waits at the open door while Fitz retrieves the luggage from the car.
XXX
"What happened? Why were your flights delayed? I couldn't get any information on the airline's website," Olivia says.
Gwendolyn turns to her daughter, she has been itching to complain to someone about their horrendous travel experience.
"Of course - you couldn't. That airline is the worst," Gwendolyn grouses.
"What happened, mom?"
"Our direct flight from Dakar to Seattle was anything but …"
"Gwennie — I'm sure our daughter isn't interested in hearing about our travel woes," Calvin replies while bouncing Jolie on his knee.
"I want Livvia to know what we've been through for the last few days. She needs to know why we've arrived late. Livvia — unbeknownst to me — your father decided to book our flight to Seattle on one of those small budget airlines. We always fly Delta."
"Gwennie— the smaller airlines are just as reliable as the big ones. Low-cost does not mean inferior. We got a really good deal."
"It's not a deal, Calvin — if we're stuck in airports for days on end. Livvia - our so-called direct flight to the States took us to Lagos first — where we had to deplane because of unknown precautions. No one at that cheap airline was able to tell us a thing at the terminal. The place was an absolute madhouse. Can you believe we slept in the terminal overnight? People were sprawled all over the place," she says, rubbing the back of her aching neck.
"I'm sure you both were inconvenienced," Olivia says, trying to be diplomatic.
"Gwennie — they got us out on the first flight in the morning."
"But it wasn't a direct flight to Seattle, Calvin. We ended up in Atlanta with a three-hour layover. I don't want to see another airport anytime soon."
"We're here now. That's all that matters."
"Really, Calvin? We missed our granddaughter's birthday and Thanksgiving. I'm so upset, Livvia."
"This is a challenging time of the year to fly," Olivia says, still trying not to take sides.
"We come home at this time every year. We've never had a problem with Delta. Livvia — I want you to book our return flight to Senegal on Delta — not on one of those economy airlines."
"Nana — I saved you and GrandPop some of my birthday cake."
"Thank you, baby. That's so sweet of you. I have something very special for your birthday. I'll give it to you as soon as I unpack," caressing the side of Cena's face with a smile, which Cena quickly returns.
"Guess what, Nana?"
"Yes, Cena."
"Daddy bought me an aquarium and lots of fish for my birthday. It's so cool. Do you want to see it?"
"Cee — Nana is tired. How about you show her your aquarium later. Okay?"
"Okay. It has different colored lights — too," Cena says, sneaking in a bit more information.
"I can't wait to see it."
"Grams and Gramps bought me a watch. See," she says, holding up her arm to show off her new watch. "It's just like Gramps — but for a little girl."
"Impressive," Calvin says with a suck of his teeth, thinking the watch is too expensive.
"Gramps wasn't at my party," Cena says sadly. The adults all look at each other.
"I can't wait for you to show me all your gifts," Gwendolyn says, wanting to change the subject.
"Mommy gave me a necklace with my initial. Uncle John and Aunt Abby gave me a jewelry-making kit. Aunt Abby said we're going to take a class to learn how to make jewelry the right way. Aunt Nora sent me a big set of paints and brushes. Uncle Bennie got us tickets to the ballet and he gave me a set of Harry Potter books. The ones for my age. And Ethan gave me his favorite rock."
"It sounds like you really cleaned up," Calvin says.
"Oh — and Jeffries gave me a silver bracelet just like his. Nana — Jeffries wears lots of bracelets just like you."
"Where is Jeffries? I want to meet him," Gwendolyn says with a smile and Calvin rolls his eyes.
"He had to leave early today to take care of a personal matter," Olivia says.
XXX
After struggling to carry the overstuffed luggage from the car, Fitz drops the heavy bags to the floor and kicks the door close. He looks around and only sees Bowtie sitting at the bottom of the staircase wagging his tail. Fitz scratches the dog under his chin then walks toward the family room.
"I'll take your bags to your room later," Fitz says, handing Calvin the car keys.
"Did you get the two bags from the backseat, Fitzgerald?" Gwendolyn says, staring up at her son-in-law's flush face."
"I didn't realize …. I'll get them later," beginning to sit down on the sofa next to his wife.
"If you don't mind getting them now — I have medicine in the small purple case. It needs to be refrigerated."
"Of course," Fitz says, sneaking his wife a look of frustration as he turns to leave the room.
"And Fitzgerald — look under the driver's seat — I believe I left my water bottle there," Calvin says.
Got it," Fitz says tightly as he walks from the family room. Bowtie flashes him a sympathetic look and follows him outside to the car.
"Mom — would you like to take a nap before dinner?"
"A hot bath and a soft bed are exactly what I need," Gwendolyn says, standing from the chair. "Livvia—don't forget to put my medicine in the refrigerator. It must be stored at a certain temperature."
"Will do, mom," Olivia says, watching her weary mother walk from the room.
"Cena — how about you show me your aquarium?" Calvin says as he stands holding Jolie in his arms.
"Yay," Jolie squeals, punctuating her outburst with a fist pump.
"Come on, GrandPop," Cena says, pulling her grandfather from the room by the hand.
XXX
A hot bath is exactly what Gwendolyn needed to wash away the last few days of traveling from the continent of Africa to the States. After shampooing her hair with her favorite natural hair products, she quickly twists the thick locs before wrapping her head in a colorful silk scarf. As she crawls under the warm, cozy down comforter, a smile plays on her lips. She hopes dinner tonight will be leftovers from Thanksgiving. She has not had turkey and cornbread stuffing since last Thanksgiving.
XXX
"What are you doing in here?" Olivia asks as she walks into the nursery and sees Fitz sitting in one of the rocking chairs.
"The babies will be here in a few weeks," he says wistfully.
"They will," Olivia replies, rubbing her stomach through the thin nightgown.
"Do you think they should share a crib? They've been together for so long. Maybe we should bring the cribs into our bedroom. It'll be easier for a while."
"Babe — are you getting nervous?"
"Not nervous. I just want to make sure they're not traumatized."
"Traumatized? Aren't you being extreme?" She says, sitting down on his lap and leaning back against his chest.
"I just want to make sure they're comfortable and safe."
"I think we have to figure it out once they get here, babe. I suspect there will be a combination of sleeping arrangements for a while. Fitzgerald the Fourth may be a heavy sleeper and Penelope may wake up at the sound of a pin drop."
"We haven't decided on names yet, Liv."
"I thought we did," she says, twisting her body around and staring into his eyes.
"I said I would think about the girl's name. I also said I didn't want another Fitzgerald in this family. I mean that, Liv," he says in a tone of finality.
"Then we're back to square one."
"Penelope can be the girl's middle name."
"Don't you think she needs a first name first?"
"Daisy," he says with a smile. Olivia stares at him for a long moment pondering the name. She wonders how he settled on Daisy.
"Daisy," she echoes.
"Do you like it?" He asks, the tips of his fingers rubbing her stomach.
"I do. Daisy. Penelope. Grant. One down — one to go."
"Your mother is knocked out."
"She is. She's also upset that their trip was delayed. Dad switched airlines. I wonder why he decided to change this time."
"People fly the airline that suits their needs."
"But he didn't tell mom he was changing this time."
"Don't make a big deal out of it — I'm sure it's nothing. Let's get to bed."
XXX
The faint laughter emanating from somewhere in the house and the rumble in her stomach stir Gwendolyn from her nap. Eyes slowly opening, she stretches her arms skyward. She feels refreshed. It feels wonderful to sleep in a comfortable bed again. Ready for leftovers, she crawls from the bed and heads for the kitchen.
With brow knitted, Gwendolyn stands in the kitchen doorway scanning the scene. She is confused. Instead of leftover turkey and all the trimmings, the granite island top is lined with an assortment of breakfast foods.
"Look who has decided to join us," Calvin says, standing to greet his wife with a kiss on her cheek.
"Good morning, Gwendolyn," Fitz says, pecking his mother-in-law on her other cheek. "I have to get to the office. We'll catch up later. Come on, Princess — you don't want to miss the bus."
Gwendolyn looks at her daughter for an explanation.
"Mom — you slept through the night. Sit down and let Jeffries fix you some breakfast."
"You mean I slept all night? Why didn't someone wake me?" Looking over at her husband.
"You obviously needed your rest, dear," Calvin says, not looking up from the newspaper.
"Bye, Nana. I'll show you my fish when I come home from school. Okay?"
"Okay, baby," kissing Cena's cheek.
"Bye, mommy. Bye, GrandPop. Bye, Jeffries. Bye, Jo."
"Have a good day, Cee," Olivia says, giving her daughter a hug and kiss.
"Mom — this is Jeffries. Jeffries — this is my mother, Gwendolyn Pope."
"Good morning, Mrs. Pope," Jeffries says, turning from the stove with hand extended and a broad smile.
"Jeffries — it's so nice to meet you. My daughter has told me so much about you," accepting Jeffries' warm and not-too-firm handshake with a smile. Calvin rolls his eyes.
"I hope it was all good," Jeffries returns the smile.
"Of course. Livvia has nothing but wonderful praises for you," Gwendolyn says, still holding on to Jeffries' hand.
"Sit down Gwennie and have some breakfast. I'm sure you're famished by now," Calvin says tersely.
"What can I get you for breakfast, Mrs. Pope?"
"Surprise me," Gwendolyn replies, still smiling.
"I'll whip you up something right away. There is fruit and breakfast rolls on the table to get you started."
"The rolls are nothing like Hilde's," Calvin says with disdain as he downs the last of his coffee.
"I'm sure they're wonderful. Livvia says Jeffries is a fabulous cook," winking at her daughter. Calvin catches the action and clears his throat.
"What are we going to do today, Gwennie? Shall we visit Reverend Walker at Triumph?"
"I'm not sure I'm ready for that today, dear. I'm still recovering from our trip around the world. Livvia — the kitchen is absolutely stunning. The pictures you sent don't do it justice. I would never have thought to put velvet chairs in a kitchen."
"The decorator did a fantastic job. I'll show you the nursery after breakfast."
"I can't wait to see it," Gwendolyn says, bringing the cup of tea to her lips.
"Maybe we can go shopping later this week to get a few more things for the babies," Olivia suggests.
"That sounds like fun," Gwendolyn says, spooning fruit onto her plate.
"Here you are, Mrs. Pope," Jeffries says, setting a plate in front of her.
"This looks delightful, Jeffries. I'm sure I'll eat every morsel."
"Let me know if I can get you anything else," Jeffries says, setting a glass of apple juice on the table. Gwendolyn looks at him with surprise.
"Mrs. Grant is very informative."
"Thank you, Jeffries. You're so thoughtful."
"Can I get you anything else, Mr. Pope? More coffee - perhaps?"
"I can pour my own coffee, young man. Thank you all the same," Calvin says, walking over to the coffee maker. "Livvia — the newspaper says Fitzgerald is dragging his feet on making a decision about funding the schools. What's his hesitation?"
"If there isn't anything else — I will start my other chores," Jeffries says, wanting to give the family time alone.
"My breakfast is absolutely scrumptious, Jeffries. If you cook like this all the time — I may never return to Senegal."
"I'm glad you're enjoying it, Mrs. Pope. Excuse me," Jeffries says, exiting the kitchen with Jolie following close behind him.
Once she is sure Jeffries is out of earshot, Gwendolyn leans over and whispers to her daughter.
"You were right — Jeffries is absolutely divine. He certainly could be Lenny's twin."
"I told you," Olivia says with a soft laugh.
"Ladies — if you don't mind — I would like to discuss this school situation— not a Lenny Kravitz wannabe."
Olivia and Gwendolyn look at each other and burst out laughing.
XXX
Staring down at the documents spread over the desk, Fitz knows he needs to make a decision about funding the schools. It has been over two months since he received the consultants' recommendations and all the stakeholders are getting restless. No - they are restless. Mayor Barksdale is willing to support whatever he decides but decide he must. Councilwoman Chalmers can guarantee him the Education Committee's vote and the Superintendent of Schools support, but he needs to decide. The soft knock on the door pulls Fitz from his thoughts and he sighs.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, sir — but I have another message from Councilman Moton's assistant. She says it is urgent that the councilman meet with you."
"Thank you, Mrs. Handley," extending his hand to take the slip of paper. "I'll take care of it."
Mrs. Handley nods her head and turns to leave.
"Mrs. Handley— can you give me the name of the roaster in Connecticut who makes this wonderful coffee? My in-laws are in town for a while and I'm sure my father-in-law will enjoy it."
"I'll get you the information right away. They have a website so it shouldn't take too long to get it."
"Thank you, Mrs. Handley."
When the door closes, Fitz balls the note and tosses it into the trash can. He is not interested in discussing anything with Darius Moton.
XXX
With arms folded across his chest, Calvin strokes his chin and stares at the partially completed map hanging on the wall. For the past week he has wondered why it is hanging there.
"Fitzgerald has been working late these past few nights," Calvin says, not taking his eyes off the map.
"Council is very busy these days, dad," Olivia replies, rubbing her stomach.
"Why is it taking him so long to make a decision about the schools? He knows what needs to be done. Just do it for god's sake."
"Dad —please. I don't want to discuss my husband's work."
"He must know — "
"Not now, Calvin," Gwendolyn interjects, admonishing her husband.
"Why is this map on the wall? What's its purpose?" Calvin asks.
"Fitz was teaching the girls — Cee and Asha — about U.S. geography. I don't think they've touched it since Asha left. It seems like they stopped somewhere in the mid-west."
"Have you heard anything from Asha?"
"Not a thing, mom. I don't think we'll ever hear from her again."
"That's a shame. I hope she's all right."
"Me too."
"I'll help Cena to complete the map. We can't teach her it's all right to leave things half done," Calvin says as a yawn escapes his throat. "Speaking of done — it's been a long day. I'm exhausted from walking around that mall buying baby clothes. How many clothes does an infant need? Where are they going?" Shaking his head in disapproval. "I'm going to bed. Are you coming, Gwennie?"
"In a few minutes, dear. I want to talk with Livvia a while longer."
"Good night, dad," Olivia says, accepting her father's kiss on the cheek.
"Livvia — you look exhausted. Your father is right — I think we stayed at the mall too long."
"My feet are killing me."
"Put them up on the table. That'll give you some relief."
Olivia stretches her legs across the coffee table and sighs as she looks down at her swollen feet. They look like two small boats.
"I can't wait for this pregnancy to be over. Carrying one baby is enough — but carrying two…"
"I can only imagine. Have you and Fitzgerald decided on names yet?"
"Daisy. Penelope. Grant — for the girl," grimacing as she rubs the side of her stomach.
"Are you all right?"
"I'm fine. I shouldn't have eaten that spicy Thai food. But I couldn't resist."
"It was good — but I'm going to suffer later — too. I'll take an antacid before going to bed."
Mother and daughter both chuckle at their predicament.
"Daisy Penelope is a nice name. Traditional."
"Fitz likes Daisy. I do — too. Cee likes Penelope."
"I'm sure Fitzgerald wants his son to have his name —the family name."
"He wants anything but that."
"What do you mean?"
"With everything that's been going on between him and his father — Fitz doesn't want to carry the name Fitzgerald forward."
"So - they haven't resolved their differences?"
"No. They just don't talk."
"That's a shame."
"I'm so glad you and dad are here," sliding her hand across the sofa to caress her mother's hand.
"Me too, baby. Livvia — have you thought about having a tubal ligation?"
"Mom!"
"Just listen to me.You're going to have a lot more on your plate soon. A mother of four — a wife — a demanding career. You won't have the bandwidth to have more babies. If you decide on a tubal ligation — you should let Dr. Perry know at your next prenatal visit."
With downcast eyes, Olivia stares at her boat feet.
"What's the matter, Livvia? I didn't mean to upset you. Have as many children as you like. I'm sure Fitzgerald would love if you had ten more babies."
"It's not that," Olivia says, brushing the tear from her cheek.
"Then what is it?" Gwendolyn says with concern.
"I no longer work for Bryson Foods. I resigned my position."
"I see," Gwendolyn says, giving her daughter time to fill in the details.
"I couldn't work for Fred any longer. The man is a sexist – among other things. I told Fred about what happened to Kelly and he wasn't interested in hearing any of it. He had no desire to find out the truth. I expected more from him. I couldn't work for a man who doesn't respect women."
Gwendolyn remains silent, slowly nodding her head up and down.
"What are you thinking, mom?" Olivia asks, studying the expression on her mother's face.
"Livvia — you're a grown woman and I try to stay out of your business."
"Say what's on your mind, mom."
"I've said this before. It just seems like you've had so much turmoil in your life since you befriended Kelly and Asha."
"Are you saying I shouldn't have resigned? Are you saying I should've continued working for a man who thinks a poor Black woman is less valuable than his white male executive?"
"You know that isn't what I'm saying."
"Then what are you saying, mom?"
"You and Fitzgerald have been fighting Kelly and Asha's battles for a long time. Kelly's gone. Asha's gone. When does it end?"
"Popes fight for people who cannot fight for themselves. Isn't that what you and dad taught me? Isn't that what you're doing in Senegal?"
"We didn't teach you to be a martyr, Livvia."
"I'm not being a martyr, mom. What happened to Kelly could've happened to me - too."
"What's done is done," Gwendolyn says, not wanting to upset her daughter any further.
"Don't you think it devastated me to walk away from the philanthropy? I could've provided so many needed resources to the people. The community trusted me and I failed them."
"Have you thought about what you want to do next?"
"Yes. I want to have these babies as soon as possible," Olivia's stomach shakes as she chuckles.
"Wouldn't it be wonderful if the babies arrive on Christmas Day?"
"I don't think so. They'll get cheated for the rest of their lives. Do they get a birthday present — a Christmas present — or both? Will poor Cee and Jo have to share Christmas with their siblings' birthday forever? It'll be a mess."
"You're right. You're right," Gwendolyn laughs softly. "I'm so proud of you, Livvia. You've created a wonderful home for your family. You're a devoted wife — a loving mother — and a compassionate philanthropist. You're a model for Cena and Jolie. You didn't fail the community."
"Thanks, mom. I'm so glad you're here."
XXX
Fitz leans back in the leather chair, pinches the bridge of his nose, and closes his eyes. He expels a long sigh. His in-laws have been in town for a week and he has not had dinner with them one night. He is grateful that Olivia's parents are with her while he works late. He does not like the idea of her being home alone in the evenings with the children just weeks before the babies are due. He makes a mental note to take the family to dinner on Friday. He will need to make a reservation.
Rolling his shoulders, trying to remove the kinks, Fitz reaches for the cup of coffee to his left. He grimaces. The coffee is cold. He will ask Mrs. Handley to make another pot when she returns from making copies of the monthly report. A quick glance at his watch indicates the night is not getting any younger. Back to work.
The docket for Thursday's council meeting is jammed pack and he has not finished reading all of the proposed resolutions. In the future, he will ask Mrs. Handley to limit the number of items on the agenda. He reaches for the safe injection sites proposal and smiles. His resourceful wife did not tell him that she and Grayson convinced Councilman Stephens to get the proposal on council's docket. Last year the councilman's son was found dead in an alley down on 52d Street. He overdosed on opioids.
"Burning the midnight oil?" Fitz looks up and stares at the portly man standing in front of his desk.
"Don't you knock?"
"You won't respond to my many, many requests for a meeting. As they say — if the mountain won't come to Mohammed — then …"
"So - you're Mohammed? Pfft." Fitz scoffs. "I'm busy, councilman. I'll have Mrs. Handley schedule a meeting for some time next week."
"Next week won't do. We're discussing this tonight."
"We have nothing to discuss. Get out of my office."
"This won't be your office much longer, Fitz."
Fitz walks around the desk and stares Darius squarely in the eye.
"Tell me, Darius — did you always hate me or is this still about Victoria?"
"It's about every damn thing!" Darius snaps, quickly losing grip on his composure.
"That's what I thought. I'm not interested in revisiting the past with you. Go home."
"So smug. So entitled. Let's see how smug you'll be sitting in a prison cell.
"I don't have time for political games, Darius," Fitz says, walking back to the desk to answer the ringing cell phone.
"Buying Black children is now a crime in these United States. Maybe you thought you were exempt because you married a Black woman."
Ignoring the ringing phone, Fitz glares at Darius. He is not sure what the man knows.
"I see I got your attention, Council President. You're not so smug now. Let's see what the citizens of this town will think when they learn their golden boy is nothing more than a modern-day slave trader."
"What the hell are you talking about?"
Smiling like a Cheshire Cat, Darius tosses the manila folder onto the desk.
"Open it. You paid the grandmother a considerable sum of money to buy that little Black girl. That's a federal offense, counselor."
Fitz slides the document from the folder and quickly flips through the pages where he sees his and Barbara Anne's unmistakable signatures. The blood drains from his face.
"That's it. Right there That's the look I wanted to see," Darius says, pointing to Fitz' face. "The look that says I'm screwed."
Darius plops down into one of the chairs situated in front of the desk, plants the sole of his shoe against the desk's edge, and grins broadly. He has waited a long time for this day.
"What do you want?" Fitz says through clenched teeth.
"You're going to step down as Council President — citing wanting to spend more time with your family. That always works. Then you're going to endorse me to be the next mayor of this fine city. The people will embrace your endorsement."
"You're out of your mind. I'll never do it."
"You'll do it – or you'll spend a very — very long time in prison. How would Olivia like that? Take the deal, Fitz.
"Mr. Grant! Mr. Grant!"
"Not now, Mrs. Handley!" Fitz snaps, his eyes not shifting from his nemesis.
"Mr. Grant!"
"I said not now!"
"It's your wife, sir. Mrs. Grant has been taken to the hospital. She's in labor. You're not answering your phone."
Mouth hanging open, Fitz stares at his flustered assistant trying to process the words coming from her mouth. He thinks about what Dr. Perry said at last week's prenatal visit. The babies are not due for another three weeks — two at the earliest."
"Sir — shall I have a car take you to the hospital?"
Hospital. There is that word again he thinks.
"I have to go, Mrs. Handley," struggling to slide on his suit jacket. He snatches his phone from the desk.
"Go. Go," Mrs. Handley smiles as the Council President hurries from the office. She has never seen him so agitated.
"Fitz," Darius calls out as he turns around in the chair. "Congratulations — and give Olivia my best."
"Isn't this exciting, Councilman Moton. Two more babies coming into the world tonight," Mrs. Handley says, clasping her hands to her chest.
"It certainly is, Mrs. Handley. It certainly is," Darius says as he leans back in the chair with a devious smirk on his face.
XXX
Several hours have passed since the Grants began trickling into the hospital's small waiting room, joining Calvin, Gwendolyn, and the girls. The word has spread that Olivia is in labor. Regardless of how dysfunctional the Grants can be at times; they have all showed up to wait for the two newest family members to make their entrance into the world. Bennie started a Zoom call with Nora so she can keep vigil with the rest of the family.
They have not gotten an update from Fitz since he texted John from Olivia's hospital room over an hour ago. Everyone is on edge. Abby looks over at Ethan and Cena who are no longer playing a game on the tablet. They are getting restless.
"Jonathan —why don't you go to the cafeteria and get some food. The children are hungry," Abby says, gently rocking a sleeping Connor in her arms.
Turning to leave, John comes face to face with his brother. Fitz looks haggard, like he has not slept in days. Gwendolyn springs to her feet, searching her son-in-law's face for any sign that something has gone wrong. Calvin stands, holding a sleeping Jolie in his arms. He places a comforting hand on his wife's shoulder. He is nervous, too.
"How is Livvia? Are the babies all right?" Gwendolyn says quickly, worry filling her voice.
"Liv is fine. It was a long delivery — but she's fine. She's sleeping."
"Glory to God," Gwendolyn exhales in relief. "And the babies? How are the babies?"
"The babies are fine. They're perfect. They're in the nursery."
"Praise the Lord," Maura says, squeezing her son's hand.
"Daddy — can I see the babies?" Cena asks tiredly.
"You can see them later, Princess."
"Congratulations, brother."
"Thanks, John. They're amazing," Fitz says, smiling proudly.
"Congratulations, Fitz," Bennie says, handing his brother two cigars. "We'll find a time to smoke them later.
"Thank you, Bennie," Fitz says, giving his brother a hug.
"Hey, Captain. Congratulations. I can't wait to see my newest niece and nephew."
"Thanks, Nora," Fitz says, smiling at Bennie's phone screen thinking his little sister looks happy.
"Tell Liv I'll call her tomorrow. Take care everyone. I gotta go," Nora says cheerfully, ending the Zoom call.
"Congratulations, son," Gerry says, standing from the small seat in the corner and extending a handshake. Fitz' face turns a deep shade of crimson, and in an instant, he is lunging toward his father. Trying to wrap his hands around the man's throat, John and Bennie peel Fitz off their father.
"You bastard! You have the audacity to come here!"
"Fitzgerald," Maura screams in horror.
"I don't want that man any where near my family. Get him out of here before I kill him."
Ethan's eyes are close to bulging from his head. He has never seen Uncle Fitz so angry. Abby holds Connor close to her chest and drapes a protective arm over Ethan's shoulder, thinking Fitzgerald is such a hothead.
"You should leave, dad," John says, holding back his enraged brother with a stiff arm.
"Let's go, Gerry," Maura says, grabbing her purse from the tiny table. "Fitzgerald — I will come back tomorrow to visit Olivia and the babies. Good night Gwendolyn, Calvin," she mutters as she hurries from the room in embarrassment.
"What the heck is wrong with you? You need to calm down. Now! Your children are here."
John orders his brother.
Fitz looks over at Cena. Her bottom lip is trembling and tears stream down her face. He squats down in front of her and softens his tone.
"Come here, Princess. Daddy didn't mean to scare you," reaching for his daughter's hand.
"No, daddy!" Cena yells. She snatches her hand away and runs to her Uncle John.
John scoops up his niece in his arms and Cena immediately buries her face against his neck. The thumb slides into her mouth.