"So the start to Karen's birthday weekend has been good then? She had a good time at the beach today?" Olivia asked, smiling at her boyfriend over FaceTime.

"Oh, yes. It was a beautiful day and she was very happy," he nodded, smiling back.

"Good. I'm so glad to hear that! She deserves the best birthday weekend. And it sounds like you've got it all planned out — my goodness. Beach day today, pool party tomorrow with her friends, and a family get-together on her actual birthday? You're going all out! I love it!"

"I know," he chuckled. "I wondered if it would be too much. But then I thought…no way. It's my little girl. If her birthday's on a Monday, we're going to celebrate all weekend too. Because you're right. She deserves it."

"That, she does," Olivia agreed happily.

"But how about your start to the weekend — your day off? I want to know about your day at the beach today," Fitz said.

"Well, the beach I went to is not nearly as amazing as your beach in Rye. This is just a lake beach. But yes, it was very fun!" Olivia nodded.

"Yeah, a beach is a beach! They're all fun. And I know you've been…itching to get out there and relax on one of your days off. You deserve it too."

"Hell yes — I was excited. I think I did a little dance when my friends and I all actually confirmed we were available to go."

"You did a little dance? I hope you didn't...make a little love too," he said cautiously, but with a smile.

It took her a moment — but she got his "Get Down Tonight" song reference and laughed.

"No. I won't be making a little love or getting down tonight for a hot minute. Which is…really unfortunate, actually. And quite difficult," she admitted.

"Yeah, it is," he nodded.

"Yeah how have you been taking that?" she teased.

"Oh, you mean how...deprived have I been?" he chuckled.

"Mhm. Horny. Thirsty. Lacking," she nodded.

"I mean. I'm not dying by any means. I'm fine. I've certainly gone longer than this before. Way…uh, longer," he said. "But yes. I am definitely looking forward to that aspect of our relationship again. Very much so."

"Yeah," she giggled. "Been a minute, huh?"

"Uh-huh. A really…long minute," he said. "Except, not really — but it feels that way."

"It does, baby. I miss you. I miss you in every single possible way," she said, giving him a frown.

"Me too," he said. "Every way. Like when we were at the beach today…all I could think about was the time I spent with you there. Sitting by you in the sand, watching K out in the water. Reading. Talking, or…just sitting in silence. It didn't matter. I just miss…little things like that, too."

She looked at him sadly and nodded.

"Me too, baby," she agreed.

"But," he shrugged. "I'll be alright. We'll be alright. We've done it thus far."

"Absolutely," she nodded, getting the sense they should change the subject. They didn't need to dwell on the sadness of missing each other too much tonight. They did it often enough.

"So, you said earlier that you and Karen took a picture together at the beach? Can I see?!" she asked happily.

His face brightened and he nodded. "Oh, yeah. Absolutely."

He went quiet for a moment and his screen paused as he sent her the photo.

It didn't take too long for it to come through in their messages. Because before she knew it, she was staring at Fitz with his arm wrapped around his cute little daughter, who was side-hugging him happily. Both were smiling brightly for the camera, the sun slightly in their eyes. And both had the bounciest, damp curls.

"Oh my God — I love this! This is such a nice picture, honey," Olivia noted with a smile.

"Thank you," he smiled back.

But now, she couldn't help but stare at just Fitz for a little longer. Actually — much, much longer.

She bit her lip, scanning his sexy body with a small groan. A groan of sadness that she wasn't in person with him to appreciate that body.

So muscular, and toned. So tall. And Lord, so fucking tan this time of year.

He was gorgeous. Plain and simple.

"Goddd, baby," she whispered, zooming in on his six-pack.

He chuckled on the other end. "What's that?"

"You're just so sexy," she whispered, licking her lips. "Mmm."

His cheeks flushed and he raised his eyebrows.

"Well...thank you," he said, a small smile on his face.

"Oh, you're very welcome," Olivia nodded. "Look at you. My, my."

"Oh...stop," he chuckled, still blushing.

"No, let me compliment you!" she exclaimed. "My man. Mine. In those black board shorts. Showing off that bod. So sexy."

He was so cute. He just shrugged and chuckled at her when she came back to the screen.

"Mmmhm," she giggled. "Now, if we were together right now, I'd be making sure you knew how sexy you were. I'd be...appreciating your body so there'd be no doubt in your mind about it."

His eyes widened and he cleared his throat casually.

"Oh? So uh...how would that go?"

"How would what go?" she smirked.

"You know. If...we were together. What, um...how would you appreciate my body?" he asked.

"Oh, in lots of different ways," she said, wanting to tease him.

"Uh-huh," he nodded. "So if you were to give an example..?"

She giggled at him. He was so funny, trying to be casual about it.

She shrugged nonchalantly though, and gave him a smirk.

"Well, I guess you'll just have to wait until the next time we're together, and I'll show you," she said.

He about stared a hole through his screen, biting his lip as he looked at her.

They both started laughing at his clear interest in her words, and he sighed, shaking his head.

"Babyyyy," he groaned quietly, covering his face with his hand. "Don't...play with me."

She laughed at his clear embarrassment.

"Whattt, baby?" she giggled.

He sighed. "You can't...you can't do that to me."

"Do what?" she teased.

"You know what. I'm...I'm way too pathetic for this," he said.

"And how's that?" she asked

"Because. You...you say one suggestive thing and I'm about ready to get on my knees and beg you for more...uh, information," he chuckled.

She smirked back at him.

"Oh, sweetie. No need to get on your knees. I'll be the one on my knees when I see you again," she assured him.

His jaw dropped, and his dick twitched just at her words.

What?! And...yes, please?!

He let out another sigh and shook his head. "Oh, fuck."

"Nice assessment," she laughed.

He smiled at her, still a little embarrassed.

"Well. If your plan was to rile me up, you've already been successful," he admitted, looking down at his shorts. They now had a bulge forming.

"Hmmm," she wondered. "That was only...part of my plan."

As she spoke, she started removing her shirt. She pulled it over her head and revealed her bare breasts, as she wasn't wearing a bra underneath.

It took him about a split second to see what she was doing, and then he immediately watched closer.

She tossed her shirt to the side and smiled at him, giving him the full view.

He didn't say anything at first, he just sat back in bed more relaxed, and let out a content sigh.

He felt his pants tighten more, too, as he appreciated the view.

"Hmm," he said, a big smile on his face. "Now this is...this is nice. I like this plan a lot."

"I thought you would," she said, reaching down her body. It was too far below the screen for him to see what she was doing, but he could tell by her motions. He could tell she was getting naked for him right now.

He licked his lips and watched in anticipation, smiling lazily at her.

"Mhm," he nodded encouragingly. "That's...that's good. Really good."

His hands slowly went to the bottom of his shirt so he could remove his clothing with her.

This all seemed like just what he needed right now.

She watched him too, smiling when she saw that he was shirtless. After that, he freed his erection from the constraints of his shorts and boxers. And soon, both were completely naked in their beds, clothes scattered across their floors.

"Let me see you," she said.

He was quick to give her the best view he could. A view from further away, where she could see his dick and his chest.

"Mmm. Someone's ready to go," she noted, staring at his hard dick.

It was very pleasing to see.

He started touching himself for her, confirming her words.

He'd grown to be a bit more comfortable in this situation over the phone. Because first of all, they didn't really have another option at the moment. And second of all, he wanted to be more comfortable doing it. For these exact moments. It wasn't something he'd been familiar with doing before, but if they were both feeling it — why not.

"Let me see," he said, stroking himself slowly.

she turned her camera around and let him see how wide open her legs were, and her finger circling her clit.

He saw that she was already touching herself and he let out a slow sigh, watching carefully.

"Oh God. So...wide," he whispered. "So flexible."

"You know it's just for you. All for you," she replied.

"All…for me," he whispered, slowly stroking his dick while he watched her.

"Mmhm."

"I like…the sound of that," he said, feeling himself grow wet against his hand.

"And I like that," she said, licking her lips with a smirk as she stared. "Mmm, look at that. Look at you."

The sound of him stroking his wet dick filled both of their ears, as more of his wetness seeped out of his tip.

She didn't even have to be touching herself right now; she could just as easily be watching him and be perfectly happy. But, it did feel nice to give herself some attention, too.

"So…big. I miss feeling how big you are inside me," she admitted in a whisper.

"Yeah?" he asked, lazily stroking himself.

"Mhm," she nodded. "I miss it so much."

"I miss it too. I miss…feeling you," he replied. "Tight…wet. Just…amazing."

"Sounds like we make the best team, don't we?" she said, biting her lip.

"Yeah…yeah we do," he said breathlessly. "I guess we just…fit perfectly."

"Oh, you know we do," she nodded, dipping a finger inside herself.

Her body clenched up briefly, but she soon relaxed, watching him. Watching his dick glistening so wet on camera just had such a calming effect. What a beautiful view.

"God I miss your body," she whispered, fingering herself at a steady pace now.

"I miss yours," he whispered back. "I…I love having your pictures on my phone. I really…love it."

She laughed and smiled at him.

"Fitzgerald Thomas Grant, you horny man, you," she smirked.

"W-what? You…you sent them first. And…and taught me how to save them behind a password for my eyes only on Snapchat," he reasoned, panting hard.

"I know I did, baby. I'm kidding," she giggled. "And you know what — I'll send you more."

"Yeah?" he asked hopefully.

"Yeah. 'Cause I love the thought of you getting off while looking at my pictures late at night when you miss me," she whispered.

Her words, her confessions, and her fingering herself for him to see right now were such a turn-on.

And his face burned red at the moment, because he did do exactly what she'd just said. He'd done it just two nights ago.

She couldn't see his face. But she recognized his silence and knew he was blushing. And she smiled.

"You think I don't know you do that, honey?" she asked, continuously watching him touch himself.

"Um…I don't…I don't know," he stammered.

"You do. I know you do," she whispered.

He nodded slowly, picking up his pace with his wrist.

"I…do. I do," he admitted.

"Me too," she admitted back. "I can't help it."

She certainly had photos of her own that only she had access to behind a password on Snapchat. Photos of him, that helped her when she was in need.

"I can't help it…either," he panted, stroking more quickly.

Ha was panting steadily now, feeling like he wasn't going to be able to keep this chatting up anymore because he was too far gone.

"Olivia — I can't. I can't…hold off anymore," he groaned, trying to slow his wrist movements. But it felt too good. Hearing her voice, and getting the close up of her naked body. That was just too much.

"Perfect. Don't hold off — let go," she encouraged him. "And let me see all of it."

The truth was, she was getting there too. She knew her body well — she knew just what to do if she wanted to get there quickly. So she sped the process up a little bit, keeping her eyes on his throbbing dick while she throbbed, herself.

A small moan escaped his lips and his eyes closed as he neared the edge. Then his whole body tightened up.

"Oh — fuck," he got out quietly.

Moments after, he finished, the spurts of cum landing on his chest. He could almost feel how that affected her, too.

She went harder, and she began to moan louder. It wasn't long before he saw the aftermath of her orgasm, too.

He watched it with bated breath, licking his lips at the beautiful show he was given. He'd given her a hell of one too, so it was only fair.

So up close. So personal. And about as intimate as they could be while thousands of miles away.

When she moaned his name — his heart lurched in his chest, and he savored the sound in his head. And when her breaths started to slow, and she pulled her dripping fingers out of her, he was honestly a little sad.

But there they laid. Naked, exhausted — but still quite intrigued in what was on the other end of their phones, and covered in their own cum.

It hadn't been the first time this had happened between them this summer over FaceTime. And it certainly wasn't the same as physically connecting. But it was still intimate, and nice. That — they couldn't complain about.

"So…wet," he noted quietly, appreciating her wet fingers on the screen.

"Not as wet as you can get me," she whispered. "But yeah. I had to give you a good one."

"That was…a great one. I loved it," he said, laying back on his pillow lazily.

She studied him more closely now and laughed.

"Oh, baby. What a mess," she said quietly, looking at his abdomen — covered in cum.

"I know. Look…what you did," he chuckled.

"I'm pretty proud of what I did," she smiled.

"Yeah," he laughed, letting out a tired sigh. "That felt good, baby, thank you."

"Mmhm, thank you," she nodded, as they both flipped their screens back to their faces. "I miss being able to do that myself, though."

"Me too," he agreed. "So much."

"But I'm down for these FaceTime calls, whenever they happen," she smiled.

"I enjoy…these FaceTime calls," he chuckled sleepily.

"When was the last time you…took care of things yourself?" she whispered, very intrigued.

"Uh…" he wondered aloud. "Two…days ago."

"Oh yeah?" she asked.

"Mhm," he nodded.

"I love that," she whispered. "You need it, honey. You're so stressed all the time. You need it."

"Yeah, it is…a stress reliever, I'll admit that," he nodded. "But I'm…I'm alright. You don't have to worry about that," he assured her with a chuckle.

"Worry about your sexual satisfaction? Of course I do," she nodded. "It's very important to me."

He laughed. "Baby. I appreciate that. But I uh…I do hope you remember, I…used to be very familiar with not having sex. Or…doing literally anything. For…months at a time."

"Yes, I do remember that era. Unfortunately," she nodded, thinking of him and Mellie. Ew. "And my, oh my, were you sexually frustrated."

He shrugged, nodded. "Probably true."

"Um, definitely true," she laughed. "But I was too. It happens."

"At least we fixed that," he pointed out.

"We definitely fixed that. Well. Except for…maybe during this summer, as we discussed earlier tonight," she laughed. "But we can't exactly control that."

"I think we control it as best we can," he replied. "I think we…handle this pretty well."

They both agreed, looking down at their current states — that that was true.

"Yeah. True. As I…currently wipe up my own cum," she laughed, taking care of some things.

"Aww," he said, giving her a brief sad face. But he supposed he should probably tend to that, himself, too.

"Hey. Don't worry. I'm sure we'll find ourselves in a very similar situation again," she giggled.

He nodded in agreement as he cleaned up with a few tissues. "Also true."

"So, baby. Tell me then," she spoke up again.

"Tell you what?" he asked curiously.

"Tell me where you…take care of it when you need it," she smirked.

He chuckled, looking at her confused.

"Oh, don't even," she laughed. "Come on. Where's your spot?"

He cleared his throat and scratched his head. "Uh. The uh...the shower. Or...at night, here in bed."

"Mmm," she nodded. "How often?"

He tilted his head in thought. "Depends."

"On?" she asked.

"Um. Well, how...horny I am, I suppose," he chuckled. "Or how often I talk to you. 'Cause when I, uh…well. When I talk to you, I…I'm usually feeling like I want to, more often."

"Oh, is that right?" she smiled.

"Yeah. You're powerful," he nodded.

"So are you," she said, giving him a wink.

"Hmm. So then…what about you?" he asked.

"Also depends," she replied. "Often, though. Much more often this summer than…I ever used to. You changed me."

"I did?" he chuckled.

"Yeah. You've made me a much hornier person," she admitted.

He nodded in agreement.

"I guess…that's fair. You did the same to me. Definitely," he agreed.

"I personally love it, so thank you," she laughed.

"You're…welcome. Thank you too," he chuckled, trying to hide his yawn.

"You sleepy over there, smiley?" she asked.

He was. He really was. But it was always hard to agree to hang up. To stop hearing her voice.

"Yeah. But…but that's okay. Little longer is good," he reasoned.

She smiled at him. "You sure?"

"Mhm. Yeah. Tell me about your day again. Tell me about work. Tell me…more about how horny I make you," he prompted, which had her bursting into laughter. "Anything is good. Just love...to hear your voice."

She tilted her head, looking at her sleepy, naked, sweet-as-hell boyfriend.

God, she loved him.

So she talked more, about everything. How her week had gone, funny things that had happened at work yesterday, the kids she refereed, all of it. There was a permanent smile on his face as she talked, and she loved that.

But eventually, he looked like he couldn't stay awake anymore. And she, too, was pretty tired.

"Hey, baby, I'll let you go to sleep, okay?" she asked softly.

"You don't have to," he replied softly, blinking slowly.

"I don't want my man to be tired tomorrow. Another day of the amazing birthday weekend!" she said.

"Yeah, yeah, I know," he chuckled quietly.

"I'm going to go to sleep too, baby, I'm tired," she whispered.

He nodded. "Okay, baby. We'll talk tomorrow? I'll call you?"

"Absolutely," she replied. "I'll see your handsome face tomorrow."

"I like the sound of that," he nodded.

"You take your meds?" she asked softly.

He nodded. "Before I called you."

"Good," she nodded with relief. "I love you, my smiley."

He smiled tiredly, but so adoringly at her. "I love you."

She sighed. "Alright. Let me see you one more time, though. It will lead to amazing dreams, I'm sure of it," she said.

He chuckled, but didn't hesitate to bring his phone higher and give her the full-body view of his naked self.

"Ahh, yes," she nodded, appreciatively. "That's the stuff."

"My turn," he said.

She was also happy to do the same, giving him one more peek of her body.

"Sweet dreams, indeed," he nodded, absorbing every last amazing view that he could.

"I'll talk to you tomorrow, honey," she giggled.

"Okay. Talk then. I...love you. I know I already said it but I'm...saying it again. I love you."

"I love you so much," she whispered with a smile. "I love you."

They both lingered a little longer, until they were forced to hang up because they could barely keep their eyes open any longer.

Fitz would sleep naked, but that was the last thing he needed; someone randomly coming downstairs in the morning, even though they never did, and walking in on that. Not worth it.

So he tiredly washed up and got rid of any remnants of his masturbating phone call, threw on a pair of shorts, and collapsed back in bed. He was asleep in minutes — partly because he was exhausted, and partly because of the new anxiety medication he was on. It seemed to really help him sleep, which was a plus, and the only thing he'd noticed about it so far.

And when he did fall asleep, he dreamed of Olivia.

The next morning, though, he got up decently early. Because today was pool party day for Karen, and he and Mellie had some last-minute preparing to do for the occasion.

The house was pretty clean already; they'd had their cleaning service over on Friday during the day for this very reason. But there were still some things that needed to be gone over again just for good measure.

Plus, they had to get the pool ready and set out some tables with snacks and drinks.

Oh, the joys of preparing for a child's birthday party. Everything had to be perfect.

Mellie got up early too, and they teamed up all morning to ensure everything was ready.

And the first half of the day seemed to go by quickly with all that running around, because before they knew it, it was 1:00, and Karen's friends were showing up to the house.

Casey was there far before 1:00, simply because she was Karen's best friend in the entire world. But Fitz recognized many of the other kids that showed up from past birthday parties, too. A good mix of boys and girls — all excited to see Karen, enjoy treats outside, and swim in the pool.

And that's what they all did. Fitz and Mellie wanted to let them all be, since kids tended not to appreciate their parents hovering during a party. But, they did make sure to stay outside and keep an eye on things, just to be sure that everyone was being safe and careful. And they kept an eye out for any treats or drinks that needed replenishing.

So they sat together in the sun, further away from the pool — just watching, relaxing, and enjoying the happiness that radiated from their daughter on her birthday weekend.

It was nice these days, to sit with Mellie. Normal, even.

Before, them sitting in silence was usually due to the fact that they were upset with each other, or just plain old didn't want to talk. But now, their silence was often broken with casual chatting here and there. And if not, the silence was just comfortable. Not filled with tension, or annoyance. Just normal.

Although, the conversation they were having right now was not Fitz's favorite in the world…

"Those boys are quite eager for her attention over there," Mellie said, lowering her sunglasses to analyze from afar.

Fitz sighed, shaking his head playfully. "Nope, nope, nope."

"Oh relax. They're in middle school," she chuckled.

"Oh yes, I'm aware. I know how middle school boys are," he said, peering over at her.

He then did a quick glance at the pool to see.

Yeah. Mellie was right. Every boy that was present at the party was at least very near Karen at the moment.

"I suppose you do know. You were one at one point," Mellie nodded with a laugh.

"Uh-huh," he agreed. "Trouble."

"Oh, as if you were any trouble," Mellie said doubtfully.

"No. I wasn't. But plenty are, I can assure you that," he chuckled.

"True. Well, these boys all seem very sweet and harmless. And very polite! But, they do clearly enjoy her attention," Mellie said. "She seems particularly interested in one, though. I think…Tanner, is his name."

"Mhm," he nodded. "I've noticed, actually. Let's not talk about it."

Both looked at each other and started to laugh.

"How much of a crazy, protective dad are you going to be when…the time comes and she wants to date someone? Or…brings someone home for the first time?" Mellie asked playfully.

He chuckled and shrugged. "I don't know. I…obviously don't…love the thought of it. In my eyes, she's always going to be…my baby girl. But…I'm also aware that she just keeps getting older every day. And I will never get in the way of someone she likes, who likes her back. As long as they…treat her right. And…if they don't? Well. Then maybe I'll have to…turn the crazy, protective dad up a notch. Or…quite a few notches. Because that's not going to work for me."

"Sounds like a good plan to me," Mellie laughed. "As long as…that person she brings home someday, is right for her. As long as they fit. That's all I care about."

Fitz nodded at her, knowing they were both thinking of themselves — who'd had the exact opposite of that. As long as Karen didn't settle out of fear and obligation as they had, she would be in a much better spot.

"Me too," Fitz nodded. "It's crazy we're even talking about this right now. It's crazy…how fast the time flies. She really is…eleven. Eleven!"

"Eleven," Mellie nodded with a sigh. "But. Like you said. She'll always be our little girl. Our little baby."

He smiled, looking back at the pool, scanning for Karen.

And there she was, helping one of her friends get out of the deep end of the pool. Extending an arm to pull her out. Afterward, they all quickly and carefully walked to the end of the pool to dive right back in off the diving board. And the huge, contagious smile never left her face the entire time.

Her happiness made him happy. And it made his own smile grow, too.

"Always," he said.

"You'll get to see so many fun people tomorrow right? Both grandmas, your favorite aunt, your cousins? Maybe FaceTime Abby and David?" Fitz asked, as he took his turn to say goodnight to Karen. Mellie had already had her turn.

"I know," she smiled. "And Olivia too, maybe?"

"That's right. Olivia too. She told me," he agreed with a smile.

"She did?!" Karen asked.

"Mhm," he replied.

"Yay!" Karen exclaimed quietly, putting her arms up in the air. "That will be fun! I wish…she could be here though."

His smile faded a bit and he nodded.

"Me too, K," he agreed.

She recognized his mood change immediately. She looked at him intently, before speaking quietly with slight hesitance.

"You miss her, daddy."

He looked over at her surprisedly, and shrugged. He didn't think right now, the night before her birthday, was the greatest time to get into all the details of everything he could get into. But he sure as hell was done lying about things that were just blatantly true.

"Absolutely I do," he agreed.

Karen smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Like…a lot?" she questioned.

He nodded slowly. "Yeah. A lot. What about you?"

She giggled slightly. "Yeah."

"She's pretty great, huh," he said.

She nodded again. "Mhm. I hope…we get to see her a lot more when she comes back."

Now he paused for a minute, thinking about his next words carefully.

"Well," he began softly. "What do you think about…having her over at our new house after we move?"

She tilted her head. "You mean like…more than one time?"

He nodded. "Yes. Much more than one time. Maybe even…often?"

Her face brightened at his words.

"I would love that, daddy," she smiled.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

He gave her a small smile. "Daddy would love that too."

Karen smirked at him. "I know."

They both smiled at each other, waiting for the other to say something. He could feel himself blushing — probably visible to her in the glow of her bedside lamp.

Neither said anything for a few moments, though, so he reached out and poked her side playfully. Which, then broke them out of their smiling contest and made her start to giggle.

"How'd you know?" he questioned.

She shrugged, looking at him with those big, blue eyes of hers.

"I just knew, dad."

He nodded and shrugged. "Fair enough. You are the smartest little girl I know."

"In the whole multiverse?" she asked hopefully.

"The whole thing."

She giggled happily and he leaned in to peck her cheek.

"Alright, you. You better get some sleep. You want to be rested for volleyball. But most importantly — your birthday," he smiled.

"Yeah. You're right, daddy," she replied.

"Okay," he said, tapping his cheek.

She leaned in and kissed his cheek with a smile, and then he tucked her in.

"Goodnight, birthday girl. I can't wait to celebrate with you!" he said.

"Goodnight, dad. I can't wait either!"

"I'll see you in the morning. I love you," he whispered, heading out of her room.

"I love you too, dad."

He flashed her another smile before he gently closed her door and let out a small sigh.

That conversation about Olivia that they'd just had played back in his head. It made him smile to himself as he headed downstairs to call her before bed.

As he grew closer and closer to telling his daughter about him and Olivia, he felt more and more confident.

Confident that she already had some idea as to the closeness of their relationship.

And confident that even if she didn't know already, she'd be happy when she did find out.

Right now, that was all he could hope for.

Fitz stuck two candles inside the stack of steaming, buttered waffles he'd just recently poured lots of syrup over. The two number "1" candles together reflected the age that miss Karen officially had turned today.

Eleven.

And he lit them at just the perfect time. He and Mellie, who was currently arranging their daughter's stack of presents on the counter, had heard Karen moving around in her room. Based on that, they'd tried to gauge when to start her birthday breakfast.

And they'd done it perfectly.

Shortly thereafter, there were little footsteps skipping down the stairs, followed by the smiling face of their birthday girl.

"There she is!" Mellie said happily.

"Happy birthday!" they exclaimed together.

Karen gasped, smiling at the sight in front of her.

Fresh homemade waffles, and some presents, too. All before 8:30 in the morning, even!

"Oh wow! Thank you!" Karen giggled, happily skipping over to her nearest parent, her mom, and giving her a big hug.

"Happy birthday, baby. I cannot believe you are eleven! How do you feel? Any older?" Mellie asked with a smile.

Karen laughed. "Hmm…I think I feel the same. But I bet I'm a little wiser."

Both Mellie and Fitz started to laugh at that statement.

"I bet you are," Mellie agreed, kissing the top of her head.

Karen then ran over to her dad, who was awaiting her, for a big hug.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart," Fitz said, squeezing her tight.

"Thanks, daddy," she smiled, wrapping her arms around him. "I get to blow out candles this morning too?!"

They all looked at the lit candles stuck inside her waffles and Fitz nodded.

"Absolutely you do. Just those two this morning. But don't worry, later tonight on your cake, we'll make sure to put eleven individual candles, and…you can see if you can blow them out in one try," he assured her with a wink.

Karen giggled. "Yay! Thank you!"

"You're welcome. And...if you want, you can open your presents after breakfast. Or, you can wait until later. Whatever you want. Mom's got them all set up so nicely over there."

"Thank you, mom! And thank you for the waffles, dad. I feel like…such a birthday girl!" she said, smiling as she scooted onto a stool to eat.

"That's because you are the birthday girl," Mellie replied, coming around to kiss her cheek.

Fitz stood on the opposite side, kissing Karen's other cheek before she blew out her two breakfast candles.

"You make a wish?" Mellie asked.

"Mhm," Karen smiled. "But you know the rules, mom. I can't tell."

Mellie chuckled. "I do know the rules, you're right. You want some orange juice to go with those waffles?"

"Yes, please," she nodded, cutting into her waffles.

"You got it."

"Dad. Are you missing your morning at work to be here?" Karen asked thoughtfully.

"Don't worry about that. Work can wait," he said. "My daughter's birthday breakfast cannot. I'll just head out after you open any presents, and make sure to be back to pick you up from volleyball."

"Well, I think I decided I'm going to wait to open my presents till after dinner. Then I get to think about them all day and be excited. And, I'm super patient. I can do it," Karen nodded confidently.

Both Fitz and Mellie chuckled again.

"Well, that is very patient of you," Fitz agreed.

"Hopefully Hank doesn't open them while we're all gone today," Mellie teased, pouring Karen some orange juice.

Karen laughed. "Well, as long as you didn't get me dog treats, I think Hank will stay away from them!"

Mellie sighed, looking at Fitz jokingly.

"Oh, no. She caught us!" Mellie teased.

"Dang it. How'd you know we got you dog treats for your birthday?" Fitz gasped, leaning down for a few tickles.

Karen was giggling harder now, feeling his tickling fingers.

"Dad!" she laughed, putting her fork down. "I'm trying to eat my birthday waffles!"

He chuckled at the sound of her little laugh, and leaned in for one last kiss on the cheek.

"Mwah. Alright, alright. No more tickles. You're not too old for those yet, now that you're eleven, right?"

Karen shook her head.

"Never."

He smiled, patting her back and letting her finish up her breakfast.

It was a good morning. They made the best of it, even though it was still a Monday, and both Fitz and Mellie had to work.

The birthday girl, herself, also had big plans. She had a volleyball camp this week that started today, so Mellie would drop her off before her shift, and Fitz would pick her up on his way home from work. He'd have to leave work a little early, but he'd just have to make it work today.

They had family coming over tonight, and Mellie had to work later in the day, so it was best he get home as soon as he could.

So he got as much done at work as he could that day, knowing he'd probably pay the price later in the week in order to catch up. Thank God he didn't have too many meetings that day, at least. That was nice on a Monday.

When he picked Karen up from camp, she was a sweaty, and very happy girl.

"Hey, birthday girl!" he exclaimed, looking over his shoulder in the back seat.

"Hey, dad," she smiled.

"How was camp?" he asked.

"It was really good. I think I impressed the coaches," she nodded importantly.

"Oh, I don't doubt it. Did everyone know it was your birthday?" he asked.

"No, I didn't want to say, but then my friend, Megan, told everyone. So they sang at the end of it. It was a little embarrassing," she admitted shyly.

Fitz chuckled, knowing he would feel the exact same way in that scenario.

"Well, I definitely understand that. But, it's also your special day. You deserve a little singing to," he said.

"Hmm…well, daddy, then tonight…will you sing me piano songs?" she smirked.

He started laughing, shaking his head at her.

"Good work turning that one around. Sure, baby. Anything for you on your birthday," he nodded.

"Anything? So…can I get a pet goat?" she asked with a smile, knowing she was pushing her luck.

He raised an eyebrow at her. "A goat?!"

She was cracking up in the back seat now.

"Goats are so cute!"

"Okay. Maybe not anything, Karen," he chuckled.

"Yeah, I know. It was worth a shot, though," she nodded.

"Good point. Alright, you. Seatbelt?" he asked, shifting into drive.

"Seatbelt," she confirmed, clicking it into place.

"Good deal," he said, pulling out of the parking lot. "You excited for your party tonight?"

"Yes! Oh, but dad. I want to call Olivia. We texted during my lunch at camp and she said to let her know when she can call. Can I tell her to call right now?" Karen asked hopefully.

He smiled to himself. It had formed on his face the second Karen had said her name.

"Right now, huh?" he asked.

"Yes! 'Cause Abby and David said they'd FaceTime me before dinner. And then we'll have the party. So…I think we should call her now, otherwise…I have to wait all the way until before bed!" Karen said excitedly. "I…I used up all my patience waiting all day to open my presents. I can't wait for another thing."

He laughed and nodded. Fair enough.

"Okay, baby. You FaceTime her now then," he nodded. "You can put it on speaker if…you want."

He certainly wanted her to.

"Yay! Okay!"

Karen was ready to text her right away. And Olivia must have been ready too, because it didn't take long for her to call.

And when she did, she answered not with "hello" or "hi," but by immediately singing to Karen. Fitz smiled as soon as he heard her beautiful voice. She'd greeted him the same way on his birthday — a couple times, actually.

Karen smiled through the whole thing. By the end of it, Fitz wasn't sure her face could look any happier.

"Thank you, Olivia!" Karen giggled.

"You're so welcome! How are you?! You look like you're in the car!" Olivia smiled.

"I'm good! I am in the car. Dad is driving me home from volleyball camp right now," she informed her.

"Oh, got it! Say hello to your dad for me," Olivia said.

"Hi, Liv," he announced.

"Hi, Fitz! You going to go make K a big birthday dinner?!"

"I sure am," Fitz agreed.

"Yeah, Liv, we are having family over tonight. And we're having cake, and I get to open my presents, too!"

"Well, that will be so fun! What do you think you're going to get this year?" Olivia asked.

"Well…I don't know. But dad says I can't get a pet goat, so. Not a goat," Karen replied.

"A goat?!" Olivia exclaimed.

"That's what I said!" Fitz chuckled.

Karen was in a fit of laughter. "Well, they are so cute!"

"Well, I'm not denying that. You also think pandas, elephants, and giraffes are cute, but I'm not sure any of these animals are options for us, honey," Fitz chuckled.

"Yeah, that's true. We would probably just need to buy a zoo," Karen shrugged.

"Oooh, there you go. That can be your wish next year. A zoo," Olivia teased, which had Karen cracking up.

"Thanks for that one, Liv," Fitz laughed.

"You're welcome!"

Karen smiled, looking from the phone to her dad in the front seat.

"I wish you could be here, Olivia. But I know I will see you soon."

"Absolutely you will, honey. I'm sorry I'm not there for your birthday and I'm sad, too. But the best thing to do is think about when we will get to see each other again!"

"Yeah. I know," Karen nodded in agreement. "I can't wait. And I bet dad can't wait either."

"I can't. I might be more excited than you," Fitz challenged, looking in his rearview mirror.

Karen gasped. "No way."

Olivia laughed. "Oh, you two. You're so sweet. I miss you both!"

"We miss you too!" Karen said.

"Yes, we do," Fitz nodded in agreement.

"Well, I didn't want to keep you too long on your birthday, K, I just wanted to call whenever you had a chance and tell you I was thinking about you. And that I hope you have a wonderful birthday. You deserve it, sweet girl!"

"Thank you, Liv," Karen replied. "We are almost home. Then we're going to get ready for the party."

"That sounds awesome! You have a great party, okay? And we can call another day and you can tell me all about it. How's that?"

"Okay," Karen smiled.

"Alright. Happy Birthday, honey. I love you!" Olivia said.

"Thank you. I love you, too!" Karen waved.

"Bye, Livvie," Fitz said.

"Bye, Fitz!"

Karen gave Olivia one last wave and then they hung up, just before Fitz pulled onto their street.

Well, that was certainly an enjoyable car ride, hearing Olivia's voice, he thought. He missed that a lot; talking to her in the car.

Just another thing he'd cherish when she came back.

But for tonight, he was only going to think happy thoughts. Everyone would be over for Karen's birthday, and that would be a good thing. Mostly because it made Karen happy, and that was all he cared about.

She was so excited to see her family, open gifts, and have cake.

And he was just like any other happy, proud parent — cherishing that one extra-special day each year that he got to celebrate and honor his daughter.

This year, for the eleventh time.

Aww, happy birthday, sweet Karen! I hope you enjoyed another little birthday chapter.

You'll be reading about the new house in no time.

Thanks as always.

Read on,

~T