Bang! Bang! {Part XVIII}
Abby dressed in a black pencil skirt races down the West Wing hallway holding one black pump in each hand. "I'm here…catch me up." She slides on to the corner of Lauren's desk in order to place her shoes back on her feet.
Lauren leans forward resting her folded arms on the desk. "Agent Larsen arrived ten minutes late for his shift…which never happens. He has a lipstick stain on his shirt right above his belt buckle and a bite mark on his neck; not a hickey but an actual bite mark," she smiles devilishly.
Olivia joins in, "He made a valiant effort to hold his shirt closed with his tie but buttons are missing," her ringing phone interrupts the discussion. She lifts the phone to read the caller id and taps the speaker function. "What do you want Rosen?"
"Olivia Carolyn Grant, you are a pain in my ass. How am I supposed to run my office without an assistant?" The ladies watch a crimson blush color the agent's cheeks. "Her exact message…I am calling in dead…thank the First Lady. You are obstructing justice," Olivia disconnects the call and the ladies burst into laughter.
"Larsen, my office," the President shouts through the open door. Tom pivots and presents himself in front of the Resolute Desk. "Gatorade, protein bar, Tide stain remover and double-sided tape," Fitz states retrieving each item from a desk drawer.
Tom grabs the jug gulping down the beverage before ripping the wrapper from the bar. "Thank you Sir," he mumbles.
"Thank you for representing the administration well," he offers his fist. Agent Larsen returns the gesture of respect.
A few days later
The First Family travels to the Republican Convention venue secure within the Presidential limo. Olivia lies flat against the seat across from the rest of her family. The purple chiffon of her gown brushes the floor board of the vehicle. Her left arm rests on her forehead. "Karen, take my advice…do not marry a giant. Do you know what happens when you marry a giant? I will tell you; instead of having a baby you have a toddler. I can barely breathe because your brother or sister pushes against my lungs while simultaneously sitting on my bladder. I am not even wearing shoes. I am literally a Republican wet dream…barefoot and pregnant."
Fitz rolls his eyes and exhales slowly while the children fail miserably at hiding their laughter. Think before you speak. "Livvie, I love you and appreciate so much that you are here by my side to accept the nomination for President. I promise once I complete my speech we will return to the White House."
She huffs, "Whatever, do not be surprised if you have to roll me on stage with a dolly."
The presidential motorcade pulls in front the convention center. The agents exit and open the rear doors allowing the First Family to exit. Fitz kneels to place the ballet slippers on Olivia's swollen feet. He slides his right arm between her body and the leather seat to help lift her into a seated position, "I know how you feel but you have never been more beautiful and I have never been this proud to stand at anyone's side."
Tears fill her eyes, "I am a hormonal roller coaster but you continue to make me feel like the only woman in the world." She cradles his face in her small hands and rubs her right thumb against his cheek. "We are so blessed to have you," she punctuates her statement with a soft kiss to his mouth.
"I am the lucky one. Now let's get moving before cranky Liv returns." They both laugh moving to exit the car.
Gerry cradles Baby Teddy on his left side as they move down the red carpet, "Wave to people," he instructs. Karen charms the crowd on the right side of the carpet. The cheering and camera flashes intensify as the President and First Lady fall in step behind the children.
They reach the double door entrance when Olivia squeezes Fitz's hand until his flesh turns red. "Livvie?" Her eyes are wide and beads of perspiration dot hear hair line. She looks down to the expanding dark spot on the front of her gown. Fitz takes a deep breath, "Your water broke…labor started and we need to leave." Remain calm.
She exhales a long breath between each response, "Yes…yes…immediately."
He shouts the code command to the attending agents, "Family First!"
Karen rushes to Olivia's side grabbing her hand. Agent Larsen issues orders into his wrist wire, "Move the ambulance to the front of the motorcade…alert James Madison."
Fitz spoons behind Olivia propped up on the hospital bed. Wrapped in a plush white robe she cradles the newborn swaddled in a lush pink cashmere blanket. The baby's full copper curls adorn her head like a crown. Gerry and Karen flank each side of the bed. Abby adjusts the camera and begins the recording, "Good Evening America. I know you were expecting my acceptance speech for the Republican nomination but the new addition to our family had different plans."
"We are excited to introduce our little sister, Hope Grant" Karen announces.
"She is 8lbs. and 10 oz. with an impressive set of lungs," Gerry adds.
"Thank you for all your well wishes. We ask for your patience while we take some time away from the campaign trail; however, we will not stop our work at the White House delivering results for the American people," Olivia speaks for the first time.
"God bless you and God bless the United States of America," Fitz closes the video.
"…And we're out," Abby stops the recording. "Now, hand me that baby," she demands. Olivia places the baby in her outstretched arms before falling back against the pillows. "How are you holding up?"
"Holding up? I was in labor for six hours. I am thanking all the saints I didn't rip my ass wide open." Everyone in the room winces at her statement. "I got good drugs…in fact I may still be a little high," she closes her eyes and exhales.
"I do not know that kind of pain nor am I interested; but looking at this little piece of heaven I got a say…it was worth it. She is perfect…a complete mini-Liv." The baby squirms and whimpers.
Fitz moves across the room lifting his daughter from Abby's arms. He places her against the plain white t-shirt pulled against his muscled chest. During the delivery he removed his shirt and tie before straddling behind Olivia on the bed. Serving as not only her emotional but physical support created a unique connection to the newest princess in his life. He kisses the top of her head, "I got you…Daddy is right here," he bounces lightly.
Olivia opens her eyes watching the two great loves of her life bond. She glances over watching Gerry and Karen posting individual pictures holding their new sibling to their social media accounts. This is what happy ever after looks like.
