Chapter Eighteen

Two weeks later…

"Okay class don't forget to put all your markers away. Your parents will be here soon," Olivia said as she walked around the room. Her students were working on a Thanksgiving booklet. Today was the last day before their break. They had a week off and not only did the students need a break but so did she. Fitz had invited everyone out to spend Thanksgiving at the beach house. It was going to be a full house.

Charlotte and her husband, Alex were going to be arriving to the beach house tomorrow morning along with Katherine. Olivia, Fitz, and Mira would be arriving tonight along with Abby and Stephen. Mira had been extremely excited once she heard that they would be spending the week at the beach house. Olivia had to create a countdown on Fitz's fridge so she would stop asking how much longer it would be.

As her students lined up to get picked up by their parents, Mira stayed seated knowing that she was going home with Olivia. Fitz was staying an hour later than usually but only to make sure that he had everything finished for his week off. Olivia had all her bags packed in her car and she was going to help Mira pack when they got back Fitz's house. Olivia waved goodbye to her last student and their parents. She was officially finished with her day.

"Hey sweet pea. You ready to go?"

Mira looked up from what she was doing. "Yes mommy! Let's go."

Fifteen minutes later the two of them were pulling up to Fitz's driveway. He had given her a key so she could get Mira's stuff ready. The two of them got out of the car where Olivia helped Mira with her backpack.

"Okay sweet pea, we have to get your stuff packed so when Dad comes home we will be able to leave quickly."

Olivia and Mira went straight to her room where Fitz had left a small pink suitcase with Mira's name on it. Mira got on her bed and watched Olivia go into her closet.

"Now little miss what do you want to pack? Do you know where your swimsuits are?" Olivia started to pull out some cute shirts and a dress that she bought Mira for their Thanksgiving dinner.

"Mommy they are in the drawers." Mira got up from the bed and went to her drawers and started to pull out her swimsuits. She started pulling everything out. As an only child, Mira had more clothes than Olivia ever imagined.

"Let's not pull everything out. Pick out three of your favorites to pack."

Mira gave her mommy a little pout but she knew she couldn't get away with taking everything. She picked out three swimsuits and gave them to Liv. Olivia continued to pick out some shorts and jeans for Mira. She placed them all on the bed before she started to fold and put everything away. Mira was being a good little helper and tried to mimic Olivia with the folding.

"Clothes are packed now let's pick out a couple of shoes."

The two of them went through a couple of pairs of shoes before they picked out some tennis shoes, sandals, and some dress shoes that would be worn with her Thanksgiving dress. By the time they finished, Fitz could be heard coming through the front door.

"Is anyone home?" he asked.

Mira's face light up at the sound of his voice. She was a daddy's girl through and through. She quickly rushed out of the room leaving Olivia to finish packing the last of her shoes. Olivia could hear the duo saying hello to each other and Mira talking Fitz's ear off about what they have been up to. Olivia got up from the floor and met the two of them downstairs.

"Hey baby," Fitz said when he saw her.

"Hey. How was work?" she gave him a quick peck on the lips because she knew Mira was watching.

"Busy but everything was completed. Now I can't wait to get on the road. Is everything packed?"

"Yes everything is good to go. My bags are in my car and Mira's suitcase is upstairs."

"Great. I have about two more things to pack and then we can head out. Can you take your bags into the car?"

"Yeah just give me your keys. Also did you pack snacks for the car ride? I'm sure Mira is going to get hungry."

"Yes please snacks!" Mira jumped up and down.

They laughed at her antics.

"No I haven't. Could you do me the fair and pack a couple of things? You know what I like."

"Sure no problem. Now divide and conquer." Olivia gave him one more peck on the lips and went outside to grab her bag. After Olivia and Mira went into the kitchen to pack up some quick snacks for the road. It wasn't a long drive but it was going to be a while until dinner.

"Okay are we ready to go?" Fitz asked when he walked into the kitchen.

"Yes daddy! Beach time!" Mira grabbed both their hands and tried to drag them out of the kitchen which caused Liv and Fitz to laugh.

"Yes lovebug beach time!"

The trio went out the door and headed out to the car. It was time for a relaxing week at the beach.

Olivia, Fitz, and Mira arrived to the beach house right as Stephen and Abby pulled up as well. Perfect timing on both their parts. Olivia could see that Abby was holding Josie on her lap. Mira noticed as well and was excited to see her furry friend.

"Mommy, it's Josie!" Mira decided she didn't want to wait and got out of the car to run to Abby's door. Abby opened the door and handed Josie over to her. Josie was excited to see her new friend and was licking Mira all over her face causing her to giggle.

Olivia and Fitz got out of the car and walked over to Stephen and Abby. They said their hellos and got their bags.

"Oh damn Fitz! This is a nice place!" Abby said when they walked through the doors.

"Thanks. My dad had it built for my mom but we have had it remodeled a bit."

"Wait until you see the backyard!" Olivia said.

"What are we waiting for?! You have to show me." Abby handed her bag over to Stephen and Liv did the same and passed her bags to Fitz.

Olivia, Abby, and Mira went out to the backyard where the pool was. Olivia didn't get to enjoy it last time she here but Fitz said it was heated so she was definitely taking advantage of it this week.

"Girl you are so lucky!" Abby gave her a little shove.

"I think we are both really lucky. I'm so glad you're spending this week with us." Olivia gave her a hug. It seemed like both of them were having blossoming relationships and didn't have enough time for each other as they used to. They both were happy for each other. They deserved the happiness they were finally getting.

"Mommy swim time!" Mira snapped the duo out of their little moment.

"We can't swim now. It's too late but we can tomorrow, I promise."

"Okay fine. We swim tomorrow," she gave a little pout and walked away. Olivia and Abby laughed at the little sass Mira gave her.

"Not only did you get a great man but you also got a built in daughter. How does that feel?"

"Like I've been blessed a hundred times over," she said with tears in her eyes.

"Aw Liv don't cry," Abby reached over to give her a hug.

"Okay no more tears. Let's go inside so we can order take out."

The two of them arm in arm walked back inside where the men were in the kitchen talking.

About thirty minutes later, they decided on ordering pizza for the evening and everyone was getting settled in their rooms. Olivia and Fitz took the master bedroom with Mira taking her room which was across from theirs. Abby and Stephen were further down the hall. Katherine and his sister would be staying in the bedrooms downstairs.

Olivia had helped Mira unpack her things and was keeping Josie company in the living room watching a movie. Oliva was currently unpacking when she felt two arms wrap around her.

"Mmm…I feel like we haven't had time for each other all day," he nuzzled his face into her neck.

Olivia leaned back into his arms and ran her fingers through his curls. She felt so content in his arms.

"Well we've been busy but now we have an entire week together."

She turned around in his arms and pulled him into a kiss. It was supposed to be a quick one but Fitz had other plans. He moved his hand lower, cupping her ass, and pulling her closer to him.

"Mommy, daddy no more kisses!" Mira said loudly.

They quickly pulled away from each other. Olivia gave Fitz a look and a playful shove.

"I'm sorry baby. Why don't we go find Abby so we can play a game while we wait for our food?"

"Okay." Mira grabbed Liv's hand and the two of them headed downstairs. Olivia looked back at Fitz and mouthed later.

He shook his head. He couldn't believe he was cockblocked by his own daughter.

The rest of the evening was pretty uneventful and everyone settled around the living room to watch a kid friendly movie just for Mira who eventually passed out from all the excitement. Everyone went off to bed early because they were going to be busy the next day. Mira didn't want to stay alone on the first night so she spent the night with Fitz and Olivia. Olivia put Josie in a little corner near the window where she had set up her bed. Within minutes everyone was fast asleep.

Fitz woke up without a blanket and Mira pressed up against Olivia. It seemed that Olivia and Mira had gravitated towards each other during the night. He smiled at the scene in front of him. He slowly grabbed his phone and took a picture. He quickly made it his lock screen. He could hear noise downstairs and figured his mom was already here. He moved away from his girls and made his way downstairs. Josie heard him move and went downstairs with him.

"Good morning honey." Katherine was setting up to make some pancakes, bacon, and eggs. She decided to come early to make sure everyone was fed.

"Morning mom. You know you didn't have to come this early," he said as he walked over to give her a kiss on the cheek.

"I know but I wanted to. Plus I know you and Stephen are planning a cookout tonight so I wanted to cook this morning."

Fitz knew that there was no reason to argue so he just let her be. He helped her by setting the table. He knew everyone else will be getting up soon. He could hear Olivia and Mira footsteps coming down the stairs.

"Grammy!" Mira ran to give her grandma a hug.

"Good morning Katherine," Liv said as she walked over to give her a hug.

"Good morning. Why don't you sit down? Breakfast should be ready soon."

"You didn't have to make breakfast but thank you for doing so."

"Oh you don't have to thank me."

Abby and Stephen made their way downstairs as soon as Katherine had finished cooking. Olivia and Abby took charge and helped her move things to the table. The group ate and talked about their plans for the day. Olivia, Abby and Mira were going to head to the mall to do some shopping while the boys will be going to the grocery store to buy what they needed for the cookout. Katherine would be waiting for Charlotte and her husband.

About an hour later everyone was in their respective cars and ready to go. Olivia was taking Fitz's car while the boys would be in Stephen's.

"Are you sure you don't want to take my credit card with you?" Fitz asked Olivia who was already sitting in the driver's seat.

"Fitz, I'm sure! Let mommy spoil her daughter," Olivia said.

Fitz couldn't even say anything after that and Liv could tell that she made him emotional.

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me for anything now give me a kiss so we can go."

They gave each other a quick peck on the lips much to Mira's dismay who could be heard saying "ew" in the background. They laughed and Olivia lowered Mira's window so Fitz could give her a kiss as well. They all said their goodbyes and Olivia pulled out from the driveway.

About fifteen minutes later the girls pulled into the parking lot of the local mall. Olivia got out and helped Mira out of her booster seat.

"Okay short stuff you ready to go?" Abby said to Mira. They hadn't interacted much since Olivia spent most of her time at Fitz's house so this was going to be the first time they really hung out together.

"What does short stuff mean?" Mira looked at her confused.

"It's just a nickname because you're tiny."

"Oh okay. I like it!"

Olivia loved seeing the interaction between her best friend and the little girl who she considered her daughter. It warmed her heart to see them getting along. The trio headed inside and did some shopping.

They spent over an hour shopping, hitting multiple stores. Olivia and Abby bought new dresses for Thanksgiving dinner since they didn't pack anything. Olivia decided on a royal blue dress with a lace backing that was a little above the knee. Abby bought a green spaghetti strapped dress.

Olivia might have gone a little overboard with Mira. She bought several new outfits for her including the royal blue dress that Mira insisted in getting to match her mommy but her favorite one had to be the matching 'bestie' t-shirts. Olivia had always wanted kids but she never thought her first child would be as wonderful as Mira. She couldn't take credit for raising her but she was here now and that was never going to change.

"Mommy I'm hungry." Mira said, snapping Olivia out of her thoughts.

"Okay let's head to the food court. We can grab something to eat there and then we can head home."

Mira continued to be curious about Abby and they had seemed to have created a little bond from this shopping trip. It was cute to see and Olivia loved it. The trio spent about half an hour at the food court before heading back home. They pulled up into the driveway and noticed that the boys were already back and Charlotte had arrived.

They got out of the car and grabbed all their shopping bags. Fitz heard their car pull up and opened the door for them

"Wow it seems like you guys did some damage."

"Maybe just a little. Hey baby," she gave him a peck on the lips

"Hey, my mom and Charlotte are in the back. Are you guys gonna head for a swim?"

"Yes mommy! Swim time!"

Mira didn't wait to hear anything else and followed Abby upstairs. Abby helped Mira with her bags so she wouldn't fall.

"Liv do you want me to get her dressed?" Abby asked before she went further up the stairs.

"Yes please. Can you put her in the pink bathing suit?"

"You got it. Okay short stuff let's get you dressed."

"Yay!"

Olivia and Fitz could hear Mira chatting away with Abby.

"It seems like someone made a new friend."

"Yeah they get along great. We all had a fun time. Did you guys get what you needed?"

"Yes we did. Everything is being prepared for tonight's cookout."

"Great! Now I'm going to go get changed. I love you."

"I love you too."

Fitz pulled Olivia into a kiss and quickly deepened it. The two of them were unaware about the audience they just got.

"Excuse me? Can you guys separate so I can say hello to Liv?" Charlotte stood there with her hands on her hips giving them a smirk.

"Oops not even sorry little sis."

Olivia playfully smacked Fitz on his arm.

"Hey Charlie. How are you feeling?"

"Even though I have about three months left I feel like I'm ready to pop."

Olivia gave her a hug, "well you look good."

"Thank you for lying," she laughed.

"Well I think you're perfect," her husband Alex said when he walked into the room.

"You're so sweet" she gave him a quick peck on the lips.

"Okay enough of that," Fitz said teasing them.

"Oh you hush!"

"Mommy I'm ready." Mira came down the stairs with her towel in hand. She was wearing her pink one piece bathing suit.

"You look so cute! Let me go get changed but come with me so I can put some sunscreen on."

Olivia grabbed Mira's hand and they went back upstairs. Ten minutes later they were back downstairs and went to the backyard. It was unusually hot for a November afternoon but perfect for a swim. Olivia decided on her black and white one piece bathing suit that had a cute cut out in the back.

Fitz had blown up Mira's floaties and was waiting for them by the pool. Everyone had made their way to the backyard. They wanted to take advantage of the hot afternoon. Katherine and Charlotte were lounging on the pool chairs. Fitz couldn't take his eyes off of Olivia when she walked out. She still took his breath away.

"Daddy swim time!"

"Yes it is! Here put your floaties on." He slipped them on her arms and Mira went straight to the pool stairs.

"Wait for me Mira. You coming in with us daddy?" Olivia turned to Fitz giving him a smirk. She could feel his eyes on her body the minute she stepped out.

"Maybe in a minute. You guys enjoy yourself."

Olivia helped Mira down the pool stairs. The two of them splashed around in the pool for a while before Fitz joined in on the fun. Katherine took the opportunity to snap pictures of them. Everyone was having a great afternoon. Abby and Stephen joined the trio and had their own water war between the boys and the girls.

Katherine never felt more content. Both of her children were happy with their personal lives. She looked up at the sky knowing Gerry was looking down at them during this very moment.

That evening the men fired up the grill and took turns cooking while the women just sat and relaxed.

"Now this is the life. Relaxing by the pool with the men serving us," Abby said as she sat down on the lounge chair next to Olivia who was braiding Mira's hair.

"Oh it is and when you're pregnant it is even better. Watch this. Alex, baby can you give me a back rub later?" Charlotte looked over to her husband.

"Yes of course honey whatever you want. I'll even give you a foot rub. I know the baby is giving you a hard time." Alex looked at her like she hung the moon and was ready to give her whatever she wanted.

"Now that's the power a pregnant woman has." Charlotte smirked to the girls who laughed at her antics.

Fitz looked over at them and his heart was so full at the moment. Mellie was gone and he had the love of his life with his daughter surrounded by family and friends. It's all he could ever ask for.

His mom had finished setting up the table and called everyone over. The guys wrapped up and brought the food inside. The conversation flowed freely among everyone. Mira would grab the attention here and there. Abby and Katherine had a full discussion about baking and were even going to pass along recipes. Charlotte and Olivia had conversations about her baby and what they were currently reading.

Everyone was getting along and it was all Fitz could ask for. This was the beginning of a wonderful week and he couldn't wait to see what else was in store for them.

AN: Happy Monday everyone! I hope you all enjoy! More cute moments at the beach house coming next week. Stay safe and healthy! And please wear a mask!

XOXO