Chapter Twenty-Nine
A knock on the hospital room door caused Olivia and Fitz to look up from baby Mason. Olivia smiled seeing Katherine and Mira.
"Good morning you two. Is this my grandson?," Katherine asked.
"Yes it is. Meet Mason Thomas Grant," Fitz said grabbing Mason from Olivia's arms. Katherine's eyes started to tear up. She went over to wash her hands before Fitz placed Mason in her arms.
"Oh my goodness. He looks like the perfect mix of the two of you. He has so much hair too just like you did Fitz," Katherine said.
"He has Olivia's eyes and lips that's for sure," Fitz commented.
Mira was still by the door and Olivia gave her a small smile then opened her arms wide. This gave Mira the go ahead to make her way to the bed.
"Hello sweet pea. How are you this morning?"
Mira cuddled by her side, getting as close as she could.
"I'm okay. Is that my brother?" she asked looking at her Grammy with a baby.
"Yeah that's your brother. Do you want to meet him?"
Mira nodded her head yes.
"Alright go wash your hands real quick and you can hold your baby brother," Liv said.
Fitz helped Mira off the bed and helped wash her hands to make sure they were nice and clean. She proceeded to go back into the bed next to Olivia.
"Okay now hold your arms like this and make sure you hold his head up," Olivia demonstrated with her arms to show Mira how she needed to hold her brother. Mira held her arms out and Katherine moved to her side of the bed.
"Alright here you go," she said and placed Mason in her arms. Olivia moved behind Mira to give more support.
"What do you think Mira?"
"He's so tiny," she said looking at him with big eyes.
Fitz looked at his family and got emotional. This was his family and no one would ever take them away.
"Get in there Fitz. Let me take a picture of the four of you," Katherine said grabbing her phone from her purse.
Fitz nodded his head and put himself on the other side of Mira. He gave her a kiss on the forehead while Olivia looked down at her children. It was a picture perfect moment captured on camera. Katherine smiled and looked at her son. He finally had the family she always dreamed he would.
Two days later…
Fitz opened the door to their home while Olivia was holding the car seat with Mason. It was their first day back from the hospital and they couldn't be happier to be home. Katherine was on her way with Mira who was impatient to be with her parents. She didn't understand why she couldn't stay with them and her brother so it took some work to get her to stay with her Grammy. Fitz had to spend a couple of hours with her to make sure she wasn't feeling neglected.
"It feels so good to be home!"
"It really does. What time did Katherine say she was coming?"
"She should be here in about fifteen minutes. She also said not to worry about cooking," Fitz said.
Olivia placed the car seat on the couch and smiled at her baby boy.
"Your mom is a godsend! Don't know what we would do without her."
Little whimpers started coming from the car seat that quickly turned to full blown cries. Mason was letting it known that he needed some attention.
"Oh my baby boy. It seems like someone is hungry," Fitz said as he unbuckled Mason from his seat and picked him while Olivia got herself comfortable on the couch to breastfeed him.
"Okay let's go to momma," he said placing him in her arms.
Mason latched on pretty quickly to her breast and started sucking away. One meeting with the lactation nurse at the hospital and they were good to go. She was fortunate enough that Mason didn't give her any problems.
"Look at him. Can you believe he's ours?" Fitz asked.
"I really can't. I couldn't imagine this being my life a year ago but gave this to me and I love you so much for it," Liv said then gave him a peck on the lips.
At that moment the door opened Mira rushed in to see her parents. She had been anxious all night and bugging her Grammy about when it was time to go home.
"HI MOMMY AND DADDY!" Mira raised her voice in excitement.
"Shhh... don't be so loud lovebug. We have to use our inside voices because Mason is about to go to sleep," Fitz put a finger on his lips.
"Oops sorry," she said quickly covering her mouth.
"It's okay but now since we have a baby we have to make sure we always use our inside voices."
She nodded and made her way to the couch to sit next to Olivia who was still feeding Mason. She gently used her finger to rub his head. Mira knew from her Grammy that she had to be extra gentle with her brother.
"Hi brother," she whispered and gave him a little kiss.
"Hey guys. I'm just going to put everything away and I'll come right back," Katherine said with bags in her hands.
"Let me help you," Fitz grabbed some bags before his mom could protest and followed her into the kitchen.
"Thanks again mom for doing this," he said.
"You don't need to thank me. This is my part as a parent and grandparent," she said starting to put some meals into the fridge.
"I know I don't but I just want you to know how much I appreciated it. How was Mira last night? I'm sure she was anxious to get home."
"Oh she was as expected. Yes she was anxious but nothing I couldn't handle. I think it's cute that she wants to be around her brother as much as possible and it's also a good sign."
"That's good to hear. I wasn't sure how she was going to adapt to having a brother but that kid has a heart of gold."
"Just like her father."
Fitz smiled and gave his mom a kiss before the two of them went back into the living room to be with the rest of the family.
Three weeks later - September
It was officially Mira's first day of kindergarten and the excitement was bursting out of the little girl. Fitz was currently with Mason who had been a bit fussy the night before but they figured out that he loved it when his daddy sang to him which helped calm him down.
Olivia was currently with Mira braiding her long hair into two dutch braids. The little girl was telling her all about the things she expected. A week ago they were able to meet her teacher, Mrs. Stanton and Mira warmed up to her so quickly that Olivia and Fitz knew they wouldn't have to worry about drop off. Mira also saw a lot of her friends which made the return to school even more exciting.
"Mommy are you and daddy picking me up?"
"Yes we are. Daddy will be getting out of work early so we can go together," she said finishing off the last braid.
"And my baby brother?"
"yes even him," she said giving a little giggle. It was heartwarming to see Mira constantly watching over her brother. She loved helping her parents in any way she could by throwing away diapers and watching over Mason. She was extremely protective too and would make sure that anyone holding Mason was doing it correctly. Every time Mason cried, she would be right there trying to calm him down.
"Okay good! I likes it when he comes too," she said with a big smile.
"Alright sweet pea you're all finished. Let's eat some breakfast and head out."
Mira and Olivia made their way downstairs where Fitz had already finished making breakfast while Mason was wide awake in his bouncer.
"Oh look at my baby boy. Well aren't you such a happy baby," Liv said while placing a kiss on his forehead.
"Good morning brother," Mira said and also have him a kiss on his forehead before proceeding to sit down and eat.
After breakfast was finished, everyone cleaned up then made their way to the car. It only took ten minutes to arrive at her school and she quickly unbuckling herself to get out. But before she got out she gave a kiss to Mason and kiss to her daddy.
"Alright my little lovebug. You have a good day at school. I love you," Fitz said smiling at his growing little girl.
"I love you more no backsies! Bye Mason," she replied.
Olivia got out of the car and helped Mira with the bag that had school supplies for her teacher. Hand-in-hand they walked into the building and made their way to her classroom. Mrs. Stanton, her teacher, was outside her door greeting all the parents and students.
"Good morning Ms. Pope and Mira," she said greeting them.
"Good morning Mrs. Stanton. How are you this morning?" Olivia asked.
"I'm doing really well. I'm so excited for this school year. You can leave the bag of supplies in her cubby which has her name on it. She will also find her name at one of the tables," she said.
"Okay thank you," Liv said and the two of them walked into her classroom finding Mira's name right away. Once she was all settled Olivia gave her one last kiss and walked out the classroom. It was clear that Mira had gotten really comfortable being left at school now that she had her set of friends.
"So how did it go?" Fitz asked when she got back to the car.
"It went really well. She didn't even blink twice as I was leaving her," she said laughing.
"Ugh she really has grown up on me,"
Oliva smiled, "well don't worry daddy, she is still your little girl and now you have a baby boy in the mix."
He smiled back, "that I do and I couldn't be happier."
They shared a kiss and went back home.
XXXXXXX
Mason was currently taking an afternoon nap when Abby came over to discuss more wedding plans with Olivia. Things were coming together nicely and smoothy that Liv couldn't wait to get married. Her and Fitz had decided on small three tier cake paired with red velvet and vanilla cupcakes. The pink and white roses were ordered to be placed on the arch that would be used at the alter as well as all around the reception area.
"Okay so these are the ideas that Evelyn sent over to me about how the flowers would be placed on the arch. I also have several sample pictures of how the reception area might look based on what you sent to her," Abby said pulling up the pictures on her iPad.
Abby had taken charge recently with the wedding planning and being in contact with their wedding planner to help Olivia out while she got used to motherhood. Liv couldn't be more grateful for her best friend.
The first picture of the arch had beautiful white drapes that would be tied on each of the four poles making it look like a beautiful canopy. Flowers and leaves would be around the ties and on top of the perimeter. The second picture was a much simpler canopy with the focus being on two beautiful flower arrangements on the side of it.
"Wow, these are amazing. They both capture a little of everything that we were thinking but I'm pretty sure the first picture is exactly what we want."
"That's exactly what I was thinking when I first saw them! The first one is just so beautifully done. Evelyn said she spoke to you about having lanterns on the side of each row of chairs and about the rose petals for the aisle."
"Yes she did and she sent me those pictures which Fitz and I approved of. Now with this added feature of the canopy for the end of the aisle, it's just coming together so beautifully. I can really picture my wedding," Liv said with a smile.
"I'm really happy for you. Everything is just going to look so beautiful. Now here are the pictures of the wedding tent and layout of the reception area that just needs your approval."
The pictures showed how the lanterns from the wedding ceremony would be used as a way to light up the pathway into the tent where there would be a platform in the middle to be used as a dance floor. The area was beautifully lit with lights being draped across the roof. The usage of the color scheme was done in such a tasteful way that it wasn't overbearing. Olivia could just picture every moment from their first dance to cutting the cake. There was no question that Evelyn captured everything they were looking for.
"Oh goodness. I can't believe how amazing this looks. I don't think that anything needs to be changed. You can confirm this with Evelyn too."
Abby clapped her hands, "perfect! I just knew that you would be happy with this."
"I honestly can't thank you enough with all your help. You've been a godsend and I don't know what I would've done."
"You know that I'm here to help you in any way that I can."
"Well you went above and beyond so thank you again."
Before Abby could respond, Mason's cries started to come through the baby monitor.
"Seems like your godson now wants some attention. I'll be right back."
Olivia got up from her spot on the couch and went up the stairs into her room where Mason was crying out.
"Oh hello my sweet boy. No more tears; mommy is here," Olivia picked him up. She quickly changed his diaper and bundled him back up. Even though it has only been three weeks, Mason has changed so much. From his beautiful brown doe eyes to his curly hair that was going to be more like his father's as he got older, Mason was just a beautiful baby.
"Alright let's go back downstairs because Auntie Abby is here."
"Oh look who it is! It's my chubby chubby baby," Abby said reaching out to take Mason out of Olivia's arms.
"Oh goodness Liv, he looks more and more like you every day!"
"Really?! I think he looks so much like Fitz except for his eyes."
"He has some of Fitz's features but come on look at these pouty lips. Those are your lips through and through."
Olivia laughed, "I guess you're right. But those curls! Those are all Fitz."
"Oh definitely. Between the eyes and hair, this kid is going to be a little heartbreaker. Aren't you Mason?"
"Oh no my baby is going to be as sweet as he can be!"
"I guess we will just have to wait and see won't we," Abby said placing a kiss on his forehead.
"Liv come on! We are going to be late to our reservation," Fitz said as he waited in the living room.
Today was the first year anniversary and they had a dinner reservation at one of the Italian spots in town. As much as Fitz wanted to take them out to the beach house to recreate their first date, they both weren't comfortable with leaving Mason for an entire night. He was still too young even if he trusted his mom to take care of everything. Mason was currently in his mom's arms with Mira being close by.
"Okay here I am," Liv said as she came down the stairs. She was wearing a beautiful black dress that hit right above the knee. Her body was slowly starting to bounce back but her curves filled out more than they did before which Fitz loved. She kept her makeup to a minimum but had a bold red lip and her natural curls were pinned back and away from her face.
"Wow mommy! You look so pretty!" Mira said looking up from her brother.
"Well thank you sweet pea."
"I do agree. You look beautiful Livvie," Fitz said placing a kiss on her lips.
"Thanks baby," she said wiping the lipstick that had gotten on his lips. "thank you for watching them tonight Katherine. I have pumped for tonight so the milk is already in the bottle in the fridge. If he becomes fussy, he loves being rocked in the rocking chair and –"
"Olivia honey, I got this. You don't need to worry about anything plus I have Mira who is my little helper. You guys go on and enjoy your night," Katherine said interrupting her. She knows how anxious a new mom is when she leaves her baby but she knows how to take care of a newborn even if it's been a while.
"Come on Liv. Mom has it and if anything were to happen, she will call."
"Yeah mommy we got this!" Mira jumped up from the couch to give her parents a hug and a little push out the door causing them to laugh.
"Okay, okay I get the hint. We're going."
They arrived at the restaurant about ten minutes before their reservation and were able to be seated quickly.
"Happy anniversary Livvie. You've been such a blessing to me and to Mira. Now we've just expanded our family and I can't wait to have more babies with you. One year down, a lifetime to go."
"Happy anniversary Fitz. I still can't believe it's been an entire year and so much has happened in a span of a year. I'm forever grateful for our beautiful family although I'm not sure how many babies you think we will be having."
Fitz chuckled, "maybe two or three more."
Her eyes widened, "Three is pushing it. I can do two more."
"Two it is," he said smiling.
The waiter came over to take their order and soon the two of them continued their conversation about their ever growing family and upcoming wedding.
"So you haven't told me anything about our honeymoon. Am I finally going to be able to get any hints?!" Olivia asked.
While Fitz let Olivia handle majority of the wedding planning other than letting her know his opinion for a couple of things, he was in charge of their honeymoon which wouldn't happen until the summer once Olivia was finished teaching for the year.
"All I'm going to say is that it will be a tropical location. It will be worth the wait," Fitz said with a smirk on his face.
"Mmm…so many places that it could be but I guess I'll be patient," she replied with a pout on her face.
He laughed but then got a little serious, "Did you ever think that you would fall in love with a single father?"
"I mean I never really thought about it but I will tell you the minute that I met Mira and you, I knew that I wouldn't be the same. I've always connected with my students but with Mira, something just called out to me in a different way and even if I wanted to shake it off, I knew I couldn't. This was something special from the very beginning."
Fitz grabbed her hand and placed a kiss on it.
"You've made our life so full Livvie. I never thought I was missing something until I met you. You are everything I have ever wanted in my life and more. You are the mom that Mira deserves and I'm so thankful that you accepted her as your own. Now I know we said no gifts but think of this as a gift for all of us," Fitz said as he pulled out a sheet of paper from his suit jacket.
Olivia looked at him confused but grabbed the paper from his hands and started reading. It was the last page of the adoption papers that were filled out about a month ago. The judge's signature was at the bottom signifying the approval. Her eyes started to water and she looked up at Fitz.
"Harrison was able to get the judge to expedite the adoption papers and got them to me yesterday. Since Mellie is out of the picture, there was no issue and they were signed. She has always been your daughter but now it's official."
"Oh god. This is possibly the best gift you could've given me," she said.
She got up from her seat and sat on Fitz's lap pulling him into a kiss. Both of them were crying at this significance of this moment. They pulled away but put their foreheads together.
"Next stop making you Mrs. Grant."
"Six more months."
"I love you."
"I love you, forever and always."
"Forever and always Livvie."
AN: Mira is officially adopted by Olivia! Next up is the wedding! And the second to last chapter. This story is coming to a close very very soon. Thank you for reading and reviewing either here or on twitter. Until next Monday.
XOXO