Chapter 13
Balancing Act
"Let me get this straight. You are asking that each of us go out and recruit potential clients who want help getting elected to political office?" Harrison said. He was frustrated and unable to hide it. Harrison, Olivia, Huck, and Abby all sat around the long wooden conference table at the OPA office. Abby held a sleeping Gene in her arms. Olivia sensed he was going to wake up soon. She was attuned to them and so was her body. Abby was primed and ready to give Gene a bottle. Unfortunately, the weaning process wasn't going as planned. In the week and a half of what Olivia was calling, "on the job weaning," Gene had barely taken a full bottle. He preferred nursing.
"Yes, Harrison. Was I unclear?" Olivia said. Her impatience was visible as well. Her breasts were full and her lower back hurt.
"No. I am surprised at this new direction. We haven't done political work in a couple of years. What about my proposal to do more investigative work? Aside from the occasional publicist gig, we've been handling a lot of investigations. In fact, that accounts for how much revenue, Abby?" Harrison glanced over at Abby who was absorbed with the baby.
"Abby?"
"Seventy-five percent," Abby said with a glare at him. She got up from the table in an effort to quiet Gene who was starting to fret.
"Since the majority of our earnings come from investigations then it would make sense to expand that, right Huck?" Harrison said looking around at Huck in an attempt to enlist support.
"I think it makes sense to do what Olivia wants," Huck said.
"Not surprising there," Harrison mumbled and took a seat.
"Harrison, obviously you don't agree with my direction. I haven't been involved in the day-to-day operations of OPA, but I'm back now. I appreciate how you have run the business and brought it to profitability after we relocated to Atlanta. However, I've been thinking about a new direction for awhile now and, as the head of this organization, it is my decision to make. Are we clear?" Olivia said.
"Crystal, Liv, Crystal. With all due respect, I think this new direction is a bad idea. We've been through a lot over the years so I am going to level with you despite Abby's unwillingness and Huck's inability to do so. I get that you want Fitz to run for president. But Liv, he said no. You can't change that by turning OPA into a political candidate making machine!"
Gene went from fretting to full-fledged crying. "Stop it, Harrison!" Abby said in a stage whisper. She was still trying to console Gene.
Harrison attempted to say something, but decided against it. He left the room in a huff.
"Abby, I'll take him. He won't accept the bottle if he's upset," Olivia said.
"Liv, you are never going to wean him from the breast if you keep giving in. Either you give him all bottle or not," Abby said just as Huck walked out. "Fastest way to clear a room of men...start talking about weaning and breasts."
"Give him to me, Abs. I appreciate your help." Olivia smiled at her with outstretched arms.
Olivia took Gene from Abby's arms. His crying was turning into a squawk. She walked into her office while rocking him back and forth. He quieted some, but continued to fret.
"Shhh...Genie, Mommy's here." She sat on the love seat, unbuttoned her blouse, and put Gene to her breast. He latched on immediately.
"And Genie triumphs over Mommy again," said Abby from the doorway.
Olivia smiled down at Genie and rubbed his cheek. "I'm a pushover. What can I say? I am calling off the weaning for now." She sat back and settled into a comfortable position.
Abby watched with a wistful expression. Olivia rubbed away his tears and looked up at Abby.
"Abby, you look like you want one of these yourself. I have enough to spare so if you name the right price…?" Olivia said. "Actually, I am willing to give you the twins for free. How about that?"
Abby sat in the nearby chair. "I'd have to go through Fitz, then Mildred, then all of Fitz's siblings, Karen and Gerry, not to mention Quinn...so I guess I'll have to enjoy them like this," Abby said.
"Harrison is pretty angry with me right now," Olivia said.
"No. He's just confused and I think...hurt, Liv. You know how he was after what Nate did to you. He felt guilty, and held onto it despite your insisting that it wasn't his fault. I think he...well I know he has put everything he has into OPA for you. This is his way of making it up to you. He never says that, but I know it," Abby said.
"Abby, are you and Harrison...together, together?"
"We've been getting close, but nothing has been declared. I don't know if he wants a relationship, a real relationship..."
"Abs, does he know how you feel...that you want a real relationship?"
"No. I don't want to tell him because...I don't want it to change us...if it didn't work out I would lose a good friend. I am satisfied with how things are right now."
"I think you should tell him, but I'm not going to tell you what to do. Thanks for the insight about him. Do you think I'm trying to make up for what I wanted from Fitz...to run again...through OPA?" Olivia felt Gene's mouth go slack, but when she attempted to pull him away he resumed his suckling. She pulled him away and put him on the other breast.
"I don't know. Why do you want Fitz to run? I was a little surprised when you told me, especially since you didn't want him to run when his father was trying to push him into it. You also said you didn't want the media rehashing your affair or exploiting Karen, Gerry, and the babies. I'll support you in whatever you choose to do. Huck...well you know he will. Harrison will come around. But do you really want to get back in the political rat race even if it is not with Fitz as the candidate? You have four little people who are very demanding. Any political campaign will be just as demanding. You won't be able to give one hundred percent to both without neglecting the other. I am only saying this because of the kind of mother you are choosing to be...hands on. Look at you...you could have left Gene at home with Quinn. He would have been weaned in a day, but you insist on doing it yourself...or not doing it. I think it makes sense to take the route that will give you the flexibility you need. If you were in the thick of a campaign could you bring Gene with you and take breaks to breastfeed? Investigations would give you more flexibility."
Olivia placed Gene in the portable crib after he fell asleep. "Fitz has made it clear that he won't run so it doesn't really matter why I wanted him to. That's my husband. He can be so inflexible sometimes," Olivia said. "Don't look so surprised, Abby. I don't know why everyone thinks Fitz is the easygoing one, and I am the one who always gets my way. Even my own mother thinks that. It is the reverse. I'll think about what you said, Abby. I don't want Harrison to think that I don't appreciate all he has done. Could you keep an eye on Gene? I'm going to talk to him now."
"Of course, Liv." Abby said, smiling down at Gene's sleeping form.
Olivia walked through the foyer to Harrison's office. The elevator opened and a tall well dressed woman appeared. She wore a blue sheath dress, matching pumps, pearls, accompanied by a large purse. She was a brunette with upswept hair. Everything about her attire seemed carefully chosen to relay a message. She had money, power, and privilege.
"Can I help you?" Olivia asked.
"Yes, you can Mrs. Grant," the woman said extending her hand. "I've been waiting for you to come back to work."
Olivia erased the inquisitive expression from her face in an effort to keep the upper hand with potential clients.
Olivia extended her hand. "Again, how can I help you, Mrs.?"
The woman gave Olivia a firm shake. "Ms. Flanigan. Please call me Rebecca."
"So, how can OPA help you?" Olivia asked again.
"Well, I need your help. I am going to run for Governor of Georgia and you are going to help me win," Rebecca said with a smug grin.
"OPA doesn't really do that sort of thing," Olivia said. She was trying to figure out what the woman really wanted or if she was serious.
"Mrs. Grant, this is OPA and you do that sort of thing. You got your husband elected so I want you to do the same thing for me. You are the one person who can accomplish this, especially given the leverage I have against Governor Sullivan."
Olivia was intrigued. "What leverage?"
"For the last 4 years, James and I have been lovers. I just broke it off so I could run. I know I can do a better job governing than he can," Rebecca said.
"The real question is can you get elected, but I'm sorry, Rebecca. I can't help you. A campaign with this sort of baggage would ensure that neither of you would get reelected. Just as sure as you've told me about your affair, someone else knows. This would only make a sure path for some dark horse candidate to emerge and win. You shouldn't run for office on a vendetta against a lover."
"Mrs. Grant, no one else knows about our affair. We were very discreet. It was just sex. I have my own ambitions and know I can do a better job."
"I'll have to say no to this one," Olivia said.
"Here's my card if you change your mind," Rebecca said, extending it to Olivia." I've been following you since that photo of you and the president was leaked. I've always admired you. If anyone can do this you can. You'll hear from me again. I don't give up easily. Thanks for your time, Mrs. Grant."
Olivia held the card in her hand as she watched Rebecca Flanigan leave the same way she came.
Olivia didn't know Fitz was watching her as she pushed Benjamin in the swing on her lap. She was lost in deep thought about Rebecca Flanigan and what a campaign for her would look like. Annie and Arthur were playing on the seesaw. Fitz sat in the swing next to Olivia and Benjamin with Gene on his lap.
They were outside with the children on the playground by the cottage. It was a nice, mild Saturday afternoon in late August. Quinn was enjoying a day off and Karen was away with friends. It was just Fitz, Olivia, and the children.
"Livy, when am I going to be out of the dog house with you for not running for president?"
His question brought her back from her thoughts. "What did you say, honey?"
"When are you going to stop being mad at me for not running?" Fitz repeated.
"Mommy, down," Benjamin said. When Olivia stilled the swing, Benjamin ran to the slide beside the seesaw.
"I don't know what you mean. I am not mad at you, Fitz." They strolled over to the playground equipment to be closer to the others.
"What's wrong, then? You seem distracted. We haven't really talked since we went out for dinner last week. Something is wrong. You are distant. I've been racking my brain and all I can come up with is that you're mad at me. I don't want this to come between us."
Olivia took his hand and pulled him over to the bench to sit down. She grabbed Gene from his arms and placed him in his stroller. She perched on his lap, grabbed his face and gave him the most passionate kiss she could muster without pushing the limits of the children being out of eyesight for too long.
"Is that the kiss of a woman who is mad at you?" she asked, rubbing her nose against his before glancing over at the kids to make sure they were okay.
Fitz shook his head and reached for her to resume the kiss. She gave him a quick peck and slid off his lap. "Later," she whispered in his ear. "It only takes a second for Annie and Arthur to start fighting. I've just been thinking a lot about OPA and which direction to take it. Harrison and I had a disagreement about the direction we want to go. He accused me of wanting to relive your campaign by making OPA into a 'political candidate making machine' as he called it. I talked to him about it and we are okay now. I told him that I wouldn't make any big decisions without talking to them first. But just before I spoke with him, a woman named Rebecca Flanigan showed up at the office demanding that I help her get elected as Governor of Georgia. She, now get this, is James Sullivan's mistress and she thinks she can do a better job! I declined her request, of course, but I can't stop thinking about it. I did some research on her and she is quite the activist."
"Annie, Arthur, Bennie, come here!" Fitz called. He pulled a heavy blanket from a bag and spread it out on the ground. He pulled out sandwiches, fruit, and drinks from the bag. Olivia settled on the blanket with Gene as the other three bounded over and dived on the blanket. Fitz gave them each a cleansing cloth to wipe their hands. They opened their food and began to eat while talking to each other about trading their sandwiches.
"No Bennie, Gene can't eat a sandwich now," Olivia explained when Benjamin put the sandwich to Gene's mouth. Olivia took out a bag of sliced banana pieces. She broke off a piece for Gene who seemed eager to eat.
Now I'm wondering if he's mad at me. Olivia thought. She was about to ask him when Quinn's voice rang out.
"Where are my kiddos?"
Annie, Arthur, and Benjamin dropped their food and ran to Quinn who was followed by Tom. "Quinn! Quinn!" She bent and picked all three of them up at once. Tom took Benjamin from her arms after they all gave her kisses on the cheek.
"Quinn, Tom, what are you all doing here?" Olivia asked. Fitz took Gene from Olivia's arms so she could stand. Then he stood.
"Yeah, we are starting to think that Quinn doesn't trust us past a couple of hours with the kids," Fitz said, with a chuckle.
"You have it about right, Mr. Grant," Tom said.
Quinn rolled her eyes at Tom. "That is not true. After we had lunch and saw the movie, we were walking through the mall and I saw these two little giraffes that reminded me of Annie and Arthur. When we went into the store to get them. I saw this kaleidoscope I knew Bennie would love. Then I saw this stuffed panda bear that reminded me of Gene-"
"So she insisted we come back because she couldn't wait until tonight to give them the gifts," Tom finished.
"We want gifts! We want gifts!" Annie and Arthur chanted.
"Hey, why don't we take the kids back to the house. You two can clean up here or just enjoy the time alone," Quinn offered.
"Quinn, no. We can't let you cancel the rest of your date-"
"It's okay," insisted Quinn.
After Quinn and Tom left with the kids, Fitz and Olivia gathered their belongings.
Fitz loaded them and the stroller into the SUV that was parked in front of the cottage.
Instead of getting into the car, Olivia walked up the steps to the cottage door. Fitz got out of the car and walked up the steps. He unlocked the door.
"I hate when Quinn does that! Whenever she thinks we are fighting or angry she conveniently decides not to take her full days off to give us time alone. We don't need her interfering like this. I know she means well, though so-" Olivia argued as she flipped on the light.
"Obviously she is right," Fitz said. He sat down on the couch and patted the seat next to him. "So sit down and let's talk."
Olivia joined him on the couch. "Despite what you said, Livy, you have been angry with me. Deep down you thought you shouldn't be so you tried to convince yourself that you weren't. I know you. When you are angry with me, you shut me out emotionally and physically. You close yourself off and that is what you've done for the last two weeks. The things you just revealed about your conflict with Harrison and the visit from the woman is news to me. You haven't mentioned any of it. And that kiss was the most passion you've given me for days."
"I do not close myself off. Everything has been fine. We've made love. We talk-"
"You do. It's your default mode when you feel hurt or angry. You did it routinely when I was President. I understood it then. You needed to protect yourself. But now it is unacceptable. You have to talk to me. You can't retreat. It is so obvious, even to Quinn. I am not mad at you for being mad at me. Just talk to me about it. That's all I'm saying, Livy. You're my wife. I'm your husband. I want all of you all the time. That is what I give to you. All means all. Even if you are mad as hell at me," Fitz said, pulling her onto his lap.
"I don't want to be President. I love being your husband and the father of our children. I enjoy my work at the Center. I am happy, Livy. I want you to be happy too."
He held her face in his hands, his eyes searching hers. "Are you happy, Livy?"
She blinked and the tears that had welled up in her eyes cascaded down her cheeks. She grabbed his face too.
"Yes, I'm happy Fitz. You are right. I was angry with you, but I wasn't trying to push you away. I knew I shouldn't be angry…that it wasn't fair to be, but that's just how I felt," she said shakily. "And I'm sorry for shutting you out. Can you for-forgive me?"
He didn't have to answer because she already knew his answer. Their lips melded together and words were no longer necessary. They made love deliberately and without haste. They gave of themselves, renewing their connection.
"Okay, It's been 4 hours. I say mission accomplished," said Quinn, looking at the clock. It was 8 and Olivia and Fitz had not returned.
"Yes, Ms. Cupid and Fairy Godmother rolled into one. Your mission is accomplished. Unfortunately, I won't get any fairy dust of my own tonight since I have to be back on my post in thirty minutes. I'll help you put these monsters to bed before I leave," Tom said.
Annie, Arthur, and Bennie were asleep on the floor. They had not made it through the entire animated movie. Gene was already down for the night. Quinn and Tom deftly lifted the kids and carried them to their rooms, careful not to wake them. Tom helped her clean up the toys from the floor.
"I can't think of anything better than kissing you, Tom," Quinn said when he pulled back from kissing her goodnight at the door.
"I don't believe that. Kissing me ranks just under protecting the Grant clan, but that is okay. I'll take your kisses whenever and wherever I can get them. I'll be outside if you need me," Tom said. He stole a quick kiss and slipped out of the door. Quinn closed the door, pressed her back against the door, and sighed.
"Okay, this is ridiculous," Olivia said breathlessly. Fitz had her pinned against the front door of the cottage where they had just made love again. They had alternated between making love and sleeping for the last couple of hours. When they had finally decided to leave, they hadn't made it past the front door. She'd reached for the doorknob. He'd kissed her neck. The next thing she'd known he was pulling down her jeans and she was trying to brace herself to receive his thrusts from behind.
"Ridiculously good," he breathed against her ear. He knelt down and pulled her jeans back up and turned her around to refasten them.
"It's a good thing, today is not a fertile day for me or even close to one," Olivia said.
Fitz grinned as he locked the door. He scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the car. A little scream escaped her lips.
"We can't let Quinn see us this giddy, Fitz. She'll know what we've been doing."
"It's too late for that. We've been gone too long. This was her intention," Fitz said as they drove the short distance to the main house. "Now tell me more about this woman, Rebecca Flanigan. Despite what you said, I can tell that you are actually considering her offer."
"Olivia, please tell me you will accept. You're going to lead my campaign for
governor," Rebecca said. She sat across from Olivia who was poised and alert at her desk. Rebecca trained her eyes intently on Olivia, waiting for her response. Abby was present also. She sat in the arm chair beside Rebecca.
Olivia drew deep, slow breaths. She gripped the edge of her desk with one hand and her knee with the other. Her eyes closed involuntarily and she squeezed them tight.
"Olivia, are you okay?" Rebecca asked.
"No, she's not. Liv..." Abby warned, not wanting to say anything in front of a client.
"What is the problem?" Rebecca asked looking back and forth between Olivia and Abby.
"Rebecca, I apologize, but I really need to pump. I'm a overdue. I thought I could make it through our meeting, but-"
"Oh, by all means. I can step outside. I admire that you are breastfeeding. I just couldn't give up my body a moment longer after I had my daughter. But that's been almost 20 years ago. Take your time," Rebecca said. She rose from the chair and exited the office, already on her cell phone.
Abby brought the pump bag over to Olivia. "Thanks, Abby. I should have brought Gene with me. He keeps me honest. I can never skip feedings when he's around," Olivia said. She took a long swig of water. She lay back against the chair and began pumping both breasts at the same time.
"Liv, I'll give you some privacy and go entertain Rebecca. Can I get you anything?"
"Dial home for me and put it on speaker phone. Fitz has the kids all alone tonight, and he hasn't called me once. Something's up."
Abby chuckled. "Maybe he has it under control, Liv."
"Or the twins have tied him to a chair and taken the car. They've kidnapped poor Bennie to keep him from freeing Fitz. Gene is probably on the bed rolling around looking for anything to latch on to that looks like my breast," Olivia said.
"Liv, you are so wrong. Those are your kids!"
"Exactly. They are mine. I know Annie and Arthur. I guess it's a good thing Fitz isn't going to run. Those two would be the talk of DC," Olivia said with a wistful chuckle.
Abby walked out after she'd dialed Olivia's home number and activated the speaker phone. She wondered why Olivia always sounded sad when she mentioned Fitz not running for President. Abby made a mental note to push the issue next time because she really wanted to get to the bottom of it.
"Hello, Livy," Fitz whispered.
"Daddy! Daddy! You go! You go!" Olivia heard Annie's voice screaming in the background.
"In one second Annie. Let Bennie go next," Fitz answered back.
"Fitz, why are you whispering?" Olivia asked.
"I don't want them to know it's you. They've been asking about you since you missed dinner so I am distracting them. Is your appointment done?"
"It just started, but I had to stop to pump. I hear Annie in the background. What's going on?" Olivia asked
"It's uncanny. Gene has you on a schedule I just fed him and now he is trying to fight the urge to sleep right here in my arms. There's just too much excitement. We are all playing shark attack. Arthur is the shark and we are each taking a turn trying to cross the sea-the big throw rug-before he eats us. I am going to put them to bed in an hour. When are you coming home?" Fitz asked.
"In an hour I hope after my meeting with Rebecca." Olivia shut off the pump and began redressing.
"Your mom and Quinn called about an hour ago. I understand them checking up on me, baby. But you too?" Fitz said with a smile in his voice.
"I'm not checking up on you. But bathe Bennie last. He's the easiest. Put on the Doc McStuffins DVD for Arthur and Annie to keep them busy while you put Gene to bed. Don't put-"
"Livy, Stop!" Fitz interrupted with a chuckle. "I know what to do. These are my kids too...Oops! Here they come."
Hearing Olivia's name, they all ran to Fitz. "Mommy! Mommy! I wanna talk to Mommy!"
"Okay, one at a time," Fitz said to them, handing each one the phone. He smiled as they each asked her the same questions. When Annie and Arthur started fighting over the phone, he took it from them.
"Okay, Livy. I need to get these monsters down. I'll see you soon. I love you."
"Okay honey. I love you too. Oh and don't let them sleep in our bed no matter how much they-."
"Say Later Mommy! Later Mommy!" Fitz instructed to the little faces standing around his knees.
"Layer! Mommy! Layer Mommeeeeeee!" They parroted.
Chuckling, Olivia hung up the phone, put up the pump bag, and stored the milk in her portable refrigerator.
"Rebecca, Abby, please come back inside," Olivia called. "I apologize for the interruption."
"Olivia, please don't apologize. You are a working mother. It's okay," Rebecca insisted.
"Rebecca, I accept your offer to run your campaign under certain conditions which might make you want to reconsider," Olivia announced after they were settled.
"What conditions?" Rebecca asked, narrowing her eyes.
"I would run your campaign, but I couldn't travel with you to all out of town stops and events. Georgia is a big state with many rural outliers so there will be a lot of on the road trips. I should be able to attend most of the events outside the perimeter and a few in far north and south Georgia. I would make a list to give you a sense of the scope. Campaigns can change on a dime so any important events, I would make every effort to attend. My team would travel but I'd be on call, and of course I would orchestrate it all. My team would execute the details. This is all I can offer right now, Rebecca. I have four small children at home so travel for me is limited. My husband travels at least once a month, so I have to be there when he is not," Olivia explained.
"Don't you and the President have a nanny? You have to." Rebecca said.
"Yes. We have a nanny and a very good one, but I am their mother." Olivia said with a challenge in her eyes.
"I respect that, but I need you there with me, every step of the way. I don't doubt that your team isn't excellent, top notch, but I need you to be all in," Rebecca said.
"Rebecca, I'm sorry I can't help you. You need to make the best decision for your campaign. Based on what I have to give and your needs, it would not be a good fit. My family has to come first. The more I think about it, the more you need someone who can be totally hands on especially given the sexual relationship you and your contender had. That is bound to come out which will mean a lot of sleepless nights of strategizing. I can give you the names of some other people who would be excellent," Olivia said.
Rebecca sighed heavily before rising to her feet. She walked around Olivia's office examining the surroundings and photographs that lined various surfaces. There were and assortment of candid pictures of Olivia's family together and individually. She picked many of them up to get a closer look. She stopped at the big family portrait on the wall, staring at it the longest.
"It's really not fair," Rebecca said, facing the portrait, "You worked your ass off to get him elected and fell in love with him in the process. He resigned the highest office in the land to be with you, but you never got to experience what it would be like to have that thing you worked so hard for. You got the man, but not the office, your place in history. You could never know what it would be like to be First Lady...unless he ran again. And I guess he's not going to. So in the annals of history...his first wife will be forever known as The First Lady. But it is you who sacrificed so much for your family." She turned back to face Olivia. "Okay I'll take your conditions. Having 75% of you is better than not having you at all. Let's get started."
"Rebecca, if we are going to proceed, my personal life is off limits, if that makes sense. While it has an impact on the extent to which I can work for you, it is not open for discussion. We can meet tomorrow to iron out all the details," Olivia said.
Rebecca extended her hand to Olivia. "Agreed. I apologize if I offended you by my comments. You will see as we get to know each other, I speak my mind. You can always count on me to tell the truth. I really like you, Olivia. I think that the sky is the limit for us."
Olivia couldn't help but smile. She shook Rebecca's hand and watched her shake Abby's. "We'll see you at 10:00 tomorrow," Olivia said.
"I'll see myself out," said Rebecca.
"She reminds me of Mellie so much, Abby," Olivia said as she started to pack up.
"I was thinking the same thing, which is freaking ironic since you seem to really like her."
"I guess it's refreshing because it seems with her, what you see is what you get. She's self absorbed and power hungry like Mellie, but she doesn't try to pretend otherwise. I guess I can respect her for that," Olivia said.
"So is there truth to what she said about you feeling entitled to be First Lady? Is that why you want Fitz to run?" Abby ventured, seeing this as her opportunity.
"I don't feel entitled to anything. I just want us to have that chance to make our mark on the world. I think we both have something to offer to the world that can only be realized in that office. Honestly, Abby, I really don't want to rehash this. My husband doesn't want to so I have to accept that and move on," Olivia said.
"You sound so sad whenever you talk about it. As your friend, I don't want you to-"
Olivia cut Abby off before she said it. "Abby, don't. I need to get home." She tapped Abby's arm and walked out.
Olivia swigged down a goblet of water. She filled her glass with of cherry juice, the dark red liquid by most accounts looked and smelled like wine. She had begun drinking it as a wine replacement after she became pregnant with the twins. She padded into the bedroom and found Fitz sleeping. She shook her head when she saw 4 little bodies on either side of him. Sitting down her glass, she kissed each of them on the cheek.
"I'll move them," Fitz said, his voice muffled by the pillow.
"I'm going to take a shower," she said, She undressed and took a quick shower covering her breasts so that the warm spray wouldn't cause her to leak and have to pump.
After the shower, she pulled on her mesh bra and walked back in the bedroom to find that the babies were still in their bed.
"Livy, come here," Fitz said from the recliner. He sat there covered with a blanket.
She walked over to him wondering why he hadn't moved the kids.
"So what's the verdict? Did she accept the conditions?" Fitz asked, settling Olivia on his lap and tucking the blanket around them.
"Yes, but not before asking me if I had a nanny as if to say that raising my babies was someone else's job. She now understands that you and the kids are my first priority."
"The campaign is going to be long and hard, Livy. Sullivan is not going to give up easily. Georgia has never elected a female governor either. Are you sure you can do this part time?" Fitz asked. He grasped either side of her face in his hands and pulled her closer, examining her expression. She covered his hands with hers and nodded her head. Leaning in closer, he kissed her gently on the lips. Her nipples, pushed into his chest despite the mesh bra. He pulled back and rubbed her nipples through the material.
She pulled his hand away. "No. These are off limits and only available for Gene," she whispered.
"I miss your breasts. I don't think I've seen them for 2 years," he observed.
"I know, but that is partly your fault. You keep knocking me up," she smiled down at him. She giggled softly into his shoulder when she felt him harden against her thigh. "Oops! Where are those condoms? Tonight is not a good night to be risky."
He pulled her back so he could look at her. "Livy, I never thought I could love you more than I did before we made Annie, Arthur, Benjamin, and Eugene. But I do love you so much. You are an amazing woman. I've watched you nurture our children with so much love. I am in awe at how your small body has literally nourished each of them. We created them together, but I know I had such a small role. Each pregnancy takes a lot out of you mentally, emotionally, and physically. You are such a loving mother and wife, but I know there are other facets to you. You've been pregnant for the last two years now. I've been thinking that it might be a good idea for me to get a vasectomy. I think that is the best way to move forward. You won't have to remember to take pills and we won't have to use those condoms I hate so much. Any other options would make it easier for you, but I want birth control to be easiest for you, baby. I think a vasectomy is the easiest for you. When you get your next client, you can work full time. I'll adjust my schedule to make it happen."
Olivia frowned a little as he spoke. She was trying to wrap her mind around his words. "So you are saying you don't want anymore kids?"
"No. I'm saying that I know having more babies is a commitment that would limit what you could do at OPA or whatever you wanted to do. Having more children would only complicate things, baby. I want you to have space to think about what Olivia wants," Fitz explained.
Olivia was immediately overwhelmed by what he said. It was totally unexpected. She didn't realize she was crying until she felt the pads of his fingers against the under side of her eyes and down her cheeks.
"Livy, what's wro-?"
She bent her head and took his lips in a slow, deep kiss, but her heart was racing. He responded in kind, kissing her just as deeply.
She broke the kiss abruptly and stood to her feet. Her hands gripped the band of the mesh bra under her breasts and eased it up slowly over her head. He heavy breasts fell free. She removed the blanket from him and spread it out behind her. Dropping to her knees in front of him, she pushed his thighs apart and took as much of the hard length of him into her mouth. Her head rose and fell around him as she grasped the twin orbs that hung at the hilt of him. When he moaned loudly she knew she had to stop because she wanted him to find release inside her.
She swiveled her tongue around the crest of him and pulled back.
"Lay down here," she demanded, moving beside the blanket. He knelt down on to the blanket and reached for her. She put up her hand to stop him, so he lay on his back and waited for her next instruction. Olivia bent down to kiss him while straddling his chest.
She raised his hands above either side of his head and entwined her fingers with his. "I'm dripping wet," she said. "Do you feel it?" she rubbed herself up and down his chest making a path of wetness there. When she reached the top part of his chest, he freed his hands and lifted her off his chest, so that he could kiss her between the legs.
"Fi-" was all she could manage as he licked and suckled her from the back to the front. After having his fill, he lifted her up and flipped them over until he was on top. He grasped both her legs and placed them over his shoulders and plunged into her just as he covered her mouth with his to muffle both their cries. He pulled his head back and suckled each breast, trying to slow his movements. She held on tightly until her release caused her body completely relax. Fitz continued his strokes until he froze and came strongly, deep inside her.
Eventually their breathing slowed and they slowly untangled themselves.
"I think my legs are out of socket and I might have carpet burn, Fitz." Olivia said sleepily.
"You'll be fine." he said. They covered themselves up with he blanket and fell asleep on the floor beside the bed.
Olivia was awakened by her leaky and achy breasts. Fitz's arms bound her around the waist and breasts so she couldn't move.
"Fitz, wake up," she mumbled. "It's time to get up."
"Ok," he groaned. He sat up slowly. "Why did we sleep on the floor?" He stood gingerly and bent to lift her up.
"I need to nurse," she said seeing the stain of milk where she had lain. She looked over at the bed which was empty.
"Where are my children?" Olivia asked, confused.
"Quinn's here. It's 7:30. I'm sure she got them and probably thinks we are certifiable to have slept on the floor." Fitz said, pulling Olivia into the bathroom.
"I just hope we were covered up." Olivia pulled back. "You go ahead, honey. I need to pump. These things are overflowing. I'm sure she's already fed Gene."
She slipped on a light robe and sat in the recliner with the pump. He watched her pump for a, a smug smile on his face. She smiled back at him and then he left her to shower.
Olivia lay her head back and mentally reviewed her schedule for the day. She thought of how to proceed with Rebecca. A scene of making love to Fitz last night interrupted her thoughts. Realization set in. She thought about her ovulation calendar and how she used it as a form of birth control. It let her know when she was likely to ovulate and thus when she was the most fertile. She wasn't sure if she had already ovulated or if she was due to soon. Olivia made a move to look at her calendar, but then thought against it. She thought about what he said last night about getting a vasectomy and how she had responded. Either he was the sweetest man on earth or the most cunning at getting her pregnant. She had a suspicion that he was both. Olivia pushed thoughts of pregnancy out of her head because sex didn't always mean conception and at this moment there were other more pressing things at hand.
The day had come and gone. Olivia had met with Rebecca, Abby, Harrison, and Huck at OPA and they had worked out a schedule of how to proceed with the campaign. It was evening now and Olivia, Fitz, the kids, Mildred, and Quinn had finished dinner. All the children had been put to bed and the adults were having drinks in the family room. The evening news played, but none of them paid attention.
"So Quinn, how did you and Tom like Callaway Gardens?" Olivia said, turning to Quinn who sat beside her on the sofa.
"It was magical. We took a lot of hikes. The changing leaves are beautiful. The Harvest Festival was...I can't even think of an adequate word to describe it. We ate, it seems like, every few seconds. I swear I gained five pounds. Tom tried to get me to stay one more day, but I couldn't of course," Quinn laughed.
"You should have, Quinn. All you had to do was call me." Olivia said.
"But Mr. Grant is going out of town tomorrow. I knew you would really need me. I wouldn't think of going over the time I asked off," Quinn said.
"Next time, please just call me." Olivia insisted.
"You took on someone's campaign, Liv. Why did you let her do that, Fitz?" Mildred said, changing the conversation abruptly.
"Mildred, it's not a matter of letting her," said Fitz.
"Mom, I'm not full time and I have help from my team. I think you will like Rebecca. She is honest and straight forward. I think she deserves a clear chance to present her vision for Georgia to the voters who will decide," said Olivia.
"Oh my word. Already writing the speech I see," said Mildred. "I guess that means no more babies for awhile at least."
At her words, Fitz and Olivia exchanged a smoldering look.
"I think I heard Gene," said Olivia quickly. "I'll go check on him."
"I'll help her," Fitz said. "We'll be right back."
They made a quick exit.
"What's that all about?" Quinn asked. "Wait, I don't want to know."
"Let's see what's happening in the world," Mildred suggested. She grabbed the remote and turned up the volume.
"Ouch," Olivia said with a giggle as her head hit the maple headboard.
"Sorry," Fitz said. He pulled back positioning her closer to the middle of the bed. "Is that better?"
"Oh yes," she answered, the pillow muffling her voice, as he slammed into her from behind. She was up on her knees spread before him with her head resting on a pillow. He was behind her on his knees, caressing her wet folds while he savored each stroke.
They had been ravenous for each other all day exchanging explicit text messages, phone calls and e-mails describing how much they wanted each other. This quick rendezvous on the bed was their second quickie since they had gotten home. Earlier, while Mildred cooked and Quinn entertained Bennie and the twins Olivia had gone to the bedroom to nurse Gene. Fitz had appeared and undressed her while she nursed. He sat there watching her nurse naked from where he sat across the room. She was so aroused it was difficult to keep a good hold on Gene so she closed her eyes which didn't help much. When Gene finally finished she had barely laid him in the bassinet before Fitz was on her.
Now the room was quiet except for the knocking of the headboard and their moans and heavy breathing. When they were done and redressed, they casually walked back into the family room.
"How's Gene?" Mildred asked when they returned.
"Huh?" Olivia asked, confused.
"He's sleeping now," Fitz said, coming in for the save.
They sat down beside each other on the sofa and trained their eyes on the television. There was a story on about the Person of the Week. Fitz placed his hand on Olivia's thigh and rubbed back and forth. Olivia covered his hand with hers and moved it back to the sofa.
We interrupt this program to bring you breaking news out of New York. According to initial reports, President Sally Langston was shot at the Oakley Bay Hotel about an hour ago. She was there to give an important speech about the international peace talks between the United States and Russia. Apparently, she was walking across her hotel window when the bullet hit her. President Langston is in stable but critical condition at Cedar Sinai Memorial Hospital. The shooter has been apprehended, but reports have not come in as to a possible motive. This is all we have to report now. Please stay tuned and keep President Langton and our nation in your prayers.
Three sets of eyes moved to Fitz. Olivia reached for him, but he was already up and moving to his study. Olivia followed behind him. He checked his cell phones. They were all chirping with missed calls, voice mails, and incoming calls.
"The first call came in 30 minutes ago," he said. Before he could dial back, Mildred appeared at the door with Tom and an unidentified woman.
"President Grant, I need you to come with me," the woman said. "The Joint Chiefs have requested your presence in DC now."
"You are?" Fitz asked.
"Elaine Dupree, the assistant to the White House Chief of Staff."
"Ms. Dupree, why do they need to see me?" Fitz asked, looking skeptical.
"The Vice President has been shot and killed," she said.
"But the reports-!" Fitz said.
"We haven't released that information yet. We don't want the American people to think we don't have a leader-"
"What does that have to do with me?" Fitz said. Olivia held his hand and rubbed his arm.
"The Joint Chiefs will explain that. My mission is to collect you. They will have answers to your questions. Please come with me," she insisted.
"Honey, I'll pack a bag for you." Olivia said.
"There's no time for that. We have to leave now," Ms. Dupree said.
"I need a moment with my wife," Fitz said.
He turned when the door closed. "You know what they want from me," he said.
She shook her head in agreement. "Livy, I won't turn my back on my country, but whatever the offer, request...it will only be temporary. I want you to remember that. I need your support on this, okay?"
She agreed and then hugged him tightly. She followed him into each of the babies' rooms as he said goodbye.
After he had gone, all Olivia could do was collapse on the sofa.
"Olivia, what do they want with him?" Mildred asked.
Quinn and Olivia exchanged glances. Seeing their exchange, Mildred said, "Does this have something to do with that group you were telling me about, Livy? I have a bad feeling about all this."
Gene cried out from his bedroom. Olivia and Quinn both rose to check on him.
"I'll get him," Olivia said.
Olivia was giddy with excitement. She felt like one of the 12,000 red, white, and blue balloons that swirled around her on the stage of the grand ballroom. Had it not been for Annie and Arthur who were tethered to her side, their chubby hands enclosed in hers, she would have floated away.
"Look at people, Mommy!" Annie said, excitedly.
"Daddy is Pwesadent!" Arthur announced at the top of his lungs.
The roar of the crowd and the din of Fleetwood Mac's, "Don't Stop," prevented anyone in the audience from hearing Arthur, but Olivia corrected him anyway. "No, baby. He is not President yet. He just announced that he is going to run for President," she said.
"Daddy Pwesadent! Daddy Pwesadent!" Annie and Arthur chanted together.
Olivia smiled at his comment, hoping it would come to pass. She knew they didn't understand what "president" meant. Fitz had made his announcement and now they were all on the stage-Fitz, Olivia, Mildred, Karen, Gerry, Annie, Arthur, Benjamin and Eugene-waving to the eager audience and press. Fitz walked to the middle of the stage, which was the cue for Olivia to join him so they could take their stroll down the stage for a united walk and wave. Orchestrating this part of the Presidential announcement had been unwieldy given the number of their brood. Once they decided to add Mildred to the stage, it became easier to manage. Mildred held Eugene who could now walk, but his head was buried in her neck in fear of all the activity in the room. Gerry attempted to take the hands of Annie and Arthur now that Olivia had joined Fitz, but they wouldn't comply, insisting on walking unattended. Karen escorted Benjamin who was taking in all the sights and sounds while he waved to the crowd.
"Love the dress. I'm ready to take it off," Fitz said with a smile through his teeth. He grasped her hand in his and they proceeded down the long stage, smiling and waving.
"Focus, Fitz," she replied, squeezing his hand.
"I am...focused on you in that red dress," he countered, squeezing her hand back. "Look, there is Ted and Barbara."
Olivia waved to the donors Fitz pointed out. She wondered why he was so taken with what she considered to be a simple, understated dress. Olivia had agonized over what to wear to the announcement. She had wanted to wear a skirt suit, but nothing fell right over her protruding belly. Other than its bright red color, it was a simple silk dress that fell just above her knees. Her hair was upswept into a soft bun with wisps falling around her face. She wore red 2-inch slingbacks instead of her usual 4-inch heels. Olivia had wanted everyone focused on Fitz during his announcement, but what she thought was understated was anything but.
It had been six months since President Langston was shot and the Vice President fatally wounded. Fitz had declined the Joint Chiefs offer to step in as Vice President, instead offering to be a consultant. When the press discovered his new roll, the predictions about a presidential run grew to a fevered pitch, brining along with it interest in Olivia and the children. The month after the shooting had been stressful for the family and the country. Fitz was never home. He spent most of his time in D.C. Olivia was busy juggling Rebecca's gubernatorial campaign and her responsibilities at home while dodging the press. Fitz's absence put her in a sour mood most days which accompanied her unexplained crying spells, nausea, and lethargy. Finally Mildred had put her foot down and demanded that Olivia go to the doctor to confirm what she knew was true. Fitz had come home to accompany her to the doctor.
"Well as usual you two won't listen to me. In about 7 months, you will add two new babies to your family," the doctor announced to their surprised faces. "Yes, twins again. Maybe this will cure you from having any more babies for a long, long while...if at all," the doctor said with a wry, admonishing smile.
"That's what you get for priming the pump," Fitz whispered in her ear.
"You're kidding, right?" Olivia said to the doctor, ignoring Fitz's remark.
Back at home that day, Fitz shared the news that they had uncovered the domestic terrorist group behind the plot to kill President Langston. The group felt that America was becoming too diverse and liberal. Their aim was to kill the leadership and usher in a state of unrest. Then they planned to commit a series of hate crimes against minorities, gays, and immigrants to spark a debate that would pit citizens against each other along their entrenched differences. Fortunately, the leaders of the group had all been apprehended.
The powers that be gathered and convinced Fitz that he had to run for President more than ever now. They thought his interracial marriage would be a powerful symbol to bring the country together. Looking into the eyes of everyone gathered in that room, Fitz could not refuse. When he told Olivia of his decision, she had smiled weakly and given him a hug, still in shock about the multiple pregnancy news.
Today, six months after the shooting, their life was on a different trajectory leading to the White House.
"Daddy Pwesadent! Daddy Pwesadent!" Arthur chanted at the dining room table. They were gathered at the house in Virginia, the last place Olivia stayed before moving to Atlanta. Thy were enjoying an early dinner after the announcement. Fitz's mom, dad, and Quinn had joined them.
"Well, Arthur sure is confident! Let's hope he is right," Fitz's father said.
"Ever since he saw those videos of Fitz getting on and off Air Force One, he thinks president means piloting a plane," Olivia explained. "So he is now obsessed with planes and flying."
"Gerry, how long before you go back to college?" Michael said.
"This weekend actually, but I'll be back for the next big campaign event in...when is it Liv?" Gerry asked.
"Two weeks in Iowa," Olivia said, trying to get Eugene to eat his peas. She managed to shove them in his mouth, but he spit them out into his hand and rubbed them across the high chair.
"Liv, I'll take over. He won't eat them unless they are mixed with the potatoes," Quinn said. "Gene, why are you giving your mommy a hard time?"
"Fitz, let's go for a walk," Michael said, pushing away from the table. "I need to walk off this wonderful meal. Thanks, Quinn."
When Fitz and Michael walked outside, Olivia, Fitz's mom, Anne, and Mildred started clearing the table.
"Olivia, you should go rest. Between Karen, Gerry, Quinn, Mildred, and I, we will make sure the kids eat and get things cleaned up," Fitz's mother said.
"Are you sure?" Olivia asked tiredly. "I'm fine, really. Fitz has a conference call later with his field office director."
Mildred, Anne, and Quinn looked at each other and back at Olivia. Mildred spoke first.
"That's more reason for you to take a nap, Olivia." Mildred said, "You want to be fresh for the call, right?"
"Yeah, you're right. I'll set my clock for an hour," Olivia said. She kissed each child on the head and slowly walked down the hall to the bedroom.
They watched her slow gait down the hall, one hand on her hip and one hand supporting the underside of her belly.
"Fitz better tell her soon before she finds out from someone else," Anne said.
"This would not be an issue if he wouldn't have let her plan the event today. It just reinforces the idea that she is going to be playing the same role she played the first time he ran for president. Why doesn't she see that she is on the inside now. She can't orchestrate the campaign and be the wife of the candidate," Mildred said.
"It's endearing to see how much he loves her and wants to please her, but, Mildred, you're right. Even if she wasn't pregnant with twins, it wouldn't be a good idea for her to be so close. They need that objective eye. He assured me that he would tell her tonight, after the conference call," Anne said.
"So you are going to tell her tonight, right Fitzgerald?" Michael said.
"Yes, dad. She's going to be pissed that I have hired a campaign manager," Fitz said.
"She'll get over it, especially when those babies are born," Michael said. "Son, despite your initial misgivings about running again, I know you are going to be a great leader. I only wish I could stand beside you as your father."
"Thanks, Dad but I have to win the nomination first and then the election. We have a long, winding road ahead of us," Fitz said.
Olivia walked out of the bathroom as quickly as she could manage. She had woken up to a full bladder and made it to the bathroom just in time. Now she was headed out to find Fitz. He now sat on the bed.
"Fitz, why didn't you wake me for the conference call?" Olivia said with a slight yawn. "Where are the kids?"
"Quinn put on a movie for them. My parents and your mom are talking. I want to talk to you, honey."
She looked wary, but slowly made her way over to the bed to stand in front of him.
"You looked sexy today in this dress," he said, reaching around her and sliding his palms over her derriere.
She was as unaffected by his hands. "What do you want to talk to me about and what does it have to do with the conference call?"
"Today's event was flawless. Every detail was perfectly orchestrated, thanks to the perfect planning of Olivia Pope," he said, his hands now under her dress, slowly rubbing the backs of her thighs.
She was surprised at his use of her maiden name. "I went overboard with the balloons. There were too many. You were announcing your run and not declaring victory," she said, slowly beginning to feel the effects of his roving hands and fingers.
"Livy, you must realize that you are not Olivia Pope, anymore. You are my wife, Olivia Grant, so you can't be my campaign manager. You are the wife of the candidate and not an advisor. You can't be both. I don't think you've realized the implications of it all, honey. Things have happened fast and you're naturally falling into fixer mode. Does that make sense?"
She shook her head in agreement, understanding his words, but not what he was preparing to tell her. She held on to his shoulders as his hands continued caressing her under the dress. He now rubbed her belly.
"In addition to that, you are 6 months pregnant with twins," he said.
Now she was beginning to understand what he was saying. "Yes. I am, but I'm over the nausea and tiredness. We have a long way to go until November."
"Yes, we do, but you aren't going to be leading the way. Your primary job now is to take care of yourself and not lead the campaign. The press is going to increase its scrutiny now that I have announced-"
"Just say it, Fitz."
"I have hired a campaign manager," he said.
"Who did you hire?"
"Livy, you sound upset," he said.
"Who?" she insisted.
"Hannah Reid."
"Hannah Reid? Why her? She doesn't have enough experience to lead a political campaign for someone of your stature. She's never run a presidential campaign, Fitz!" she said.
"But she won the two mayoral races and one governor's race she led. All the campaigns were complicated just like mine will be," he explained.
"Complicated how? You are a shoe in candidate. It's inevitable," she said.
"The fact that you are saying that reinforces why we need Hannah. There's the fact that I resigned the presidency to be with my mistress who I had been having an affair with during my campaign and presidency. There is that picture of us in France. There are the voting irregularities in Defiance, OH, and I could go on and mention that we are an interracial couple. It's banal to us but others will be unready for us to be the First Family. We need Hannah, a disinterested party to lead this. Olivia, I know this is hard to take, but I need you to be able to work with her, even take her directives."
They stared at each other from across the room. Olivia's gaze held a challenge. His gaze held equal parts pleading and longing. Olivia was more than a little pissed at the turn of events, but she decided to swallow her reservations and acquiesce.
"Okay. You are right. I am on board, and cannot wait to work with her," Olivia said. "Well, I should check on-"
"Livy, you hate lying even more than you hate being lied to so why are you lying to me?" Fitz said.
"I'm not lying," she said, lifting herself out of the chair. "I've been out of the DC loop, barefoot and pregnant for the last couple of years, but I've only heard good things about her. I'm not going to worry my little head about our complicated campaign. I need to go check on my children," Olivia said.
He reached out and grabbed her wrist when she passed by the bed. He pulled her close so that she stood between his legs where he sat on the bed. He sighed visibly. "You can be upset, Livy.
"I'm not upset. I am just going to check on the kids."
"No." he said, not letting her move. "Annie, Arthur, Benjamin, and Gene are fine.
"I'm going to talk to my mom and your parents," she said, now irritated.
"No," he said again.
"No?" she pushed against him, but he wouldn't move.
"Let's talk about this," he said.
"I don't want to talk to you. Let me go. Your parents and Gerry are here. We should be entertaining them. I'm good with what you said."
"No," he said again, refusing to budge.
They stared at each other for a long while.
"You can be such an ass sometimes. You didn't even want to run for President and now you hire a campaign manager without even talking to me first. Then you say that I am too dumb, an unfortunate consequence of popping out your babies, to handle the complications of a campaign, complications I caused because I was your mistress!"
They stared at each other for long while.
"I'm sure I can be an ass sometimes, Livy, but I never said any of those other things. I am running for president, but my first priority is to protect my family. I won't let you do anything to compromise your health or the health of the babies, that's number one. Number two, I never called you a mistress, I was referring to what outsiders would see. Number three, I agree that I should have talked to you before hiring Hannah and for that I am sorry," he said.
She inhaled deeply and then bent her head, touching her lips to his. When their lips met, they forgot about the conflict and let their passion for each other take over. They kissed as if that was the only outlet available to them.
Olivia lifted her knee on the bed trying to get closer, but her belly prevented that. Fitz straightened her leg and reached under her dress to pull down her panties. Once she stepped out of them, he slid down in front of her until he was eye level with the juncture between her thighs. He lifted her leg and until her bent knee was propped on the edge of the bed. He grasped each side of her derriere an swirled his tongue into the dewy folds of sensitive flesh. The more he licked the wetter she got which made him more ravenous he lifted her other knee until she had not choice but to hold herself up on her arms and legs. Fitz lifted off the bed and stood behind her. He flipped her dress up over her hips. He rubbed up and down her thighs and feasted on her from the back to the front, causing her to come multiple times. He unbuckled his belt and unzipped his pants, releasing this burgeoning manhood. He turned her over on her back so he could see her face when he joined with her. Her face was flushed and her hair had come undone. She looked beautiful to him. He bent her limp legs plunged deep inside until he was home and found his release.
Fitz stepped out of his slacks and carried her into the bathroom so they could shower before joining the others who were downstairs.
"I'm glad we talked," she said as he helped her adjust the shower cap before turning on the shower.
"Me too," he said.