Hello my sweet loves. Here is your next chapter of Saving Grace. I hope you enjoy it and there is lots of fluffy, muffy, mushy OLITZ cuteness. Plus Miss Emmalynn helps things along nicely in this chapter with Ella. Fitz finds out a few things about Olivia in this chapter. What are they…well my loves..read on and see.
Thank you to all of you who helped me reach 100 comments. I am so blown away. #IHaveNoWords. To anyone knew who follows me and this tale. Thankies! Enjoy some more #ScandalTherapy…;-)
Chapter 5: POTUS and the PINK Elephant
When the car initially pulled up to the White House Fitz was on cloud nine. Ella's baptism was perfect and so was the incredible woman that was sitting next to him. His body still ached to hold Olivia back in his arms, like they were in the church. He had never held onto anything so utterly perfect in his life. If ANYONE belonged with him in that Presidential motorcade at that moment it was Olivia, and her precious daughter.
He reflected back to how her face and eyes lit up like a Christmas tree when they approached the gates to this historic home. Emmalynn called it a palace and in that little girl's eyes it could be. Both mother and daughter looked upon it like it truly was the most magical place in the entire world. He had taken it for granted at times. But now he saw this place, differently because of Olivia and Emmalynn.
As the car stopped and he saw Mellie, it infuriated him. Fitz then told his kids, Emmalynn and Olivia to stay put because he was going to "handle" his soon to be ex. As he got ready to open the door, Olivia touched his hand. Fitz turned immediately and looked at her warming loving face and adoring eyes.
"Mr. President, going off on your "ex" to be in front of your children and my daughter might not be the best course of action. Don't let her get to you or push your buttons. That is the reason why she is here. She wants to get a rise out of you and," she stopped and touched his face, causing Fitz to relax, "YOU prove to her that you're the better person. Show her who you really are?"
Fitz took his hand and placed it on hers on his face. "Miss Olivia Pope, you are amazing. Did you know that?" He told her without hesitation. He then squeezed her hand that was still resting on his cheek not wanting to leave the car.
"Show her who you are, Mr. President. Not who you USED to be. That person is in here somewhere. I just know it." Olivia then removed her hand and placed it on Fitz's heart. Fitz looked down at her hand then looked up into her eyes. She then smiled and nodded her head at him. Fitz let out a huge breath that he didn't know he had been holding in. The simple gesture of her touching his cheek then chest, totally put him at ease. He felt like he could take on the world, because of Olivia.
He placed his hand on top of hers that rested on his chest and said "Thank you Miss Pope."
"You're welcome." Olivia said back to him, not believing that she just did that. Fitz then exited the car and prepared himself to deal with Mellie.
/
Fitz stepped out of the motorcade and took one look at his soon to be ex-wife. He put his hands in his pockets and walked up to her. His mind replayed what Olivia told him in the car, and he would do his best to make all of them in the car proud.
"What do you want Mellie?" Fitz asked her, walking up to her.
"I heard you were on your way back from the church. I wanted to see the kids." Mellie told him.
"Oh so you want to see Karen and Jerry now. Why is that Mellie? Why are you REALLY here? Truthfully now." Fitz said to her, keeping his voice as calm and collected as possible.
"Fitz is just told you. I wanted to see Karen and Jerry. Plus I wanted to see Ella. I heard the baptism was perfect. She didn't even cry."
"Ah huh. We signed the divorce papers this morning Mel. This is NO reason for you to be here anymore."
"Last time I checked we are STILL married until the court finalizes those divorce papers honey. So I have every right to be here still. I am still the First Lady, and Karen and Jerry's mother."
Fitz walked up to her now, trying to keep calm. He swallowed hard, and just stared at her. He then said to her, "Mellie, this day is NOT about you and me, or Jerry and Karen. It's about Ella, my god-child. I am not going to let you ruin this for me or anyone else." Fitz told her with all the power he had within him, keeping himself in check.
Mellie just stood there looking at him, in shock. He did not raise his voice at her, or scream. He did not pace back and forth. Her soon to be ex-husband talked to her as calmly as possible. This was extremely odd.
Inside the car, Jerry, Karen, Emmalynn and Olivia watched and listened to Fitz and Mellie on the outside of the car. They were still talking.
"Wow Olivia, what you said to our Dad worked. He has not even attempted to raise his voice at our mom yet. We are shocked." Jerry said to her.
"Did they fight a lot?" Olivia asked them.
"Yes, especially after Dad got hurt. We couldn't even tell you the last time we saw Dad happy, well until today." Karen said to her.
"Emmy," said Karen, "who's your friend you're holding. She's really pretty."
"Sadie, my pink ell-fant. Daddy got her for me when I was born. She goes where I go. Right Mummy." Emmalynn said looking at Olivia.
"Yes Pumpkin that is right. Daddy got Sadie for you after you were born. She was the only PINK elephant in the store." Olivia said with a hint of sadness in her voice.
"Well Emmy, Jerry and I LOVE pink elephants. The elephant is our favorite animal, mainly because of our dad. He LOVES elephants too." Karen said to her.
"Yes Emmy, our Dad loves the elephant. I bet you can tell him all about Sadie later." Jerry told her.
"Okay, but Mummy, I have to go potty!" Emmalynn finally said.
"Emmy honey can you hold it? I don't think President Grant wants us out of the car yet. He's still talking to Karen and Jerry's mom. He wants us to all stay inside." Olivia told her daughter.
"But Mumma, I go now!." Emmalynn told her mother.
"Um Karen, can you help me out here. What do I do? I know I just can't take her inside to use the bathroom can I?" Olivia asked.
"I don't think so. Hold on, let me get Tom's attention." Karen then knocked on the window and Tom came over. She opened the window when he got close and explained to him what was going on. Tom eyes widened because he did not want Emmalynn to have an accident in the car either. He was sure the President would understand.
Jerry un-hooked Emmalynn's seatbelt and she went over to Olivia. The door opened to the car with Fitz and Mellie looking on. Fitz told everyone to stay inside and didn't understand what was happening.
Karen and Jerry got out first, and then finally Olivia and Emmalynn. Mellie looked at Fitz wondering who this woman, who was strikingly beautiful, coming out of his car. Most importantly, who was the little girl. Mellie watched how the little girl, grabbed onto her mother's dressed to be picked up, due to the fact she was uneasy.
"Dad," said Karen, "I know you wanted us to stay put but Emmalynn needs to go to the bathroom."
"Oh," Fitz said to her, "Tom can you escort them in. We're almost done here."
"Emmalynn, do you want me to come with you? This bathroom is really fancy. It has lot of cool princess stuff in it." Karen told her.
Emmalynn's eyes widened. "Really, okay." Olivia put her down and her daughter grabbed Karen's hand and began to walk past Fitz and Mellie.
"Karen, is that your mommy?" Emmalynn asked.
"Yes," Karen answered as they walked by with Olivia.
"She's scary." Emmalynn said loud enough for everyone to hear her, causing everyone including Fitz to stifle back a laugh.
"Emmalynn Grace," Olivia said, "who told you that?" They stopped a few feet away from Fitz and Mellie, on the steps.
"Poppa Cy, Mummy. He said, she's scary." Emmalynn said looking right at Fitz who just about cracked up on the spot.
"Come on little Miss Thing. Let's go use the bathroom so we can go and see Ella." Olivia told her as they walked inside the doors and found the bathroom.
Fitz turned and looked at Mellie who just stood there in shock as to what just happened. Mellie finally turned to him and said, "And who is she Fitz?"
"That is none of your concern Mellie anymore. You do not dictate whom I can see anymore. Not that you did in the first place." Fitz told her adamantly.
"I've never seen her before. What did you do, pick her up on the side of the road, like some damsel in distress? Did you bend down and change her tire, and bat those eyes of yours at her?"
Fitz was about to answer her but he was stopped. "Excuse me Ma'am but that is exactly what happened." Olivia said to Mellie, not backing down. Fitz backed up somewhat shocked.
"I am afraid I didn't catch your name dear." Mellie said to Olivia.
"My name and who my daughter and I are none of your concern. But I will tell you that the President did help me with my car that broke down on the side of the road. He was nice enough to change my tire, and give me a ride to the baptism. Then he offered me a ride here for the reception." Olivia said to her walking right up to her. Emmalynn was holding Karen's hand on the steps.
"Oh wasn't that nice of him. So what are you to Ella then Mrs…."
"It's Miss. I am Ella's god-mother." Olivia said to her, getting a few steps closer to her now. Fitz backed up, being extremely turned on by this gorgeous woman standing before him. There was this fire and passion in her eyes now. Olivia was someone not to be messed with. God he loved it.
"You are Ella's god-mother?" Mellie asked her, looking over at Fitz, not really believing what she was hearing.
"Yes, now if you would excuse me, her god-father and I are needed at the reception. This is HER day. And if you ruin things for my god-child, I don't care if you are the First Lady or not, there is nothing like a "God-mother" scorned." Olivia looked right at Fitz, who was just standing there spellbound still, and swallowing a lump in this throat. "Are you ready Mr. President?"
"Yes," Fitz told her totally unable to find his words. This woman left him completely thunderstruck, and turned on. Never in all this time has he met someone that fascinated, and mesmerized him at the same time. But it also scared the hell out of him. He's never met anyone with such passion before. He had to know more about her. Fitz started to walk towards Olivia, with the biggest smile on his face.
"Miss," Mellie said trying to stop her from walking away, "I didn't catch your name."
"That's because I didn't give to you. Have a nice day." Olivia said, flashing her a hardened smirk.
Olivia then turned around and walked away from a very stunned Mellie Grant. Fitz shrugged his shoulders and followed Olivia up the stairs. Mellie got so mad that she stormed off going back inside in another door. Jerry, Karen and Emmalynn stood there in shock not believing what they just saw.
"Miss Olivia," Karen said, "Wow that was incredible. No one has ever stood up to our mom like that before. It took Dad a while to do anything like that."
Olivia reached the second to top step, with Fitz behind her, two steps down. She looked at all the kids and said "Well, she wasn't being very nice to your Dad, and she poking fun at how he helped me and Emmalynn today. She didn't know that was how we met, but it was still disrespectful. Your mom was out of line. I stood up for him. I know he's the President but sometimes everyone needs someone to stick up for them."
By then Fitz was right behind Olivia. She knew he was there. She could feel his eyes piercing a whole into her back. Olivia turned to face him. "I'm sorry Sir, I didn't…" Fitz stopped her.
"Miss Pope, that was by far one of the most incredible things I have ever seen. Thank you. You are right, she was not only belittling what I did to help you today but she would have ruined today for Ella, and the kids. Thank you being by my side."
She walked a little towards him. Olivia's caught her breath for a moment really unable to find her words, standing looking up into his warm eyes. She gazed into them, and saw hope, sadness, relief, and joy. The color of them changed from a grey to a brighter blue as she gazed into them. She noticed the smile that came on Fitz's face when his eyes changed to blue.
Still looking directly at him, "I will always be by your side. Us god-parents have to stick together." She then turned around, "Come on kids, let's go see Ella. I am sure Cyrus would like someone to save him from James freaking out by now."
Jerry spoke up and said, "That Miss Olivia, I have no doubt. Come on Dad let's go before Cyrus sends out a search party for us."
Emmalynn looked at her Mom and said, "Mummy, the Scary Lady is gone now."
"Yes baby she's gone." Olivia told her daughter, picking her up.
"Good, she was being mean to Fiz. That not nice." Emmalynn said.
"No it wasn't pumpkin. Come on let's all go see Ella. You want to hold my hand or Jerry and Karen's?"
"Jerry and Karen's, Mummy. They cool beans," causing the kids to laugh. "But you hold Fiz's hand, you won't get lost that way. This place big."
"Um, Emmy that would be inappropriate."
Fitz then got right beside her, "Then let's be inappropriate," he whispered to her. He then outstretched his hand wondering if she was going to take it or not. He started to breathe hard, just staring at her. She was going the same. He could see her fighting the urge to put her hand gracefully into his own, but would she do it.
She was in his arms in the church, and he held her hand in the car. Heck she even caressed his cheek and he kissed her hand. Hand holding was different though, especially when it's the Leader of the Free World, who's not quite divorced, walking into the front of the White House.
"Come on Mummy. Take Fiz's hand. He don't bite, -member." Emmalynn said to her, holding onto Karen and Jerry.
"Emmalynn honey, it's RE-member. Yes I know President Grant does not bite." Olivia told her daughter.
Olivia started to move her hand to place it into his. Jerry saw her hesitation and nodded at Karen. "Miss Olivia," Jerry said, "I would be honored to be your escort into the White House. I promise I don't bite."
Fitz gave his son 'the look' and shook his head from side to side. He could not believe that his son was stealing Olivia away from him, right before his eyes. Jerry definitely inherited the 'Grant' charm from him, that was for sure.
"Thank you, Jerry." Olivia said. When Olivia grabbed his hand, she noticed how Fitz eyed his oldest, and then put his hands in his pockets again. He noticed he did that a lot was he was nervous, or thinking. She also noticed how the President of the United States actually pouted when she took his son's hand, instead of his own.
Jerry told his dad, "This is how a true gentleman does it Dad. Take notes for future references," teasing his old man.
"Son, one day I can't wait to take out all those adorable baby pictures of you to embarrass you." Fitz said to him as they started walking to where Ella's reception was.
"Oh yah, well I can tell Miss Olivia tons of things about you too Dad." Jerry said.
"Okay you two," said Karen, "I swear Miss Olivia, sometimes Dad and Jerry act more like brothers, than father and son. They embarrass me all the time. But now I have two other girls around for back up."
Emmalynn said, "Not nice!" This caused them all to laugh.
"It's okay Karen, us girls, will find a way to stick together." Olivia told her.
Fitz listened the rest of the way as the kids told her various things about the White House. She had never been before and both her and Emmalynn were totally taken back, in all its grandeur. The hallway was long, White, with tall banisters that reached the high cathedral-like ceiling. Along the walls, hanging in all their regal glory were portraits of famous Presidents, and other world leaders of their time.
Emmalynn looked on and saw many huge vases of beautiful flowers of every type imaginable along the way. "Mummy, pretty flowers," she said, wanting to go and smell just about every vase she passed.
She became so excited when she saw a huge vase of pink and white roses that she dragged Olivia over to see it. "Mummy, Fiz gave us these!" Olivia nodded and Fitz came over and picked her up so she could smell them. She mouthed "thank-you" to him, and he grinned back at her.
Olivia looked down and saw the plush red-Santa like carpet that was beneath their feet. The red was a deep but bright color. It was by far the biggest accent piece of color in the entire hallway. It definitely made the room "pop." Emmalynn reached down and touched it. "Itchies," she told Olivia causing her to laugh out loud. "Yes Em, it itches," she told her daughter.
They all finally reached the end of the hallway and came upon the "Grand Staircase." Olivia looked up and looked back at Fitz. He nodded and smiled back at her. She stopped dead in her tracks unable to move any further.
"Where going up there?" Olivia asked him.
"Yes we are?" Fitz told her.
"Wait is that..I mean the residence is up there isn't it. I can't go up there. I'll get into trouble." This statement caused Fitz, Karen and Jerry to crack up laughing.
"Olivia, I promise you won't get into trouble. You are with the President, which is me. So I can bring ANYONE up there that I chose. You and Emmalynn are my special guests. Plus that is where the reception for Ella is taking place." Fitz showed her his winning smile.
"But," Olivia tried to say, but Fitz put his fingers on his mouth to quiet her.
"Do you trust me?"
She turned her head sideways and looked at him. "Yes, why?"
"Good, now let's go see OUR god-child. She needs to see both of us, together." Fitz outstretched his hand, and waited to see if she was going to take it or not.
"Are you sure Emmalynn and I can go up there?" Olivia asked him again, inching towards the bottom step.
"Yes Miss Pope I am sure. I am the President, remember." Fitz told her.
Emmalynn then walked in front of her and took her hand and gave it to Fitz. "Here Fiz. Hold Mummy. She's a 'fraidy' cat." Fitz had to hold back the laugh with everything he had.
Olivia just looked down at her daughter. "I'm a-fraidy cat, huh? Geez Em thanks." She noticed that Fitz was squeezing her hand, rubbing his thumb across the top of her hand. He smirked and lowered his head down to let her know it was going to be fine. He moved his head from side to side, trying to get her to move towards his body.
Olivia gulped and stepped onto the first step with Fitz still standing on the floor. The entire way up the stairs, Fitz held onto her tiny hand. He would look down at their hands together, and her palm fit so perfectly in his own. Her dainty, long fingers, with perfect cream colored nails were protected in his own large hands from harm, he thought.
As they went up the stairs, he stayed on the step behind her, so every time she turned her head to glance at him, he was eye level with her. The closer they became to the top of the staircase, Karen, Jerry, and Emmalynn took off. Olivia noticed that each time she would take a "sneak peek" in his direction he would either be looking at their hands, or looking at her. The smile on his face was incredible.
As they got to half way, the kids took off up the rest of the staircase. Jerry was first, with Karen holding Emmalynn's hand, going after him. "Hey, you three slow down," Fitz said.
By the time him and Olivia reached the top, she froze again. Fitz let go of her hand and placed it on her open-back dress. Her skin felt so soft. It startled her she backed right into his muscular chest. She realized it and before she could turn around to face him, she felt his breath on her neck. It was warm, sending the nerve endings all the way down to her toes, into a "dirty dance." She finally turned her head slightly to face him. Her heart was pounding so hard that she was shocked that he didn't hear it. He nodded his head forward, telling her that is was okay.
"You know, you're down right adorable when you're scared." He told her.
"Who says I'm scared, Mr. President?" She turned fully to face him now. She edged up the step backwards, reaching the top step finally. Fitz stepped up, and was eye level with her. He reached forward, and was millimeters from caressing her soft face.
Emmalynn came up behind her, "Mummy come on," dragging her away from Fitz. He let out a huge "sigh" out-loud causing Olivia to smirk once her back was to him. Fitz then followed behind them, as they headed to the room the reception was in.
/
Baptism Reception
The god-parents entered the reception, with Karen, Jerry and Emmalynn. Olivia looked around the room and noticed champagne glasses, a buffet of endless goodies, and a cake that was specially made for Ella, for today. It had two tears, all white, with angels, and crosses on the border. There was also pink ribbon made out of fondant, separating each layer. Ella's name was also written in the pink fondant as well. The cake looked incredible.
Olivia took Emmalynn's hand and walked over to look at it. Emmalynn loved it and of course couldn't wait to try a piece. "After we eat some 'real' food okay, pumpkin."
Emmalynn nodded her head and noticed that Cyrus and James finally arrived with Ella. Karen and Jerry were on the other side of the room, mingling with some of other guests, and Fitz was talking to Cyrus about something. She took upon herself to show Emmalynn all the pretty things that were in the room.
It was a plum color with cream curtains. They had intricate embroidery, that went from the floor to the ceiling. There was a fire place in the center made from dark mahogany wood, with a shiny overcoat. Above its mantel there was a picture of a landscape. In the center of the room were two couches and a coffee table.
Emmalynn face was adorable. Her eyes were glowing, as was her smile. "I know Mummy. Don't touch the pretties. I feel like Sophia."
"Yes Em, don't touch anything. Things could break. Yes this is like Sophia." Olivia told her.
Then off this room, they saw another room with a piano in it. "Mummy, play please."
"Oh Em, not yet okay. Maybe later when it's just Poppa Cy and Uncle James. You know I don't play in front of a lot of people."
"Please Mumma?" Emmalynn asked her again.
"I'll ask President Grant later okay. If he says it's okay, then I will. I promise honey." She said to Emmalynn.
"Ask me what ladies?" Fitz said to her.
"Fiz, Mummy plays nice. Can she play?" Emmalynn said to Fitz pointing to the piano in the other room.
Fitz raised his eyebrows. He knelt down and said to Emmalynn, "Well it's okay with me, but if your mom wants to wait till later on, we probably should. I would love to hear her play." He said this looking right into Olivia's eyes, causing her heart to skip a beat in the process.
"O-tay," Emmalynn said defeated.
"Thank you." Olivia said to Fitz who was smiling and now standing next to her.
"I am going to hold you to that promise you know." Fitz said to her, leaning his head a little closer to hers.
She looked up at him and said, "only if you play first."
"Well Miss Pope, I'm not very good and I don't play in front of a crowd either." Fitz said back, flashing his best politician smile.
"We'll just have to figure something out then. We can't disappoint Ella and Emmalynn." She nudged his arm.
Olivia gathered around James, Cyrus and Ella who were now getting ready to make their toast. James thanked everyone for coming and commented that not every baby gets held by the President of the United States to get baptized. He also thanked Olivia for bringing the beautiful antique Christening gown, that Ella was still wearing. "Ella is one lucky baby girl to have two wonderful god-parents," James said out-loud.
After James finished his speech, Cyrus took his daughter and went and sat on the couch with her. People came over wished Ella, James and Cyrus well, while Emmalynn kept them company. Olivia got her daughter something to eat, and Fitz made sure that Karen and Jerry were staying out of trouble.
Ella started to get fussy and Olivia offered to take her god-daughter off Cyrus' hands. Cy willingly gave her the baby, her diaper bag, and she walked around with her. Karen and Jerry came and asked if she needed anything and she said a rocking chair would be good. They showed her one in the next room over, where the piano was. She decided to steal herself some "baby cuddles" and sit with her in the other room.
The rocking chair had soft plushy cushions on it and was extremely comfortable to sit on. Olivia made Ella her bottle, fed and changed her. She peeked in the other room and saw Emmalynn with James, Karen and Jerry. She did not see Fitz or Cyrus. James saw her looking on and texted to her that they had to attend to something and would return. She texted a "smiley" face back.
After a while, people started to get ready to leave. Pretty soon it was just the Grant kids, James, and a few others. Ella was still sitting with Olivia, in her lap on the chair. She was beginning to fall asleep but was fighting it. Olivia turned Ella around so the baby's head was resting on her chest, above her heartbeat. She then began to sing to her, "Amazing Grace." Olivia sang this song to Emmalynn while she was pregnant every night before she went to bed. That is part of the reason why Emmalynn's middle name is Grace. This song, calmed her down enough, so Olivia's herself could sleep.
Olivia sang the first line of the song, and Emmalynn heard her. She got up from Cy and noticed that Karen and Jerry stopped what they were doing and looked over at her mom singing to Ella.
"Mummy sings pretty." Emmalynn said to them.
"Yes she does Emmy," said Karen looking at Jerry who was in awe of her voice.
"Come on. Let's go see and listen." Emmalynn told them.
Fitz then came into the room and stopped dead in his tracks when he heard her voice. He wondered who was singing and Cy told him, "It's Olivia Sir. She sings that to Emmalynn all the time."
He turned the corner and saw the most beautiful, perfect sight in the world. Olivia was sitting in the rocker, with Emmalynn curled up next to and Ella asleep on her chest. Then Karen and Jerry were sitting on the couch, just listening to hear sing the words to "Amazing Grace." Karen had her head down on the cushion that was closest to rocker and Jerry eventually moved to the floor and was sitting in front of her. James was standing in the doorway and Cy joined him.
Olivia knew that Emmalynn was next to her and that Karen and Jerry were there also but she had no clue about Cy, James and of course the dumbstruck Leader of the Free World. Fitz had never heard or seen anything so beautiful before.
Cy saw the look on his face and asked him, "Sir, are you alright?"
"Yes Cyrus I am absolutely perfect," looking right at Olivia. "I've never felt better actually."
Fitz began to walk into the room, very slowly not to disturb Olivia and her singing to Ella. Her eyes were still closed. Her angelic voice was a beacon calling him to be closer to her. Karen and Jerry saw him and he "hushed" them so they wouldn't tell alarm her. He figured if she saw him, that she would stop the song. He sat on couch behind Karen and his daughter scooted next to him.
When Olivia said "I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see," she opened her eyes and saw Fitz sitting there, with a smile like one she's never seen before on anyone. His eyes were piercing through her heart, and she almost couldn't get the last words out when she saw him.
As the last word, left her mouth and bowed her head down completely and utterly embarrassed.
"Wow," Fitz said to her. "That was incredible. You are incredible." This caused Olivia to just about stop breathing right then and there.
"Thank you President Grant." She said back, blushing.
"Mummy, that's our song." Emmalynn said.
Olivia looked at her daughter and said, "Yes baby girl, it is our song."
"Why is that your song Em?" Karen asked the little girl curiously.
"It's Daddy's song. Right Mummy?" Emmalynn asked Olivia.
Olivia could feel the tears in her eyes. She looked at Cyrus, James, Karen, Jerry, and then to Fitz. "Um, yes Emmy it is. I, um," she stopped. She got up from the chair and handed Ella to James.
"Cy, where is the ladies room." She asked him. Cy pointed over there.
She turned to Emmalynn and said "Honey, you stay here. I'll be right back."
"Okay." Her sweet little girl said. She sat next to Karen in the rocker now, and Fitz looked on, wondering what happened. He went to get up to go after her, but Cyrus stopped him. "She'll be okay Sir. Just give her a minute."
Fitz almost didn't listen but it wasn't until he saw Olivia come back into the room. He had only just met her, but knew instantly something was wrong. He sensed it. He noticed how her body tensed up, and this wave of sadness pooled in her eyes. The song hit a nerve and when Emmalynn mentioned her Dad. He wondered where he was, and then if he was in their life or not. How could this man not be in their lives?
James asked her if she was okay and she nodded 'yes.'
She walked up to Emmalynn and told her that they needed to get going because Abby would be coming by the house soon. Then Olivia realized that she didn't have a car. Fitz overheard her and said, "I have arranged for you and Emmalynn to get home. No worries. So can I walk you out?"
Olivia looked at him, "Don't you have to rule the world or something?"
"Not at the moment. I am sure Cyrus can handle it." Fitz told her.
"You don't have to." She told him.
"I know but I want to." Fitz told her. She agreed, and then said goodbye to Karen, Jerry, Cy, Ella, and James. Karen and Jerry told her and Emmalynn that they hoped that they would see her again soon. Olivia said that she would see, but she didn't know the next time that they would be able to come back to the White House. She did not have a hard pass that let her in whenever she liked.
Karen and Jerry gave Olivia a hug, then shot a look to their dad. Fitz knew what they were thinking and smiled at them. "Nice to meet you Miss Olivia and something tells us that we'll see you and Emmalynn again." Karen said to her.
"We'll see," was all Olivia said. Fitz then escorted her out with Tom and one other agent.
/
Presidential Car Repairs…
On the walk out Fitz and Olivia chit chatted about nothing special. He showed her some more things on the way out of the White House. They went past different rooms, and this time the elevator.
"Wow an elevator," she teased him. "This would have been nice to know earlier."
"Why's that?" He asked her.
"Well then we wouldn't have had to do those stairs. Stairs in high heels are not fun on a lady's legs you know."
Fitz just smiled at her. He wanted to tell her that she had incredible legs, but kept it to himself. He shrugged it off and then the both got really quiet. Neither one knew what to say next. Emmalynn was holding on Olivia's hand, yawning. Then out of the corner of her eye, she noticed each time the elevator, "dinged" the Leader of the Free World would get closer to her.
One ding, he'd step closer. Another ding, he'd take another step closer to her and Emmalynn. She noticed that his hands were in his pockets in the beginning, but now one was hanging by his side. Her breath began to hitch, and she had this feeling he was going to try to touch her again.
The next 'ding' she moved somewhat, because Emmalynn nudged her. But the time the elevator reached where they would be getting out, Fitz was fight next her. She looked down and saw that his hand was ready to graze her. She could barely breathe and neither could he. He was about to reach out and touch her, when the door opened.
Her and Fitz were still looking at each other when Emmalynn said, "Mummy our car!"
Olivia turned her head in disbelief. But down the hall, out the doors, she saw her SUV parked. She looked at Fitz, who motioned for them to start walking towards the doors.
They made it to the door and Olivia was speechless. Emmalynn was jumping up and down. "Fiz fixed our car!' Emmalynn said.
Olivia turned to him, and said "How did you? When did you?"
Fitz smiled at her, "I had the tow truck from the White House come and get it. They brought it here and fixed everything that was wrong and then some. Your SUV got the Presidential Car treatment. It's also been vacuumed, washed, and detailed. Everything that was about to go wrong, break, or was getting ready to have a pair, my guys "fixed it." Consider it handled."
She put her hand over her mouth and gasped. She picked up Emmalynn and walked down the steps, in amazement. Tom looked at Fitz and told him "You did good Sir."
Fitz told him, still watching Olivia's every move, "I know."
Olivia looked inside and her daughter's car seat was already there. She went up to Fitz and the only thing she could say was "Thank you. You didn't have to."
"I know. But I wanted to."
Emmalynn had Olivia put her down and went up to Fitz for a hug. Fitz bent down and picked her up. He gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Tank-you, Fiz. You are a prince," she told him.
Fitz blushed and squeezed her harder. "Thank you Emmy. I am happy you think so."
Emmalynn pulled away slightly, with Fitz still holding her, "I know so." Fitz about melted right there when she said that.
He put her down and she walked back to Olivia. Olivia looked at him, with her daughter holding her hand, "We, um, should go."
She turned around, "Olivia wait." Fitz told her. He wanted to ask if he could see her again, or call her or something. He was practically divorced but wasn't sure how to do this. It's been a while since he asked a girl for their number. He got right by her car, leaning on it.
"I um, I mean do you think…" he was stumbling all over his words. "Can I…?"
"Do you want to get the Press Secretary for you Sir? I know you have a ton of speech writers in this big White Building of yours." She said, teasing him.
Fitz just looked at her, all embarrassed. He can talk to world leaders, take on Cyrus Beene in one breath, and deal with his soon to be ex. But why in the heck can't he ask for her number, or if he could see her again.
Olivia knew he wanted her number. It was adorable to see the most Powerful Man in World all of a sudden get twitchy before her eyes. "Emmalynn, should we give President Grant a hug and a kiss for fixing our car."
Fitz just about had a heart attack. "Did she really just say that?" His heart was pounding in his ears so loudly that he thought he would burst an ear-drum. Fitz watched Olivia and Emmalynn turned to face him. She reached into her purse and he made a strange face. She took out her hand and she told him to open his. Fitz gave her a perplexing look, and did what he was asked.
She then placed her closed hand, on top of his own. She opened it and two things were placed in his palm. Fitz looked down all confused. She smiled at him and gave him a head nod to look down at his hand. He did so, confused even more. When he finally realized what she had given him, he broke out laughing.
"A hug and a kiss, I get it now." Fitz told her, holding a Hershey's hugs, and kiss in his hand.
"Mr. President, what did you think I meant?"
"Well, um,…" Fitz didn't respond but Olivia knew it. Emmalynn giggled.
"Now eat them and give me the wrappers." She told him. Fitz squinted his eyes at her, and did so. He did give the "hug" to Emmalynn though. He handed the wrappers to Olivia, who then reached into her bag, and grabbed her eye-liner. She opened both the wrappers, leaned on the car, and wrote something on both of them.
Fitz leaned down and watched her. She then handed both open wrappers back to him, letting her hand linger in his own for a brief moment. Fitz looked down and the biggest smile graced his face.
"Since it was probably going to take an act of Congress for you to ask, I'd figure this would help. Now you have my number Mr. President, and a hug and a kiss from Emmalynn and I. Use it wisely. Thank you for everything today. Emmalynn and I were lucky to you found us today."
"Miss Pope, you're right. I was lucky to find you. Both of you." Fitz said as he got closer to her. Her heart just about stopped when he said that to her.
Olivia put her head down and turned to open to the door for Emmalynn. Emmalynn hugged and gave Fitz a kiss then got into the car. Olivia strapped her in her seat, and closed the door. Fitz opened her door and she was about to get in but stopped.
"Oh it's Olivia by the way. You can call me Olivia," she said to him, with her hand on the top of the driver's side window.
Fitz saw her hand there and went to reach for it. She saw him and moved it. "Only if you call me Fitz, Olivia." He walked right into her personal space, pushing her against the car. Her heart was beating so quickly she felt like she was about to have a heart attack.
"I'll think about it. Goodnight Mr. President."
"Goodnight Olivia. I'll see you when I see you."
Olivia grinned at him and replied, "Considered it handled, Sir."
She then sat in the car, and Fitz shut the door. He watched her put her seat belt on and start the car. Her and Emmalynn waved and began to drive away.
Fitz stood by Tom and his most trusted agent said to him, "Mr. President, piece of advice."
"Sure Tom, what is it?" Fitz said to him.
"Go for it."
"Go for what?" Fitz said, still watching Olivia drive away.
"Ask her out, once you're divorced before someone else does." Tom said to him, dropping a major hint.
Fitz placed his hands in his pockets, looked at him and smiled. "Tom, I had enough issues just getting her number. Do you think she'd say yes? I'm a little out of practice."
"Well Sir, you're the most powerful man on the planet. I am sure you can figure it out. Plus I'll be your wing man." Tom said to him.
"Seriously Tom, my wing man, really?"
"Always Sir, plus if you don't I just might."
Fitz just looked at him, and let out a small laugh. "Thank you Tom for always being by my side."
Tom nodded and they both went back inside.
/
Olivia's Apartment…
Olivia and Emmalynn got home safe and sound, and Abby was already there waiting for them. Emmalynn ran up to Abby and jumped into her arms. Abby carried her upstairs and helped Olivia get her ready for bed.
"So, did you finally meet Ella's godfather today?" Abby asked her.
"Yes I did Abby."
"And, is he handsome, and single I hope?" Abby inquired.
Abby then noticed how flustered Olivia became. "Olivia what is it? Oh my god, you like him don't you. He MUST be really good looking. Oh please tell me he's available."
"Abby, he is going through a divorce. He's not going to be ready to date anytime soon. Neither am I. You know that."
"But is he good looking?"
"Abby, he's delicious." Olivia told her, as this incredible smile came across her face, and she bit her lip.
"Delicious…seriously? Liv, I have known you a long time, not once have I EVER heard you call a man 'delicious."
"Okay Abby, I get it. But yes he's extremely good looking. He's got great hair and these incredible blue eyes."
"My Lord Liv, you're swooning. How did you meet him anyway? "
"Okay quiet." Olivia then told her about how Ella's godfather helped her on the side of the road, the christening, reception and how he fixed her car. But she left out the fact that he's also the President of the United States. She wasn't ready to reveal that piece of the puzzle yet.
"Wow, he's must be a great guy then?"
"Yes Abby, he's got that special something."
"Obviously." Abby told her, poking her. Olivia just looked at her, went on tending to Emmalynn.
By this time Emmalynn was bathed and ready for bed. She had on her "Sophia" pajamas and Olivia was dressed for bed. She then noticed that she was looking her room. "Mummy, Sadie missing?"
They looked in her room, kitchen, bathroom and even in Liv's room, but no Sadie. "Well honey, you keep looking for Sadie here with me in your room and I'll have Auntie Abby look in the living room." Abby nodded and off she went.
When Abby reached the living room, there was a knock on the door a few minutes later. She told Olivia and Olivia said wasn't expecting anyone at 8:30 at night on a Sunday. She told Abby to get the door and she did. Emmalynn and Olivia were still frantically looking for Sadie.
Olivia heard Abby open the door and gasp for air. "Liv, I found Sadie! You best come see with Emmy, and see where she was hiding."
"You hear that Emmy, let's go see where Sadie was hiding." Olivia took Emmalynn by the hand and they ran down the hallway. She let go of Emmalynn's hand right before they turned the corner, so they could see the front door.
Emmalynn rounded the corner and screamed, "SADIE!"
Then as Olivia reached the corner and slid across the floor, she heard her daughter screamed with delight, "FIZ!"
Olivia looked up and saw President Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III standing in her doorway, holding her daughter up in his arms, with Sadie. Abby, was standing there in so much shock to say anything, glaring at her best friend.
"Hi," Fitz said to Olivia, with the biggest smile she's ever seen.
"Hi," Olivia said back completely stunned and unable to form a coherent sentence.
/
"Amazing Grace" is right. I'd be singing that and more if Fitz showed up at my door holding my child's pink stuffed animal. Now that's a sight to behold. Actually I probably wouldn't be singing, but screaming and swooning…oh yes.
I hope you liked this chapter. You heard a few things about Emmy's dad. More tit-bits on him will in the next chapter. But knowing fully who is will be a while. I am still working on those details. But as you can tell Olivia is still carrying at torch for him, in some ways. But , she is capturing our "Delicious" POTUS's heart in leaps and bounds. And he is winning hers.
I hope I did the confrontation with Mellie justice. Olivia wasn't putting up with her crap and helping Fitz not stoop to her level really helped. She stood up Fitz and was protecting all the kids. As you noticed she never did give Mellie her name. Will she be back, well you'll have to keep reading and see.
Writing this chapter was bittersweet because we all need a little therapy after the finale. I hope I delivered. What happens next…well let's say Fitz showing up at Liv's house will lead to some interesting moments. I'll let you figure it out…(wink, wink)
Leave me "pumpkin seeds" cuz they make me smile.
Peaches, Pumpkins and Peace….
Me's