Saving Grace

by Da Princes and Me's

Fitzgerald Grant was about to become the first President to divorce his wife and remain in office. Olivia Pope (whom he's never met) is dealing with her own demons. She is grieving for her fallen fiancee, trying to move on with her life. Neither realizes that they are godparents to Ella Beene. This chance encounter changes them and soon they become each others Saving Grace.

10. My Saving Grace

Hello my Loves. I hope you are ready for this next chapter of this story. To all of you that have asked and sent me messages about Fitz's marriage being "possibly" over from Mellie. Well I answer all of you in this first section.

This chapter took a bit to get out because I was busy getting three chapters out in 8 days for "Christmas in Vermont." Whoa...now that is A LOT even for me. But I was firing on "All Cyclinders" so I hope I delivered. ;-)

Enjoy this chapter and leave me Pumpkin seeds cuz they make me smile….Me's

/

Chapter 10: My "SAVING GRACE."

"I Know You…"

"Free," Olivia told him, barely able to breathe.

"Free as in," Fitz asked her, inching his way even closer to her. Not now things have changed for him in a big way, he wanted to change things with Olivia.

"You're Di…" she was about to say, when Emmalynn came running into the Oval, with Karen and Jerry not too far behind.

"Mummy, Mummy," Emmalynn said, running towards Olivia. "Guess what?"

Fitz and Olivia shook their heads, at the timing of Mz. Emmmalynn Grace running into the room. Fitz looked at his kids, who shrugged their shoulders at him, knowing they just ruined some kind of big moment.

"What is it pumpkin? Are you okay? Did you make Karen and Jerry mad?"

"No Ma'am. Ice-cweem. It's pumpkin; Mummy's favorite. You come and have with me. Pwease." Emmalynn asked her sitting in her lap, then looking over at Fitz.

"Well honey, it's up to the President I guess. It's his house, and his ice cream." Olivia said turning to Fitz.

Emmalynn then got off her mom's lap and crawled into his lap. "Pweese," she asked Fitz, pouting and batting her eye lashes.

Fitz knew he was a goner. "Yes Emmalynn we can go have Pumpkin ice cream."

"Yay!" The little girl bellowed, causing Fitz's two agents to come rushing into the Oval wondering what just happened.

"Ice cream alert guys; no worries." Fitz told them, causing the agents to laugh. He then looked back at Emmalynn and then to Olivia. "But Miss Emmy can you go up with Jerry and Karen. I need another minute with your mom. We'll be right behind you."

"Pwomise," she asked him in a bigger pout.

"I promise," Fitz told her kissing her forehead.

"O-tay. Right Mummy," Emmalynn asked looking for Olivia's approval.

"Yes Emmy. We'll be right there." She then kissed her daughter, and watched her chase Karen and Jerry out of the Oval.

After they were finally alone again, Fitz took her hands and pulled her up to him. "Come on."

"Where are we going now?" She asked him.

"I have one more place I want to show you." He then outstretched his hand, and took her out a side door to the Oval that went outside.

She noticed the massive white columns, and a staircase that she descended. She was so busy looking at the back of the White House, she had no idea where they were heading. She turned to Fitz and said, "I am really not a nature girl, and Em…" but stopped talking when he realized where he had brought her.

"This is the Rose Garden" she asked him, with her voice full of wonder.

"Yes Livy it is." He let her hand go and watched her take in its beauty. There was every kind of rose imaginable planted here, in every color. He stood back and got lost just watching her, run, twirl, and grace her hand over the roses. She was so lost in the moment, that she didn't realize that he was moving closer to her.

She turned to the spot she left him, but didn't see him anymore. "Hey where did you…," she got out barely, when he came up behind her, and wrapped his arms around her body. He then turned her around, picked her up, and spun around in circles with her up in air, in his embrace.

"Put me down! You're scaring the Roses!" She protested to him. Fitz let out the biggest baritone laugh, and kept spinning her around.

"Oh my god, I lost my shoes too." She told him after that, realizing it when she was still up in the air. He had lifted her so high, that Fitz's own head could rest comfortably on her chest, if he wanted too. As tempted as he was, he refrained from doing it.

When he finally stopped spinning her, he began to let her slide down his body. Immediately he responded to this gesture, and stopped when their faces where finally facing each other. As both their breathing began to calm down, Olivia placed her fingers at the bottom of hair line and began to play in his hair.

She finally said to him, with her feet dangling in the air, "So you brought me out here so I could lose my shoes."

"No," was all he said back, locking his eyes with hers, holding in giggle. She saw want, desire, longing, all the things she was afraid to let him see.

"We should go," she told him. "The kids are waiting for us inside"

He placed her gently on the ground, and put her shoes on for her, much like the day the met when she lost a shoe in his car. Fitz stood up and touched her face. "Livy," he breathed out.

"I know," she told him in a whimper. "But I am not ready. I know you're free."

"Yes," he told her. Before he could touch her again, she started pacing in circles around a rose bush.

"You pace in circles you know when something is wrong." Fitz told her, standing there still amazed that he found her, and after three weeks, he was free to love her openly. He was divorced, and he should be happy, but he was terrified to lose her.

"It's just," she tried to say, while she was pacing in circles. Her circles were getting smaller, signaling to Fitz that she was freaking out.

"It's just what?"

She swallowed hard and looked at him. Olivia could see that whatever was between them was huge and he was afraid now that she was going to walk away at what they could become, before they even started.

"You're the President."

"Yes I'm aware."

"You have kids"

"So do you. You have Emmalynn." He began to get closer to her. He had to touch her to calm her fears.

"We said friends."

"YOU said friends Livy. You're lucky I haven't kissed you yet," he told her winking at her. Olivia let out a breath. He was walking closer to her, causing her to back up. "You have to know I am DYING too. I didn't want us to start till I was free of Mellie. Till I was divorced, which I am now."

"We've only known each other three weeks. We need more time. You need time to be divorced. You need to be marketable." Now this made Fitz break out laughing.

"Olivia I am not a house for sale. I don't need to make myself available to anyone. I don't want to date just anyone. I want ONLY YOU, and you alone. We CAN do this." He was practically in her space. His close proximity to her, was causing butterflies in her stomach. She was losing her will to say 'no' to him and he knew it.

"I need to think of Emmy. You need to think of Karen and Jerry. You need to give them time to adjust of you being available."

"Olivia my kids are older. They have known that Mellie and I were not happy for a long time. Plus from what you've probably guessed, they know we are MORE than "just friends." They can see it every time we look at each other. Anytime you're in the room, you're the only person I see; the only person I want to be near. The only person I want to kiss and hold forever."

"Mr. President," Olivia said, with her voice wavering.

"Liv, cut the President Shit out. Say my name. I am a free man. I was so scared of losing you last weekend when you were sick. I couldn't be there. I want to be with ONLY YOU. I am ready for whatever this is. So let's be inappropriate and SAY MY NAME." He said it with more power than he thought, because it caused her to jump.

"You don't know enough about me to say these things. You don't know me. We're still practically strangers."

"You really think that." Fitz told her. If he reached out he could touch her.

"Yes," she closed her eyes, afraid to look at him now.

Fitz sensed this and took both her hands in his own. He brought them to his face, so she could feel him. He then placed his hands on her hips, pulling into his body.

"Livy look at me and keep your hands where they are." She opened her eyes and gazed into his eyes. She bit her inner lip, signaling her nervousness, and her eyes began to shake ever so slightly in her head.

Fitz then continued, not letting her leave his arms. "You think I don't know you, but here's the thing is that I do. I know you are nervous because of how you are biting your lip. I know when you're happy because all it takes is Emmalynn, Ella, my kids, and now me to see a light in your eyes. They can big, and glow. Plus your smile gives it away."

"I'm not Rudolph you know," Olivia told him, giggling.

Fitz smiled but it got her to relax. "And when you sad, I know it's over Emmalynn's Dad. I know you miss him and I get that. I understand that losing someone you love like that is something one never gets over. That you'll always love him. But Livy, I hope that there is room in your heart for me." He then lowered himself so he could be directly eye level to her.

"Fitz I'm…." she tried to say but he placed his fingers over her lips to quiet her.

"Livy what I am trying to say is, I want to be the person that doesn't make you forget him, because that is not who I am. I want to be the man; the only man; that can make you happy again. I want to be the man, if you let me, can give you and Emmy everything. I know you think this is too soon, but for me it's not."

"But, you just got divorced." She was trying to reason with him but it was working.

/

"Saving Grace…"

"Olivia meeting you, woke me up to a part of myself that I didn't even know existed until the day of Ella's Christening."

"I did," she said. "And what was that."

"Meeting you gave me a clear path to clarity. A clarity in my life towards being a better man, father and President. And most importantly, happiness. You Olivia Carolyn Pope and that beautiful little girl of yours became my SAVING GRACE."

She closed her eyes, and could fell the tears begin to come out of her eyes. Her cheeks were now wet and before she decided against it, she threw herself up into his arms, and let him hold her as their lives depended on it. Fitz ran his hands up and down her back, and nuzzled his face into her neck. Her hair and skin smelled of lavender.

Olivia closed her eyes, and let his body mold against her own. In his arms she was comforted and it gave her the safety and feeling of belonging to someone that she lost when Emmalynn's dad passed away. Fitz picked her up off the ground, and whispered "I am here, and if you let me, I'll never leave your side."

She chastised herself for not telling him 'yes' right in this moment, but it was just not right for her. She wanted him, that she knew for sure. She wanted President Fitzgerald Grant with every fiber of her being but the timing had to be right, or it could tank his chances for winning the White House for a second term.

Olivia finally loosened her grasp on Fitz, and he let her down. He touched her face, and wanted to kiss her so badly.

"Be with me, Livy. I am a free man, and all I want is you."

She let out a breath and looked him in his beautiful eyes full of hope. "I want to say yes but we need more time to figure this out okay."

"Liv," he whimpered at her.

"Come on. Our kids have probably eaten all that pumpkin ice cream by now." She outstretched her hand for him to take, which he did. They started to leave the Rose Garden and as she made it to the steps and began to go up the first ones, Fitz pulled her back, and wrapped himself around her, from behind.

He rests his head on her shoulder, and whispers to her, "Livy, please go out with me. Let me treat you like a Princess and take you out on a real date."

She let out a sigh, knowing that just staying in the "friend's zone" with this man was not going to be easy. "I'll think about it, maybe after you get back from the G8."

Fitz turned her around so they could look each other in the eyes. "You do realize that I leave for that next weekend. And that it is three weeks long. And if I don't see you, I won't see you for a month."

"Yes I know. Cyrus told me in the hospital."

"Did he now?" Fitz said to her. "Come with me? I don't know if I can go that long without seeing you."

"You know I can't. Emmalynn has preschool and I have to work. But we'll be here when you get back. I am not going anywhere. And you can to. Show all those other bald, growing grey and stuffy World Leaders, that you are the best. Plus I have to get ready for Emmalynn's birthday." She told him, attempting to reassure him.

"The best huh. Promise you'll consider going on a date with me when I get back?" Fitz told her. Then he realized that he would probably miss Emmy's birthday.

"Yes I promise considering going out on a date with you. Now can we PLEASE go have ice cream? You don't want to stand between me and that pumpkin goodness." She saw a frown come across his face and knew why.

"Liv, I am going to miss Emmy's birthday aren't I?" Fitz asked.

Olivia nodded and told Fitz that Emmalynn would be upset, but they could have a party with him after he got back. Fitz smiled and took her hand and they walked into the residence. When they entered the residence, he saw all the kids, with anything and everything ready to make pumpkin ice cream sundaes.

Everyone made their desserts, and chit chatted about Emmalynn's birthday coming up, Fitz leaving for the G8, and when they would all see each other next. Olivia offered to see Karen and Jerry when she could, which made them and Emmy happy.

Fitz grabbed her hand and placed a kiss on it. She kissed his back and this time Emmalynn said. "Fwiends, right Mumma?"

Looking back to Fitz, she told her, "No Emmy," scaring the crap out of Fitz. She got up and wrapped her arms around his neck from behind and rested her head on his shoulders and told her, Karen and Jerry, "BEST friends."

Fitz reached up and touched her arms with his hands. He let out a sigh and repeated back what Olivia told the then whispered to her brother, 'Best friends my butt," causing everyone to laugh.

By the time dessert was over, Olivia had to get Emmalynn home. Fitz offered to walk them downstairs to her car, that was in the back of the White House. He guided them downstairs, and outside to see it waiting for her already running. He carried Emmalynn down, and placed the little girl in her car seat.

When it was time to say goodbye to Olivia, she found it even harder this time. "Should we give President Grant a hug and kiss Emmalynn?"

Fitz smiled, remembered from the day they met. He put out his hand, but was surprised when he felt Olivia's hands in his own instead. She squeezed them and walked into his arms, hugging him tightly. She heard Fitz exhale and nuzzled his face into her hair.

Olivia then pulled away, only a little and kissed him on both cheeks. After each kiss she left on his face, she heard Fitz sigh and pull her into his body even more. She touched his face, and watched him close his eyes at the contact.

She started to pull away, but he told her. "One Minute."

"One Minute."

"Liv, I…"

She placed her fingers over his mouth to shush him. She nodded her head 'no' at him, sensing he was about to say 'two more words' that she was not ready to hear. The thing was, she thought she was feeling it to. But how she wondered because she's was with Emmalynn's dad for a while and of course she loved him. It scared her because she had only known Fitz for such a short time, and how could she feel this deeply for him already.

"I am going to mi…" he was about to say 'Miss you," but she shushed him.

"I know," she told. She did not say it back, because something told him, that she would miss him just as much. "I'll see you when you get back."

"I am going to call you every day. I need to hear you and Emmy's voices." Fitz told her.

"Okay? We'll see you in a few weeks. I know you leave next weekend, and I'll see if Emmy and I can get over here to see you."

Fitz finally let her go, and helped her get in her car. He leaned into the window, and kissed her on her forehead. He knew that if their lips touched he'd never be able to let her leave. He promised he'd call her every chance he got. Olivia knew that he would.

She then said goodbye to him and Tom, who had walked out with them. Tom and Fitz watched Olivia turn the car and head out of the gates. Olivia stopped and got out and looked at him before she left. She nodded to him, and blew him a kiss. Fitz catched it and brought it to his heart.

Olivia then stood for another minute and got back into her car. She looked back at Emmalynn who asked, "When we see Fiz again?"

She told her that she didn't know. He had to go away because of his job. Emmy frowned and Olivia saw a tear escape her eyes. "Em, we'll see him soon okay?"

"Okay, Mumma."

Olivia then looked in the rear mirror, and drove out the gate.

Fitz looked at Tom. "Tom?"

"I know Sir, you are going to miss her."

"Please tell me, you asked her out finally." Tom asked him.

"I did, and she turned me down AGAIN," Fitz said, groaning, and moaning about it. "She is so frustrating. She told me maybe after I get back from the G8."

"Sir," Tom said to him, "Don't give up."

Tom looked at him, then to Olivia's car finally leaving the grounds. "Don't worry Tom, I have no plans on giving up. Navy men don't give up. I don't care how long I have to wait for her. I'll wait as long as it takes, until her and I are together."

Tom smiled and both went back into the White House. After everyone went to bed that night, he thought of nothing but Olivia and Emmalynn. He closed his eyes, and dreamt of the perfect date, which he hoped he could pull off soon. The next three to four weeks, if he did not see Olivia and Emmalynn were going to be the longest of his life.

/

Night before leaving for G8

In the last three to four weeks, since seeing Fitz right after his divorced was finalized Olivia had been extremely busy. She had hoped her and Emmalynn would get to see Fitz before he left for the G8 conference in the United Kingdom, but there was just no time. He left the weekend after is divorce was final, and she felt so guilty she didn't get to say goodbye to him in person.

Cyrus had gotten her and Emmalynn to the White House just in time to see Marine One lift off the grounds on the South Lawn. It was heartbreaking seeing him leave. They had talked every day on the phone more than once. He was still worried about her from being sick, and wanted to make sure that if she wanted to come to the White House to see Karen and Jerry she could anytime.

Fitz of course complained about having to leave in the first place. Olivia told him that he had to go and be the man she voted for, which made him smile. "But I don't want to miss Emmalynn's birthday," he told her again, the night before he was to leave.

"I know, but call her that day, or we can video chat. Just remember you're five hours ahead over there. She'll cry some, but she'll be okay."

"Is it still at Poppa Cy's?"

"Yes Mr. President." She told him. "My parents are coming in from Boston, and all my team will be there too. Do you want me to save you some cake, and frosting," biting her lip on the phone.

"Now this isn't fair Livy. You say my name like that, and I can't see you. This FRIEND agreement of our's, is going to kill me by the end."

"Only if you let it Mr. President," she said in a teasing, sexy voice again.

"Okay I am having Tom and Mitch pull the car around. I am coming over there. Olivia," he told her, she could hear him moving in the background.

"No you don't. You are leaving tomorrow. Don't you dare skip out and get us both in trouble with Cyrus."

"But," Fitz told her whining. "I want to see you Livy."

"I know but you can wait another three weeks." Olivia saying that out loud, tugged at her heart strings. She wanted to see him one more time more than anything, but it would make it harder for her to keep things in this "friend" zone. "Emmalynn and I will see you after you get back."

"Promise me Livy. I am not sharing you when I get back." Fitz told her.

She smiled, knowing as time passed and their relationship got stronger, she would not be able to deny Fitz anything, which would be a problem. Fitz being away from her, allowed her to keep her senses. The combination of his great looks, sex appeal, hair, and THOSE eyes, made her so weak in the knees, she wasn't sure how she was able to do it so far.

"You'll only have to share me with Emmalynn, and your kids okay."

She heard him grumbled and groan on the other end. "Have a safe trip. I'll see you when you get back."

"I'll miss you." Fitz told her.

"I know." She told him back.

/

October 16, 2011…..Emmalynn's 3rd Birthday….three weeks later.

Olivia and Emmalynn had slept over the Poppa Cy's and Uncle James the night before Emmalynn's "Princess Sophia the First" party. The decision was made for her to sleep there so she would not have to drag everything over the next day. She could get started on the cooking, decorating, and even have to some play time with Ella.

Ella now was over 2 months old, and she was enjoying her god-child. She smiled, recognized her and Emmalynn, and was alert and awake more. Emmalynn kind of took on a big sister roll with her, in ways that Karen and Jerry did with her daughter.

In the three weeks since Fitz had been gone, she saw them a few times. She would have like to have seen them more, but with Emmy's birthday, party planning, working and preschool, Olivia had no time. The conversations she had with Fitz were short, because when he called she was falling asleep. He tried to call her everyday but the timing was off, and they did not get a chance to talk that much.

To make matters worse, her parents were arriving, and kept asking her questions about Ella's god-father. Emmalynn was constantly talking about "Fiz" to her grandparents, making her mother ask questions, if this person was single, and available. All Olivia told them that he was going through a divorce and luckily Emmalynn didn't tell them that Fitz just happened to be the President of the United States.

When they arrived at Cy's that morning, from the train from Boston, Olivia luckily had Abby, and Quinn there helping her. Abby of course made her Princess Sophia cake and was making the finishing touches. Quinn was helping her cook with James. Harrison was setting up party games and music for the kids and adults. Huck and Stephen were putting up the last touches on the decorations. Her gladiators helped her so much, thank goodness.

Her mother surveyed everything and didn't have much to say. "Well Libby dear, it seems you took care of everything."

"Almost Mum," Olivia told her. She knew how controlling her mom could be, and saved a task she could help her with. "I wanted you to help me with something."

Her mother's eyes brightened up, "What is it dear?"

"Well I am not the best cupcake decorator. And I know you are better at piping frosting than I am. Can you help me out? I am sure you can come up with something pretty and "Sophia" for Emmalynn." Olivia's mom smiled at her, and gladly took over. Abby smiled and continued to work the finishing touches on the cake.

Olivia's Dad went out back to check on the grilling. Stephen and Cyrus were doing that. Stephen was a pretty good with fire, but he worried about Cyrus. "Hey Stephen, where's Cyrus?"

"Oh he'll be in a bit. He had to pick up someone for Emmy's party." Stephen told Olivia's dad. Olivia's dad then chit chatted with him while he cooked out back.

About thirty minutes later, Emmalynn was all "Sophia the First" dressed and ready. She had on a purple dress that looked like the one she wore on the show. A crown in her hair and her purple shoes. Olivia even did her hair like Sophia wore hers on the show. Emmalynn was about to go outside and check out her presents when she heard Poppa Cy come in with two very special guests.

"Karen and Jer-wee!" Olivia ran over to the Grant kids and the hugged the daylights out of her. Olivia knew they were coming and as soon as Emmalynn let them go, they went straight for her.

"I missed you guys." She told them.

"We missed you too, especially Dad." Karen told her.

"So I've heard." Olivia told her cutting the conversation short, seeing her parents come into the room. She introduced Karen and Jerry to her parents leaving the "Grant" off their last name. Fitz's kids charmed her parents, and Emmalynn was so happy to see them. She eventually dragged them off outside to play with her and Ella.

A couple of hours later, everyone had eaten and Emmalynn and the kids were getting anxious to open her presents. Olivia was getting "the look" from her mother and decided to go in and get the cake, cupcakes and presents. Stephen, Harrison and Huck went inside with her, and carried out the presents.

She was about to grab the cupcakes but her cell phone rang. "What?"

"Well hello to you to," a sexy baritone voice said on the line.

"Mr. President, is the G8 boring you that you have to call me during it." Olivia teased him. She was relieved to be the only one in the kitchen. She did not want anyone to see how gitty this man makes her.

"Maybe, how's the birthday girl?"

"She's good. She misses her favorite POTUS though. She keeps asking when you're coming back. Emmy really wanted you to see her in her Sophia dress and crown. I think she's got Jerry in a crown right now, to be exact."

Fitz laughed at that. "I want photos for blackmail purposes. I'll have to see what I can do about seeing her in that 'Sophia' dress."

"Definitely." They talked a few minutes. Fitz asked how the party was going. How much food her and Abby made, and of course how Cyrus was handling the crowd. Talking to him like this made her miss him even more. She looked outside and could hear everyone still playing, and Emmalynn checking out her presents.

Fitz then started to tease her about Olivia finally calling him by his first name. "No."

"Why not? Come on Liv. Let's be inappropriate."

"No, not with you way the heck over there I am NOT saying for the first time. It's just going to make you miss me more and vice versa. Plus I want to see the look on your face when I do say it," she fired back at him.

"Oh is that so, and you do miss me…." Fitz told her back, just in the type of voice.

"Plus you still have to EARN it, Mr. President," she said in the sexiest voice she could imagine.

"Earn it. Well we'll have to see about that. Maybe I can earn that and a date finally."

"Now you're pushing it," she told him, getting flustered.

He started to bug her more and she eventually told him she had to go. He asked her again to say "Fiz" or "Fitz," just once before she hung up. She told him no, called him 'shameless' and told him "bye."

/

"From Fiz….To Fitz…."

After she placed her cell phone down on the counter she said, "I swear to God next time I see THAT MAN I am either going to KILL HIM or KISS HIM! Urgh. He drives me crazy!"

"Personally I hope for the kiss," she heard Fitz say, and looked down at her phone realizing that is was indeed off. She then whipped around and saw Fitz standing behind her, in the opening to the kitchen leaning on the wall, smiling from ear to ear.

Without evening thinking about what came out of her mouth next she screamed "FITZ!"

Within seconds he was to her, scooping her up in his arms, twirling her around. She rested her head on his shoulders, and felt him totally wrap his arms around her back, holding her so snuggly that, all she could do was giggle. He continued to spin her around in circles. Olivia heard him laughing in her neck, loving how his breath felt against her skin there.

When he finally stopped she pulled her head back so they could look at each other. With labored breaths they got lost in each other's eyes. Nothing outside mattered, just them. She felt him wrap his arms around her body even tighter, afraid that she could slip away from him, in any instant.

"Say it again." He finally told her, in a whisper. "Livy, say my name."

She swallowed hard, and told him, "Fitz." This time is was so sweet, and tender it caused Fitz to release a breath he did not know he was holding. He had always hated his name until this very instant. Hearing it out of her mouth, it became like a prayer, a hope, a dream, he had no idea he wanted until now.

"Livy. My Saving Grace." He began to bend forward to finally kiss her. He looked for her to pull away, or even tell him 'no." When he realized that there would be no objection, he began to lean forward, so their lips could finally touch. Their lips were practically touching when he heard little feet come into the house.

"FITZ!" Emmalynn screamed and she ran like a bee-line into his embrace. He realized that she too finally called him "Fitz" instead of "Fiz." It definitely now was one of the best days he's had in such a long time. Fitz bent and picked her up along with Livy.

He told them both, "Now this is the best day. I got TWO Fitz's in one day, from MY best girls," causing both Olivia and Emmalynn to laugh.

He gave them both a good spin, and then placed them back down. Fitz let Olivia go, and Emmalynn planted kisses on both his cheeks. He tossed her up in the air, with her giggling the entire time. Emmalynn was being so loud that, it caused people outside to start looking.

Karen and Jerry figured it out, and came inside to see their dad, still twirling Emmalynn in the air. He saw them, and both his kids, ran over to him. They asked him why he wasn't at the G8, and Fitz said that it ended early. It was not broadcasted over the world news because the other world leaders wanted some down time of their own. Olivia eyed him suspiciously and shook her head.

She then asked Jerry and Karen to take the cupcakes, and Emmalynn's cake outside. Emmalynn went with them screaming "Fitz is here. FITZ is here!"

Abby, Harrison, Stephen, Quinn and Huck looked at each other in shock. Cyrus had heard from him, and knew he had planned on making it back in time for Emmalynn's party. He tried to tell Fitz not to, but of course Fitz ignored him. Cyrus just was unsure when he would arrive. James too was tickled "pink." He was going to go inside and see him with Ella, but Cyrus told him to wait, until he came out with Olivia.

Her parents had still not realized who "Fiz" or more importantly "FITZ" was. Her dad finally pulled Cyrus aside, and when Cy spilled the beans, to say the least, Olivia's dad was surprised that he was about to meet the President of the United States. Her Dad asked Cy how he knew Olivia, and Cy told Mr. Pope to ask his daughter. "It's a long story."

Her dad told Cy, who was looking at Olivia's mom, who was busy making Emmalynn look perfect, "This should be good. Just wait till her mother finds out."

Inside the kitchen after the kids had went outside, Olivia just stood there looking at Fitz. She couldn't say anything to him because she was shocked that he was there. He started walking over to her, making her walk backwards into the kitchen counter. By the time she realized it, she was flush against it, with Fitz coming towards her, ready to pounce on her.

"Say it again," he told her, almost to her body.

"Say what, Mr. President," she told him, biting her lip.

"Say. My. Name." He told her. He was almost to her, and she started to slide her body away from him. He watched her movements with hungry eyes. He started to roll up his sleeves, edging his way to pull her back into his arms. His missed her so much, and he wanted to touch her again.

"Mr. President," she told him, blushing, twirling, and twitching. She tried to maneuver around the kitchen island, but Fitz grabbed onto her body from behind, pulling her flush against him. He wrapped his arms around her, and moved her hair, from her neck.

He whispered, "Say it again Livy. Say my name." He then started to place small kisses on her neck. Each kiss was longer than the previous. He had been starved of her, thinking of her practically not stop the entire time was he gone. He had missed her more than anything, and Fitz not only wanted her to know it, he needed her to feel it.

She smiled and let herself bask in his love, and want for her. He planted on more kiss, lingering his lips on her neck. She turned to him, and finally said, "Fitz." He turned her around and picked up back up, hugging her. He let out a labored breath, realizing even more than he needed her to breath.

"I missed you." He whimpered in her ear.

"I missed you too Fitz," she said with ease.

"Fitz, I…" she was about to say when she heard….

"Olivia dear, it's time to do the cake," from her mother, who finally entered the room. Fitz let her go, but still had her in his arms. His back was to her mom, so she did not know that he was the President. Olivia looked around him and saw her mom there standing there looking at her, wondering who this man was. Her Dad then came into the room, and smiled. Olivia knew that Cy told him about her meeting Fitz.

"Livy dear, this must be Ella's god-father. I didn't know you two were so close already. You didn't tell me, you were seeing anyone sweetheart. Let this man, turn around dear. I want to meet the man that my grand-child adores. The man that has finally captured my daughter's heart," her mother stated.

Olivia swallowed hard, and Fitz felt her tense up. He mouthed to her that it was going to be okay. Cyrus warned him about her mother, so he was ready. He gave her a quick look, and he mouthed "Cy warned me."

"But," she whispered. "We're not a couple."

Fitz squinted his eyes at her. "Not yet, but consider this handled, Livy." He told her. "I'm a gladiator in a suit, remember." He leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"Come on Livy dear. Let him turn around." Her mom said walking in their direction now. "It's not like it is President Grant or anything. Now that would just be absurd."

/

The POTUS VS. Mrs. Pope….

At that moment, Fitz turned around and faced her mother. "Holy Hell," her mother said. Her Dad who was still behind her mom, was holding back a laugh but still just as surprised.

Fitz walked up to her, and stuck out his hand, "President Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III Ma'am at your service. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Her mother shook his hand, looked at The President of the United States, and then her daughter, unable to say a word. She watched him, grab a hold of her daughter's hand, and bring it to his lips and kiss it. Olivia's eye widened, and then saw Fitz reach behind her, and pull her to his side.

"Likewise, Mr. President," her mother said to him. "Your Ella's god-father?"

"Yes Ma'am I am." Fitz said to her. Before he could say anything else Emmalynn came inside, rushing over to Fitz and Olivia and dragging them outside for her cake. After they went outside, her mother looked at Olivia's father and was about to say something to him when he stopped her even before she got started.

"Let it go dear. Now is now the time." Olivia's dad told her mother.

"I don't like this," her mother told him.

"I don't care what you don't like. President Grant came back early for OUR grand-daughter's birthday party. He flew over three thousand miles to be here for her. You should feel honored that he did that for OUR grand-child and OUR daughter. Now. Let. It. Go. They are friends. You don't know if there is anything going on between them."

"There has to be something between them, Dear. They are more than just friends trust me." Her mother shot back at him, watching everyone in the back yard. She was watching the President and her daughter interact through the window, and did not like what she was seeing. Where ever her daughter was, it seemed that Fitz would gravitate in her direction. When they were apart, she could see them steal glances from across the yard.

"No they are not. Cyrus told me that they are just friends." Her dad plainly stated looking out the window. But after the exchange he saw in the kitchen, and how the President was acting outside, he could tell that HE indeed had some pretty strong feelings for his daughter. The way he was looking at her, smiling anytime she passed by him or got close enough, his eyes would glow and his smile reached his eyes.

"I know you see it to dear," her mother said. "No man looks at a woman like that, and does not have some strong feelings for her. I don't want OUR daughter and grand-child caught up in this man's political destiny. We don't even know if he's divorced yet or not."

"The White House announced it before he left for England remember," her father told her.

Her mother nodded. Olivia's dad then stood in front of her mom and told her to basically let it go. It was Emmalynn's day and Olivia would hurt them both if anyone ruined it. They decided that they would talk to Olivia later about it. Her parents then went outside and enjoyed the rest of the party.

/

Sweet Baby

After the party was over, presents were unwrapped, and all the kids were out for the count, it was just Olivia that was downstairs. She and Emmalynn had opted to spend the night at the Beene residence. Plus now that Fitz was back, she was not sure what his plans were either. But since Karen and Jerry were sleeping upstairs already, she guessed they were staying there also.

After Olivia tucked Emmalynn in for the night in Ella's room, she made herself a cup of tea, and went outside on the hammock. The stress of the day finally caught up with her, and almost having a fight with her mom about Fitz didn't help. Her mom came to see her in the kitchen before they left. But before her mother could start twenty questions, her dad leaped in and saved the day.

She laid her head back on the hammock and let it swing from side to side. Even though it was mid-October, it was still nice outside. She let her mind wander and looked up at the stars, thinking of Emmy's dad. She knew he was watching down on them, and began to sing "Amazing Grace" again. She got through the entire first verse of the song before she heard a deep sigh behind her.

"I can hear you breathing, you know," she told Fitz.

Fitz then walked over to her, and stood in front of her with a blanket. "Mind if I join you?"

"Nope, but you have to help me up out of this thing first," she teased him. Fitz then pulled her up and she fell into his chest, causing him to laugh. He then got himself comfortable in the hammock and put his arm out for her to join him. She gave him a stern look but as soon as he flashed his dimpled grin at her, with a pout, she was done.

The moment she was close enough, he pulled her into his arms, causing the hammock to swing back and forth violently. "If you cause us both to fall, I swear I am going to hurt you Fitzgerald."

"Fitzgerald, wow," he teased her. "I best behave then. But if I act up, what do I get then?" Fitz then covered them up with the blanket, and pulled her into his chest. He nuzzled his face in her neck and almost began kissing her there. She felt him and turned around on him so she could face him.

They looked in each other eyes, and she told him, "Don't start something I won't let you finish."

He whispered in her ear, "I bet I can make you finish." He took the blanket in his arm, and pulled up over them completely. He was leaning down into her more and more.

She looked into his eyes, and could see how much he missed her over the last month in them. How much he needed to be in her presence. How much she needed to be in his arms. Heck this is where she wanted to be. Everything he was saying to her without words, she was telling him right back.

Olivia reached up and touched his face with her hand. "You made my daughter's day you know, and mine. Why did you really come back?"

"I needed to see you," was all he could say.

"But, what did you tell all the other World Leaders?"

"I told them the truth."

Olivia's heart then began to race. "Oh?"

"I told them that I found the woman of my dreams, and I had to go back and catch her before someone snatched her away. Plus it was her daughter's birthday and I couldn't miss it."

Olivia's eyes widened at his confession. "You did what?"

"Yup then I played basket ball with the Dolley Lama, the President of France, and the English Prime Minister," he told her so casually.

"You're kidding."

"Nope. I swear. They asked me why I needed to leave and I told them the truth. That I found you, and I wanted to get back."

"Oh my god," she told her burying her head in his chest. Fitz just hugged her and didn't want to let her go. "What did they say?"

"Well after they whopped my butt at basketball, they said they cover for me and I came back."

"Does Cyrus know," she asked him afraid of his answer.

"Yes, and he was ready to kill me. But he can't because he'd be put to death," Fitz said holding in a laugh.

"You are terrible."

"I missed you. I wanted to be with you and Emmalynn today. I needed to be here." Fitz told her, looking her eyes. "Livy…."

"Not yet okay. I am not ready." Fitz was about to ask her when would she be, and she told him "Trust me, you'll know. I'll make sure of it. Okay?"

Fitz sighed. "Okay." He looked down and could tell that she was beginning to fall asleep on him, literally. He started to get up from the hammock as easy as he could muster. She let out a whimper, feeling his absence. He then bent down, and scooped her up in his arms, with the blanket.

James saw him coming and opened the door for him. James told him, "Take care of her. It's about time you both find some happiness."

Fitz was a little surprised, and was about to ask where Cy was. James told him that he went to bed already, and Fitz then carried Olivia up to her room. He laid her down on the pillows and covered her with the blankets. He stood by her for a few moments, still not wanting to leave her side.

He let her hand fall, and before he could go away, she reached for him. He stopped and looked down at her. She was still sleepy but she asked him "Please don't go. Stay with me, Fitz. I want what we had the night you accidently slept over my house. Please…"

"Okay," even though she had him at 'Please don't go." He took of his slippers and climbed into bed with her. He slid his arm underneath her, and pulled her back into his body. He placed his face in her neck and breathed her in. He took his free arm and wrapped it around the front of her body.

When Olivia felt his hand by her face, she kissed it lightly and began to go back to sleep. He leaned forward, just enough to check and see that her eyes were indeed closed, and by her breathing, he knew she was already out. He left a kiss on her cheek and neck.

After a minute, his eyes began to get heavy and he started to drift off to sleep himself. He tried to move his hand away from her face, but Olivia wouldn't let him. She snuggled her face into his hand, and he felt her smile in her sleep. Her breathing became more relaxed and he heard her say "Fitz, my Fitz" in her sleep.

Fitz's eyes filled with tears, and he told her back, "My Livy; my sweet baby." He squeezed her tightly, basking in her warmth, the softness of her skin, and how her hair smelt. The more he let his body, relax next to hers, the more he came to realize how much he needed her to survive.

After a while, he was having a hard time keeping his eyes open. He took in a labored breath and told her; "Livy, when you're ready I promise to take care of you and Emmalynn forever. I am never letting you go. I'll wait for you Livy. As long as it takes; I'll wait."

He felt her take in another deep breath and let out a sigh. He let out a breath after her and uttered, "You are my ever after," and drifted off to sleep.

/

Well my little Pumpkins, I hope you liked it. I didn't really leave you on a major cliffhanger because at the moment I am "cliff-hanged out." (Shhh..don't tell anyone.) But incase anyone asks, did she hear what Fitz told her. And of course they know they are each other's "Saving Grace" now. Yay.

But YES Fitz is a free man. He's asked her out and she's turned him down. I know you want them together now (So do I) but you know me. I am the "Queen of the Slow Burn," and it will happen when I AM ready for it too. Plus at this point they have only known each other for two months.

Plus Fitz needs time to when America over as a divorced President first. Olivia will help him I am sure.

Next chapter you will get three holidays. Halloween, Thanksgiving and of course Christmas. So don't be surprised if you see this updated sooner rather than later. Won't say when, but just be on the lookout.

/

To ALL reading and following XMAS IN VERMONT! I am totally blown away by your response to it. It's already reached over 175 reviews and it's still climbing. I literally #HaveNoWords.

I know you all are "Wigging" for Vermont, but my other stories are calling name. (Sorry.) The next chapter should be up by the end of the week, maybe sooner.

Also be on the lookout for FITZ and the FIXER. IT's next.

Take care, happy reading and the MORE "Crumbs" or "Seeds" I get I WILL write faster.

Gingerbread Cookies and more….Me's