A/N-The next couple of chapters will include flashbacks to explain what happened between the time jump.

It had been eight months since the divorce was final. Between his divorce, his mom's divorce, and Mellie's arrest they had no peace living in California.

The same day he discovered what his ex-wife was up to he had been in a meeting to discussing buying out two law firms in New York. The deal was finalized a month later. The original plan was that is best friend Andrew Nichols would be running those offices, and traveling back to California when needed.

He decided to switch. He would move to New York with the kids, and Andrew would run the California offices. He would travel back and forth when necessary.

He could use the change of scenery, but his children needed it even more especially Karen. Between reports and kids bullying them they needed a fresh start. He was grateful that his best friend accommodated the change.

Once in New York the three of them began individual and family counseling. They had become their own little family the day the kids revealed the truth to him, but they had become closer since moving to New York.

He finally felt like he was ready to move forward. He had becoming really close to Maya. She had become like a second mom to him, and the kids loved her.

He hadn't asked about Olivia, because he wasn't ready yet. What he didn't know was that Karen spoke with Olivia once a month for the past six months.

She felt lonely, and needed someone other than her therapist and family. She took a chance and called Olivia's cell phone. To her surprise she answered, and when Karen identified herself she spent an hour talking to Karen.

Since that time, they talked once a month. As promised she sent Karen books. Not just books that she wrote, but books she loved to read and authors that she enjoyed.

After a couple of months Karen was convinced that her dad and Olivia would be perfect for each other. She finally shared her thoughts with her brother. He started to talk with Olivia for a few minutes each time she called. Fitz eventually learned that the kids were talking to Olivia, and he was okay with that.

Olivia didn't want to admit, but she had grown a soft spot for the kids. She really looked forward to talking to them. Her mom never mentioned anything about his case, but she would hint about how much she liked Fitz even more now that she had spent time around him.

She was five years younger than him, and she was willing to take him and the kids together. The only problem was that he showed no interest in her.

She had gone on a couple of dates, and the media had captured a couple of them. What she didn't know was that Fitz saw those pictures, and was insanely jealous. He didn't know why. He had no claim on her, but he wanted to claim her. He was over Mellie, and the therapist allowed him to deal with his anger and guilt. The problem was he didn't know how to approach her.

He didn't want to be rejected. He had already sacrificed his kids once for a woman. He could never allow that to happen again. As much as he wanted Olivia if she didn't take them together as a package deal then they couldn't be together. What he didn't realize, but she already had.

For the past month Olivia had been out of the country promoting her books. When her manager told her that she would be in New York for a couple of days for various signings and meetings she decided to make it a week so she could try and see the kids.

She knew that she needed to make sure that it was okay with Fitz first before she surprised them. Her mom had sent her Fitz's number. She planned to give him a call, but she was starving so she decided to grab some lunch first when she arrived in New York.

It was a beautiful day outside so she found a restaurant that had a patio for her to enjoy her lunch. As soon as she walked outside she was surprised to see the man that haunted her dreams. She thought about leaving, but decided to go for it.

Fitz thought that his eyes were playing tricks on him when she walked out on the patio, but as she walked closer he realized that it was indeed the woman who haunted his dreams.

He stood up and walked over to her. She took his breath away. Finally, he said, "Hi…"

The smile on her face melted his heart, and he prayed that he could find a way to make her his. He smiled back at her, "Hi…"

Olivia said, "Fancy meeting you here..."

"Same. I needed some air so I decided to walk down here for lunch."

"Is your office close?"

"Yes, one of them is two blocks over. Do you care to join me?"

"I would love to…."

They sat in silence enjoying their lunch.

Finally, Fitz asked, "What brings you to New York?

"Book signings and meetings. Also, I wanted to see the kids. I actually planned to call you when I finished lunch."

"So, you only wanted to see the kids?"

Olivia looked up at him in shock.

Fitz could tell he caught her off guard, "I'm sorry."

"No, don't be sorry. I just…"

She shook her head.

He grabbed her hand, and the current that ran through the both of them caused the hair on the back of their heads to stand up.

Fitz finally said, "You can see the kids whenever you want. You know Karen loves you, and I am sure after all this time she would love to see you."

Olivia didn't know if he knew that the kids were talking to her. She assumed that he didn't know since he never came in view when she was on the phone with them, and she didn't hear him.

"I'm sorry if the kids didn't tell you, but Karen called me six months ago. Since she called we have a standing monthly call. Eventually Jerry joined in, and I always talk to him for a few minutes before Karen and I catch up. I don't want you to think I was doing anything inappropriate."

"That is the last thing I was thinking. She needs to have someone in her life that she knows will be there for her. I can understand why she wouldn't trust me still."

Olivia grabbed his hand, "Actually the opposite."

"What do you mean?"

"When I talk to the kids especially Karen they have never been happier or felt more secure. I remember the day I found Karen outside. She was terrified. Not of Mellie, but of you. She was scared that you wouldn't believe her, and if you did then you would be mad. The fact that you never questioned your kids. That you promptly handled Mellie, and when you saw what the kids were going through you changed your plans and moved to New York."

Fitz was shocked to hear what she had to say. It was clear that she had some in-depth conversations with the kids.

Olivia could tell that he was unsure how to feel. On one hand, he was happy that the kids had an outlet especially Karen. Therapy was good, but he understood that being in such a professional setting even with the office looking laid back may have been hard on them especially Karen.

Olivia said, "She is not keeping anything from you. Most of the time we are having girl talk, and talking about books. When she wants to talk about more serious things I listen. Something that Mellie never did."

"I understand."

"How are you doing?"

Fitz shrugged, "Fine, as long as my kids are happy. That is all that matters to me. I have already failed to protect them once. I can't let that happen again."

Olivia decided not to address that immediately. She asked, "Did she make things difficult for you?"

Fitz laughed, "Did you forget who your mother is?"

Olivia laughed

Flashback

Mellie was still in shock as she looked at the video. All her indiscretions were out in the open. There was no way that she could lie about them.

Before she had a chance to try to come up with something the door opened. Maya Pope walked into the door. Everyone knew who she was, and she knew that her life just got more difficult.

Maya smirk, "Normally, I am respectful, but you don't deserve to be called Mrs. Grant especially after what you have done to your children especially Karen. We are going to make this quick, because you have someone to be."

"Where is that?"

"Jail..."

"Excuse me?"

"The police will be here shortly where they will be taking a statement. They have already spoken with my daughter who found your daughter outside. That is one count of child endangerment. The videos that Jerry made to back up his sister's claims will not only get additional charges it will support your parental rights being revoked. The only question is do you want all of your dirty laundry to air, and you get nothing or do you want all of your dirty laundry to air and you at least have some money when you get out of prison."

"I don't like either of those options."

Maya laughed, "Well at least we agree on something, but my client is willing to give you more money if you sign the divorce papers and the papers to revoke your parental rights. You will also not fight the charges, and will make sure that your attorney works out a plea deal. If the case goes to trial then the pre-nup goes into effect. You don't look like the kind of woman that can live on a million dollars for the rest of your life."

"How much will I get if I agree?"

"Ten million..."

"Between his family inheritance, and the money he earns now Fitz is a billionaire."

Maya shrugged, "The key word in that sentence is his money. Just in case you haven't figure it out this is not a debate. You don't get a say anyone Mellie. I would be happy to gleefully destroy you to the point that McDonald's won't even hire you. The only reason that we are giving you a choice is because you can save the children some pain. I would tell you to remember that you are at least a mother, but you don't even get that much credit. You were an egg donor."

"You can't talk to me like that."

Maya walked over towards Mellie, and Mellie continued to walk backwards until she hit a wall. Maya got in her face, "I have a lot of patience. Not only because it is required for me to be good at my job, but because I have two children who are my pride and joy. My patience runs short when people hurt innocent children. If I had a say I would put you in general population, and let them abuse you the same way you abused Karen. While you were eating the finest meals, you were barely feeding said child whose father is a billionaire. You didn't care about his worth when you were feeding her like you were living paycheck to paycheck. You really don't want me to get nasty in here. I am going to give you ten seconds to walk over and pick up that pen, and sign the damn papers. If you breathe another word I will make it my life's mission to ruin you. Are we understood?"

Mellie nodded. She quickly went over and signed the papers, and ran out the office. What she didn't know was that in addition to the police she had made a few calls to the media. They were also waiting for her downstairs.

End Flashback

Olivia laughed, "My mother the pit bull."

"That she is. Although I am a lawyer I was still not prepared for the shit storm that followed. It could have been worse, but your mom took really good care of us especially the kids. The kids lost their grandfather in all of this, but your dad spent time with them. They adopted them."

"Thank you for that by the way."

"What?"

"Giving them grandchildren."

"Do you not want children of your own?"

She could tell this was a loaded question. He was trying to figure out where she stood. She thought about making him sweat, but the truth was that over the last eight months she realized that with each date she went on she now compared them to a man that she had only been in the same room with for a few minutes. She needed to know where he stood.

"Ask me the question you really want to ask?"

Fitz realized he was in trouble. He was going to try, and get out of it but decided to be honest. "I am not sure I want to ask you."

"Why?"

"Because the response I receive could change everything."

For the first time he looked at her, and saw all of her. He realized that he had been working to get his life for the last eight months for a chance. He realized now was his chance, and he might not get another one.

Fitz finally looked at her, "The moment I opened my door I just felt something, but I couldn't drag you into my mess. I had to get my life right. I had to take care of my kids. After a couple of sessions, I felt like I had control of my life, and what I wanted. Then I saw pictures of you on dates with different guys. You seemed happy, and enjoying your life. I have two children. I obviously make poor choices so I was too scared to reach out, and I know that any woman who wants me must want my children. I can't let them down again especially Karen. I still have nightmares sometimes. When I am working late I purposely call them at dinner to make sure she is eating what everyone else is. Now that I am admitting to all of that I really am not making a good pitch on asking you to give me a chance."

She didn't say anything at first. Finally, she said, "What if I want to give you a chance. I don't see what you see."

He looked at her in shock.

"I see a man who loves with his whole heart. He thought he found a woman who not only loved him, but would love their children. As soon as you thought something was going on you began to investigate. Nothing came of it. From the moment, I called you after I found Karen your world stopped. All you cared about was her well-being. You took care of Mellie, and made sure they could never hurt the children again. I also know that your best friend was supposed to move to New York, but you changed the plan to give the kids a fresh start that they appreciate. In my eyes, I would be lucky to have you."

"I'm scared Olivia. I feel things for you, and I haven't even taken you out on a date. I hate to admit, but I was jealous every time I saw pictures of you with those men."

"I'm sorry…"

"Don't be. You are single. You can have any man you want."

"True, but maybe I have already found him. Now it is time to see where it will go."

"What will your parents say?"

"When I called mom, and asked for your number she said that you were one of the good ones. You are the only client that she ever crossed the line between personal and professional."

"It seems like my kids feel the same about you. How long are you in town for?"

"I was only supposed to be here for a couple of days, but I arranged to stay for a week."

"Would you like to come to dinner, and surprise the kids tonight?"

"I would love too."

"I would like to take you out on a date."

"I can't wait…"

They finished their lunch. They ended up talking for another hour just getting to know each other, and it was clear that both were smitten.

Fitz walked Olivia back to her hotel room which was close to his office. He didn't want to leave her, but knew he had to meet with a new client before going home.

He caressed her cheek before kissing it, and finally leaving her.

The kiss made her feel funny in the best way. She had never felt like this before, and her gut told her that she wouldn't be single for much longer.

She made it back up to her hotel room. She was going to take a nap before heading to Fitz's for dinner, but she needed to talk to her mom.

Maya smiled when she answered the phone, "Hi Liv. Did you make it safely to New York?"

"I did, and guess who I ran into while getting lunch?"

"Who?"

"Fitz…"

"Are you serious?"

"Very…"

"Did you two talk?"

"We did. For hours, actually. That is why I am calling you."

Maya sat back in her chair. It was common for her daughter to call her when she met a guy especially if she was nervous about going out with them, but she could tell by the tone of her daughter's voice that this was different. This wasn't a date. This wasn't a hookup. She had real feelings for Fitz already, and they had not even been on a date. She knew that her daughter was unsure how to handle her feelings. She was like her in that she wanted an answer for everything. It didn't make sense to her how she had all these feelings for a man that she didn't really know.

Maya asked, "What are you scared of?"

"My feelings…"

"What about them?"

"We haven't even gone on a date, but I feel things. I want him. I feel like he might be the one."

"At least you two agree on something already."

"What are you talking about mom?"

"I am sure that one-day Fitz will tell you all about if and when it works out. Let's just say he is old school. He talked with your dad and me. I also think that he wanted us to know that you were no rebound. He understood the choice was yours, but he knew how close we were. As much as I want to see you married with children your happiness is most important. I love that you are a perfect combination of your dad and I, but like me you get nervous when things happen that are unexplainable. True love is often unexplainable. It happens when we least expect it, and it takes us places we thought we would never go. I must ask. Are you okay with a ready-made family? You know that you will be those kids only mom if things work out."

"I guess that is what is scary. I am, and more importantly I can see it all. I want it all, and I am willing to make sacrifices when the time comes."

"I understand what you are saying Liv. The only thing I can tell you is to follow your heart. I am only a phone call away."

"I love you mom."

"Love you more pumpkin…"

Olivia enjoyed a short nap before getting ready to head to Fitz. When she woke up he had sent the address to his home.

She was really looking forward to the evening.

When she pulled up she loved the penthouse. She had seen a couple of rooms. It was clear that Fitz had spared no expense on the home, but it wasn't stuffy. For a man, he had excellent taste.

She was a little nervous as she rang the doorbell. She knew this could be the beginning of something good in her life.

When Karen opened the door, she could see the shock on her face. She realized that Fitz didn't tell her that she was here, and the joy on her face made her day.

Karen ran into her arms. It was a touching reunion, and it only got better when Jerry came out to see what was going on. He was normally reserved, but it was clear that he was also happy to see Olivia.

Fitz stood back, and enjoyed the moment. He was still nervous about how he felt about Olivia, but as he looked at his children he realized that he deserved a chance to be happy and so did they. If Olivia was that person then he would do everything in his power to make sure they became one.

Fitz finally walked over and kissed her cheek, "Hi…"

She smiled, "Hi…"

"You hungry?"

"Starving…"

The four of them walked out on the patio where Fitz had started the grill. They talked for a few minutes before Karen and Olivia went into the kitchen, and made sides to go with the steak and chicken on the grill.

Karen was helping her with the salad. She looked at Olivia, "Do you like my dad?"

Olivia was thrown off. She wasn't expecting the question.

Karen continued, "We know that dad likes you, but he is worried about Jerry and me. I already took one wife away from him."

Olivia stopped what she was doing and walked over to Karen who had silent tears falling down her face. Olivia made her look at her.

Olivia smiled at her, "You didn't take anyone from your dad. Your mother made the choices she made, and that is why she is no longer with your dad. Your dad loved your mom, and that love created two great children. I am sure that it wasn't easy for your dad, but I also know that he would choose you and your brother every time because that is what a parent does. I'll be honest with you. I do think I like your dad, and we talked earlier today. I think we both just want to make sure that we are doing what is best for you and Jerry as well as ourselves."

"I think it is best that my dad is happy. He has given up enough, and I have always admired you as an author. Now that I know who you are I like you even more. I hope that you give him a chance. He is a great person. He is always doing things for us, and I want him to have something that is his."

"Well if it works out with your dad I wouldn't be just his. You are a family."

"I know. He will share you, but you will have the key to his heart. Although I will be sad if you don't want him I rather you tell him now so he doesn't have any more heart break."

"I think you are a wise young lady. Your dad and I need some time to see where it goes, but I will let you know that as of right now I am going to stick around for a while. Just know that if for some reason things don't work out with your dad I will always be her for you."

Karen smiled, "I know…"

"Speaking of…If it is okay with your dad would you like to go to a signing with me tomorrow, and then afterwards we can hang out together?"

Karen got excited. She turned to go talk with her dad to find him at the door. She didn't know he had heard most of their conversation.

She asked her dad if she could spend the day with Olivia, and he readily agreed. He knew that she needed this, and if he couldn't give her the confidence she needed he hoped Olivia would.

Karen was so excited about spending time with Olivia. She hopped outside to take the salad.

Olivia went to check on the other dishes. Without turning around, she asked Fitz, "How much did you hear?"

"Most of it…"

Olivia nodded

He went over and moved a piece of hair out of her face, "I plan on you being around for a long time Miss. Pope."

He walked back outside.

Olivia took a moment to compose herself. This man was going to be the death of her. Every time he touched her body she felt like she was on fire. Her gut told her she was about to start an adventure that wouldn't end anytime soon.