The next day Olivia comes to the house to pick up Karen. Fitz had already left for work, but Elizabeth was in town for a couple of weeks.

She smiled when Elizabeth answered the door, and they shared a long hug.

Elizabeth looked at her, "It is really good to see you dear."

"You as well. How have you been?"

"Enjoying the single life. Something I should have done a long time ago, but I am happy. More importantly my child and grandchildren are happy."

"I am happy for you. I know that Fitz was really concerned about you."

Elizabeth nodded, "I can only thank the man upstairs that my son listened to me. Jerry tried his hardest to mold him to be in his image, and the harder he tried the more Fitz was determined to be the opposite of him. Better than him. Other than his looks he is nothing like his father."

"I can tell!"

Elizabeth looked her in the eyes, "He worked on himself so he could give you all of him. He didn't want to be a bitter old man, and if the opportunity presented itself he wanted to be able to say you could have all of him."

Olivia looked up in shock, "How you know?"

Elizabeth smiled. She pulled her in the kitchen to enjoy a cup of tea. Karen was still in the shower so they had a few minutes.

Flashback

Jerry arrived in town ready to smooth things over with his wife and son. He knew that he would have to lay low with the women until his wife felt secure.

Whatever was going on with his son might be harder to manage considering how much his son hated him.

Although he would never admit it aloud he knew that he pushed his son too far. He didn't support him like he should, because he refused to go into politics.

Any other father would be proud of their son, but he wasn't because he worked hard to create a legacy that he expected his son to follow in.

Mellie was a part of that plan, but the problem was that she was the female version of him. She didn't know when to close her legs, and the only thing that made her happy was money and power. It was how they ended up in bed more times than he was willing to admit, and why he happily paid her to have children with his son.

It has cost him a pretty penny, but it was money well spent.

When Jerry pulled up to the house he was confused. He didn't understand why there was two moving trucks in their driveway. As he looked he realized that their lawn was full of clothes, shoes, accessories, and so on. As he got closer he realized that it was all his things.

He immediately jumped out of the car. When he went to open the door he found it locked, and his key did not work.

When he rang the doorbell, he was surprised that it was immediately answered. He was expecting their housekeeper Natalia to answer, but was surprised to see their ex-housekeeper Marian along with a gentleman that he had never seen before.

Marian asked, "Can I help you Mr. Grant?"

"Don't play stupid Marian. Move out of my way."

"I am sorry. I can't do that. You no longer live here, and Mrs. Grant gave everyone specific instructions. You were allowed on the property, but not allowed inside her home.

"Her home."

Maya & Elizabeth stepped out of a truck together. Jerry turned around, and looked at his wife.

"What is going on Elizabeth?"

She shrugged her shoulder, "Oh, nothing just cleaning house..."

"How are you cleaning house when it looks like only my things are outside?"

"Exactly, I am cleaning house. I am getting rid of you which means my house will be spotless."

"Did you forget this was our home?"

"Nope, but see Maya and her team did a little research. See, we know that my money is clean. You seem to forget that I had money long before I ever met you. Your money, well I wonder how you would explain to the IRS all that money you have in your off-shore accounts. You and my beloved daughter-in-law were planning on a rainy day."

Jerry looked at the two women surprised. He knew that Maya Pope was a pit-bull, and although they didn't run in the same circles he knew she held a lot of power. He didn't know that his wife was friends with the woman. He could tell by the way they were standing that while Maya was standing there in her professional capacity she was also there as a friend. It was also clear to him that this wasn't something that Elizabeth had her working on for a couple of days. She had been waiting to pounce on him, and Mellie's transgressions were the final straw.

"I am assuming you are about to give me an ultimatum."

Elizabeth shook her head, "No, because that would mean that you have a choice in this. You have no choice. You either comply with my rules, or I will ruin you without blinking an eye."

Jerry was too shocked to speak.

Maya laughed, "We better tell him while his brain is trying to catch up with what he just heard. Anyway, these trucks are here to take your items wherever you want them to go. This house is no longer yours. Before you leave you will sign the paperwork that takes your name off the deed. If you fight us then we will use the money in your offshore account to pay the legal fees, and I will make sure that that you lose every legal and illegal penny you have."

Jerry finally found his voice, "How do you plan on doing that?"

"You love to piss off people. You have a lot of mistresses, and the list goes on. The biggest thing is that my other client which is your son will sue you for alienation of affection. Those videos we have of you getting it on with your daughter-in-law will play lovely in court, and in the media. If that doesn't ruin you I will finish you up with a lawsuit brought on by your granddaughter."

"What does Karen have to do with this?"

"Mellie was abusing your granddaughter. She was abusing her in ways that we are not going to discuss, and before you open your mouth to say you weren't aware I don't care. We are not charging you with a crime. I don't have to prove anything beyond a reasonable doubt. After all you paid Mellie to have her, and both of you were upset that she didn't have another boy. I can assure you that my team, and I can put on a convincing argument before it is all done with."

Jerry hated to admit defeat, but he knew when to fold. He knew that she would enforce the pre-nup, and it wouldn't leave him with a lot of money legally. The only chance he had was to keep the money he put away in the off-shore account.

Elizabeth laughed, "Did you think it would be that easy?"

Jerry was beginning to get pissed, "What more do you want?"

Elizabeth shook her head, "You really don't want the answer to that."

Jerry had to admit he didn't want to know the answer. He said, "What else Elizabeth? We are both too old for games."

Elizabeth laughed, "Don't act like you don't like to play games. Games is your middle name. After all you played my son and me. Now it is our turn. Except for you have sons, or did you seem to forget."

Jerry tried to play dumb, "I don't know what you are talking about."

"I am talking about the real reason that you fired Marian. Did you think that I would never find out, or the bigger question is how long do you think that it took me to find out?"

"Find out what"

"Okay so you want to play the dumb game. Well try this on for size. You came on to Marian, and thought she would sleep with the boss. After all you are so charming and handsome, and how dare anyone refuse you except she did. That did something to your ego so you threaten to deport her if she didn't comply with your demands, and she did. She ended up pregnant. You demanded she abort the baby, but she refused. When she threatened to tell me, you gave her a check, but you threaten to take her son and then send her away. You thought she complied, because you never heard from her again. Except she didn't comply. She called me, and we met. That is the first time I called Maya. I made sure to get her a good job, and I have been taking care of your son on your behalf. I even had you sign papers that you thought were about our insurance when they were papers that waived your parental rights so you could never try, and come back and use her son against her. Maya & I think that Marian should have the option to retire, or at least work part-time which is why you are going to sign the papers giving her ten million dollars of that off-shore money. Think long and hard about your next statement. I have no problem going nuclear. After all I am the one worth hundreds of millions. While you won't be worth more than a fourth of what I am it is more than enough for you to live out the rest of your remaining days even after paying out."

Jerry knew that he had no choice. She was right. He wouldn't be worth hundreds of millions, but he had plenty put away even with her demands.

He simply nodded.

Elizabeth said, "One more thing. In addition to the terms, the divorce, and payout you will also be signing papers that states that you will stay away from Fitz and the kids unless they reach out to you. The likelihood of that happening is next to none, but it will still be their choice. I should have left you a long time ago to protect him, but I thought that I was doing right by taking your bullshit. I was wrong, and that ends today. Once all the media crap dies down he wants to be free of you. He wants to make sure that his future is happy, honest, and full of love. You are none of those things. I didn't protect him like I should have before, but I won't make that mistake again. Are we understood?"

Jerry nodded, "Crystal…"

End Flashback

Olivia was shocked to hear what Elizabeth did.

Elizabeth looked at her, "He wanted to make sure that Jerry wouldn't cause you any problems. He also saw someone for himself. What Mellie & Jerry did made him question everything he had done. He thought he was doing right by his family, and right under his nose he was being played. This is the same man that is considered one of the best attorneys in the country."

Olivia understood, "He is too hard on himself. Even the kids think so. It wasn't like a lot of people knew, and he just missed it. Mellie was no fool. She was a master manipulator."

"We can all agree, but I think that the only thing that will fix this is time, and someone loving him for who he is. Accepting him and the baggage that he carries."

Olivia looked Elizabeth in the eyes, "I talked to my mom, and although I haven't discussed anything with Fitz I will tell you that I have decided to give this a chance. I really care about the kids, and I have this pull with Fitz that I can't explain. Time hasn't made the feeling go away. It has only made it stronger. It scares me, but not because of him or the kids, but because it is going to ruin me if things don't work out."

Elizabeth grabbed her hand, "I understand your fear, but look at it this way. You are worried about what will happen if it doesn't work out. Think about what will happen if it works out. That means that after all this time your patience was rewarded. God may be rewarding you with your soul mate. I am not saying this because Fitz is my son. I am saying this from experience. Don't make the same mistake I made, and let the one get away because you are scared. Life is too short."

Olivia shared a long and emotional hug with Elizabeth. Any remaining doubt she had about seeing where things led with Fitz she answered. It wasn't just about what Fitz did which meant the world to her, but she could see in Elizabeth's eyes the pain she still felt for choosing comfort instead of going out on a limb and taking a chance.

Just as the pair pulled back Karen came around the corner, and ran into Olivia's arms.

"Sorry Liv, I thought I had more time."

"You do. I am early. Did you need some help getting ready?"

Karen smiled, "I would love your help. I was going to have Nana help me with my hair. Do you mind helping me?"

"Not at all…"

They made it to Karen's room, and she was impressed with the room. Karen loved reading like she did when she was younger. Fitz asked the designer to give Karen a hip library room. She had custom bookcases filled with books.

Olivia recalled how happy she was with the room. Fitz had surprised her with the design. She saw parts of the room during their chats, but seeing it in person was impressive.

For the first time Olivia realized that Karen wasn't dressed to go out. She asked, "What are you going to wear?"

Karen turn her head, "I am not sure. Nothing looks right on me. Probably because I am not that pretty."

Olivia walked over to Karen, and turned her around in front of the mirror, "I don't want to ever hear you say that you aren't pretty or beautiful. I know that your mother put you down, and made you feel unworthy. For that I am truly sorry that she was unable to see how bright and beautiful her daughter is. You are everything to a lot of people. Myself included which is why I never want to hear you talk about yourself like that again."

Karen looked at her in shock as the tears fell. "I mean that much to you."

Olivia pulled her into her arms, "You do. I love you not because I have to, but I want to. I know that you and your brother have secretly hoped that your dad and I would get together. I know that you come as a package deal, and I had to make sure that I was ready for that."

Karen looked at her, "Are you?"

"I think I am. We will know in time, but right now I have no plans of going anywhere in the near future."

"Good, you are really good for all of us especially daddy. I can tell the difference in him since you have arrived. I never saw dad really smile when he was with my mother. He would laugh and play with us, and I knew that we made him happy, but as I got older and could understand somethings I realized that only Nana cared about his feelings other than us. He deserves to be loved."

Olivia nodded, "I agree…"

Karen looked at her, "So do you. I know you work hard, but you are nice and smart. I hope you get to be happy to."

"I already am…"

Olivia was wearing a surfside garden party Selena maxi dress that she had paired with some Jimmy Choo sandals. She went into Karen's closet, and found a maxi dress that had a similar pattern.

She could tell that Karen was excited to wear a dress that was like hers, but age appropriate. Olivia had her hair up in a chignon bun. She decided to put Karen's up into a ponytail.

Elizabeth smiled when she saw the finish looked, and she could see confidence in her granddaughter for the first time. She didn't know what happened in that room, but she prayed it was the beginning for Karen. Her gut told her that it was, because she believed that Fitz & Olivia were going to be together when it was all said and done.

The pair left the house for their day of fun. After a nice lunch, they headed to Olivia's book signing. Olivia introduced Karen to her team. She learned that they had all been friends for years.

Abby was her manager and best friend. She remembered Russell from the day in the ally. He was the head of her security, and her brother's best friend. Quinn was her publicist, and they had been friends for years.

Karen thought it was cool that she took care of her friends. During the signing Karen recognized a couple of girls from her school. She had been really scared to make friends, because she was afraid they would just bully her.

After Olivia signed their book they went over to Karen. They didn't know that she was there with Olivia. It was clear that the girls just wanted to be friends with her. The three of them sat down, and began to talk about their favorite books, and before they knew it the signing was over.

The girls were shocked that Karen knew Olivia, and it just made them think that Karen was even cooler. Olivia took selfies with each of the girls individually, and Abby took a couple of shots of them together.

Karen didn't think that the day could get any better. The pair headed to the car. Karen thought they were headed back home. Her dad had called to check in on her, and she was so excited. She couldn't contain herself as she told him about their day.

She didn't know that Olivia had sent him the selfie they took before leaving the house. He could see how clearly happy his daughter was, and he would do anything to make sure she remained happy.

Olivia looked over at Karen as she talked with Fitz. The smile on her face was everything, and for the first time she felt that she was truly seeing a happy Karen.

She doesn't recall what Karen said, but she passed her phone to her. Olivia took it. As she put the phone up to her ear she heard him, and she found herself smiling.

Fitz said, "Hi Liv…"

"Hi Fitz. How are you today?"

"Truthfully, I couldn't be better. I got this amazing picture today that showed my daughter happy with a woman who I am very attracted to. I can't believe she agreed to go on a date with me. How is your day going?"

Olivia found herself blushing. No man had ever made her feel this way just by having a conversation with them.

"Well my day has been awesome. I got to spend it with an awesome young lady. I got to spend time with people who allow me to do what I love, and I am talking to a man who make me feel special."

"Good, because you are. Mom is cooking dinner, and she always cooks like we are a family of ten. Would you like to join us tonight?"

"I would love too. I was just going to order room service."

"Good, well I will see you later. Will you take a picture of Karen? I have a feeling we won't be able to top this moment for some time."

"I disagree, but I will capture the moment."

The pair ended the call. A short time later they pulled up at a private boutique. Karen looked around confused. She thought they were headed back home.

The security opens the door for them, and they were immediately escorted into the shop where three women warmly greeted Olivia. Two of them she recognized. One was Olivia's stylist Erin Walsh. She saw a magazine spread that the women did with the other woman. She could not believe that she was in the same room as actress Kerry Washington. She read that she and Olivia were friends, but since both didn't really discuss their private life no one knew the extent of their friendship. As she watched the two of them share a warm embrace it was clear the pair were great friends.

Olivia walked over and introduced her to everyone. She found out that the third woman was also a good friend of Olivia and Kerry, and she owned the boutique they were in.

Olivia said, "Since you follow my career you know that Erin is my main stylist when I am touring, and going to events. Although Kerry & I don't discuss our friendship it is true that we have been friends for years. I met her backstage when she did her Broadway show, and we have remained friends ever since. Tonya is a friend from college. Long story short she supported my dreams of becoming a published author so I supported her dream of owning her own boutique, and now she owns five of them. This is the flagship store, and one of two that sells children's clothes. She shut down the shop today to allow us to shop. I thought that Erin and Kerry could help us determine what you want your wardrobe to look like. Your dad says that you still are uncomfortable with buying clothes, and after our talk earlier I thought you might like this. Luckily Erin was in town for an event with Kerry so they had some time to hang out with us."

Karen was in shock, "You did all of this for me."

"I did. I want you to see what we see which is a beautiful young lady."

Kerry agreed, "I did see some of the media coverage, and I am really sorry about everything that happened to you. I am a big believer in valuing yourself. I didn't always do that, and I don't want you to make the same mistakes I made because you bought into what your mother said about you. None of us understand your pain, because we were all fortunate to have wonderful mothers, but as a mom now I understand how important it is to let my daughter know that I love her just the way she is. You are fine just the way you are, but don't hide yourself. There are too many people out there who want to see you."

Karen smiled, "Thank you. You really are a beautiful person. Inside and out. I see why people say you are one of the kindest celebrities in the industry."

Kerry shrugged, "I just go by the motto of treating people how I want to be treated. Just because I am a celebrity that doesn't give me a right to treat others bad. I could easily be that person. I also know your dad."

She nodded, "He was my attorney for a couple of years."

"Did he do something bad, and you had to fire him?"

They all laughed. Kerry shook her head, "Actually, both of us just grew. My career took off, and so did his. When he opened his second office he reduced the number of clients he handled personally so he could run an efficient business."

Karen understood, "Well thank you for taking the time to see me today. I didn't really think the day could get much better, but I was wrong."

She looked at Kerry, "I am really happy. Thank you for being there for me. I am ready to stop hiding."

That was all the ladies needed to hear. Tonya brought out the wine and juice for the ladies to enjoy, and they spent the afternoon helping Karen select a new wardrobe.

Erin had made several suggestions of what she would look best in, and what colors complimented her skin tone.

Karen didn't expect them to purchase anything. They had taken lots of pictures, and she was going to talk to her dad to see if he would bring her to buy some of the outfits. She was surprised when Olivia & Kerry purchased all the outfits that Erin suggested.

Several of them needed to be taken in. Tonya promised to get them to her once they came back in. Olivia & Karen said their good-byes. Karen thanked them all again for helping her. They had taken lots of pictures to remember the day.

By the time they made it back to the house Karen was floating. When she walked in they all noticed the immediate change. Even Jerry was in shock as he took in his sister. Her entire life she had been beaten down emotionally, and at times physically by their mother.

The therapy had removed the black cloud, but it was clear that she still believed some of the things Mellie had said. Talking with Olivia had helped, but today had been the day they were all waiting for. Karen looked truly alive for the first time. Her eyes were different. They were bright. She wasn't pretending to be happy. She was finally free of her mother's hold.

Dinner was a fun affair for everyone involved. While Fitz was focused on how happy his children were especially Karen during dinner. Elizabeth was focused on how happy Fitz was. In that moment, she knew that she was looking at her future daughter in law, and the mother of her grandchildren. Mellie didn't get that right just because she birthed them.

After dinner Olivia ended up sticking around. She went and played video games with Jerry for a bit while Karen showed Fitz her new wardrobe, and pictures of her day with Olivia.

Harrison had called in to check on his sister, but ended up talking to Fitz most of the time since she was playing video games with Jerry.

The two men had a lot in common, and Harrison appreciated that Fitz indulged him when he grilled him a little. Fitz would be traveling to California in a couple of weeks to check in with his offices, and the pair agreed to meet up.

Olivia didn't say anything, but internally she was jumping for joy. Her ex-fiancée seemed intimidated by her family although he came from a wealthy family. He never really connected with her brother, and as much as she adored her parents she had a special bond with her brother. To see Fitz take it upon himself to talk to Harrison meant the world to her. It was another sign that Fitz might be the one for her.

Later on, after the kitchen was clean, and the kids had gone to be the pair headed out to Fitz's private balcony off of his bedroom.

He fixed Olivia a glass of wine, and he fixed himself a two-finger scotch.

The pair were quiet for a moment. They were just enjoying all that the city had to offer. Fitz had excellent views from all angles in his home.

He finally looked at Olivia, "I can never repay you for what you did for Karen. I kept wanting my little girl, but tonight I realized I didn't want her I wanted the young woman in front of me tonight. She was so sure of herself, and happy. She is still working somethings out, but I can tell that she is in a different place."

Olivia smiled, "I would never say this in front of her, but I loathed your ex-wife. I know you do too, but she was very close to breaking her. If she didn't go into that ally I just think that things could have been different. I hate to say it, but I have no doubt that she might have tried something bad."

Fitz turned from Olivia.

Olivia grabbed his hand, "Don't do that…"

"What?"

"Turn away from me. I know it hurts to hear, and I know you still blame yourself for a lot of the crap that Mellie pulled, but if we are ever going to have a chance as a couple. If you really want to be the father the kids deserve. Don't let her have any hold in this household."

Fitz nodded, "You are right!"

"I am in this instance. I don't know what it is like to be in your shoes. I talked with your mom today, and she shed more light on how your dad treated you. My parents have been nothing but supportive of me from the moment I was born. I have had bad relationships, but my ex-fiancée has nothing on Mellie. I say all of that to make this point. Despite all the shit that has been thrown at you all your life you have used it to make lemonade. More importantly you are kind, gentle, and loving like your mom. The kids adore you, because they know that you sincerely love them. It is also one of the reasons that I am drawn to you. Although we have yet to go out I can tell you care about me. Just listening to you talk to my brother warmed my heart, and knowing that you spent time with my parents also means a lot. What means the most to me is that you cared about my heart, and you didn't even know if I was going to give you a chance. It makes it really easy to open it to you."

Fitz leaned over and kissed her. It started out innocent and simple, but quickly heated up to steamy and passionate.

They only pulled back when they needed air, and went back for more several times before finally pulling back.

Fitz finally looked at her, "I had to. I know this sounds crazy, and I don't want to scare you, but I think you might be the one. I want to wine and dine you. I want to fall in love with you. I want you to be happy that you waited all this time for me to get my shit together. I want you to be able to say that I was worth the wait.

Olivia caressed his cheek, "I want all of that too, but Fitz you are wrong about one thing."

He looked at her.

She smiled, "I already know that you are worth the wait."

They shared another kiss, and talked a little more before Olivia decided it was time to head back to her room. She had a busy couple of days with meetings before she had her date with Fitz.

She was about to call Russell when Fitz assured her that he would take her back to her hotel. She texted Russell with the change of plans.

As promised Fitz not only drove her back to the hotel, but he made sure to walk her to her room so he knew she made it in safely.

Neither of them wanted the other to leave, but they would see each other soon enough. Olivia promised to call him when she got a few moments.

All he would tell her about their first date is that it would be one that she would never forget.