It had been a month since Fitz & Olivia had seen each other. She was finishing her book tour. Normally the international tour was the leg of the tour she enjoyed the most. Not this time. She missed Fitz & the kids. She talked to them just about every other day, but it wasn't the same.

She had three signings in London before she headed home. Fitz was under the impression that she had two more weeks, but she had pulled some strings to narrow it down to a week. Fitz had something coming up that she wanted to be there for. She knew he wanted her there, but didn't know how to ask. They were still a new couple.

Even with distance Fitz was proving to be everything she wanted in a man and more. She knew she was in love with him. It was the small things that she loved the most. Whether it was a call just to say I was thinking about you, or having her favorite lunch delivered to her. It melted her heart.

As promised when he came out to California to check on his offices he met with Harrison. They had so much fun for lunch that they ended up having dinner together. When Harrison got home he immediately called her. He not only approved of Fitz, but they had become friends.

When Harrison went to New York for a seminar Fitz insisted that he stay with him and the kids. By the end of the weekend the kids were calling him Uncle Harry.

The only good thing about traveling was that she had practically finished her next book. She would only need about a month to write before sending off the manuscript.

Olivia was pulled out of thoughts by her phone ringing. She smiled when she saw who was calling her. She immediately picked up and answered, "Hi You…"

Fitz smiled, "Hi yourself. How is your morning going?"

"Pretty good sitting here relaxing before it is time to start my day."

"Good, you need to take more moments for yourself."

Olivia smiled. Another reason that she was falling for him. He was the only man other than her dad and brother who were truly concerned about her taking care of herself. He had arranged a couple of spa trips at the hotels she was staying in. He was even considerate enough to pay for Abby since she was with her.

"I know I do. You have made sure of that so thank you."

"You are welcome honey."

"How are you? Has your day been busy so far?"

"Pretty good. Just tying up some loose ends. We are headed to California tomorrow. I have some clients to meet there before I have to deal with the Mellie drama."

Although Mellie did eventually take a plea deal she didn't make things easy. There was so much back and forth, and she tried to get off light. The reason that it had taken so long is that Mellie and her lawyer wanted her charges reduced to misdemeanors instead of felonies. The prosecutor was not willing to reduce the charges that much, and was ready to head to trial. Once Mellie realized that it was a losing battle they finally came to an agreement.

Both sides agreed that the judge would hand down her sentence. She thought that Big Jerry could call in some favors, and get the judge to give her lowest sentence possible.

Olivia pulled Fitz from his thoughts, "Are you nervous about the sentencing?"

"Not really. I have no doubt that behind the scenes Mellie is trying to pull one last fast."

"What makes you think that?"

"Because she is my ex-wife. I also have no doubt that she will get my dad involved, and he will help her. Not because he likes her, but just one last screw you to me and my mom."

"Does mom know?"

"She does which is why I am not worried. Even if she didn't I no longer care. The divorce has been final for months, and her parental rights were revoked. I wish the kids didn't have to see her again. Technically they don't, but the kids wanted to make a victim impact statement, and I can't take that from them especially Karen."

"I agree. Karen is about to turn 13 in two months, and Jerry will be 15 soon after that. Yes, they are your babies, but they are not babies. I know this is going to be hard on all of you, but especially you. Just remember that they need to face Mellie. They need Mellie to see that she has not broken them. She didn't break up the family. You guys are together and stronger than ever."

Fitz threw his head back. He really wished that she was in town when the sentencing happened, but she would still be in London. He felt it was too soon to ask her to change her schedule for him.

"You are right."

"I know I am. Besides once it is all over they will spend the next month being spoiled by their grandmother, adopted grandparents, and Uncle Harry."

Fitz laughed, "I know. I can't imagine what they will be like when they come back to me. They are really excited about spending a week with your parents."

Olivia laughed, "The thing is I am not sure who is more excited them or my parents."

Both laughed. When they calmed down Fitz said, 'I miss you."

Olivia sighed, "I miss you more. I'll be home soon, and no more traveling for a year."

"I can't wait. I miss holding my girlfriend in my arms."

Olivia leaned back in her chair, "I miss you holding me too. In your arms, I feel safe and secure. Nothing can hurt me."

"Not if I can help it."

They talked for a few more minutes before getting off the phone.

Abby opened the door to their adjoining suites. She can in with breakfast.

She was still getting used to this new Olivia. She was much more relaxed these days. They didn't spend a lot of time together, because her free time was spent talking to the kids and Fitz.

She wasn't sure how she felt about that until they started the international tour. She was impressed when she saw Fitz find ways to take care of her best friend even though they were thousands of miles apart, and the fact that he included her told her that Olivia had indeed found the one.

She had heard them talking a couple of times, and she noticed that he was always asking about her. He was always concerned about her welfare, and that was very different from her past boyfriends. Edison, was the worst. The only person he was concerned about was himself.

She knew that her best friend was going to marry Fitz. The only question was when.

Abby sat her breakfast down, "How is your man doing?"

"Pretty good. Wrapping things up so he can head to California."

"He still has no clue you will be there."

"None. I know he wants me there, but he cares more about my feelings and needs than his own. I don't like to compare past relationships, but Edison would not only have asked but demanded I drop everything to be by his side. The crazy thing is that it would have been for stupid things."

Abby nodded, "I agree. He is a keeper Liv."

"I know. I have no intentions of letting him go."

"Good. Let's finish out strong so you can get back home."

Olivia stood up and went over and hugged her best friend, "Thank you for always being there for me especially now. I couldn't do this without you."

"That is what friends are for…"

Back in California Mellie was sitting in her rental. She was under house arrest. It was part of the conditions of her bail.

She could not believe how much her life had change. She went from having everything to nothing it felt like. Although she was divorced Fitz was still holding all the cards. He paid for the rental she was staying in, but didn't give her the money. He arranged for the company to be paid directly. She was giving a monthly stipend each month, and it was practically pennies to what she was used to.

When she walked out of his office she was not prepared for the media shit storm that was waiting for her. Maya Pope had called everyone. You would have thought she was a serial murderer.

She knew that she had no choice but to plead out, but that didn't mean she would make it easy on Fitz. She didn't realize that it would backfire on her.

Once Mellie had retained an attorney Maya had sent over the terms of the divorce. When she was in the office with Fitz she had signed the paperwork to have her parental rights revoked, and the legal separation papers.

She knew her lawyer wanted to contest the terms, but she was adamant that they accept them. Although she didn't think Fitz was being fair considering what he was worth the truth was she wasn't entitled to very much due to the number of affairs she had. She would take what she could get.

Now if she could just get probation or a short jail sentence she could move on. She was ready to be done with her kids. Of all the things that had happened the one thing she was most happy about was giving up her parental rights. She never wanted kids. When she had Karen, she had secretly had her tubes tied to prevent her from having another baby.

She hoped that Big Jerry pulled through with the judge. He said he knew who the judge was, and that everything was handled.

Fitz and the kids made it to California. He had sold their home in California. He never wanted Karen to walk through the doors of a home that she was tortured in. Eventually he planned to buy another home in California, but he decided to wait. He knew his future was with Olivia, and he wanted it to their home.

Andrew's parents had a home they were going to put on the market, and were more than happy to let him rent it for the year which gave him time. The location was perfect. He wasn't far from his mom, Maya, his office, and Olivia when she was in town.

He had sent her a text message to let her know that they had arrived. She promised to Facetime tonight with them.

Since the kids were going to be staying with Elizabeth and then with Maya and Eli he went to his mom's house first so the kids could drop their stuff off.

The kids warmly greeted their grandmother and Marian. Elizabeth had recently sat down and told him about his half-brother. He had been out of the country on business, but they had spoken several times.

Ethan found out in high school who his father was. His mom and Elizabeth had sat down with him after he found some papers. They had been truthful with him, but he wasn't allowed to disclose the information to Fitz.

Fitz was a little upset with his mom at first for keeping his brother from him, but he respected that she stepped up and took care of him when his father had no problem throwing him away. They never saw each other because Big Jerry had Marian fired when Ethan was still a baby.

No doubt the things that Mellie and his father had done hurt people, but it also helped them. Fitz could honestly say for the first time in his life he was happy. He had a wonderful girlfriend who he knew he was falling in love with. His children were happy. He was gaining this wonderful extended family, and he had a brother.

After dropping the kids off he headed to meet Ethan for lunch. They shared a warm embrace.

Ethan smiled at his brother, "I am glad to finally see you in person."

"Me too. Did you get all your business taken care of?"

"As much as possible. I love being a lawyer, but the firm I work for is all about the dollar. I get it, but I think that sometimes the client gets lost in translation. I don't feel good about that, and I am only allowed to take one pro-bono case a year. That would be fine except even if I want to do that I have to find a way to make it work in favor of our firm."

"That sucks…"

"It does, but I didn't come here to talk about my problems. You have enough of your own."

"Not really. I am divorced. My kids are happy. I have a wonderful girlfriend. I no longer have to deal with our father, and I gained a brother."

Ethan laughed, 'Well when you put it that way. I guess it isn't so bad. Is Karen still doing well?"

Fitz smiled, "Yes, she is great. The time she spent with Olivia before she went on tour did wonders. She got a new wardrobe thanks to Olivia, and it seemed to transform her."

"Good, they seem like great kids. I enjoy talking to them."

"Considering the fact that Mellie & I neglected them they turned out okay."

"You didn't neglect them. I know we are just getting to know each other, but you are nothing like your ex-wife. You are not like our father. I used to think you were the lucky one to grow up with him in the home, but now that I have the whole picture I must admit that I was the lucky one. My mom was everything I needed and more. Mama Elizabeth made sure I got the best education, and although she had nothing to do with what Big Jerry did she made sure that I was well taken care of. I know that we lost time as brothers, but don't be mad at her."

"I was mad for a couple of days. Not at what she did, but because we missed time together. I decided it wasn't worth it. All that mattered was that I had a chance with you now, and I am glad that she made sure that you were taken care of. I was even happier to hear that she made sure that your mom was taken care of when she divorced Big Jerry. "

"Me too. I was shocked when mom told me what she did. Although she has the money she is not ready to retire. Mama Elizabeth said she didn't need anyone full-time now that it was just her so mom decided she wanted to stay on. She said it feels like she is taking care of family, and not working. She is happy so I am happy."

Fitz nodded and agreed with him. He thought about his brother not truly being happy.

"Hey, why don't you come work with me?"

Ethan looked up at Fitz

"This is not some charity case. My best friend Andrew heads both offices, and I come out every other month to help him. I have been transitioning all my California clients to him so I wouldn't have to travel so much especially now that things are picking up in New York. Also, I am now with Olivia so traveling cuts into my time with her once she is done on her tour. Andrew and I planned to hire one or two more lawyers so he wouldn't get overwhelmed. I think you would be a great fit. You would be working with the same type of clients you are presently working with except we put the client first. If you want to take a pro bono case then it is fine with me. All I ask is that our paying clients are not neglected."

Ethan was shocked, "Are you serious?"

"Very. In fact, if you have time why don't you head over to the office with me, and meet Andrew. I am sure you two will get along."

"Sure, I am off for the next couple of days."

Ethan and Fitz made it over to the office. Fitz introduced Ethan to everyone. Some people had seen Ethan around when he was in the courthouse. Once he was introduced to Andrew he realized that they had met a couple of times at a conference both attend each year.

As Fitz predicted Ethan and Andrew got along very well, and when Fitz told Andrew about Ethan coming to work with him he was all for it. He had read about some of the cases that Ethan handled, and knew he was good at his job. He also knew that with Ethan being Fitz's brother he would care about the firm. It was a win-win all the way around.

They headed back to Fitz's office. The salary that Fitz was offering him was almost double what he was making, and that didn't include bonuses. After talking with Andrew, he decided that he wanted to move Ethan and Andrew onto the floor where his office was. They would be running things here. They deserved the space. He would take over Andrew's office which was the floor below.

Ethan was going to turn in his notice tomorrow. He only had two cases pending. Both were almost done. He figured it would take two to three weeks. Fitz told him to start in a month so he would have some time to relax before starting.

Ethan looked at his brother, "Are you sure about this?"

Fitz looked at his brother, "We are family. If there is one thing I have learned through my ordeal is that we all deserve to be happy. I have a feeling that you have stayed with the firm because of the pay. It allowed you to take care of your mom. Well now your mom is financially secure. Now is your time. It is not like I am giving you a handout. You are a successful attorney. This is nothing more than a better job opportunity that I am giving you."

"I won't let you down."

"I know you won't…"

Elizabeth was happy when Fitz told her about the lunch, and that Ethan was going to start working at his firm. She tried to apologize again, but Fitz assured her that it was water under the bridge. All was fine. Marian was also excited to hear the news. She knew that her son loved his profession, but not where he was working. She was happy that now he would be happy with both.

It was the day of Mellie's sentencing, and everyone was on edge. The media seemed to be everywhere. The night before Karen had talked with Olivia via FaceTime. Olivia helped her pick out her dress that she was going to wear to court.

When she had woken up in the middle of the night after having a nightmare she accidentally called Olivia forgetting what time it was.

Fitz was staying down the hall, and he heard her scream. By the time he made it to her room he heard her crying, but talking to Olivia. Her door was cracked.

Any remaining doubt he had about Olivia being the one was gone when he witnessed the exchange.

Olivia sleepily answered, "Karen, is everything okay?"

"Liv, oh my God. I forgot what time it was. I woke up after having a nightmare, and just called you."

"That's okay honey. You can always call me. Was it the same one?"

"Yeah, we go to court and the judge gives me to her. Daddy, Jerry, and you are screaming for me, but none of you can get to me."

"I'm sorry honey. It is just a nightmare. Mellie will never take you away from us. Your dad would never allow that to happen, and neither would I. It is almost over. Your dad and Jerry will be right beside you today, and I will be home soon I promise. When I get home, we'll go to the spa, and then we'll grab Jerry and your dad and go to Dave & Busters. How does that sound?"

"It sounds great. Will you sing to me until I fall asleep?"

"Sure, get back settled in the bed, and put your phone on the stand."

Once Karen was comfortable Olivia began to sing to her. She sang until she knew that Karen was asleep. Before she hung up she whispered, "I will never allow anyone to hurt you ever again. I love you Kare Bear!"

Fitz was unable to stop the tears from falling. He was going to marry Olivia when the time was right. She was the one. There was no need to question that anymore.

Later on, that morning Fitz noticed how calm Karen was. He kissed her forehead, "You ready to get this over with?"

She looked at her dad, "As long as you are with me?"

"I'll never leave your side. Neither will your brother. You also have Olivia."

Karen looked at her dad, "Can I tell you something?"

He nodded

"I think she is the one for you."

Jerry looked at his dad to see his reaction.

Fitz looked at his children, "I think she is the one for us, and as long as the two of you are okay with it. I don't plan to let her go."

He knew Karen agreed. He just wanted to make sure Jerry felt the same way. He looked at his son.

"I agree with Karen dad. She makes you happy, and she cares about us. Not just for you, but us. I want her to stick around."

Fitz was happy they were all on the same page.

Maya walked in the kitchen, and they all greeted her. She let them know that the cars were ready to take them to court.

Fitz said, "Cars?"

She nodded.

He walked out. In addition to his mom stood Rowan, Harrison, Ethan, Marian, and Andrew.

Fitz smiled. After hugs and hellos were exchanged they made their way to the court house.

As expected it was organized chaos at its finest, but they got in quickly.

Maya said, "Fitz, Karen, and Jerry I need to take you to the conference room for a minute to go over some last-minute details."

They didn't question Maya, and followed her. She showed them where the private conference room was, and told them to go ahead and go in. She would be in shortly.

Fitz opened the door for the kids to go in. When they walked in they were all shocked. There stood Olivia in the flesh. She wasn't in London.

The kids ran over to her. She was equally happy to see them.

Karen asked, "I thought you had another week in London."

"When the tour was originally set up I was supposed to be there another week, but once I found out about the court date I worked with my team to finish this week. It was why I was so busy, and didn't have as much time to talk. I knew I wanted to be here with you guys."

Jerry smiled, "I'm glad you are here."

Olivia looked at Karen. Although all three of them would be making victim impact statements they all knew that Karen's statement is the one that would have the biggest impact. As part of the plea deal the charges related to Jerry were dismissed.

She handed Karen a gift box, "I got this for you. Not only to get you through today. I want you to always know I am close by."

Karen opened the box to find a sterling silver Monica Rich Kosann vintage-inspired round locket. Inside were two pictures. One was of the two of them, and the other was one of the four of them taken before she left the country.

Olivia put the necklace on her, and they shared a long embrace. After hugging Jerry, she looked up at Fitz who was still speechless.

Maya walked in the room. She looked at Fitz, "It is taken care of. I am going to take the kids to get settled to give you two a moment."

Fitz nodded still unable to speak.

When the kids left the room, Olivia walked over. She caressed his face, and he leaned into it. A tear fell which broke Olivia's heart. Was he not happy to see her.

He finally spoke, "You planned to be here all along?"

Olivia nodded, "We are in this together. I wasn't going to be on the other side of the country when you needed me."

"I heard you last night."

Olivia looked at him confused then she remembered, Karen.

Before Olivia could say anything, Fitz said, "You are it for me Olivia. There is going to come a time when I ask you to marry me. I want a life with you. I want you to help me to raise the kids. I would like to have kids with you. I knew I was falling in love with you, but when I heard you talking to Karen I realized that I am already in love with you."

Olivia smiled, "I am in love with you too. I want all of those things, but there is one thing that you left out."

"What is that?"

"One day when the kids are ready I want to adopt them. The three of you have my heart. I can't let you go."

"We don't want you too."

"Good…"

"If we walk out there together hand in hand the media is going to know that we are together. That the date they captured wasn't just a one-time thing. You will no longer be the most sought-after bachelorette. "

"Good, I want them to know I am taken. More importantly I want Mellie to see that she didn't break you or the kids. You all are going to be just fine."

Fitz smiled, "Okay, you ready?"

"With you, yes I am…"

A/N-I received a review from a guest that I could not respond you who thought that Fitz's reaction to Hal wasn't natural. More than likely it won't be address until the next installment, but I never let Hal off the hook. Fitz said he would be in touch.

Also keep in mind that he knew deep down Mellie was having an affair. He didn't know who with. Although he was angry that she slept with Hal and his father at the moment he was dealing with Karen being abused. If you recall I said what happened during that eight-month time jump will be addressed future chapters. Trust none of them are going to walk away unscathed.