It had been a month since they returned from Tuscany. Fitz sold his home to Abby & David. Olivia was excited that her best friend would be living close to them. It was almost like being in college again.

The move was seamless. She already had a plan in place should Fitz agree to the move. When she returned she packed up her home? She was going to put it on the market, but she had a better idea.

The week after she returned she asked Ethan out for lunch. Like Fitz she quickly learned that Ethan was like his mother. You could tell that he was Big Jerry's son physically, but mentally and emotionally he was all Marian.

Olivia had an early flight back to New York, because she promised to attend Karen's recital. She was also planning both kid's birthday parties, and she had some last-minute details to take care of for Karen's party.

Olivia said, "I know you are wondering why I asked to meet you for lunch. I really wanted to spend some time getting to know you. The other is my home. I originally planned to put it on the market, but when I heard that you gave up your apartment to move in with your mom after she got sick I got another idea. I hope you don't mind, but while we were in Tuscany Fitz disclosed to me that your mom didn't have health coverage through her previous employer. You paid for her medical expenses when she had cancer. You are still paying for them which is why you and your mom are still in the home you grew up in, and it needs some major repairs. I had my home completed remodeled before I moved in it three years ago. I thought it would be the perfect home for you and your mom. He told me that you want to continue to live with her, because she still has some medical problems. The home is big enough that you can live there, but each of you have your own space."

Ethan was in shock, "Olivia that is a kind gesture. We are shopping for a new home, but I didn't tell mom about the bills. Not only would she feel guilty, but she would insist that she pay for the house."

"I know which is why I am not selling the home for what it is worth to you, but what I paid for it when I purchased it for."

Olivia slid over the paperwork that she had drawn up. Ethan was shocked. He looked at Olivia, and knew she was serious.

He called his mom, and told her about Olivia's offer. He knew his mom wanted the house. He recalled her telling him how much she loved the house. It was split level, and didn't contain a whole bunch of steps. She also loved how Olivia decorated. It screamed class.

By the end of the conversation Olivia had sold her home to her future brother-in-law. It was a win-win. She knew the home would create more happy memories, and it was technically staying in the family.

The pair finished lunch.

On the way, out Olivia hugged Ethan. She pulled back, "One last thing. Fitz & I had Huck to do some research. You are family. There is no way that you are going to be walking around struggling when we don't want for a thing. Your secret is safe with us, but you no longer have to pay your mom's medical bills. Your brother and I took care of it. Before you try to come up with a reason your brother said to tell you consider it a signing bonus."

Five hours later she was back in New York. She turned her phone off airplane mode, and she called Fitz.

He answered, "Hey honey you back?"

"Yes, I am in the car on the way to pick up Karen so she can get her hair done. Tonya is going to drop her dress off at the salon."

"Okay, well I am about to leave work in a few. I spoke with our moms, and they are out shopping. Your dad was going to take a nap."

"Okay. Karen is going to be so excited when she sees them tonight."

"I know baby. By the way I just got off the phone with Ethan…"

Olivia laughed, "Has the shock worn off?"

"Nope, he still couldn't believe you told him that we paid the bills off, and jumped in the car before he could say anything."

"Well he is a Grant. I knew he would try, and negotiate some payback. It was the right thing for us to do."

"It was and I am glad that you told me."

"Well, we are pulling up so I better let you go."

"Okay and Liv…"

"Yes…"

"I really love you. I didn't know this type of happiness exist, and the kids seem to be just as happy if not happier."

"That goes both ways. I love you too. See you later."

Olivia hung up. As she waited for Karen she smiled at how much her life had changed. Russell insisted on relocating to New York as well. Olivia wouldn't approve it until she had dinner with his family. She loved how loyal her team was, but she didn't want to uproot Russell unless everyone was on board. Once his family assured her that they were okay she accepted. She gave him a raise, and she paid for his relocation expenses.

That was why people were loyal to her. She was just as loyal to them, and their families. Even though her fame rose she remained the same.

Russell looked big and scary on the outside, but was a big teddy bear on the inside especially when it came to the kids.

She loved her new role as mother. There was no other way to put it. Most days she was there to pick up the kids, and if she had business to handle then Russell took care of it.

Karen was excited when she opened the door and saw Olivia. She jumped in the car, and the pair shared a hug.

She looked at her, "You made it back…"

"I promised you that I was going to be back for your recital. Nothing was more important."

"Thank you. Still getting used to having a mother figure that cares."

"I understand. Good thing I am not going anywhere."

A short time later they pulled up to the salon and spa that they go to when they have their girl's day.

Olivia looked at Karen and could tell that she was confused.

"Tonight, is your first recital, and I want it to be special. Your dad and I want you and your brother to know that everything you do is special and important to us. No matter what happens tonight know that we are proud of you, and we look forward to celebrating more of your accomplishments."

"Thanks Liv, I love you…"

"Love you too honey…"

Karen got all dolled up for her recital. Tonya stopped by with her dress. They had selected a bright pink chiffon high-low dress. It was perfect on her especially after her hair was finished. They had decided to go with spiral curls.

The night was a success. Karen felt like she was on top of the world. She went from being bullied to having friends. Most importantly she had a mom. When their dad had sat them down, and discussed him marrying Olivia the kids also discussed with him that they wanted to see if Olivia would formally adopt them. They had a plan in place, and she hoped when the time came that Olivia would say yes.

After the recital Karen was excited to see her grandparents. Big Jerry was not a good parent or grandparent so while the kids loved Elizabeth and Maya they had an especially soft spot for Rowan. The truth was it ran both ways. They didn't care that their first grandchildren weren't some mushy babies. They knew they would get that in time. They enjoyed being Grandma Maya and Grandpa Eli to the kids. If it wasn't for the color of their skin you would never know these were not their biological grandchildren.

Karen was in Rowan's arms. He pulled back and looked at her, "I am so proud of you. Not only did you play flawlessly you conquered your fear. I know it is scary to be in front of people, but what did Grandpa tell you."

"I am no longer invisible."

"That's right…."

Olivia had to keep her emotions in check as she watched the interaction between her father and Karen. She could not have asked for a better dad. The same way he supported Karen he had done the same for her and her brother. He was always their biggest cheerleader, and it was special to watch him be that way with the kids.

Elizabeth had reserved the family a table at Ichabod's. Karen loved their food. The night was a success.

On the way, out the door Elizabeth pulled her son aside, "Son, don't wait too long to completely take her off the market. I know that you know she is the one, but I don't want you to be scared to marry her."

"Trust me mom. I am not scared at all. It is being handled, and I assure you soon."

"Good…"

A couple of weeks later it was Karen's 13th birthday. Fitz explained that the kids never had huge celebrations. During a therapy session, it was revealed why the kids were not big on celebrating their birthdays in the past. Jerry would pretend he didn't like parties because Mellie didn't want to put much effort into Karen's birthday, and he didn't think it was fair.

Mellie would instruct Karen to tell her dad that she was okay with dinner. She didn't have a lot friends so there was no need to have a party. Fitz would always spend a lot of money on their gifts since they didn't have parties. He told Olivia he wanted this year to be different, and she agreed.

Together they had discussed the themes for each of the kids, but she took over from there. She hired a planner, but to make sure that everything came together perfectly. She insisted on being hands on. It was important to her that the kids felt like the party was about them. Not just something they spent money on.

They started out the morning with a tradition of Fitz serving their favorite breakfast in bed. Karen loved pancakes, bacon, and fruit.

Luckily her birthday fell on a Saturday so she didn't have to rush and eat before getting ready for school.

When he sat the tray down he kissed her forehead, "Happy Birthday Pumpkin!"

"Thanks daddy…"

She looked around. He noticed she looked a little disappointed.

He asked, "Do you not like the food?"

"No, it is great. I just thought that Liv would come in with you."

Fitz smiled, "Well she knew this was our tradition, and she didn't want to intrude."

"I know but we are family. You did it in the past, because you were the only parent that cared. Do you mind if it becomes a parent tradition?"

"I don't mind at all. Let me go get her."

Olivia was in the office talking to the planner who was up at the pool getting everything set up. She saw Fitz standing at the door so she quickly finished the call.

After Olivia ended the call she looked at Fitz, "Is everything okay?"

He nodded, "Karen would like the tradition to be with her parents. She is asking for you."

Olivia chocked up when she heard parents. She had no words so she simply grabbed his hand, and they headed back to Karen's room where they enjoyed breakfast.

When Karen was taken to the pool for her party she was overwhelmed. She was excited to be thirteen, and she was even more excited that she would get to celebrate with a party. Now that she had real friends she knew she would enjoy herself.

Still nothing prepared her for the scene in front of her.

When she walked out on the pool deck her friends each had a pool bag. She was given hers, but it was monogrammed with her name and the date.

Inside the bag was a grass skirt, lei, a beach towel, monogrammed with today's date, sunscreen, and a camera.

The chairs around the pool had additional beach towels so the kids didn't have to use the one that was in their gift bag.

There was tiki torches and led lights around the pool so when the sun went down the party could continue. Inside of the pool were beach balls for the kids to play with.

Olivia was glad that they had an enclosed pool that allowed them to throw this party. It was barely spring, but she made sure that the water was warm for the kids. It felt like a perfect spring/summer day. The kids were having a blast especially Karen.

The D.J. had the kids dancing, and having the time of their lives.

Fitz could only smile. Olivia had kept him up to speed with what was going on with the party, but she handled all the details. It felt like a true luau.

As he looked at his daughter he smiled. Since the day of Mellie's sentencing Olivia had really stepped into her role as mom. Even when she was putting the final additions on her book she kept up with the kids. If they called needing something she stopped to help or listen.

Once she transitioned to New York she became more involved. Although the kids were teenagers they enjoyed Olivia picking them up, and when she couldn't Russell was there. He had four children. Two of them were teenagers, and they had become good friends with Karen and Jerry.

She was added to the kid's contact list, and even attended the last PTA meeting so Fitz could finish prepping for a trial.

He was glad that the ring was ready, because he knew that it was time to take the next step. He was ready. The funny thing was he thinks that the kids are even more ready.

The snack food matched the luau theme. They had tropical snack that included coconuts, macadamia nuts, and cashews. Fruit kabobs that included pineapples, mango, and bananas.

She knew that the kids wouldn't like authentic luau dishes so they decided to go with hot dogs, hamburgers, and pizza.

The party was a success. Karen had a blast partying with her friends and family. Olivia surprised her that night with a sleepover with her closest friends. The next day they had a brunch, and she was surprised to see both of her uncles and grandparents in town.

That night before Karen went to bed she hugged Fitz & Olivia for a long time. She thanked them for everything.

Later, that evening Olivia was walking by her room when she heard her on the phone with one of the girls who was quickly becoming her best friend.

"Karen, your party was really cool. It was nice to actually go to a party that had more people our age, and it wasn't a meet and greet for the parents with the guise of a party for kids."

"That sounds like a horrible party."

"They are. When my grandmother was alive she used to force my dad to do it, but my mom saw how miserable we were. She demanded he choose, and he finally stood up to my grandma. They didn't speak for a while, but she eventually gave in."

"When I lived in California with my biological mother we didn't celebrate much. My life here with my dad and Liv is totally different in the best way."

"Is it weird living with Olivia?"

"Honestly, no it isn't. For so long her books were what kept me going when things were dark. I knew the character wasn't real, but what she was dealing was real life stuff. I would tell myself if she could do it then so could I."

"Do you want her to become your new mom?"

Olivia's breath hitched. She knew she was easdropping, but she couldn't move her feet. She knew the kid's actions reflected that they were okay with her, but she knew that Karen would be completely honest with her friend. She needed to know that she wasn't giving her lip service, and that what they were building was real.

Karen said, "I feel like she is already my mom. She has done more for me in a year that my biological mother did my entire life. She loves my dad, but she loves Jerry & I too. I don't want her to just be my stepmom. I hope that one day she will adopt us. Although I don't call her mom she really is my mom, and I am more than okay with that."

Olivia couldn't stop the tears from falling, and she quickly walked away. What little piece of her that was scared that this wasn't real melted away for her in that moment.

Less than a month later it was Jerry's birthday. She quickly learned that in addition to video games and tech stuff that he enjoyed laser tag. They decided to give him the ultimate laser tag birthday party.

Like Karen's party each guest was given a gift bag. Inside of the bag were laser tag lights, a laser pointer, and glow sticks.

Jerry loved candy so she had a candy bar set up with monogrammed bags. She knew that everyone would be playing in the laser arena so she didn't create a menu. Jerry loved pizza so she served pizza, Gatorade, and sodas which everyone loved.

The theme was simply, but Olivia made sure that Jerry could enjoy his day which is why they rented out the area for the whole day. They didn't want him to have to share. In addition to laser tag there was also an arcade there.

Olivia was sitting in a corner curled up in Fitz's side. She was tired. She had some meetings related to her new book, and a couple of appearances that she was booked for.

Fitz kissed her forehead, "When we get home you are going straight to bed."

"You have no complaints from me, but I would do it all over again to see their faces. It has been hectic making sure their parties went off without a hitch while trying to handle business, but that is what a good parent does. You have been running around crazy too mister…."

"A little, but you were super mom. I look like a slacker…"

"Never…"

Another happy side effect of the kid's party was getting to know the parents of their children's friend. Especially Olivia since she wanted to be involved in all aspects of their lives.

Olivia loved the fact that they treated her like a normal person. To them she wasn't Olivia Pope the author. She was Olivia Pope the mother of Karen and Jerry. They wanted to make sure that their children were well cared for when they were with them, and vice versa. She had made friends at both parties.

She was learning to balance her personal and professional life. Luckily, she had a great team who was willing to work with her as she transitioned. She had made it clear that she wasn't giving up her career, but her priorities had changed. She was now more than an author, and she wanted to make sure that her team understood and accepted that. She was polite but firm when she told her team that if anyone didn't understand that she would accept their resignation with no hard feelings. No one left the room.

Jerry quickly became friends with a boy named Logan. He was black. Olivia learned that he went to the private school on a scholarship. His father was a single parent, and the kids bullied him. Jerry took up for him one day during lunch, and they had been inseparable ever since.

Olivia saw them walking over with whom she presumed was his dad.

Fitz & Olivia stood up to greet him.

Olivia smiled at Logan and hugged him when he got in front of her, "You having fun?"

"Yes ma'am"

"Good..."

Jerry said, "This is Logan's father. Marcus, I wanted you to meet my parents. Fitz and Olivia."

Olivia's breath hitched. It was unnoticeable to most, but not to Fitz. He inwardly smiled every time the kids introduced them proudly as their parents. It was the small things that mattered.

After the introductions Olivia offered for Marcus to hang out with them while the kids were still playing.

Marcus said, "I can't stay long. The reason I came early is that I have to go into work tonight so I needed to pick up Logan early so I could drop him off to my sister's house."

Olivia could see that Logan was sad he would have to leave early.

Fitz and Olivia looked at each other knowing they were thinking the same thing.

Fitz said, "Logan can stay with us tonight. We can stop by the house on the way home for him to grab somethings."

"Are you sure? I don't want to be a burden, and I hate that I need to pick him up. My boss has assigned me a project, and I really need it go well so I can get this promotion."

Olivia applauded him. No one ever talked about good fathers especially black fathers who did what they were supposed to do.

Olivia said, "We insist. Logan told me that your mother has been sick recently, and your sister has been taking care of her."

"He nodded. I do what I can, but with my work schedule it is difficult. She works from home so her schedule is more flexible than mines. She has always helped me with Logan, but with my mom being sick it is too much although she would never admit it to me."

Fitz said, "Well that is what families do. They take care of each other no matter what."

Marcus nodded

"We will handle Logan, and he is more than welcome to stay with us anytime. My schedule is flexible as well."

"I appreciate it. I know that Logan is at your house a lot with my sister living close by."

Fitz said, "He is and he is welcomed. He is not a bother."

"Thanks, I appreciate it. I really appreciate Jerry. I was about to pull my son out the school. My sister did the research. Academically they are a great school. The teachers are great. It is just kids can be so cruel, and I didn't think it was worth it. Jerry being there for him that day changed him. He is happy now."

The couple smiled. Fitz said, "Well, I am glad it worked out. Logan is a great young man, and we enjoy having him around. You raised him well. Olivia and I really hope you get that promotion. We will do whatever we can to help."

"Thanks, I appreciate that."

Olivia looked at Fitz, "I think we are getting this parent thing down. You are a wonderful dad. The kids couldn't have asked for a better one."

He looked at her, "I couldn't have asked for a better partner. I didn't listen the first time around, but when God blessed you with me I refused to make the same mistake twice. I love you so much."

Olivia still wasn't used to how open and honest Fitz was when it came to his feelings. She loved it, and made her feel cherished.

"I love you too. So much. We are in this together."

Fitz nodded, "Yep, and it is going to be great…"