Three weeks after the family returned from Aruba they were headed to California to celebrate. Olivia found out that Fitz & the kids did not tell anyone that they were asking Olivia to officially adopt them.

They were going to be celebrating a lot more than the couple's engagement. When Fitz asked for permission to marry Olivia the mom's called a planner the next day. Elizabeth put no effort in Fitz's marriage to Mellie. That was all Big Jerry. The only reason she showed up is because she knew it would hurt her son, but this time around she wanted to celebrate every moment not only with her son but Olivia.

Rowan & Maya were happy to finally celebrate their daughter finding love. Not just any love but devastating, life changing, extraordinary love that they knew would last a life time.

The parents made it clear that even though they could afford to pay for their wedding it had already been decided that the parents would be paying. They thought about arguing with their parents, but when they looked at their faces especially Olivia she knew she couldn't take that moment away from them.

Fitz was grateful that Lauren scheduled for him to meet with Hal before the engagement party. He wanted to get this over with.

The day after they arrived in California he rolled over in bed expecting to find his fiancée. He was surprised to find her side of the bed empty, and the sheets were cold. With her schedule being so light, and the kids out of school she would normally sleep in.

After showering and getting dressed for work he headed downstairs. As he got to the bottom step the scent of breakfast hit his nose. He loved Olivia's cooking.

He learned that she and Harrison did have a nanny. It was her godmother. She gushed about it being the best of both worlds. She had a caretaker, but she was also like her mom. She was the one who encouraged Olivia to write. Every year for her birthday she bought her a new journal. She also taught her how to cook. She told Olivia no matter how much money you have a man loves a woman who can cook him a homecooked meal made from love.

Fitz had to admit that every meal felt like love. He made it to the kitchen and smiled at the sight before him. Olivia was handing plates to the kids who were at the breakfast nook. They were already dressed so it looked like they had plans.

She looked up and saw Fitz. He walked over to her and gave her a quick but passionate kiss, "Morning honey…"

"Morning, how are you this morning?"

"Good, how about you?"

"Same…"

She told him to sit down while she fixed their plates. He went over and greeted the kids. Olivia joined them, and they enjoyed breakfast together.

Fitz was surprised to learn this his mother called, and told her that she was friends with one of the top wedding planners. They had discussed what they wanted their wedding to look like, and she wanted to meet with the woman to see if she felt comfortable with her.

Fitz was happy not only to be marrying Olivia, but the fact that with this wedding his mom was involved. He understood why she wasn't involved with his wedding to Mellie. He just wanted her there on that day, and even though he could tell she was unhappy she was there for him.

This time around was so different. He told Olivia he wanted to be involved with the process, but it was her wedding so he wanted her to choose the planner that she felt would make her vision a reality.

Olivia asked, "Are you okay with me meeting the planner?"

He nodded, "I want you to be happy with whomever we work we. This is your day."

"No, it is our day. I want you to be just as happy with our wedding as I am."

"If it ends with you being down the aisle, and you walk back with me as Mrs. Grant then I am all good."

Olivia laughed, "Well, I promise you that is going to happen."

"Good, where are the kids going while you are at your appointment?"

She looked at the kids, "They are going with me."

Fitz looked at the three of them in shock.

Olivia was not sure how to take his reaction.

She said, "I want this wedding to be about all four of us. I am not just marrying you, and I need the planner to understand that. I want a nice elegant wedding, but I don't want it to be stuffy and uptight. I figured the kids could balance things out. Afterwards, I planned to have lunch with our moms."

Fitz grabbed her hand, "Well, I am jealous. Sounds like you guys are having all the fun."

Jerry looked at his dad, "I was talking to mom. We were wondering once you are done with work maybe we could go to Disneyland for the day."

The kids had only gone one, and Mellie ruined the experience for them that they never wanted to go back again. He knew this was big that the kids were ready to make new memories.

Fitz looked at his son, "How about we stay for a couple of days that way we don't have to rush. I hear your mom loves Disneyland?"

The kids looked at Olivia, and realized that they were learning something new about Olivia. It was something else for the family to look forward to.

Fitz made it to the office. He was proud of the work that he did with Andrew. Both had grown up privileged, but they put in the work. They could have accepted handouts, but they built their business from the ground up. With Ethan as part of the equation they were even more efficient. The staff loved Ethan. He really was a younger version of Fitz.

He spent some time catching up with the staff before he was notified that Hal was in the office. He made his way back to his office to meet with him.

Hal stood up when Fitz walked in the office. After greeting him Fitz sat down at his desk.

Hal looked at his godson, "I read that congratulations are in order. Your mom put a page announcement in the paper."

Fitz simply nodded.

Hal could cut the tension with a knife.

"Fitz, I know that actions speak louder than words, but I do want to apologize again for getting into bed with Mellie. I know that there are no words that can make what I did any better so I won't try. I just hope that time and my actions can heal some of the wounds."

"I am not sure what wounds you are referring to Uncle Hal. See I meant what I said the last time we spoke. I forgive you. I am not mad at you. The truth of the matter is you got played. You were nothing more than a pawn in her game. She used you, and if she hadn't been caught she would have thrown you aside when she was done with you. I find it interesting that you really thought there was a chance for us to be happy together again. Me forgiving you instead of cutting your balls off is so I could be whole for my children. Make no mistake I don't give a damn that you slept with Mellie, but I care that your reckless actions prevented me from getting the information sooner causing my children to suffer longer than necessary had you done your job."

Hal tried to speak, but Fitz put up his hand.

"Did you not think that I would get suspicious that you had been patiently waiting for a case until recently? I guess you were hoping that I was too busy to notice. Well when you see my dad, and I know it will be soon since he is blackmailing you to get information on me, my fiancée, her mom, and my mom tell him that I am not as gullible as he would like to think. The problem is Uncle Hal that you got into bed with the devils, and now you can't get out. I give you credit. You didn't want to do the job, but once again you agreed to get in bed with the devil. Had you been honest with me and trusted me I could and would have helped you. Big Jerry wants you to believe that he has friends in high places, but the truth is he has friends in corners. I on the other hand have friends in high places, and I plan to use them to show who really is boss. If I haven't been clear your contract with my firms have been terminated, and I suspect you will be receiving phone calls terminating your contracts with other firms. My new guy is better, more efficient, discrete, and cheaper."

Hal jumped up and practically ran out the office. He knew that his life was ruined. He had no choice, but to take the money he saved up and leave town. Luckily, he still had his pension, and he was smart to save up his money.

Huck walked into the office. "Did you want me to freeze his money?"

Fitz shook his head, 'No, let him keep it. He is going to suffer enough. We are taking away something he loves. The big fish is my father, and I suspect that he will show his face soon. He is going to wait for a while. He is going to strike when he thinks that he has the upper hand. The great thing about my dad is that he is old dog that has never learned new tricks. He is going to call his old friend Cyrus, and Cyrus will call his guy Charlie who you already know."

Huck nodded, "I'll stay on top of it."

"Thanks, I just need to make sure that my kids and Olivia are protected. When he shows up he wants her to be around. He is going to try and intimidate her. I just need to be ready."

"You will be. Thanks for getting me those additional contracts. I am happy that Maya is working less. She deserves it, but the extra income will ensure my son's future."

"Good, I know that you are loyal to Maya. I talked with her before I made the calls. I don't want to cross the line. She has done too much for me, and she is also my future mother-in-law."

"Promise me you will take care of Liv. My gut knows you will, but man to man I just need to hear it. Olivia was my first and only friend in high school. She forced me to attend college, and helped me with all my paperwork. My mom passed when I was young, and my dad never recovered. He eventually drank himself to death. Olivia looked out for me, and when she introduced me to her family over the holidays during our freshman year in college they took me in. They are my family."

"I know and I promise to cherish her. She is my everything. Olivia and the kids are my reason for getting up in the morning. I know they consider you family, and so do I which is why I wanted to ensure that your business continues to be successful as Maya reduces her work load and eventually retires. I made sure that I set you up with firms including ours that I know will be around for years to come. It ensures you a steady income until you are ready to retire."

"Thanks again."

Shortly after Huck left out of the office his phone rang. He smiled when he saw who it was.

He picked up, "Hi sweetheart. How is it going with the planner?"

"Great, we love her. I want to hire her Fitz. Normally, she doesn't handle weddings on the day we want since she is so busy, but since she knows your mom she is more than willing to accommodate us."

"Does mom know that we selected a date?"

"No, I waited until she stepped away to ask her about it. She is not going to say anything. I let her know that we plan to surprise everyone at the party."

"Good, if you are happy with her Liv then I am fine with it."

"Okay, I just wanted to make sure.

It was the night of their engagement party. The couple weren't too excited about the idea at first, but now that it was here both were glad that they allowed their moms to host the party in their honor. They were excited to announce that they had already set a date, and Olivia had another announcement that she hoped would go over well.

Olivia stepped out of the bathroom. She was finally ready to go. Maya had hired the same photographer that was in Aruba to capture the night for them. Olivia had decided on an eggshell Alexander Wang backless gown. She paired it with a pair of mirror leather Anouk Jimmy Choo heels, a Bottega Veneta clutch, and a pair of Alexander Wang ball chain earrings.

Fitz smiled, "You look amazing honey."

"Thanks. You look dashing as always."

"You ready to go?"

She nodded

He grabbed her hand, "I know that both of us were reluctant about tonight. You more than me. Thank you for indulging my mom. She is doing all the things she didn't get to do when I married Mellie. If it becomes too much just let me know. I know Maya is excited, but my mom lives for celebrations and parties."

Olivia caressed his cheek, "Thank you. I must admit that I was reluctant at first. Our family is more private, but I am okay with this. I think that after everything your mom has gone though she deserves this moment as much as we do. Besides once we are married we can go back to the quiet, private life."

"Are you sure?"

"I am. Besides I talked with your mom today after the planner left. She is not stepping on my toes. She is not doing things without my knowledge. She is not making this about her. She is just happy for us especially you. In her head, she knows that you have forgiven her, but in her heart, she is still trying to make things right for staying with Big Jerry all those years. We have to let her do this, and just let her know that after the wedding her debt has been paid."

He leaned down and kissed her, "I can do that. Do I get rewarded for being a good boy?"

Olivia turned around, and Fitz gasped. The gown was sexy but simple at the front, but Olivia knew what she was doing when she chose the gown. The back of the gown was all for her fiancée.

She looked back at him, "If you continue to be a good boy I promise I will reward you when I get home. Remember the kids are staying with my parents tonight."

The couple were introduced at their engagement party, and both were impressed with what their moms had done for them.

Colors for the wedding had not been decided so they decided to decorate using black and white with hints of gold. Olivia loved it.

When the guest walked in there was a huge champagne tower that greeted the guests. They were not sure why it was empty, but they would soon find out.

Olivia & Fitz were given a bottle of champagne. After opening it Olivia's father walked over to them.

"It is no secret that my daughter was previously engaged, but her ex-fiancée never asked for her hand in marriage. I understand that times have changed, but it bothered me that he never came to me. I understand that my daughter is not property. Asking for her hand is about respect. I want to make sure that I am handing over my daughter to a man that will cherish her as much as I do. Fitz has always cared about my daughter's well-being. He talked to my son and I, and he never tried to be anyone but himself. When he walked into my door, and asked for my daughter's hand I thought it would be hard. I won't say that it was easy, but it is easy when you know that your daughter is happy. It is easy when you know that the man who is going to marry your daughter would move heaven and earth for her if he could. Fitz thank you for cherishing my daughter. Thank you for giving us grandchildren, and we hope more grandbabies. Finally, Olivia I hope that I made your dad proud. I can and will never replace your biological father, but you are mine in every way that counts, and I hope you know how much I love and treasure you. Blood didn't make you mine. Love did. To Fitz & Olivia."

The couple poured their champagne into the glasses, and watched it flow into the other glasses. Two servers came over, and took over to finish the champagne tower.

The couple shared a long emotional embrace with their parents.

Olivia smiled when she was escorted to their table. Instead of a silk table cloth like the rest of the tables the couple had a runner of photos since they met. There were also several pictures of the four of them as a family. Olivia saw that it was laminated, and was glad that it was something that she could take home and treasure. She wanted to put it in her office.

Throughout the space were pictures of the couple. Most of them were taken in Aruba after they got engaged.

The guests were enjoying hors d' oeuvres so the couple could have some time to greet their guests. Elizabeth and Maya knew that the couple didn't want a stuffy menu so they decided on sesame chicken, assorted puff pastries, and crabmeat stuffed mushrooms.

After some time, everyone was escorted to their seats. With the couple's permission, they watched Fitz & the kids propose to Olivia in Aruba. The reason the couple gave them permission is that there was a surprise for their families. They knew that the kids were part of the proposal, but they kept it a secret that they were asking Olivia to officially adopt them.

It was a priceless moment to watch their face when they realized that Olivia had not only agreed to marry Fitz, but she also agreed to become the children's legal mother.

They announced the paperwork had already been submitted to the courts, and they were just waiting on their approval. Everyone was happy for the family especially Rowan. After all he had adopted Olivia shortly after he married Maya, because he wanted her to know that he would always view her as his daughter not step daughter.

Olivia remembered her dad, but because she was so young she didn't get to create a lot of memories. She created those with her Rowan. What she loved most was he never tried to replace him. He was just himself.

Mellie was alive, but she was emotionally dead to the children. She had given up her rights so she was in a similar position. If she was half the mom her dad was then she would do just fine.

When he came over and hugged her he whispered in her ear, "You know that I have always been proud of you, but this tops the cake. It has been a privilege to raise you, but I also want you to know it is an honor. I can't begin to express how proud I am of you ladybug. Don't ever question if you will be a good mom. The moment you saved Karen you got your answer."

"Thank you, daddy. I love you so much."

"I love you more…"

Afterwards it was time for dinner. That evening they would be enjoying a four-course meal.

First course:

*Traditional soup

Second course:

*Caesar Salad

Third course:

*Roast tenderloin of beef with duchess potatoes & julienne vegetables.

Fourth course:

*Powered donut holes with confetti edible rings

Once the meal was complete Fitz & Olivia stood up to make a couple of announcements.

Olivia decided to go first, because she knew that their last announcement would be the most exciting of the evening. Also, because even Fitz didn't know what she was about to announce.

Olivia began, "I want to thank everyone for being here tonight to celebrate our engagement. I am a private person. I was nervous about tonight, but I am glad that I allowed our moms to do this. I have been working on a project with my team for some time. Shortly after we returned from vacation I received confirmation that the project was confirmed. I will be starting a new book series. I was also given a new book deal."

Cheers and applause were heard around the entire room.

Olivia continued, "The reason that I am so excited is because this is the first book series where I will have a partner. I can't take credit for the character, or the book art. Since we are celebrating I thought tonight was a good time to share the news. My team was nice enough to arrange the unveiling tonight."

An easel was brought out, and they unveiled the new book cover. When they saw who the co-author was everyone gasped.

The guests were stunned.

Olivia walked over to Karen. She still had the microphone in her hand. Olivia explained, "Karen shared with me one of the journal she wrote in. This journal was not personal. She created a character name Katie who to the outside world seemed to have it all, but really, she was miserable. Her parents were millionaires, and left her in the care of nannies. She is assigned a project to learn her family's heritage. This is where she learns she has an aunt and uncle. They are a middle-class couple with no kids. Cancer left her aunt unable to have children. The book takes you on a journey where Katie learns that there is more to life than expensive houses, cars, and dinners."

The applause was loud, but in that moment, it was just the two of them. Olivia bent down, and wiped Karen's eyes.

"Your dreams are my dreams, and I believe in you. I believe together we can take Katie on an amazing journey. I think eventually you can branch off, and make her your own. Even create another character in the future if this is your passion. I only have one requirement, and it is the same one that my parents had of me. I want you to go to college, and get a degree."

Karen hugged her mom, and everyone just stood back and enjoyed the moment. Fitz was aware that she was working on a project that would involve Karen. She didn't give him the details other than asking if he would support Karen helping her with her next book series.

He replied by telling her that Karen was her daughter. If she thought it was a good idea then he was all for it. He couldn't wait to see the finished product. He didn't know if Karen would follow in Olivia's footsteps, but he knew that she had a talent that shouldn't be hidden. It would be her choice whether to stay with it long term.

Karen looked at her dad. She wanted him to be happy for her, and when she looked in his eyes she knew that he was. She ran into his arms. At that moment, it didn't matter that she was 13 years old. What mattered is that she was happy, and every day seem to get better for her.

Once everything calmed down from that announcement it was time to give one final announcement.

Fitz took the microphone, "Olivia and I just want to thank everyone for being here tonight. It means the world to us that you wanted to celebrate our love. I can honestly tell you all tonight that I am a man in love with a beautiful woman."

He felt himself getting choked up and Olivia leaned into him and kissed his cheek.

Everyone witnessed their love, and it felt like an honor to bear witness.

Fitz continued, "After some discussion we have set a wedding date. We have decided to get married on Valentine's Day. We realize that is a day of love for couples. While the day is about our love we promise not to forget about you if you decide to attend for those that are invited which is most of you in this room."

The couple looked at their family. They could tell that they were excited to know that the couple would be getting married in a little over six months.