Once they returned home from California, Olivia decided that they would get the house that Fitz liked the most. New York was their home base, and they would spend a lot of time there. It wasn't the style that she was looking for, but she loved the home. She knew that if she tried to talk about it with Fitz he would tell the realtor to keep looking until they found the perfect home. It was perfect. It was the home they would raise their family in.
She wanted to go ahead and close on the home so they would be moved in before Christmas. She loved the setup the interior designer did for the walk through so much that she asked if they could purchase it fully furnished.
Fitz was unsure at first, but after some mind-blowing sex she was able to sway him. Also, since they were buying the house fully furnished they got the keys the first week of December. The apartment was for family so they only had their personal belongings to move. Their family and friends gladly came down, and helped the family settle into their forever home.
As they got settled in Olivia no longer cared that it wasn't her style of home. She now understood why Fitz loved the property so much. It sat overlooking a three-acre pond. The house was huge. It was over twelve thousand square feet, but it still had a homey feel.
The house was spaced out over three levels. The informal living room with fireplace was cozy, and when they walked through all they thought about was reading, watching tv, and playing games with their kids. The first floor had a guest master.
Their master wing was on the next level. It included a sleeping chamber with a fireplace sitting area, an office, and designer bathroom. Each of them had their own walk-in closet, and their own private terrace.
There was a separate recreational space that they were going to allow the kids to set up however they wanted. There was also a gym and theater on the lower level.
Above their three-car garage was a two bedroom, two bath apartment. It was perfect for them, and when they returned from their honeymoon they planned to bring in their designer to add their personal touches to the house to really make it their home.
Christmas was just going to be the four of them. It was something that the kids requested. The couple were more than okay with it. They were with everyone for Thanksgiving, and Christmas was about the four of them.
Fitz had hired someone to decorate the house for Christmas, but Olivia and the kids asked him to let them do the Christmas tree. It would be their first Christmas tradition. They were headed to find a tree, and purchase decorations.
The couple was downstairs waiting on the kids.
Fitz looked at Olivia, "Thank you…"
"For…"
"Everything. Choosing this house although it wasn't your favorite, loving me, the kids, my mom, and dealing with all of my crap."
"I'll admit that when I first saw the house the outside was not my favorite, but I loved the home. More importantly I knew everything we wanted in a home was here. You gave me my dream in California. It was only fair you got yours here, and I didn't really give up anything. The outside has grown on me. Once I saw the house in California I realized that I was projecting all my thoughts in one direction. I couldn't be happier if I tried. As far as the other stuff never thank me for loving you, the kids, your mom, and anything that comes with you. Loving you is not an option, and that means anything that comes with you."
"I know. Just know that I don't take it for granted."
"I know and I love you for that."
"Love you more…"
They had a blast looking for a Christmas tree. They found the one they wanted twenty minutes after arriving at the tree farm, but were so fascinated with all the trees they walked around. Walking around led to a snowball fight. It was so much fun. The owner agreed to deliver the tree the next day since it was so large.
After dinner, they stopped by the store and spent too much money on decorations. Olivia had ordered some special ornaments to go on the tree. She couldn't wait to show them.
Olivia was meeting with Abby & Quinn to go over some last-minute details for her book. They also wanted to give her a time line for her summer tour. The original plan was to start the tour a month after the book was released. Olivia refused. The kids were still in school, and she was not going to miss their end of year programs.
After some back and forth Olivia agreed to go to some book signings after the book was released. On the day of the release she would visit several stores in New York. She had also agreed to several interviews that day. She knew that it would make for a long week, but it was better than being away.
Quinn looked at Olivia, "Thank you for agreeing to the new schedule Olivia!"
"No problem Quinn. I understand that this is an adjustment for you and Abby. You are both used to being able to hand me a schedule, and I would just go. I can't do that any longer. In two months, I will be married. I have two children I must think about, and in the near future I plan to add to our family. I am still dedicated to my career, but it is just not me anymore."
"I understand. I will admit this was an adjustment, but it wasn't horrible at all. It will be easier going forward. Also, the next tour will already include Karen so I know I must consider her school schedule. The business side of me was frustrated at times, but the personal/friend side is happy that this is your life now."
Olivia laughed. She decided to treat the ladies to lunch. Not only for their hard work, but just to catch up. it was another happy side effect of all living in the same city.
Olivia made it home early. She decided to go ahead and put dinner on that way they would be able to eat as soon as Fitz got home from work.
She was surprised when she heard the doorbell. She looked at the screen to see who was there. She was surprised to see it was Marcus.
She went over, and let him in.
"Marcus, what's wrong?"
"I am sorry to stop by like this, but Tonya suggested that I talk to you."
Olivia had introduced Marcus to Tonya, and they had hit it off. He had a hectic schedule with work, Ethan, and his dad, but he tried to carve time out. Tonya was understanding and patient. She really liked Marcus, and knew he wasn't going anywhere.
"Not a problem. Did something happen to your dad?"
"Kind of. My sister has been doing so research. There is a new treatment that could really help him, but it is out of the country. They would need to stay for about six weeks."
"That's great. Is money an issue?"
"No, my sister is covering the expenses, but my dad won't agree to go, because we would have to pull Ethan out of school. Last week my boss offered me the promotion I have been working so hard on. There is a client that is specifically asking for me, but I would need to head to London for about a month. If my dad waits it could be too late, but he doesn't want to uproot Ethan. I understand where he is coming from. It is late in the school year, and it is a lot to ask of him."
Olivia nodded, "Can you give me a minute?"
He nodded. She went and grabbed him a beer. She could tell he was torn. He was trying to do everything, and now nothing felt like it was working."
Olivia stepped in the office and called Fitz, "Hi honey?"
She smiled, "Hi…"
"How did the meeting go?"
"Terrific, everything is about set."
"Good, is everything okay?"
"For us, yes. For Marcus, not so much."
"What is going on?"
Olivia explained everything to Fitz. He said, "Ethan can stay with us. We have more than enough room. He comes home from school with Jerry most days. We will just have Marcus add us to his contact list. We will take care of him while Marcus shows the company why they made the right decision to promote him, and his dad has a chance to get better."
"I was hoping you would say that. I just wanted to run it by you first."
"Thank you for talking to me."
"No problem. I'll see you when you get home."
Olivia headed back to the family room. "I talked with Fitz, and we have agreed that Ethan can stay with us. That way no one has to choose. Everyone wins."
Marcus looked at her. Tonya had told him how generous Olivia really was, and even though her fame and personal wealth grew she remained the same person. Without her assistance she would not be as successful as she was now. Ethan had been good about the whole situation. They didn't tell him about his grandfather refusing to go for treatment. Fortunately, now they wouldn't have to.
Marcus asked, "Can I called my dad and sister? I just want to take my sister out of her misery."
"Please do."
Marcus called his sister on speaker, and delivered the good news. Her dad was also in the room, and he was so grateful.
Marcus's sister name was Elaine.
Olivia could tell she was emotional. Olivia said, "I hope those are tears of joy."
Elaine said, "Yes, more than you know. My brother and dad are my life. What Marcus won't tell you is that the reason he is just establishing his career is that he put me first. He worked several jobs to so I could get my education, and get established. Once I gained traction in my career he then started on his. He has always put everyone above himself. I wouldn't be who I am without him and my dad. Thank you for helping us. Now I feel like I am not letting either of them down."
"You weren't letting them down. Fitz & I are glad to help. Ethan is part of our extended family. We will take care of him like he is our own."
Marcus said, "You already do…"
"Then we will continue to do it."
Marcus's father spoke for the first time, "Miss. Pope, thank you for stepping in to help. I watched you on television with your children. I know you understand how important their happiness is. I am not ready to leave this earth, but I couldn't sacrifice my son and grandson. I knew if it was meant to be then God would provide a way. You are that way. Ethan speaks highly of you and your fiancée. We know he is in good hands, and I am comfortable leaving now. I also want to thank you for setting my son up with a nice, patient woman. I hope when I return that you will have dinner with us."
"You are too kind sir. We are just glad to help. It is what our parents raised us to do, and I can't wait for you to return and tell us that you will be gracing us with your life for years to come."
Marcus would be in town until the kids returned to school. They decided to go ahead and head to the school to get the information update, and notify the school while picking up the kids.
Ethan was shocked to see his dad, and thought he was about to be withdrawn from school. They could see that Ethan was sad, but Jerry was equally sad to be losing his best friend.
When the pair learned of the arrangement excitement was an understatement. Olivia was happy with the outcome. After picking up Karen they headed home. The kids headed to their room to finish their homework so they could eat dinner when their dad got home.
Fitz had a light schedule so he left right early. It felt good to come home to a happy household. Dinners were now full of laughter and chatter. The kids freely told him about their day. Olivia would sit quietly listening most of the times, but times like tonight she would share updates when it came to her book.
After dinner, it was time to decorate their tree. Fitz & the kids had never decorated their own tree. His family always paid the designer to set it up. Her parents always did their own tree, and depending upon their schedule they would sometimes decorate their house. Most of the time they used a designer to decorate the house.
It was lively affair that included a popcorn fight. They had gotten the tree just about completed when Olivia handed each of them a box.
Olivia said, "When I was little this was something that my parents did with Harrison & I. I really don't know what traditions we will have as a family. I don't even know if you will like this one, but it was worth a shot.
Olivia watched as they opened their boxes to find their own custom ornaments. Each had their names engraved with the current year. All of them had the same family picture, but she had chosen a picture of them individually to go on the ornament as well.
Jerry looked at Olivia, "Mom, do you guys still do this?"
Olivia smiled, "This is the first year that we aren't spending Christmas at my parents. Harrison wanted to travel with his girlfriend since he has the time off to meet her family, and I am here with you guys. Mom and dad knew it would eventually end, and they are happy for us."
"Well I like it mom. I think we should keep this tradition."
Karen nodded, "I agree. I love the ornament mom. Thank you!"
"You are welcome honey…"
They all cleaned up, and the kids headed to their room.
Olivia had taken the bowls into the kitchen, and started the dishwasher. She was shocked to find Fitz still in the foyer looking at the Christmas tree.
She walked up and put her arms around him, and he leaned into her.
"What's on your mind honey?"
"Nothing…"
"As much as I think we have great decorating skills as a family I know that is not what has you looking at the tree."
He stood there still looking at the tree for a moment before turning and looking at her. She finally noticed the tears in his eyes. She was shocked at first, but quickly composed herself. She grabbed his hands, and led him to their bedroom.
She stripped him of his clothes, and she took care of him. She washed him, took care of him, and loved him. She didn't need him to explain himself. She allowed him the space he needed.
They had been in bed for some time before he finally said, "I didn't realize how programmed my life was until recently. Just the little things we do like have lively dinners. I was thinking how so many families are doing what we did, and I was doing it for the first time. I am nothing more than a spoiled entitled brat, and because of that I put my children in a position to miss out on so many treasures. This has nothing to do with Mellie. It is wonderful and heart breaking to watch. It is just overwhelming, and I can't fix it."
Olivia took a moment to reflect, and take in what he said. She wanted to comfort him, but not pacify him.
After some time, she finally spoke, "You are not a spoiled, entitled brat for the record. If you were there is no way that we would be together. There is no doubt that you were raised privileged, and so was I. Fortunately for me my parents were still involved in my life. The way that we are raised does have some effect on how we are as parents, but I also believe that it can teach us how not to be as parents. There is no doubt the kids missed some childhood moments that you can never give them back, but trust me this is the prime of their lives. They are now old enough to understand a lot, but they still have their innocence which means we have so much left to enjoy with them. I understand that you are sad. Although I haven't been in their lives for a long time I get sad thinking about things they missed like when we were at Disneyland, but then I get excited because we get to create these wonderful moments that can never be taken away from us. I also know that seeing your father was harder than you let on. A part of you hates him for all that he has done, but there is still a small part of you that wishes that he would remember he is your dad. I think we both know that isn't going to happen, and that is too bad for him. He will die miserable and alone, but you will be happy with family and friends who love you. Most importantly you will have a wife who cherishes you, and children who need and depend on you. When you are old and gray, and can no longer make decisions for yourself they won't think twice about being there for you. I understand why you were emotional, and in a way, I am glad. It shows me once again I am making the right decision to marry you. That you are willing to look deep at yourself. You understand you have flaws, and you have made mistakes. Unless God takes it all away our children will be privileged, but we are balancing it out. I know this house is huge, but I think that we should only have a housekeeper a couple of days a week. The kids have chores, and as we move along we will figure it out. Please don't beat yourself up baby. Stay in the moment with me."
He looked at her, "I'm sorry Livvie…"
"No baby, there is nothing to be sorry about. This is me you are talking to. I want to be there for it all. We are a team."
"Yes, we are. Are you excited about us going shopping?"
"I am. This is my first Christmas shopping as a parent."
Fitz leaned over and kissed her. It was supposed to be a simple kiss that quickly heated up. She wondered if she would ever tire of the way he treated her. Whether gentle or rough he always made her feel good.
No foreplay was needed. All they wanted was each other. He threw her leg over his shoulder and entered her in one quick thrust.
They just stared into each other's eyes as they made love. Tears falling as they realized how much they loved each other physically, mentally, and emotionally. They had both been through a lot, but it was worth it to end up in each other's arms.
They just sighed as they succumbed to their orgasms. It was everything and nothing as they came down from their high.
Normally they would get up, and clean themselves up. Tonight, they silently decided to remain in bed. They cuddled and talked a little more before going to sleep.
The next day after getting the kids off the school the couple headed out for their day of shopping. They were not only excited about shopping, but spending the day with each other. It wasn't often that they had the same day off. When they did it normally involved doing something for one or both kids.
They had a productive morning getting the things they needed for the kids. Russell & his brother were with them so they handled getting the purchases back to the car so they didn't have to tote things around. They stopped and enjoyed a nice lunch together before continuing to shop for the rest of their family and friends.
They finally separated because they wanted to get gifts for each other.
Olivia had just left the jewelry store. She had purchased a watch for Fitz, and she had to wait to have it engraved. She decided to grab a cup of cappuccino while waiting. She didn't notice someone had recognized her in the store.
She was looking at emails on her phone when she heard someone call her name. He tried to walk over, but Russell stopped him.
Olivia looked at Edison. She grabbed Russell hand. "Let him by…"
Edison tried to hug her, and she stepped back.
He smiled, "Are you worried your fiancée will see me?"
"Not at all. He is not insecure like you are. I just have no desire to have you touch me ever again."
"Still upset with me I see…"
"Get over yourself Edison. To still be upset with you means that you still mean something to me. Once you made it clear to me that I wasn't doing my job I knew it was time to move on."
"Come on Liv. I didn't mean it like that. We were good together. We could still be good together. Why would you want to raise someone else's kids? You don't want to be on my arm, but you have no problem parading on that white man's arm."
Olivia was trying to keep her compose for two reasons. She didn't want to give him any satisfaction of getting under her skin, and two they were in a public place. That was out the window at this point.
She got up and walked over to him. Russell saw the look in her eyes. It wasn't one he saw often, and when he did he knew the person was in trouble.
What none of them knew was that there was someone watching this all play out.
"No Edison we weren't good together. You thought we were good, because I let you think we were good. We were good when I was the dutiful girlfriend. We were good when I was by your side. We were good when I was being the good political fiancée that smiled and played the part, but let me remind you of something. I am the daughter of Rowan & Maya Pope. They didn't raise me to pulled around on some dog and pony show. You wanted me to stop writing, because that took too much time away from you. If I recalled correctly you were embarrassed that all I was is a writer. We are not good together, because you don't love or respect me for the woman I am, but the woman that you want me to be. However, my white fiancée loves all of me including my beautiful permanent tan. When we look at each other we don't see skin color we see each other. Obviously, you don't so you may want to see someone about that. I am not on his arm for arm candy. I am on his arm, because I want to be. I am on his arm, because I am in love with him and proud to be his woman. Unlike you he has never demanded anything of me. He has been supportive of me even when I had to take time away from him to complete my next book. I am on his arm, because he knows what I like. Down to my favorite color which is something you never took the time to learn. Finally, those are not his kids. Those are our kids, and if I ever hear you speak of them in any manner I will cut your balls off, and serve them to you publicly on a silver platter. Are we clear?"
Edison was shocked. He has never seen this side of Olivia before. She was a spunky woman, but most of the time she was reserved. He knew he had messed up, and he thought she would come back to him with time. It never happened. He was shocked to find out she was dating again. When they confirmed their relationship his heart broke, because deep down he knew what they had was real. He knew she liked shopping in this mall when she was in New York. He had almost given up, and wasn't even looking for her today when she walked in the jewelry store. Now he realized that all his planning was for nothing. He was always used to getting what he wanted. His parents told him he was a fool especially his mother. She had warned him that his way of thinking would cost him Olivia, but he didn't listen.
He still hadn't responded to Olivia so she said, "I didn't get a response, and if I don't get one in the next ten seconds I am going to call my friend Kimberly Mitchell, and tell her all about your illegal campaign practices. I think the one she would be most interested in hearing about is the money from Big Jerry Grant. Don't think I didn't know you were lurking around, or that in his one last ditch effort he used you to try to get to me. You were really hoping that you could say this in front of my fiancée, and make him mad enough to hit you. Then you would get to play the victim."
"Well that's too bad Mr. Davis. I did get a chance to hear everything, but unfortunately for you I have the woman. I know she loves me, and I know that I cherish her. There is no need to fight for something that is rightfully mine. See, she belongs to me, and I belong to her. You had a diamond in the rough, and you didn't treasure the precious stone that you had. Well, I do and I will for the rest of my life. While all of this has been entertaining we need to leave soon. Our children will be waiting for us."
He grabs Olivia hand, and they turn to leave before he stops and looks at Edison, "I do believe you owe Olivia an answer in regards to our children."
Edison finally found his voice, "I understand…"
The couple walked away. Olivia swung by the jewelry store, and picked up the gift. She hoped it was right since she didn't get a chance to inspect it before leaving the store.
When they got to in the car nothing was said for a couple of minutes, but Fitz never let go of her hand.
Finally, Olivia said, "Huck told me about him when I asked for the information on your dad. When your dad came to the club, and we talked to him I thought that dropped it. He hasn't had any recent contact, but knowing your dad he was hoping that this one last ditch effort would work. If nothing else it would cause us some embarrassment."
Fitz looked at Olivia, "I am not mad baby. Let it go. We said what we had to say. He doesn't get to ruin our day. Let's go get the kids, and enjoy the afternoon with them before we head to feed the kids at the teen shelter."
She looked at him and smiled, "I meant every word I said."
"I did too. You are mine, and I am yours. In two months, you will be Mrs. Pope-Grant."
"I will and it is going to be great…"
A/N-I am stopping there. The next installment will include the wedding. Any guesses where the destination wedding is going to be. I have a place in mind unless someone sends me a review with a place I like more. If so then I will be happy to give credit where due.
I live in North Carolina so if Hurricane Irma is not too hard on us then I will post again in about two weeks as I have been doing. If you see nothing from me then I am swimming like we were a year ago with Hurricane Matthew LOL….
