A/N-Thank you again for all of the reviews and all of the support that I have received. It is fun being able to write down what is in my head, and know that others like it. There is a time jump in this chapter, but flashbacks to explain what has been going on with the family.

They were celebrating their three-month anniversary today. Finally the Grants were going to do an hour-long sit down interview with Kimberly Mitchell in their home. Everyone was on the edge of their seat waiting to see the President. OPA had done an excellent job of keeping his whereabouts unknown. The team of therapists and nurses loved the Grants and had no problem keeping their involvement a secret.

Olivia was concerned that there would be problems with them adjusting as a family and as a couple. For years their relationship was built on stolen moments. She was curious as to how they would adjust. Thankfully they all adjusted well.

There had been some minor bumps in the road, but they had worked through them. Things were finally beginning to look up for them.

Olivia sat at her vanity brushing her hair. It was nice to be in a home with her husband and kids. She no longer had lonely days. Even through the tough times that they had over the last couple of months she would take any of those days over being alone.

Flashback-Three months ago

Fitz & Olivia enjoyed their weekend at home alone. Olivia never thought she would see this day. She was officially Olivia Carolyn Pope-Grant, and she loved it. They were a boring married couple that weekend. They ate, watched movies, and slept. They enjoyed a romantic bath one night. Olivia fixed them dinner and they enjoyed a romantic candlelit dinner, but that was the extent of their romance. Fitz couldn't hold his fork for too long, but he managed to feed her a couple of bites. It was just nice knowing they would go to bed and wake up with each other.

That Monday morning Fitz began his rehab. It was grueling. Fitz put a lot of pressure on himself to get better for his family. He would go at it six to eight hours a day everyday. He did physical therapy, speech therapy, and memory rehab. Three times a week he would see Dr. Sherry for counseling.

Olivia thought that he was pushing himself too much. Carol & her sister came by a couple of times of week to check on him, but for the most part Olivia took care of him. After three weeks of this intense rehab Olivia had enough. She sat Fitz down to talk to him.

Fitz could feel the tension in the air. He knew that Olivia was upset with him and wanted him to slow down, but he couldn't. He need to get out of this wheel chair. He need to remember and be able to freely relay his thoughts. There was no time to waste in his opinion.

Olivia was emotional as she looked Fitz in the eye, "I love you. I know that you want to get better, and I know that part of the reason you are pushing yourself as hard as you are is for me and the kids. I promise you there is no rush. I am your wife. I am the guardian of your two children. I need you. I would rather have you less than a hundred percent than not to have you at all. Please slow down."

Fitz shook his head. He was angry that she did not support him. He wanted to get better and he thought that she wanted the same thing.

Fitz eyes turned grey, "Sorry that this is too much for you. Thought you wanted me better. Wish you love me to have my back. Guess not."

Fitz left the room. Olivia cried. She didn't want him to think that she was not his biggest advocate. In the past she would have run. They were a married couple now. There would be no more running.

When she got to the bedroom Fitz had taken a shower and was putting on his night-clothes. She went over and helped him lift himself up to get his pants on. Fitz wouldn't look at her. Once his pants were on he thanked her and climbed into bed. However it was not their bed, but the hospital bed. Once he got in he turned and faced the wall.

Seeing him that way broke Olivia. She couldn't understand how things went so wrong in that simple conversation. She went and took a shower. Silent tears fell down her face. She didn't know how to fix it.

Olivia got out the shower and lotioned her body and put on her night-clothes. When she opened the door she heard Fitz crying. It was a sadness that Olivia never felt.

Olivia went over to Fitz and put her arms around him. He tensed up at first which hurt Olivia, but she kept repeating in her head there is no more running away. After a few minutes Fitz relaxed in her embrace.

Olivia whispered over and over in his ear, "I love you. I need you. Whatever you want we will do. You are the love of my life."

Fitz eventually calmed down. Olivia thought they were making progress. Next thing she knew she seen Fitz's face crunch up like he was in pain. She never got to ask him what was wrong because he began seizing.

Olivia pressed the button that was near them that alerted 911. She grabbed her phone and called Jerry to come down to help her.

Present Day

Olivia finished up her hair and went to go see what her husband and children were doing. She found them in the family room watching tennis. Olivia watched them and smiled. They loved the sport, and it allowed them quality time together. Olivia made sure that they both signed up to play at school. She was looking forward to seeing them.

Jerry looked up and noticed Olivia and smiled, "Hey mom what's up?"

Olivia laughed, "Well the house was too quiet so I was wondering where my family was at."

Fitz looked up and smiled, "Just enjoying some time with the kids. Is it time for us to get dressed?"

Olivia shook her head, "No relax. You still have a couple of hours. I took your suit out. Jerry, Karen did you get your clothes out already."

The kids turned to Olivia, "Yes mom they are on our bed for you to inspect if need be."

Olivia laughed, "You are two bright and brilliant children. I am not your warden. I trust you."

Karen looked at her like she was speaking another language. Olivia was confused by the reaction she got from the statement.

Olivia came over and sat on the other side of her, "What is it honey?"

Karen put her head down in shame, "I am ashamed of what I was just thinking. Mellie use to treat these interviews like it was a job interview. When we picked out our clothes she inspected them like she was a drill Sargent. If she selected the clothes she would inspect us before we went to the interview or photo shoot. I 'm sorry for comparing you."

Karen began to cry. Olivia pulled her over and held her. Olivia gave her a few minutes to cry so that she could hear what she was about to say.

Olivia spoke calmly to Karen, "Honey I never want you to feel ashamed of anything that you think. You are your own person thus you are allowed to think anything. I am sorry that Mellie never took the time to see you and your brother for who you are. You are smart, kind, funny, giving, open, and I could go on and on. She lost out. It hasn't been that long that you lived this life where you were on pins and needles. Your dad & I are really sorry. I should have have the guts to fight for this family when your dad first asked me, but I was a coward. You will always be our babies, but I know that you are no toddlers. I respect that you are a young woman. We may not always agree, but I will never discount your feelings or your brothers. It will take time but we eventually heal and be able to move on."

Fitz & Jerry looked on. Their lives had changed tremendously in the last six months. The kids loved their dad and knew that he loved them. However since he had been with Olivia he was happy, and that happiness made him a better parent. They were grateful for Olivia. Fitz looked at them and realized just how good of a mother Olivia was. She had always questioned if she had the ability to be a good mother. To him seeing how she was with his children told him what he already knew. She was a great mother.

Jerry smiled as he watched his mom and sister. Both of them wanted a mom that was there for them and loved them. Karen being a girl wanted it a little more so it was great that his sister got that person who would help her with her hair, shop, talk to her about boys that he and his dad would give them a hard time about. He gained a lot as well. She was his biggest support system. He could talk to her about anything. He had always had an interest in medicine, but when his dad was shot it became clear that was what he wanted to be. One night not too long ago when he was discussing what classes he wanted to take he let it slip to his parents what he wanted to do. To his surprise both of them were excited for him. Olivia asked what he needed. She suggested that he may want to start volunteering so he could get the feel of the field.

Fitz nodded and smiled at the advice that Olivia was giving. He knew that Jerry thought he would expect him to follow in his footsteps. Secretly he was glad he didn't.

Fitz looked at his son and the seriousness in his eyes made Jerry nervous for a moment until he spoke calmly to him, "Your mom and I want you and your sister to do whatever you want in life. As long as you are doing your best, you are happy, and it is not illegal then I support you. Be you and remain you no matter what. I love you son. I am proud of you. I am proud of the man who you are becoming."

They all came back the present moment. Fitz who was on the other side of Karen said, "Your mom is right. I am sorry that I let you guys down. I was a coward as well. I should have followed my gut consequences be damned. It's too late to turn back. We just have to continue to grow together as a family. Time will heal us."

Karen nodded. The room was quiet. Everyone was reflecting on where they use to be and where they were now. They all knew they would be okay. There was no tension amongst them. Tonight they would be able to put more behind them and continue to move on. It was easy to think that now, but not two months ago.

Flashback-Two months ago

They arrived at the hospital and Secret Service had already cleared an area for them. By sheer luck Dr. McDreamy was working that evening so it was a no brainer who would look after Fitz.

Hal brought the kids over to the hospital and they sat and consoled their mom. Olivia was so distraught that she almost could not breathe. She felt like it was her fault. She had caused the seizure to happen. What kind of wife was she that she would bring harm to her husband?

Luckily it didn't take long for them to stabilize Fitz. Dr. McDreamy came to the waiting room and assured her that Fitz would be okay. They were sending him to get some SCANS just to confirm that nothing major had taken place in his brain. They only planned to keep him overnight for observation.

They got Fitz set up in a room. He was resting, but his face looked sad and worn down. Olivia wasn't sure how to fix that. The doctor came in and told her that the seizure had not set the President back. He would more than likely sleep through the night. He would stop by and talk with them in the morning.

Olivia went and updated the kids. Hal told her that he would take care of the kids tonight and make sure they made it to school in the morning. He knew Olivia was not leaving the President's side. Olivia nodded and hugged Hal. She thanked him for going above and beyond to help the family. She hugged and kissed the kids and told them she would see them tomorrow, but to call her if they needed anything.

Olivia went back into the room. She climbed in the bed with Fitz. She knew that he was frustrated with himself. He felt like he should be able to do more. She didn't know what it felt like to not be able to do something that you have done for 50 years with no problem. At the end of the day they would have to find balance. She would figure out a way to support him without him over doing it.

The doctor stopped by the next morning. Fitz had been awake for about an hour. He couldn't remember what happened that brought him to the hospital. He still struggled with short-term memory loss.

The doctor noticed that Olivia was still sleep, but then she spoke with her eyes closed. I'm awake doctor."

"Mrs. Grant I'm so sorry to bother you."

Olivia opened up her eyes. She had only been sleep a couple of hours. She was to busy worried about Fitz.

Olivia smiled at Dr. McDreamy, "You are no bother. What's going on?"

Dr. McDreamy stood in front of the couple, "President Grant suffered a seizure most likely from stress. His brain is still trying to heal so it doesn't have the capacity to take on as much as it has in the past. With time it will get better but you can't force the brain to heal. Doing so can cause more harm than good. I don't know how your rehab is going or if there are other personal stresses in your life, but I would just caution you to be careful."

Dr. McDreamy's resident came in and checked the President and confirmed that he was able to go home.

Olivia got him settled in at home. He agreed to rest for a couple of days. As he laid there he remembered Olivia asking him to slow down and he got upset with her.

Olivia came in the room with breakfast and sat the tray in from of him. He asked her if she was going to eat anything, and she shook her head. She had been extremely quiet since they left the hospital. He could tell that she was thinking. He knew something was bothering her.

He asked her to join him in the bed. She looked at him and her face told him she was nervous. It was like she felt like she was going to break him. He opened his arms. Finally she crawled into them. When she did she broke down and sobbed.

Fitz held her and allowed her to cry. He knew she was scared. He knew that she was the back-bone of this family right now. Failure was not an option when it came to Olivia and if she felt that she was failing it crushed her. Thankfully his speech had improved a lot over the last month.

Once Olivia calmed down so that she could hear him he spoke, "You are right. I will slow down. Hate it's all on you. Thought when we were married I would finally take care of you, but here you are stuck with me and the kids. This is not our happily ever after."

Olivia jumped up and looked at Fitz. Her brown eyes were wide and serious and demanded his attention.

Olivia looked him dead in the eye, "Yes I want you to slow down because I can't stand to see you in pain. I worry that if you continue to have seizures they are going to eventually cause you major problems. I support you. I want you better not only for me and the kids but for you. I want you to be happy with you. I am in love with the same man who I fell in love with on the trail. This is not a job for me. You are my husband. You are the love of my life. You are my other half. Until you can handle more I will carry the load. We have tons of support so while it is a little hectic at times it is not overwhelming. I will support whatever you decide even it means you pushing the limits, but I am asking that you consider me and the kids. This is not a marathon baby."

Fitz pulled Olivia back to his chest. She was right. At the end of the day it was his pride that was going to cause him more harm that good. If he killed himself how did he expect to have his happily ever after with Olivia.

Fitz kissed the top of her head, "I'll slow down. I'm sorry that I let my pride get in the way."

Olivia nodded. Fatigue was beginning to catch up with her. Being in Fitz's arms always brought her peace. She fell asleep in his arms knowing that things would be okay.

Present Day

It was time to get ready for their interview. Tom & Hal let Kimberly & her team in so they could begin to get set up. Fitz only need a cane to get around now. It had been an exciting moment for the whole family when she showed them his progress.

When Fitz cut back on his rehab he actually made more progress. He made sure that he rested like he was told. Shortly into his second month he began to make to make leaps and bounds with his speech. Once Fitz took the pressure of himself and let things come to him everything became a lot easier. He still had a lot of trouble with short-term memory loss, and he could quickly forget what he was doing. He now was able to walk with a cane and could get around the house pretty much on his own. It didn't matter to him or his family. Things were getting better.

Fitz & Olivia got dressed in silence. They both were thinking about the interview. Tonight the world would know that they were married. While they were both thinking the same thing they were unsure what the other was feeling about tonight. Fitz was scared of what Olivia's response was going to be, but he couldn't do the interview unless he understood how she felt.

Fitz turned to look her at her. He looked into her eyes and they looked calm. She looked at peace. He didn't feel any tension coming from her.

Fitz asked nervously, "Are you worried or scared about doing the interview and letting everyone know that we are married.?"

Olivia walked around and walked between his legs and looked him in the eye, "No I am happy and excited. I'm not looking on and Mrs. Grant is beside you. It is me the real Mrs. Grant is finally able to take her rightful place."

Fitz looked on with excitement. He was happy, she was happy, and the kids were happy. That is all that mattered to him. Everything else would fall in place.

Oliva leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on Fitz's lips. They had not been intimate in any way since he had been home. He knew that he still had to build up his strength, but that time was coming and it was coming soon. That gentle kiss let to a passionate kiss for the record book. It was like they were trying to catch up for lost time.

Olivia leaned back, "Don't worry I know that day is coming soon and I promise that your wife will be ready."

Fitz laughed and nodded. It was nice to know they were still in sync. He always told Olivia they would get to this point, but even he began to question if that was the case or not. She treated those kids like they were hers. They would be in a month or two. As he was buttoning up his shirt he thought to what they had done a month ago.

Flashback-One Month Ago

Mellie & Jake were supposed to be sentenced a month ago, but their attorneys tried to call David's bluff. When David met with them they were smug and knew that they had gotten over. When she was arrested her uncle had secured them two big named lawyers for her and Jake.

David got up and smiled at the both of them. He never yelled or got angry. He calmly looked at them and said, "Remember I gave you an option without me going nuclear. Just remember that."

David walked out the room and placed a call. He told the person on the other end, "I need it"

A week later David with the approval of Madam President Mellie & Jake were taken from their cells a little after midnight. They were taken to a holding cell and secured together in the same room.

David walked in the room in his street clothes. That made them nervous. They knew they were stuck and would wait to accept their fate which they knew was going to be death when Huck came in behind David. He looked at the both of them with disgust. He would gut them if they let him, but he knew they were not.

Mellie being Mellie not knowing when to shut up says, "So you pulled us out of our cells in the middle of the night to what beat or kills us. Well do me a favor let's just get it over with. I am in no mood for a dog and pony show."

At first nothing was said then they heard someone speak, "That's not the Mellie I know. She loves to be on display. Front and center for the whole world to see."

Mellie looked around confused. It sounded like Fitz, but it couldn't be. The media said that he was away at a rehab facility.

Fitz smiled while they were looking at Mellie. He was speaking through the intercom system, "I mean isn't that what you wanted when you and your side kick beside you planned my demise for the whole world to see. So you could be Jackie Kennedy and mourn the loss of your husband in front of America, play the doting mother, and ride off in the sunset using my name. One that you have no honor or respect for, but still you want it."

Mellie stood up, "So you guys recorded Fitz to what torture us. Make us do what you want. Well no thank you I pass. Take me back to my cell."

Fitz & Olivia walked around the corner hand in hand. "Sit down Mellie and shut the hell up. I have heard enough of you to last a life time."

Mellie looked up at Fitz in shock. He looked way better than he was portrayed in the media. It was scary that he almost looked normal.

Fitz eyes showed that he had nothing but hatred for her, "I said sit down Mellie. OPA received a call a week ago letting them know that you wanted to play hard ball. Mr. Rosen here told me he gave you both a fair offer, but you two were too idiotic to see what was in front of you."

Jake tried to speak. Fitz turned to him, "Shut up no one asked you to speak."

Jake stood up and before he could take a step Huck had kicked his legs from under him. Fitz looked down at him and over at Mellie. You two have no power so I suggest you sit the hell down and shut up.

Jake got up and sat down embarrassed was not even the word at the moment.

Fitz looked over at Jake, "Since you want to be heard let me start with you. First, I have to thank you for being so stupid. My dumb ex-wife convinced you that I was trying to break you and Olivia up. I admit I never made Mellie think otherwise, but had you really invested your time trying to make things work with Olivia she would have told you that I had stepped away. I wanted her to have normal. I thought that you would give her that and make her happy. You proved me right. You never really loved Olivia. She was a pawn. You wanted to say that you showed me up. You had something I wanted. You were still the same jackass that I met in the Navy. You wanted her to see my brains being blown away. That is sick, but see I am going to give you one last chance to come to your senses and not to be conned by that lunatic beside you. Do you want to continue to fight or do you want to live? I've even agreed that you can have life with a chance for parole in 25 years. If you get paroled you leave the country or I make sure you are six feet under."

Jake looked at Fitz and then he looked at Olivia. He knew that she hated him. The sad part is that Fitz was right. He had no one to blame but himself. Mellie had messed everything up. He was done. There was no more fight left in him.

Jake nodded, "I accept the offer."

David nodded. Mellie looked up expecting that she was going to be given another chance to accept the plea. That was quickly erased away.

Olivia looked at Mellie with a smirk on her face, "I told you that night that Fitz was shot that I would go to the ends of the earth to hunt you down if you had something to do with the assassination attempt. I told you that I was going to make you pay. It is too bad you don't know when to stop or quit. A five-year old has better sense than you. You see Mellie while both of us graduated at the top of our class I use my education and common sense. I should tell you that your lawyer is going to call in the morning and tell you that his retainer was not paid. We seized the account your uncle had. He was paying the lawyer out of that account, and since you have committed a number of crimes all of your assets have been frozen including the five million dollars you got in the divorce."

Mellie looked up in shock. Olivia had this wicked grin on her face, "I also wouldn't expect to talk to your uncle anytime soon. Those people that he owes money to well they are hot on his trail so he may or may not be alive. If he is I am sure that he is hiding so he can stay alive."

Olivia laughed and the sound was scary. Everyone in the room knew that Olivia had been pushed, "You see I admit I made some mistakes. The biggest one was allowing you to even be on that throne that made you think you ruled the earth. I let you destroy two innocent children and a man who tried to love you despite how evil you are."

Mellie laughed, "Olivia please..."

She never finished the statement before Olivia back-handed her knocking her out of the chair. Huck went over and picked Mellie back up. He gave her a look that she should shut up. You could hear a pin drop the room.

Olivia smiled at Mellie, "Where was I oh yeah, I admit I was wrong but don't worry it will never happen again. I will remain by my husband's side and fight battles with him. You being one. There is no longer a plea deal in place. We arrested Hollis Doyle this morning. He was eager to strike a deal. He produced documents from the White House that disappeared on your watch in regards to bills that Fitz was trying to pass that would use more energy efficient methods to make us greener. Hollis was able to see what way everyone was voting so he knew who to lobby and blackmail. Do you know what that is Mellie? In our world that is called treason and it carries a death sentence. I want you dead I really do, but whether you die naturally, at someone's hand, or through legal injection no longer matters to me."

Mellie & Jake looked at her hand. Sure enough she had a wedding set on her ring finger. Fitz had a wedding band that was not the one that she gave him. There was nothing said in the media that they were married yet.

Olivia smiled, "Yes I am Mrs. Grant now. I mean we both know that I have been the real Mrs. Grant for a while. We are really married legally though to answer your question. I had a wedding. Don't worry it's about to come out. Also know that the kids are great. They have a real mother now. One that doesn't hate them. It has been nice finally burying you. Whatever happens to you I hope that you rot in hell."

To Mellie's surprise David offered to allow her to plead guilty, but she would get life without any chance of parole. Mellie readily accepted the deal. She and Jake signed the paperwork.

Two weeks later Mellie, Jake, and Cyrus were officially sentence after entering their plea and having to recount the details of their crime to the satisfaction of David and the judge. They were sent to different federal prisons. Mellie would find out when she got to her new home that for her safety she was locked up for 23 hours a day seven days a week.

That part of their life was finally over. The kids could move on and know that Mellie would no longer cause them any more harm.

Present Day

Fitz had finished getting dressed. He turned around to see Olivia coming out of their closet. He smiled when he looked at her outfit.

Olivia had on an Escada one-button illusion blazer & pencil skirt with racing stripe. She had on her favorite black Jimmy Choo heels. Fitz had left her a gift on top of her make-up. It was a white black diamond drop necklace with matching earrings.

Fitz loved her look. She loved regal. She looked like a First Lady.

Olivia smiled. She loved when Fitz looked at her like she hung the moon. Since he did it often she smiled a lot now a days.

Olivia said, "I take it you like the outfit."

Fitz laughed, " Like is probably not an appropriate word. It had been years since I seen you in a skirt or a dress. It brings back fond memories."

Olivia began to laugh with Fitz, "Well thank you kind sir. I figured you would appreciate if your wife looked appropriate for the interview."

Fitz looked at her puzzled, "Olivia, I don't want to change you because we are married. I married you for you. If you want to wear pants then wear pants. There is no bait and switch here. I need you to know that."

Olivia softened as she listened to her husband. She needed him to relax, "Honey I know, but the formidable Olivia Pope dresses in power suits so she can command respect in a male dominated world. As your wife and if you are able to go back to being President I need to look approachable. You are not changing me. We are married. We have to make sacrifices for each other. I can't be hard and demanding when I am beside you. I need to compliment you. It's not like I hate wearing dresses and skirts. It just outfits have their purpose, and since we are married I kind of like the idea that you have easier access."

Fitz blushed at the last comment she made. Fitz relaxed. Tonight felt like the beginning of their rise back to the top if they handled everything okay.

The couple kissed each other. They walked out to meet Kimberly. The kids came out of the kitchen to meet up with their parents. Her team was there so they could keep an eye out to how the public took their first interview together.

They were all miced up. They were going to start with the couple first and then bring the kids in later.

It was show time. They looked at each other. They took one minute with each other to clear their minds. Once the minute was up Fitz squeezed Olivia's hand. They nodded at each other and turned to face Kimberly.

It was showtime.

A/N-The interview is next. After that I plan to do another time jump, but I have yet to decide what the jump will be.