The Valentine's Event had solidified Olivia in ways that none of them imagined. When it comes to style and grace First Ladies are always compared to Jackie Kennedy.
The media was stating that if Olivia continued being this influential she would be considered one of the most influential First Ladies in history. She was functional but she knew her role. Many women were worried that Olivia would have to dummy down who she was.
She was still the political powerhouse that D.C. knew, but she stayed in her lane. She stayed beside her husband, and together they were changing the landscape of D.C. They were pretty much a shoe in for a second term. The only reason it wouldn't happen is if infidelity took place, or the couple fell apart. Everyone said that neither would happen. If only they knew.
Olivia was almost seven months pregnant. They were about to celebrate their one year anniversary, but they had not spoken to each other for two days.
Olivia, the kids, and their detail were headed to a secluded location that even they were not aware of exactly where they were going.
The reason. Mellie.
Flashback
With Ayden set to arrive soon the kids had been thinking about Mellie a lot. They often wondered what was so bad about them that she hated them. They tried to move on, but that nagging question remained. What did they do? Why did she find it so easy to try to kill dad like it was nothing?
They knew that their dad was not going to want them to see their mother, but they needed to. They wanted to see if she had a soul so they could move on.
They finally found the nerve and sat down and told their mom what they wanted, and while they could see in her eyes that she had no desire to deal with Mellie she was willing to do anything for her children.
Fitz, however was a no go. When Olivia tried to talk to him about it he flew off the handle. He said absolutely not, and that was something you never said to Olivia.
She turned around and faced him, "Do you think I want to do this? Do you think I want to deal with the woman who tore my life apart? The same woman who tried to destroy everything that was important to me. No, but as parents we have to do things sometimes that we don't like. Considering that you have done the parent thing a lot longer than me you should know that."
"Exactly Olivia. I have been doing the parent thing a lot longer than you so I am confused how you think that this is the right thing to do."
"It is the right thing to do because it is not about us. It is about them, and if we want them to continue to be productive young adults then we nip this in the bud now. We help them now. We don't wait till it gets to be too much to bear. In the past I would have done this behind your back, but I can't. I'm your wife. We don't have secrets, but you need to be mindful how you talk to me or I won't be your wife much longer."
"Wow that is the old Olivia. So you tell me so there is no secrets, but then you threaten to leave me. So i guess she is still there. Even with the rings on your ringer you still threaten to leave me. Well you won Olivia. Once again you show that you have all of the control. I'm in love with you, and you know I can't be without you so game over you win. Do whatever you need to do. I'll be in Europe for a week."
Olivia stood there stunned. How did this go so far left so quick? The kids heard the fight, and watched their dad leave the Residence. When they asked to talk to Mellie they never imagined it would tear their family apart. It wasn't worth it.
The kids tried to tell their dad that it was fine. They didn't have to see Mellie, but Fitz realized that he couldn't project his pain onto the kids. He told them to go. Their mom would handle everything, and he would see them when they returned.
In the middle of the night Fitz made his way into their room. Olivia always packed his bags, and although they were fighting she still packed his bags. On the way out Fitz kissed her bump and her forehead. Fitz said, "I love you so much it hurts. I can't leave you. I'm sorry."
Fitz left not knowing that Olivia was not sleep and heard every word he said. Once again she took it too far. She had to get the upper hand. She should have walked away, and allowed him to calm down. She knew why he was so against it, but the old Olivia showed up. The moment Fitz asserted his authority she had to prove she could be bigger.
Present Day
Karen & Jerry no longer knew how to feel about this moment. They were pulling up to the location for their sit down with their biological mother Mellie. However they felt like it was at the cost of their parents.
Both of their parents tried to assure them that they would be fine, but they had not spoken to each other since the night of the fight. Fitz made sure to call the kids as soon as he arrived in Europe. Instead of calling Olivia he sent a generic text letting her know they arrived.
When Olivia didn't think she could feel any worse she was listening to a reporter talk about her interview with Fitz.
They discussed his reason for being oversees and the alliances that he was building. He was assuring everyone that he was fine physically and emotionally, and the country was in great shape.
The reporter said she asked about the First Lady. She reported that she didn't see the President. She saw a man who loved his wife and his family. He talked about how proud he was of his teenagers from his first marriage. He was giddy when they talked about their child on the way. He praised his wife and shared with me how important her work was.
As much as the policies he was working on as President were important he reiterated that what his wife was doing was equally important. He was adamant that as long as he was President you would see his wife changing the world with him. He laughed and said other than when she is delivering and recovering.
Olivia could tell he was being sincere without having to see his face when he talked to the reporter. The reporter had done an excellent job of communicating his emotions. Despite the hurt and pain he was feeling he was still lifting her up.
The car stopped. The detail got out and did a walk through to confirm that everything was safe.
The facility was secure, but they were in a room that wasn't so intimidating. Hopefully it would allow the conversation to flow.
When they walked in Mellie was already in the room. Olivia had asked that her hands not be shackled, but her legs were shackled.
The kids walked in and looked at her. I think they all noticed that she still had those cold, dead eyes.
Mellie tried to hug them, but they were not comfortable with that so they didn't move. She got the hint, but they could tell that it pissed her off.
Olivia walked in and Mellie noticed the obvious bump that showed that was Ayden. They had not released the sex of the baby to the public.
Mellie looked at Olivia, "So you have to be in the room while I talk to my kids?"
Olivia was not in the mood to deal with Mellie's bullshit. She had already caused enough problems, and she had caused more and didn't even know it.
Olivia turned and walked over to Mellie. The kids stepped back. They learned when their mom got that look. Get out-of-the-way.
Olivia looked Mellie in the eyes. In a calm but deadly tone, "Let's be clear about something. These are not your children they are mine. You are their biological mother. Their egg donor, and I thank you for that. I am their mom so you play by my rules. They wanted this meeting and as much as I despise you, and your ex-husband hates you we are doing this for our children. I want to be clear you better be mindful of what you say and how you say it. Be mindful of how you treat them. Pregnant or not these two are mine and I have no problem putting my size six foot up your ass. Are we clear?"
Mellie looked at Olivia and it was clear that this Olivia was not one to be messed with. She never really was, but at one point when she thought she had the upper hand she tried her. Those days were gone. Never to come back.
Mellie nodded
Olivia still staring at her asked, "I'm sorry I didn't hear you. Are we clear?"
Mellie looked at her, "Crystal"
"Good."
Olivia turned and went to sit in the corner on the sofa
The kids sat down in front of Mellie, and after exchanging pleasantries Jerry went straight to it.
"So I just wanted to find out what I did to make you hate me considering that I didn't ask to be born."
Mellie said, "I didn't hate you."
"You did. You said it every chance you got."
"I honestly didn't hate you. I just didn't want any kids, but I had to have kids to get what I wanted."
"Which was to be First Lady?"
"Yes"
Jerry nodded, "So once we fulfilled your needs you were done with us. That is why you were so quick to send us away. The public seen us enough to give you what you wanted."
Mellie didn't say anything
Karen spoke for the first time, "I wanted to believe that you had a soul. That you were not as evil as you look, as you sound, as you are. The truth is you are. Me, Jerry, dad were of no more use to you so that is why it was so easy for you to do what you did. We were never your children in your eyes. We were a means to an end."
"That is not true said Mellie"
"Then what..."
"Look I know I am not perfect like pretend mom."
Olivia looked up. What happened next is something Olivia never expected. Karen was up and had jumped over the table to knock Mellie out of her chair.
Hal kept Olivia away. Jerry went over and pulled his sister off of Mellie. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Karen would not let go of Mellie's hair.
She said, "You are going to apologize to my mom and the First Lady of the United States. For once in your life you are not going to be a bitch, but show some respect. Then you are going to hear me and you will never see me again. If you say one thing I don't like I bet I might still have a USB somewhere that could cause you some real problems. Are we clear Mellie?"
Mellie nodded, "Yes"
Mellie apologized to Olivia. Olivia moved past Hal and walked over to Karen. Karen walked into her embrace, and sobbed.
Karen calmed down enough to say, "I ruined our family for this. I caused problems for you and dad on the hope that she had a soul. That I wouldn't have to live with the fact that Jerry & I have DNA from the devil's child and star pupil."
Olivia wanted to laugh at her description of Mellie. It was pretty hilarious, but now wasn't the time.
Olivia sat her down, "You didn't do anything. You and your brother deserved the chance to have closure. You needed to know if she had a heart or if you always saw the real Mellie. We have our answer, but she can't hurt you. I am your mom. Your dad & I will be fine. Our issues are me not this."
"That is right. We will be fine. We will all be fine, and we will stay here as long as necessary until you both have the answers that you need. I didn't want this to happen, because of the pain that she caused me. You guys have every right to know how she feels straight from her mouth."
Jerry went over and hugged his dad. Karen ran over to her dad as well.
Karen said, "I'm so sorry..."
Fitz stopped her, "There is nothing to be sorry about. Your mom and I will be over here. Take all the time in the world."
He turned and faced Mellie, "If I hear you call my wife or my children anything other than their name again you are going to have worse problems than a teenager tackling you are we clear."
Mellie whispered, "Yes"
Fitz took Olivia hand. Once they sat down he embraced her and held her, and she felt safe and loved as usual. He didn't hide his love for her. He never did and never would.
The kids looked at them and then looked at Mellie.
Karen said, "Thank you for having me. Evening if it was for your own selfish reasons. Now I have a mom. The only one pretending is you. You are a child in an adult's body. You don't love us. You don't want to be our mom, but you don't want Olivia to do it either. Not because you care, but to us we are toys. When you made that statement you told me everything, and mom is right make no mistake. I am not your daughter. I am the product of your egg with my dad's sperm, but my parents are Fitzgerald & Olivia Grant. I have two brothers, and I never want to see you again. I'm glad I got to see you and know that I've always seen your true colors. Now I can live my life with no regret because you will never see or hear from me again."
Mellie was shocked at the tone that her daughter took. What got her through the day was that she still had her children. No matter how silly the thought was. It was there. Now that was being taken away. She had nothing.
Mellie looked at Jerry, "I know that you are going to take your dad's side."
Jerry laughed, "Karen is right. You are a kid. Taking sides. We didn't have a choice. You made it for us when you decided that we were only your chess pieces. Now you want to guilt trip us into feeling sorry for you. Well guess what it won't work. Any amount of remorse or respect I had left for you went down the drain when you disrespected my mom. This is woman who fought with her husband to make this happen. This is a woman who I know would rather drink a bottle of red wine even though she is pregnant than be in the same room as you, but she did. Why, because she loves us. She is our mom. Our parent, and if this is what we needed then come hell or high water she was going to make that happen. I forgive you because mom said that forgiveness is for me not you, but I believe in karma. If there ever comes a day that someone shoots you well then I will say a good job. I have nothing left to give to you, and mom I am so sorry that I thought that I did. I'm ready to go."
Mellie stood up, "Wait I am sorry. I know that I have handled things wrong, but please don't do this. Don't walk out of there this way."
Fitz stood up, "What way Mellie. The way where we all kissed your ass while you stomped on us. The way you lied, cheated, and stole to get what you wanted. When you didn't get your way you had someone shoot me like I was a dog. Even after everything you had done I was more than fair when it came to the settlement that I had reached with you. It wasn't enough because it had to be all about Mellie. I didn't want the kids to come here, and deal with your crap. I knew that we were getting the real you, but Olivia was right. They needed to see it. They needed to figure this out so it wouldn't be on us. You aren't sorry about anything you have done. You are sorry that you have lost everything. The last thing you felt you had a hold on was the kids. Waiting for any moment to make Olivia the fall guy. The pretend parent."
Mellie looked up at Fitz. Fitz shook his head.
"The funny thing is that she is the best parent in this room. Even I was selfish. I wanted to forget you existed, and the fact that I have to stand here and look at the woman who tried to off me sickens me. However I flew from Europe to be with my kids and my wife, because as much as you sicken me. The four of them are my world, and if I allowed something to happen to them I would have no problems killing you with my bare hands. Take that however you want. You don't get to steal our joy. We have been through too much. You get to be miserable alone. We are not walking out the door with your mess."
Fitz turned to his family, "Do you guys need anything else before she is sent away?"
Olivia, Karen, and Jerry told their dad no.
Fitz nodded, "Good. Get your things and we will be going."
They collected their things. On their way out Fitz turned around and looked at Mellie, "I heard that you used the few connections that you got left to be sent to a medium security prison. Something about you not being a threat, and you didn't actually pull the trigger. You had some trauma. I'm glad the kids needed this. Otherwise I wouldn't have known all these privileges you got yourself. Well I know people too so you are being transferred to Hazelton. You don't get to play all day after all you have done. Enjoy the one or two hours of air you get a day. Take care."
Mellie was shocked. This had all gone wrong once again. Her and her mouth. She knew not to say anything. It was already bad, but she knew it could get worse.
The family rode back to the White House in silence. The kids didn't agree with their dad. They didn't feel like it was worth it.
When they made it back to the Residence the kids and Olivia were surprised to find their favorite We, The Pizza.
They smiled. They were really hungry and the greasy food was just what they needed.
Fitz smiled, "Guys enjoy. I have got a couple of calls that I have to be on in lieu of me coming back."
They nodded. Karen was still feeling guilty. She wanted them to go back to being the close-knit family they have become.
Karen went over to her dad, "Dad I am really..."
Fitz stopped her, "You guys don't have to apologize. You guys got the closure you needed. We will be okay. We can play some tennis this weekend or something. We'll talk I promise."
The kids nodded. They told him they loved him.
He went over and hugged his wife. She held onto him tightly. Her embrace said it all, and he made sure to hold her so she knew they would be fine.
She looked up and kissed him, "I love you. We love you as she was rubbing her belly."
"I love you guys too. All of your favorites are over there. Unwind baby."
She nodded. They changed but the kids could tell that Olivia was tired. They sent her back in her room.
They found a tray and brought everything in her room. Fitz had picked up a pepperoni pie, white pie, and buffalo chicken pie. He had also picked up wings and their favorite homemade sodas.
He had also ordered Tom & Hal's favorites.
They laid in the bed enjoying their dinner. They were about to find a movie when the news came in.
The reporter started the news cycle with the report that President Grant had left Europe early to return to the White House. Initially there was no statement but about ten minutes ago he spoke exclusive with Kimberly Mitchell. We were shocked with the honesty of the President. Listen for yourself.
KM: Mr. President, there is concern why you left Europe early to return back to the White House. There has been speculation that you are not healthy.
Fitz: (Laughing) Actually I am completely healthy physically, but I came back to be with my family. The reason I am alive is because of my wife and children. Although we have bounced back well we suffered a major trauma. Realistically we are not that far removed from it. My family put their emotions aside so that we could do good for the world, but it has been hard on us at times. They are children. My wife is the best mother in the world. She has handled everything with class and dignity, but she is also almost seven months pregnant. I can not be across the world fixing other people's lives while my family is in pain. I have not neglected my duties. The other world leaders were gracious and accommodating. We struck several deals before I left, and some tonight over the phone. I am going to take a couple of days to make sure my family is okay, and my administration will make sure that we continue to make decisions in the best interest of this country.
The reporter said, "Since President Grant has returned to office I have heard so many people state how they didn't vote for him, but when he comes up for reelection he had their vote. I have been a life long Democrat, and never voted across party lines, but for the first time I think that will change. I will respect any man who puts his family first. The fact that he was able to think of the country, but still have his priorities straight speaks volumes. He is right. Most people couldn't bounce back as fast as this family did. They had to witness this, and that image is everywhere, and unfortunately will be talked about for years to come. We have to understand their feelings. I along with millions of American citizens support the first family it looks like according to the internet. I hope that some time together helps them regroup especially First Lady Grant. Stress is never good but especially during pregnancy."
The three of them were quiet. For some reason the moment felt surreal that he would do this for them, and not cover it up. I think in that moment they all realized that they were more important than the job. It wasn't something they had to question. It was tangible.
Jerry look up, "Why do I still feel so bad about tonight like it is my fault that there is tension in the house?"
Olivia looked at them, "Guys, I don't want to lie to you. Your dad like he said was dead set against it. Tonight I really found out why for the first time, but this family is not breaking up. No one is going anywhere. Your dad and I have to iron something's out. This is not on you. We would not change the decision to let tonight happen. We would just change the way we dealt with it."
Karen shrugged, "I know, but I still feel bad. I am going to head to my room and read."
Olivia nodded, "I spoke with the school earlier. I figured today might be hard so I decided to pull you guys out of class for the rest of the week. Neither of you had any major tests. Check your emails the teacher sent your assignments to you and copied me."
The kids nodded and hugged and kissed their mom good night. The day caught up to Olivia and she drifted off to sleep.
She woke up a little later and found that she was in bed alone. The sheets were cold. She used the bathroom and washed her face before setting out to find Fitz.
Hal informed her he was still in the Oval. She headed down. Lauren was still at her desk working. For some reason that made her feel good that he was working and not avoiding her.
Lauren smiled, "How are you Liv?"
"I'm good. You guys are still working?"
Lauren nodded, "He wanted to free up some time to spend with you and the kids so we have been working to get things done. He insisted I take the time off as well so that is why I am still here."
"When is the last time you guys ate?"
"I am not sure. It has been awhile. Abby is in her office."
Olivia walked down to Abby's office where she found her best friend hard at work. Abby looked up and noticed Olivia. She became worried.
Olivia smiled, "I'm fine. I was just checking on Fitz, and found out you guys are burning the midnight oil."
Abby laughed, "My brother has me working like a slave"
Olivia laughed
"Not really, we have been working non-stop since we cut the trip short. He wants family time, and if I have to work 24 hours straight then so be it."
"When is the last time you guys ate?"
"I think shortly after you guys arrived back to the White House."
Olivia nodded. She walked out and called Hal. Olivia decided to take care of her husband, and give him something that he craves. Fried Chicken. There is a restaurant in D.C. called GBD. Olivia had them to pick up several buckets of chicken, Fitz loved their sides of garlic smashed potatoes & pimento mac & cheese so she had them to pick up several of those sides, and of course a couple of boxes of donuts.
The men came back and Olivia brought them food. She put the food on Abby's desk and Abby didn't realize that she was hungry until she smelled the food.
Abby thanked her. On the way out Abby called out to Olivia. Olivia turned around.
"The whole way there he was worried about you. It ate at him that he was the cause of your pain. He wouldn't tell me what happen. I just know he will always choose you. He saw a woman pregnant in the lobby and he looked so sad. He made the right call. He showed me how important my best friend was to him. It will be okay. Just don't go back to the old Olivia."
Olivia looked down, "I already did."
Abby stood up, "The fact that you can acknowledge that to me says a lot. We all relapse. Just start over. He isn't going anywhere. He fought too hard for you to let this end it, and you did too. If you don't fight you let Mellie win. None of you deserve that."
"You are right Abby. Thanks I love you."
"Love you too."
She made her way to Lauren and sat her food down. Lauren smiled and thanked her.
She said, "He is finishing up a call, but you can go in."
Olivia opened up the door. He didn't notice her. He was concentrating on his computer and the call. He was talking to the President of Australia Tony Abbott. They supported each other.
Tony said, "Well Fitz I think we should be good to go. I can handle everything else. I won't call unless it is an absolute emergency. Enjoy your time with your family. I never got a chance to catch up with you. How is your wife? Isn't she close to her due date?"
Olivia could hear the smile in his voice as he talked about her, "Yeah man. We are about to enter our last trimester. I was a damn fool for not waiting on her. What you see on TV is who she really is. She is my world man, and she treats my other two children like she birthed them. She went to bat for them when I didn't."
Tony said, "Man I know whatever is going on will be fine. Whether you want to admit it or not the fact that the woman who at the time was your wife planned your demise in the way she did was heart-wrenching. I get that you want to protect your kids. Any good parent would, but you have to let them fall sometimes. You have to let them see things for themselves. As much as it sucks they needed to see for themselves that she has no heart. The three of you were a means to her ends. Now they can know for sure in their hearts that you love them. Mellie can never write a show, go on television, or write a book making you to be the bad guys."
"I know man, but I'm telling you that I wanted to kill her. I want to hate her, but I can't because then it wouldn't be fair to Livvie and the kids. I didn't fight death to lose the best thing that ever happened to me. She is the whole package. She is smart, beautiful, kind, love, the best mother and wife in the world. "
"If that is the case then get away and find yourselves again. Don't let Mellie win. Sometime this year or next we will schedule a visit, and I want to meet the entire family. Margie runs a non-profit that helps families. Margie has a lot of respect for the First Lady. Maybe we can coordinate something."
"It sounds good to me. I'll run it by my wife."
Fitz looked up, "Speaking of my wife. She is here and it looks like she comes bearing gifts so I've got to go, but we will talk soon."
"No problem man. Take care and give everyone my love."
The call ended. Olivia came over with the goods. As soon as Fitz saw the boxes he broke out in a grin. God, he loved his wife.
He sat the boxes down and pulled her onto his lap. The simple kiss turned into a passionate one that said they were sorry, and the talk would come but right now the kiss said more.
They finally had to break apart for air, and they just stared at one another. It was hard to even understand why they fell out.
Olivia caressed his face, "I am so very sorry baby. I got caught up in my feelings, and wanting to make a point. Win the argument that I went to far. I love you and I never want our family to break up. I promise."
"I know Livvie and I love you too. I'm sorry for getting caught in my feelings that I couldn't see why you wanted the kids to see her. Although I had a feeling how tonight was going to turn out I have to accept that they are not toddlers. They are teenagers, young adults and they have to see life the good and bad so they can thrive."
"You are right, but as parents we want to protect especially you as their dad."
"We both wanted to protect them, and we did. I'm over it though. I am not letting her destroy us . I was hoping that we could take the kids and head up to Camp David for a couple of days, and we are going away for the weekend for our anniversary in two weeks."
Olivia looked at him excited, "Where are we going?"
"It is a surprise."
"Okay well eat so you can finish up and relax."
"We still have a couple more hours Livvie."
"Okay well do you mind if I lay here on the couch and take a nap? I just want to be as close to you as possible right now."
Fitz kissed her forehead, "Sure sweet baby. If you walk over to my private office I bought you a throw to use when you are down here.
Olivia smiled. She went over to the cabinet and pulled out the throw and something else tumbled out. Olivia picked it up and tears immediately began to fall.
She tried to compose herself, but her hormones wouldn't let her. Fitz heard her and went to find out what was going on.
He went over to her. He forgot that he had that made. It was a cream cotton baby blanket with Ayden monogrammed on the blanket. He also ordered him a small bear and Ayden was on the bear's shirt.
"I um ordered them a couple of weeks ago on a whim. No reason other than I am excited about our first child together. When they arrived I realized how corny I was."
Olivia looked up at him, "This isn't corny. This is precious and I love and respect how much you value being a good dad."
Fitz smiled.
Olivia turned and looked at her husband, "I know you are busy, but can you hold us for a minute. I, we just have missed you so much, and I know its my fault."
"I have no problem holding you Livvie, but I will only do it if you let it go. We both made mistakes in that argument. We understand each other, and we will be better for it. Don't go back to the old Livvie trying to own everything. We are good baby. I love you beyond words."
"I love you to baby so much that I can't explain it. I can't lose you, but I'm letting it go."
"I'm not going anywhere that you are not."
He sat down and pulled his wife into his arms. She really was all belly, and he thought she was even more beautiful. It didn't take her long to fall asleep. He knew she didn't sleep well when he wasn't around, and with her being pregnant her body was craving rest. He held her a few minutes longer until Abby came in.
He got up and got her situated and covered up, and made his way back over to his desk.
Abby smiled at him, "Everything good?"
Fitz hugged her, "Yeah thank sis!"
"I never thought the day would come that my brother would be a Republican. I would work for him, and love him, but I do. You are welcome. Love you."
"Love you too. Let's get this stuff finished so we can all take a break."
It was almost four in the morning when they got finished. Fitz insisted that Abby stay, and leave in the daytime. She wanted to protest but exhaustion and his sincere concern for her stopped her.
Since Lauren was going to have some time off Fitz spoke with Hal who told him he would cover for Tom with Ethan and Jack. Since they were headed to Camp David the SSAs knew they would have downtime.
Fitz sent them all over to Blair House to rest. He picked up Olivia and carried her to the Residence. He was surprised when he walked in, and saw his daughter sitting on the couch. She looked in deep thought.
She was surprised to see her dad with her mom. She had assumed that they had gotten into another argument when Hal said she wasn't in her room.
Fitz went and put Olivia in the bed.
He came back out to check on Karen.
"What's wrong sweetie?"
Karen started crying, "I couldn't sleep. I still feel guilty about us asking to see Mellie. I don't want mom to leave. I don't want our family to break up."
Fitz pulled his teenage daughter in his lap. She wasn't a teenager at the moment. She was his little girl.
"Sweetie, your mom and I are fine. We have talked some, but no one is going anywhere. We are fine. We will remain a family. As a matter of fact we are going to head to Camp David to get away for a little bit."
Karen looked up, "Really?"
"Yes honey. You needed to see your mother. As much as it pains me that you had to witness and know that she is really an unkind woman you needed to see that. As your dad I want to shield you from pain, but your mom was right. You are getting older and life is not always fair. Everyone is not kind and considerate. There are evil people in this world, and unfortunately your mother is one of them. It was a rough moment for all of us, but we are not breaking apart we are going to grow stronger together."
"Okay dad"
"How are you and Jerry doing with the project you are working on for mom?"
"Pretty good. Auntie Abby, Lauren, and Quinn are finalizing some details, but it is coming together. Thank you for allowing us to do this."
"No problem pumpkin. I think it is good for you and your brother to do this, and I really think your mom is going to be happy and proud. Why don't you head back to bed? We are sleeping in, and we will head to Camp David later on this afternoon or evening. Text your brother for me, and let him know."
"Okay daddy. Love you."
"Love you to sweetheart."
Fitz went and climbed in the bed with his wife. He missed holding her, and having her in his arms was the single best feeling in the world other than his children. As much as he loved being President especially now with Olivia by his side. It wasn't even a close call which one was more important.
They all slept in that morning. Even when Fitz woke up Olivia was still knocked out. He realized how exhausted she really must have been. He pulled out their bags and began to pack some things knowing that his wife would finish it up, and find anything that he may have forgotten.
He decided to stop and enjoy a nice long shower to relax his muscles. From the time that they arrived back in D.C. he had been going nonstop.
Olivia woke up and realized that it was now afternoon. It was close to one. She noticed that Fitz wasn't in the bed, but she noticed that he had been up packing for their trip. She then heard the water and realized where he was.
Her body was calling out for her husband. They had talked and moved on, but the only way she knew that they were okay was how he responded to her physically. She needed that closeness with him.
She walked into the bathroom and stared at him for a moment. He was such a sexy man especially for his age, but looking at him made her think of Ayden. God she hoped that he has those sexy brown curls.
She walked into the shower and Fitz felt the breeze when she opened and closed the door. He felt her hands and although they were petite they felt so big. She laid her head on his back.
Fitz asked, "Did you sleep okay sweet baby?"
"I did. I always do when you are here. I feel safe."
"Then I am doing my job."
"You always do your job."
"I think we might be talking about different job."
"Maybe"
Fitz turned and faced her. She looked down at his erection. She immediately felt the moisture between her legs.
"Is there something that you need from me sweet baby?"
"You"
"Me"
"You. I need you to take your wife, and remind her that she belongs to you and you only."
He picked her up, "I thought that she already knew that. I thought she understood that her husband doesn't like to share at all. He is a very jealous man."
"She knows, but she was out of line and she feels like her husband is the only one that can set her straight."
"How, like this?" Fitz slid two fingers inside of her. Olivia immediately threw her head back. She was so sensitive lately and she missed her husband.
"That is one way she moaned"
For a minute or two he let her ride his fingers, and then he pulled out. Olivia grumbled something that he didn't understand.
"Well I thought you want this, and he thrust into her hard and deep."
He pulled out, "I thought that was what you wanted sweet baby"
"Fitz, please I want it. I need it. Please don't make me beg."
It was something about the way she pleaded with him that told him she really needed him. This was not a game. He quickly realized that she wanted to feel him. She wanted to make sure that he wasn't holding back on her. It was the final way for her to see that they were okay.
Fitz walked them over to the bench in their shower. He sat down. He stopped moving which forced Olivia to look at him.
When she looked at him he smiled, "There is my wife."
He kissed her with so much passion she had to remember to breathe. Although she was on top he controlled every movement as he made love to her.
Each thrust was slow but deep and she felt him everywhere. He felt so good that she couldn't speak. She could only feel.
He was staring at her. His eyes told her what she needed to know. They were one. They were okay. They would always be okay because they had each other.
Olivia didn't realize she was crying until she saw him kiss her tears.
"You are my world Olivia Grant, and we have a lot of life to live, children to raise, a country and world to make better. I don't want to do it with anyone but you. I love you so much sweet baby.
"I love you too Fitz so much. I am a better person because of you, and I can never run again from you, us, and our family. I will always fight for us."
"I know baby. Let go Livvie. Cum for me baby. I got you. I always have you even when we don't see eye to eye. You are my world. My wife. The mother of my children."
That was it. Olivia couldn't hold on any longer. She let her orgasm take over, and Fitz never let her go as he came and emptied his seed inside of her.
The couple composed themselves and washed each other. They talked and enjoyed being back on the same wave length.
After they finished showering and getting dressed FItz went to check on the kids. They were playing something on the X-box, but they had packed.
Fitz had a surprise for the kids and Olivia before they headed to Camp David.
Hal came in and told him that Eli Rowan who ran a secret division within the CIA was requesting to speak to him.
Fitz had no desire to go to his office so he asked Hal to bring him into the Residence. Just as he was brought into the Residence Olivia was coming down the hall.
"Honey have you checked on the kids to make sure they have everything. You know our daughter always forgets something."
Olivia looked up and stopped. The look she had bothered Fitz. It was like she was seeing a ghost. His gut was telling him this visit from Eli was personal. He knew about the organization, but had no direct involvement. They handled highly classified special operations. There was nothing going on in the world that he could think that he would be here to discuss, and he wouldn't normally come to him. He had never met him just heard of him from Cyrus, but Olivia looked a little like him.
Olivia said, "Dad what are you doing here?"
Everyone in the room stopped. The kids never asked Olivia about her dad. She talked about her mom, but never her dad. They assumed she didn't know who he was.
They could also tell that she didn't look happy at all to see him. Just when the tension had left it was back.
Olivia turned to the kids. "Guys give your dad & I 30 minutes to handle this, and we will be on our way. Decided what you want me to fix for dinner so I can make sure we have everything okay."
"Yes ma'am"
Once Olivia heard the door close she turned to face her father, "What are you doing here?"
"So you are not going to introduce me to your family?"
"No, you don't get to meet the best things that ever happen to me. Had you not thrown me aside like I was trash, maybe. I'm over it."
"You still sound quite hostile."
Fitz was getting pissed. He wasn't the President he was a husband that didn't like how his wife was being treated.
Fitz stepped up, "Mr. Rowan, I'm not sure what kind of bullshit game you are playing, but I don't have the time or patience to deal with you upsetting my pregnant wife."
He laughed, "Are you threating me Mr. President?"
"No, I am promising you that if my wife gets so upset that she gets sick that I am going to kill you and this is not President Grant talking this is Fitzgerald Grant speaking."
"Well, I have to respect you that you are looking out for her. You got a lot of balls to stand up to me."
"I am a man. A man who takes care of his family. I don't throw my family aside and pick them up when they see fit."
Fitz was pissed down. Olivia walked over to him and caressed his face, "Baby please calm down. You don't want to get a migraine right before our trip, and be stuck in bed."
Fitz looked at her. She was okay so he calmed down.
Olivia turned to Eli, "Why are you here?"
"I was concerned after I heard about the President coming back to take care of his family, and wanted to make sure everything was okay."
"You have your little minions that could have told you that. I know you have eyes on me. Don't know why. Actually I do. It is your way of controlling the situation, but you don't have a daughter anymore so stop."
"Stop being so dramatic Olivia."
Olivia laughed, "You know I am really glad that mom died. God took her away so she didn't have to continue to put up with your bullshit. As much as I hate how you threw me aside it was probably for the best. Either way you ruined me for a long time. I didn't know how to accept love. I didn't know my worth. You didn't teach me that I was worth something. All you taught me was I had to be twice as good."
For the first time Eli had a blank stare.
Olivia continued, "So what was your plan? You were going to come in and save the day for me. Threaten my husband. Tell him how much power you have although he is the President of the United States. Did you think you had a right to come in here and judge my husband?"
Eli looked at her, "I was concerned as your dad about you because of.."
Olivia laughed, "Oh your little minions told you about Mellie. Someone must have heard that Fitz & I weren't seeing eye to eye. So you thought you would what threaten him."
Olivia was now laughing like she was possessed. Fitz was a little lost, but then he saw the look. The look that she was going to shut you down.
Olivia turned and faced her dad, "I am not your daughter. You are my sperm donor. Your minions gave you reports. You knew what my life was like. You don't get to try to save me now that I am married with a family. You should have done that when I was younger. You should have saved me from Jake. Oh you couldn't because he worked for you."
Fitz gasped.
Olivia continued, "Huck told me. Jake was supposed to get me away from Fitz, but like the royal fuck up that he is he blew the mission. He got so caught up in trying to one up Fitz that he messed everything up. That is how he got caught up with Mellie. I know you killed him. Good for you, but dad we are never going to have a relationship. I will never allow my children near you. I am not speaking to you as the First Lady. I am speaking to you as Olivia Grant wife and mother to two with one on the way with plans for one or two more so stay the hell out of my life. When the mama bear in me kicks in I cause all kinds of hell, and the fact that you taught me to be twice as good has allowed me to know that you were here this whole time."
Eli looked up shocked and Olivia continued, "You under-estimated your own daughter. I told Fitz you were here. I told him you had eyes on me. The only surprise to me is that you are crazy enough to think we can have a relationship. You might of had half of percent had you come in here and had respect for my home, and my husband. No, you came in here like I was a business transaction. I forgive you. I forgave you a long time ago so that I could have some happiness. Now I am living blissfully with my family, and you are not part of that. So if you could excuse us my husband flew all the way back to take care of his wife and kids, and we would like to get going."
Eli wanted to say something, but she had spoken loud and clear. She wasn't afraid at all. He turned to leave when Olivia called him.
Eli turned around, "Now that you have made your move Tom no longer will report to you. You will not threaten him or his family ever again to get Intel. If so much as a hair on his head is singed I will blow your house the fuck down. What makes me better than you is that I know how to treat people. Humans get tired of being threatened. Stop watching me. You had your chance. You blew it. Are we clear?"
Eli nodded, "Crystal"
Once he left Fitz faced his wife, "That is how you knew he was here was because of Tom."
Olivia shook her head, "No my gut told me that. You know when you are being watched, but once you were shot and I decided to be with you I knew he was going to try something. He knew that Tom was your number one. He just never banked on Tom being as loyal as he was. I had Huck watching out for Tom, and I told Tom to report. We had no secrets. I knew that he was going to show up at some point. I actually expected it after Ayden came. No one has ever stood up to him when it comes to me. He came here to throw you off, but it didn't work."
"Do you think he will stop?"
"Yes, he realizes that he can't intimidate anyone. He is also sick. He has cancer. Stage Four Prostate. He wanted to make amends. Like I told him I forgive him, but we are not family. He has to live his final days knowing what he did."
"Mrs. Grant you are one smart lady. Glad you are on my side."
"Ditto"
They gathered the kids and headed out to start their time away. The kids were happy to see that there was no tension. Their parents were calm and happy. Even with Eli showing up nothing was ruined.
They were back on the same page, and it felt good.
A/N-So there was drama this chapter. I decided that the kids needed to see Mellie after watching a show where a similar incident happen. The kids had heard all these bad things about their mom, but they wanted to talk to their mom. They got to see for themselves that she didn't care about them. Fitz & Olivia didn't see eye to eye, but they worked it out.
Eli finally came into the light. This was always planned, and he is not coming back.
Next up you will see the surprise that Fitz has for the family. I won't talk about their time in Camp David too much. We will move to their anniversary weekend, and the surprise that the kids have planned for Olivia. Prepare yourself you might shed a tear.
