A/N-Hand Sewn this update is for you. After getting your review I moved the update up to be included with the others that I posted.
Things were different for the couple this time around. For one they were together and married, but also since Fitz was President there was no downtime.
Before they went on the trail they spent a lot of time deciding what they wanted the next four years to look like. Fitz demanded that his wife be bold with her platform.
They didn't have to worry about another election so they had more freedom to work on projects that might give voters pause at the polls.
The country had an idea of their plan, but they didn't even know the half of it. They had a four-year plan, and that plan started the moment he was reelected.
A week after the election Olivia left the country for ten days. She had stops in London, Switzerland, and France.
Olivia's biggest project was her initiative for young girls all over the world to receive a quality education. She would be adding more when their second term officially began, but for now she was doing the leg work to prepare.
Ayden stayed back with Fitz. They had an argument about it, and didn't speak to each other all day, but they promised each other after the post-partum fight to never go to bed angry.
Olivia felt that Fitz didn't think she was capable for handling business, and taking care of Ayden at the same time. That wasn't what Fitz was thinking at all. When he traveled he didn't taken Ayden. It wasn't expected of him. He felt she deserved the same respect. He wanted her to travel with the freedom of only having to take care of herself.
Once the trip started she couldn't be more grateful for her husband if she tried. She was exhausted. The campaigning was a wonderful experience, but it was also tiresome. Not to mention they still had to handle the country as well.
She had been in Paris for two days. It was the last leg of her trip. The trip had been rewarding, but she missed her husband and children. She needed to see them in the flesh.
After a successful meeting they were headed to dinner to celebrate the joint initiative they would be working on.
As she stepped out the car she smiled at her surroundings. Paris was Paris. There was nothing not to love about the city.
She had made in the restaurant, and was being escorted to the private room reserved for dinner when she heard a loud blast. She never saw anything before she blacked out.
Fitz had an early dinner with the kids since he had some late conference calls. It had been a long ten days without his wife. He could handle the kids, but not like her.
The kids missed her. He missed her, and couldn't wait to have her in his arms again. The calls, texts, and video chats were great, but they wanted the real thing.
He was on a call when he received word that there was an emergency, and he was needed in the Situation Room.
Fitz ended the call, and hurried to the room wondering what had happened to cause such chaos. When he walked in his stomach dropped.
He looked around at his Cabinet. The looks on their face said this was personal, but he didn't know what until the sound on the television was unmuted.
He felt his legs give out, as he watched the explosions. He knew his wife was at one of the restaurants that had been attacked.
Abby was trying to remained composed for the sake of her best friends.
Fitz quickly composed himself thinking about the kids. They gave him a quick brief. He practically ran to the Residence, but it was too late.
It was breaking news. He walked into a site that he wouldn't soon forget. His kids were frantically calling their mom. One was calling her personal cell, and the other her business cell.
Abby walked in behind Fitz, and her heart broke. They made it over to the kids and finally got the phones out of their hands. They broke down in their arms, and for the first time Fitz & Abby shed a couple of tears.
Abby eventually got up. She left Fitz with the kids. He didn't realize how much time had passed until she came back in the room.
Abby made it over to them, "Guys come on. Air Force One is waiting for you guys to fly you to Paris. We have spoken with President Hollande. He has dispatch his team to try and locate Olivia. I have set up a conference call for two hours into your flight. We will handle the press here. I had overnight bags packed for you three. Marta has Ayden and his stuff so let's get you guys out of here."
Fitz nodded. He helped the kids up who clung to him. Abby nodded knowing that he wanted to talk to her, but the kids needed him more.
As soon as Ayden saw Fitz he wanted him. They tried to avoid the media, but it was impossible. They captured a couple of shots of Fitz & the kids. They were respectful, and didn't shout questions at them. He heard well wishes and prayers.
He needed her. He wasn't ready to say good-bye to his wife. They had plans. They had fought and won. He needed more time. The kids needed more time. He would give everything up to get his wife back.
Shortly after they took off Fitz got Ayden to sleep. He went over to the kids who were still trying their mom's phone.
Fitz went over to them and gently took their phones, "Guys the phone lines are tied up with so many people calling. I know you are scared. So am I, but mom would want you both to be strong. We have to believe she is alright. You need to be rested when we find her. I know it feels impossible to sleep, but I want you both to try for me."
Jerry whispered, "I need her dad."
Fitz choked, "We all do."
Olivia didn't know how long she was out, and she didn't know what happened but something was wrong. She looked around and realized the beautiful restaurant that she walked into was now rubble. She tried to move, but couldn't. she was pinned under something.
She looked to her left, and there was a young woman there clinging to life. Olivia reached out and grabbed her hand.
The woman turned, "You are the First Lady of the United States"
"I am"
'Well this sucks don't it?"
"I would have to say so. What's your name?"
"Kasey"
"Call me Liv or Olivia"
"That would be inappropriate First Lady…"
"Considering the circumstances I think it is fine."
Kasey nodded. She was beginning to close her eyes, and Olivia couldn't allow that to happen. She looked around, and saw dead bodies. Kasey couldn't be one of them.
"Kasey look at me."
Kasey didn't move. Olivia was able to turn her body enough to get a little closer to Kasey. It hurt like hell, but adrenaline helped.
"Kasey look at me damn it. You are not going to die. You are going to live, and do great things. You are going to come work for me."
"You don't know me."
Olivia smiled. Grateful that she responded. Despite the dust and debris, she remembered the young woman. She was interning for a company that was going to be helping Olivia. While she didn't say very much when she spoke she was passionate. She wanted to create change.
"You are right. You don't really know me either."
"You are the First Lady."
"No, I am a woman, a wife, and a mother who happens to be the First Lady."
"My mom died when I was young. My dad remarried. My stepmom is mixed. She jokes she is a little of everything. She loves you. She got my dad a diehard Democrat to vote for your husband. She kept saying how down to earth you guys were. You understood the American people. I was here so I had to mail my ballot in. I believed her. I voted for him too. I like you guys. You are the reason I'm here."
"How?"
"I want to create change for girls all over the world. I want girls to believe they can rule the world. You made me believe in myself. Me creating a little bit of change was better than nothing."
Hearing her motivated Olivia even more to keep her alive. Olivia's leg was pinned under something, but she moved enough to get closer to Kasey.
She didn't know how long she talked to her, before she heard a rescue team asking if there were any survivors.
Olivia yelled out. It was the team that President Hollande dispatched to look for the First Lady. They got to her, but she wouldn't let them take her first. Kasey was more critical. She demanded they take her, and she wanted to be briefed on her condition personally.
Kasey pulled the mask off, "Olivia if I don't make it promise me you will tell my parents I loved them. I appreciate everything they sacrificed for me."
Tears fell down Olivia's face, "I promise, but you are going to tell them yourself. I will make sure you get the best care possible. They love you and so do I."
Tears fell as they took her away. The team that stayed behind to take care of Olivia promised they would take the young woman to the same hospital.
As they looked Olivia over they realized that a combination of the adrenaline, and her focus on the young woman had helped her not think about the pain. A wall had come down, and they needed to get Olivia out.
For the first time since everything happened Olivia thought about herself, and her family. The woman noticed the panic in Olivia setting in. Her partner noticed and nodded.
She went over by Olivia's head and caressed her hair, "We are getting you out of here Olivia, and we know that your family is enroute here. As soon as we get you out we will call the President so he can update your family and country that we found you. I just need you stay calm for me.
It was about time for them to land soon, and Fitz was grateful that all three kids slept. He had spoken with the President who was grateful that Fitz was willing to help them however they needed. Thus far over one hundred dead, and more than that injured.
Fitz hated that he had to be President right now, but he knew that this is what his wife would have wanted. He was trying to strike a balance.
In return the President assured Fitz he had sent his best out to try and locate the First Lady. All the lives mattered, but the countries would not rest until they knew the status of the First Lady.
After the call ended Fitz sat in the room thinking about his life. How much time he wasted on dumb stuff. He didn't care what shape she was in he just wanted his wife to be alive.
They were about to land in an hour. He had the staff to fix the kids something. He was hoping he didn't have to beg them.
He went to check on them, and he had never been more thankful for his youngest son than he was at that moment. He could tell that the kids were still scared, but they were their mother's children. They had put their fear and pain aside to take care of their brother. He didn't know what was going on. He loved his brother and sister.
He went over and kissed each child's forehead.
Ayden smiled at him, "Da Da"
"Yes buddy daddy's right here."
Karen looked over at her dad, "Any word on mom?"
"They have a team in the area where she was having dinner. Hopefully by the time we land we will know more. Thank you both for helping me with Ayden."
Jerry nodded, "Mom would want us to stick together right now. When I slept I dreamed that she was alive. She was buried or pinned but alive."
Fitz nodded, "I believe you son. I didn't sleep, but I feel like she is still alive. My gut tells me she is still with us."
Karen grabbed her dad's hand, "Me too dad."
When they landed the media was there and waiting on them. Fitz had time to get his emotions in check. He gave a brief statement sharing his condolences to the country and the people who lost their lives or were hurt. He expressed that he was here not only to find out about his wife, but to support the country in their time of need like they had done so many times for the United States.
Fitz was answering some questions when an official came over to the President.
The young man said, "Mr. President I was told it was imperative that you take this call, and the caller insisted I put it on speaker phone."
Fitz nodded.
The man turned his phone around.
It took a moment for the caller to compose themselves. It sounded like they were struggling for air. Then he heard it.
"Hi"
Fitz & the kids gasped. While the world might not have recognized the voice they did.
"Livvie"
"It's me baby."
"You're alive!"
"I am. I'm not ready to leave yet. We still have so much to do. Are the kids near you?"
"We are!"
"I love you guys. Take care of your brother. You know dad has to work."
They smiled, "We will."
"Fitz, I know I am going to need surgery of some kind. Be the President. The country needs you. I know you are going to say I need you too. I do, but there is no need to sit around in a waiting room. I wanted to be on speakerphone so the country could hear I'm alive. Go be the man they voted for."
"I love you honey. We will be there by the time you wake up. I promise."
She coughed struggling for air, "I know. Kiss Ayden for me. Love you."
"Love you more."
As Olivia wanted the media heard the call. Everyone was happy to hear that the First Lady was alive. Fitz did meet with President Hollande, but only for a few minutes.
He had signed and made the necessary calls to deploy those needed to assist with the investigation. They were taken to the hospital.
They were expecting the family. There were two doctors waiting to talk to the President to alert him on the status of his wife.
He had found out on the flight that Olivia had given Quinn the day off. She had also paid for Quinn to enjoy a day at the spa. Quinn had slept in that morning, enjoyed the city before heading back for her spa day. She was safe.
None of Olivia's detail was killed. They all had various injuries with Hal being the worse, because he pushed Olivia so the wall didn't hit her head or back. He was in surgery, and was expected to survive.
The doctors explained that Olivia had a punctured kidney and lung that required surgery. She had fractured some ribs, and broke her right leg.
Quinn made it to the hospital, and Fitz could tell she was upset with herself.
Fitz hugged her, "Liv is going to tell you, and so am I. I am glad you were at that hotel. It was one less person we had to worry about. You aren't the cause of this, and there wasn't anything that you could have done. You are here now, and that is what is important."
"She keeps saving my life."
"She wouldn't have it any other way."
Quinn pulled herself together, and met with the press to provide an update on the First Lady. They also provided numbers that Americans could call if they were looking for someone.
The young woman that was part of the team requested to speak to Fitz. Fitz thanked her for her assistance. She of course saw it as nothing.
She said, "Mr. President, your wife's injuries were pretty serious. It could have been worse with her moving the way she did which made it harder to breathe."
She could tell he was confused.
She continued, "She did this because of another young woman that was near her. Her injuries could have been fatal. The doctors believe the injuries would have been fatal.
Fitz asked, "Why were they not?"
"Your wife…"
"Olivia"
"Yes sir. She would not let her close her eyes. She talked to her until we found them. Furthermore, she would not allow us to take her first. She demanded we take the young woman which we did. The doctors said if the First Lady had been taken first it is very likely the young girl wouldn't have made it."
Fitz smiled
"I'm telling you this because your wife wanted Kasey that is the name of the young woman to receive the best care possible. She wanted to be near her. I know some rescuers tell their patients whatever they need to tell them to keep them alive and fighting. I have done that as well, but when I looked your wife in the eyes it was a promise I felt I needed to keep. It was touch and go, but doctors think she is going to make it. Here is her information. Can you make sure your wife gets it?"
"Under one condition?"
"Sir"
"That you come back and see her. I'll make sure that we take care of Kasey."
The young woman smiled, "It would be my pleasure."
Olivia made it through surgery just fine. The doctors told them that if Olivia didn't have any setbacks she should be fine for the inauguration. She might not be able to stay on her feet as long, but she would be available to enjoy everything.
Olivia was in intensive care. She would be there for at least two days due to the surgeries she had. She was on a breathing machine. He was told for at least 24 hours. Kasey was next door. Her parents had not arrived. He asked the nurse to let them know when they arrived which they promised him.
Olivia began to wake for the first time. Fitz stood up. He was going to get the doctor when she stopped him. Tears were falling down her face.
Fitz wiped her face, "Relax baby. You punctured your lung so you need to be on this. We are right here. The teens took their brother out to get some air. He was getting restless."
She smiled
"I love you baby. I prayed for you to be alive, and you are. We will be here with you every step of the way."
He could see the concern on her face.
"Hal was seriously injured, but will survive. Your other agents had various injures, but will all be fine. Quinn is fine. The hotel was not attacked. Kasey is next door. The young woman who was part of your rescue filled me in. She wanted you to know she kept her promise, and now I am keeping yours."
He could tell she was exhausted, but she needed to see the children. Tom came in. Olivia grabbed him hand.
"I'll take care of them Liv. There is a rehab facility in D.C. that has agreed to take Hal. When he can be transported he will. Abby took care of it. So I just need you to relax for me okay.
She nodded tightening the grip she had on his hand. A short time later the kids came in the room. They made it over to her and kissed her cheeks while holding her hand.
Fitz watched as the kids told her how much they loved and needed her. How happy they were to see her alive. They promised to take care of her, and just wanted her to rest.
Olivia was content especially after Ayden grabbed her hand when she reached out for him. When Fitz bent him down he kissed her face. It was the cutest thing, and he could tell his wife was so happy to have the kids there.
It took no time for her to fall asleep. She was in ICU for the next two days before she was moved to a normal room.
Abby & Andrew were now in Paris with him to help with Olivia, the kids, and work. The hospital had set up an area for them to work when they were there.
Quinn had taken the kids shopping since they were going to be in Paris longer than they originally anticipated.
Fitz was working with the President to capture the attackers.
It was another two days before Olivia wasn't so drugged up that she recognized the people in the room. She was able to hold short conversations with people.
Fitz walked in the room. They were checking the wrappings on her chest. The nurses nodded. The family was adamant that they would take care of her. So Fitz, Karen, and Abby were handling her personal needs including her sponge baths.
Today they were getting her out of her hospital gown into some pajamas which Fitz knew she was happy about. He could tell when he brought them in that it lifted her spirits. She would feel a little normal.
Fitz had finished the sponge bath when she grabbed his hand. She had tears in her eyes. He thought he hurt her.
She shook her head, "You didn't hurt me. The opposite actually. I know the vows, but I still want to say thank you. Not only are you here, but taking care of me. I have heard the news. You are still being a leader, and taking care of the kids. I love you, and thank you for the sacrifices you are making."
Fitz leaned down and kissed her, "If I recall you were there for me when there were no vows in place. Although I am not doing this to even the score. I am doing this because you are my wife. I want to be here. I need to be here. I can't be that effective leader that you are hearing about unless my family is okay."
"I know. How are the kids really?"
"Honestly Livvie they are fine now they know you are alive. I don't know what was worse walking into the room and watching the explosions knowing you were there, or walking into the Residence seeing our children distraught trying to get you on the phone."
Olivia felt horrible.
"Don't do that Livvie. This is not on you. You were doing your job. You were here to help people. You are helping people, and some jackass wants to kill people in the name of God. That is on them Livvie. Not you. We have you back, and I will not rest until we hold someone accountable. Both countries deserve that much. Okay…."
She smiled and nodded.
Fitz finished up and helped her get into her pajamas. He brushed her hair. Abby had washed it the night before.
Olivia took a nap. When she woke up Fitz was at the table reading a brief. He noticed she was up. He came over to her.
"Livvie there is someone that would like to visit you. Do you feel up to it?"
She nodded. Fitz sent a text message. A few minutes later there was a knock at the door. Fitz answered. He hugged the woman.
They came around the corner.
Fitz smiled, "Liv, this is Linda. Kasey's mom."
Tears came to both women's eyes.
Linda grabbed her hand. Between tears she said, "The doctors told us if it wasn't for you Kasey wouldn't have made it. I can never thank you for saving my daughter."
"It was nothing."
"It was. Not just talking to her, but that you demanded she be taken first. That time saved her life. Because of you I get more time with my baby, and I know you understand what that means."
"I do and the pleasure is all mine. She really is a wonderful young woman. I hate that we met under the circumstances we did. I promised her something."
"She told me. She thought you were saying it to keep her going."
"I am sure that she is heavily sedated a lot right now, but when the time is right and you will know I want you to tell her that offer still stands. She just needs to fight for it."
"Really?"
"Yes, when she is ready to return to the United States I will continue to make sure she receives the best care possible. My husband is right. They can't win."
"I really appreciate it. Without your help this would be so much harder. She turned and looked at Fitz. Thank you for arranging somewhere for us to stay. I wish there was something I could do in return."
Olivia grabbed her hand, "Just take care of yourself and Kasey. That is thanks enough."
Linda nodded.
Olivia was in the hospital for another six days. They had decided after speaking with the doctors that she was going to stay in France until after the new year.
Although it wouldn't be an issue for the doctors in the United States to take care of her she didn't want to travel.
Fitz would head back to D.C. to handle some business, but return so they could spend the holidays together. Prior to Olivia's release they had put it out there, and the country was more than understanding especially when the White House released that she would be available for all inauguration activities.
Olivia decided she would be speaking to the press for the first time since the bombings. The conference room was set up with her medical team.
The kids were dressed up and ready to stand with their parents. Fitz had sent hair & makeup in this morning. It was about more than her being in front of the camera. He wanted her to feel beautiful despite her injuries. She had some lacerations to her face, but the makeup would conceal most of it.
When he walked in she looked beautiful in the Oscar de la Renta marine blue two-tone A-line lace dress. Even the wheelchair couldn't take away her beauty.
Fitz smiled, "You look amazing honey."
"I feel like it. Thank you for sending my team in this morning. It was what I needed."
"Good, you ready?"
"Yes, why won't you tell me where we are staying. Even the kids won't tell me."
"I asked them not to. I wanted to make it special."
"Okay"
They made their way to the room where the interview was taking place. The medical team was already speaking with the reporters updating them on Olivia's condition. They explained the follow-up care that she would be providing, and that she was recovering nicely.
Olivia was wheeled into the room, and everyone stood up and clapped. Olivia was overwhelmed in a good way. She knew people cared, but it was obvious by the expressions on people's faces that they really wanted her to be okay. This wasn't about the First Lady. This was about her.
Olivia began, "I don't have a ton of energy to talk that is why the doctors did most of it for me. (Crowd Laughs). I thought it was important for everyone to see me. I am still on quite a bit of meds, but my wonderful family helps me keep up with everything. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I also wanted to speak, because it is important that as humans we don't let these monsters win. The same way you support and love me the First Lady who is a black woman we need to love each other that way. Let's not be so quick to judge. That is what these monsters want, and I want to be clear they are monsters. No matter what you believe they don't tell you to kill your fellow man. We can get through this together. France has always been there for the United States and vice versa. That does not change. It is easier on me to recover here during the holidays, but rest assured I will be back in the United States after the first of the year. I look forward to seeing some of you then. I promise the country will see a lot of me over the next four years. All nationalities, creed, and sex. We have work to do."
Olivia's speech was well received. Her approval ratings were sitting at 93%. Fitz always knew that Olivia would be the perfect First Lady. While she picked out china patterns, and walked around with kids that was only a fraction of who she was. Even when she was with the kids she would turn it into a Q&A session.
He knew he could never convince her with words that she wasn't ornamental which is why he stopped. He just needed his actions to show he wanted her to be and do more. Fitz refused to speak, and wouldn't take questions. When it was about his wife and kids he made sure the focus stayed there. The media fought him at first, but time showed them that wasn't going to change. People called him weak at first, but that quickly changed.
They were in the car on their way home. Fitz decided to tell Olivia where they were going to be staying. He wanted some privacy so he arranged for the kids, Abby, and Quinn to arrive in a different car. They were going to pick up somethings for the house before they came.
Fitz grabbed his wife hand, "When my father died I found out that my mother had left me most of her estate when she died. My father tried in vain to get access to it, but when he died I found out that it was in vain. He could never gain access to it so he used people to keep it from me as long as possible."
Olivia looked at him, "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Not for the reasons you think. There was a box that she left for me. My dad tried to get into it, but my mom chose a date that only meant something to the two of us. Again knowing he would try to gain access to it. There were some items in there that in time I will show you and explain, but the first one is in front of us."
Olivia looked out the window and gasped at the private mansion. It was a 18th century mansion that Olivia could tell had been remodeled, but it still felt historic to her. She looked at her husband.
Fitz said, "My mom wrote me a letter. In the letter she guessed that my father would try to rule my life, and I would allow it because I wanted his approval. In the letter she told me to forgive myself. Any child would do the same thing, but it comes a point when you have to grow up and live your life. She told me this home was for when that time happened. Legally Mellie would not have been entitled to any of the property, but I kept it hidden because it was sacred. I couldn't allow her to try and tarnish it even though she would lose. After we got married I hired a contractor to update the house. I thought for an anniversary or after we left office I would bring you first, and then the kids. Then this happened. I hired a team that keeps the property maintained. The day after your surgery I called, and had them to open the home to get it ready. This feels like a good time."
"Baby, it is a perfect time. I am honored you find me worthy."
"Livvie, I am sorry I didn't grow up fast enough, but I won't make that mistake again."
"Ditto."
Tom got out and brought the wheelchair around, and carefully helped Olivia into her chair. Olivia grabbed his hand.
He bent down in front of her, "I took care of them like I promised. Now you keep your promise to me Liv, because they need you."
Fitz was choked up watching the moment. He no longer got jealous when men looked at his wife, or talked to them. She was his and vice versa. Besides he was just happy to have a team around him that protected all of them.
Olivia nodded, "I'm going to get better. We have more work to do."
Tom and Fitz smiled. Before they went in Tom handed her a phone.
"Hello"
"Liv, it's Hal"
Tears came to her eyes again.
"I wanted you to hear my voice. I am going to be okay, and I need you to be okay. Mrs. Grant you are worth saving. You have a family and a country who needs you. Mr. President has taken care of me. My sisters will be here with me. I want you relax and recover, and I am going to do the same so I can get back to my other family."
Olivia held her hand out to Fitz and he grabbed it, "I am holding you to that Hal. Your life matters to us to so you rest and get back on your feet, because in four years your SSA days are over. You are going into private duty for the Grant family with Tom."
She looked up at him and he nodded. Hal said, "I would have it no other way."
"Good, call us on Christmas so we can chat with you and your sisters. Also they are going to take the night off to attend a ball with us, but I'm having lunch with you."
"That isn't necessary…"
"I know, but you are family."
Fitz cut in, "Hal, I agree with my wife. I will be on the hill. I won't get to see you that day, but I will get in before or after. You are more than our agents. Don't ever forget that."
"Thanks Mr. President."
"No thanks needed we are family."
"We are which is why it was easy to make sure you got more time with your wife."
"I know, and I will make sure you get more time with yours."
They talked a couple moments more before ending the call.
They made their way into the house. The first thing that Olivia noticed and fell in love with was the stoned courtyard.
They made it inside the home. On the first level was a cloak room, music room which made Olivia smile since they loved all types of music, a living room, and a family room. The living room was over a landscaped garden that Olivia could tell was designed with her in mind.
There were still features of the 18th century home found as she looked at the study that was designed for the both of them to work in together. That excited her, and then she looked down and saw a huge kitchen and dining space. Olivia knew they would enjoy working, and looking down at the kids and each other in the future.
There was a beautiful staircase that had been remodeled, and they made their way over to the elevator. The second and third floors had bedrooms. There was also a dressing room, and a kid's room. Olivia loved the kid's room, and realized that he really believed they would at some point start their own family.
The top floor had a private apartment with bathroom. The basement contained a wine cellar built with his wife in mine. That was her girl cave. Fitz could tell she loved it. There was also a theater room.
As she looked at the house she began to think. There were certain things in the remodel that made her think back to talks they had on the trail when he was still married to Mellie. The talk of her wanting a home in Paris, a home that had modern features with history, a home that was elements of her.
Fitz realized she now remembered. Olivia turned around.
Fitz sat across from her, "In the letter my mom listed the properties that were left to me. Everything I said earlier was true, but in the letter she told one house would speak to me as the one that I would hold sacred for my family and my love. As I went through the properties I knew it was this one. All the others I sold or gave to charities."
He handed her a piece of paper. As she read the document she gasped and looked up at her husband in shock.
The document showed that all properties that Fitz put up for sale were sold right before he was shot. The money was put in a trust for the kids. They would split it evenly. In the clause kids included any children that he had with her regardless of marital status. There was also another clause that in the event they never had children she was to receive the share that went to the kids. He wanted her to know his love for her was real. It wasn't about the millions she would have received. The document had not been changed.
She was speechless. She wanted to be ashamed that she couldn't see how much he really loved her, and wanted the life they had, instead she decided to enjoy the fact they got here, and they were never leaving each other again until one of them died.
She looked up at her husband, "I love you, and I'm not going to go or think backwards. I just want you to know that I don't regret a single moment of our story, and I promise that our future will be filled with more happiness than sadness."
"I'm glad to hear you say that Livvie. All that matters is that we got it right. I want to enjoy that."
The kids, Abby, and Quinn arrived a short time later. Fitz gave them a tour of the house. Fitz had made the second floor their floor. It also had the nursery. The third floor was for the teens, and guests. The kids loved their rooms.
Olivia was getting tired. It was time for her treatment, and her meds. Fitz had hired a physician and nurse that the hospital recommended to take care of Olivia.
They arrived to check her out, give her first treatment, and deliver her medicines. Ayden was almost a pro at walking so he made into their room.
Fitz made sure to get them a California king bed, because the kids loved to hang out with them. As much as Fitz missed being close to his wife he knew the kids missed her more especially the teens. They went from no mother figure to a mother who loved them with everything she had. It rocked them to their core when the incident happened so when he saw the kids standing by the door after the doctor left he made the decision to wait.
He helped a sleepy Ayden up on the bed. He crawled over to his mom's side and curled up under her. He loved her hair in his face as he slept. He made sure Olivia was in the middle of the bed.
Olivia knew her husband missed her, and she did too so it warmed her heart with what he did next.
He looked at Karen & Jerry, "Guys why don't you come keep your mom company. I'm going to go call Harrison, and check on things at home."
He could see the happiness in the kids face. They crawled in the bed. Karen on one side. Jerry on the other side of Ayden.
Olivia looked at husband letting him know she knew he made up a reason, but loved him for doing it. She made sure her eyes let him know she would make it up to him.
Fitz went to the study and worked after following up with Harrison. Andrew had made it to the house. Fitz was giving him a tour of the house. When they made it to their master bedroom they stopped, and admired the scene before them. All four of them were sleep with their hands entwined.
Andrew who was the ultimate man was even choked up, "Bro, I am so happy for you. Not just Liv being alive but having the wife you deserved. I want to ask you."
"Andrew, I know you like Quinn. I think the feeling is mutual. I missed it at first, but not my wife. Yes, we support the decision although you don't need it."
"I know, but it is important to us."
"You have our blessing.
When Olivia woke up no one was in the bed with her. It was getting dark outside. As she was sitting up Abby walked in the room.
She helped Olivia to the bathroom. Once she relived herself and washed her hands Abby came back in. She told Olivia that Fitz had to leave to meet with President Hollande about some intel.
Abby helped her bathe, and get into some clean pajamas.
Abby crawled in the bed and began to brush her hair. Olivia heard her sniffling and turned around. She was surprised to see her best friend crying.
"Abby, I am right here."
"I know, but I don't think you understand how much we love you. We are more than your gladiators. We are family. I don't express my feelings enough, and I am going to do better."
"I am the same way. We will both do better, and you are absolutely right we are family. I want you to know that if the shoe was on the other foot. I would feel the same way. I would be there for you, and take care of you like you are doing for me."
"I know Liv!"
The weeks leading to Thanksgiving were busy. Fitz had to fly back to the United States for events they scheduled at the White House. Olivia didn't want to disappoint the children.
Fitz had arranged for the children to not return to school until after the new year. They had a tutor who was helping them keep up with their schooling.
The kids had stepped up to the plate to help their dad with the events, and taking care of Olivia. Despite the hectic schedule the family took care of Olivia.
The week of Thanksgiving they sent Marta back to the U.S. to enjoy the holidays with her family. Olivia was gaining her strength back, and she enjoyed spending time with the family cooking Thanksgiving dinner.
The day after Thanksgiving the kids went out and found a tree for their home, and they spent the evening decorating the tree, singing and dancing to music.
Everyone was excited about Christmas for several reasons. This Christmas Ayden understood more, and his happiness made them all happy.
Christmas was just the five of them. They ate, opened presents, and enjoyed each other. They posted a couple of pictures to the White House accounts. The country loved them especially after everything that happened. It was great to see Olivia really on the mend.
The first of the year arrived, and it was time to head back to the United States. They were able to track down the ringleader of the terrorist attack. He was killed. Several others were placed under arrest.
Olivia was cleared. It was time to get ready for the inauguration. As Olivia sat on the plane she watched her husband doing paperwork.
He had sacrificed a lot to make sure she was taken care of. He had traveled a lot back and forth. He never complained, and his eyes told her that he was happy. She was too, but she decided that she would make sure that her husband never forgot this inauguration. There was not a lot of quality private time for them, but she would fix that soon.
A/N-I know in my last update I said this update would center around the inauguration. The muses sent me in this direction first. Hope you enjoyed it.
I thought about deleting my account after the finale. Of all the directions they could have taken to make Olivia a strong First Lady like Michelle who does so much more than pick china patterns they made a mockery of the position. The woman makes the position what they want it to be. The abortion was a deal breaker for me. I have many to thank for not going there, but a special shout out to Jennkyle. Also her sister and cousin. I won't share the message, but I will say that it meant everything to me. I thank them for their support.
I hate that people forget that Olivia is a character that Kerry Washington plays. What is the point of death threats? What does that get you? When they knew year comes around I am not in, but as of now I plan to write.
Check out my twitter account for pictures.
