To all my readers,

Sorry it has taken me so long to update- all's well though- my life's just been exceeding busy over the last couple of months, I can barely keep up, let alone find time to write. Which is a shame, because I do enjoy it. However, whilst I'm at home- I will do my best to keep the parts coming, starting with this one...

Take care for now, and Happy Christmas.

Part 47

He doesn't return to the hospital until late in the evening, way past visiting hours, but it's clear to the staff that visiting hours do not apply to him.

He looks drawn and ashen, the events of the past few days, finally catching up with him and taking their toll on his features.

When he enters her room she is fast asleep. He doesn't dare wake her, for she and the baby need all the rest they can get. So he ignores his urge to climb up and curl beside her in the bed, and pulls up a chair beside her bed and takes a seat instead.

For a moment he just sits there staring at her. Marvelling at her strength, despite knowing that she's probably at her most fragile. He could have lost her. He could have lost her… He still can't get over that. Those bastards, just the thought of what they have done to her, it makes his blood run cold and then boil over again. He's determined that justice MUST and will prevail; the men that assaulted her have already paid with their lives, it's only fair that his father and Millie pay a similar cost, and if that means spending the rest of their lives in prison, then so be it. Fitz already had his right hand man, Cyrus Beene on the case hunting down the infamous prosecution lawyer, Steven Finch to represent them; renowned for his 95.8% strike rate. He was the best in State, and when it came to Liv, only the best would suffice. As for the man who hired those thugs, in his eyes he is just as guilty; regardless of the fact that he may have helped with the investigation, by shedding light on those driving the attack forward; however if he dared to think that his sudden gesture of good will automatically absolve him from the part he has played, then he is sorely mistaken. And for that reason alone, he prays that Huck finds him and brings forth the justice that Liv rightfully deserves.

It had been an emotionally excruciating day, between worrying about Liv and the baby, then tending to his kids, mopping up the aftermath of Mellie's arrest and having to explain why their mummy was gone, he had reached the pinnacle of exhaustion and grief. Luckily for him, his mother had taken the news better than he had hoped for. Ever since the divorce from his father, she had kept well away from the media's spotlight, distancing herself completely, although by the time he turned up on her doorstep with his children in tow, she had a fairly good understanding of what had taken place from the press coverage, however she had enough grace about her to give Fitz the curtesy of explaining it for himself.

She wasn't happy about the affair, far from, as notably she had been on the receiving end of a philandering husband for nearly 30 years- and as a result she had suffered greatly. Although, she had shown an acute understanding for her son's frustrations of feeling trapped in a loveless marriage- as consequently she too had first-hand experience on the matter- as it were, the last 10 years of her marriage to Big Jerry was particularly void of love and affection. However, the knowledge of her son cheating on his wife, whether she be black or white, could never begin to validate Mellie and Jerry's actions towards Miss Pope. The very woman, who she now learns is pregnant with her third grandchild, albeit illegitimate- But in her eyes, blood was blood, and that child was as much a part of her and Jerry as it was Fitz. God knows, Jerry was no saint, however she had never pegged him to be so callous, as to arrange a hit on a woman who was carrying his grandchild. That was simply despicable.

"So what now?" She had demanded. "Where do you go from here?"

He had answered simply… "I love her mum, more than I have loved, or will ever love another… And as soon as Olivia is well enough to leave the hospital, we will be taking the kids and leaving DC, to start a new life together."

"Do you plan on marrying her?"

Unbidden, a smile had graced his lips… "God willing, yes I want nothing more than to make her my wife…"

"But son, there are laws…" she had countered, genuinely concerned for her son's safety.

"Yes, I know, I am well versed in the law mother," He had cut her off abruptly, then quickly regretted it- for his mother didn't deserve his anger. He immediately softened… "In light of the Civil Law Act, quite frankly I find the anti-miscegenation laws unconstitutional, and it's only a matter of time before the rest of American see it that way too… After all, how can any man dictate, who you can, or cannot fall in love with; it's ludicrous!"

"Son, truly, I could not agree with you more…" He forgot how liberal his mother's views were… "However, as much as we may choose to oppose the law, there are many out there who uphold it, regardless of how bigotry it may be, and will happily fail to see the beauty in your love for this woman, solely for the fact that she is black and you are white. Never mind the fact that you are technically married to someone else…"

"So what are you saying mother, after all that has happened, I should cut my losses and just walk away? Is that it?!"

"No, of course not, however I'd be lying if I said I wasn't afraid for your safety, and hers too for that matter… But most of all, I worry for the future that lies ahead, especially that of your unborn child- who, if you will allow me to be frank, will struggle to identify with who, or where she or he belongs in a world that will undoubtedly remain racially divided for years to come- regardless of what laws may be passed or lifted."

"I know it won't be easy mother, but I disagree- for our children will be brought up in love, and with that love comes all the security they will ever need, and their identity."

"And when they are exposed to the world, what then son? You can't shield them from it's cruelty forever- And what of Karen and Little Jerry- where will they fit in? And work- because you're as good as saying goodbye to a career in Politics- what will you do instead? How will you be able to provide for your family now?" At which point she walks up to him, and places her hand on his shoulder… However there was no malice in her voice, or ill intention, just concern as she carried on heavily… "I know you love her son, that much is clear… and yes, you should be free to love whoever you choose to, but there's a much bigger picture here than that of love. All I'm saying is, now is not a time to be naïve son- because this journey that you're so determined to embark on has the power to crush all that is good here- You can't be blinded on that front…"

With a sigh. "I'm not mother, I'm fully aware of what being with Liv entails."

"Good, I'm glad you know- because you're going to have to keep your wits about you… and just so you know- although fundamentally I don't agree with adultery- which is what this is- you can count on my support as your mother."

"Thanks mum, I appreciate it." Gratefully he kissed her on the cheek, glad to have her on side.

"Go on- I've got this end covered, Jerry and Karen are free to stay with me, for as long as you need, until you have got yourself sorted."

She didn't have to tell him twice, and with that he left.

A gentle knock on Liv's door, draws him from his thoughts as he turns and finds Nurse Griffin on the other side.

He waves her in, and she gives him a warm smile. "Sorry to intrude, my shift is about to finish, but I wanted to check on Miss Pope before I left."

"She's sound asleep."

"Good I'm glad… she needs her rest… I hope you don't mind, but I gave her a mild sedative; after you left she was getting exceedingly worked up and upset."

"Oh God, why, what happened?"

"Nothing happened, well not in that way- but I believe emotionally the ordeal is starting to take its toll. She's struggling Mr Grant, and not just with the attack. I know it's probably not my place to tell you this, but she's worried- extremely worried about what the future holds. It would be in your best interest, yours and hers both, to discuss it with her- As I'm sure you don't need me to tell you, but Miss Pope is very good at putting a brave face on things, which means there's a good chance that she'll choose to bottle these feelings up instead, when what she really needs to do is let them out." He can't help but notice that Nurse Griffin has gone a slight shade of pink, her forwardness taking her by surprise too it seems, as she clears her throat… "Well, I think I've said enough… I better be off… I'll be back tomorrow, mid-afternoon… Nurse Jackson will be tending to Miss Pope until then; and don't worry, she can be trusted," she rattles on nervously… "I've filled her in on all she needs to know, including Miss Pope's medical history… she's extremely professional and…"

"Nurse Griffin…"

"Yes Mr Grant?"

"It's alright, go home, I trust you have Liv's interest well in hand and thanks… Thank you for everything!"

She smiles, picking up on his double meaning, glad that she hasn't over stepped the mark. "You're welcome Mr Grant. Have a good night."

"You too Nurse Griffin". And on that note, feeling rest assured with Mr Grant's will handle the situation, she quietly leaves the room.

Xxxx

Alone once again, Fitz resumes to his earlier position, watching over Liv as she sleeps… However Nurse Griffin's and his mother's words of warning, now circle his brain over and over… For he knows they are right.

Therefore, careful, as not to wake her, he picks up Liv hand and presses a delicate kiss to her palm and whispers a promise…

"We'll talk in the morning my love, and together we will scare all those demons away."