The next morning, the whole family got up to eat breakfast. The kids were super excited to hang out in the kids' club and meet new people. After checking the kids into their respective clubs, Fitz and Liv decided to hang out at the adult-only Serenity Deck. Liv put on her bikini and relaxed in the hot tub while Fitz was in the lounge chair working on his tan.
After spending an hour in the sun, they decided to head back to the room and enjoy some peace and quiet. They laid across the bed and Liv was resting on his shoulder rubbing her hand up and down his arm. It was a moment of tranquility that could never be achieved with 5 children demanding your attention.
Fitz broke up the moment, "I talked to dad before we left."
Her ears perked up, "Yeah, that is great. How is he doing?"
"He says he is fine. He is on the last leg of their European Tour and he should be home when we get back. He wants to see the kids. He says he misses them."
Nodding her head, "Yeah, they miss him too. Who doesn't miss someone that gives them everything they ask for even if their parents say no?"
He chuckled a little. He hesitated before his next statement, "He wants us to meet his new girlfriend."
At that Liv sat up shaking her head, "No, Fitz. Un Uh. No, not going to happen. I told you and him after the last two times, my children and I are done."
He sat up with her, "Baby, he fully understands where you are coming from. He has apologized and promises that this time will be different. He says he really likes this one."
She scoffed, "He said that about the last two. I am tired of me and my kids being put on display like some circus freaks."
He rolled his eyes, "Come on, Liv. Nobody said you were circus freaks."
She stood up to face him, "What about when Ashley made the statement, 'Big Jerry, I didn't know your daughter-in-law was black.'"
He frowned up, "She didn't know. My father doesn't see you that way. My family doesn't see you that way. He just didn't feel the need to mention it."
"That's my point. It should not have been mentioned period. Then to say that I have some beautiful 'mulatto children.' I mean, what the fuck was that. She didn't tell Emily that she had some beautiful 'white' children. What does my kids' race or skin color have to do with them being beautiful?"
He nodded, "I totally agreed with you on that. You had every right to be upset and I didn't hesitate to say that to dad. But it was rude to just get up and leave like that. You didn't say anything. You just got and told the kids 'let's go'."
"It was either I and my children leave or I would have dived across the table and choke that bitch. I chose the Christian answer. But Ashley aside, what about the one before that? What was her name?"
Fitz put his hand over his face, "Toni."
She knew the name but she wanted him to say it, "Yes, Toni. Who asked me if I wanted to have a threesome with her and Big Jerry or with us and her? She also asked me if I wanted to be a swinger because she thought I was hot and sexy?"
"You are hot and sexy."
"Really? That's what you got from what I just said. Never mind that a woman who was dating your father was coming on to your wife. Never mind that she asked for me to have sex with your father. The woman stared at me all through dinner and then told me in private that there are some things that she would love to do to me while my children were playing 10 feet away. I felt uncomfortable and disgusting."
Raising his hands in surrender, "Okay. I understand where you are coming from. But my father practically begged me to get you to reconsider. He swears that this one is different. He even suggested that we meet in a public place without the kids. Just think about it, please?"
She sighed, "Fine. I will think about it." She took off her bikini and walked into the bathroom.
"What are you doing?"
She turned on the shower, "I need to shower and get that image out of my head and then I will come back out here and ride you until I can't feel my legs."
He smirked and gave her a wink as she closed the bathroom door.
X X
After sex and lunch, they went to get Kennedy and Madison. They had a 'Meet the Princesses' photo session and they needed to get in line. Fitz waited in line while Liv got the girls. By the time the Princesses arrived the line was hella long. They were glad they got in line early even though there were still 20 people ahead of them. The girls had on their princess gowns. Maddie was Tiana and Kennedy was Cinderella.
Liv looked around and spotted the guy she had drinks with last night, "Michael."
He smiled and walked over towards her, "It's good to see you today. I want to thank you for last night. You really helped me out."
She smiled back, "It was my pleasure." She looked down at the little girl holding his hand, "Is this your daughter?"
He nodded, "Yeah, this is my Lindsay."
Liv motioned towards her family, "This is my husband, Fitz and our daughter, Kennedy and Madison."
Madison pulled her mom's hand, "She was in our group."
Lindsay waved at Madison.
Michael looked at the line that was behind them, "I didn't realize it was this serious. I thought we could come 10 minutes before and still get a good spot but I guess I was wrong."
Feeling bad and not wanting disappoint his daughter, Liv spoke, "You can get in line with us."
He was shocked, "Are you sure?"
She nodded, "Yeah, is it just you and her? Where is your wife?"
He pulled closer towards them to get in line, "I gave her the morning off. I promised to be a more hands-on father and to give my wife a break every now and then."
Liv smiled, "That is great. It's an excellent start."
Michael looked at Fitz and felt that he should explain, "I met your wife last night the bar and we talked about marriage and she gave me some sound advice. I am definitely more committed to making my marriage better and making it work."
Fitz winked at her, "I am happy to hear that because marriage is worth giving it your best shot."
The girls talked among themselves as the line slowly moved. Everyone got their pictures and went their respective ways.
Later all of the kids came back from camp as they went to dinner as a family. The kids excitedly talked about their day and the new friends they have made. Liv and Fitz smiled at the joy that was on their faces.
The older three went back to camp after dinner and promised to be back by curfew. Liv, Fitz, Maddie and Kennedy decided to go see the variety show that was scheduled. It was nice and cozy. Maddie curled up in Liv's lap and Kennedy laid in Fitz's as they watched the different performs. The girls were asleep by the time the show ended. They walked back to the suite just as the older three were getting to the door. They said good night and told them not to stay up too late.
X X
The ship arrived at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico the next day. The Grants got up early so they could eat breakfast before they went on their excursions. The ship would be docked from 8 am to 6 pm. Fitz and Liv made the decision to squeeze in two excursions because tomorrow was going to be just a chill day when they dock in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
After breakfast, they met in the designated area to leave for their Beach Excursion. Fitz carried Kennedy on his back because she wanted a piggy back ride from daddy. Their group met outside the main dining hall and together everyone followed their tour guide off of the ship. All of their kids had on their swimsuits and cover-ups with sandals. Fitz wore his black muscle shirt that matched is red and black swim trunks with his black sandals. Liv wore her red swimsuit to match his with her red and black cover up. She also wore her huge sun hat, shades and black sandals. She had extra clothes, sunscreen and towels for everyone in her beach bag. Luckily both of their excursions required them to get wet but she was always prepared.
They walked off the ship to board a bus. Maddie sat in Allie's lap while Kennedy sat in Tommy's lap. Their parents didn't mind because it meant their laps were free for a change. The kids mainly listened to music or played games on their tablets the entire bus ride. The bus took them to a big catamaran which took them to a private island. The best part was the open bar which was definitely a requirement when traveling with kids.
During the catamaran ride, Patrick came and sat by Liv. He was a shy kid. He leaned on her shoulder, "Mom, if you have another baby, can we do another cruise instead of going to Disneyland? This is better than all of that walking."
She smiled and kissed his head, "Patty, Mommy is done having babies but we may do something like this in the future. I will be sure to keep your opinion in mind when we think about the next family vacation."
He pumped his fist, "Yes!" He lifted his head and faced her, "Why does everyone say you are smarter than daddy?"
Liv frowned up, "Who says that?"
He shrugged, "Everybody! Grandpa, Aunt Emily, Uncle James, Uncle Stephen. They said that daddy was smart to marry you because you are smarter."
She turned him to face her, "Listen to me, Patty. Your daddy is super smart. He is the smartest man I know. Being smart isn't just book smarts. Daddy is smarter than me in some many different ways. Besides my dad and your Poppy, he is the greatest man I know. I hope that you will grow up and be just as smart as your daddy."
He smiled a big smile, "Me too, Mommy."
Fitz walked over with two drinks in his hand. He gave one to Liv and picked Patty up placing him in his lap, "What are you two talking about over here? Are you telling on Tommy again?"
He laughed as Fitz tickled his side, "Nooo, Daddy. Mommy said you are smart."
He looked at her and smiled, "Is that so?"
Patty laughed, "Yeah, I am going to be smart just like you, daddy."
Tommy called Patty from the corner of the boat, "Pat, come see the water."
Patty ran over to him leaving his parents alone.
Liv took a big gulp of the rum punch while Fitz admired her. He cleared his throat, "I don't know if I have ever told you this but thank you for being an amazing mother to our kids."
She nodded her head, "I believe you have said that but it doesn't hurt to hear it again."
"I look at what Stephen goes through with his baby mamas and I realized how that could have easily been me."
She rolled her eyes, "Stephen deserves what he is getting for impregnating three women at the same time. He got 3 four year olds. That was really dumb."
He chuckled, "Yeah but you never bad mouth me to my kids or put me down in front of them. My mother was a great mother but every now and then she would make a negative comment about my father. But to my knowledge, you never have. I know that I give you plenty of ammo and reason to do so but you don't."
She thought before she responded, "My grandmother was a church going woman. She was always sanctified and filled with the spirit. I remember one day my parents got into a huge fight. My mother took me to her while she went to blow off steam. I was upset and crying because I didn't know what was going on. All I remember is shouting and things being thrown. I was about 7. But she would always read the bible to me and teaching me about respect and honor. She read one verse that day and it stuck with me, 'Husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.'"
He looked at her, "Why did that stick with you?"
"Because my father had just told my mother that he hated her. I kept thinking if he hated her then he hated himself. It goes back to becoming one. I don't put you down to them because I don't want them to think I feel that way about myself. If I can see myself has honorable, smart, loving and any other esteemed quality then I want them to see you that way as well. I am your helpmate and we are a team. When we are divided then they can win. And you know that I hate to lose."
He doubled over laughing because he knows that she is super competitive, "Yes, baby. I know better than anyone. That's why we are Team Grant. Forever and Always."
They both looked over towards their kids who just stared in awe at the blue clear beach water. They made sure they were a respectable distance from the edge. Moments like that made the everyday struggles worth it.
They docked at the island and the kids ran ashore. They grabbed a cabana which gave some amazing shade. The kids quickly stripped down to just their swimsuits. Fitz distributed suntan lotion while Liv fitted Maddie and Kennedy with their floaties. The kids quickly ran towards the ocean. There were trampolines and bouncers stationary in the water. The older three swam out towards them while Kennedy and Maddie played with the sand closer to shore.
Liv help Fitz rub sunscreen on his back while he rubbed the front, "Go out with the kids while I go rent jet skis and schedule the parasailing."
He turned around and gave her a quick kiss before he ran out to meet the kids. Liv and Fitz took turns riding the kids on the jet skis. The older three and Fitz went parasailing while Liv played with Kennedy and Maddie on the trampoline and water slide.
Fitz snuck up on Liv and picked her up bridal style, "You are super sexy in this bikini."
She put her arm around his shoulder, "I bought it with you in mind. I love to wear little to no clothing in your presence."
"You are like a gift that I want to unwrap daily."
She nibbled on his lips, "You can unwrap me tonight."
He captured her lips into a searing soul searching kiss.
Allie swam up beside them, "Can you two seriously go without kissing each other for a while? It is gross and embarrassing."
Fitz rolled his eyes and sighed, "Just one time can we do without the commentary. I love my wife and I like kissing my wife. What is the problem?"
Allie waved her hand around, "Dad, we are on vacation in the middle of the ocean. You said you would play with us but you are over here kissing on mom."
Liv moved to get out of his arms, "Alright, okay. We are done. We will play with you guys but from now on, no more comments."
Fitz smirked, "Yeah, next time just turned your face or cover your eyes."
Liv looked at him, "I really need you to be the adult and not taunt them."
He splashed water on Allie, "She started it with her comment. Now I am going to finish it."
Allie tried to swim away but he caught her and toss her in the water. That started a line each asking daddy to throw them. After about four rounds, Fitz had enough. They went and had lunch which was an authentic Mexican buffet.
Liv, Allie and Maddie walked towards the shopping complex while everyone else went back into the water after lunch. Maddie was just happy to be with her two favorite people. It was no secret that next to Liv, she loved Allie. Allie affectionately called her Madpie.
They walked from store to store shopping and buying different things. Liv bought Fitz some Cuban Cigars. He only smoked them on occasions and she allowed him to indulge as long as it was not in the presence of the children and she couldn't smell it on him later. He really only did it when he went golfing with a big client or some friends.
They walked into Senor Frog and Liv was looking for T-shirts for the boys. Allie stood beside her holding Maddie's hand.
"Mom, did you always like guys like Dad and my father?"
Liv was confused, "What do you mean guys like them?"
Embarrassed to say, "You know, Mom?"
Then it clicked, "Oh, you mean white guys?"
She nodded, "Yeah. Have you ever dated any other kind?"
Liv laughed, "Allie, I dated all kinds of guys." She caught it after it came out and tried to fix it, "What I meant was a different guys of different races? My high school sweetheart was black. We dated for 3 years. He was a good guy. He treated me right and he was my first love. In college, I dated an Asian, Hispanic, Black, White, they were all different and special in their own way. But my question for you is why are you asking?"
She sighed, "Because, there was this boy at my last school that liked me. He was black and told me I was cute."
She stopped looking at shirts and gave Allie her full attention, "Okay go on."
"We were friends and he was nice to me but then Becky asked if I would be allowed to date someone like him because he is black and my father is white. She thought that you and dad would only allow me to date white guys."
Finally understanding, "Huh. Okay." She put her finger on her lips before gathering her response, "First of all, you are 11. You are way, way too young to even think about dating anyone. Granted, you are a beautiful girl and I can see how boys would like you but you have a lifetime to worry about dating someone. Your father and I would rather you enjoy being a kid. Now, as far as what Becky said, we would never tell you that you could only date someone of a certain race. My father is an amazing man and he is black. Your father is an amazing man and he is white. Neither race is superior when it comes to love. I've had black guys that treated me great and I have some the treated me bad. Your real father was white and he treated me like dirt. Your dad is white and he treats me like a queen. There is no right or wrong answer about which race you should date. It's what's on the inside that count. Think about that when you are choosing your mate. But for right now, please forget about dating anyone. I would hate for your dad to go to jail for murder, okay."
She laughed, "Yeah, okay."
She found some shirts in the boys' sizes and they finished their shopping then headed back towards the beach. They played in the water for an hour before boarding the catamaran and heading back to the port. Once they made it back to the dock, they got into a cab and went to their other private excursion. Liv's nerves were on edge but no one knew that but Fitz.
He had arranged for a private Swim with the Dolphins tour. They would be the only ones there and he felt it was definitely better that way. Once they arrived at the Marina, they were met by Hector, their guide and escorted inside. Everyone was given wetsuit and changed in the locker room. They walked out back towards the dolphin pool where two Bottlenose Dolphins swam in the water.
As they got closer to the pool, Liv started to pull back. Fitz grabbed her hand and tried to pull her towards him.
She tried to pull away from him. She was getting hysterical, "No, Fitz. I changed my mind. I don't want to do this."
The kids turned towards their mother when they heard the panic in her voice.
Fitz kept his cool and talked calmly to her, "Yes, we talked about this. You can conquer it. Just one step at a time."
Still trying to pull away, "No, no, no. I am not doing this!"
"Liv, you cannot back out now."
Getting frustrated, "I can do what I want. I will not do this. You can't make me get in that water."
He had enough and picked her up throwing her over his shoulder like a caveman, "You are doing this."
She kicked and screamed hitting him on the back, "Put me down, Fitz!"
He put her down by the dolphin pool, "Look!" He pointed towards the dolphin who swam by them.
She screamed in panic. She buried her face in his chest and started crying, "Please don't make me do this, Fitz! I can't do this." The dolphin blew water through his blowhole causing her to scream into his chest.
Fitz wrapped his arm around her holding her tight, "Baby, it's okay. They will not hurt you. I got you. I promised you years ago that I would never let anything hurt you. I meant that. It's okay."
Tommy commented loudly, "Geez, Mom, you sound like a girl."
They both yelled, "Shut up, Tommy!"
Allie punched him in the arm.
Liv had a death grip on Fitz. She kept mumbling, "I can't do this."
Fitz nodded to Hector silently asking to give them a moment. He pulled Liv back from his chest and looked into her tear filled eyes, "Okay, we are going to take a break. No one is going to force you to do anything. Let's take a minute to get our minds right. You can go and sit on the bench over there to clear your head."
She quickly walked away past the kids to sit on the bench. The kids walked up to their father confused about what they had witness.
Kennedy asked in her baby voice, "Is mommy alwight?"
Fitz bent down to her level, "Mommy is fine, pretty girl."
Allie looked at her mother who was still visibly shaken, "What's wrong with her?"
Fitz stood up and ran his fingers through his hair. He took a deep breath and decided to tell his kids the truth, "Your mother has a deep fear of animals."
That statement confused them even more. Patty asked his dad, "What do you mean?"
Fitz rubbed his hand across his face, "I don't know if you ever noticed but your mother has never taken or gone with you guys to the zoo. Every time you go to a petting farm or something, she stands towards the back. When we went camping, your mother would not fish or touch a fish. If she sees a duck, she walks the other way. Your mother has a crippling fear of animals. She has had this fear her entire life but she is very good at hiding it. I am trying my best to help her overcome some of it. She was able to hide behind her pregnancy last time but there is nothing stopping her. I need to get her into that water and I will need you guys to help me. Do you think you can do that?"
They nodded their heads and came up with a plan. After five minutes, Fitz walked over and sat by Liv. He took her hand in his and brought it to his mouth, "I thought we were going to do this. You said you could do this, remember."
Shaking her head, "All I could think about was the thing I saw on TV when the girl took a picture with the dolphin and then it tried to bite off her foot. I don't want to get bitten."
Fitz tried so hard to keep his laughter in, "First of all, I saw that too and it was a whale not a dolphin. Second, these are the safest animals. All you have to do is listen to Hector and everything will be fine."
She shook her head no.
Fitz didn't want to do this but she left him no other option, "Think about your children. What's going to happen the next time they decide not to do something because they are afraid. You are showing them that it's okay to quit if you are afraid. You've worked so hard to keep this fear a secret from them but now they know. You need to think about what example you are setting for them."
Liv put her face in her hand. She took a few calming breaths. She lifted her head and looked at him, "You are an asshole for using my kids against me."
He smiled a huge smile, "Did it work?"
Her smiled matched his, "Yes, it worked."
They stood up and Fitz gave the kids the thumps up sign. They started clapping and cheering her on. They were shouting, "Come on, Mom! You can do it!"
Fitz held her hand as she walked towards the dolphin pool. He was there to support her through it all. Hector let her pet the dolphin first to show that there was nothing to fear. Fitz got in the water first. He followed instructions and demonstrated what to do. She took some deep breaths before she climbed into the water as the children clapped and cheered louder. She stood still and allowed the dolphin to push her body across the pool. It was an exhilarating experience. After while her nerves left and she thoroughly enjoyed herself. All of the kids took turns swimming with the dolphins. Liv was proud that she actually conquered her fear.
After two hours, they headed back to the dock and got back on the boat. Everyone took turns showering and changing into their dinner wear. Liv showered and laid across the bed trying to get her thoughts together. Fitz was in the shower when she heard a faint knock on her bedroom door.
"Come in."
Tommy opened the door fully dressed for dinner, "Are you okay? I just wanted to check on you."
She opened her arms and invited him to lay with her. He climbed into bed and squeezed her tight. She kissed his curly hair and stared into his eyes that looked like his father's, "I am fine. I am sorry that you had to see me like that earlier. I didn't mean to scare you."
He shook his head, "It's fine. I thought you were playing at first. It was really funny."
She smiled and rubbed his back, "I think you just realized that your mom is human."
He rolled his eyes, "Come on, mom. I know you are human."
She nodded, "Yeah, I know that you know I am human but it's still different when you see it." She paused before continuing, "Remember about a year ago, you had a soccer game and I missed it. It was the very first and only one I missed. Your father, 2 of your siblings, grandparents and a few uncles were there but you were upset because I wasn't. You didn't talk to me for two days. You were angry and moped around like she lost your best friend. Eventually you got over it and life went on. But Tommy, I didn't miss your game because I wanted to. I wasn't stuck at work or at a last minute business meeting. I was at home. Maddie had her tonsils removed the day before and was still recovering while Allie had the flu. I made the choice to stay home and take care of them. I have never missed your games or your competitions but you need to realize, I can't do it all. I can't be in two places at one time. I am your mother but I am human. I am glad you got to see the truth. Okay."
He nodded, "Okay. I am sorry for being such a brat at times."
She kissed his forehead, "You will always be my Tommy Boy."
He climbed off the bed and went to the common area with the rest of the kids. Fitz came out the bathroom with a towel wrapped around him, "Who was that in here?"
She sighed, "That was Tommy?"
Drying his hair with a towel, "What did he want?"
She sat up, "To check on me. My son just found out that his mom is not superwoman."
He laughed, "Yes you are. You came and you conquered. I am proud of you."
She stood and wrapped her arms around his waist, "I couldn't have done it without you."
He kissed her lips, "We are a team and I can kiss you without the side commentary."
She laughed as they finished getting dress and went to dinner. That night everyone was exhausted. None of the kids asked to go to the Kids' Club. They simply wanted sleep. Fitz and Liv tried to stay up and watch TV but the TV ended up watching them. All in all, it was a good day.