A/N: So this is it. The final chapter of what began as a one shot. This was difficult to write as I am going to miss this version of Olitz, but I had fun doing it, and I'm grateful to all who continued to read it. I promise an epilogue in due time, but for now, I wanted them to have closure before beginning their lives as a family. I hope this story made you, the readers smile at least once. Thank you all for your support and please leave a review.
Chapter 20-Happily Ever After
Liv's final year (Alabama)
"Baby Girl, just look at all these offers. What on earth are you going to do? How are you going to decide?" Maya had come down three weeks early before Liv's graduation from law school. She wanted to be there to help her daughter prepare, pack, and help her decide her next steps.
Liv stood by the sunlight of the window in her small apartment. She held on to the picture frame of Fitz. She stared at his wet curls as he held on to the surfboard. She took a big sigh, rubbing her hand over his gorgeous face. Liv shrugged and put the picture back on the shelf.
"I'm not sure yet." Liv looked at the pile of envelopes Maya was holding. Each of them from law firms throughout the state of Alabama. Some of them with very high starting salaries.
"Well, you have plenty to choose from, and the salary you can be making. Look at this one." Maya read the label. "McCormack, Lansing, and Fields." Maya looked closely at the letter. "Says here they specialize in…"
"In criminal law, I know, mom, trust me I know. They are a corporate firm, though, they do nothing to help the people who need services." Liv shrugged. Suddenly her career didn't seem important. It was becoming a reality that she was beginning her life without Fitz.
Maya came and sat next to her on the couch in the small off campus apartment. "What is it baby?" Maya let Liv rest her head on her shoulder. "Is it still about Fitz, baby it's been so many years now."
Liv lied. "No, it's just I don't think I want to practice law here in the south. I want more northeast, where I am from. I am just not impressed with anything I am seeing down here."
"Are you saying you want to move to New York and work at a firm up there?" Maya seemed a bit excited that Liv wanted to be close to them again.
"I want public law, mom. I know it may not be as enticing salary wise, but it's something I always promised myself I would do." She looked now, facing her mother. She didn't say it out loud, but she thought it. It's also what I told Fitz I would be doing, and he agreed, public better than private. Liv took a deep breath. "Does that sound ridiculous? I mean I know some of these starting salaries are off the charts, but money doesn't buy happiness."
"It sure doesn't Olivia. You need to do what is going to make you happy. Have you applied anywhere on the east coast?"
Liv smiled, almost a sneaky little smile. "I did, mom, and I have an interview in a month at the Jersey State Attorney's Office." Liv reached into a drawer next to the couch and showed her mom the letter.
Maya skimmed it over and looked back at Liv. "You're smiling. This is the answer then, we get you graduated and move you back to the city." Maya caressed Olivia's cheek. "You sure this has nothing to do with Fitz."
Liv rolled her eyes getting up from the couch now. "No, mom, nothing to do with him. I will always love him, but this decision is because it's what I always wanted."
"Mmm hmmm" Maya said, not convinced. "Let's go shopping. Let's find a dress for your law school graduation." Maya got up and wrapped her arm around Liv's shoulders. "My baby is going to be lawyer."
Liv nodded. She was optimistic about the job in Jersey. That was the state where she met Fitz, even if she didn't see him the memories of him will be close by, not thousands of miles away.
Present Day (New Jersey)
"I still remember the day you walked through that door, Olivia. You were so eager to begin, carrying your laptop bag and asking for Santos." Bess was bouncing JJ on her lap, as he was reaching for various things on her desk. "Oh, this one is a darling boy."
"Thank you." Jaz said smiling. "I'll take him for a change while you begin packing up the office Liv. I'll be back." Jaz left the room.
Liv took a deep breath through her nose, blinking back the tears as Bess got up and walked with her to the office. Liv used her two fingers to wipe away the tears about to fall, but she couldn't stop them as she looked around the only office she ever had.
"Hey, Liv, come on, you're leaving for a good reason." Bess wrapped her arms around her. "You found the love of your life, you're having twins, and you're beginning a beautiful life with him. You deserve this, you were sad for so long."
Liv sighed a laugh. "Was it that obvious?" She walked to her desk and began putting things into a box.
"Girl, even when Jake was sitting here right in front of you, he wasn't in the room. You were so distant, that boy never stood a chance." Bess began handing her things to put in the box.
"I could never get the thought of Fitz out of my mind. Jake just couldn't take a hint." Liv picked up the picture of her and Fitz from the Valentine's Day dance and looked at it. "You know Bess, the babies were conceived on the 14th of February."
"Huh, look at that. The same date that separated you for ten years now brings nothing but happiness from here on. Love works in mysterious ways." Bess watched Jaz come in with a sleeping JJ.
"I gave him a quick feeding and he exhausted himself." Jaz put him in his carriage. "What can I do to help?"
Liv pointed to a drawer. "I guess start emptying that one." Liv heard the door open and heard a voice yell out. Her head spun towards Bess. "Shit."
"Yo Bess! Where is Sant…" Jake froze in his tracks as Olivia took a deep swallow and tried to look anywhere but at him.
Naval Academy (Fitz's assignment)
The Aerospace Engineering Department has excelled in the past year. Fitz was not one to pat himself on the back but ever since he arrived and began teaching the cadets, the program blossomed.
He had earned the respect of every cadet in his class. Fitz showed them hands on the engines of the fighter jets, how they could fail and how they could succeed in the air and in battle. The stories of his Top Gun days and his experience in Iraq proved to be the game changer.
Having been in battle in the skies, being shot down, coming back from an injury, it was all fears that these young men and women worried about. Fitz gave them hope, confidence that it wouldn't always end in tragedy.
"You being afraid, that fear you're holding on to, that's what is holding you back. You want to be a Top Gun recruits. You should be in Nevada training for Top Gun, yet you're here in Maryland. Have you asked yourselves why?"
Silence from the twenty cadets in line, not one dared to speak. Fitz continued, not in a mean tone, in an understanding tone. "You're afraid, the fear is holding you back." Fitz took a sniff into the air. "I can smell the fear and you know who else can smell the fear, the enemy. You can't go into to battle, you can't defend your country if you're afraid."
You could hear a pin drop, as Fitz turned towards the footstep sounds he heard coming up behind him. Two admirals and the provost were approaching, and Fitz stopped momentarily. He noticed the eyes of his students on him, and Fitz turned and continued to focus on them. Had he stopped to acknowledge his authority figures, it would have shown weakness, and that was what Fitz was trying to avoid.
"No one, nothing, not one single thing should hold you back from where you truly belong. The best of the best, that's Top Gun, that's Navy Seal, you want that, you have to earn it, you're one step away. Who is going to push you up that step? No one, you do it yourself. Tend to your aircraft and be ready for flight in 30 minutes. Dismissed."
Fitz turned to his admirals and provost. "Good morning, sir." He nodded to them all. "What brings you out here?"
"Impressive speech to the young pilots. Some of them deserve to be in Top Gun and you have pushed them to earn that title." The admiral handed Fitz a list of ten names.
Fitz read the list and looked up. "All of them? The ones on the list?"
"Yes, Commander, they'll be leaving tomorrow for Nevada, you did well. Navy is lucky to have you."
"Thank you, Sir."
The provost looked at him. "Commander Grant, we want to offer you a position here, a permanent one. Aerospace Engineering Chair we can use your talents. So, what do you say?"
Fitz closed his eyes for a moment. "Livvie." He didn't want to stay in Maryland, he was certain she would come back to New York or New Jersey, it was just a matter of time. Fitz took a deep breath.
"What's the other option?" He squinted in the sun to the provost.
"Jersey, New Jersey, head of a youth program. The youths are good, smart, but need guidance. They are wanted for the Naval Academy, but they need much more work than those you have over there. Why wouldn't you want chair of the very major you exceled in yourself?"
Fitz didn't know how to answer that. "How about one more year of the next group of cadets that come in, I'll get fifteen into Top Gun, then I'll head to Jersey."
Both admirals shook their heads in disbelief. "Commander, why?"
"Just a feeling I belong there, I don't know." Besides Liv would have graduated law school and if she was a lawyer, he would bet it was in a place close to her parents.
"As you wish Commander, you've gone above and beyond for the Navy. When you're ready to settle, you'll let us know?" The admiral put his hand out.
"Sure will Sir, thank you for your understanding." Fitz wasn't sure if he made the right decision, but he just kept hoping one day he would be reunited with his Livvie.
Present Day (San Diego)
"No, your biggest mistake Acevedo was when you were in the air, you hooked it over to the left, that tilted the aircraft. This jet, you have to glide it, not hook it, there's a difference and until you know that, it's going to hold you back. Go on the mock plane and practice for 30, I'll be in."
"Yes Captain." The young pilot took off and Fitz heard applause coming from the deck.
Jalen had arrived and was on the ship. "Captain Grant, good to see you."
Fitz nudged him. "Welcome back to San Diego. We can use you around here. These young pilots, no guidance, going left, going right, and missing their target because they're steering back right passed it."
"Well, that's me I'm here to guide, you're here to teach them to glide. How's did the move go? Did you tell her yet?"
"No, I didn't tell her, I'm not telling her until she comes back. The move went great. It's just lonely, I'm sure you can relate."
"Man, can I ever? The first night in Texas, I kept hearing cries, thinking it was JJ, I'd roll over expecting to feel Jazzy's presence, and nothing. Lonely is an understatement."
He began walking to the aircraft with Jalen. "We have to cool this one down before it goes up again. The manufacturer didn't get this engine right."
Jalen shook his head. "Unbelievable you'd think with the millions they get it would be suitable. So, Fitz, you're really waiting to tell Liv?"
"Yeah, I want to surprise her with the house. Three bedrooms, plus a master bedroom, It's one level, but gigantic space. The backyard is the perfect size to play catch, a pool, a swing set, but the best Jalen, the very best." He paused and laughed. "It has a white picket fence around the front yard."
Jalen smiled not understanding. "Why is that impressive?"
"Those two nights, when we fell in love, when she was describing her life in ten years, for some reason I always thought of a white picket fence. The American dream to own a house with a white picket fence. It's so domestic, but yet that's not Livvie, yet this house is so perfect."
"You going to domesticate her?"
Fitz gave a hearty laugh. "Not on your life. But I think this house is going to shock her. She's expecting to come back to a small two bedroom base apartment. I just can't wait."
"Two more days, man, we can do this."
"Yes, Jalen, we can. Two more days until I hold my Livvie in my arms again."
"Ah, a name I remember, I mean how can I forget?" Both Jalen and Fitz looked up. Coming out from behind the plane was a small brunette, her brown eyes twinkled in the sunlight, and she looked up and down at Fitz.
"After all, I was called that name enough times, right Fitz?"
Jalen looked over at Fitz. "You know her?"
"Yes, hello Lillian. Lillian, this is Captain Jalen Lawrence, Jalen, Lillian Alberts. She works for the manufacturing company." They both stared at each other, making for a very uncomfortable situation for Jalen.
Liv's job (New Jersey)
"Ms. Olivia Pope, it is a pleasure to have you on board here at the state's attorney's office. I have looked over your time at Alabama Law School, and I just have to ask, why public law?"
Liv shrugged. "I don't know, Mr. Santos, it's just something I've always wanted to do. Besides I've heard amazing things about this office. You're making strides here, knocking down some tough barriers I am honored to be part of the team." Also, Liv thought to herself, there's a military base not too far away. Maybe, just maybe, Fitz would be there. She had heard he was back on the east coast.
"Well, the workload isn't small. In fact, I bet Bess is piling files on your desk as we speak. Any time you can come up with new program ideas, any grant ideas, please don't hesitate to bring them forth to me."
"Thank you, and who is Bess?"
"Ah, Bess is your legal clerk. Sometimes I forget she isn't a lawyer. She is amazing and you two will make the perfect team, I'm sure of it. Down the hall to the right, your name is already on the door, enjoy your first day and be ready for court in the morning. We'll be in front of Judge Williams, he's a beast."
"You must be Olivia Pope, I'm Bess Martin, your desk is filling up, I suggest you get moving. You drink coffee? How do you like it?"
"Hi, umm, no, I don't drink coffee, I prefer tea and iced tea, unsweetened, add Splenda. Nice to meet you."
"You need any help with those files, you let me know. So, you're a Bama girl? Roll Tide and all."
Liv sighed a laugh. "College yeah, but New York born and raised, I went to Jersey Prep for two years before heading down to Bama." Liv walked towards her office and noticed Bess followed.
"And, any guys? You'll have Dave from upstairs ask you out ten times, Bruce from Consumer Affairs call you numerous times just to hear your voice. Tell them straight up you're married, and they'll leave you alone. So, besides that, any guy in your life?"
Liv shook her head. "No." She continued to set up her desk, "none at the moment. Don't think for the near future either, I'll be focused on this." She looked at the high pile of files.
"Alright, well just buzz the phone if you need anything, oh and Friday night, yes, this Friday, there's a get together on the sixth floor. Santos expects us all to be there, so come dressed and ready for a party."
Liv sat with Bess in the corner of the party office, with a drink in her hand. "Why do we do this?" Liv asked her.
"Corporate lawyers from New York firms come over. They discuss criminal jargon with Santos and public lawyers. In return if we need something we pay back, uh oh, don't look now, Santos is coming over to introduce you to a lawyer." Bess cleared her throat and gave a smile.
"Jake Ballard, I'd like you to meet Olivia Pope. She was just hired at the office and she is…."
"By far the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Pleasure is all mine." Jake took her hand and gave it a small kiss.
"Well, then, Bess, come with me please." Santos left the two alone.
Present Day
Jake froze when he saw Olivia. He looked around the office. Bess stood there tight lipped. "Santos is."
Jake put his hand up. "You're leaving?" He looked directly at Olivia, then looked down at her hand resting on the desk.
Jaz walked over now, saw how uncomfortable Liv was and said, "You know this freak?"
"Jaz, this is Jake."
"Said no to him in Central Park, Jake? Ha!" JJ let out a cry. "Liv, you need me, just holler." Jaz walked out with JJ in her arms.
"You're engaged? Un-fucking-believable. How long did that take? Engaged to your Fitz fix?" He saw the bracelet next and tilted his head to read it. Liv still hadn't said a word to him.
"Livvie." He read out loud. "Oh how cute."
"Jake, just go, ok." Liv finally said.
"No," He shook his head and licked his lips. "So you're engaged, you're leaving, to where?"
Liv stepped out from behind the desk to lead him out. Bess had left now to call Santos. Jake got a good look at Liv now.
"And you're pregnant? Holy Shit Liv like did you fuck him the second you said no to me, did you say yes to him the very same night you turned me down, fucking string me along for a year and now this. What hold does this guy have on you?"
Liv squinted. She could feel the anger burning up in her cheeks. Santos came running in. "Jake, Mr. Ballard, why don't you…"
"NO, JAKE, YOU FUCKING LISTEN OK." Liv yelled and even Mr. Santos took a step back.
"I told you from the very first night I met you that I would never love you, never fall in love with you. I didn't string you on, far from it. Every where I turned, you were there, wouldn't leave me the fuck alone, not even when I would turn you down most nights to go out."
"You kept coming around, you kept on thinking something was there that wasn't. I never stopped thinking of Fitz, hell you didn't even run when I dreamed about him, with you in the bed right next to me. Hell, I called out his name enough. Fitz is the man I love."
"He has always been the man I loved, for ten years now. We will be parents to twin boys, we are beginning a life together, and trust he will give me something you never could. I have loved Fitz from the moment I saw him and now, I will love him until the day I take my last breath, so leave Jake, forget me and forget the life you thought you would have with me, because Fitz is the man I truly love."
Everyone stood now outside Liv's office in complete silence. Then Jazzy being, well being Jazzy, began to applaud as Bess held JJ. She walked into the office and held the already opened door for Jake.
"You heard the lady, out you go."
Jake took a deep breath, rubbed his face, and gave one more disgusted look to Liv. He turned walked out, said something to Santos and proceeded towards the exit of the building.
Liv sat down now in the chair behind her desk. She put her head down and took a deep breath. "Hot damn girl, that was great." Jazzy said as she continued to pack like nothing ever happened.
It was that moment Liv, rubbing her stomach, realized the decision she made not to just settle with Jake was the best one of her life. Imagine if she had said yes in Central Park and given in to the belief she would never see Fitz again? Tears swelled in her eyes, and she just couldn't wait to get back to him.
Jaz ran to her. "Girl, don't you let that boy get you upset."
Liv rested her head on Jazzy's shoulder. "I'm not, I just want to get back to Fitz, Jazzy, you must be missing Jalen too."
Jaz pulled her closer. "I am girl, but two more days. Your apartment is done, you're done here, all we have left is to pack up your things from your parents and we're off to base."
Naval Base (Maryland)
Fitz was lying in his bed. It was late, very late, but he just couldn't sleep. Law school graduation at Alabama was in a few hours. His Livvie would be graduating and starting her life, without him.
He rolled over in his bed taking a big sigh. He thought of the few months he had with Lillian, a few months with her compared to the two nights he had with Liv. They amounted to nothing near each other.
Lillian wasn't an experiment, but it did teach him something. No matter how hard he tried, his one true love would always be Olivia Pope. Even if he did convince himself to one day settle down with someone else, have a house, and a family, it wouldn't cover up the hole he would always have in his heart.
A lawyer, his Livvie would be a lawyer. Melody was a lawyer already, having the connections her father had, she was settled at a law firm. Her starting salary was near 250k and to grow in the coming years. That wasn't for Livvie, she wanted public law, to help those not fortunate.
Even Lillian was established in her career working for the engine manufacturing company. There weren't many women in that field, yet she was a top executive. Both women he could have lives with successful, yet he wanted Liv, because success isn't about love.
He was now six months into training the new class of cadets. This class was rough and he promised himself 15 of the 20 would go to Top Gun or Navy Seal training. Last year it was 10 and he couldn't let his goal down. He closed his eyes to Livvie's beautiful face.
"I let you down, one day I hope to make it right, but now all I have is this goal. I make this, and I'm back to Jersey. Let's hope the love Gods are looking down at us." He took a deep breath.
He wondered now, as he drifted off to sleep, had she found someone like he found Lillian. Did she experiment? If she did, he was hoping it didn't work out, just like him and Lillian. He didn't dislike Lillian, he just knew he wasn't being fair to her.
Getting deeper into sleep now, he thought of the what if. What if I did settle for Lillian or even Melody for that matter? What if I did have a family with either one of them? Then, my babies wouldn't look like Olivia and there was no one in the world he would want his babies to like other than his Livvie.
Present Day
"I'll go check up on the pilots, Fitz." Jalen couldn't get out of there fast enough.
"So you found your Livvie?" Lillian squinted at him.
Fitz looked at her, blushing, he could feel it. "I did, we're engaged to be married. She's due in November, twin boys." Fitz gave a small smile. He looked down and noticed a wedding ring. He nodded towards it. "You're married?"
She looked at her hand, putting it out to look at the ring. "I am married. Two years now, one child, a girl. I took a leave for a year and they sent me here to check up on some planes having engine problems. We live in Florida, though, I can't wait to get back to them."
There was a bit of awkward silence between the former couple. Fitz took a deep breath. "I just want you to know Lillian, it was never you."
She shot her eyebrows up. "It was never going to be me, to be honest, right?"
"Right" Fitz agreed. "If it was you, it would have been a lie. You didn't deserve that, deserve something like that. I would never stop loving Livvie. If I hadn't found her…" He drifted off. "I don't know." He whispered as he looked out at the sky.
"It's fine, Fitz. We had fun, it was nice, what we had. You were hurting though, you weren't complete. You look good now. Will you be living out here?"
"Yeah, she's a lawyer on the east coast. She's finishing up some things there and she'll be moving out here. Before she begins working again she'll have the babies and take some time."
"Sounds perfect. I wish only the best for you. How is Connors? Has he settled down?"
"Ha. No he hasn't. He's been with someone for a while now, but no commitment, he's not the committing type, you know. He's over in Jersey on the base there. Although I'm waiting for him to show up here. He has a knack for finding me."
Lillian looked up at the aircraft. "These engines were the worst. I tried to warn them when they initially put them in, but they still don't take the recommendations of a woman in this field seriously."
"Well, I do. They're endangering young pilots and that's not good. So what do you suggest?"
"This what you're doing now? Prepping them for Top Gun?"
"This is it. This is my life now, moving forward. Soon to be husband, soon to be father, instructing pilots, making sure planes are safe, and all with the love of my life by my side."
"Sounds like the ending of a true love story, Fitz. I am happy for you."
"Thank you Lillian. I'll leave you to take a look at the engine, I have to get back to the cadet in there."
"Tell Livvie she's a lucky woman. Fitzgerald Grant's aren't easy to come by. Those twin boys will be lucky to have you as their father."
New York (Pope Residence)
"Jazzy it was so nice getting to meet JJ. You and Jalen must come back with him soon." Maya was over the moon that JJ had fallen asleep in her arms.
"Of course, Mrs. Pope, but I hear you'll be spending time out there with Liv, so you'll get to see him." Jaz looked at Liv. "Your mom is a natural."
"I see that. Spoiling comes easy for you, I never had it that easy."
"Oh please girl, you had your father eating out of your hand, don't go there." Maya laughed. "You sure you'll be able to accommodate me when I get there. Your dad will be there a few weeks later, he needs to fill some vacations at the MTA."
"Yeah, we'll be fine. I'm going to facetime Fitz now. I want to remind him the flight time in tomorrow."
Liv left Jazzy and Maya to talk all they wanted about her. She hadn't told her mother about Jake today and told Jazzy she was more than welcome to break the gossip to her. She sat up on her bed and dialed Fitz.
She took a deep breath and got teary eyed when she saw his face. "Hey Mister, I miss you so much." She covered her mouth to keep the sob in.
"My Livvie. How are you feeling? Hey, no tears, we'll see each other tomorrow, right?" He smiled and it lit up her world.
"Yeah, it was hard saying good bye to Bess today. We hugged for fifteen minutes. She wants to come out and explore the Pacific Coast soon."
"Well, she's more than welcome to, and Quinn? How's Charlie and baby Avery?"
"Good, she's so excited I asked her to be godmother to one of the boys. She asked for me to be godmother to Avery. The christening will be in March, so plenty of time." She stopped and just put her hand over the screen. "I wish I can touch your handsome face."
"You will, tomorrow, and tomorrow night, just wait Livvie, I'll show you how much I missed you."
Liv tossed her head back. She groaned. "Fitz, don't do this to me. I'm going to devour you when I see you, I hope you know that?"
"Know?" Fitz laughed. "I've been hoping for it." He licked his lips.
"OK, Mister you're not playing fair." Seeing him lick his lips like that she wanted to head to the airport now and jump on the first flight to San Diego.
"I love you my Livvie. I can't wait to make love to you at our new place."
"Changing the subject, how was your time with Mason?"
"Oh, good, he can't wait to come back. He said to thank you for the invite. He is so excited to be godfather to one of the boys, also. How is mom and dad?"'
"They're good, if it's any indication how my mom will spoil the boys, she's showing it clearly with JJ. That boy hasn't been out of her arms." Liv laughed.
"I'll see you tomorrow my Livvie. I love you." Fitz gave a small smile.
"Good night Fitz. I love you too. Can't wait to be in your arms." Liv kissed her finger and placed it on the screen as they signed off.
Maya was side eyeing her when she went back in the room. "What?" Liv looked back at her. Then she tilted her head. "Jaz told you about Jake?"
"That boy." Maya shook her head. "He had it bad for you and you just never gave him a chance."
Liv shrugged one shoulder. "That's the truth, and I told him from the get go so it's on him, not me."
Jaz looked at Liv. "You really never stopped loving Fitz did you? That's something, ten years, and a love so strong."
The door opened and in walked Eli. "Hey Jazzy. How are you?" He looked at Maya holding JJ. "This your little guy? He's so handsome. Hello Olivia. Glad you found time for your parents."
Liv got up and gave him a hug. "I always have time for my parents. I can't wait for you to come out to the base." Eli put his arms around her.
"I still can't believe you're going all the way out there." He gave a sigh before letting her go out of his grip.
"Dad, don't, ok, I'm emotional to begin with. Besides you're going to be running around after two little boys soon." Liv rubbed her growing belly.
"Hmm, yeah, let me go wash up for dinner." Eli looked at Maya.
"Grump Pa, that's what those boys are going to call you if your attitude doesn't change." Maya laughed giving JJ to Jaz while she got dinner ready.
It had been a very long time since Maya had been in Liv's room comforting her. In her childhood room now, Liv was lying on her bed. Jaz was asleep in the spare room with JJ, and Eli had been out for quite some time now.
Maya was next to Liv, rubbing her belly, and holding her head up with her hand. "Baby Girl, talk to me, I know you're a barrel of emotions."
"I don't doubt for one minute that I made the right decision, I'm just so scared of the unknown. What kind of mother will I be? Will I be able to handle it? When it comes time for me to go back to work, then what?"
"But your love for Fitz?"
"Never in question. I am aching being away from him these two weeks. I just miss him so much. This is worse than the ten years, because I know where he is, and I can't be there with him."
Maya wiped the tear away about to fall from her daughter's eye. "You know, Liv, that weekend, you stayed in this very bed, not moving, not wanting to get up. You buried yourself under the covers, and you tuned out the world. I promised myself when I found out who did whatever to you I would go after them. Then, when you told me the story, I heard it in your voice. You loved him, despite the hurt, you loved him and I didn't know if that was a good thing or not."
Liv nodded. "You always did try to persuade me to look elsewhere."
"As impossible as putting my elbow in my ear. You have what people don't have in a lifetime, you found a love that was lost and you can live with that love. I am so proud of the decision you made, and I am so proud to call you my daughter." Maya caressed Liv's cheek. "Get some sleep. You're going early in the morning." She kissed her. "I love you baby girl."
Home
If Liv's bump wasn't almost as big as her, she would have run to him at the airport. Just through the security section, Fitz and Jalen were waiting with open arms to whisk them both into their arms.
JJ was sound asleep from the flight, and Liv just rested her head on Fitz's chest as he embraced her tightly and rubbed her belly. She couldn't kiss him because if she did, she would have never stopped. "Let's go get the bags and head on home." Fitz kissed the top of her head.
She gave Jaz and Jalen a big hug before getting into separate cars. Fitz had a driver pick them up because Liv had a bit more baggage having moved some things from her apartment out here. "Thank you Jazzy for being there for me. I love you my girly girl forever."
"Love you more. Go on with your man. I'll see you tomorrow."
Once Liv's head was on Fitz's shoulder in the car, she was out. Fitz heard her shallow breathing and just let his Livvie sleep. It was good that she wouldn't see the car pull up to the house. He looked out the window. It was a picture perfect sunny day and he couldn't wait for her reaction to the house.
Here they were, together, going to their home where they would live as a couple. Last year at this time, Fitz was still so heartbroken giving up the hope that he would ever see her again. Now, this. The car came to a stop and the driver opened the door.
"Livvie. We're here."
Liv put her face into the crook of his neck as she moaned a bit before fully waking up. She looked around and Fitz saw the confusion on her face. He got out of the car and reached his hand in to help Liv out. They faced the house, a quaint on the outside, but big on the inside home, and Liv looked at him.
"What is this?" She felt his arm go around her shoulder and she interlocked her hand with his.
"Our home, Livvie. I purchased it. It's ours. The base is fifteen minutes away. No small two bedroom cramped base apartment. We have our home right here." He looked down at her and watched.
"A white picket fence?" Her hands now cupped her mouth, then she rested her forehead in her hand. "Fitz this is amazing." She saw the driver open the fence door and Fitz scooped her off her feet.
He set her down in what would be their living room, helped the driver with the bags, tipped him generously and closed the door. "There isn't furniture, yet, but I did order a bed, that's in the master bedroom. Also, there's food in the fridge so we don't star….."
Liv stopped his talking with her kiss. "Take me to the bedroom Fitz." She left a trail of clothes, as did he as his hand guided her to the master room. He was right, it had just a bed, and it was waiting for them.
As soon as her head rested down, he followed, interlocking their lips and rubbing her soft skin up and down. Her hand found his erection and she stroked him, and hearing him moan was a sound she never thought she would miss, but did she love it now.
"Deep, Fitz, I've missed you so much, I want to feel you." She got comfortable on the bed, and felt him at her entry. He just looked down at her.
"I've missed you so much, but knowing you would come back to me this time made it a bit easier." His lips took hers in and he pushed himself into her, as she grunted, both her hands gripping each of his ass cheeks.
He continued his rhythm and her eyes were closed with pleasure. For the first time in their new bed, their new room, their very own home, they made love. Liv hit her climax and she nearly screamed. It was mind blowing. It was just like her first one, then the one after a ten year absence. One thing for sure, it was a feeling that would never get old.
They lay now, Liv on his shoulder her arm around him, and they looked in each other's eyes, just dancing with one another, blue to brown.
Her finger was outlining his lips. "You bought a house for us."
"I bought a house for us." Fitz smiled. "For you and for my boys."
"Names, Fitz, can we talk about names. Do you want one to be the Fourth FTG?"
Fitz shook his head. "No, I don't. I talked to my father already and he's fine with it. I just want them to have their own identity."
"Ok, fair enough. Were you thinking of any names?"
He put his hand behind his head, the other still wrapped around her. "What did you have in mind?"
"I've always liked the name Aaron."
"Like in Hank Aaron?"
"Well, no not because of him, but the name yeah, I like Aaron. Aaron Thomas Grant."
"I like that, Livvie, I like it so much." Fitz smiled. "Aaron." He repeated.
"Uh, we have one more to name you know." She poked his cheek.
"Aidan." He looked at her. "Aidan Elijah Grant."
Liv smiled with tears in her eyes. "I love that Fitz. Aidan." She repeated. "Aaron and Aidan."
As if they knew they were being talked about, they began to kick Liv. "Uh oh" she said, "we've bothered them." Fitz's hand rested now to feel the movement.
He looked in her eyes. She rubbed his cheek. "I saw Jake." She took a deep breath. "He came to my office to see Santos and I was packing up. It wasn't a pretty interaction."
Fitz's face grew serious. "What did he do, what did he say?"
Liv shrugged. "Nothing I couldn't handle, but to be honest, I'm glad I got the closure in with him. It just closed a door that remained opened, and to see him finally walk away, well it was comforting."
"You sure you're alright?'
She snuggled a bit closer to him. "Better than alright."
"I saw Lillian. She was on assignment at the base for one of the plane's engines." He looked at her. She looked at him.
"And?"
"She's married. She has a daughter. She lives in Florida and was sent here. We talked, told her I found my Livvie, and that was it, really. I guess it was closure for me also, but it wasn't as serious as you and Jake."
"Jake and I were never serious. He just never understood the love I had for you, and I wouldn't just settle for him." Again, they were just lying there, listening to the quiet.
"I'll be busy while you're on base. I can design and get the rooms all fixed up ready for the babies. I can meet some neighbors, hopefully they're friendly."
"And, you can take it easy, like the doctor said. Your mom will be here next week. Once you hit 30 weeks, Liv…"
"I know, Fitz, trust me I know." She kissed him again. "I can just lay here forever, can I lay here forever, Fitz?"
"Well, the boys have to come out, so I'm going to leave that as a hard no. Plus, we have to eat. I can bring that into you though." He rubbed her belly as she was on her back now.
"The first one out, he's Aaron, the second, Aidan. Is that ok?" He asked.
"That's fine. So do we tell them eventually, about how we found each other. Do we share that with them?"
"I think we do. I don't want my sons to ever think they should do anything like that to a woman. Besides, they need to realize what true love is, and my love for you has and always will be true."
He leaned over and kissed her belly, now he began tearing up realizing this was becoming a reality. She rubbed his curls. "Hey Mister, it's all going to ok. Let's get some sleep before we eat, ok."
Fitz pulled himself back up to face her. He rested his head above her breast and drifted to sleep. Livvie wasn't far behind, joining him in sleep.
Sleeping now in their forever home. The loneliness, the absence of ten years apart becoming a distant memory. All the stories of them living their lives with the thought of each other in their hearts until one day they would meet again told, now they would share everything together.
In the coming months, Liv would get bigger with the pregnancy. Just before her 34th week, on November 1st, she met with the state attorney of California. She would work out of the San Diego division and her job would begin May 1st. The twins would be six months by then, and her and Fitz would have plenty of time to plan for that.
While Maya was reading a magazine in the kitchen and Eli was drifting in and out of sleep on the couch, Liv let out a yell. She had just returned home from her interview with the Attorney General, and as she was getting changed, her water broke.
Eli wasted no time getting her into the car and Maya held her head in her lap as they rushed to the hospital. Fitz had run off his assignment on base and would beat them there, meeting them at the entrance.
By 7:30 that evening, Liv was holding Aaron in her arms and Fitz sat on the bed next to her holding Aidan. Big Gerry, Maya, and Eli all sat in the room watching the new parents gloat over their brand new baby twin boys.
After 6 hours of labor, Liv was able to give a natural birth. Aaron Thomas Grant was born at 6:55 pm weighing in at 5lbs 2oz. Aidan Elijah Grant was a bit more stubborn to come out, and he wasn't born until 7:15 pm weighing in at an even 5lbs. They were perfect, both with dark brown hair.
After a half hour of feeding them, the parents took turns holding each one of them. When their eyes opened, it looked like they would be blue, and Fitz smiled. Two blue eyed, brown haired baby boys. He kissed Liv gently on her head. "I love you so much Livvie. They have a piece of us. Your brown hair, my blue eyes."
"And I love you Mister." Liv looked up at Maya who had her cell phone out ready to take a picture.
With Fitz holding Aaron now and Liv holding Aidan, the parents smiled for the camera. Their first picture as a family. Liv thought back to the picture she carried of Fitz for ten years and Fitz thought of the picture he carried of Liv for ten years.
They looked at each other now and said the same thing. "Our family picture will always be with me."
Fitz smiled at her. "This is how our story begins, our family story begins today."
"And it will be our happily ever after." Liv said looking down at their newborn twins.