Chapter 8: The Best Time of the Year, When Everyone Comes Home…

9:00am…Christmas Breakfast with the Gladiators…

At precisely 9:00 am on the button, Olivia's doorbell rang, and she went and answered the door. There stood, Abby and Quinn totally bombarding her with hugs. When Abby hugged her she whispered, "How was last night?"

Olivia looked at her. "Abby, for Christ's sake nothing happened!"

At that point Fitz, came out of the kitchen, pasted the dining room, into view.

Abby saw him. "She's making me wait Abigail."

Quinn and Abby looked at each other then Olivia. Olivia was turning ten shades of red. Quinn said to her "You mean after two year of, well you know, no lovings, you two didn't consummate your engagement? Geez girl, are you crazy?

Olivia stood there ready to hurt everyone in the room. She looked at Fitz, then turned towards Abby. "Yes Abby I am crazy. But we're going to be married in a week. One more week is not going to hurt anything. Right Fitzgerald?"

Fitz had known Olivia for a long time, but in that time had only called him by his first name a few times. He walked over to her, without missing a beat and said, "Whatever you say dear." He wrapped his arm around her waist and placed a kiss on the top of her head.

She was about to say something else to him, when the doorbell rang again, and it was Stephen, Georgia, Huck, and Harrison. All came inside and shook Fitz's hand and squeezed Olivia.

Once everyone was inside, they placed their gifts under the tree, and goodies on the dinning room table. They sat down, ate breakfast, and hashed out details on when everyone was flying out for the wedding. Abby, Quinn, Stephen, and Georgia, would be flying out December 27th. It gave them some extra time at home to get whatever else was needed done in DC before leaving for California.

Huck and Harrison, would be arriving on December 29th with Cyrus and James. Huck and Harrison decided to arrive later so they could make sure Pope and Associates was set up for their new cases after the first of the year. No one was sure if Olivia was going to be able to come back or not, which was a possibility. Olivia knew she wanted to, but with becoming "the First Lady" and she was sure Fitz would insist on a detail, it would be hard.

After breakfast, everyone exchanged gifts and bid their far wells. Olivia hated to see them all go but she knew her and Fitz had a plane to catch. Once the door was closed, it wasn't long before she saw Fitz standing by the window, looking out. He was reminded on the one night he snuck out of the White House, and was going the same thing. But this time he did not have to leave without her.

She walked behind him and placed her arms around his waist from behind. She cuddled her head into his back and squeezed him tightly. A moan escaped from his mouth, and he pulled her in front of him.

"So how are you Mr. President?"

He looked down at her, and planted a passionate kiss on her lips. He picked her up and took her over to the couch, laying himself on top of her. Then traced kisses on her ear lobes, down her neck, and back to her lips. He pulled away looking at her lovingly and full of desire.

"Do you know how much I love you?" He asked her.

"Lots and lots." She told him, bringing him down for another kiss.

He caressed her face with his hand, and the other was playing in her hair. Olivia was watching his facial expression. "What?" She asked him.

"I am just the happiest man in the world right now. I never thought that this day would come and to be here with you, this way, with your friends here, was a bittersweet moment for me. They know about us, and accepted me with open arms."

"Fitz, did you think they wouldn't?"

"I didn't know. I knew you didn't tell them about us but after last night, seeing their reactions to my purposal, and everything else, I feel like family now. Like I belong to something and someone," he gazed deep into her eyes, "finally. I am finally part of a family that I always wanted to have."

She sat up, placing herself in his lap. She cupped his face in her hands. "Once you put this ring on my finger you became a gladiator Fitz. But you are my gladiator and I love you." She gave him another kiss and hugged him tightly. He wrapped his arms around her so tightly, not willing to relinquish his grasp on her.

She pulled away from him slowly and looked into his grey-blue eyes. "You have given me everything Fitz. And if it's my power, which I hope it is, I want to give you everything in return."

HE smiled and grazed her face with his own. "And what could that be?"

She tickled her nose against his. She then placed his hands on her stomach. She watched how his eyes lit up. "A child one day, if that is okay with you."

The tears came into his eyes. "You know how long I've wanted to have a family with you Livvie?"

"I know. Me too. But there will be time for that after we announce the marriage. I promise." She ran her fingers under his sweater, and his dress shirt.

She began to see a wave of desire come into his face all of sudden. She pulled her hands out and tucked his shirt back into his pants. He pouted at her, causing her to giggle at him. She then said, Now we have to straighten up from breakfast, do dishes, and get ready to leave right?" She asked him.

"Yes we do. I'll check with Tom to make sure everything is a good to get us out of here undetected. I am going to have to put the Santa outfit on again to leave though. Once we're in the car, I'll take it off. The agents have an unmarked, bulletproof limo, that we are riding in to the airport. It will be parked behind your building not to draw to much attention."

"Okay, let's get a move on then handsome." She then got off his lap, and pulled him into the kitchen to help with dishes. She made him wash and she dried. Once the kitchen was clean, they gathered their luggage, Fitz "Santed" up, and headed for the door. Tom was waiting for them at the elevator. Luckily no one saw them, and it was a smooth ride to the airport.

/

Christmas in Santa Barbara...

Fitz and Olivia arrived at the airport and boarded a private plane without any difficulty. The pilot was an old friend of Fitz's from the Navy and was more than happy to help out an "old friend." For the entire plane ride they talked wedding plans, what was to go on for the week and each day leading up to the wedding. She even tried to convince him to let her have a "girls night out" but he was a tad apprehensive. Fitz didn't like the idea of her going "bar hopping" without a detail. She told him that they would discuss it later, after she planted a huge kiss on him.

By the time the plane landed in California, it was mid afternoon. Fitz arranged for a private limo to pick him and Olivia up at the airport. He did not want to stir up to much press so he only had a few agents on hand. There were undercover secret service agents dressed in plane cloths to escort them back to the ranch. Since he figured the press would be out front, he arranged with security for him and Olivia to come into the back gate, which only a few people knew of. Olivia was so spell bound, she just sat their quietly taking everything in.

The car pulled into the gates she let out this huge gasp of air. Fitz turned her towards him and nuzzled his nose into hers, and then kissed her. He whispered to her, "Welcome home, Mrs. Grant." At that point, she melted into his arms and stayed in his embrace until the car stopped. Right when the door to the car opened, the front door to the house opened. Fitz smiled and knew that Karen and Jerry were waiting for them.

Karen and Jerry ran like a bat out of hell out the door knocking Olivia into Fitz who scooted out her side instead. Neither was prepared and fell back into the car laughing. All Olivia's fears disappeared at that moment. The kids hugged and kissed her so much that she almost lost it. Fitz had tears in his eyes, realizing that his family was now the way it always should have been.

The kids dragged her away from Fitz, and into the house. Olivia walked in and took in all the decorations with Fitz behind her trying to pull her back into his arms again. Karen and Jerry swatted his hands away, taking Olivia down the stairs into the main living area. There was garland down the rails down into the room, and up the stairs to the bedrooms. Intertwined with the garland, was white Christmas lights, that twinkled. In the corner of the room, she saw the huge dining room table. It had on a deep red table cloth, with fresh white and red roses in the center. The table was already prepared for dinner.

The fireplace she noticed next. It had stockings for everyone hung for it, with garland and twinkling lights. She walked up to it, warming herself by the fire, and noticed by Fitz's stocking, was one with her name on it. She smiled and walked up to it. Fitz and the kids got quiet watching her. Karen finally came beside her and said,

"Yes Livvie we have a stocking for you. Do you like it?" Karen asked her.

Olivia turned around, opened her arms for Karen to come into them, and said to her, "Oh yes, sweetie I love it. It's perfect." She then looked over at Fitz, who was beaming. He mouthed to her "I love you," and she winked at him back.

She then turned and saw a huge 9 foot tree in the corner by the back windows. She let out a breath and walked over to it taking it all in. The tree was a fat, and round covered in family ornaments, and places they have been. The lights twinkled and sparkled off everything that was hanging on the tree.

Then out of the corner of her eye, she saw an ornament on it that said "First Christmas Together." Underneath the lettering, was an actual picture of them from the Polar Express the night before. It was right after she said yes to his marriage proposal and he was holding her in the air. Their noses were touching after the kiss their shared moments before. Fitz asked the kids to give them a moment, and they went upstairs.

He watched her, as she reached out and touched the ornament. He walked behind her, sliding his arms around her waist, then snuggling into her.

"Hey there, you okay?" Fitz asked her.

She placed her head back onto his chest, and said "I am more than okay."

She turned around, took her arms and threw them around his neck. He lifted her up off the air, and kissed her again. Right when their lips touched a flash went off. They turned and saw Karen and Jerry smiling with a camera. Olivia blushed and buried her head into Fitz. He melted more, when she did this and the kids came over and hugged both of them too. It was a bittersweet moment for both of them.

/

Olivia then heard someone else come into the room. She turned her head to the stairs with Fitz and the kids.

"Hello Olivia."

"Hello Mellie, Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas to you." Mellie said. "Congratulations to you both." She said sincerely.

Fitz and Olivia looked at each other. "Thank you Mellie." Olivia said.

Mellie then thought about her next answer, "Jerry, and Karen, could you give your Dad, Liv and I a couple minutes alone."

Karen and Jerry looked up at both Liv and Fitz and left the room.

Fitz braced himself. Fitz and Olivia sat down on the couch and Mellie sat in a chair just off to the side from them.

Mellie spoke first. "For what it's worth, I am sorry for everything. I truly hope that you both are happy in your new life together."

Fitz and Olivia looked at each other and then Mellie in shock.

"Mel, I don't know what to say." Fitz said.

"Thank you Mellie," was all Olivia could muster out.

"Fitz and I were never as happy as you two are. I wished it, but we never were. We always had to pretend in front of everyone. I saw how Jerry and Karen reacted when you arrived, and how excited they were just watching you arrive at the house. They drove us all crazy just waiting for you both to arrive," Mellie stopped, "Take care of each other."

"Mel, this means a lot coming from you. But why now?" Fitz asked curiously.

"I know I have been horrible, but I realize that finding that ONE PERSON who means everything to you is the most important thing one can have. I have that now with the baby's father. I understand that now."

"Mellie, I don't know what to say." Olivia said to her.

"You don't have to say anything Olivia. Fitz never felt for me what he feels for you. Seeing him as happy as he is now, was something we never had. I fought him originally on the divorce, but it was wrong too. Fitz is letting me stay on as First Lady is admirable. I am willing to help you adjust to the role as a First Lady if you would like Olivia. It's going to be a big change for you once you announce your marriage."

Olivia left Fitz's side and sat on the arm of the chair next to Mellie. She took her hand. "That would be great. But you don't have to."

"I know that, but it's best for Fitz, the kids, and the country if we all look like we are ONE BIG happy family. Which I hope we will be."

Olivia knelt before her and gave her a hug. "Thank you. I guess I may need some advice. Oh I have something for the baby."

Mellie and Fitz looked at each other wondering how she found the time to go shopping. Olivia looked at them both and said, "After I heard it was a boy, I found this for you."

She went to her suitcase and pulled out a small present. She handed it to Mellie and sat back next to Fitz on the couch. He put his arm back around her, pulling her close to him.

Mellie opened the present and a huge smile came across her face. She pulled out a pair of pants and top. On the top said, "Future President" in red, white and blue lettering. She turned it around and showed it to Fitz and he smiled. Mellie then went and sat next to Olivia giving her a hug.

Karen and Jerry came down the steps then, asking if they could come down. They said it was fine and they showed them the baby's present. Olivia got up and went back to her suitcase and handed them theirs. She gave Karen a birthstone necklace, from Jayne Seymour's Open Hearts collection. It was small and dainty. Karen loved it and she put it on, and vowed never to take it off. Jerry opened his next, and gave Olivia a huge hug. She gave him a "Nook" with some of his favorite books already installed and books he's been wanting to read. He loved it and squeezed her.

/

After the gift exchange, it was time for dinner. There was turkey, a ham, all the sides, homemade bread, and lots of dessert. Everyone ate so much, they everyone was suffering from more than just a "turkey coma" after dinner. Anytime Fitz tried to get next to Olivia on the couch or chair, Karen or Jerry would run over, past him, stealing his spot. She could tell he was getting a little flustered but she had to admit it was cute to see.

To end the evening, the kids asked if everyone could sit and watch the Polar Express. It was a perfect way to end the evening. Fitz tried to go over and cuddle Olivia on the couch but it was full already. Mellie was there with Karen, then Olivia, and Jerry. The kids literally pulled the two "First Ladies" together, and all were snuggling with the other on the couch.

Fitz sat in front of Olivia on the floor, so he could be close to her. Every once and a while he would feel Olivia's hand play with his curls, or she would sit up, and drape her arms around neck, squeezing him. Any time she did so, he let out a sigh, and kissed her hands. By the time the movie was over, it was time for bed, and Karen and Jerry hugged everyone and went upstairs. Mellie followed soon after because she was finding it hard to keep her eyes open.

Fitz was so relieved finally to have his fiancée alone that he stretched out on the couch placing his head in her lap. He laid their looking up at her, and her down at him. Olivia would caress his face with her fingers, and run them through his hair. He had never felt so relaxed or happy before. The more she did this, she could tell he was beginning to fall asleep on her.

She bent down and whispered, "Mr. President," in a higher pitch voice, full of sexiness, "why don't you let your fiancée take you upstairs and tuck you in for the night?"

Fitz raised his eyebrows and responded, "Well, as long as you tuck yourself in with me. What do you say to that Mrs. Grant to be?"

"You really know how to sweet talk a girl there handsome."

"Thanks, I've had lots of practice waiting for the right girl." He grinned at her sitting up now. His face was millimeters from hers. Her breath was increasing.

"Oh really now. So have you found her?"

"I have found her, and I am NEVER letting her go." Fitz then kissed her. He pulled away and sat up, and scooped her up into his arms, carrying her up the stairs. Olivia was trying really hard not to laugh, but found it difficult.

"You know, you don't have carry me over the threshold until the wedding night you know." She said to him, playing with his hair on the way up the steps.

"Trust me, any chance I can get to hold you in my arms, and spoil you rotten works for me Livvie."

"Keep working that Grant Charm of yours, and you may just see what I have in store for you on the wedding night a little earlier."

Fitz got to their room, opened and closed the door with his foot. Olivia laughed and he placed her on the bed gently, laying on top of her. "Really now," he asked her rubbing his face on hers.

"Really," she said back to him. She grabbed his sweater and yanked it over his head, messing up his perfect hair in the process. He then did the same to her.

He looked into her eyes. "You know, us waiting till the wedding night is going to be quite difficult if stuff like this keeps up. I can only hold out so long. God you're driving me crazy right now, and you've only taken my sweater off Livvie." It was then he looked down and noticed she was unbuttoning his shirt, and getting ready to slip it off his arms.

He whispered into her ear, "I. Love. You," and he pulled off her shirt. Underneath him she was just in her bra and black pants. He was the same. He helped her stand up and sat down on the bed in front of her. Fitz unbuttoned her pants and slid them down. He kissed her stomach, up her chest, and finally her lips. She pulled him up and undid his pants, letting them fall to the floor.

Both were just in their undergarments. Olivia pulled away from him and slid under the covers in the bed. Fitz raised his eyebrows and got in beside her.

He looked at her and said, "Now what?"

"Well there are other ways I can please my handsome, beyond sexy fiancée you know."

"Mmmm…" he said to her. "Now how prey tell are you going to do that."

She slid her body under the covers and showed him how. He let out a gasp of air and sound of pure ecasty. (Use your imagination ladies.)

When Olivia emerged, he felt SO MUCH better. He got on top of her, and kissed her. "Merry Christmas, my Precious Sweet Baby."

"Merry Christmas My Precious, Mr. President," Olivia said back to him.

"My precious? Having a Lord of the Rings moment are we?"

"Nope, but you said it first. And you are the most precious person in the world to me Fitz."

"And you are mine," he said kissing her again. "I love you."

"And I love you." She said back to him.

He then slid his body behind her, pulled her into him, and both fell asleep.

/

There you go my little pumpkins. Their wedding day is the chapter after the next. I know I keep teasing you, but it's coming I promise. Sorry it took so long to wait, but I guess we can still celebrate Christmas more, even though it's almost Valentine's day. It's like two holidays in one.

OH I know a different Mellie. I wanted her to be kinder and more understanding. I know on the show she's ruthless, but I didn't want her to be that way. She is going to help Liv become a great First Lady for Fitz. Plus it helps her political future too. ;-)

Leave me milk and cookies….

Peace, Luv and Pumpkins ;-)

Me's