The Things People Will Do For An Oval Office
Chapter 14
Restoration
Four Months Later
Fitz stands on the platform overlooking the cliffs of the Palisades under a trellis arch decorated with red and white roses and white tulle bedecked with shimmering rhinestones. Behind him, where sea and sky meet, dusk is bursting with the color array of day's end. The sound of the crushing waves on the rocky shore below, create a calm and romantic atmosphere. He looks out at the burgeoning sunset and marvels at its' beauty. He thinks to himself, this view is quite a switch from our quickie civil ceremony almost twelve years ago. He's happy, nervous and excited. He wants everything to be perfect for his basherte (soulmate).
Flashback, That morning
"Liv you need to get up, Abby will be here in a few minutes." Fitz yanks the covers back exposing the near naked Olivia to the morning chill.
"Fitz! She screams. What the hell are you doing? Are you crazy?" She glances over at the clock on the nightstand. "It's six o'clock in the morning on a Sunday! On a Sunday Fitz! What is so damn important it can't wait until nine or ten when the rest of the civilized world wakes up?"
Fitz walks over to sit next to Olivia on her side of the bed. He kisses his perturbed wife on the brow and smiles at her lovingly.
"Fitz I am not amused and I am immune to your signature disarming smile at this hour of the morning." She rolls her eyes, rubs her protruding belly, pulls the covers up over her body and turns away from Fitz.
"O…liv…via," he says in a sing-song voice, it's time to get up sweetheart. We have a lot to do today."
"Fitz, I love you but you are about thirty seconds from having my foot implanted in a part of your body that will have you walking funny quite possibly for the rest of your life."
"Ouch babe, I not sure exactly what you mean by that but it sounds extremely painful, he grins."
"Oh trust me it will be painful. Now scat! Go away!"
"Livy you have to get up." Fitz is now pleading.
"Why? What is so important you are willing to risk great bodily harm?" Olivia turns over and sits up.
"You have to get up because today you and I, love of my life are getting married."
Olivia stunned, looks at Fitz, she's not sure whether she heard him correctly or not. Fitz nods his head and kisses her wedding band.
A smile slowly creeps across her face. She caresses her husband's face while kissing him passionately. "I love you so much my basherter."
The quiet intimacy of the moment is shattered by the ear-piercing high-pitched screech of Abby's demanding voice.
"Move it Liv, we've got to go pluck, wax and exfoliate before we strap you into your wedding gown. Times a waste'n, get the lead out." Hearing no movement, she walks over to the bottom of the staircase.
"Please tell me you two are not going at it. Jesus Fitz, you've already knocked her up with twins, take a breather for Christ's sake."
End Flashback
Fitzgerald kisses teary-eyed Olivia on the cheek. "I am so proud of you and Fitz. Today is one of the happiest days of my life. I only wish Gen could be here to share this moment."
Olivia looks her father-in-law in the eyes, "she is dad, she is. She's here in you and in Fitz. She's looking down on both of you and smiling. She's in here too. Olivia places Fitzgerald's hand on her stomach. I hope some part of little Genevieve reminds you of Fitz's mom." Now tears start to form in Fitzgerald's eyes too. A few months ago he was a helpless captive and today he's a patriarch attending his son's wedding and expecting his first grandchildren. The life he wanted with to share with Genevieve may not have happened the way it was supposed to but Olivia is right she is there in Fitz.
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Fitz anxiously waits for his beautiful bride to begin her walk of love and commitment towards him. The surprise soloist takes up his position at the piano behind the minister and Huck comes to stand next to Fitz as his best man. Fitz is so nervous he keeps jingling the keys in his pants pocket.
Huck trying to calm the nervous groom says, "Fitz you do realize you and Olivia are already married and have been for close to twelve years."
"I know, I know. I just want everything to be perfect for her. She deserves the perfect wedding day. I am beginning to think I should have told her my idea and gotten her input rather than surprise her. I mean I even picked her dress. Who does that? The bride should always pick her own dress. What if she hates the dress? I will have ruined her wedding day. Oh god, what have done?"
"Okay Fitz you need to chill and take a big breath. There is nothing you can do at this point. The die is cast and this ceremony is moving forward. You know Olivia better than anyone. In planning this wedding, you made sure every detail reflects her style and tastes. Don't worry I am sure she loves everything you have put together." Huck pats Fitz on the shoulder to reassure him.
Olivia and Fitzgerald stand at the edge of the path leading to wedding platform. There is no white aisle runner, instead the path leading from the chapel to the ceremony platform is lined with a red carpet strewn with white rose petals. Olivia is beaming in her white off-the-shoulder goddess gown accented with a one-tier finger lace appliqué and diamond plumage off-the-face veil. Her baby bump is slightly visible. The fifty or so guests are standing waiting for the father and the bride to stroll down the aisle. The music starts and the soloist begins to sing.
"Oh my God! Oh my God! Is that who I think it is? "Olivia puts her hand over her mouth. She's overwhelmed by the voice serenading her down the aisle to husband. Looking up toward the platform, she sees Michael Bublé dressed in a simple pair of black trousers and a white button down shirt singing and tapping away on the keys of a white baby grand piano.
"Ready Olivia?"
"More than ready dad. Let's do this." Fitzgerald and Olivia start walking down the aisle.
Close your eyes
Let me tell you all the reasons why
Think you're one of a kind.
Here's to you
The one that always pulls us through
Always do what you got to do
You're one of a kind
Thank god you're mine.
You're an angel dressed in armor
You're the fair in every fight
You're my life and my safe harbor
Where the sun sets every night
And if my love is blind
I don't want to see the light.
It's your beauty that betrays you
Your smile gives you away.
Cause you're made of strength and mercy
And my soul is yours to save
I know this much is true
When my world was dark and blue
I know the only one who rescued me was you
Tears stream down Olivia's face. The words of the song resonate in her heart. Everyone in the audience is tearing up too. They know Fitz and Olivia's story and words of the song strike everyone as so fitting.
Close your eyes
Let me tell you all the reasons why
You're never going to have to cry
Because you're one of a kind
Yeah, here's to you
The one that always pulls us through
You always do what you got to do, baby
Because you're one of a kind.
When your love pours down on me
I know I'm finally free
So I tell you gratefully
Every single beat in my heart is yours to keep
Fitzgerald and Olivia reach the platform. Olivia can see Fitz is trying to keep it together and failing miserably. White handkerchiefs and Kleenex are flinging everywhere; the entire audience looks like a sea white flags waving in collective surrender.
So close your eyes
Let me tell you all the reasons why, babe
You're never going to have to cry, baby
Because you're one of a kind
Yeah, here's to you
You're the one that always pulls us through
You always do what you got to do, babe
'Cause you're one of a kind.
You're the reason why I'm breathing.
With a little look my way
You're the reason that I'm feeling
It's finally safe to stay!
As soon as the bride and groom hear, "finally safe to stay" they both really lose it. They both have to take a moment to regain their composure. After Olivia stops crying, Abby steps down from the platform and gives Olivia a quick make-up retouch.
Fitzgerald kisses Olivia on the cheek and hands her off to his son. "I love both of you so very much."
"We love you too dad."
Fitz and Olivia return to the platform to thank Michael profusely before he exits.
The minister instructs everyone to take their seats. He goes on to makes the usual remarks regarding the institution of marriage, love and commitment. When it comes time for Fitz and Olivia to exchange vows, Fitz reaches into his pocket and hands Olivia a sheet of paper. She opens the paper and shakes her head. She looks at Fitz then suddenly embraces him. Fitz grasps both of her hands.
"You kept our vows all these years?"
"And I read them every year on our anniversary." Fitz kisses each of Olivia's hands. Because he's read the vows every year for eleven years, he has them memorized.
"Olivia, my basherte, I take you to be my lawfully wedded wife, secure in the knowledge that you are my best friend, my faithful partner in life, and my one true love.
On this special day, I affirm to you in the presence of God and all those in attendance my sacred promise to stay by your side as your faithful husband in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, as well as through the good times and the bad. I promise to encourage your compassion, because that is what makes you unique and wonderful.
I promise to nurture your dreams, because through them your soul shines. I promise to help shoulder our challenges, for there is nothing we cannot face if we stand together.
I promise to be your partner in all things, not possessing you, but working with you. Lastly, I promise to you perfect love and perfect trust. A lifetime with you will never be enough. This is my sacred vow to you, my equal in all things."
Olivia folds up the paper for she has never forgotten her vows. She kisses both of Fitz's hands.
"Fitz, my basherter, I take you to be my lawfully wedded husband, secure in the knowledge that you are my best friend, my faithful partner in life, and my one true love. I promise to love you without reservation, comfort you in times of distress, encourage you to achieve all of your goals, laugh with you and cry with you, always be open and honest with you, and cherish you for all the days of my life. Many people spend their lives searching for their soulmate, their one true love. Some people are lucky to find the person they can truly call the better half of themselves, while others spend the rest of their lives searching and never finding the one they are meant to share their life with. I am so happy to count myself among the blessed ones, because I definitely found you. I love you Fitz. I know that you are the only one for me, my one true love. I am happy and I am grateful that you came into my life. I promise you Fitz, that I will hold you, cherish you and always give you my whole heart. I will support you and care for you. I will always faithfully stand steadfast at your side with your hand in mine, regardless of what life brings our way. I will be your wife for the rest of my life." Olivia kisses Fitz's hands again.
They exchange rings and the minister pronounces Fitz and Olivia husband and wife. After the elated couple takes pictures with the wedding party and mingles with their guests at the reception, Fitz takes Olivia to the side and tells her he has one more surprise for her.
"Ready for our second first dance as husband and wife, he asks."
"I'm ready if you are Fred."
"Well then Ginger, may I have this dance?" He extends his arm to Olivia and they walk out unto the dance floor. Fitz puts his hands on Olivia's waist and pulls her close and she interlaces her hands around the back of his neck.
The lights dim, the banquet room doors open and a parade of humming singers walk in carrying candles. They line up on two sides of the parquet dance floor. The pianist starts to play and the second mystery singer approaches the mike. The guests start whispering and clapping. Olivia tries to turn around to see who has everyone so excited but Fitz won't let her.
Shattered dreams, worthless years,
Here am I encased inside a hollow shell,
Life began, then was done,
Now I stare into a cold and empty well
"The words, the words, I know this song, she squeals." How many nights has she listened this hope-filled ballad promising herself "one day Fitz, one day".
Olivia pulls Fitz down for a toe-curling kiss. Fitz spins her around so she can see Josh Groban give her a nod. Olivia cannot believe what Fitz has done to make her wedding the most perfect day ever. This was their song. On the occasions where the pain of their separation was too much for Fitz to bear, he would call Olivia, play this song into the receiver, then hang up.
The many sounds that meet our ears
the sights our eyes behold,
Will open up our merging hearts,
And feed our empty souls
I believe when I fall in love with you it will be forever,
I believe when I fall in love this time it will be forever
Without despair we will share,
And the joys of caring will not be replaced,
What has been must never end
And with the strength we have won't be erased
When the truths of love are planted firm,
They won't be hard to find,
And the words of love I speak to you
will echo in your mind
I believe when I fall in love with you it will be forever,
I believe when I fall in love this time it will be forever
I believe when I fall in love with you it will be forever,
I believe when I fall in love this time it will be forever
This time
I believe when I fall in love with you it will be forever,
I believe when I fall in love this time it will be forever
I believe when I fall in love this time it will be forever
And oh that love will call
And if I believe you're the only one for me
I believe, I believe, I believe, when I fall in love, oh
I believe, I believe, I believe, when I fall in love, oh
When I fall
I believe, I believe, I believe, when I fall
When I fall
When I fall in love
"Are you happy with the wedding Livy? I hope it is everything you ever wished for." Fitz gives her a sweet peck.
"Fitz you never cease to amaze me. How you pulled this off without me finding out is a miracle. This wedding is better than anything I imagined. Thank you. I love you so much. I…I…"
"I know Livy, I feel the same way." They kiss and sway for the remainder of the night.
Four Months After The Wedding
The judge flips through the agreement submitted to the bench by the prosecutor. Judge Winston looks at Mellie over the rim of his bifocals. "Ms. Abernathy, have you and your attorney reviewed the prosecutor's plea bargain offer?"
"Yes your honor."
"Do you accept the terms of the agreement?"
"Yes your honor." Mellie mumbles.
"Ms. Abernathy, you need to speak loud enough for me and the court reporter to hear your responses. Are we clear?"
"Yes," she says softly. "I mean, yes your honor", she says louder.
"You understand you are pleading guilty to the following: six counts of obstruction of justice; six counts of conspiracy; ten counts of accessory after the fact; two counts of fraud; and, two counts of assault." The judge looks at Mellie again over the rim of his glasses waiting for her concurrence.
Mellie wipes a tear away from her eye. "Yes your honor", she says almost choking on her answer.
"You further agree to turn in state's evidence against Harold Putnam Grant."
"Yes your honor". Mellie fidgets and shudders at the thought of facing Harold in court.
"You agree to relinquish any and all assets obtained in connection with these crimes to cover criminal fines totaling $450,000 and a restitution order payable to Olivia Pope in the amount of $1,850,000."
"Yes your honor". Mellie's parents gasp. Mellie and judge look over to the pair with contempt. Mellie realizes they are not here to support her they are only attending to find out her financial status. The greedy couple was counting on Mellie's assets to cover their living expenses for the next few years.
"You will allocute to role in these crimes."
"Yes your honor".
"You will accept the sentencing of this court and serve you time in federal prison in exchange for all state charges against you being dropped."
"Yes your honor", Mellie nods.
"Do you accept the terms recommended by the federal prosecutor?"
Mellie and her attorney stand disheartened at the defense table. Her attorney leans over to whisper final words of advice in her ear. Mellie nervously bobs her head, grabs several tissues from the box on the table and wipes her tear soaked puffy red eyes.
"Ms. Abernathy do you agree and accept the recommendations of the prosecution", the judge repeats sternly.
"Yes your honor", Mellie sniffles.
"Very well you may proceed with your allocution statement for the record." The judge motions to Mellie to begin.
Mellie takes a deep breath and begins to detail her role in years of illegal activity through her association with Harold. Weeping, she recaps her participation in the framing of Andrew Nichols, the assaults on both Andrew and Olivia, the election fraud, the brides, and the long roster of conspiracy schemes. It takes Mellie 48 minutes to allocute to all 26 counts.
"Before I pronounce sentence I understand you wish to make a statement to the Grants. While they are under no obligation to consent to your request; they have nonetheless agreed to listen to your statement."
"Mr. and Mrs. Grant please step forward."
Fitz and Olivia walk over to the first row of seats behind Mellie and her attorney. Mellie turns around and is shocked to see a very pregnant Olivia.
"Fitz, Olivia, I know there are no words I can say that will make up for your pain and suffering. I just want you both to know I am truly sorry for the part I played in this tragedy. Honestly, standing here today, I find it hard to believe I was a willing participant in Harold's house of horrors but I was and there is no changing that fact. I will spend the rest of my life trying to figure out how I became such a base and uncaring person. I want… no I need to ask for your forgiveness even though I do not deserve it. Please forgive me."
Olivia and Fitz just stare at Mellie. Fitz places one hand on Olivia's stomach the other around her waist. Without saying a word to Mellie, Fitz leads Olivia out of the courtroom. They make it a few feet down the corridor before Olivia's water breaks.
Back in the courtroom, Judge Winston sentences Mellie to 50 years plus eighteen months, the maximum term for all charges. Mellie's legs buckle under her and she collapses into her chair from shock at hearing the words 50 years. She is given no time to recovery from the shock; the federal marshals immediately handcuff her and lead her away. Her parents make no attempt to say good-bye. Mellie will be eligible for parole in 35 years.
Eleven Hours Later
"You two do good work", Fitzgerald comments while holding his two grandchildren. Genevieve Maya Grant came into the world weighing 6lbs 11oz and Gregory Eli Grant weighed in at seven pounds even.
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I got a case of the warm fuzzes after the S4 finale, so you get an extra chapter. The next chapter will definitely be the final one of this story.
When I think of Olitz in the context of this AU, I always think of these two songs. I heard Josh Groban perform "I Believe" at the Hollywood Bowl a couple of years back and he and the choir with him were both fantastic.
Did she really think Fitz and Olivia were going to ease her conscious by forgiving her? They will of course forgive her eventually because they don't want to hold on to the toxic emotion of unforgiveness.
Harold's end will be satisfying I promise.
Please share your thoughts and comments.
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Josh Groban version -"I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)"
(originally by Stevie Wonder)
Close Your Eyes by Michael Buble.