A/N: I seriously loved writing this chapter. I hope you enjoy it! (Apologies in advance for the cliffhanger... sorry/not sorry.)
"Are you having fun, baby?"
Olivia feels Fitz's arms slide around her waist and turns her head to the side to kiss his cheek. His skin is cold from the wind and damp from the sea spray, but she can tell from his voice just how happy he is to be here, skippering his yacht around Long Island. And if he's happy, then - despite the bitter November weather - so is she.
"It's great," she replies honestly, finding his bare hands and covering them with her gloved ones. "It's so beautiful out here."
"Isn't it?" He squeezes her even tighter, kissing his way along her jaw until she looks at him again and he can kiss her lips. "Mmm. It's so beautiful right here, too."
She can't stop a huge smile from blossoming on her face. It's one of those moments where she really feels her love for him; where it's physical as well as emotional. After their delicious morning sex, the excitement of twelve weeks and Fitz's thoughtful gifts to her, she's not surprised that she's falling for him all over again today. Plus, she's really excited to tell all their friends later this evening, who are currently sailing on The Georgiana with them, many making up Fitz's crew. Abby, Henry, James, Quinn and Charlie all grew up around boats and they certainly look the part, dressed in their Nautica and J. Crew apparel, handling the enormous yacht with ease. Olivia feels strangely proud to see them working together, her friends and Fitz's. They are one big family now, with Cyrus, Harrison, Kelsey, Huck and Kim as well, plus Stephen, Mark and Annabel in the UK.
"Our baby is so lucky," she says to Fitz now, her voice quiet with the threat of tears. "We have such amazing people around us, don't we? Our son or daughter will be so loved."
Fitz turns her in his embrace, his expression one of surprise when he sees how choked up she's getting, and hugs her into the warmth of his body. "Don't cry Livvie," he says close to her ear, his voice incredulous, full of wonder. "You're so silly, sweet baby."
She laughs against his chest as a tear falls from the corner of her eye. "I know. I think it's just…" She sighs, gazing up into his eyes again. They look grayer today, reflecting the sky and the sea. "I feel like we've been fighting so many problems alone, and suddenly we're surrounded by this whole group of friends who will support us and love us. I don't think I could ask for a better family."
His face softens and she can tell how touched he is by that thought too. "We did the right thing, didn't we?" he asks rhetorically. "Coming together, uniting all these awesome people. I've never doubted it, but every day it just feels more and more right. You know?"
"I do," she nods, reaching up to press her lips to his. He holds her there for ages, savoring her with sweet little kisses, until someone calls his name from across the deck and they're forced to break apart.
"Are we heading back to the marina soon?" Abby shouts, and Olivia turns to find that every single person is looking at them with raised eyebrows and not-so-subtle smirks. It's so easy to forget that most of them have only seen her and Fitz together once before, and that the way they are together - unashamedly cute and totally smitten - is still a novelty.
Fitz just doesn't care though. He kisses her again and then grins mischievously at her before he finally moves away. "Yeah, let's go. I'm getting hungry. Right, Henry and Quinn, you take starboard…"
Olivia watches him in his captain's role, instructing his crew with such authority, and feels her center starting to heat up. He is so sexy, so confident, and she lets her imagination wander: she's taking him beneath deck and being lifted into his arms, pressed into the wall, her head falling back as his teeth graze her neck…
… And two hours later, that's exactly where she finds herself.
Inside the master cabin where they're supposed to be getting changed for dinner, she's rapidly losing all control as Fitz repeatedly flexes his hips, grinding his erection against her core through their jeans, his fingers hastily unbuttoning her shirt and his mouth following the same path.
"Ohh," she moans when he tugs down her bra cups and his wet tongue swirls around her left nipple. She feels like she's melting, hot liquid filling her insides, her breath catching and toes curling.
And then there's a knock at the door.
He doesn't hear it the first time, and she has to stop him. "Fitz. Fitz!"
He looks up at her, eyes heavy with desire. "What?"
There's another knock. "Hey Liv, are you in there?"
It's Abby.
Fitz blinks, and seems to come back to his senses. "Fuck. What does she want?"
"I don't know yet, do I?"
Olivia lowers her feet back to the floor but he keeps her captive between his muscular body and the wood-paneled wall. "Ignore her. She'll go away."
He tries to kiss her again and she lets him for a moment, swept up in his desire for her. But she knows Abby is fully aware that they're both in the bedroom together and if she doesn't answer the door, her friend will know exactly what they're up to.
"Stop, baby. I'll just be a minute."
Reluctantly, he lets her go. He sits on the bed, facing away to hide his very obvious state of arousal, and pretends to play on his phone. Olivia quickly refastens her shirt and finally answers the door to her friend, who's already wearing her cocktail dress for the dinner on board - which starts in less than an hour.
"Hey Abs. You look great."
"Thanks. You look… not even remotely ready."
She tries to peek over Olivia's shoulder, clearly expecting to see a messy bed and possibly Fitz in some state of undress. Instead, she looks disappointed when he just glances up and says hello.
"Oh, hey Fitz. Sorry to interrupt. I was just wondering if you brought straighteners with you Liv? The wind has ruined my hair."
"Yeah, of course." She opens her small travel bag and hands them to Abby.
"Thanks."
"Is everyone alright? You've all got enough space to change, you've found the drinks fridge and the bar?"
"We're fine, don't worry about us." She gives Olivia a pointed look. "I'm not sure if it's still cool to be late to your own party though."
Olivia laughs as she starts to close the door. "We won't be late. See you soon."
Seconds later she's climbing onto Fitz's lap, gazing adoringly into his eyes. "Now, where were we?"
He lets her kiss him but she can sense immediately that his fire has gone out.
"You okay?" she inquires, running her fingertips through his curls.
"Yeah. I think the moment has passed, though. We should really get ready."
She frowns. Despite Abby's interruption, she still wants him - now. "We have time, baby. We can be quick."
Undoing a couple of shirt buttons, this time she takes it off over her head and throws it to the floor. Then she stands in front of him and peels off her jeans, before her bra and panties join the discarded pile too. Fortunately there's heating on the yacht, and the small cabin is toasty and warm.
She takes his hands and places them on her bare hips; he slides them around to her ass, bringing his face to her belly, kissing her. Then he sighs.
"What's wrong?" she asks. "Don't you want me?"
"Of course I do." His dark eyes meet hers again and he stands too, pulling her into his body so she can feel the strength of his renewed erection. It's certainly impressive.
She begins to unfasten his belt and he allows it, even as he continues to speak. "I think I'm being a bad host, though. I should be out there entertaining our guests, not in here ignoring them."
Olivia understands what he's saying, but as soon as she has his warm, hard cock in her hand, his skin so smooth beneath her palm, she really doesn't care.
"If you stop talking," she suggests, kneeling in front of him, "We can get out there sooner."
He fills her mouth. The way he jerks, his groan, his hands coming to rest on her head, all make her feel like the most powerful woman in the world. If there's ever a way to convince a man to do anything… it's a blowjob.
They are quick, in the end. Quick and fucking incredible.
He doesn't let her stay down on her knees too long, and from his racing heart and furious kisses as he pulls her onto the bed, she knows exactly why. He bends her legs all the way up to her chest as he thrusts into her, long and slow, massaging her G spot, gazing straight into her soul. She feels his hand move around her thigh and he presses on the sensitive skin of her perineum, putting pressure on her anus, which is not something she's ever experienced before but fuck, it feels so amazing that she's instantly right on the edge, and so is he, seeing what he's doing to her, gauging whether it's okay to continue.
When she nods, when he slips his finger inside her, it's such an entirely new sensation that she comes instantly. Her sudden cry is so loud that he catches it in his mouth and then starts to come too, pounding into her, and this feeling of fullness is so much more than she'd ever dreamed possible, and sweet, so sweet, she doesn't know how she'll ever breathe normally again.
Even when Fitz finally pulls out of her, he sends aftershocks slamming through her body. She's vaguely aware of him asking if she's okay and then leaving her, followed by the sound of the shower in the tiny ensuite bathroom. It feels like a long time until she can move, until she can focus on her surroundings and even contemplate sitting up. By that time he's back with a towel around his waist, smiling as he sits beside her, cradling her face in his hands.
"Hi Livvie. I take it that was good?"
Her voice seems to have abandoned her. How much noise did she make? It's quite cramped down here below deck, and she suspects the wooden walls are pretty thin. Oh well. There's no way in hell she'd ever regret what just happened.
"Can you speak, baby?"
She shakes her head and he laughs. "Well, you look like a very satisfied woman, so I'm gonna take it that you enjoyed yourself."
"I did," she finally manages to whisper. "Fuck. That was the most… I've never felt… Fitz. My god."
Her incoherency seems to charm him and he kisses her tenderly, his hands gently caressing her breasts, his palm eventually coming to rest on her abdomen. "I love you," he says, his mouth barely leaving hers.
Her gaze finds his, close and intense, and she realizes that they have a new connection now, a new secret. Even thinking about it makes her feel so naughty. She can't wait to try it again, to be transported back to that higher level of pleasure, to explore it with him.
"I'm sorry to break it to you," Fitz is saying quietly, "But we really need to get ready."
And, finally, she's back in the present.
"Shit. What time is it?"
"About six forty. Go get in the shower, quick."
The hot spray feels heavenly. Even though she washes as fast as she can, by the time she's finished Fitz is already dressed in a smart black suit and white shirt, applying cologne in front of the mirror.
"I'm gonna go and play host," he says, pressing a kiss to her lips and then bending down, lifting her towel, kissing her belly. "Are you ready?"
Her heart flutters. She'd momentarily forgotten the aim of tonight's meal: to share their news; to stand proudly in her truth.
"I'm ready."
He smiles at her. "Good. Me too. See you out there shortly, then."
"Okay. Love you."
Her dress feels tighter than it did a week ago, when she went shopping. It's orange, a striking color on her, with thin straps and a low neckline. It clings to her every curve, which is kind of the point: it highlights her baby bump, but also her growing boobs. It's not something she would usually wear to a dinner party with friends - it's pretty sexy, really - but she wants to show off the body that is growing her child for the very first time and she loves to dress up for Fitz, especially because they haven't been able to go out on any dates recently. Anyway, everyone has seen her in skimpy dresses before, on red carpets and in photographs. She's not embarrassed or ashamed. She's confident in her own skin - especially now, when she's going to become a mommy.
She quickly applies her makeup and attempts to tame her hair, which has been in a braid all day and is pretty wild when she unfastens it. She applies product and tips her head upside down, gathering her curls into a high ponytail and tying them there. Finally, she puts on her perfume and heels and checks herself one last time in the mirror.
"Ready to meet your family, little one?" she asks, admiring her small bump. "They are going to love you so much. Right… let's go."
She's only ten minutes late, which isn't bad considering she was recovering from the best orgasm of her life. She joins the whole group in the yacht's entertaining area, where the dining table has been extended to seat twelve and everyone is mingling alongside it, drinking Champagne. They're moored back in the marina and the yacht club is providing catering, with the food due to be brought out at seven thirty. She and Fitz are planning to make their announcement after the main course - unless everyone realizes sooner. It's quite thrilling to be on display, to hug and kiss her friends and wonder if they'll notice, if their eyes are attuned to the changes she's so constantly aware of.
Fitz is behind the bar, opening another bottle of bubbles. He looks completely stunned when he sees her, his gaze roaming over her from head to toe and then back again, focusing in on her chest, on her waist.
"Wow," he says, abandoning what he's doing to come over to her, to take her into his arms. "You look sensational."
He kisses her and she's glad she opted for clear lipgloss instead of any color. "Mm. You don't scrub up too badly yourself."
He smiles as he ducks his head, kissing her neck, sending a shiver down her spine. "I think we may have gotten ourselves into trouble," he murmurs.
"What?"
"I'm pretty sure everyone heard you. I can see it in their eyes."
His low voice near her ear, combined with his lips on her sensitive skin, is making it hard for her to concentrate.
"Well," she sighs, her fingers digging in to his biceps, "It was your fault."
"Really? You're blaming me? I guess I won't do it ever again then…"
She can feel his hands low on her back, moving closer to her ass, reminding her so viscerally of the newest part of her body he's just become acquainted with, and the mind-blowing effect it had on the rest of her.
"Oh, you will," she breathes, her core beginning to throb at the thought of it. "You definitely will."
"Fitzgerald, get your hands off my woman!"
They're separated by James, which is probably for the best. He hugs her tightly, then looks her up and down. "Absolutely stunning," he remarks. "You get more beautiful every time I see you. How is that fair?"
She blushes, an effect he always seems to have on her with his gushing compliments. "Thank you."
"Fitz, I hope you know how special this girl is."
His eyes meet hers, shining with so much love. "I do, believe me."
James looks between them both, grinning. "Okay, you two are even cuter together than you were at Halloween. I can't handle it. I need another drink."
"I've just opened a bottle," Fitz says, taking James's glass from him to refill it.
"Good man. Liv, you're empty handed. What are you drinking?"
She immediately glances at Fitz, who seems a little panicked. He was supposed to have her a glass of grape juice ready, to pretend it was Champagne, but he'd obviously forgotten all about it when he laid eyes on her.
"I'm... not," she answers eventually, unable to think of anything else to say.
"Oh. Still detoxing?"
And then his gaze travels over her again and his eyes narrow suspiciously as he focuses in on her abdomen. Her pulse misses a beat: he knows. By the time he looks at her again, the biggest smile is already curving her lips.
"No," she answers simply.
His mouth falls open in shock. Fitz, who has been watching the whole scene, is smiling just as hard as she is. Sharing their baby news is the best feeling.
"Holy fuck, Liv! You're-"
She shushes him, pulling him further away from the crowd. "Don't shout it!"
"You're pregnant?" he whispers instead, and she nods with unexpected tears in her eyes. "Oh my god. Congratulations!"
He hugs her again. It really is so great to have him back in her life. Then he reaches across the bar to Fitz, shaking his hand. "Congrats, man. Wow."
"Thank you."
"You know," James goes on as Olivia sees Fitz finally opening up the grape juice and pouring her a glass, "I suspected you might be at Halloween, when you refused the wine."
"Really?"
"I spent the first five years of my career in entertainment journalism. You develop a sense for these kinds of things."
"Well, you were right."
"And I've never been gladder. Oh my god! This is so exciting. How far along are you? Oh, this explains why your boobs look incredible too. It all makes perfect sense."
Olivia laughs as he rambles on. "I'm twelve weeks today," she says, and then continues before he guesses correctly again: "And yes, that's the reason behind this dinner. We're going to tell everyone during the meal, unless they all figure it out like you have."
"I doubt that," James says smugly. "You could be six months pregnant in front of Cy and I don't think he'd notice, bless him."
"Do I hear my name taken in vain?"
Cyrus joins them and Fitz rounds the bar, passing out glasses. "Can I tell him?" James asks excitedly, and Olivia couldn't say no even if she wanted to.
"Tell me what?"
"There's a baby in this room, Cy!"
He looks around, frowning. "Where?"
The three of them can't help but laugh. "No, you idiot," James says affectionately. "Inside Liv. She's pregnant!"
It seems to take Cyrus several moments to process the news. "She's… You're… What?"
"Your boss knocked me up," she confirms solemnly, but she can't hide her grin for long.
Cyrus stares at Fitz, who puts his arm around his friend's shoulders. "I know you're gay, Cy, but didn't anyone ever teach you about the birds and the bees? Men and women make babies together, and they grow inside the woman's uterus until-"
"I know, I know," he finally interrupts, shaking himself back to life. "Holy hell, Fitz. Are you serious?"
"Very."
He gestures to Olivia, who looks down and turns sideways, showing off the little swell of her belly. The next thing she knows, a very emotional Cyrus is embracing her boyfriend and gripping onto her hand at the same time, drawing her towards them.
"I am… so pleased for you," he says to Fitz, who seems both touched and taken aback by this show of affection. "I know how much this means to you, boss. And you, Olivia." He turns to her, admiring her like he's never seen her before. "Congratulations. Thank you for making this man so happy. He deserves it more than anyone I know."
"He does," she echoes softly, as Fitz draws her against his side and kisses her temple.
"A toast," James proffers, completing their circle. "To Liv and Fitz, and this crazy adventure you're both about to go on."
"To Liv and Fitz."
"To us."
James pulls her aside afterwards, asking all sorts of questions, wondering how pregnant she'll be at their wedding and what kind of outfit she might wear. She hadn't even thought that far ahead. After a few minutes Henry appears, rescuing her from several scary thoughts (what will she wear to a wedding when she's eight months pregnant?).
"Henry, this is James, Cyrus's fiancé. James, Henry, Fitz's… landlord?"
Henry laughs. "I like that. I mean, we're old friends too, but I like that I have power over him now."
"Great to meet you," James says warmly, shaking his hand. He looks at Olivia, asking with his eyes: does he know? Can we talk about it?
"James has just figured out our secret," she confirms, smiling at both men.
"Ah, excellent. I came over here to compliment you on how gorgeous you look, and now I don't even need to be subtle."
"Are you ever?" she wonders aloud, and he laughs again.
"Not really. But I mean it, Liv. Pregnancy really suits you."
"Aw, thank you."
"And it explains why you two are having what is clearly some unbelievably good sex, judging by the noise you were making earlier. And the noise you make in my house, whenever you stay over."
Her cheeks flush, growing hot. Trust Henry to point out what everyone may be thinking, but at least most are too polite to say anything.
"Don't embarrass her," James says, coming to her defense, putting his arm around her waist. "You have all the incredible sex you want, sweetie. I mean, Fitz is a god among men. If I could, I would."
"Really?" Henry asks skeptically. "Are we talking about the same guy? He's definitely no god. I, on the other hand…"
Olivia can't roll her eyes hard enough. Fortunately, she's rescued from the conversation by the arrival of Fitz himself, who excuses them both and takes her aside. He pins her gently to the bar, gazing at her so lovingly. His happiness is radiating from him like a glow.
"This is amazing," he sighs, outlining her face with the tip of his finger, tilting her chin up so he can kiss her. "I knew it would feel good, like when we told Henry, but to see Cy and James so thrilled for us too…"
"I love your friends," she tells him, slipping her hand beneath his jacket, around to rest on his lower back.
"Even Henry?" he asks with a smirk. She wonders if he overheard some of their conversation.
"Ugh. He's a pain in the ass sometimes, but he's alright."
"I think he likes Abby, you know."
"Really?"
"He barely kept his eyes off of her earlier. And his hands, whenever he got chance to 'help her' with whatever she was doing - despite the fact she's a far better sailor than he is."
"Wow. I'll chat to her, see what she thinks."
Fitz smiles. "He is a great guy. He'd be really good to her."
"I know. Not as great as you though."
"Oh yeah?"
She nuzzles her nose against his. "Yeah. There's no one else in the world I'd want to father my baby."
He inhales, holding her even closer. "God, Livvie. When you say things like that, it makes me feel… I can't even explain it. Like it's all new, all over again. I get this huge burst of excitement and emotion. My heart is racing right now - can you feel it?"
She moves her hand to his chest. "Wow. Yeah, I can."
They're quiet for a while, sharing such powerful, intense feelings. "I know I've said it before," Fitz murmurs eventually, "But thank you for saying yes. Thank you for giving me the chance to be someone's daddy, Olivia. Words won't ever be enough, but I have to try. I have so much love and gratitude for you, I just can't keep it all inside."
She could cry; she really could. Instead she fights it, knowing tonight is not just about them but about their friends too, who are here to have a drink and a good time together. And so she kisses him, her fingers curling into his hair, her body rising up into his, until she's so breathless she feels dizzy.
Then she walks away with nothing but a smile, a whispered "I love you", hoping he understands that she needs a minute to calm down, to stop herself falling apart.
As she nears the steps which lead up onto the deck, there's a knock at the door. Abby is closest, and answers it. "Are you ready for dinner service?" one of the wait staff from the yacht club asks, and Abby repeats the question loudly to the group.
"Yes!" is the resounding response.
"Okay, please take your seats," Fitz announces, and there's a flurry of movement.
Abby catches her eye and frowns. "Are you alright, Liv?"
She takes her friend's hand, leading her from the main room and into the narrow corridor where the bedrooms are. "What's wrong?"
She leans against the wall, tilting her head back, closing her eyes. "Nothing's wrong," she says quietly. "Sometimes it's just a bit… overwhelming."
Don't cry.
"What is? Your pregnancy? Fitz? The fact he owns this fucking spectacular yacht?"
Olivia can't help but laugh. "All of those things, yes. But mainly the pregnancy part."
"Are you scared?"
"A little." She glances at Abby, who looks worried. "Mostly it's that I don't know how I can love this baby any more than I do now. I don't know how I can love Fitz any more than I do now. I don't know how anyone has the capacity to love so much."
Abby doesn't seem to know what to say. It's never been clearer just how different their lives are right now. "Well," she begins eventually, "I can't possibly understand how you're feeling, but I love you. I love seeing you so ridiculously happy. I love that you're here and not afraid to show us how you're feeling, even though you know it's all happened so fast and a lot of people might judge you for that. We won't judge you, Liv. We love you - a hell of a lot."
"Oh my god," Olivia breathes, "I was trying so hard not to cry. Damn you, Abigail."
Abby grins and pulls her into a hug. "You're so fricking sentimental these days. It's almost a bit disgusting."
"It's my hormones."
"No it's not. It's you being happy, and in love. It's sweet."
"Ugh. Did you just call me sweet?"
"Maybe. Don't tell anyone, though."
"Promise."
They link their pinky fingers, something stupid they've been doing since their first days together at Yale, and it makes them both giggle.
"Now, are you ready to stop crying and come get some food? I'm starving."
"Wait. I wanted to ask you about Henry."
For the first time in a long time, Olivia actually catches her friend blushing. "What about him?"
"Nothing," she smirks. "Your face just told me everything I needed to know."
She begins to walk away, back to the dinner, but Abby stops her. "Do you think he likes me too?" She's trying to be casual but it's clear she is genuinely interested in him.
"I know he likes you. Fitz said so too. It's pretty obvious."
"But he's so much older than me."
"He's two years younger than Fitz, and you're a year older than me. So that takes your age gap to ten years."
"It sounds like a lot."
Olivia smiles. "It's not. If you want to be with someone who will respect you, who will treat you just as you deserve, then you can't go wrong with Henry. But you'll have to learn to put up with his awful jokes."
Abby makes a face. "Like, dad jokes?"
"And worse."
"Shit. I don't know if I can."
Olivia hugs her again. "Love makes you do all sorts of things you never thought you could."
"Okay, you are officially disgusting."
"I know. And I don't care."
The food is delicious, each course served by a team of wait staff who quickly disappear again, leaving them to their privacy. Fitz asks them to wait a while longer before bringing dessert, and eventually it seems like the right time to make their announcement to the half of the group who are still in the dark.
He stands up and silence falls along the table. Abby takes her hand beneath the table and squeezes it tight.
"Thank you all for coming tonight," he begins. "Old friends of Olivia's, old friends of mine, and now new friends of us both. We feel so lucky to have you here, to have had such a great day sailing with you."
"Anytime," Charlie pipes up, raising his glass. "We feel lucky to get to sail on this beauty."
There's a murmur of agreement.
"Well, you're always welcome," Fitz continues genuinely. "Anyway, before I tell you all the real reason we're here tonight, Olivia and I just wanted to present a gift to Abby, who has recently done something truly amazing for us."
Olivia turns to her best friend with a smile, who looks completely stunned. Henry brings out an enormous bunch of flowers and a card, which Fitz gives to her with a kiss on each cheek.
"You really shouldn't have," she says, sitting back down, leaning in to Olivia's embrace. "It was nothing."
"It was everything. Thank you."
There are a few curious glances around the table, but Fitz is speaking again, changing the subject. "I don't want to give a huge speech-"
"But you're going to anyway," Henry interrupts dryly, to much laughter.
"I wasn't," Fitz chuckles, "But I might do now, just for you. No, seriously. Olivia and I didn't meet very long ago, but I fell in love with her the moment I laid eyes on her. I just knew, instantly, that she was The One. And I'm not sure, but I think she might feel the same way about me."
He gazes down at her with a smile and, unsurprisingly, her eyes are glassy with tears. "I do," she sniffs, taking his hand. "You all know I do."
She stands up, recognizing that this is the moment. "The reason we organized this dinner party is because…" Deep breath. "I am twelve weeks pregnant today."
She looks into Fitz's eyes and suddenly she's laughing, and he's shouting, "We're having a baby!" and everyone is on their feet, those who knew clapping and cheering and those who didn't with their hands over their mouths, shocked but smiling, unable to resist the infectious joy spreading around the table.
"Liv!" Quinn reaches her first, throwing her arms around her. "Oh my god, congratulations! I can't believe it!"
"Neither can I," she beams.
She gets hugs from everyone, most of whom want to check out her bump, the girls cooing and even some of the guys getting emotional (Huck in particular, who is like her older brother). The only person who isn't completely blown away is Harrison.
"Have you thought about this, Liv?" he asks seriously after congratulating her with a hesitant smile.
"No, I haven't thought about it at all," she says sarcastically. "Of course I have. I've been worried about it since the day I found out. That's why Fitz came to see you the other week, because he knew how stressful it's been for me. But I'm really, really happy Harri. And I'm scared too, but with Fitz, and with you, I know we'll be okay."
"Okay. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters." This time his smile is real. "You'll be a really great mom, Liv. We need to make plans soon though - you're already showing."
"I know. Let's do it this week, but not now, okay?"
"Sure. Whatever you want. I work for you, remember?"
"Not tonight. Tonight you're my friend." They share a hug. "Now tell me how it's going living with Kelsey. She looks beautiful tonight, by the way…"
Later, after dessert and so many toasts she's lost count, when people are dancing and drinking Irish coffees, Fitz wraps her in his enormous windproof coat and takes her up onto the deck. It's freezing cold but at least the clear sky gives them a perfect view of the stars.
"I'm so happy I could burst," she tells him gleefully as they stand on the bow of the boat, pressed as close together as physically possible.
"Me too. It's been a perfect day."
"With my perfect man."
She kisses him for a long time, until the only thing that's warm is his mouth on hers and still she doesn't want to go back inside. And then, just as she's decided that they're going to leave the party and head to their cabin where they're spending the night, their phenomenal evening is shattered into a million pieces.
"Don't turn around," Harrison says suddenly, making them both jump. He sounds calm but Olivia immediately senses danger. "Just keep your faces away from the shore and come downstairs. Now."
"Why? What's going on?"
Fitz grips her hand, hard, but follows Harrison's instructions and doesn't look behind him.
"There's a photographer on the marina. I just spotted him, but god knows how long he's been there. He might have taken a hundred photos of you two already."
"The fucking paparazzi," Olivia hisses, absolutely furious that they've ruined her night - and possibly her life, too.
"It's not the paparazzi," Fitz says quietly, and she's alarmed to see he's even angrier than she is.
"We don't know who it is yet-" Harrison begins as he opens the door for them, but Fitz interrupts him, his voice as harsh and sharp as broken glass.
"I do. It's Mellie. It's my fucking wife."
A/N 2: Yes, I know you're waiting for her downfall. It is coming... next time.
