AN: Happy Fourth of July!
3 Months Later
"Ughhhhh. That looks so good" Olivia whines watching her mother devour one sushi after another between well held chopsticks. Alexis had been spending the last week and a half in New York helping Fitz and Olivia settle in to their new home.
"Livvie you only have four more months to go" Alexis smiled at her daughter's antics. She was glad that she was doing well even if the past three months made her very busy between moving and battling the media.
"By the way what happened to that medical assistant that worked for your old doctor?"
Olivia rolled her eyes dramatically. Because of Annalisa they were faced with the Medias scrutiny. They talked about her current pregnancy and even the miscarriage that was documented under patient confidentiality file.
"Don't even remind me of her. It's crazy the lengths people go to for an extra dollar. "
"That's the world we live in baby" Alexis chimed in, her disgust on her face matching Liv's.
"Well hope she learned her lesson because being fired and facing HIPAA charges isn't a piece of cake. I won't want to be in her shoes and she was lucky that Fitz and I didn't sue her and the entire practice."
"Well that's thanks to you talking Fitz down from doing so."
Olivia recalled how furious Fitz was that their private information was leaked to the media. "That's my husband" she stated proudly.
The two continued to eat in a small Japanese restaurant that they'd found on their shopping trip. Olivia was munching on some chicken Lo Mein while Alexis ate sushi. Since she was leaving in three days she wanted to buy some baby clothing for her grandchild.
"Any name for my granddaughter as yet?" Alexis asked taking a sip of her Gewürztraminer wine.
Olivia smiled and rubbed her small swollen belly. She is mostly belly in her second trimester. Her baby girl was nestled comfortably inside of her womb safe and sound away from the cruelty of this world. Her memory went back to the day that Fitz and she found out that they were expecting a daughter.
Flashback two months ago
"Livvie move a little to your left" Fitz instructed as he held her canon camera in his hand. He'd seen this awesome video of a father who'd taken small footages daily of his wife pregnancy and had combined it into an incredible short video. It created a lot of buzz. Since he didn't want to replicate the guy's idea and doing a video daily seems a bit too much with them in the middle of moving and everything else so he'd settle to taking weekly picture of Olivia's side profile. He watched as the bottom of her belly slightly curves out. She was now beginning to show and he loved every moment of it.
"Fitz just takes the picture" Olivia smiled facing straight ahead wearing a bohemian style pink skirt and black bandeau bra. To maintain originality she'd stood by a white wall and had worn the same clothes from the day they'd started taking the picture journal to now - hopefully it still fits at the end her pregnancy. She love that he'd thought off something like this.
"Say cheese Baby G" he flashed the camera at least ten times until he was finally proud of the pictures he'd taking. He saunters over to her and kisses her on the mouth being careful of the packed boxes surrounding them.
"Fitz stop babe we have to go to the doctor" she warns him sternly removing herself from his grip as his hands was slowly making his way to unclasp her bra.
"Right" he said giving her one more peck before behaving himself. They'd change their doctor due to the media incident with their old doctor's office. Fitz was angry that personal information was shared about his wife and him. He was ready to personally sue all of them but Liv had calmed him down reasoning with him that they're still facing the courts for breach in confidentiality charges. Despite all the heartaches of opening old wounds he admired the way his wife carried herself - with dignity - she even went as far as to offer sympathy and understanding to all women who'd faced miscarriages through her twitter account. She was his rock, without her he would've burn that entire place down to the ground. Everyone was so up in arms over the entire situation that Fitz didn't know who to trust to take care of his growing family. His mother had spoken to him about a young doctor she'd worked with for her last few years on the job before retiring. Dr. Roshauna Rawlins was a very compassionate and efficient physician. She mostly handled high profile clients and they were happy to hear about the Non-disclosure agreement form that she insisted that her workers sign. She was located in New York and that made it all the better as they'd officially moved to New York a week ago.
Forty-five minutes later both Fitz and Olivia were fully dressed and heading out the door to their doctor's appointment. Sitting at the back of the town car they made small talks.
Fitz intertwined his fingers on his right hand with the ones on her left hand. "So today we're going to find out what we're having?" He asked gleefully.
As of late he always envisions her pregnant with a beautiful little girl with her lips and eyes with the prettiest caramel complexion but Liv kept saying it was a boy with pretty blue eyes.
"Yes we'll know for sure that it's a boy we're getting today" she answered him matching his tone.
"Do you want to place a wager? If I win you do all the dirty diapers changes" he wrinkled his nose thinking about the stench that would probably be inside.
"No you're not getting out of dirty diaper duty. So I refuse to participate in your bet" she spoke shaking her head from side to side laughing.
"Mmmmmm" he ponders thinking about another wager. "How about as much sex as I want?"
Olivia laughed, "That's not a good wager because that's something I quite like - a lot. With you" she added with a wink.
Fitz laughed, "You're right because I'm the one that has to keep up with you these days" he remembers how much of a horn dog she was since becoming pregnant. She would call him at work and begged him to come home just so she can have sex with him.
"So like I said there will be no bets" she kisses his cheek. "Ok?"
He turns and gives her sweet smooch, "ok."
Fifteen minutes later they arrived at the doctor's appointment where they were ushered to a room. Olivia lay on the exam table in just a gown and her undergarments after her vitals were taken by a friendly nurse. Fitz sat by her side reading the various health posters they had on the walls.
"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Grant" Dr. Rawlins greeted them.
Fitz stood and went to shake her hand, "nice to meet you Dr. Rawlins I've heard great things about you. Thank you for taking in my wife on such short notice."
"That's not a problem. This is the least I can do for you guys. Your mother was pretty much my angel when I was doing my residence."
Fitz smiled trying to picture his mother helping the tall elegantly dress woman. He moved out of the way as she made her way to Olivia's side.
"How are we doing today Mrs. Grant?"
"I'm doing well and please call me Olivia" she answered with a small smile.
Dr. Rawlins picked up her patient's chart and reviewed it, "ok everything looks good Olivia. Your blood pressure is really good, heartbeat right on the normal line, your oxygen level is good" she continued to read off the rest of her tests that she had done. Fitz and Olivia both smiled to hear that everything was coming along well.
"Ok. I'm sure that you guys are anxious to know what you're getting" the doctor spoke again pressing some buttons on her ultrasound machine getting it ready. She rolled up her gown and warned her about the gel being cold before applying it to her lower belly.
"That's cold" Olivia laughs and squeezes Fitz's outstretched hands. Since that night she'd spoken to him about learning as much as possible about pregnancy and giving birth he really made an effort to do so. He was with her side by side as they made the journey together.
"Oh they're very modest" the doctor joked at the image of the baby that's displayed on the screen. The fetus legs were slightly crossed at the ankles not giving way to see between it.
Olivia started to laugh and the contracting of her tummy made the baby move inside of her and this time there was clear vision to identify the sex. They all were quiet when the doctor examined the ultrasound.
"Congratulations mommy and daddy it's a girl" Dr. Roshauna confirmed.
Fitz kisses her cheeks tears forming in his eyes, "I told you it's a girl" he teased her softly.
Olivia laid there still as the moment overwhelmed her. She was going to be a mother to a baby girl, she thought. Wow. She was so certain that she was having a boy but alas Fitz was right. She smiled as she thinks about all of the things she wanted to do with her daughter. Wow. It's really hitting her now; the magnitude of the realness was getting to her. She was in her own world as Dr. Rawlins told her that the baby's heartbeat was good and that she was coming along nicely with her size. Once she was finish she slowly put on her clothes with the assistance of Fitz and they made their way out of the building and back in to the car.
After driving in silence for a few minutes Olivia started to cry. Uncontrollable tears started rushing down her face.
Fitz immediately hugged her and allowed her to cry in his arms. He didn't know what was wrong with her but he comforted her. He'll find out what's wrong later. He rubbed slow circles into her back and before long her tears subsided. He breathes easier knowing that she's ok. He continued to hold her in silence as they continued on their way home.
"Livvie we're home" he shook her softly trying not to startle her. She murmured something unintelligible and leaned into his embrace more. Fitz sighed softly realizing that she was probably already asleep. He waited for the driver to open his door before he made his way slowly out of the car carrying Liv in his arm. Somehow he managed to open the door holding both Liv and her handbag. He made his way stealthily inside of their new home avoiding the many boxes in his path as he walked towards their master bedroom. He slowly lowered Liv to their bed not wanting to wake her up. He smiled watching her chest rise and fall with each breath that she took. She looked peaceful as he watched her brought her left hand to her stomach. He admires her ring finger as her rings shone in the midday light. Snapping out of his revere of her beauty he made his way to her feet and took off the flats she was wearing.
He worked for an hour calling up his producers and manager to ask about his album. It wasn't much work as it was only down to selecting the right cover for it. He'd promise to email the marketing team back after he made his final selection. Fitz looked around the room envisioning his daughter's laughter and cries filling it. It brought him such joy and happiness. He'd already fallen in love with her and he couldn't wait to be graced by her present. Looking at the time he realized Liv was sleeping for a while and she hadn't eaten anything. Heading to the kitchen he made two BLT sandwiches for them. Once he was finished he took it up to their room along with some passion fruit juice.
He was surprise to see her sitting up when he walked through the door. He smiled at her disheveled hair and clothes as she sat with her back bracing the bed board. "I brought you something to eat" he spoke in a jovial voice. "I'm sure you're hungry."
Olivia gives him a tight lip smile still feeling a little sleepy from her nap. She collected the plate with the sandwich that was cut in to two. "Thanks babe" she spoke her voice croaky.
Fitz smiled at her before sitting next to her and eating his own sandwich. They sat eating in a silence; Olivia offered a sincere compliment on the taste of the food and her juice. Since she'd tried the passion fruit juice at a brunch spot in Brooklyn she just had to ask the waitress where they'd purchase it from. Since it was only Welch's juice it was easy to find at any grocery store.
After they'd finished eating Olivia rubbed her tummy something she did often. Her hands almost always gravitate towards her growing belly.
Being cautious Fitz asked, "Do you want to talk about today?" He looked at her with concerned eyes.
She sighed not even knowing why she'd behaved like that earlier today. "I uh it's the hormones" she added quickly trying to blame it on her pregnancy hormones but he wasn't convinced by it.
"Ok and you're sure about that?" He asked again this time touching her belly soothingly.
She let out a long sigh before replying to him, "I got scared today. I love our little girl so much already and I can't bear the thought of losing -" she choked unable to finish her sentence.
Fitz understands where she was coming from and he himself couldn't imagine after coming so far along to eventually lose the baby. He hugged her tightly whispering words of understanding and comfort to her.
"It's ok baby it's ok. You're ok and our baby is ok. She'll be here and then we won't even know what to do" he added trying to make light the situation.
Olivia laughed because she really doesn't know what to do when the baby will be born. All the books she was reading still won't prepare her enough for when the child comes. She didn't have any baby cousins to practice on as both her mother and father were only children. But it was a learning experience for them all.
"So what are we going to name our daughter?" She asked after she'd sobered up from her laughing.
"Mmmmm how about Geralda Elle Grant?" Fitz suggested with a smile.
Olivia crinkled her nose. "No. Elle is fine but Geralda seems to be more Gerryish" she laughed thinking how fond Big Jerry would be if he knew his granddaughter was named after him.
"Ok since you hurt my feelings. How about Lola Penelope Grant?"
Olivia laughed shaking her head no.
"Julia?"
"No."
"Stephanie?"
"No."
"Delilah?"
"Absolutely not!"
Fitz continued to name other names and she kept on telling him no.
"I give up because none of my names seems much to your liking" he added sullenly.
Olivia pinched his cheek watching how his face slightly contorted whenever he was confused.
"Ok don't laugh at me but I've had a baby girl name since I was growing up. I still really like it and it would be an honor to me if we name our daughter Iya Nicole Grant" she spoke nervously. She's afraid that Fitz would hate it.
"Iya Nicole Grant Iya Nicole Grant" he spoke the name over and over getting a feel for it on his tongue. The more he said it the more he liked it. It was strong but yet soft. Simple but yet very unique. He could imagine calling his daughter Iya. As if to confirm her name he touches Olivia's belly and brought his face to it.
"Baby Iya daddy loves you and can't wait to see you" he smiles when he see the trickle of tears running down Liv's cheeks. "I love it" he spoke in a hush tone.
She kisses him on his lips thanking him for not only using the name that she'd stored in her heart for years but also for giving her hope and courage to believe that one day they'll meet Iya Nicole Grant.
"Iya Nicole Grant that's the name of your granddaughter" Olivia answered her mother's question bringing herself back from memory lane.
Alexis smiled, "that's absolutely beautiful just like her mother" she gently touches her hand that was lying on the table.
Olivia blushed she always gets that way when her mother would behave mushy towards her.
"Iya Nicole Grant!" Alexis spoke in a stern voice.
"Mom?" Olivia looked puzzled.
"What? I'm just practicing my stern voice even though I may never have to use it" she laughed. The saying was definitely true - grandparents go easier on their grandkids than their own kids.
"Wow mom you're surely off the rockers" Olivia teased. "I don't know what Rick has been doing down there to you but please tell him to bring it back a little."
Alexis threw her napkin playfully at her. "You're not too old for a spanking" she reprimands her playfully.
"Oh I definitely know that. I get spanked every - oops. My bad that's not what I meant" Olivia hid her face as she laughed harder trying to clean up what she'd already said.
"Wow now who needs to bring it back a little?" Alexis laughed at her as their waiter collected their card to pay for the tab.
Making their way home they continued to talk about what else they needed to be done for the nursery. Fitz had wanted to hire an interior decorator but she'd objected much rather doing it herself and having only a painter come and paint the room when she was ready. They'd go over the color of the room choosing a nice bright sunny yellow with white trimmings. It was already coming nicely and Olivia had customized letters sitting on the shelf above her bed with her name in silver writing. She didn't want the traditional girl equals pink color. Olivia herself hated pink so she'd chosen a different route for the room.
X
"Thank you for coming and helping us mom. You're truly the best. It's because of you I know that I can be a good mother." Olivia hugged her tightly as they were saying their 'see you later.'
"I know you will be a good mother Livvie" Alexis replied hugging her daughter tightly being careful not to squeeze her belly. "I'll see you in fourth months when Iya is here."
Olivia nodded fighting back the tears that were threatening to fall. She's always so emotional.
"Ready mom?" Fitz asked walking with her suitcase in his hand. He was going to take her to the airport since it was early afternoon and he didn't have to work. Olivia was tired not feeling up to the trip so she'd decided to stay home and get some rest. The night before they'd finally unpacked all of the boxes and she was still feeling the effects of staying up till two.
"I'm ready Fitz" Alexis replied giving her daughter another kiss before walking down the few steps of the cobblestone to the side walk.
Fitz turned to his wife and kissed her on her soft lips that he couldn't go a day without touching. "Have a good nap because when I get back it's going to be me and you. All night long" he whispered in her ears.
"Fitz!" She calls out giving him a slap on his arm. "Behave!"
He shrugged his shoulders innocently before making his way to the door.
"I'll be waiting!" Olivia called out to him and he smirked at her.
She shook her head and slowly made her way up to their bedroom once the door was locked and alarm was set.
X
Two Weeks Later
"I swear none of my clothes can fit me" Olivia cried trying on jeans after jeans and none was passing her hips. "Ughhh. Fitz go without me because I'm just huge" she threw herself on the bed exasperated.
Fitz didn't know whether to laugh or cry because this was their predicament every time they went out. Since her belly started growing none of her clothes fitted her anymore and it made her upset. He would think that she would expect that to happen but every time it came as a surprise to her when something didn't fit. Seeing that this would pose as a problem he'd called up some stores earlier to have them deliver some Fourth of July worthy ensembles for her to wear. He was doing a concert in Central Park this afternoon and he wanted her to be there. His album had finally come out a week ago and has already sold thousands of copies and downloads on iTunes and Google marketplace.
Moving inside of his closet he brought back two garment bags.
"What's that?" Olivia asked curiously still lying on the bed only clad in her underwear and bra rubbing circles on her belly.
"I have outfit A and outfit B. You must choose one and only one Livvie and soon because we're going to run late and I can't be late for my own concert."
She nodded acknowledging his terms and conditions but he kept watching her for an answer. "Yes I get it now open it up let me see" she spoke anxiously at him.
Fitz opens the first garment bag and it displayed a long maxi dress that was in color blocks. It was mostly red and white with blue straps and blue edges. It was very cute and it came with a cobalt blue wedge. She liked it and it would be very appropriate for the concert. The second one was blue fitted maternity jeans which looked very comfy around the waistline. It came with a white loose fitted spaghetti strapped top that had the American flag in the form of baby booties at the front. They were cute and sparkly and at the bottom of it have the words "Future Baby Eagle" on it. With this outfit she was giving black ankle low heel combat boots to adorn it. She couldn't decide which one to wear because she liked both of them. The dress would be very comfy but she didn't want the Paparazzi speculating when she was due and the dress would definitely show off more of her belly. She really like the edginess of the other outfit and it was also looking very comfy.
"B" she said without hesitation.
"As I knew you would" she rolled her eyes at him and he laughed.
The two continued to dress in silence and to Olivia's surprise everything fitted her very well. Fitz had giving her the card and told her she could call Marcy and have her send over whatever she needed. She would be taking him up on that offer. Her hair was bone straight except for the flips she made on the right side of her face. She added some lip gloss on her lips before making her way out of the house feeling much better - feeling and looking fabulous.
Olivia stood backstage as she was jamming to Fitz's song. She knew them word for word she'd made sure of it. She took great pride in his work and made sure to tell him how amazing he is. She didn't need any groupie to have to remind him about his talent or good looks she made sure she'd covered that at home, on the road or wherever they were. He was singing one of their songs and she couldn't help but blurt out the lyrics of the song as her husband soulful voice wooed the crowd. Around the stage area was completely filled and everyone in the audience was all having a good time. She took a picture of Fitz and the crowd all wearing their patriotic colors of red, white and blue. She immediately sent it to Instagram wishing her followers a Happy Fourth of July. She couldn't believe that she was hardly on social media anymore - before meeting Fitz Social Media used to take up a great portion of her time. Even though now she'd sort of become social media famous she was hardly there. Between spending her time with Fitz, preparing for the baby and working on her career she hardly had any free minute to waste time. Not that she wanted to anyways.
"Well isn't it Mrs. Grant" Olivia spun around to hear the familiar voice.
"Abby! Stephen! Oh my gosh you guys made it" Olivia rushed to give her best friend a hug. She hadn't seen her since the wedding and had invited her and Stephen to come down for the Fourth of July celebrations.
"We got in like an hour ago" Abby replied giving her details about their flight. As soon as they cleared security they made their way straight to the concert. Since they had VIP tickets it wasn't any problem at all for them to get in backstage.
"Liv you're just glowing" Stephen compliments while giving her a hug. "Can't wait to get this one barefoot and pregnant" he joked at Abby.
"You think I'm sassy now wait until the day I carry your child" Abby warned him with a playful eye roll.
The trio continued to catch up with each other mostly Liv talking about the baby. Abby was so excited as she was the child's godmother. They were so engrossed in their conversation that she didn't hear Fitz calling her On Stage.
"Liv Fitz is calling for you" Abby told her shutting everyone up.
"What?" Liv asked puzzle and that's when she heard Fitz saying, "Before I sing the last song tonight I want to invite my beautiful wife out here as this song was written for her."
"Go go" Abby tried to usher her out.
Olivia was taken by surprise and she wasn't prepared for this. It was already dark out and it was a little comforting rather than the harsh day light. She was taking so long to come out that Fitz eventually had the crowd chanting for her "Olivia! Olivia!" She shook her head and made her way nervously On Stage in front of thousands of people. It was scary - working for Bruno was one thing because the attention wasn't on her but now it was. She would kill Fitz later she thought as she made her towards him on center stage. The crowd was cheering loudly and her face erupted into a big smile.
Fitz turns off his microphone and turns to kiss her on her cheeks, "don't kill me later" he whispered knowing how much she hated the spotlight on her but this is something he had to do. Olivia gives him a small smile and hugged his waist with one of her arms for comfort. He turned his microphone back on to address the crowd.
"Before I sing this next song I want to tell you a small story. It was over two years ago on a stage in Seattle that my life had changed for the better. On that stage I was privileged to meet the woman who later became my wife, my best friend and in a few months mother to my child. Our road wasn't easy but it was definitely worth it. I want to dedicate this song as my everlasting love to my wife Olivia Grant."
She had tears in her eyes as he began their song "All of Me" she stood there center stage as her husband sang his heart out to her in front of thousands of people. She smiled realizing that even though it took her by shock at first to come On Stage in front of these people she was glad she did. She relaxed and allowed his voice to wash over her; she even joined in and sang with him. She would always remember this moment for as long as she lived.
Two hours after the concert had finished Olivia, Fitz, Abby and Stephen made their way to a restaurant where they ate and converse over the concert. They all had a merry time and had decided to go watch the fireworks from the rooftop of the building that Fitz still owned an apartment in. There were other people with the same idea so there was a small function up there with food and drinks set up. Fitz and Olivia sat in a comfortable sofa while Abby and Stephen were over at the makeshift bar grabbing drinks.
"You're amazing you know that?" She asked leaning into his side. "From the surprise clothes - to serenading me in front of thousands of people" she reels out happily.
Fitz smiled, "anything for my baby. My two babies" he added lovingly cupping her belly and as if on cue he felt a little movement and before he could register what transpire it happened again. "Is that Iya kicking?" Fitz asked in amazement.
"It is, it feels so strange like small flutters on the inside" Olivia spoke in wonderment, that was the first time she'd felt Iya's kicked. She laughed when she did it again.
"She's going to be a little soccer player" he added jokingly. Fitz was amazed by the miracles of pregnancy. He was awestruck to feel his daughter small kicks. "This is incredible" he kisses her again with his hand still resting protectively on her belly.
"I love you!"
"I love you too" she whispers back at him.
"Happy Fourth of July!" She smiles as they looked at the fireworks lighten up the sky miles away from them. This Fourth of July surely was a whole lot better than her previous ones.
X
Three Months Later
She paced the floor up and down and round and round in circles she couldn't believe he stood her up on their date night. Even though she didn't want to go out she made an effort to cook and squeezed her heavily pregnant self into something sexy. He called three hours ago telling her that he was running late as he was still working with an artist. She thought that him stepping back from singing would mean more time with her but he was still busy writing for other people and sometime that required him being in the studio with them. She was too angry to call him because if she did she didn't know what would fly out her mouth as she was very upset. She stops pacing and forces herself to calm down; she sits on the couch checking the time on her phone seeing it as midnight. Her blood boils some more and as if on clockwork she heard keys turning in the door lock. She didn't know whether to play asleep on the couch or just let him see her waiting furiously for him. She decided the latter was best.
She watches as he enters the room wearing the same black jeans and white tee from earlier today but this time it had something else on it. Something that she'd definitely didn't put on there.
Before he could open his mouth to offer an apology for his lateness Olivia yells at him.
"Are you cheating on me?" She asked her heart beating rapidly, she feels her stomach drop. The food that she'd forced herself to eat without him started rising up her esophagus making its way to her mouth. She watches as he looks at her quizzically as if she was mad to ask him a question like that. Even his loud affirmative "no" didn't help her conscience. She was upset because she wanted to know, "why the fuck is lipstick on the sleeve of your shirt Fitz?" she yells at him again in an accusatory tone.
Fitz watches her stoned face and she feels as if she was going to vomit when he didn't answer her question. Did he cheat on me?
AN: Yikes hope you do not kill me. LOL. FYI Liv is now 8 months pregnant in case you got confused with all the flashbacks and time jump. Btw what do you guys think of the name Iya Nicole Grant? Please leave a review about the entire chapter! Until next time, XOXO.