"Fitz I don't know what you were thinking making us drive to Florida with a two years old?" Olivia complained as she changed Iya's dirty diaper in the backseat of their rental car. They were going to fly back to New York but Fitz had insisted on going on a family road trip with just her and Iya. She should've stuck to her guns when she'd told him no a few weeks ago when the idea had first been spoken aloud. But he'd buttered her up nicely. When her website had fully launched they'd celebrated with VIP tickets to the Beyoncé and Jay-Z's On The Run Tour at Madison Square Garden. She would've agreed to anything in that moment and here she was in the parking lot of a rest stop changing a stinky poop Iya. Things were going wonderful for them; her family was solid with their love for each other. Fitz was getting a more hang of becoming a producer and he loved it, already producing two albums for reputable singers that launched on top of the billboard consecutively for the past two months. Olivia's business was doing well, apparently having a celebrity aka her hubby endorse her pictures made a gal rain in the money. She'd received calls from the buyers for Home Goods, Pier Imports and a few other home decor stores requesting that they carry her line of wall pictures in their stores. Life was good and now they were heading to Florida for her mother's wedding coming up in the next three days. Her mother wanted a summer wedding in Key West and had waited until it was August to tie the knot with Rick. Olivia and Iya had flown out to her during the last several months a total of three times to visit her and to help her with the wedding plans. Iya loved her grandma and her grandma was quite taken up with her too.
"Quality time with my girls" he said coming behind her to hug her waist. He'd repeated the statement a thousand times by now to reassure her that he just wanted to have a normal road trip with his girls. Fitz didn't know many celebrities who did stuff like this by themselves but he begged to be different. He lived for the small moments in life. To wake up and seeing his daughter's smiling face very close to his or her feet jabbing his ribs. Since she'd turned two she had a knack for climbing out her big girl bed and coming into her parents'. Sometimes Fitz would feel something poking his eyes and he would wake up to see it was Iya's fingers and she would laugh as if it's the funniest thing ever. He would always laugh with her and then proceed to blow raspberries on her belly and tickle her. By the time the two would start Olivia would wake up beside them and smile. She always steals his breath away and he would take a moment to pause and take in the blessing that is bestowed upon his life. He wouldn't take them for granted like many powerful men would because without them he would be nothing. He was by far not a perfect man but he felt blessed to be loved with his imperfections. He was lucky and he didn't care if he was traveling hundreds of thousands of miles with them alone in a car. The trip that can take twenty-four hours will take them two days because of the stops they were making along the way. They would drive up to Georgia and then stay at a hotel and the following day they were traveling to Orlando to stop at Disneyland. They couldn't pass Disney without taking Iya. Since she was becoming a big girl who is fascinated with the various Disney princesses in particular Elsa.
"Daddy Disnee!" Iya squealed once she was giving a clean diaper and was settled back in her car seat. Every time the thought came to her mind she would scream Disney.
"Tomorrow you'll be at Disney baby."
"Morrow?" she tested the word and then smiled as if she'd gotten an epiphany. "Ok daddy."
Fitz loved the way she pronounced the word 'daddy' she says it as 'duhdee' it always makes him laugh. Her speech has gotten better but she wasn't fully there. Fitz was proud of her smartness at the age of two she was able to spell her three letters name and even count up to five.
Once they were all settled in the car they made their way back onto the highway. Iya was fed and was dozing off quickly. They were at least two hours away from Georgia. They were on a long trip that day - leaving New York since six that morning and had been traveling ever since, only stopping for bathroom breaks. Fitz had wanted to ensure that by eight they were safely off the interstate and tucked into a hotel. It was six in the evening and the place was beginning to get dark. They were passing an open field when Olivia decided to capture a picture of it and shared on her Instagram page. "Road trip with mi familia." She relaxed herself and enjoyed the soft music of Sade that was flowing smoothly from their speakers. It was a change from the kids' pop that they were listening to earlier in the day and not forgetting the soundtrack of Frozen. One more time listening to it will make her lose it which wasn't completely true because every time it comes on she joins Iya in singing 'Let it Go' and she loved every bit of doing it.
Speaking of Iya she looks back to see her sleeping comfortably in her car seat, her neck resting comfortably on her toddler size neck pillow. Her hair was up in one and a mess of curls flowed out of the head band. Iya's hair was a work all by itself to take care of since it was incredibly thick - she was glad that most times she didn't mind her mother attending to it. Thankfully she didn't have to put her through the combining and brushing of her hair to style like she'd endure when she was little. Since her hair was softer than hers it was somewhat manageable. Olivia would wash her hair every Saturday morning and detangle it with the Shea moisture kids' line products. They were 100% organic and she's a sucker for anything that's organic. She wanted to ensure that her family was safe and that harsh chemicals weren't entering their bodies unnecessarily, that's if she could help it. Looking at her baby girl she marveled at how much she fell in love with her more every day. That was her buddy day in and day out when Fitz is at work. Every day she wakes up trying to be a better woman so that her daughter can look up to her. She wasn't the type of parent that would allow society or other people to raise her child. She understood that they do have an influence on her but also so does she. If she may add, she would say that her parents would have the biggest influence on her life. Olivia thrives to be the woman that she could be proud of and also her daughter.
She always laughs when Iya would sit in the corner of her office at her small size desk and chair and would pretend to be working. Sometimes she would pick up the play toy camera she'd gotten her and start making snapping noise with her mouth as she aimed the camera at her or any object in the room. She smiled at the memory and then turned her attention to her husband - the man who'd stolen her heart five years ago. She couldn't believe so many time has gone by and their love felt as new as the day they'd said "I love you" to each other. But this time it was more seasoned and stronger. They'd pass through situations that could've easily ripped them apart but only serve to bring them closer. The memory of her miscarriage flashed across her mind and she remembered how devastated they both were but they made it. They'd gotten Iya and they couldn't imagine living this life without her. The life that Olivia has now was different than she'd ever dreamed of having. It was better and she was thankful to God for that. She never would've imagined falling in love at the age of twenty- two to a singer and getting married to him and having his babies. That was a thought that never occurred to her but it was true as the saying goes, 'expect the unexpected.'
She took in his curly hair, the stubble on his face, his muscular arms and sensual mouth smirked in the way that she liked. He was the most handsome man she'd ever come across and that's not because he was hers but because it was true. Seeing him coming through the door daily warms her heart tremendously always with some sort of gift whether it was a rose, some tulips, a box of chocolates, takeout or anything else he deemed worthy to gift her in his hand. He always hugs and kisses her even when she's mad at him. She couldn't stay mad at him for long because his partner in crime aka Iya always conspire against her. That was his little minion and she always helped daddy out by being the buffer between the two of them. It was the funniest thing whenever Iya would come and say "duhdee said he wuv you mama" it always melts her heart and she couldn't bear to give her a bad message to return to him.
Fitz catches her staring at him and he smirked harder. "What's going on in that mind of yours baby?" He asked turning his eyes back on the road focusing on their journey.
She smiled knowing that he could always read her mind. She shrugged at him and turned her attention to the road. They continued in silence as the low music played softly in the background.
"Let's have another baby" she said out of the blue. Well it wasn't completely random as she'd thought about it a lot lately. "Iya is already two and if we're going to get more kids I don't want them to be too far apart" she continued.
"Wow" Fitz was taken back. He never expected her to say that but he was glad she did. He wanted another child and was just waiting for the right time to bring it up.
"You don't want another baby?" She turned herself to face him one of her brows raised questionably.
"Of course I do and I'm ready for my boy. I feel so outnumbered at home" he added jokingly.
"That's false I feel outnumbered. You Grants don't play to gang up on an outsider" she laughed because she always makes jokes that she was an outsider because she didn't share their blood. "So it'll be three against one and I'm the one."
"So not true, you control all of us. Happy wife happy life and Iya knows happy mom happy life. So at the end of the day you win my dear Queen" he give her a slight bow as he kept his eyes on the road.
Olivia laughed because in some ways it's true. Whether they liked it or not she exercises the power in the house. "I like the way you think" she gives him a wink while rubbing his thigh leisurely.
They continued talking about their sudden baby fever. They were both thrilled to expand their family. Fitz always joked about wanting four kids and she always said "no" it's too much but at the rate they're going who knows what the future holds.
They were in deep conversation that they didn't realize that they were already in the state of Georgia and a few miles away from the hotel they'd book a room at. Once they'd met their destination they unload their baggage and a sleeping Iya and made their way up to their suite. Everyone was surely going to be taking an early bed.
X
"Wooooo" Iya exclaimed perch high on her father's neck as he carries her around the park. Her Mickey Mouse ears were secured firmly in her curls. She was so excited that she started to jump up and down on top of him.
"Look momee" she pointed to Mickey and Minnie. Since they had VIP passes and was escorted around the park they had quick access to a lot of rides and live size characters.
"Mickey and Minnie Mouse baby" she tells her their names.
"Mickee and Minnee Mousee" she stresses the 'e' in each word.
"She's so cute" the escort voices and they both said "thank you" in unison.
They walked around the park for like half an hour stopping to take picture with the various characters. Iya opting to touch them and laughing when they did a little dance for her. She was in heaven and it was such a fun thing to watch her enjoying herself.
After walking around some more they decided to go on a teacup ride, one of the few that were age appropriate for Iya. Settling into the teacup with both her and Liv they sandwich her small body in the middle.
"You guys are cramping my style" Fitz complains making himself comfortable into the bright pink ride.
Olivia threw her head back in laughter, "said the guy who's afraid of Ferris wheels" she retorted.
"Wow that's low Liv really low. As a matter of fact I've overcome that and I would've given you credit but you're a show off" he huffed at her.
"Hmmp" Iya imitates him and wraps her arms around her chest for dramatics.
Olivia laughed at her two loves acting like big babies.
"Hi five" Fitz calls to Iya and she raises her small hand in the air. Fitz connects his much larger hand with hers. "That's my girl."
They enjoyed themselves simply walking around the park and buying souvenirs and various arrays of candied treats. Fitz rode a few of the roller coaster by himself which Olivia had firmly declined. She never could get how he could be afraid of Ferris wheels but not roller coasters. Once evening had fallen they drove to the Orlando airport where a small chartered plane was taken them straight to the Keys where everyone was awaiting them.
X
Wedding prelude plays softly.
Fitz stands at the altar dressed in a beige color suit and peach shirt next to Ricardo and his nephew Pablo. Everyone in the small chapel stood to their feet as the wedding march starts playing softly. Fitz smiled when he saw Olivia's hand urging Iya forward with her flower basket. She was dressed beautifully in a peach dress that matches his shirt. On her feet she wore white sandals and white flowers were arranged in her hair impeccably. When their eyes made contact he gives her a small smile and a head nod to let her know he was there and she shouldn't feel scared. She smiles at him as if seeing him for the first time. She slowly makes her way up the aisle looking at all the cooing faces that people made at her. She was so caught up that she wasn't throwing the flowers as she walked to her father.
Soon as Iya started waking Olivia walked behind her dressed in a beautiful mermaid style peach dress. Her hair was bone straight and she wore a white rose on the right side of her hair. She smiled as she watched her husband standing at the altar looking incredibly handsome. If she could she would marry him over and over again.
Seeing his two girls walking towards him made him very emotional but seeing Olivia's mother start walking behind them made him shed a tear. Three generations of Pope Women before him and it was a beautiful sight to take in. He hoped the photographer snapped it.
"Dearly beloveds" the minster begins.
The ceremony was beautiful and Olivia cried all the way through while Iya asked aloud "why you crying mommee?" Several times she had to shush the little girl because she was being too loud and wanted to play. Olivia was so happy to see her mother tie the knot with her lover.
Out of respect for the newlywed couple Fitz's parents, Raye, Harrison, Abby, Stephen, Quinn and several of Rick and Alexis' extended families were down there to celebrate their nuptials. After the afternoon ceremony they all made their way out to the botanical Garden that came with the small chapel for the ceremony. They all sat in their chairs at a single table that stretched a long way seating everyone at it. They all took their seats Iya having hers modify to accommodate a high chair. They all sat chit chatting when they were served their meals in between eating people would stand and offer congratulatory speeches to the couple.
Olivia stood when Fitz had finished saying what he had to say, "Mom Rick I just want to congratulate you guys on getting married. I hope that you continue to treat her as the queen she is. Mom you deserve all the happiness in the world, you're a beautiful strong woman and I'm glad I get to call you mom-"
"Grandma" Iya interrupted her speech.
"And grandma" she added smiling down at her daughter. "I love you guys so much. Here's to a lifelong of happiness and love" she raised her champagne glass to toast to the couple and everyone joined in with her.
Once they'd finish eating and the couple had ate their cake they made their way to the dance floor for their first dance. Everyone looked on in awe as the couple's first dance was not the traditional waltz but a salsa that Rick had thought Alexis. Olivia was surprised seeing her mother dancing sexily swinging her hips from side to side in time to the beat. She was glad that she was able to see this side of her nevertheless, carefree and absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. Once they were finish with their number a slower song came on and couples made their way to the dance floor including Olivia and Fitz. They'd left Iya to her grandfather which she was content with because he was giving her cake.
K-Ci and JoJo lyrics to All My Life resounded through the speakers as Fitz and Olivia swayed to it.
I will never find another lover sweeter than you,
Sweeter than you
And I will never find another lover more precious than you
More precious than you
Girl you are close to me you're like my mother,
Close to me you're like my father,
Close to me you're like my sister,
Close to me you're like my brother
You are the only one my everything and for you this song I sing
Fitz sings each lyric to her while his hands held onto her lower back.
And all my life I've prayed for someone like you
And I thank God that I, that I finally found you
All my life I've prayed for someone like you
And I hope that you feel the same way too
Yes, I pray that you do love me too
I said you're all that I'm thinking of...baby
Said, I promise to never fall in love with a stranger,
You're all I'm thinking of, I praise the Lord above,
For sending me your love, I cherish every hug,
I really love you
And all my life, baby, baby, I've prayed for someone like you,
And I thank God that I, that I finally found you, baby
All my life I've prayed for someone like you
And I hope that you feel the same way too
Yes, I pray that you do, love me
You're all that I ever known, when you smile, on my face, all I see is a glow.
You turned my life around, you picked me up when I was down,
You're all that I ever known, when you smile on your face all I see is a glow,
You picked me up when I was down
You're all that I ever known, when you smile on your face all I see is a glow,
You picked me up when I was down and I hope that you feel the same way too,
Yes I pray that you do love me too
All my life, I've prayed for someone like you,
And I thank God that I, that I finally found you
All my life I've prayed for someone like you
Yes, I pray that you do love me too
All my life I've prayed for someone like you
And I thank God that I, that I finally found you
All my life I've prayed for someone like you
Yes, I pray that you do love me too
By the time the music was dying down Fitz felt a tug on his pant leg and looked down to see his daughter. He scooped her up and held her close with her mother while the next song played.
AN: He guys, I'm experiencing major writer's block. This chapter was meh IMO due to a lack of dialogue and I'm sorry. I wasn't feeling the writing business for days hopefully I could produce two more chapters. Work is killing my spirit lol and I'm due for my vaca soon and I just can't wait for it. Maybe when I get back refreshed and renewed I'll consider writing a sequel to this story or even a new story. Let me know which one you world prefer. Sequel or new story? Plus I know that I kind of write Fitz doing simple mundane things for being a celebrity but I like that about him. I believe the most beautiful memories are made in those moments. At least if I was a wealthy person I would still want to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. If you guys have anything that you want me to write in the next two chapters please let me know because I'm pretty much wrapping everything up. I ran out of gas people and I need y'all's help.
BTW go and listen to that oldie but goldie song by K-CI and JoJo brings back memories. Haha. Yayy to another baby Grant.
For the people that miss me on Tumblr I'm sorry guys I just had to leave the fandom. It was due to my own personal reasons and no one made me. I just had enough of it, that's all but I did enjoy the fun while it lasted. Ummm, sighs. Please leave reviews guys because it helps keep me going and motivated. Thank you for sticking around for a chapter 48. I'm extremely grateful for your readership. Like who would've thought a rookie like me would've gotten over 950 reviews on a story - it blows my mind. You guys made me discover that I have a gift and I just need to nurture it so I can become better at it. Enough of my rambling, oh I just want to say a final thing. Last week my brother almost died in a tragic vehicular accident that took two lives but I'm grateful to God that he made it out ok. He was one of the few with minor injuries. Hold on to your love ones and cherish the moments you have with them because life is surely fleeting.
Until next time, XOXO.