As promised ;)
Six weeks had passed since the break in, and Liv and Fitz were happier than ever now that the drama was behind them. The support of their parents and aunts, along with a few outings with Richard and Ethel which of course came with many words of advice and encouragement, proved to be just what they needed to begin to heal from the incident. They had grown even closer than anyone had expected, and often found it hard to go mere minutes without the other. Work days were hard on both of them as they often found themselves placing frequent calls to the others phone. Their honeymoon phase was back in full effect, and Abby couldn't be more nauseated. Of course she didn't have much room to talk as she herself had grown quite close to Matt since the wedding. The pair had rarely spent a moment apart aside from work, and from what both Liv and Fitz had heard from their friends, wedding bells would most definitely be in their future.
Liv had officially reached the 18th week in her pregnancy, and she and Fitz were scheduled to be at the OB's office in an hour, to find out the sex of their twins. They had tried to find out at their appointment a month before, but the only thing the doctor was able to tell them was that the twins were identical as their legs remained closed. Liv was currently sitting at her desk, trying to finish up reading the last few lines of her case file when her phone began to ring. She glanced over and smiled as she saw the picture of her and Fitz kissing in front of the Eiffel Tower on their wedding day.
"Hi." She sighed into the phone with a bright smile gracing her face.
"Hi. How are my girls?" Fitz asked as he reclined back in his office chair wearing a smile of his own.
"What makes you so sure we're having girls?" Liv asked as she shook her head. Ever since they learned they were having twins, Fitz swore his sperm still spoke to him from her womb, giving him the answers that no one else knew.
"I've told you Livvie, my super sperm make sure to report to me weekly. So tell my little TV stars Talia and Tamryn that daddy will see them in and hour on the cute screen."
"I will definitely pass the word along, but I'm not using names until we are sure Fitz." Liv said as her hand began to glide over her belly. She looked down at her stomach which had finally begun to protrude into a slight pouch, and smiled as she delivered the message to the twins. After a few moments she felt one of the twins moving and laughed.
"I think you may be right Fitz. One... no both babies are going crazy since they heard their daddy is going to see them soon." She heard Fitz silence on the other end of the phone and felt bad. Every time she felt the fluttering of the babies, she would rush to Fitz and place his hand on her stomach. Although she could feel their movements on the inside, Fitz couldn't feel them from the outside.
"Don't worry honey, it will happen soon." Liv offered reassuringly. She knew Fitz was waiting for the day he could feel the twins moving about. Then and only then would he feel like he was participating in this pregnancy as a parent. He'd been wonderful with Liv the past few weeks since her actual cravings began. He'd get up and run out at all hours day or night; to fulfil his wife's every need.
"I know Livvie. The waiting just sucks, that's all. So, any word on the E.T.A. of our families? Who is picking up Jerry and Karen from school?"
"Well, since they are all arriving together, they are just going to swing by the school to get the kids on the way to the doctor's office since it is on the way. They should be arriving the same time as us. Richard and Ethel will be there around the same time as well. "
When Liv and Fitz called to let their parent's know they were needed in D.C. ASAP, Maya and Susan's hearts were filled with dread. They had both begun crying; fearing the worst, before Liv even had the chance to explain to them that they just wanted the family with them when they found out the sex of the twins. Maya and Susan heard Liv's explanation, they instantly forgot about their crying fits just seconds before, and jumped straight into gushing over the cute little outfits they had seen while they were out window shopping for the babies.
When they hung up, their next call was to Richard and Ethel, and then to Mrs. Spencer. Seeing as how they didn't have children of their own, Liv wanted them all to experience this moment with them as she, Fitz, and the children were the closest thing to family they had. The exam room would definitely be crowded, but it would most certainly be worth it in the end to be surrounded by family and friends during such a special time in their lives.
"Ok, I am on my way to pick up Mrs. Spencer and to grab the camera and then I'll swing by to pick you up."
"Sounds good. I love you Fitz."
"I love you too Livvie."
"Bye for now"
"Bye for now"
Liv hung up her phone and sat back in her chair. She resumed reviewing her case until a very pregnant Abby waddled her way into her office. Liv smiled as she watched her friend struggling to take a seat on her sofa and couldn't have been happier for her if she tried. Meeting Matt seemed to be the thing that Abby needed most in this world, and her change and attitude, and positive outlook on life was proof of it. Abby was absolutely glowing, and Liv prayed that glow would never fade.
"Hey Pregs." Liv teased as a 7 month pregnant Abby finally made herself comfortable.
"Hey yourself, Preggeroni" Abby quipped back as Liv's new obsession had been those little Lunchable Kabobs with the pretzels, pepperoni, and cheese, and a concoction she called a pepperoni cheesesteak which Abby seemed to enjoy as well.
"How's little Sparrow Phoenix behaving?" Liv asked as she watched Abby place her hand over her stomach. If Abby was this uncomfortable with one child, Liv could only imagine how she would feel at 7 months carrying twins. Sparrow was the name that Abby had chosen for her daughter. At first Liv didn't like the name, but as time went by, she grew to love it. It wasn't like it mattered anyway; she truly had no control over what Abby named her child.
"Ugh, it's hot, I'm miserable and I just want her to be born already. I mean, if I would have known that being pregnant in June was going to be this miserable… Ugh what the hell am I saying, I wouldn't change this for the world. She has been kicking up a storm lately. How are the twins treating your body now that you can feel them moving?"
"Some days it's comfortable, but other days, I just want them to settle down. It seems they move the most when I'm asleep."
"That's understandable. Right now our bodies are their built in playground. When we walk they swing, and I guess when we stop, they miss the soothing motions. So when are you going to get a picture of my goddaughters? I can't wait to meet them!" Abby asked as she knew that people guessing the genders of the babies irritated Liv to no end.
"What is it with you and Fitz? He swears that his sperm still speaks to him as if it hasn't evolved in a two tiny humans now, but after he was right about the twins, no one can tell him anything. But, to answer your question, Fitz is-"
"Right here, and yes, it does still talk to me, even though it's evolved with your egg to create tiny humans."
"Whatever." Liv said playfully rolling her eyes. "Are we ready?"
"Hmmm, not until I get my kiss."
Liv walked up to Fitz and placed a chaste kiss on Fitz's lips which he quickly deepened as his arms slid around her waist. She moaned into his mouth as she could still taste the coffee on his tongue. Damn how she missed coffee. She allowed herself to melt into the kiss, until the clearing of Abby's throat forced the couple apart. Liv and Fitz said their goodbyes, and reminded Abby about the wedding reception/cookout at their home on Saturday, before leaving for the doctor's office.
When they arrived to the office with Mrs. Spencer in tow, Liv was immediately swarmed by the women in the family. Karen reached her first, and immediately began filling the twins in on her day, completely neglecting the woman who was carrying them. Jerry managed to squeeze his way through the crowd and joined Karen in talking to the twins.
"Oh my goodness, MOM! The baby kicked!" Both Karen and Jerry yelled at the same time.
The crowd around Liv parted as Fitz flew to Liv's side and placed his hand on her stomach as well. They all waited a few more minutes to see if one of the twins would kick again, and Fitz's face dropped when he felt nothing. As soon as he was ready to pull his hand away, both babies kicked causing Fitz, Jerry, and Karen to jump as they definitely weren't expecting it to happen. Liv watched Fitz's face carefully as the look of shock softened, and his eyes began to fill with tears. Now he truly felt like they were in this together.
"Mrs. Grant, the doctor will see you now."
The 13 of them followed the nurse back, and everyone including Fitz was forced to turn around as Liv's weight was taken. Once she was finished, they were all escorted back into the room, where they all huddled out of the way. Maya and Susan broke into a fit of "Awwws" as Fitz sat on the table, and positioned Liv so she was reclining back between his legs. His hands began roaming her stomach, and although there was nothing sexual about the moment, Liv couldn't help the ache she felt between her thighs. They all waited a few moments for the doctor to arrive, and Karen and Jerry took their place at their parent's sides, when she finally entered the room.
"Wow..." Was all Dr. Cherian could say as she took in the family members that filled the room. When Fitz had called her earlier in the week to ask if it was ok for them to have their parents and a few close family members join them, Dr. Cherian encouraged it as she had with many other patients, but as she walked in and felt the love that filled the room, she was left completely speechless. Liv gave quick introductions for the adults in the room as Dr. Cherian already knew Karen and Jerry from previous visits. After getting a few standard procedural questions out of the way, they were ready to see the twins.
"Ok, so where are my helpers?" Dr. Cherian asked with a smile knowing this was the part of the ultrasound that the children loved. Karen and Jerry quickly raised their hands and rushed to the doctor's side.
Jerry was responsible for squirting the gel onto Liv's stomach which thankfully, Dr. Cherian had invested in warmers for the gel to keep the mothers comfortable. Jerry quickly put on his gloves and grabbed the bottle, and squirted a quarter sized amount onto Liv's lower abdomen. Once Karen had her gloves on, Dr. Cherian placed the transducer into Karen's hand, before guiding it over Liv's stomach. Once Karen was settled, her hand applying the right amount of pressure, Dr. Cherian began measuring and charting the size of the babies. It wasn't normal practice for an OB to allow children to help with the examinations of the mother, but the fact that she tried to include children in the pregnancy process for all families, is one of the reasons Liv had chosen her to begin with. Fitz was busy taking pictures of Karen who was studying the screen, and Jerry who had now switched to pressing the capture button since Karen was responsible for producing the images.
"Ok, Mr. and Mrs. Grant, it appears to me that the two of you are having… girls."
"So we'll have Tamryn and Talia in a few months?" Jerry asked excitedly as he would remain the only boy in the family. Most children asked for babies to be the same sex as them but not Jerry. Jerry knew if he was the only boy in the house he'd be spoiled beyond words. Fitz could thank Aunt Marjory for divulging that tidbit of information. Karen on the other hand was elated as she saw the girls as real life Barbie dolls she could dress up and do their hair.
"I told you my sperm still talks to me." Fitz whispered into Liv's ear as the room was filled with excitement.
"Whatever, it was a lucky call. Don't think you'll be so lucky the next time around." Liv shot back with a grin.
"The next time around huh? Tell me, how soon will we get to the next set of twins?" Fitz asked earning him a jab to the ribs.
"Not any time soon." Liv responded as she sat up and slid off of the table, pulling Fitz with her.
To celebrate the family decided to go to lunch before heading back towards the home. Now that the gender had been revealed, Susan and Maya spent most of lunch on their phones, looking for outfits that would match the twins as well as Karen. They happened to come across an online store that specialized in matching outfits for big and little sisters with even a few selections where moms could join in on the matching fun as well, and began making their selections. Because Liv clearly wasn't going to gain that much weight during this pregnancy, her weight gain being the weight of the twins and three pounds on top, they knew she'd back to her normal size in no time. They had already racked up a hefty shopping cart, and had finalized their orders before their food had even arrived.
XxXxX
When they returned to the house, the kids went off on their own as the family got together and caught up on what had been going on the past few weeks. As day shifted into night, the women went and prepared dinner, while the men went outside with Karen and Jerry to play a light game of basketball. Over dinner, Liv and Fitz enjoyed their parents and aunts getting to know Ethel and Richard a little better, and were please when they heard they would be staying to attend the reception cookout the next day. When Liv and Fitz came downstairs for tucking the children into bed, Liv watched on as Maya and Susan were clearly up to something as they huddled in a corner of the room with Ethel. The three of them stood around, looking as if they were in deep thought. She shrugged it off as she felt Fitz's hand massaging her thigh.
"Let's say our goodnights so I can take you to bed." Fitz growled quietly into her ear. Liv felt the aching once again forming between her thighs, and wasted no time wishing everyone a good night, before dragging Fitz upstairs to spend the rest of the evening thoroughly lost in the throes of passion.
Liv awoke at the next morning and turned to look at her alarm clock. She panicked when she realized it was already 11:30, and guests would be arriving around 3. Even though her mother had taken care of just about everything, Liv still wanted to be around just in case they needed her help. Apparently she wasn't needed as no one came looking for her. Where this normally would have irritated her, Liv took this time and was thankful she was able to take her time preparing for their gathering.
Instead if jumping in the shower, Liv placed her iPhone in the dock and turned on her "Slow Jams" playlist before running a bath for a leisurely soak in the tub. This way she wouldn't have as much to do with her hair, and she could ease some of the pains she was starting to get in her back.
As she slid into the tub, Liv felt the tension slowly leaving her body. She rested her head back on her bath pillow, closed her eyes, and allowed the soothing music to wash over her.
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
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
Liv sank lower into the tub, and gasped as she felt a pair of strong hands begin to work the kinks out of her shoulders.
"Hmmm baby, that feels so good." She moaned tilted her head upwards, but kept her eyes closed.
"You are so tense baby. Don't worry, I'll loosen you up." Fitz responded as he leaned over and pressed his lips against hers for a soft, lingering kiss. He smiled against her lips and he leaned back, taking a seat on the ledge of the jacuzzi tub.
"Where are the kids?"
"With some grandparent or aunt. Why?" Fitz asked huskily.
"You should join me."
Fitz wasted no time discarding his clothes and slipping into the tub behind Liv. Once he was settled comfortably behind her, Fitz resumed working out the stiffness of Liv's neck and shoulders.
"You know, I think of you everytime I hear this song." Fitz said as he placed a gentle kiss to the nape of Liv's neck. Needing their bodies to somehow be closer, Liv snuggled deeper into Fitz's chest and softly sighed as he began singing along to the song.
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
Feeling her body finally relax, Fitz's hands began working their way down Liv's arms and until he reached her stomach. As his hands created slow, protective circles over his girls, Fitz continued singing til the end of the song.
"I love it when you sing to me." Liv said as she turned and gave him a quick peck on the lips. She turned back around and allowed Fitz to wash her body. There was nothing sexual about him caressing her skin in this moment, but it was everything sensual. Once he made sure her body was cleaned thoroughly, he pulled her back and placed his hands back on her belly.
The chill of the water caused Liv to sit up. She hadn't even realized she had fallen asleep. Fitzs hand was now resting dangerously high on her thigh, and she silently wished he would move his hand higher.
"What do you need Livvie?" Fitz asked as his voice dropped a few octaves.
Liv turned and looked Fitz in the eyes and responded "Make love to me."
"Where in the world are Olivia and Fitzgerald!? This party is about to begin and the guests of honor are nowhere to be found." Aunt Mable spat as she scanned the back yard and had yet to see Liv or Fitz anywhere.
"Maybe they're upstairs doing the horizontal hokey pokey." Aunt Marjory responded with her hands on her hips. "You know the part where they say "you put your-"."
"Ok Marge, I get the point. Someone needs to go get those two. These people are here to see them not us! Where's Eli!" Aunt Mable said, making sure to yell the last part.
"I'm right here Aunt Mable. What do you need?" Eli asked as he sprinted to his aunts side.
"What I need is for you to march yourself upstairs and drag Mr. & Mrs. hot pants out of their room. The child is already pregnant so you'd think the "practicing" would slow down." Aunt Marjory exclaimed with a huff.
"Don't you worry, I'll go get them." Eli said as he walked into the house.
When he entered the kitchen, Eli froze as he heard the commotion going on upstairs. There was no way he was climbing those steps and knocking on that door, so he did the next best thing. Eli walked into the family room and smiled as he saw Big Gerry absorbed in a baseball game.
"Gerry, Aunt Mable and Aunt Marjory said go upstairs and drag those two down here before she pulls a switch on you." Okay so he lied, but in all reality, a little lie wouldn't hurt.
"Hell to the no! I'm not going anywhere near that bedroom. I had to put the tv on full blast just to drown them out. You do it." Big Gerry shot back as he turned back to the television.
Eli was at an impasse, so he figured they'd settle this like men. "Fine, I'll shoot you for it." Eli suggested, knowing Gerry wouldn't refuse a challenge. After five rounds of rock, paper, scissors, Eli was still the designated collector of the newlyweds. With a huff he plopped down on the sofa, and began watching the game with Gerry. They'd come out eventually, right?
"Fitz... Shit! Harder baby..."
"Like that?"
"Yessss... Oh ga... Fi.. I'ma..."
"Come on... baby... give it to me... You like it when I pull your hair and smack that ass, don't you!"
"Yesss"
What started out as a relaxing bath quickly together, quickly turned into three rounds of lovemaking. After a few hours had passed, the two of them showered and had finally got dressed. Fitz wore a pair of khakis and a white polo, while Liv opted for a white halter sun dress. The moment Fitz saw her in the dress, he had her pinned up against the door, with all of their clothing now a pile on the floor.
Fitz's hands slid down and began rubbing her tense bundle of nerves. He knew they were late to their own party, but right now, he didn't care. Right now his only concern was making sure his pregnant wife was happy, and if he was able to climax because of it, who was he to deny her. Fitz felt Liv tense up as her walls clenched down on him rightly. She came hard with a silent scream, forcing him over the edge just seconds later. The two of them quickly cleaned each other up and redressed, and Fitz sat on the bed watching as Liv pulled her now wild mass of curls into a near ponytail in the back of her head.
Hand in hand they made their way down the steps and Liv couldn't help but laugh at the sight before her.
Aunt Marjory was now in the family room, chasing Eli and Gerry around with a switch.
"What's going on?" Fitz asked with a hoarse voice. Apparently he'd been louder than he realized as he was losing his voice.
"It's about damn time!" Eli and Gerry boomed in unison as they took in their clearly elated children. "We almost got our asses whooped with a switch because you two are late to your own party!" Gerry added as he momentarily forgot he was running from Aunt Mable.
"Sorry, we got a little tied up" She offered with a voice that was much more strained than Fitz's.
Liv looked over at Fitz and her cheeks instantly filled with color as she could tell he was recalling that thing she did when she had him tied to the bed mere hours before. She looked at their fathers' and their aunt's knowing expressions and silently wondered if they had heard them all the way downstairs. Thankfully the party was outside or they would be extremely embarrassed.
"Well the important thing is that the two of you are here now. Let's go, you've got people waiting on you." Liv looked at Aunt Marjory and could tell she wasn't in the mood for games. Seeing the switch still in her hand, Fitz wrapped his arm around Liv's waist and they quickly made their way outside to greet their guests, leaving their fathers alone with a very perturbed aunt.
XxXxX
The cookout was going better than expected. Even with their morning workout, neither seemed to be too tired to mingle with their guests, at least that was how it appeared. Liv and Fitz played every part the gracious welcoming hosts, fooling everyone except one couple in particular.
"Liv, Richard and I haven't had a chance to speak to you all day. Come, you and Fitz must SIT with us,and we should catch up. Our flight to England leaves in a few hours so we may not see you for a while. Oh, pardon me, where are my manners!? You don't mind if I steal the bride away for a moment, do you? Thanks love." Ethel said, not giving Liv's guest a chance to respond as she grabbed her hand and led her to a table. The moment Liv sat, she saw Fitz and Richard heading towards them, Richard had apparently pulled the same stunt with Fitz.
"Ethel, I didn't know-" Fitz began but was cut off by Ethel.
"We're not, but it seems you two needed a break. You may have pulled the wool over everyone else eyes, but not us dear. Now, Richard and I will grab you both some food and you two can rest." Ethel commented as she noticed them setting out the dinner buffet. She patted Fitz's shoulder and kissed Liv on the cheek before heading over to where the food was being served.
Fitz looked at Liv and for the first time all night, saw just how tired she truly was. She moved his chair closer to her and placed her feet in his lap.
"How's my girl?" Fitz asked as he removed her shoes and began massaging her aching feet.
"Hmmm, so much better now." Liv responded as she tilted her head back and closed her eyes. Meanwhile, Fitz's eyes roamed over Liv's pleasure filled face, and noticed aunt Mable and Ethel apparently having words by the buffet.
"Ah uh, nope, no one eats until the bride and groom have been served." Aunt Marjory fired at Ethel and Richard who were at the buffet, filling two plates. Ethel turned to Richard and handed him the plate before turning to Aunt Mable with her hands on her hips.
"Now you listen to me and you listen well. Do you see the bride and groom right now?" Ethel asked as she pointed towards a very exhausted Liv getting a foot rub from and overly attentive Fitz. Before Aunt Mable had a chance to respond, Ethel continued. "Now that baby has been on her heeled feet, all day, carrying twins. That poor things back is hurting and her husband, God bless his soul, is attending to her the best he can, while playing the gracious host to 300 guests. So, my husband and I made them sit and offered to come get there food. I'm quite certain you know what happens when a tired, in pain, pregnant woman does not get her food! Now if you'll excuse me, my husband and I are going to continue loading up these plates to make sure those babies and those twins are fed."
"I'm sorry, but your name has slipped my mind. Could you run it by me again? My age is catching up to me. Aunt Mable said, slightly taken aback with Aunt Marjory now by her side. It seems Aunt Marjory noticed the commotion and came to provide some backup for her friend. No one had ever stood up to Mable like that before, and if this woman was being this protective of her niece and nephew, she was alright with her.
"Ethel... Ethel Wagner my dear and this is my husband Richard."
"Ethel, I like you. Thank you for looking after those babies. We've all been so busy with guests we seemed to have forgotten."
"It's quite alright dear."
Ethel and Richard piled the food onto four plates, one for both Liv and Fitz, and one for themselves, before making their way back to the table. Since they were already standing there, Aunt Mable and Aunt Marjory piled their plates up and joined them at the same table.
Soon the Pope Grant clan had flocked to the table and Karen and Jerry held the majority of Liv's attention. Since becoming pregnant, she had flocked to the children even more so as her maternal instincts were beginning to kick in. Liv realized it was getting late, but she as she looked at her clock and saw it was almost 11, she finally realized just how late it was for the kids.
"Jerry bean,you look tired baby." Liv commented as Karen had already fallen asleep on Fitz's lap. "How about daddy and I get you and Karen up to bed."
Beyond tired Jerry simply nodded, and grabbed Liv's hand as they made their way upstairs with the kids. They tucked the children in and kissed them goodnight, before heading outside to wrap up the party. Liv made it to the back door and paused as she saw a crowd gathering around their table.
Fitz was only a few steps behind Liv when he saw her freeze and his eyes targeted in on the growing crowd outside. Fitz caught up to Liv and together they went to see what all of the commotion was about. As they slid the door open, Liv could hear Aunt Mable going off on someone, but just who was unclear.
"Now listen here you hussy! I have no idea what made you think that it would be ok for you to arrive at my niece and nephew's home uninvited." Aunt Mable boomed.
"We have invitations."
"We know a lot of people so we have very big rolodex's. It had to have been a mistake. Even if you two were invited, what gave you the ovarian and testicular fortitude to actually show up?" Aunt Marjory boomed.
"I...I... We just wanted to offer our congratulations the same as everyone else."
Knowing that voice, and noticing Huck was now making his way over to their aunts, Liv pulled Fitz through the crowd and froze when she was side by side with her aunts. Fitz's eyebrows furrowed, and a scowl crossed his face. Big Gerry and Eli were at his side the moment they noticed his hands ball up into fists.
"Mellie, Kenneth, what the actual fuck are you doing in our home?"
AN: Ok, I needed to stop it there so I could reel myself back in. The next chapter won't take as long to get up, but I am going to make a pit stop and update Run To You on my way back around. I hope you all enjoy, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and I'll see you soon.