A Match to Remember
Chapter 13
This is a filler chapter as I wait for the episode of Scandal to air…...the final curtain to drop. It's 12k+ words.
I have edited and edited this update and I am still not completely happy with the result but the more I edit the unhappier I am about the finished product.
For those who wish to skip this update…...In summary …. the wedding is being planned by Mary and will takes place on Wednesday, less than 72 hours, in Iowa. This chapter sets up the wedding and the wedding party that started out as four and has grown and grown...
For those who would like a little mayo, special sauce, pickles, lettuce and cheese on your bun…give it a read. I enjoyed writing it because my neighbor and I have put together numerous afternoon events that started as an idea over our morning coffee.
Thanks to all who are following my stories.
It's another wedding in one of my stories
CIAAA …they had to marry, Olivia could not date her boss. They were in love for a year and there wasn't any reason not to get married.
Girl from the Hamptons…...Young love…my attempt to let them discover each other as they discover the joys and pitfalls of marriage. Elverlean I'm sorry the latest chapter disappointed you. There is a reason hang in there…. please.
A Match to Remember…. This one unintended… "Mary made them do it". I was ready for a long-distance courtship then Mary took over the story. Now let's see if a large wedding can be planned and executed in under 72 hours.
Great things can be accomplished when great people are in charge. IF someone remembers to cut the anchor.
The four set about planning this semi-shotgun wedding. All figured thirty minutes tops then they could be off to doing something more interesting. Plans for the Bride, Groom, and maybe two witnesses with the rest of the family joining them for a very small reception.
Olivia was still almost in a state of shock about Margaret and how she informed the family about the wedding in such a matter of fact manner. Fitz and Marcus were discussing what Fitz and Olivia needed to get a marriage license …Fitz making notes on the back of a piece of mail... Mary looked at all three…...this would not do.
She hit the kitchen table with her fist to get everyone's attention. Looking at Fitz she asked, "Fitz how many Grant weddings do you think we have we attended?"
"A lot why?"
"None were small ….…Grant's don't do small events."
"Mary it has to be completely planned in two days there isn't enough time for a lot of extras…. there isn't time for anything big. A new dress for Olivia …...…I already have a nice suit. You, Marcus, Will and Dot in the wedding party... John, our parents and a few family members for a small celebration afterwards, that's it. That is about all we have time for."
"Fitz, we don't need a lot of planning most of the information we need is sitting out there either on a someone's computer or in someone's head. The rest we can figure out as we go. …... Fitz and Marcus… stay silent …... Olivia wake up!"
All three gave her an indifferent look...
"I am not going to have Olivia look back at her wedding photos in twenty years and see her husband dressed in overalls and she's dressed in a flour sack dress complete with rick rack around the neck. Now this is how it's going to go."
Everyone stared at Mary…. the mouth without a filter had turned into the Lion that roared.
"We need to make a list and that list will not fit on the back of an old piece of junk mail Fitz" …. Mary said looking at the notes Fitz had scribbled on the back of an envelope...
"Let's go into Fitz' office…Olivia bring your laptop…Marcus do you have a laptop or a tablet?"
"Both"
"Grab them both. Fitz grab your tablet. Let's put our libidos on hold and get this wedding planned. "said the person with the most active libido in the room.
"Mary there isn't time for anything big" …. Olivia said repeating Fitz' words
"Olivia there is always time to do something big when great people are involved. ….. We are all great and we all can do big things in a short amount of time. … I am great, and I am in charge."
No-one dared make a comment…... they all were waiting for instructions from Mary as they went into the office…... Mary settled in on the desk computer the others moved into the office as Fitz grabbed a couple of chairs….
All the devices were booted and wi-fi established. Mary said they would write the plans using MS Office and use the cloud to share it. This way everything, they decided on, could be easily shared in real time with changes updated and posted as they are made. They could communicate in real time with each other now and later with family members and friends who can either help or refer someone who can help.
"First …what do we already have available …. The bride and groom… the church for the wedding and reception.… Now let's see what else we need."
"Mary …I'm sure we would not be planning a wedding if we did not have a bride and groom available." Fitz said as he looked up from his tablet where he had just opened his WP program.
"Fitz shut up… the only word I want to hear from you the next hour is yes….do you understand…... No catty remarks. I don't want to hear it can't be done from you or/and any of your doubting buddies." She gave Olivia and Marcus a stern look.
"Fitz …...your guest…. most of the Grants who are worth being invited are here already…. spread out but nearby. ….. Fitz do you have anyone else…... someone who lives out of state…...How about Jake?"
"Is that a question that calls for a yes answer?"
"One more comment…...just one more like that and I will send you to your room and plan this wedding without you …do you understand?"
"Are you being serious…. Are you really serious about planning a big wedding in under three days…? inviting people who live out of state?"
"Does this face look like a serious face?" Mary pointed at her face.
"I don't know …I have never seen that face before."
" I told you I am great and great people can do great things in a short time. All that's needed is to jettison the anchors holding them back. Now stop the negative comments you are the anchor who is about to be jettisoned..."
Fitz looked at his sister…. doubts written all over his face
Mary glared at him …... "Fitz do you remember the joke about the farmer, his horse and his wife…. That look makes two."
"Mary I'm sorry sorry… you have always been the sister who was never serious this is a new you…...sorry…now my guest who do not live here. Yes, I will contact Jake, he's the only one I can think of right now. As you already said most family members live nearby."
"Jake…. give him a call now and follow it up with a text and e-mail tomorrow…... get his suit, shirt and shoe size when you talk to him. ... Olivia do you have a female friend, or male friend, you would like to invite… who would be in the wedding party?"
"There is my friend Abby I'll call her tonight and a follow up the with written information tomorrow."
"If she agrees also get her dress and shoe size. Tell her to give us her desired travel time. Make sure she understands the wedding is this Wednesday… In the meantime, you two write an announcement that we can use when you send the follow-up contact."
They both answered yes.
"You Olivia …...your guest…. and don't say you don't have any…. Your dad, your aunt and uncle maybe even that professor Beene. Get their information and call them …... with a follow up-e-mail. Get your dad's suit, shirt and shoe size..."
Mary had their full attention by now and they all were accepting that she was serious, in charge and knew what she was doing…., they hoped, …. and what was expected from them.
"How many in the wedding party …. I say four for each for you. Will wants to be the best man…. John, Jake, Marcus…... Dot's husband, Andy, let's make him an usher. We must involve the in-laws…. It's always smart to keep them happy…... Plus, he is going to have to take over for Fitz the next few days, so we need him on board as part of the planning and execution…. "
"Me, Dot, Abby…...Olivia do you have any other friend or family that you would like to include. We need to make certain, so we can get dresses and get them fitted."
"I'll make sure Abby is in, she's the only one. She's a pure size six…. has been for years…. She looks good in anything and she is an easy fit... No one else."
"The females…... Dot, me and maybe John's wife, Ann. I know all their sizes … Abby is a six." Mary said absently to herself. "Knowing the sizes makes it easier when we start looking for dresses. Are you sure there isn't a family member you want Olivia?"
Olivia shook her head no.
"Olivia no head shaking yes or no…do you have a female family member you would like to be in the wedding party, yes or no?"
"" No Mary…...I don't have a female family member I would like added to the wedding party."
Everyone take notes … that way nothing, I am saying will be missed...
"Marcus you are on food and flowers… Make a menu…. Let's consider … three meats... four sides…. one salad…... No soup …Check the big box stores near us to see what they have available. Find flowers so Olivia can pick out the ones she would prefer for her boutique and for the decorations. She can reject the ones she does not want that cuts down her search. That will give her an idea when we visit the florist... Our family will want to prepare the food but let's take as much of that out as we can. The big box stores have a big selection...Let's say 100 people attending.
"'One Hundred?" Fitz asked looking over at Mary whose eyes were glued to the computer as she typed.
"As for service …... Let's do both buffet and family style."
"Both?"
"Yes both….… the meats a buffet …. sides and salads family style ... A buffet carving station for the prime rib, ham and turkey …. the sides and salads family style That way we can make sure we have food at any table we need and not have food sitting at an empty table . It cuts down on the number of servers also. We can always refill the side dishes. We don't have a guest list, so we don't know who will be sitting where except the head table and the family tables."
"My mom and the ladies will probably want to plan the menu even make some dishes … I prefer having someone else prepare the food…... No reason to have them dealing with the food, unless necessary…... let someone else cook for a change. Let's get a caterer for the food…even to serve the food the ladies will insist on making. We can post the suggested menu, then we can let the ladies play with it at the meeting tomorrow. They know the best sides that are the easiest to prepare, transport and taste good. They can pass their suggestions on to the caterer."
" We can get the prime rib, ham and turkey already cooked at the big box stores…... already cooked and ready to be reheated. We can let the caterer pick it all up …. if they don't have the time we can pick up what we need and deliver it to them for the final preparation."
"Mary that's a lot of food and in such a short time to prepare …. isn't it?" Fitz asked
"Fitz it isn't something we have not done before."
"But we always had more time. Can't we have something easier maybe not as much work to prepare and serve."
"Fitz…...The wedding is at 6pm…that's dinner time …. let's give them a good filling meal…one less thing to make negative comments about... You know someone is going to say something they always do but they are going to have to look really hard to find any fault about anything negative to talk about on my watch."
"Having someone cater and serve the food is the optimum solution for the food… If we can't find one, we will improvise. We will know by tomorrow if we can get one and what they need from us. I already have an idea about a back-up plan …. if necessary. ". …
"We will put Uncle Harry in charge of making sure the church is ready and get a tent set up as a spillover from the social hall…no need making people move from the church back to our parents' house for the reception lets have it all in the same place. We can prepare some things there if we need to…. that depends on the caterer. The social room is large but to make sure let's get a tent for any overflow and get some portable toilets."
"Put dad in charge of the alcohol …a champagne fountain that will also serve as the beverage for the toast. We are not trying to get anyone drunk so it's just wine at the reception…keeping in mind we will be on church grounds. Later I am sure a small, maybe medium, group will end up back at our parents' house that's where there will be a bigger selection of alcohol. We should also be able to get the alcohol at the same time we pick up any food…. ask dad for suggestions... Let Uncle Harry know he is free to serve his private potion, at the house not at the reception."
"We have two full days to make some swans…... Olivia swans are considered good luck …they will go along with the commercial decorations. We can make a list… John, Andy and Ann can pick them up …Will and his friends will have the job of decorating the church, the reception hall and the tent... They are young and can get the decorating done easily and quickly with Uncle Harry in charge... Let's hire a cleaning crew to clean the church before and after…... Olivia if you have any ideas about the decorations have it ready by the 6pm meeting tomorrow. Every suggestion will be finalized by then…...no big unnecessary changes… no do-overs. No changing things that are already half done. Get the church and hall clean…. the tent ordered and set up. We have made some basic plans for decorations, food and beverages … All that we have to discuss now… the cake, the suits and dresses."
"Fitz forget the blue suit…let's get the sizes of the men and order them a Tux. Have them overnighted to the tailor, Sam …he can do the needed alterations. The suits could be here by 6pm tomorrow. Decide what Tux you want and find a place to order them from."
"How do you figure that they can be here by 6pm tomorrow Mary?" Fitz asked
"I figured that because I know a man."
"What kind of man or should I ask?"
"A man who can help get the dresses and suits here. My suggestion…. hire a courier to bring them (a man) …we have 2 days... It would be nice to get everything the wedding party needs from the same place …That way, we know the dresses and suits will be here together at the same time…... tomorrow or Tuesday by noon at the latest. That gives us twenty-four hours for alterations or replacements."
"We need someone to make the wedding cake made, maybe Jan.…...I suggest a 4 tier…...as I said Grants don't do small…... They should be able to have it done by Wednesday morning if we give them a basic size by tomorrow morning. They can also help with the flowers and other things…... I am sure they have contacts."
"Olivia check some wedding sites and find a dress you like and see where it's available. Check for bridesmaids' dresses at the same place …... We can do a fitting here if necessary. The college offers home economics classes. Mrs. Long will be more than happy to help with any simple alterations…... I knew that class would come in handy."
"For the music we can use some canned string quartet music for the church …. the organ for the wedding march and a dee-jay for the reception. Are you guys writing vows…. if so put that on your to do list we will not waste time on them now... Olivia do you want to add anything."
"Nope, you have covered everything.".
"Ok guys…you know what you need to do…. let's go. First contact those you are inviting who live out of state then do what's next on the list that needs doing... Let's go people."
All three looked at Mary…...who was that person sitting across from them. Who had beamed this Mary in...
"Don't look at me…. get started…. Fitz call Huck let him know our plans maybe even get him over here."
"Tonight"
"NO, next week…. of course, tonight."
"It's nine o'clock.".
"Fitz, I did not ask for the time I am wearing a watch I know what time it is…. call Huck NOW.".
The group got busy…Marcus asked Olivia about her favorite flowers…...she asked him to just look at some wedding samples and send them over to her... She said she did not have a favorite but would like to include a Calla Lily in her bridal boutique. Myrtle and Foxgloves included in the altar pieces along with anything tall. Bridesmaids a classic all white with roses...
Fitz and Olivia left the room, so they could make their calls…...Marcus started looking up flower sites …. Mary contacted some family members about the cake, a florist and a caterer.
Fitz was able to get Jake, who after a short conversation… agreed to come. Fitz informed him he would e-mail him the details and asked him if he could come Tuesday. He agreed to come early as asked. Before getting off the phone Fitz got his sizes and told him he would get a follow up e-mail with all the information. He thanked him for agreeing to come at such short notice and be part of the wedding party. Huck would contact him about the travel arrangements
Fitz loves Tom Ford, so he selected a Tom Ford tux for his group, including his ushers. A tad pricy but it was his wedding, his only wedding no time to penny pinch so Tom Ford for the rental. He wore one when he attended an affair with Jake several years ago and he loved the fit. Checking out some sites and found the suits were available in several nearby locations and could easily be here by noon Tuesday.
He decided to get suits for everyone including his father, Olivia's father… his groomsmen and two ushers... That shouldn't break the bank. He entered all this information and posted it to Mary who he expected would do some refining and post it on the main page. She would send this page to her sister who could use it as a reference to pull it all together tomorrow. Dot would handle all the money and sign and pay all contracts. That way every invoice and contract for large expenses handled in Iowa would have one paper trail from one source …...Any changes would come through her that way there would not be any doubt about what was expected to be done and what was done.
Dot knew the sizes for her husband, father and brothers…. Fitz included the sizes for himself, Jake and Marcus. They would add Liv's father's size when she talked to him. Shoes and shirt sizes would also be included. Fitz included a reminder for Dot to contact Sam the tailor to request help with needed alterations…... ...Fitz thought for a moment about the suit sizes once he decided what label …. …...both Jake and Eli lived in a metropolitan area they would be able to get the sizing done there. Everyone else was here. Mary was correct …. great people can easily solve big problems.
Fitz felt satisfied that he had completed everything he had been tasked to do. He returned to the office with Mary and Marcus...
"Did you call Huck…...?"
Ok he forgot to call Huck, but he had solved the problem of what his party would wear and where to get them and get them here in plenty of time.
Marcus found a selection of flowers which could be used for the church the banquet hall and the tent. He sent them to Olivia, so she could eliminate those she did not want…. once she made her selection they would be sent to Mary to be posted. Mary was able to find a family member with information on a local bakery who had made several Grant wedding cakes, it was Jan... She left a request on their phone asking for a response as soon as possible…leaving both her number and Dot's. Telling them she needed a four-tier cake by Wednesday noon. She did not tell them she but would take a three if a four could not be done …... go for the four take the three if the four was a tad much on such short notice.
Olivia called Professor Beene first and told him about the wedding…. of course, he would attend…... Olivia told him the information would be in his inbox by morning…. Huck would book his flights…. He asked if he could come out Tuesday…...Olivia agreed saying Huck would contact him…... Then Abby who was almost giddy …of course she would come and would come Tuesday to give Olivia a wedding shower. Olivia told her everything would be in a follow-up e-mail and someone would make the travel arrangements...
She then called her dad…...Yes, he would attend and asked about the arrangements. Olivia told him the wedding started as a small event that had grown into something larger than she expected. Eli Grant told his daughter he was sending money to her via Zell…This was just a deposit he would make sure everything for the wedding was covered by him….no matter the coast. He also said he wanted to come early. Both Cyrus and Eli lived in DC, both were coming in Tuesday. She had seen the notes Fitz posted to Mary about Jake…. Jake and Abby, in New York, were also arriving Tuesday. Now the problem where would they all stay until the wedding Wednesday... Solve one problem get three more Olivia thought…...I told Mary it was too much in too short of a time.
The next call was to her aunt Dee who was told about the wedding and immediately said she would come and come sometimes Tuesday.
Olivia was getting that squeezing feeling…. why is everyone coming Tuesday. Where would they all stay?
"Olivia of course I will be there…...…I thought you were going to Iowa to thank the group for their contribution.?"
"Auntie it's a long story…. we can talk about it tomorrow. We are trying to plan a wedding in under three days. I will send you the information. Matter of fact it will be posted on the cloud you can pull everything up you need now that you have become a master of the net."
"Olivia did you pick your dress?"
"Aunt Dee I haven't picked one out yet…..."
"Olivia do you know what kind of dress you want…...…what are your wedding colors?"
"Honestly aunt Dee four hours ago it was going to be me Fitz and maybe two witnesses …. Now it looks like a church, reception, eight people in the wedding party and maybe one hundred guests."
"Olivia you are pushing the envelope again.…. just like when you were helping with the water problem in Puerto Rico…. I love it. May I give you a hand."
"Mary…you remember Mary, Fitz' sister, she is doing the planning."
"What are your wedding colors?"
"Off white/Ivory/Eggshell for me and either Coral or soft green for the bridesmaids."
"And shoes…...?
"Maybe gold/silver/pewter or the same color as the dresses …. it's still warm so a strappy sandal maybe or if that's not possible a nice shoe with 2-inch heels. The men are wearing tuxedos."
"You said Mary is in charge of planning this wedding in three days…. Is she there may I talk to her…I have a couple of ideas..."
Olivia went back into the office and explained to Mary her aunt wanted to talk to her about the wedding.
Mary's shoulders slumped…are we about to get a no vote she thought to herself.
Mary mouthed …what's her full name…. after getting the answer Mary took the phone expecting the worse.
Both Fitz and Olivia listened and looked on as Mary started to talk on the phone.
Mary introduced herself then asked." Mrs. Alexander (Dee) is there a problem or a concern about the wedding?".
"Concern…...no I want to help."
"Help how?" Mary asked
Dee started to explain …she understood the wedding was in three days which did not leave a lot of time…... "I think I can help with all the outfits… bride and groom and all the wedding party. Your mother's dress and suits for the ushers, everything. Will there be a flower girl or ring bearer?"
"We sort of missed that…. but let me think. I have a couple of young family members who would love to play dress up…let me think."
"Not much time to think Mary…I will wait for you to decide that later."
The two-continued talking with Mary giving a short explanation …telling her about everything from the venue to the decorations to the food.
"Well done Mary…. great planning in such a short time…. I am sure I can help."
Mary walked out of the room with the phone to her ear …...she wanted to make sure she heard what was being said.
Olivia and Fitz looked on with a worried expression on their faces…. Marcus, who was knee deep in flowers and food. Was oblivious to what was happening around him.
Dee continued her conversation with Mary
"Mary… Will you be able to find everything you need in the short time you have?"
"We will try…we won't know until tomorrow."
"I believe I can get all the wedding attire and probably get it to you by noon Tuesday…. maybe earlier…. all I need are the sizes and for Olivia to select a dress. She decided her colors…. Ivory for her…the bridesmaids either soft Coral or soft Green."
"Are you sure?"
"Mary I would not say it if I were not sure…I know a lady who knows a lady…."
Mary smiled just like she knows a man who knows a man.
"It's Sunday night and it's late."
"Mary for a business person it's never too late to make money. Let me make a call I'll get back to you within the hour. We will all know by then if it's possible to be done from here…. If we send them out by courier everything should be there no later than noon Tuesday."
Mary thought …" Courier" …. I like this lady she thinks like I do.
"We would really appreciate that if you can make it happen. I'll let you go so you can make your call. We will leave this line open. Thanks."
Mary came back into the room…. her face had a blank look. ….. Fitz and Olivia looked at her waiting for the bad news.
"Stop looking like the world has ended …Olivia your aunt is a gem…she knows a lady who knows a lady. She said she would try to get everything we need …...and have them here by Tuesday midday..."
"Everything?"
"Yes everything."
Olivia had finished looking through wedding dresses and found several styles. She found three she liked and all three were available in a Chicago store... She sent the links to her aunt…
"Olivia check the flowers samples Marcus sent you …I want to make sure I let Dot know we need the sizes for mom, dad, John, Andy, Ann and Will and where to send them.
Once Mary included the information on the page she joined Olivia in selecting flowers. Within thirty minutes Dee Lewis Alexander called…...the cost of everything, the clothing and their transportation would be handled on her end. She needed the sizes for the ladies…dresses and shoes and the men sizes. She was told both Jake and Eli would be fitted in New York and DC…those sizes would be sent to her...
. Mary and Dee suspected most of the men owned quality suits … Fitz, Jake, John, Gerry Eli and Marcus …. The only one who really needed a fitting was Will…... Will and maybe Dot's husband Andy... The owner of a bridal shop in Chicago, Belle, would be the point person for everything. Dee would meet her at 7am…. they would go to a bridal warehouse where they were certain they could find all the dresses... The information on all the sizes would be sent to Aunt Dee as well as photos of dresses Olivia had selected.…. Olivia's favorite wedding dress was one designed by YSL in his first collection as head of Dior. She would like one in that same style, if possible…. They would talk at 8am.
"See guys what I told you…. great things can be accomplished by great people. "Mary sat back in her chair with a wide smile on her face.
"Mary all I can say is I rather be lucky than good because if we pull this off we will be lucky." Fitz said as he came over and hugged his sister. "And you never got to count to three."
"Enough of the mush lets finish up..."
"How may guest Fitz…. any idea? …we need to plan how much food."
"There is no guest list, so it could be up to 100 people."
"One hundred? "Olivia leaned her head on her hand
Mary started counting…." we have about forty plus Grant relatives and extended family including in-laws. Another twenty from the church…add another twenty who are nosey…...some teachers from the school and people Fitz work with at the college that's about one hundred."
"Mary don't forget about those in mom's different clubs."
"Ok add another twenty since some of those in the clubs are also from church and family."
"That's about one hundred and twenty.' Fitz said then repeated….one hundred and twenty … to make sure they heard what he said, and he heard what he said...
"Make that One hundred and fifty. "Mary added as she pointed a finger up.
'" Where did the other thirty come from Mary?' Fitz asked
"Your motorcycle club,"
"I forgot…...… prepare for One hundred and fifty."
"Let's prepare the announcement and let everyone know the time and place."
"Mary…... Fitz we can't." Olivia sighed. How do we know over one hundred people will show up?
"Olivia about how many showed up with one days' notice to meet you today…...that should answer your question."
"I told you an hour ago I don't want to hear we can't. The biggest thing left after the clothes is the food…. we can feed 150 people easily."
"Who is going to cook for one hundred and fifty people…. where do we put them to eat…...where will they sit?" Olivia seemed overwhelmed at the number of people who would possibly attend.
"Olivia you are asking questions that we solve all the time. We throw rallies with up to five hundred people. We have a big family and our secret weapon Uncle Harry. Uncle Harry will oversee the church and the reception area. If we tell him, we need to seat one hundred and fifty people he will have chairs and tables for one hundred and fifty people. That's the easiest of our problems.
"And the food."
"Easy…. feeding over two hundred is standard."
"Mary I will call Adam to bring his cooker…He makes great baked and roasted chicken. If the caterer doesn't have another suggestion I will call him to help. It's a weekday I am sure he is free. We take off the turkey and add Chicken …serving it family style, the prime rib and ham from the carving station..." Fitz seemed to have hit his stride as he joined in the planning for an event, an hour ago, he was sure could not possibly happen.
They all began to look through the food selection….to determine what was possible. Mary decided unless her sister could recommend something else the food would partially catered …using the caterers to serve food they prepared, foods from the big box store and from family members. Mary did not want to ask her aunts and cousins to cook but she knew they would be offended if the meal did not include at least one dish from the Grant Family. Mary decided a pasta dish or/and one of their special Grant salads sounded like a pretty good compromise...They put the ingredients on the shopping list.
With all the input from the group Mary pulled it together and printed it out. It was impressive. She then sent the information to her sister giving her the authority to sign all contracts and pay for everything. Mary let Dot know Olivia and Fitz would stop at the bakery and flower shop when they were in town. If possible, they would place the orders and make a deposit…Dot would pay the rest from money Fitz would place in an account. They would also stop and see Sam to make sure he would help…. if needed. …. Mary hoped the suits and wedding dresses would arrive early Tuesday as Dee said they would. If this was done, they had a full day for alterations...
Fitz gave Mary his credit card and said he would send money directly to Dot via Zell. ... Olivia told Mary, and Fitz her father had sent money to cover the Iowa wedding expenses and her aunt would cover the cost of the wedding attire.
Fitz did not like that. "Olivia I can pay for the wedding…it's a lot to drop on you and your family especially since Mary has gone from overalls for me and a flower sack wedding dress for you…. to Tuxedos and Silk dresses…...for a wedding with one hundred and fifty guests to be fed and entertained. A wedding that was planned in under three hours and will happen in less than 72 hours."
"Nope Fitz my father will pay for at least some…...You and your family are doing everything else. I need to think I am as in this as you are."
With everything agreed on Mary sent the all the information to Dot... The money Fitz and Olivia sent to her could be used for immediate expenses the credit card as a backup…. Dee was paying for the wedding wardrobe. Fitz knew the possible cost but chose not to ask the source of her money, not right now maybe later…... ... That all done Mary sat back with a satisfied look just as the phone rang... "Now can I go to bed I still have a job to go to in the morning and I figure my sister will insist I change some of this. Let me know what happens with Dee. There is still time to drive to Chicago if we need to."
Huck called just as Mary was headed off out." I don't care what anyone will say… I need something to relax me… My staying over was because I was planning a wedding if anyone ask. Mary grabbed a bottle off tequila and beckoned to Marcus to follow.
.
Fitz told Huck about their plans and asked if he would accompany them the next day to get their license…... Huck agreed then took the information for those he needed to book a reservation for. Fitz told Huck everyone out of town was being notified by phone and a follow up e-mail hard copy…. Fitz was told to include phone numbers on his copy to him, so they could contact each other to finalize and confirm the travel times… All were coming in Tuesday. Jake and Abby from New York…Cyrus and Eli from DC... After getting all the information and verifying a hard copy would be sent to him Huck asked to speak to Olivia.
"Olivia are you sure you want to do this?"
"Yes, I am sure."
"Can Fitz hear you ….is he still in the room?"
"Yes…..."
"Maybe you should go into another room while we talk?"
"Is it that bad….is it me of Fitz. Can't be Fitz otherwise you would have told me earlier…. what did I do?"
Fitz listening to her put the glasses in his hand on the table.
"What's wrong Olivia?"
"I don't know "she answered Fitz and returned her attention to the phone and Huck "…if it's something that affects us Huck just get it out."
"You need a pre-nup."
"Pre-nup I don't intend to ask Fitz for anything and I am sure his family already have their property protected from moneygrubbers like me."
By now Fitz had sat down and was staring at Olivia after taking a long swallow from his glass.
"Not him…... you…...you need a pre-nup to protect your inheritance."
The phone went quiet …. Huck could hear Fitz saying Oliver what's wrong.
Fitz took the phone from Olivia and started talking…..." Huck what did you say to her."
"Fitz I'm on my way I'll be there as soon as possible."
"Huck what is wrong?" Fitz asked again
"I'll tell you when I get there."
Fitz hung the phone up and Olivia was staring at him, she kept saying …I forgot, I forgot.
"What did you forget Olivia…whatever it is we can handle it together …tell me."
"Let's wait until Huck gets here."
Olivia emptied her glass and motioned for a refill…she downed that as soon as Fitz stopped pouring then motioned for another refill. Fitz poured another glass and then showed Olivia the bottle was empty. She downed the last glass and said… "scotch"
"Olivia wait…...what's wrong."
"Fitz, I forgot."
"Forgot what you have a husband somewhere…. a child…doesn't matter we can work with it whatever it is." She laid her head on the table and it remain there until Huck arrived.
While they waited for Huck Fitz decided to run a bath for them. He felt they both could use a long soak after this unforgettable day. One of the big expenses when he was building the house was the master bathroom. He is over 6 feet tall and he wanted a tub he could soak in, so he had a large whirlpool tub installed along with a rainfall shower AND a separate free-standing shower nearby. The separate free-standing shower he used 90% of the time but sometimes after a day with his dad, especially during planting and harvest time soaking in the warm water was a welcome relief. He ran the bath then returned to the kitchen to get some scotch for him and another bottle of wine for Olivia.
In short order Huck was sitting across from them.
"Huck what did you say to her?" Fitz asked
"Olivia looked at Huck…." how did you find out?"
"How did he find out what…. someone please tells me something." Fitz looked from Huck to Olivia
""It wasn't really hidden …it is in your mother's name which was never changed. Your Grandfather Horace is such a legend to computer nerds everyone wanted to know more about him. It did not take much to realize Olivia Pope is Horace Lewis' granddaughter."
Fitz asked again" guys tell me something…...Who is Horace Lewis?"
"Do you think they told anyone?"
"Computer geeks usually only talk about computer geeks to other computer geeks…there was no reason to talk about him outside of their group. I am sure not a lot of people know who you are or even better how your grandfather was involved in the early development of the computer."
"How much?"
Fitz started tapping the table to get their attention…." Computer….…how much what."
Huck slid a piece of paper across to Olivia who looked and blinked several times. Fitz took the paper and looked at it…...no husband no children…."is this the amount someone has sued you for?"
"No Fitz that's the amount I am worth."
"Not quite…...more now that was from several years ago." Huck added
Fitz got up … got the bottle of scotch and poured some in three glasses then sat back down …...…." Someone please…. run this pass me."
"My grandfather was a tinker, very smart. My aunt said…. to some he never seemed to focus on anything, but his thinking was years ahead of everyone around him... He came up with the original program for spell check …putting a dictionary on a typewriter. When Apple started to put its computer together they asked him to sell it, so they could eliminate years of work… and the program could be easily adapted to their need. He had a few other ideas he had done the basic work on which they were able to use. That saved them months…maybe years of work…. My grandfather took 5k cash and Apple stock. The stock was divided between his three children in his will. He made a couple more investments including in Amazon with part of the 5k…. No one knew about anything until he died…. ... I inherited my mother's share. I never thought about it until we stared setting up the office in Chicago. As soon as my aunt mentioned it …... I never touched it…. any of it."
Fitz then realized the source of the money for the new business and who the anonymous investor is... …also … how Dee could so easily and was so willing to help with the wedding cost.
"Why didn't you touch any of it Olivia?" Fitz said amazed at everything he was hearing.
"I never had to….my father paid all my school expenses … Europe, my undergrad at Georgetown and my law degree at Harvard. At first, I did not know about it and I was too young to touch it anyway…. then I forgot about it. The money was something I never thought about and never think about until someone reminds me because it was never a part of my life…. My father insisted on paying all my school expenses to prove to my mother's family that he could. I just forgot about it... I never really wanted or needed anything my father did not provide me. The clothing that was a must have for Americans was the norm in Europe…. plus, I kept my nose in my books."
"When I was at Georgetown I had small jobs …same at Harvard where I was a paid summer intern. I had the money from my mother's insurance policy which I used when necessary. In New York I made pretty good money and my father taught me to live on that I earned, so I did".
"My grandfather never told anyone…when he died we all found out, but I had what I needed so I never tried to find out how much I inherited. I think I felt I would be betraying my father if I decided to seem like I wanted more than he had given me."
"Grandpa Horace came to see me every year I in was in Europe before he died... He said he came to make sure I was ok….to make sure I did not need anything. Sometimes he stayed a couple of weeks one time he stayed a couple of months. I never thought about where he got the money to travel. He died a year before I returned to the states and started Georgetown. My father was my guardian…...the inheritance was in my mother's name, but I was too young to get it until I turned twenty-one. Maybe that's why I forgot it was there because it was never a part of my life…...I never needed it ... No-one reminded me about it not my aunt or uncle and not my dad...
"So, what's with the pre-nup.?"
"You need to sign it before the wedding, Thursday." Huck told Fitz
"Olivia, I don't want your money…. I loved you before I knew you were loaded …now I have 10million+ more reasons to love you….
Olivia shot him a look
"I'm sorry that was meant to be funny…... What happens now?"
"You sign a pre-nup…...Olivia keeps everything she owned coming into the marriage, same with you Fitz. I can have a friend in DC draw it up…. that's still your official residence Olivia. I will have him draw it up then you can discuss it with the Grants tomorrow. That should clear the air in case someone thinks Olivia is marrying Fitz for his money…. Fitz this is to protect Olivia. I trust you I believe you love her. She looked out for me when she didn't know I did not need her help…... I will always protect her …even from you."
"Huck, I love her…. I would never hurt her."
Huck held his hand up to show he understood "Fitz everyone goes into a marriage with the expectation it will last. I believe you love her, I believe she loves you... This is my way of protecting her even if she does not need my protection, the same way she looked out for me…... You guys can always hash this over later, change things as you see fit but I suggest a pre-nup for her protection and to show your family Olivia has her own resources. You guys do not need to tell them the amount but a pre-nup will let them know certain rumors are definitely not true..."
"OK…. Have it drawn up I will sign it." Fitz said
"No Huck I do not agree. "Olivia answered
"Why not?" I want to make sure you are protected even though I believe Fitz loves you."
"I want one hundred dollars from Fitz if he divorces me within five years…..."
Huck repeated "one- hundred dollars?"
"Yes one- hundred dollars ….… I will give him 1m if I divorce him within five years…... nothing after that"
"Wait…. what are you saying Olivia…? I will not accept that" Fitz stood up his hands on his hips.
"Which one…the one- hundred you will pay me or the one Mil I will pay you?"
"Neither…...especially the money from you."
"Then I refuse to marry you…. Consider it an insurance police…You can't leave unless you give me one-hundred dollars, so my new husband and I can live in the way I have become accustomed as your wife. I can use that money from you to spoil him, who of course will be much younger than I am. …...I can't leave you unless I give you and Mellie 1M to start your happy life together."
Fitz shook his head "that's not funny Olivia."
"As funny as your comment earlier …... they were both made to lighten the mood. We both understand that."
Huck got up to leave. "I will call the attorney in DC he will draw it up. I am sure he will want to talk to you both. It should be ready for your signature by Tuesday which you can sign electronically. I'll see you both at 8am tomorrow."'
Fitz let Huck out then returned to his office to find it empty. He found Olivia just stepping out of the shower and heading for the tub. After a quick rinse in the shower he joined her...
"No marriage or money talk the rest of the night let's just relax here."' Olivia said to Fitz as he settled in behind her …. her back resting against his chest…...
"Ok…no marriage or money talk…...just one thing…. please just one thing…or maybe two."
"Fitz…"
"Please Olivia can I just say two things?"
"Go ahead … but understand the wedding will happen in front of 4 people or 150 and the money from my Grandfather will provide a good nest egg for us and our children. No what do you have to add."
"What did you do to my mother…... where did that announcement that we were getting married come from…...…she is the one who said we should wait. Three hours later she is telling the family we were getting married in three days and never said one word to us. AND what did you do to my sister Mary. You have destroyed the personalities of two women in my family. Selfish unfiltered Mary because the calm precise wedding planner and the quiet reserved Margaret became the town crier. No wonder I fell in love with you over a mystery meat sandwich."
"I wasn't eating mystery meat when we met."
"No, I was…...mystery meat washed down with beer …when I came back from my first beer run I was smitten. You would never look at me that's why I kept making trips hoping you would look up."
"I was looking …I saw you every time you looked back at me …. remember I was sitting behind you I could see every time you turned your head my way. As soon as I saw your head start to turn I looked away. It was only when you were leaving I saw those eyes and that was …. POW…BAM…... I never expected to see you again…...but the next day there you were."
"Now you tell me …...you were sneaking looks at me while I was sneaking looks at you."
"At first it as the tattoos that made me look…... when you walked away down those stairs, …I saw your tight buns and I took a closer look at you…... Your appearance…. Yours and Jakes….100% different from your demeanor. By the end of the day I no longer saw the drawings I saw the man behind the drawings…... Let's finish here and go to bed."
"Do I get what I missed earlier if we go to bed now."
"Do you want to wait until we go to bed" …. Olivia moved away from him…standing up and propping one leg on the edge of the tub and bending slightly forward giving Fitz the perfect angle. Fitz took a condom out of the nearby soap caddy and put it on.
"that's convenient."
"I put them there when I ran the water I figured they would come in handy stored there... No need to go all the way to the bedroom."
"We are getting married in two days we could just let it go tonight."
"We decided to use condoms and until we are married we use condoms plus I am anticipating the feeling of me naked inside you. I want to have that memory for our wedding night."
"Mr. Grant you are full of surprises." Fitz slowly slid into her putting his leg over the one she had on the edge of the tub. ….. holding both her hands against the wall as he slowly entered her.
Fitz was kissing her along the back of her neck while rubbing his hands along her body as he slowly started whispering into her ear.
"Ms. Pope you have no idea of the surprises I have in store for you. You were talking about mouth to resuscitation earlier…. I'm planning to kill and resuscitate your clit on the same night."
"And this happens when …...?"
"Anticipation Ms. Pope…...anticipation."
It was heaven as he moved in and out of her…. withdrawing and moving back again…almost in a tease until Fitz felt her channel close and tighten around him. He arched his back to get as much leverage as possible grabbed her arms tighter and started a slow roll into her body until he felt a tightness in his chest that moved all the way to his groin as his knees began to buckle. It was all he could so to stop from falling as he held on to Olivia and the wall for support. They both leaned against the wall while riding out their climax.
Fitz disposed of the condom turned on the waterfall shower and began to wash Olivia's body then his own…finally stepping out of the tub he grabbed a towel and wrapped it around Olivia...
Grabbing another towel, he wrapped a towel around his waist after towel drying his hair…. then dried Olivia off and wrapped the towel tighter around her... Sitting her on the closed toilet he dried his hair, and hers, as much as possible with the hair dryer. He picked her up and carried her to his bed where he laid her down and pulled the cover over their naked bodies.
"Olivia this has truly been a day to remember it's been one surprise after the other..." Fitz said as he pulled her into a spooning position…...soon they were both asleep.
5:30am
Fitz heard his phone buzzing... He has lived on a farm most of his life but as he looked at the clock then the windows and saw only the beginning of daylight …5:30am was 5:530 am…. farm or city. He was trying to focus what had happened the past few days as he answered the phone hoping it would not wake the woman lying next to him. He recognized his sister Dot's number.
"Hi sis"
"Fitz aren't you up yet…I let you sleep another half hour I have been up since 4am. going over the information from Mary …... You were born and raised on a farm why aren't you up…...sorry don't answer…... I can guess."
Fitz moved the conversation from the bed to the bathroom…. kissing Olivia as he got up she turned to ask what was wrong.
"Nothing is wrong Olivia …go back to sleep…its Dot."
"Fitz where is Mary…. her phone is going straight to voicemail…...I need to go over a couple of things with her. I agree with almost everything planned you guys did a great job…...…is Mary at your house otherwise I need you to go to hers and get her up, so we can talk."
"She's here we worked until nearly midnight, so she stayed…. what do you need to discuss this early?"
"Early…. it's not early for a farmer or someone who has the responsibility to make sure everything works, and all the bills are paid…...…on time. Get Mary up and call me back."
"Ok give me ten minutes."
"You got five."
Fitz did a quick morning clean-up and left the room for the kitchen …thinking he would start coffee then wake Mary up only to be met with the odor of coffee and bacon as he came into the kitchen. Mary was dressed in one of his shirts and pair of her jogging pants a pair she had evidentially left at his house during one of her numerous visits.
"Morning Mary…...Dot said she has been trying to reach you…...your phone is off."
"Morning Fitz…I turned it off last night. I had given your wedding as much time as I was willing. I needed some personal hours for me. Get your sister back I knew she would be up early to make her changes that's why I turned the phone off. I did not want her voice to be the first thing I heard when I woke up."
Fitz called Dot as Mary poured him a cup of coffee. He put her on speaker.
"Morning sis …did you get everything and what needs changing?"
Dot hesitated for a moment…..." nothing to change I just want to give you a couple of updates for today's schedule. I called the bakery you listed ... They can do the cake…probably a three tier would be a better size on such short notice. Jan suggested three tiers with a 16inch base. The cake must have time to cool after it's baked especially the base. She suggested cupcakes for guest frosted in your wedding colors. You said 150 guests …...150 cupcakes and a three-tier cake with a 16in base can easily be done …. baked and ready by noon Wednesday. She said she can also help with the flowers, cleaning services and the caterer... …. Do you think Olivia will agree…?
"Yes, I am sure Olivia will agree."
"…...May I make a few suggestions?"
Mary and Fitz knew Dot would have changes so Mary said …" I believe Olivia will be willing to consider any changes…. go ahead with your suggestions.".
"Your first stop today should be at the bakery….. the cake, flowers and food can start in one place. "
Mary looked at her brother surprised that her sister had not made any changes….…. yet...
"That's good Dot anything else?"
"yes…...I got the money and your instructions. I contacted Uncle Harry he said he would handle everything at the church. Setting up the tent and whatever is needed there."
"Is that it?" both Mary and Fitz were waiting for the shoe to drop.
"Yes…. housing. "
"Housing…...what about it. We can book hotel rooms for a couple of days." Fitz answered.
"Too far to drive…some are in the wedding some aren't. ….. I suggest the men at your house Fitz you have three bedrooms and a den with two sofa beds and three full bathrooms.…. Olivia and Abby with Mary. Olivia's aunt with our parents who have already agreed. Mom had already started to prepare for overnight guest. She said she could handle six…without a problem since there aren't any small children…...does that sound like a plan."
Both Fitz and Mary agreed
"When will we hear from her aunt about the dresses and suits?"
Fitz looked at his watch…" In about an hour…. …we should know what's available by 9am. no later than 10am."
"Ok guys I have to get to work so I can finish the work on my real job, so I can get everything I can completed before the meeting tonight. Call me when you leave the bakery Fitz."
"Ok…will do. I will call when we leave the bakery."
"Did you guys start before me?" Fitz and Mary heard a voice behind them
There stood Olivia dressed in one of Fitz t-shirt and a pair of leggings. They gave her an update as Mary continued making breakfast. They were soon joined by Marcus…then Huck …followed by a phone call from her aunt. Everyone sharing their information sooner than expected. Fitz thought again about his groomsmen…... "Huck would you join the wedding party as one of my grooms?"
Huck squirmed in his seat "Fitz you know I am not a people person."
"Just this time for me and Olivia. Knowing you will always be there to protect her I want you there right next to us."
Huck again shifted in his chair before agreeing
"Who are you dropping Fitz…Will is the best man…. Jake is coming from out of town…...Marcus I would like in the wedding ….
Fitz interrupted her…" John…. he can be an usher with Dot's husband…... John knows enough about the whole set up at the church so if something starts to go wrong Uncle Harry will have him."
They all agreed …. Mary stacked the dishes in the dishwasher and left for home to get ready for work. Marcus, Fitz and Olivia dressed for their long day and Huck started looking for flights out of New York and DC that would arrive at about the same time. He would pick them all up and with all the men staying with Fitz the transport and housing solved itself.
The call came in from Aunt Dee…...they had gotten an early start and would have photos of the dresses for Olivia in short time…...Once she decided everything could be packed and sent out Tuesday morning, leaving Chicago in the early am. for arrival by noon. The dresses were on consignment so the shop owner, Belle, would ride with the courier. Then another shock…...…Ms. Smith and James wanted to come…No problem Margaret Grant had room. Olivia's aunt and Ms. Smith would stay with them. Olivia and her group would also dress there since it was easier to leave the dresses in one place...
Fitz, Marcus, Huck and Olivia all left for town. First stop the bakery…. the cake size and cupcakes discussed by Dot was agreed on. One-hundred fifty cupcakes in three different flavors. The icing in coral, mint green and white for the cupcakes…. topping for the cake… a buttercream topping with Hazel Nut Almond and lemon fillings. Jan said she would use icing and spacers to make the cake appear taller. That decided she suggested a caterer she often worked with adding if they agreed to use her, Sue, she would meet them at the big box store. Fitz called Dot …gave her Sue' number and asked that she finalize what was needed from her. The group added that to their list of something to be done after they stopped at Sam's ... Sam had the suit sizes on file from other fittings for the men, so he sent them to Dee…... except Will who he would measure after school.
Everything, so far, was going so smoothly they were all waiting for something to break the positive mo.-jo…. hoping not but preparing just in case "life happens..."
The preparation kept going well…...no speed bumps yet. By the time Olivia made her selection for her dress and the dresses for her group they knew they had turned the corner. Once the dresses, suits (eight now) Margaret's dress and accessories had been selected they knew they were in the preparation home stretch.
By noon the dresses had been selected and the suits were ready to be picked up... They decided they would leave Chicago at 4am Tuesday morning. With two drivers they could make the round trip in one day.
The cake (and cupcakes) had been ordered and would be ready by noon Wednesday. All that was left was the license and the trip to get the meat and select the flowers. That they decided to do in order of importance. The box store first with the shopping list…one trip to get the necessary food items and the wine for the fountain.
Sue, met them there and after determining the size of the crowd did some modifying on the amount of food required from what Mary had figured. The food went with the her the alcohol with them…. The champagne fountain was available from Sue who recommended a cleaning crew and said the crew would help with decorating of the venue. Fitz passed this information on the Dot.
The chicken was ordered enough for 200 people all legs and breast which could be split and served family style. Any left-over they anticipated would use as a snack for the group that ended up at the Grant house... No seasoning because Adam supplied his own" secret" seasoning.
Sue, of course would be there working but the baker and florist would send their products off never to be seen., After a couple of hints…Fitz who knew most of the people involved invited them to please join him, and his fiancée, on their special day. By the time the four stopped for a late lunch before picking up the license those attending the wedding had grown by another twenty. Fitz decided with the cake and 150 cupcakes that was enough even with another twenty people attending. Jan insisted on making 150 dinner-rolls …they needed rolls on the table...something they forgot. He called Dot. to make sure she updated the invoice.
The extras were making a big dent in their non-budget but with Fitz, Eli, Dee and Olivia all contributing no-one saw a problem with this wedding breaking the bank and sending everyone into poverty before the I dos were cold. Fitz kept insisting her could pay the Iowa expenses. Olivia reminded him the bride's family usually pays for the wedding.
At 5:45 pm Fitz and Olivia joined the group that had been at the Grants since 4:00pm. They had arrived early to help prepare for Margaret's guest and because most had to pass the Grant house to get home.
.
Gerry Grant met them earlier at the courthouse to make sure getting the license went smoothly. He loaded the alcohol, into his truck along with food for the meal tonight. By six, the grills were smoking with burgers and various sausages. Sides, salads and roasted chicken from the store. The family expected ten…...prepared for twenty …thirty showed up. All volunteering to help...
. They discussed all that had been done and what was left. Mary, to everyone's surprise led the meeting.
The venue…Uncle harry stood up and said…." I got that covered." that was that.
The cake had been ordered…...the caterer had suggested a basic menu with three sides and one salad…. . Plus, a pasta dish and one salad(vegetable) a Grant staple that would be prepared a Grant family member. ... She awaited any other suggestions from the family…...Dot told her earlier if she did not get a written change by 8pm Monday night…...they would go with the agreed menu...
The organist from the church, the canned pre-wedding music from someone's library, the dee-Jay the bakers son, the photographer referred by the florist. Olivia remember James was an amateur photographer, so she knew he would take photos the couple would include in their album.
The wedding attire would be at the Grants by noon tomorrow along with Sam who would fit the ones there the rest would stop by his store, if necessary. He would also put a final press on everything. Everyone assured him they could be there before noon except Will who come to his store. That was good because Will could bring all the suits back with him….one extra trip that would not need to be made.
It was done all done unless the ladies insisted in some menu changes. Aunt Cora who felt she made the world's best Lasagna, and she did, said no Grant wedding had ever happened without her dish, hers was the pasta dish... Although there were 150+ expected she said "'I got this". Her dish would be served at the carving station with a small tray at the head table. It was a favorite of her nephew and she was determined he would start his married life off with her good luck dish. Anne's mother would make her special salad …a dish that was a favorite... Anticipating this the ingredients had been bought and was ready for them...
Everything was set until someone asked…as a throwaway question. Olivia, Fitz where are you guys going to stay. Just like the "I forgot inheritance" they forgot to think about where they would live short term…or long term... Was Olivia going back to Chicago right away since she was about to open a new business…. would Fitz follow her now or later. Neither had an answer so Olivia took the time to say." I will be in Iowa for a while. Some of the time spent meeting with people I intended to meet with this week …... some introducing myself to the family... From that she and Fitz would have to discuss it." The meeting ended early because there wasn't anything that needed doing and they all had a busy two days ahead.…. Mary had planned so well everything had taken care of itself. After all left Olivia and Fitz decided it was time to talk to the core group and discuss their pre-nup.
Fitz opened a bottle of top label scotch and sat with his parents and, siblings, including Will, plus Marcus and Huck and discussed the pre-nup.
"Everyone Olivia and I have decided to sign a pre-nup. Everything that each of us bring into the marriage we keep. I know there will be gossip that will say Olivia is marrying me for my money, but it seems I could be accused of marrying her for hers. Her grandfather left her a sizable inheritance."
"Inheritance…. when did you find this out Fitz?" his mother asked
"Last night…I was as surprised then as you are now."
"And this pre-nup…. when did it come up?" his father asked
Huck said "I suggested it. It's to protect Olivia and to protect any comments about her, Fitz and your family. "
Margaret asked "explain…we don't care about comments or gossip..."
"Olivia forgot her Grandfather Horace had left her a sizable sum of money." Fitz answered. "'We just want you guys to know because we know the comments will come that Olivia married me for the Grant money. You can't stop the talk …. I suggest you just tell anyone…. they love each other that's the important thing. Don't disagree don't try to explain…. Olivia's money is her money so there is no reason for it to be a discussion with anyone outside of Olivia and me. The less you say the better…. especially early on."
"Fitz it will be our money to make a better life for us and our children…it's not my money."
"Olivia you know what I mean…. I hope you do."
Will spoke up "Horace Lewis is your grandfather…I heard that, but I wasn't really sure."
Olivia looked at Will…" What did you hear?"
"That he was a legend in developing early computer programs. Do you know two systems that make the desk computer work was his idea."
"Will when did you learn so much about early pioneers in the computer?" Fitz asked
"From Binney, the girl Huck is training. Once Huck started training her she wanted to know the history behind the computer. Sometimes when I would stop by we would talk about new things she learned about the early days. I first heard about him from her then when I was in DC one of the guys mentioned Horace Lewis. Between my friendship with Olivia, Binney and the comments in DC I thought they were related but I was not sure…. until now."
"Do you think computers are in your future?" his dad asked
"Nope…. not fulltime but as POTUS I need to learn as much as I can, they are an important part of our future that can be used for good or bad."
The group all smiled but now understood Will had a vision of what he wanted his future to be and they would support him in his dream.
Fitz, Oliva Mary, Huck and Marcus all left the Grant house and headed for Fitz' to get things ready for the next day since the he would house the greatest number of people. Just like last night they divided up chores. Beds were stripped, floors were vacuumed, bathrooms were tided. Towels were put in the dryer to be refreshed and then placed in plain sight. Everything was ready for guest. Huck would pick up any beverages needed.
Fitz decided he would serve Pizza and pasta to his group arriving tomorrow. This decision for food was made easy when his mom decided that Eli and Cyrus would stay in the age appropriate house with them. That would give the fathers time to talk. Unknown to the Grants having Eli and Dee in the same house was not the best idea. The house finally in order Mary told Olivia to get her bag they were heading to her house. Both Olivia and Fitz complained but Mary told both "I'm in charge and you will stay with me so we can go over things. We can have our party and the guys can have theirs."
Fitz complained to Olivia as she packed her few necessities "Olivia I thought we would have time to talk I guess we will Wednesday night. I still don't know where we will spend out first night together since every house, and bed will have guest."
"I have a surprise…. Huck gave us his house…you two will change houses for the night, the hotel is too far, and it will be late."
"Huck…."
"Yes Huck…. everyone will leave sometimes Thursday…...Marcus, my dad and Cyrus to DC; Jake and Abby back to New York; Not sure about my aunt and her group . They will probably stay another night to make sure everything has been settled. Babe we will only be apart for two nights I promise to make it up to you."
"Olivia you can't make up my waking up without you…. but I will hold you to making it up to me…. see you tomorrow to check the church I'll bring Marcus so over we can have breakfast." Fitz bid his bride- to- be farewell.
Rushing back into the house with Marcus…."That was quick thinking by Mary now let's talk to her aunt about the rings. Getting one was hard with her always in the room…..I wanted at least one surprise. '"
"When will you give it to her Fitz?" Marcus asked
"At the church tomorrow, the engagement ring since her aunt is bringing it in with her…the wedding ring at the ceremony of course."
Tuesday noon the van with the wedding attire pulled up in front of the Grant's house. All the dresses were on consignment and insured. With two drivers the trip could be made in the same day.
The van was filled with dresses and spares. Olivia had three choices…the ladies one choice same color two styles…... two choices for shoes all in metal colors. Pearls and matching earrings as accessories. The bridesmaids' dresses were light coral and tea length.
Olivia was given three choices all in the ivory/eggshell hue. One tea length two long. One of the long dresses was a close match to the YSL wedding dress that Olivia had indicated she really wanted. She of course chose that one but not before trying on the other two.
Margaret's dress was also tea length in a beautiful muted burnt orange with a jacket with pewter shoes... Aunt Dee chose a beautiful brilliant blue also tea length …she also chose pewter shoes…. Ms. Smith decided to go just below the knee with a sapphire green suit with matching cloth shoes. The ladies dresses were "smoking. All the colors were bright and vibrant.
The men… one suit with all the accessories. well a suit is a suit is a suit even a Tom Ford.
Following in a second car, behind the courier …. Aunt Dee, Ms. Smith and James. James…This wedding is growing one person at a time.
This was going to be a three-chapter connected update "Veni, Vidi, Vici" (the trip, meeting the family and the wedding) …... Now three chapters have grown into five. The next two…
There is no love lost between Eli and the Lewis family. Dee and Eli in a small space together around strangers... Meeting in this environment should be interesting.
Mellie is still lurking around let's see what damage she can do, or try to do...
I refuse to bring these negative vibes into the wedding chapter. The wedding and reception will stand alone. The contact between Eli and Aunt Dee should add to the intrigue. Throw in Mellie for additional drama…. ok every story needs an anti-hero. This group deserves a chapter separate from the wedding. And so, it will be.
Seven more days until the final episode of Scandal WOW I'm holding on with both arms and feet wrapped around the Maypole.… The next update will not be a quick turn around I have to absorb se7.
OH, let's not forget….How will Mary's wedding plans work out in real time.
Don't discount Horace Lewis as a bridge too far. Mark E. Dean an inventor and computer engineer. He holds nine patents as co-creator for the IBM personal computer released in 1981.