"You look perfect. This is going to be great. I promise." Fitz had placed himself next to Liv and gently rubbed the back of her neck as he kissed the side of her head.
"You okay? You seem nervous."
"Me? I'm fine. You okay?"
"I'm fine. I feel like a cow sitting on this couch but other than that I'm fine."
Kimberly Mitchell entered the room adding an energy to the atmosphere that only she could bring. She quickly placed herself in the single chair seated across from them, in between the camera lights and rest of the set-up.
"You two look great. Baby on the way, glowing smiles. How do you feel Olivia?"
"I feel better than I thought I would. More than excited to finally meet our little one but I've had a decent pregnancy so I can't complain."
"Super! So the interview! I'll ask the questions that I had forwarded to you yesterday. My camera guy will only record the first half and then the rest will only be audio. Since this will be featured as the cover article in The Washington Buzz we only need a few video clips to promote the interview during local news shows. Any questions?"
Fitz and Olivia looked at each other and gave a reassuring glance before responding. He answered on behalf of both of them.
"I don't think so. Lets get this thing going."
KM: Okay, you two. So people are dying to know a few inside details to your relationship. Mr. President, you've been married before. You have two great kids that America had the chance to watch grow up in the White House. What's different this time around.
FG: First of all Kimberly, feel free to call me Fitz.
KM: I appreciate the offer, but I cant help but call you Mr. President.
FG: Understood. Well, Kimberly, to answer your question, It's definitely different not being in the public eye as much. I get to enjoy more time with my wife. Don't get me wrong, we're both incredibly busy and still have parts of our lives that can't be ignored, but our lifestyle lends itself to finding time for one another. And we'll continue to keep that same priority when the baby arrives.
KM: Just one mention of the baby and your face lights up like a Christmas tree!
FG: I can't help it. I'm so blessed to have two amazing kids. And now to add another one to the family, with this incredible woman by my side is...it's more than I could have ever asked for.
KM: Olivia, I'm sure you're just as excited. What was it like when you all found out? Was it planned?
OPG: When we found out we were actually visiting family in California. I was in complete shock, but it was one of the best surprises. Initially I was quite nervous, but I'm fortunate to have this guy to keep me sane. As he mentioned earlier, this is a blessing. My pregnancy has been fairly easy and again, we just can't wait to meet our little one.
KM: No news on the sex of the baby?
FG: We've decided to keep that a surprise for the birth.
KM: Gotcha. Any cravings Olivia? You've always been petite. I can't imagine you've been eating anything too crazy.
OPG: (turns to look at FG) I haven't had any crazy cravings right?
FG: (laughs) I'm keeping my mouth shut on this one.
OPG: (laughs) I do admit I've had a few instances where I stop dead in my tracks and need a certain type of food ASAP.
KM: Like what?
OPG: Lets see...a few weeks ago I had a sudden urge to eat bacon and peanut butter cupcakes.
FG: She forgot to mention that she was craving them at the same time.
KM: Peanut Butter cupcakes and bacon?
FG: Yup. And I was the guy in the middle of the night trying to get her these two random food items.
OPG: Honey, I told you that you didn't have to get it.
FG: If my pregnant wife is craving peanut butter and bacon then that's what she's going to get.
(Everyone laughs)
KM: I'm picturing the former President of the United States in the kitchen-
FG: At 3 in the morning, cooking bacon, and looking up on google the fastest way to make peanut butter icing for a chocolate cupcake. It was a sight.
OPG: I told him he didn't have to. But I will say, I fell in love with him all over again when he came to the bedroom and hour later with a plate full of bacon and cupcakes.
KM: You two are just too adorable together. Can you tell us about the wedding?
OPG: We had a very simple ceremony.
FG: With plans for a bigger one after the baby comes.
KM: I would think so. The Grant Family is widely known for their extravagant galas and parties.
FG: Its true, my family does have that reputation. But, it's always been important for Liv and I to have our own traditions as a family. That's also why we keep such a low profile. My wife said it best when she reminded me that I've lived so much of my life in the public eye. First as I entered politics in California, as governor, and more recently as President. Being a younger politician definitely kept me in the public eye more than most in that position and I never really minded , now my life is different. Where it was a part of the job for me to see people and be seen, now it's more important to both of us to devote as much time as possible to one another. We understand that we can't completely get away with flying under the radar, especially still living in DC. But we do try to keep a low profile and just enjoy our life together. To live our lives and still contribute to this great city, and really, this great country, while still devoting our energy to growing together as a couple and, now, as a family.
KM: Spoken like a true politician. Well said, Mr. President. I'm sure you share the same sentiments
Olivia.
OPG:(looks to FG and smiles) Of course he took the words right out of my mouth. But it's true. Our focus has always been to remember that at the end of the day we are devoted to each other. And spending time together is a major part of that. We love being able to go for walks, or runs and not worrying about being stopped or photographed.
FG: I walk, she runs.
OPG: Honey, you run with me sometimes, before this little one, of course.(she rubs her belly and gives him a knowing look)
FG: (tilts his head slowly in agreement) Sometimes...
OPG: Or even if we are out and about...
KM: Yes. Everyone knows the two of you are very well known on the art scene in the city. Olivia, you've been close friends with the Ellerbe family for quite some time now.
OPG: This is true. They're amazing people and Fitz and I consider them very close friends of ours.
KM: And not only that but you two are always seen at local fundraisers, the hottest restaurants...
FG: We both love to explore. So you can be sure that we'll pop up at anything that's new and exciting throughout the city.
KM: I'm sure some of that will change with the arrival of the newest Grant.
OPG: We'll see. We want our kids to be open to new experiences. It's an amazing world that we live in. So many people to meet and so many places to explore. Fitz and I can't wait to see the world through a whole new set of eyes.
KM: Now, Olivia, you just said kids, as in plural. So either you have more than one bun in the oven or you both plan on having more in the future.
(both laugh)
FG: As far as we know, there's only one little lovebug in there. And the idea of more kids? We'll see...
OPG: Oh really, Mr. President?
FG: If it were up to me we'd make enough kids to have our own band...a modern day Jackson Five.
(Everyone laughs)
OPG: You must be thinking about your next wife.
FG: Ouch!
OPG: Kidding. I'm kidding.
KM: You guys are so cute and playful together.
FG: We get pretty silly together. But in all seriousness, as long as we have each other, healthy family, that's all that matters to me. Liv is the love of my life. What more could a man ask for?
KM: The love of your life. That's a strong statement. Was there one moment in particular that made you come to this conclusion?
OPG: I'm interested to hear this answer.
FG: One moment? Not really. You have to remember I've know Olivia for years and years now. As my marriage was coming to a close I asked myself 'what do I want'? My answer was probably the same as any man going through a tough time. You want support, and love, an understanding. And someone who isn't afraid to kick your ass in gear if need be. And I have that in my wife. Olivia knows me. She sees me on a different level than most people. And because of that we have a bond and a union that I feel, in my heart, will never be broken. So, yes, she is the love of my life.
KM: Perfectly said. On that note we'll take a break and continue the interview in 15.
"This is gold, guys. How you holding up Olivia?"
"I feel fine, Kim. Thanks for asking." She repositioned herself in the seat to stretch a bit. She looked over to Fitz as Kimberly had her team rush over to touch up her hair and makeup.
"Are you trying to make me cry on national television?" She whispered to him.
"What?" He kept the same quite tone.
"The whole 'love of your life' bit. You really know how to lay it on thick."
"I'm telling the truth," he whispered,"I just answered the question honestly."
"You're amazing, you know that?" She gave him a bright smile and he winked at her flashing a boyish grin.
"You two are so adorable. Really. Listen, here's my plan. Ten more minutes of questions while we tape. We switch over to a few questions not on camera but we'll try and get some camera stills for the cover and inside of the magazine."
Fitz nodded his head in agreement and looked at Liv before speaking.
"A woman with a plan. We'll take it."
"That wasn't so bad. Was it?"
"Not. At. All."
Fitz stood in the doorway to the living room and leaned against it. It was later in the evening and he had changed into one of his old navy T-shirts and a pair of dark sweatpants.
"You look completely adorable, Livvie."
Olivia sat on the couch with her legs straight in front of her and feet propped up on the coffee table. She switched from her interview outfit to a pair of leggings and one of Fitz' collared shirts. Whenever she was home she opted to wear mostly his clothes because they were the loosest and most comfortable items that fit. As she lay on the couch eating out of her Ben&Jerrys carton of ice cream she playfully stuck her tongue out at him.
"Come sit with me." Fitz obliged and walked over to her, never breaking their locked eyes.
"Scootch over." He plopped all of his weight right next to her. As he made himself comfortable he took the ice cream out of her hand and helped himself to once scoop. While he gave it back to her she took it and placed it out of the way on the table. His arm draped over her shoulder as the other one reached to rub slow, soothing circles around her swollen belly.
"I love you," Fitz whispered into Olivia's ear before laying a sweet kiss on her temple.
She looked over at him and smiled before responding in a similar whisper.
"You're only saying that because I shared my ice cream."
Fitz couldn't help but laugh which made her smile even wider. He leaned in to kiss her lips. The soft, full feeling against his made him let out a light moan. Olivia pecked him sweetly once more and leaned back a bit to look him in his perfectly grey eyes.
"I love you too, Fitz."
"You know. All day I kept thinking about getting you alone."
"All day? We were with an interviewer, a photographer, a videographer, and God knows how many other random people, and all you could think about was alone time?"
"Yes, we had an entire army with us today. But you don't understand how sexy you looked. I mean, really Liv. When we were taking those pictures and the photographer kept placing you in between my legs, and your these," he took his free hand and motioned at her breasts,"were right in my line of sight. You're telling me you couldn't feel what you were doing to me? It took every ounce of strength not to call for a ten minute break and have a rendezvous in a back room."
"Believe me, I could definitely feel you behind me. But I knew that the only way to not have you completely lose it was to ignore your obvious excitement. I'm pretty sure the photographer noticed your dilemma once or twice when we repositioned."
"He was doing it on purpose." Olivia rolled her eyes and smirked at his claim."But I don't even care. I say all of this to bring up the fact that you, my love, are so beautiful and sexy, and I plan on showing you exactly how much for the rest of the evening." Fitz began laying open mouthed kisses along her neck. Slow and deliberate, because he knew that would turn her on. His hand remained around her shoulder as his other began rubbing and kneading her upper thigh, motioning closer to in between her legs.
Olivia leaned her head to give him more access to the sensitive skin on her neck. She had started to turn her body so she could run her hands through his perfect curls until she heard his phone ring.
"Fitz, your phone," she said quietly as he continued kissing all over her face and neck while ignoring the obvious ring.
"No," was his reply as his hands slowly made their way to the waist of her leggings.
"Fitz..." It was more of a whine from her mouth now which pulled him out of his original plan. "It could be one of the kids. Just check before we start this because we both know you won't stop then."
"You say it like it's a bad thing."
"Just see who it is. I'll still be here. I can barely move anyway." Fitz groaned but jumped up to reach his phone before he missed the call.
"Hey Ger. I hope this is important...no I haven't checked my texts...okay...okay. What's her name? Yeah. Next weekend? I'll check with Liv but I don't see why not. Okay bud. Sounds like a plan. Be good. And don't call me back for the rest of the night unless its an emergency. Yeah, something like that. Gerry, thats too much information. Love you, kid. Bye." He threw his phone back down and practically sprinted back to the vacant spot next to Olivia.
"See. I told you it would be one of the kids."
"Gerry wants us to meet his girlfriend."
"The one everyone knows about but he wouldn't admit he was dating?"
"Yeah, I guess. He's bringing her over next weekend for two days."
"Wow. Okay. Good news is we'll be in the new house by Friday."
"True," he looked off and let out a sigh."Gerry's bringing his girlfriend to meet the parents."
"What are your thoughts on that?" She grabbed his hand to intertwine their fingers. Fitz looked down at her petite hands in his and gave a warm smile.
"Nothing much. Just can't believe these are the phone calls I'm getting from my kids now. I'm getting old."
"You are," she kissed his cheek quickly,"but so is everyone else."
"True."
"Now, before we were interrupted you were saying something about me being beautiful and sexy?" She began kissing his jawline sensually.
"Mmmmmm. Right. Where were we?"
Hey all! I know, I know...it's been FOREVER since I've updated. I don't even have a good excuse. But, alas, here's the latest installment. We're coming up on a new house and the birth of the newest Grant! I'll try to be better at updating. As always, feel free to leave a review! Thanks so much for reading:)