Hey everyone. This update was actually inspired by a review I got from the last chapter. It was a very emotional one to write as we just watched 211 tonight. I just want to say I hope I did it justice.

The children's punishment was coming to an end, and Liv and Fitz had decided to stay true to their word. Liv was having second thoughts about it until Dani and Four came home from school and told them Fitz was the president they were learning about next week in school, and the teacher even asked if Fitz would mind coming in to answer a few questions for the class.

Fitz's acceptance of this request, along with what the kids would find online had Liv on edge all week. It didn't matter how well Huck had filtered their internet, it only took one parent who remembered the scandal that surrounded their courtship to bring up that part of their past, instead of all of the great work the administration did. It was something Liv prayed her children would never be subjected to.

The kids would also have to do a paper, and although their father was the former president they would be learning about, they had to use the same resources as the other children to maintain an equal learning advantage. That meant Google and Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III would be on their computer screen for the majority of the week.

Before that happened, they had to explain to the children the truth behind their coming together. There was also preparing them to hear about the assassination attempt that was made on Fitz's life. They had never told the children about it seeing as how they knew they wouldn't take it well. Both were topics that always depressed Liv to reflect on, and always seemed to put Fitz on the defensive. Hopefully they could make it through this without damaging their children or their marriage.

The children were finishing up their bath time while Fitz prepared apple cider and a fruit salad for them to have by the fire. Liv was the first to arrive downstairs while the children were still getting into their pajamas.

"Hi." Liv said as she walked up behind Fitz and wrapped her arms around his torso.

"Hi yourself." Fitz replied as he turned in Liv's arms and began peppering kisses on her face.

After playing kiss tag for a few moments, Fitz's hand cupped the back of Liv's head, bringing her mouth to his. The kiss began slow and gentle but quickly turned into a fiery passion as neither could seem to get enough.

"Eww, remind me to never get married." Dani yelled as she and Four entered the room and saw their parents kissing.

"You won't have to worry about that because no boy wants your cooties!" Four fired back. It seemed this past week the children had been arguing more than ever. Liv made the connection that the children seemed to bond over the diary as that was when they were at their most peaceful. She hoped that now they would get along better seeing as how the diary was back in their lives.

"Alright all Grants report to the family room so we can get this night started." Fitz yelled as he pick up the tray of cider and fruit and made his way into the adjoining room.

Once everyone was settled, with Liv and Fitz stretched out on the sofa with their feet in the other's laps, and the children laying attentively on the floor with their pillow pets, they were ready to begin.

"Ok now, before we read tonights entry, daddy and I want to explain something to you. Do you remember how daddy and I met on the campaign trail?"

"I remember! You told daddy his life sucked, and then he fired you, then he said sorry, then you helped him become president, then you got married and had us." Dani replied causing Fitz to shoot Liv a look.

"Ok that is a good summary. But, what we didn't tell you was that the day we met was the day I fell in love with your mother." Fitz said with a warm smile.

"It was also the day I fell in love with your father." Liv added with a wink towards Fitz.

"So you and daddy met and were boyfriend and girlfriend that same day?" Four asked, trying to start a timeline in his mind.

"Not exactly. We fell in love that first day, but we didn't become boyfriend and girlfriend until a little while later." Liv responded, opting to use Four's choice of wording. Fitz watched Dani as she seemed to be doing the math in her head. He saw the light bulb go off in her head and knew what she was say.

"But weren't you married to the dragon lady then daddy?" Dani asked with a puzzled look on her face.

Fitz sighed and initially thought about lying, but figured the truth would come out anyway. "Yes, I was married to the dra-" Liv pinched Fitz's foot. "To Mellie at the time. We didn't plan on it happening, it just happened."

"So why didn't you get married then? We could be a lot older now." Dani asked crossing her arms.

"Because I love your daddy so much that I wanted him to be president. Because of that, daddy stayed married to Mellie for a little while until after he became president."

"Did you love Mellie then daddy?" Four asked as he was still trying to make sense of it all in his mind.

"I cared about her because she is Karen's mommy, but I never loved her like I love your mommy." Fitz replied honestly.

"So daddy, you were like princess Fiona and mommy was like Shrek and you two were in love, but Mellie was like Prince Charming and wanted to be with you and make you something you weren't supposed to be but you thought you wanted?" Dani asked surprising both Fitz and Liv. Leave it to Dani to use Shrek to simplify the situation.

"Exactly like that kids." Liv responded quite proud of her daughter's ability to piece it all together so quickly. She made a mental note to watch more kids movies.

"Ok, so what's the other thing?" Dani asked. It wasn't lost on either of the twins how quickly their parent's mood had changed. Liv took a deep breath and sighed.

"Why don't you two come up here for this part." Liv said as she patted her thighs. Liv and Fitz remained stretched across the sofa as Dani hopped up on Liv's lap while Four hopped up on Fitz's with their backs against the backrest of the sofa.

"Ok, when your father was in his second year as president... On your dad's 50th birthday... We... He..." Liv bowed her head as she couldn't get the words out. Her heart began racing and she felt the room begin to spin as she was being thrown back into that moment. Fitz began rubbing Liv's foot as it was the only part of her he could reach in that moment. Realizing she couldn't continue, Fitz decided to take over.

"You two know I love you and your mom, and baby GG with all of my heart and soul." The kids nodded. "Well, at one point, daddy almost died." both Dani and Four began shaking their heads violently as they listened to their father try to continue.

"Hey, hey... It's ok now. I didn't go anywhere. I had too many important things to do in life and God made sure I was here. But we need to talk about this because you are going to hear about it next week in school." both kids nodded and Dani wedged herself between Liv's side and the back of the sofa, while Four did the same with Fitz.

"It was two days after my 50th birthday and I was having a huge party. I climbed out of the limo and was walking into the party when I was shot three times."

"Mommy, were you there with daddy when he got shot?" Four asked, his voice cracking terribly with hurt.

"I was there, but I was not with your daddy. I was stepping out of a different car when I heard the gunshots and I heard your father scream my name." Liv answered honestly.

"Were you scared mama?" Dani asked as she rubbed Liv's belly. GG as the baby was now referred to seemed to calm Dani immensely when nothing else could.

"I was terrified sweat pea. I thought... I... I though he wasn't going to make it."

"Daddy does it still hurt where you got shot?" Four asked, not realizing he put his father in an awkward situation.

Fitz looked at his son, then at Liv and hesitated for a moment before answering. "Some days yes, it hurts very much. Other day, a lot of days I'm fine." Fitz answered honestly, speaking more so to Liv than the children. Liv simply nodded in the moment, but gave Fitz a look telling him they would finish that discussion later.

"Mommy, did you write about it?" Four asked.

"I did."

"Can you read it to us?"

Liv pulled out the diary and looked for the entries about the shooting. Liv flipped through until she found one that was innocent enough.

Sunday March 26, 2006

The silence that used to be filled with his laughter is unbearable. The shadow of darkness that has positioned itself in my life makes me wonder how much longer I can go on. I sit and listen to the beeping of the machines and they are the only things keeping me sane. They are the sweetest sounds I have ever heard because they let me know that he is still alive. I tried to touch him but I couldn't. There were so many tubes flowing everywhere, I was afraid I would break him. He looks so fragile laying helpless in this hospital bed. But I know he's a fighter.

The fact that he is still fighting, still wanting to be on this earth gives me hope that maybe, just maybe one day we will make it to the point where we can be together. He looks so peaceful, almost as if he was sleeping. I guess in a way he is. It is a deep sleep, but one i can only pray he wakes up from very soon.

Once I walk out of these doors, I will not be able to return. Mellie has restricted my access, granted me just this one moment to be with him. I'm writing to you now, because i want to hold this memory close to my heart. When he makes it out and we are together, when we argue or something goes wrong, I want to remember the raw emotions I feel in this moment as a reminder our love is worth fighting for.

I know he'll make it. At least that is what i keep telling myself. I have to or I'd probably die of a broken heart. Sally has me planning his funeral right now. I am sitting here picking out bible scriptures and his favorite songs in the event he realizes the fight is no longer worth it.

My soul is shattered, my world is crumbling down before me. I can no longer deny my love for him. I can no longer deny him. If he makes it out of this, I will jump at the opportunity to become his wife. Here I am finally ready to accept our fate and I may not even have a chance to say goodbye. Please God bring him back to me. I need him.

I cannot exist without him.

OCP

Liv wiped the tears that were flowing from her eyes. Going back in time to this particular event always hit her hard, and her hormones in this moment weren't helping much. However she pushed through as she knew she needed to get to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Monday April 3, 2006

I got to see him today! Cyrus coerced Tom into allowing me in the room seeing as how it is Hal's night off. It didn't even take that long. Tom saw me and immediately said yes and ushered me into the room. He probably should have waited. Cyrus was prepared to offer him an all expenses paid vacation in Grand Turks.

I walked into the room and tossed my purse somewhere, I think on a chair, doesn't matter. I couldn't get to his bedside fast enough. He's hooked up to fewer tubes now. It's amazing seeing as how it is only nine days later. I placed my hands on his arm and willed my strength into his body.

I remembered one day he was suffering from a severe headache and I just climbed into bed next to him and held him closely until he fell asleep. When he woke up, the headache was gone. So I decided that maybe if I lay with him, it would help the healing process.

I laid on his left side with my heart pressed against his. I don't know if he knew I was there, but the heart monitors immediately began beating faster. I hadn't even said a word yet. I rested my head on his chest and stroked his face as I began reminding him of all of the plans we have for a life together. A home in Vermont, four kids, and I get to make jam on my days off. I really want that life and I know he wants it to.

Hopefully me reminding him of the promises he has yet to fulfill, and the children we have yet to have will keep him fighting.

My God how I love this man

OCP

Fitz looked at Liv and his tears were flowing just as hard as hers. He had skipped this part of the journal altogether when they were reviewing. To hear about his near death experience from Liv's perspective was both heart breaking and soul lifting all in one. It was a testimony of her love for him through thick and thin, in sickness and in health. She was honoring her vows long before they were married.

Tuesday April 4, 2006

1.
I forced myself to come into work today. In spite of Cyrus' suggestion last night to stay home and rest, I couldn't. I am at least listening to his suggestion to journal everywhere I go. As for staying home, I can't. I needed something, anything to occupy my time, to get my thoughts away from him just lying there, fighting for his life.

I haven't slept in over a week. I don't want to sleep, honestly I'm afraid to. The moment I close my eyes, that night replays far too vividly in my mind. In the hospital, there was just so much blood. I don't know how we didn't lose him then, but I'm thankful we didn't.

Meeting time...

2.
I'm back...
The strangest thing happened. After meeting with a client, I was sitting on the sofa in my office just thinking about him and a chill went down my spine. I swear my heart stopped beating for a moment and then began beating so hard I thought it was going to crack my ribcage. My breathing hitched and when it resumed, became a steadier, calmer breath. I felt renewed even though I haven't slept in over a week. I swear I only feel this way when... No... It can't be...

3.
Quinn came in and asked to speak to me. She sat down and just as we were beginning to talk, my phone rings and it's Cyrus. I'm preparing myself for the worst even though my body is ready to run laps around the nearest track.

"Someone wants to speak to you." He says. There is a pause and then I am serenaded by the sweetest, most beautiful word in the world.

Hi.

Apparently he had woken up 20 minutes before. He demanded Cyrus be notified first, even before Mellie. Seems he wanted to speak to me before anyone else. What made it even more amazing is 20 minutes before he called was when my body started to become fully alive once again. I think Verna is right, we truly are in sync. Either way, God answered our prayers and I am so thankful we have our president back. I am even more thankful that now we have our chance. When the moment arises, I will not hesitate to become Mrs. Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

OCP

Dani and Four were now laying on the floor as Fitz had to remove them away from Liv. The way they jumped up when they heard Liv's last entry brought a new set of tears to their parent's eyes.

"So is that when you decided to marry mommy?" Dani asked, clearly extremely hyper from what she had just heard.

"Not quite yet. When I came home from the hospital that's when I started divorce proceedings from Mellie. Very soon after, I asked mommy to marry me and she said yes."

Seeing as how the evening ended on a good note, Fitz went and put both children in bed, while Liv began her nighttime rituals. When he entered the room, Fitz was surprised to see Liv already in bed almost buried under the plush comforter.

Fitz stripped down to his boxers and joined his wife in bed. When his arm brushed across Liv's bare flesh, Fitz couldn't help but to feel and see if all of her was naked. To his delight, she was.

Apparently the evening had brought back more emotions than they expected. Both feeling extremely vulnerable in the moment, Liv turned to Fitz and wrapped her arms around his neck. Their lips met and their kiss was slow but deep and spoke of all of the emotions that were coursing through their bodies in that moment. Liv looked into Fitz's eyes, and he could see the urgency, the need, and desperation in them.

"Make love to me Fitz."

They would talk about the pain and everything else later. Right now, they were going to give one another the love and affection they so desperately needed.