A/N-There is going to be a lot of fluff and emotional moments in this installment. I hope that you enjoy it. I also started a third story. Please get the word out. I would love the support.
Fitz had barely been able to sleep. He had spent a lot of time thinking about Olivia's birthday. She use to love to celebrate all holidays. He knew that had been taken from her when she was with Jake. He was ready to give it back to her. He prayed that for the next two months that she was happy with his decisions. Her happiness was his number one priority.
It was Thursday and Olivia's birthday was Sunday. They were flying out for her birthday to a destination that was not disclosed to her. She tried to hide her excitement that they were celebrating, but she had failed. She tried to tell him she was too old to be this excited. Fitz assured her that she should be excited. Actually she should be excited more than others because of all that she had been through to see this birthday.
Since Fitz could not sleep he decided to go ahead and get up and shower. As he let the water run over his body he thought about the last year of his life. He had loved Olivia for so long, but even the amount of love between them shocked him. Being in love with your soul mate changes you in ways that you can never prepare for. It scared him at times. He felt more pressure that most people in a relationship. Olivia had been damaged. A man took pride in breaking her. He never wanted to do that to her even by accident so he always thought hard about the things he said and did.
He finished showering and got dressed and went and made a pot of coffee. Olivia thought they had to be at the air strip to fly out at eleven, but he had her first birthday surprise for her. They actually did not fly out until two.
He had a cup of coffee and went into their office. It was a little before eight. Olivia had left the pictures out of their home that Danny had recently sent her. She was so excited with the work that he had done. Fitz was grateful that Kerry suggested him. The house was becoming their home. She would often ask Fitz if he was okay with her choices. He always told her that he would love whatever she loved. He was sincere when he said this home would be hers. He wanted her to have that feeling of control. Something that Jake had taken away for so long.
As he looked at the family room and formal dining room he was really impressed. Danny was really good. He would have never guessed an eco-friendly design could look this good. He also could see they she had kept him in mind. None of the rooms were too feminine. She had him incorporate touches that were similar to their house here. Since he had chosen the design he knew she was thinking about him.
He got to the last picture and smiled. Olivia had created him a man cave. He had told her it was not necessary. She thought otherwise. She told him he was an owner of multiple business, he took care of their moms, her, and down the road he would be a father. He needed an escape. While some men would welcome it and it wasn't that he didn't want it, but didn't want Olivia to think he needed a room to get away from their life.
Olivia had woken up not to long ago. The smell of the coffee woke her up. She had done her morning routine and went to fix herself a cup of coffee. She went to search for Fitz and found him in the office. She watched him look at the pictures of their home. He got to the pictures of the man cave. She could tell he liked it, but was conflicted which puzzled Olivia.
Olivia went over and sat in his lap and kissed him, "Hi Baby"
Fitz smiled, "Morning Baby"
"So do you want to tell me why you are so conflicted about having your own space in our home?"
"Its stupid and nothing you need to worry about."
"No, don't do that. Kid gloves off remember."
"You are right. I'm sorry. I love the room. I loved the idea, but I don't want you think I need a room away from our life. Even if we are mad at each other. You are important to me. Your feelings are important to me."
Olivia nodded, "I get it. You know the reason that I never suffered a complete meltdown post Jake like many woman do is because of you. You never hid anything from me. You took every step with me. You stepped back when you needed to. When I was destroying you emotionally you never let me know. You took on every problem. Most of all you never made me go back in the past and live out the mistakes I made with us. You let it go. This room was designed for you to relax. Have the guys over when they are in town to relax away from us women. If we have a little boy you can bond on Sunday watching football. Although since mom is a fan too you'll have to compromise some games to include me, but we can watch those in the family room. I know how you will use this room. You need it. You deserve it. At first I was puzzled why you would not make any decisions on how our home would look. I spent weeks thinking about it. Finally I talked to Dr. Sherry. I finally realized that you were giving me control. You bought the house and what it looked liked was mine. I had control. It wasn't that you were not interested."
Fitz nodded, "Yes that is exactly why I made that decision. I know that we have always dreamed of a home in Vermont. I figured that would be the home where we would build and design together down the road. It is important to me that in our relationship you never feel like you are powerless. As long as you know that the room is for fun and relaxation I welcome it. I'm sure we can work out a schedule for watching games. I get the feeling if we have a girl they are going to be a tomboy like you."
Olivia laughed, "I am counting on that. A tomboy who is smart and beautiful inside and out."
Fitz smiled, "Ditto"
They looked over the pictures and talked some more. Olivia told him what Danny was working on now.
It was time for Olivia to get ready so they could leave on time. They had packed their bags last night. While Olivia was in the shower he packed the car. He also grabbed the two dress bags that Erin had sent for her birthday surprise. He made sure that he had her gifts. He received a text that everything was set.
Olivia came out and said she was ready. Fitz told her the car was packed. Once they got in the car Fitz told Olivia he needed to blindfold her because wanted to surprise her with something before they flew out.
He could tell Olivia was nervous but went along with his request which was great. It insured them they would be on time.
He made it to the place. He jumped out before the valet could open her door. He wanted to reduce her asking a bunch of questions.
Fitz took her hand and led her through a door. She thought she smelled food. She heard him open another door. He finally took off the blindfold. Olivia smiled and tears came to her eyes.
While Olivia was okay with them being away for her birthday he knew that she wanted to spend time with her family and friends as well. He made that happen. He had booked a private room. He paid for the chef and his staff to fix the brunch buffet for them. In addition they would be served their choice of champagne, Mimosa, or bloody Maries.
Olivia looked around and realized they were at the 10 Thomas at the Washington Plaza. They had dinner with a client there a couple of weeks ago Olivia had told Fitz that she wanted to come back and try their brunch buffet after the client bragged how good it was. Today he made that happen.
Olivia went and greeted everyone individually. She noticed there was a table that held gifts for her. She now realized he had planned this.
Olivia ran over and kissed him, "Thank you"
Fitz smiled and kissed her back, "You never have to thank me for making you happy. Besides I know that you wanted to spend time with them for your birthday. I get you all to myself until Monday."
Olivia smiled. For the next couple of hours they enjoyed brunch with their family and friends. Olivia opened up her gifts. She got a little of everything, clothes, gift cards, jewelry, and cards. Kerry and Erin had sent gifts that Fitz had her mom bring. Kerry has a new clothing line inspired by her show that she is on so she sent her several pieces. Erin sent her a couple pair of Christian Louboutin shoes which were easily her favorite brand of shoes.
Fitz told everyone that they had to wrap it up so they could get to the air strip on time. While Olivia was saying her good-byes Fitz was paying out their tab. Everything was great and the service was wonderful. He made sure to leave a generous tip.
Their moms were going to take Olivia's gift to their house and pick up Pransome to watch for the weekend. They both had a key. Fitz went and said his good-byes and they left.
They got settled on their jet. Olivia did not have any clue where they were going. Fitz had asked their new pilot Tom not to disclose their location to Olivia as it was a surprise. All she knew is that the trip would take them 3-5 hours. She was excited when Fitz had come home one night and informed her that he had hired Tom. They had no secrets so he told her that Tom would also look after he when she took trips alone. As they got settled Olivia thought back to her first meeting with Tom.
Tom was military police in the Air Force. After he left the military he pursued his dream to become a pilot. The pay was not as good as he was told, but he stuck out his dream. Tom was a fill-in for a trip that Olivia took to Texas to meet a client. When she got back she raved at how nice and respectful Tom was. She also told Fitz he looked out for her when the driver was inappropriate with her.
Fitz called Tom and asked him to stop by his office one day. Tom was concerned that he crossed the line. He recognized Olivia and remembered the story about her ex-husband. His sister had been through something similar which was why his protective nature came out. When he got to the office he had memorized what he was going to say.
Fitz greeted him. Tom never had a chance to speak first. Fitz thanked him for looking after Olivia. Fitz told Tom about how safe she felt. Olivia's safety was his first priority. He got Tom's background from Huck. He offered to pay Tom $200,000 plus benefits a year to fly for them full-time as well as just to watch over Olivia when she takes trips without him. He also asked him if he would move with them to California. They would pay to move him in addition give him a $100,000 to find a home. Tom accepted. He could tell they were good people. He would never get another offer like this.
Four hours later they arrived at their destination. Fitz had called for a limo to pick them up instead of a town car since it was Olivia's birthday weekend.
As they stepped out Olivia noticed that the climate was milder. She took off her blazer and enjoyed the weather.
Olivia had an idea now of where they were but she needed Fitz to confirm it. She wrapped her arms around him and asked, "Honey where are we?"
Fitz smiled, "Where do you think we are?"
Olivia laughed, "With the weather I am guessing Florida."
Fitz smiled, "You are correct. Specifically we are in the Florida Keys. Welcome to Islamorada, Florida."
Olivia just laughed. Any other man would have picked Miami or Orlando. A big city. He picked somewhere that even she was not familiar with.
Tom helped the driver put their bags in the car. They got in the car headed to their destination and Olivia remained curious why he chose this place.
Fitz could tell she was curious but was afraid to ask, "You want to know why I chose here to celebrate your birthday?"
Olivia was embarrassed that he knew her so well nodded.
Fitz smiled, "It's okay. I wanted this birthday to be fun but also romantic. It's our first as a couple and the first you have celebrated in years. The climate didn't matter at first but then I decided something warm was nice considering the cold in D.C. I researched and the Travel Channel had this article about romantic getaways. I selected our getaway because of the mild temperature this time of the year, I loved the fact that it consists of six tiny islands, and the fact that you would get to be near the ocean sold it for me."
Olivia climbed in his lap, "You never cease to amaze me. I'm glad you are mine. It is wonderful to be happy, but to share it with you makes it all the more amazing."
Fitz held her, "Ditto."
The next surprise was where they were staying during their getaway. Olivia assumed he would reserve them a nice room or suite. Nope they pulled up to a beach house. She noticed a sign that said it was called Leila's Beach House. Fitz and the driver got their luggage in. The house was spectacular. It was 3 bedroom and 2 baths. The house had a heated pool, deck, jacuzzi, steam shower, oceanfront view, bicycles, and the ocean at her fingertips.
Olivia loved it already and then thought I did not bring any bathing suits. Fitz came out on the deck with a gift bag and a glass of wine.
Olivia leaned into him, "This is great. It so calm. It is beautiful."
Fitz nodded, "I am glad you like it. Abby thought you might need these."
Olivia turned around and noticed the gift bag. She opened it and smiled, "You told Abby where we were going and asked her to pick me up some bathing suits."
Fitz laughed, "Guilty. I wanted to keep the place a surprise and there are just some things a man is not good at buying. This is one of them."
Olivia could only laugh at him, "I'm going to change and lay out on the deck. Do we have any major plans tonight."
Fitz shook his head, "No I thought we would just enjoy getting here and play it by ear tonight."
Fitz & Olivia went and changed. They called their moms to let them know they made it and promised to take lots of pictures. They spent the afternoon enjoying the mild weather. They took a nap on the deck. They walked along the ocean. Fitz gave Olivia a piggy back ride. They swam in the heated pool.
The trip they took to Napa Valley was wonderful. It was where she felt like they officially committed themselves to each other and a life together. It was where she knew she would never be alone. It was where she accepted that love did not have to hurt.
They had their moments as any couple would but Fitz was never disrespectful when they argued or disagreed. He never yelled at her. Even when she knew he was mad at her he always thought about her feelings.
This felt like their first real vacation as a couple. There was nothing to talk about or sort out. They were here to have fun and enjoy themselves. They were here to celebrate her birthday. She promised herself the moment that they landed that they would enjoy this trip. They would leave with no regrets.
Olivia looked over at Fitz who had gotten out the pool and was laying on the deck again. He looked so carefree. That made her happy because she knew that Fitz tried very hard to carry the stress for the both of them. It wasn't intentional or that he was babying her. He just felt like he was a man and her man. The less stress she was under the better. She appreciated it more than she could express. She vowed that this weekend he would also get some TLC. Their bedroom would be used for more than just sleeping in the bed.
A/N-So I read your reviews and I am continuing on. I appreciate your support and words of advice. I am moving forward with all my stories and any others I decide to write. Any support I receive will be enough.