A/N-I have a confession. I wrote these two chapters together, but decided to post them at separate times to keep the suspense. My plan was to hold out until tomorrow, but I am posting now considering I am a little behind with my minor computer issues.
Olivia was enjoying watching everyone exchange their gifts. It was nice to celebrate Christmas again with the ones you love.
Jake & Olivia would spend Christmas with his family. Olivia enjoyed spending time with Jake's family. It was odd because Jake's dad was nothing like him. Jake would always threaten her before they went to his dad's house. He would threaten her over and over. He got her gifts but they were small and meaningless. He would always tell everyone that they prefer to share their gifts for one another in private. In reality they never really exchanged gifts after their second year together.
Once everyone finished their gift exchange Olivia got up and hand out envelopes to everyone at the table. These gifts were from her and Fitz.
Olivia smiled, "I want to thank you all for everything that you have done this year for me personally. I could not have survived without your love and support. Thank you for allowing me to step up to the plate, and become part of the team. You are all important to Fitz & I. I love you to pieces. Next year our lives could be very different in a good way. I am beyond happy to be where I belong. No matter where our lives take us I will never leave your side again. I can never leave the love of my life, my moms, and really you are more my family than friends. I love you all."
Olivia sat down and grabbed her phone to record them opening up their envelopes so that she could show Fitz later.
Harrison & Abby were the first to get theirs open. Inside the card was a personal message that Fitz & Olivia wrote. In each card was a brochure and tickets. They had purchased them a fourteen day all-inclusive luxury Mediterranean European cruise that would take them from Lisbon to Rome. They had also purchased them first class airline seats as well as the extended land package to enjoy Lisbon before they embarked on the cruise and Rome and Italy once the cruise ended.
Harrison & Abby were elated. Abby had always dreamed of visiting Europe. It was something that she talked about quite a bit in college. At the time she didn't have the money. Abby also always envision that she would take the trip with someone who she was in love with. Olivia knew that she loved Harrison, and this was a perfect trip for the two of them. Hopefully they would fall more in love. You could tell how happy Abby was because she was crying.
They got up and hugged Olivia. Abby told the group, "This is the reason why I could never be mad at her. I know that you love me and care about me. I know who you are. Just so everyone knows I told Olivia about this dream trip in college. This is why she will always be my best friend. She always wanted me to be better. She told me to follow my gut. Thank you for your love. It has helped me through a many of days."
Harrison thanked her as well. It was special. Magic was in the air. You could feel it. It was building and in about 30 minutes or so it would burst open.
For their moms it was their dream trip that they always wanted to go on. It was a twenty-one day all-inclusive luxury African cruise. They would sail from Perth to Cape Town. They also purchased them the Extended Land Program. Before they embarked on their cruise they would spend time in Perth, Australia, and after the cruise is over they would depart and spend time in Cape Town, South Africa. They had purchased them first class seats and gave them $5,000 each in spending money.
Jenny & Maya were in tears. When Olivia & Fitz were seniors in high school Fitz remembered Maya talking about a mission trip she took to Africa. She was telling them how beautiful many parts of Africa were. We only seen the poor and run down areas, but their was so much more that I wish I could have taken the time to see is what she told them. Jenny was intrigued after listening to Maya. They pulled up Africa and began to look at what the country had to offer. Jenny & Maya said they would take that trip after the kids finished their undergraduate studies. Life got in the way and they never had taken their dream girl trip. Their kids had not forgotten that, and now it was coming true.
Their moms hugged her. Maya spoke, "Jenny & I feel like we are in heaven at the moment. Happiness and joy almost don't seem to be the appropriate words at the moment. All we wanted is for our kids to be happy. We never forced them on to one another although we knew that they loved each other more than friends. It is special to see their love allow them to grow together and conquer their fears."
Jenny smiled, "I feel the same way as Maya. It is nice to see that dreams really do come true. Honey I hope that yours continue to come true."
Huck, Quinn, Stephen, Georgia, Tom, and Lauren all received the same thing. A check for $20,000. The happiness that was in this room would not be able to be duplicated for some time.
Huck who was a man of few words, "Thank you doesn't seem like enough. You guys pay us a really great salary. We have been paying off our debts so that we could buy a house in a good neighborhood. I know that Quinn told me that she talked to you Olivia about going to law school. You told her to go for it, and you would support and help any way that you could. We thought we would have to choose. You guys made sure we didn't. There aren't enough people like you and Fitz. I really missed you when you were gone. I need you to know that. I don't say a lot, but I need you to know that I missed you, I needed you, and I love you. I am glad you are back. More than that I am glad that you are getting your happily ever after."
Quinn couldn't speak. She was too emotional. Olivia hugged her and let her know that no words were needed.
Georgia was emotional as well so after they hugged Olivia they turned and told the table their story, "Taking care of sick people is expensive even with health insurance. We don't have the heart to put them in a home. Recently the troubles began to hit us one after another. We almost were forced to put them in a home because the insurance would no longer cover a nurse part-time. Ironically I called Fitz and told him what was going on and he told me to take the day off, and don't panic and not to make rash decisions. The next day Georgia received a call from a private-duty nursing company that informed me that they had been paid for the next two years to care for their parents. Later on in the day a pharmaceutical company sent a letter by a special carrier. It was a check for 50,000. The letter expressed their hope that this would help their parents when it came to the prescription cost. Fitz & Olivia refused to take credit, but we knew it was them. I learned that Fitz had helped the pharmaceutical company a year ago, and they still retain us. The company was accused of putting out a medicine that was potentially dangerous. Fitz was able to determine they were being blackmailed. He saved the company millions of dollars. The nursing company that is helping us is the same one that Fitz used to help care for Maya when she was initially diagnosed with cancer. Things were finally looking up then we found that my parents owed a lot of back taxes. We were able to negotiate a settlement, but it was still a lot of money. Now we can pay it off and put some up for a rainy day."
It warmed Olivia's heart to see that they were not the only ones who were having a great Christmas. It was never about the money to them. It was about making their family and friends lives a little easier and bring them some joy.
Lauren hugged Olivia, "I miss my mom so much. I see you with your moms and it brings back a lot of memories. I know that I disappointed her for a while, but with your help I feel like I'm making her proud again. I look forward to going back to college when I get settled in California."
Olivia smiled through her tears, "Your mom was always proud of you like my mom was. Sometimes it happens; life just gets in the way. Just continue to focus on making you the best you possible, and those two women over there will adopt you I'm sure."
Jenny and Maya nodded. It made Lauren happy to feel like she was part of a family. She went over and hugged Jenny & Maya. They let her know she would be okay. They would make sure of it.
Tom was last. His emotions got to him. He thought about his sister. He thought about what Olivia had done two weeks ago when he called her. He couldn't speak.
Olivia held his hands as silent tears fell. She looked at Tom and he nodded, "Tom's sister was a victim of domestic violence. Tom has been her rock, but she has struggled with getting her life back. Mainly because her ex-husband fed her drugs so she had more to overcome than me. Tom has helped her get clean, but recently she has been dealing with severe depression. She felt like she was letting Tom and everyone around her down so she tried to end her life."
The table gasped in shock. For a moment gloom filled the room, but Olivia didn't want that. This was a time for celebration even through the hard times.
Olivia continued, "Tom called me from the hospital. Their mother died three years ago and they never knew their dad. I went over to the hospital and visited Tonya. I shared my story and told her all that Jake had done to me, and then I shared all that Fitz had done for me so she could see a light at end of the tunnel. I asked her to allow me to help her. She agreed. I called Dr. Sherry who found an in-patient treatment center. They are helping her with her depression, emotional trauma, and making sure that she remains clean. I promised her that if she stuck this out for herself that I would help her relocate to California with us, and give her a job so she can stand on her own two feet. She accepted. She is in Texas getting treatment. Tom told me that he got to speak with her once since she started treatment, but he could tell in her voice that she wanted this. She told Tom seeing me a tangible person who understood what she was going through finally allowed her to see that she could make it to the other side. Also they have never been able to buy a headstone for their mother's grave. Fitz & I wanted to be sure that he could make that happen."
Everyone went over and consoled Tom. However it was the love that Jenny & Maya showed that calmed him. It was the feeling of not being alone. People assume that people choose to be alone. That is the case sometimes, but in most cases it was not.
Everyone composed themselves for what they knew was the biggest moment of the night.
Olivia sat down and pulled out the card and envelope that Fitz had left for her. There was a note on the box that said open first so she did.
Inside the box was a charm. It was a Tiffany Locks heart lock in 18 caret rose gold. Beside it was a key charm. Olivia opened up the card. It read:
"From the moment that we first met in high school I knew that you had my heart. The older I got the more I knew that it would only belong to you. It has been a journey for us, but I wouldn't change it despite how hard it was. It has made up stronger, better, and wiser people. It has made us realize how special our love is. Whenever times get hard look down at the charms that you will add to your bracelet, and hold on to the fact that you have the key to my heart now and forever. I sent an email to your phone. It has a link. Listen to the words and walk outside and follow the path. All my love Fitz"
Olivia looked up stunned. Olivia paused for a moment to get her bearings together. Maya helped her add the charms to her bracelet. Olivia grabbed her phone and pulled up her email. Sure enough there was an email from Fitz. Above the link he wrote, "This is how I feel about you."
Olivia pulled up the link. It was a song by Jill Scott called "So In Love"
Olivia walked out and there was a lighted path that had roses in the middle. Olivia was listening to the words as she slowly walked.
Yeah, yeah, yeah!
I'm glad this week is over,
I need to get away,
Go home and throw my clothes on,
Come get you right away!
Can't wait to see you looking lovely,
I hope you're thinking of me,
Cause all I want is time with you
And don't need nothing more!
So in love with you,
So in love with you,
So! So in love with you,
So in love with you!
So in love with you,
So in love with you,
So in love with you,
So in love with you!
As she walked down the path the tears began to fall. Her heart began to pound. Olivia realized that Fitz was never sick. He had set this up, but why was the question. The tradition was to open gifts with everyone.
I see you cross the room,
Talking with some men,
I love your mannerisms, babe,
But the way you handle them
Oh, I'm so proud to be with you
So attracted to you too,
You're so damn good to me,
In everything you do
Cause I'm so in love with you,
So in love with you,
So! So in love with you,
So in love with you!
So in love with you,
So in love with you,
So in love with you,
So in love with you!
As Olivia got closer to the water she noticed that there were lights that were in the shape of a heart. There were roses on the outer layer of the heart. There was something in the middle that she could not quite make out.
Listen, I'm so in love with you,
That I can't help myself!
Can't help it!
As long as is me and you
We don't need nothing else
I've got you!
Got you!
Hey, hey, hey, yeah, yeah,
Oh, make it last forever!
I'm so in love, uhuu
First thing in the morning
When I open my eyes and see you
Hey, hey, I feel like a breath of fresh air
I feel like I can fly,
That I can get by.
So in love with you,
So in love with you,
I'll do anything for you!
Any obstacle that come my way,
So in love with you,
So in love with you!
I'll do anything for you!
So in love with you,
So in love with you,
I feel that I can fly,
So in love with you,
So in love with you!
That I can get bye!
So in love with you,
So in love with you,
Any obstacle that come my way,
So in love with you,
So in love with you,
So in love with you,
So in love with you!
As she got closer her heart sped up as she was finally able to see what was in the middle of the heart. It was Fitz. Her mind was racing. Was this really happening?
Oh, baby I'll do anything for you!
I'll do anything for you,
I'll do anything!
So in love with you,
So in love with you,
So in love with you,
So in love with you!
Anytime is all right,
If you want me
You're so good to me!
Anytime is all right,
You want me baby, I'm bad!
I'll do anything for you!
Olivia stopped as she noticed that Fitz was in front of her on one knee. There was so many emotions that she was feeling at the moment. She composed herself to step in the heart in front on him.
Fitz had tears in his eyes. He watched as she came towards him. He had wanted this for so long and it was finally here.
Fitz said, "Livvie, life without you is boring and bland. It has no real purpose to me. With you life has become fun and exciting. I can't wait to see what is next. You make everything better. I love you. I am in love with you. You are the love of my life. Every feeling is controlled by the look on your face. We breathe in sync. I never want that to end. That being said it would be an honor of you would become my wife. Will you marry me?"
Fitz opened up the box and Olivia gasped. In front of her was a Platinum pave-set. The band was wrapped in diamonds. The center diamond was a little over five carets. It also happen to be a pink diamond.
Olivia tried to speak, but nothing would come out but tears. She tried again to no avail so finally she shook her head up and down to let him know that she accepted. He put the ring on her finger and picked her up and twirled her around.
The moment was everything. Fitz finally put her down to ask the final question.
"Livvie, how would you like to get married on New Year's Day? We start the new year married."
Olivia looked at him trying to understand if he was serious.
Fitz grabbed her hand, "I am serious. For the last couple of months I have being working with that man behind you."
Olivia turned around and noticed all of her family. That was a shock which meant that they knew what Fitz was going to do. She then turned to her right to see David Tutera standing there.
She turned back and looked at Fitz.
Fitz smiled, "You are getting your wedding in Fiji. David with help from Erin has several wedding gowns for you to try on and choose from. They also have bridesmaid dresses for you to see. We will have a seamstress on hand for any alterations that are needed. Your mom helped me make some decisions for the reception, but David made sure that you had options if you didn't like what we chose. The other cocktail dresses that you brought. One will be for our official engagement photos that will be taken on the 26th so you can have them. Brian the photographer from Florida is flying down to take those photos as well as he is our photographer for the wedding. I thought we could maybe send them out with our thank you note, but its your choice. The other dress is for our rehearsal dinner and New Year's Eve celebration. We will be getting married here on the resort. David along with their wedding coordinator will help get everything together if it is what you want."
Olivia was dumbfounded for a moment. This man in front of her had planned not only a fairytale proposal, but made arrangement for them to get married.
Olivia grabbed his face in her hands and kissed him with everything that she had. That kissed stopped time for a moment. It also eased Fitz's nerves since she had not said much of anything.
Olivia laughed, "I would love nothing more than to become Mrs. Grant on New Years."
Everyone cheered at the announcement. It was great. She could not have asked for anything more. Everyone came around her to finally see the engagement ring that he refused to show anyone.
Everyone was in awe of the ring including the men. The pink diamond was flawless.
Fitz said, "When we were in Napa she told me that she had no preference on her ring, but she loved Mariah Carey's engagement ring because it had a pink diamond. I just wanted her to look at her ring, and it be everything that she has ever wanted."
Olivia looked down and smiled. Her promise ring was now on her right hand. "It is everything and more just like you are."
This was the happiest that everyone in the group had been. They all made their way back to the their private room where the table had been cleared. Jenny had a cake flown in because she knew Olivia was going to say yes. Her and Maya had also purchased a couple of bottle of Dom Perignon Vintage 2000 for them to celebrate. Fitz was surprised to see the cake and champagne and smiled at his moms.
Fitz looked around and the joy that was there was something that he could not describe. They sat down and Olivia played the video that she made that allowed him to see the reactions of everyone when they opened their gifts. Fitz was grateful that Olivia did this. They didn't expect anything in return when they were deciding what to give everyone. They just wanted to help them. What was the point of money if you can't help anyone? As he watched the video his heart swelled. Tears began to silently drop. When he got to Tom and seen the emotions that Tom was feeling it became too much for a second. He was not aware that Olivia had seen Tom's sister. The last couple of weeks was so hectic for them. The pain he was feeling quickly turned to joy as Olivia gave an update on Tonya. He was glad that she was going to be okay.
They had small talks in bed about their office in California. There business was already growing from the East Coast. They had picked up several clients and each had handled a couple of small cases that through word of mouth. They were actually considering moving early because Fitz didn't like them having to travel so much. Lauren was going to remain their executive assistant, but the office was going to have to expand. Jenny was going to handle all the legal stuff for right now. It would be perfect that Tanya could be her secretary. They would figure it out. Fitz supported Olivia's decision.
The video ended. Fitz was overwhelmed. He never thought how life changing and special their gifts were going to be to everyone.
Fitz stood up. It took him a moment to compose himself. Olivia stood up and wiped his face. She kissed his cheek and smiled at him. Just having her there beside him made him feel like he could conquer the world.
Fitz took a deep breath, "Tonight hearing Olivia accept my marriage proposal and agree to marry me in a week is a dream come true. I do everything better with her by my side. Olivia found out something on her birthday which I hate, but that is life. It was something that at the time only our moms and Huck knew."
Fitz took another breath. He need to share this. He wasn't perfect. He messed up too and he needed them to know.
Olivia whispered, "I'm right here. The future Mrs. Grant is standing beside you."
Fitz closed his eyes and nodded. Her support meant everything. Fitz continued, "I struggled with Olivia being gone more than you know. Jake was taunting me by sending voice mails of Olivia speaking ill of me and our friendship. Huck told me and my gut told me that these were not her true feelings, but my heart hurt just hearing her voice saying those things. He later had her to record a message that Jake threaten to send to me if she tried to leave, and never telling her he intended to send the tape knowing she wasn't going to leave. I can't repeat the message. It is something that we have moved on from, but at the time it shattered me to the point that I attempted to commit suicide for the fourth time, and would have succeeded if it had not been for the tracker that Huck put on my car after my previous attempts. You know Olivia's pain. Now you know mine. When we sat down and talked about the gifts we only wanted to lessen your burdens. While money doesn't rule the world we are not stupid. We know it makes it go around. Olivia & I are determined to give back as we go forward in life, and as our family we will always make sure that you are okay. If we can't make it happen we will work to make sure that someone does. I love you all. For our friends who have stuck it out with us I thank you for your support. For our new friends you are loved just as much for enriching our lives. To our moms who are our world we would be nothing without you. Livvie you are my everything. I know that we will have problems, but I promise to never leave your side. The sky is the limit with us."
Olivia stood up and smiled. This was going to be her husband. She knew this was it. He was her soul mate. She thought back to a year ago she was barely holding on. In a week a year ago she called her now fiancée to say good-bye. He refused to accept that and fought for her. In return a year lady she was getting her happily ever after.
Olivia leaned in and kissed him again. The passion was there. It set the room on fire. They finally pulled apart. Fitz knew that look in Olivia's eye. She wanted him. He gave her a look to let her know he felt the same way.
They stayed with everyone a few more minutes. They agreed that they wouldn't get together till tomorrow evening for dinner and to open up gifts. It was a little after one in the morning. Everyone made their way to their bure.
Fitz opened the door to let Olivia in. He had paid for them to put candles around the room. There were roses on the bed and in their tub. Olivia loved chocolate covered strawberries. She didn't just eat them with him in bed during their romantic times. She ate them a lot.
Olivia went over to the bed and sat down. Fitz went over to her and took her shoes off. He sat there and massaged her feet. She looked at him.
Olivia whispered but Fitz heard her, "This is what true love feels like."
Fitz nodded. He didn't want to rush. He wanted to enjoy the change in their relationship. Olivia could tell that it was going to be a night where they enjoyed every second. They began to slowly undress each other. As the clothes came off the more emotional they got. The air was heavy. They felt free to love and be in love.
Fitz picked Olivia up. She wrapped her legs around him. She leaned down and planted light kisses all around his face and lips. Fitz did the same. It was like they were about to be intimate with each other for the first time. They stared into each other's eyes. Not one single word was spoken. None was needed. It was just them. No one was in the middle. They belonged to each other completely.
Fitz laid Olivia down on the bed. They never looked away from each other. No movie or story could top this moment. Olivia moved her hands to frame his face. She looked at him. This man was going to be her husband in a week. Legally her name was Olivia Carolyn Pope-Ballard. In a week the last of him would be gone. She would be Mrs. Grant and the world would know it. She was taking his name.
Fitz looked at Olivia. He could finally exhale. He wasn't waiting anymore. The time had arrived for them. It was worth the wait.
Olivia opened up her legs. There would be no foreplay tonight. They needed each other. All the emotions of the night led to this moment. As he entered her slowly they never took their eyes off each other. As he thrust in her slow but deep they never uttered a word. All you could hear were their moans. Fitz took his time and Olivia didn't rush him. Fitz knew that Olivia was about to cum. He lifted her leg and entered her deeper. He hit her spot over and over. Olivia met him thrust for thrust until her orgasm took over.
Olivia came down and looked at Fitz. He had a slight smile, but he was content. She made him content and that was everything to her. Fitz flipped them over. He passed the reigns to her. Again another unspoken conversation. She slid down on his cock. She sat there for a moment. She had to compose herself. Fitz looked at her and let her know this was her show now. Eventually she began to ride him slow. Fitz sat up and was chest to chest with Olivia. The angle caught her breath for a moment. She looked at her fiancée. He was a man, but he never talked down to her or put her beneath him even in the bedroom. The enormity of the trip, her getting engaged, and her impending nuptials caused her to become emotional. As she looked at Fitz she seen tears silently falling down his face as well. She was his everything. Making love to her as his fiancée was everything. They silently cried while they were making love mind, body, and soul. Olivia thrust a couple more times and she twerked her hips that sent them over the edge together.
They laid there holding each other. Each making sure it was real. Olivia moved her hand and her ring caught the light. Olivia gasped. It was real. He chose her.
They held each other and allowed their emotions to come out. Olivia gathered herself and moved so that she was facing Fitz.
Olivia smiled and looked at her engagement ring, "This is real. You really proposed and we are really leaving this island married."
Fitz laughed, "I am afraid so"
Olivia laughed, "I kept telling myself tonight that this trip could not get any better and then you propose."
"I did"
"It was everything. I feel like I am getting married for the first time. I thought about what it would feel like when you proposed."
"Did it meet your expectations?"
"It was ten times better, and then when I seen everyone out there and realized they knew made it even better. I wasn't thinking at the time but when I said yes I was thinking how I could put it into words to tell our moms."
"I asked your mom for permission. I knew that she would say yes, but I wanted everything to be done right. I wanted everyone to be a part of it. Yes you were married before, but you didn't get a say in the matter. I wanted you to have a say. It was why I was so nervous."
"It makes sense now, but why? Were you having second thoughts?"
"Absolutely not. I didn't want you to think I was twisting your arm about getting married in a week. I knew that you wanted a wedding, but in order to accomplish that I had to make some decisions."
"Fitz, I would have accepted it had you picked everything because I know that you are thinking about me. I am however even more excited to get to make some final decisions especially when it comes to my dress. I hate that Erin won't see what I select."
'Who says you won't?"
Olivia sat up, "What do you mean?"
"I mean that you get to decide the wedding party. Everyone else will be guest in addition Erin, Kerry and her family, Andrew, Jeffrey, Cyrus, and James. Both doctors who treated us will make the trip."
Olivia sat up. He was really giving her a dream wedding. Happy was not even the emotion that she felt at the moment. Glee just filled her. She started laughing and could not stop.
Fitz sat up and looked at her. He wasn't sure how to take this. He just looked at her as she continued to laugh. Her laugh turned into sobs. She sobbed for about twenty minutes.
Olivia finally composed herself, "I was ready to die this time last year. I had given up on Christmas. I knew what saying no to Jake meant. I was at peace with leaving this earth especially when I heard your voice. God kept me here and rewarded me. I survived and I got my soul mate. I look at this ring and see a symbol of our love. Happiness has finally arrived."
Fitz held her, "And its going to be great"
Olivia nodded, "And its going to be great."
A/N-I played a small trick on you. Fitz was never really sick. It all part of the proposal So what do you think? I added the link to my profile of what I selected as her engagement ring.