A/N-FYI, I have decided to throw you guys a Scandal twist. I'm not going to reveal the entire plot that Edison and Jake have come up with. It will happen over a course of the next couple of chapters. For those who don't like my idea I apologize ahead of time, but I want to add some fun to my summer writing.
The family returned from their vacation forever changed especially Olivia. She thought she had her priorities lined up, but she realized she didn't. At least not to her satisfaction. She vowed to herself not to make the same mistake her dad made with her.
They started their work week meeting with Huck. When they sat down with him and saw the plan that Edison and Jake put together it took their breath away. Fitz was for sure it was going to set his wife back, but for the moment it hadn't. She was beyond pissed.
It took them all day to come up with a plan that would be carried out in phases. Edison & Jake had to continue to think that no one was hip to their plan. Phase one was completing the divorce for Gwen which believe or not was going to be easy. Olivia now knew why Edison had delayed the process only to become a willing participant in the getting the divorce finalized.
When Huck left the conference room they sat there in silence for several minutes. Fitz didn't want to say the wrong thing. His wife was not weak, but there was some large pills to swallow even for him. He wouldn't have to find a way to talk. She did it for him.
"I know you are concerned about me. I can't promise that before this is all over that I won't need you to hold me up, but I won't give Jake that kind of power again in our lives. Will it be hard for us? Yes, but we have to do this. Lives are at stake including mine. So we are going to handle this together, but he is not going to steal our joy. We have a family now damn it."
Fitz pulled Olivia into his lap. She began to cry. He told her to let it out, and she did. She hugged his neck as tight as she could, and he didn't let her go. Finally she calmed down and he forced her to look at him.
"Feel better"
She nodded yes.
"Good. Now we get to work and anytime you need to do what you just did you come to me. No judgments because you are right we have fought too damn hard to let him win. You have worked too hard to be who you are to give him any control back in your life. I'm not going to coddle you. I want to protect you. I'm your husband. I'm the man, but I know that this is a battle you need to be front and center in. Just know that I am right beside you the entire way. When you get tired you handed it over to me, and when you get your strength again you take back your reign. Deal."
Olivia looked at her husband. She caressed his face, "Deal."
They left the office and left the mess that Edison and Jake created there. Their children needed and deserved them, and they would get them.
The first day of class for Sam and Kimmie was coming up. They went by her studio to see it in person. She went over some ideas with her dad. He promised they would work on it on the weekends.
Next up the couple sat down with Sam & Kimmie. Their moms didn't believe in accountants handling their money. They said that is the quickest way to turning up penniless. From the time they turned 16 their moms put so much in their account each month. Made them give them money for their car payments, insurance, etc. They could buy whatever they wanted with the left over amounts, and it was substantial but it taught them both responsibility with money.
So they were doing the same thing with Sam & Kimmie. They gave them a spreadsheet that showed them their monthly expenses. Sam's car was paid for, but would have to pay for insurance. They talked to the girls about the importance of paying bills on time to build their credit score when they became adults.
They weren't going to treat them like children. They knew the rent was due the first so they needed to make sure to get their payment into the office on time. Fitz would deposit money into their account each month. Fitz told Vanessa he wanted to do this. He wanted Kimmie to finish school. Consider it a scholarship.
The weekend before her first day of class Fitz & Olivia took Samantha and Sheldon to the memorial park where their family was. Olivia didn't want them to forget about them. One night after reading to Sheldon she found a drawing that Sam did. It was a headstone that she designed using some of Sheldon's ideas. Olivia took a picture and made some calls.
The kids got out and saw the new headstone. Fitz & Olivia stayed back and allowed them time to talk to their mom and Shelly.
Olivia decided to order a kerbed headstone. Miriam loved blue. Sam said it was because the color made her think of selected a Blue Pearl Granite Kerbed Memorial. True to Sam's design it had a large heart with two small hearts on each side. The large heart had Rogers in the middle with Miriam birth and death date underneath. On the other side was Shelly's information. Each heart had the kids favorite picture of their biological mom and sister.
Olivia had purchased vases so they could keep fresh flowers out. They could sit and talk to their family anytime they wanted. At the top of the bed were butterflies which Shelly loved, and on each end were bronze roses in honor of Miriam.
The kids were understandably emotional, but they also felt such comfort sitting there with their family. They felt like they were in peace now surrounded by the things they loved, and it felt good that their parents made this happen.
When they turned around their parents had flowers for them to add to the memorial. They allowed the kids to all the time they needed. They told Miriam how happy they were, and that they would make them proud. They loved and missed them. They told them what they had been up too.
When they were done they came over and their parents comforted them.
Sam kissed her mom's cheek, "Thank you!"
"No need. I hate the circumstances of how you came into our lives, but not the two of you. We don't want you to forget where you came from, and we want you guys to know that. Anytime you need to come see them do that. If you need us to come or take you we will. No matter the time."
Fitz got down and looked at his son, "You okay son?"
Sheldon nodded with tears in his eyes, "I told mommy that I have a daddy that really loves me. I told her that even when I'm not good or make a mistake that I don't get beat anymore. I promised her I would be good so you don't give me back."
Olivia began to cry. Fitz put his head down to compose himself. Finally he looked at his son.
"I need you to listen okay buddy."
He nodded
"Even when you are not good and I know it won't be often because you are a great little boy who your mom and I love to pieces I would never give you back. You want to know why."
"Why daddy?"
"Because people make mistakes. Your mom and I made mistakes in the past. We are human so we don't always get it right, but we are family so we deal with it and we move on. God asked your mom and I to take over so your other mom and sister could work for him. He needed them sooner than us. You are stuck with me being your daddy kiddo."
Sheldon hugged his dad, "Good because I love you and mom and Bri and Sam very much."
Fitz whispered as he choked back tears, "We love you too son so much."
Both kids were back in school and Bri was turning one in a couple of weeks so Fitz & Olivia were putting finishing touches on her party.
Olivia was learning that her husband was serious about being part of everything when it came to the children. He doesn't just show up to stuff, and leave her to put it together. It helps her, provides her input, and is engaged.
Olivia had a lot more time on her hand thanks to Vanessa. She was the perfect person for the job. The staff loved their second in command. To them she was another Olivia. She didn't just give directions. Whatever she asked of someone she was willing to do herself. Once Olivia showed her the ropes she was off to the races.
They had become close due to the foundation and the girls. One weekend the girls would spent at Vanessa and the next with them. They trusted each other completely.
Olivia was sitting down with for their weekly recap. They had went over everything, and were now left with the gala.
Vanessa said, "So I have an idea but I don't know you'll feel about it."
"Tell me any way."
"I was thinking that we wait until next year. The gala would be the day before Valentine's Day. We could make it a Black-Tie event. There is a space I have in mind, but instead of large tables of eight. The tables would be for two. We could put couples who know each other close together, but the tables would still be far enough apart for some privacy just like in a restaurant. We would dim the lights for dinner so it could be romantic. In addition to the money we raise from couples buying tickets we have an auction. I put some calls in to get a feel. I have a chef who is willing to donate his services for a dinner for two at home, some jewelry, a purse, a trip possibly. We have time if we start planning now. We could hire some staff, but I also think we could use some of the clients who are safe to be in public."
Olivia only had to think about it for a moment. "I love the idea Vanessa. Go for it. It is our first gala so there is no huge expectations. We can find a decent size venue that would allow us to keep the venue intimate. Call David Tutera. Tell you are calling on behalf of me. I don't care the cost. I'll pay for his services personally. Also tell him your ideas for the auction he has some connections as well that could help us. Schedule a meeting for the three of us."
"Great thanks Liv."
"No need to thank me. It was your idea."
"Thank you for trusting me and allowing me to make your vision come true."
"You're welcome. Thank you for the support."
It was a couple of days before Bri's birthday. It was time to celebrate, but before that they had to celebrate and deliver bad news at the same time.
They were sitting down with Gwen. The couple noticed she looked like a whole new woman. That was something that Olivia could relate to. Fitz more than her. She hugged the couple. They caught up with her.
Fitz decided that he would break it to Gwen. He could tell that Olivia was struggling to find the right words.
"Gwen, the good news is that my mom has received all the paperwork back. Your divorce will be final at the end of the month, but I have some bad news."
"Okay what's up."
"We know why Edison all of a sudden went from hard ball to wanting to complete the process with no objections."
Gwen was nervous.
"He is planning on having you killed. Specifically before you have been divorced for six months."
She didn't know why she wasn't freaking out, maybe because she expected it. She asked, "Why within six months?"
"He has a two million dollar life insurance policy out on you. Due to the stock and ownership you get in the settlement as well as your parent's company he purchased it to protect himself. He is sleeping with the woman who sold him the policy so she broke some rules for him. He has had the policy for sometime, but the premium is will triple in six months due to the divorce."
Gwen was processing this.
"We have it under control. We have the contract to kill you."
Gwen looked up surprised.
Olivia nodded, "Huck won the contract to kill you. Here is the hard part. You are not the only one on this list."
For the first time Gwen cried. "My parents"
Olivia shook her head no.
She looked at her and gasped. She jumped up, "You."
Olivia put her head down.
Gwen freaked, "No. Absolutely not. Let him kill me. My parents have their business back Olivia. You have a husband. Three children. Are you out of your fucking mind? You can't protect me. This is not something that we discuss."
Olivia could only cry. Not only because of Gwen's willingness to give her life up for her, but the whole mess.
Fitz calmed Gwen down, "Look at me Gwen"
"No Fitz. How can you look at me? Your wife's life is in danger."
"Yes, but so is yours. So listen to me please."
She looked at him. "Do you trust me?"
She nodded that she did
"Do you trust Huck?"
She looked up and saw him at the door.
"Yes, he has protected me since I came to Olivia the first time."
"Then trust we can continue to protect you."
Gwen finally sat down
Fitz waited until she calmed down, "It has to look like Huck killed you so we are going to stage your death so that Huck can take pictures and deliver the proof. In the meantime we are sending you are out the country for a couple of months while we carry out the rest of the plan. Huck has talked to your parents. They want to be with you. You will go first to a location that we won't disclose yet. Your parents have to go through the motions. They will cremate you. Due to your death they are going to take some time away. Your cousin and friend will manage the office in their absence. Fortunately Olivia is the final kill so it allows us room to carry our plan out."
"Wait you said final kill?"
"Yes there is a list. Once it is over Huck will come and get you and your parents. We will create you guys identities, and we will have accounts set up for you. Don't worry we have chosen a place far away, but you won't be in prison. I know this is scary, but we'll get through it."
Gwen looked at Olivia. Olivia grabbed her hand, "I love that you would give up your life for me, but I don't accept your offer. Edison doesn't get to do that. So you feel a little better. Edison is working with my ex-husband so this is not Edison alone on a revenge campaign."
"I thought he was in prison."
"He is, but they have found a way to communicate. Also Jake is being released early for good behavior. His conviction in California was overturned on a technicality. They mishandled the evidence so it can not be used. Without that another conviction of spousal rape is not likely. He agreed to plea to some misdemeanors."
"Oh Liv, I'm so sorry."
"Thank you, but I'm going to be fine and so are you. They don't get to win Gwen. We will play their game, but they won't win. I know I have asked you to be patient."
"Liv, you don't have to plead with me. Let's just do it. When is my time?"
"Probably December but Huck will be in contact on your burner phone."
"Okay."
The conversation was a lot harder than they thought, but for a whole different reason. Gwen didn't panic because her life was in danger but Olivia's.
Fitz kissed his wife's forehead, "Ready to go home baby."
She looked at her husband and nodded.
Bri's birthday was on a Monday so they had decided to celebrate it the day before. They had decided on a Royal Princess theme. Everything was pink and gold.
It was still really warm outside so they had a tent put up the backyard. They rented a photo booth so their guests could take pictures. The back drop was a royal carriage.
The tables were covered with pink & white linen with bouquets of baby breaths & pink roses in a carriage holder. On one wall of the tent Sam had taken a picture of Bri for each month and framed in gold frames for the guests to enjoy.
Olivia & Fitz hadn't seen it yet. It was a surprise.
For each guest they had had custom tags made for them. The adults got crown tags with their name printed on it. The children got crowns with the names on them.
For the food they decided to go buffet style so the adults could feed their children whenever.
They ordered Custom Crown and Castle Napkin holders. The plates and cups were pink and gold, but they also gave each child who reserved a sippy cut with their name on it. Olivia ordered extra for those that didn't reserve so no one would be left out.
They wanted a menu that would cater to the adults and the children so the menu gave the guest many choices.
There was cream cheese and strawberry jam that were cut in the shape of a crown, pizza, pigs in a blanket, mini cheeseburgers, turkey legs, grilled chicken, potatoes, Cinderella Pumpkin dip, steamed vegetables, meat and cheese platters, yogurt, and granola.
There was no alcohol at the party. The guests could choose from sparkling apple cider, Strawberry Princess milkshakes, Princess punch (raspberry sherbert and Sprite), pink lemonade, and strawberry tea.
Olivia came down with Bri. Olivia had purchased two dresses for the day. This first one was to greet the guests in, and take all of the pictures. It was a Dolce & Gabbana Girls Pink Lace Dress & Knickers Set. It was a gift from Erin.
Olivia walked in with Bri. Everyone clapped and started singing. Bri started laughing and clapping. It was the cutest thing. The photographer & videographer made sure to capture it. Afterwards they started making their rounds, but it was over when Bri saw Kerry & Isabelle.
Both women had demanding jobs but Kerry worked hard to give her daughter a normal childhood. When the girls meet for the first time they instantly liked each other. Belle as Kerry & Nnamdi called her was eight months older. Once Bri hit that crawling and babbling stage it seemed their little friendship took off.
Olivia found time to take Bri to see Belle even it was on the lot she was shooting at. Sometimes she wouldn't see Kerry since she was filming, but the nanny knew who they were.
Olivia knew she wasn't going to leave so Kerry told her she would look after her while she talked to her other guests.
When she looked for her husband she laughed. She found him talking to Kerry's husband. It was football season. She was sure they were making plans to hang out on Sundays with the girls. Nnamdi tried to give her Sunday to herself before her work week started all over again. So it was the perfect time for Belle & Bri to hang out during football season.
Both girls were probably going to be somewhat of a tomboy. They were watching Belle last week so Kerry & Nnamdi could enjoy their date night, and Kerry only used her nanny when working. They were watching a game. Both girls sat on the floor with Fitz & Olivia and watched the game. They would cheer when they heard the crowd cheering. On one play the crowd was booing the call so they starting booing too. Olivia recorded it. Kerry fell out laughing when she saw the video.
Later on Olivia changed Bri into a Bonnie Jean Pink & White Dress with Leggings. This outfit was not expensive, and Olivia would be okay if they could get the stains out. She put her Stride Rite Pink Headband Tiara back on.
Bri loved glitter so her daddy made sure the dessert table and her chair had lots of glitter. When Olivia walked back in and saw the glitter she literally jumped out of her arms. She ran over to her daddy calling him.
Everyone captured the moment. There was two cakes, For the guests there was a three tier cake that had a gold crown topper. It was decorated with pink and white butter cream with pink roses. The cake was vanilla.
In addition to the cake she had ordered two cupcake towers. It was filled with different flavored cupcakes that were topped with princess accessories. They also had glittered sugar cookies with homemade fondant flowers, princess cake pops which were dipped in pink glitter and adorned in three-dimensional golden crowns, gold glitter macarons, and Italian cannoli with a shimmer of gold, pink profiteroles, and strawberry mousse.
Fitz picked her up and sat her down in her carriage chair. He put her Pinky Princess Cake in front of her.
Bri's face lit up. As everyone was singing and clapping. She was repeating the words. She was so happy. She was a photographer's dream. She had been all day.
Bri didn't like to be dirty so she wouldn't stick her hands in the cake. They finally cut her a slice and gave her a spoon and she went to town. It was the cutest thing.
Sam came over to her and Bri called her, "Sam up. Up Sam."
Sam smiled. She cleaned her sister's face and picked her up. She gave Bri her sippy cup.
Sam began to rock her. She kissed her forehead and said, "Love you Bri"
Bri yawned, "Luv you."
Olivia was talking to Kerry as she watched the scene. Kerry looked over and smiled. "I honestly didn't imagine this would be your life or that we would end up being so close."
"Me either. Honestly I thought your circle was closed."
They laughed, "I have friends thank you very much. I just have to keep something for myself. I love what I do, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. At the end of the day those two talking to your husband have become my reason for living. I want that to stay sacred as long as possible. I know my fans want to know what she looks like. Some have called me selfish, but I can't yet."
"Well for what it's worth I like the Kerry the public sees, but I love Kerry who is my friend and confidant. Only you could get me eating organic foods. Our hikes together mean a lot. Especially now."
Kerry looked at Olivia and saw she was close to tears. Kerry looked and Fitz. She gave him a look to let him know she would handle it, and he nodded.
They made it to her office. Once the door closed Olivia broke down. Other than Gwen, Huck, and Fitz no one knew. They debated on telling their moms, but decided against it right now. Olivia told her everything.
Kerry's heart broke for her friend. She allowed her to get it out. She listened. She was Olivia's shoulder to lean on.
When Olivia composed herself she tried to apologize.
Kerry shook her head, "Don't apologize. That is a lot. If anyone can handle this situation it is you Liv. I know it sucks, but you have to play the game and win. He needs to know he doesn't run shit. You have won some battles now it is time for you to win the war and you can."
"I want to believe that Kerry, but it is not about me anymore. I love my family. My husband, our children, our moms, and I have real friends outside of work you, Erin, and Vanessa. I'm scared."
""I was always told if I was scared then I wouldn't settle. I remember when I met you for lunch. You have always been a beautiful woman, but that is all I saw. A shell. Since that time you have built yourself. You can do. Most importantly you are not alone. Your husband really loves you Liv. I know that you can't talk about this to people so know you have me. You know my schedule is a little hectic with shooting, but you have an idea of my schedule so call me, drop by, whatever you need."
"Thanks Kerry"
The ladies made it back out to the tent where they found their husbands playing with their girls. They both realized how lucky they were. Despite the slight age difference they had a feeling the girls would remain close.
As the guests began to leave they made sure all the children received a favor bag. Inside of it included a twinkle compact mirror, a puzzle maze, spin tops, bubbles, Disney jelly beans, and for the boys a Disney cup and for the girls a beaded necklace with charm.
The party was a success. Olivia thanked Sam for helping her. She loved the wall so much that she was going to take the pictures and make an album out of it.
When Fitz packed up their house Miriam had a couple of boxes that had pictures of the children. Her husband didn't want them displayed so she kept them in boxes. After seeing what Sam did she decided she was going to use those photos to create albums of the children's lives.
She was pulled out of her thoughts by Sam, "Mom , I'm headed home. Dad is giving Bri a bath, and I made sure that Teddy showered and brushed his teeth. Do you need anything else?"
"No sweetie? Did you go grocery shopping earlier? I don't like you out too late."
"No, we didn't need to. Kimmie has some big tests she is preparing for, and the next couple of weeks I have some pretty big assignments as well as coming up with the some designs for Mrs. Kerry."
"Okay well instead of you guys driving up here we will drive down to check on you two and bring you guys your favorite comfort food. Text me or email me what you guys want."
"I will mom. Are you okay?"
"Yeah honey. Just a tough case that I'm still trying to resolve. Thank you for asking."
"Always mom. We worry about you too you know."
"I do but mom will be okay."
"Yeah you will because you don't ever give up."
After seeing Sam out she set the alarm. She made it upstairs where Teddy was knocked out. She turned off his lamp and cut on his night light. He now liked to sleep with his door closed which was exciting for the couple. He was over coming his fears. He only saw his therapist once a month, and she told them that after the year she thought he didn't need to see her unless necessary. Every time they reduced his sessions they would explain it to him so he knew it was an accomplishment so he was looking forward to finishing therapy.
She made it to the nursery where Bri was knocked out. She was actually snoring a little which told how tired she was. She only snored when she was exhausted. She looked so much like her daddy. She had a head full of chocolate brown curls, and that one superman curl like her daddy that would not act right.
Recently she realized her dad had the same problem and they began to play with each other's curl. Olivia recorded the moment. That night she watched it over and over again. It was motivation to deal with Edison & Jake once and for all. Once this was over she was giving Fitz another baby.
It bothers her that deep down he hasn't accepted that they will have another biological child together. She could tell in his eyes that he felt like she was placating him.
When she walked in their room he was sitting on the chaise reading something on his IPad. She loved when he wore his glasses. It turned her on and she didn't even know why.
He looked up and smiled at his wife. She came over and crawled in his lap.
She pouted, "You already showered without me."
"I did because you my lady have a nice hot bubble bath and a glass of wine in there waiting for you. I have already put your pajamas and robe in there. Your lotion is on your vanity."
"Wow babe! What did I do to deserve this special treatment?"
"You are my wife. There doesn't have to be a special occasion. Getting the party set up for Bri was a lot, and I know you have a lot on your plate. Did talking to Kerry help?"
She looked up at him surprised, "I saw you leave and she looked at me to let me know to stay behind."
"I told her Fitz. I'm sorry"
"Why are you sorry?"
"Because we agreed to minimize the number of people we involve."
"Baby, as you husband you know I have your back, but that is what friends are for. Nnamdi has become that guy friend where I can really shoot the breeze with. He has a wife with a demanding career, we have a child close in age, and we have a lot in common. He understands the importance of protecting their personal life from their professional life. Kerry is becoming that friend for you. You know you can trust her, and you know she really cares about you. So baby I am glad that you are letting others in."
"I love you Fitz. I do!"
"I love you too Livvie. Don't give me that look. That look where you are feeling guilty. You don't get to take ownership in their bullshit especially Jake. You are going to have your moment. Face to face. You are going to look him in the eye when you win this war, and I will be with you every step of the way. By the time this is all over with it will be close to the end of the school year."
"About that. I want to go away for the whole summer. After this is over I don't want to think about a case, the foundation, anything professional. I just want to concentrate on family. I want another baby."
"Okay well you concentrate on winning this war. When it is all over I will have planned the perfect summer vacation, and every spare moment we have to ourselves I am going to work on getting you knocked up. Deal"
Olivia smiled because she could see he believed her. "Deal"
"Good now go enjoy your bath."
Huck was at his house working on their plan. He was a little nervous because a lot of lives were at stake, but this was one battle he was not going to lose. Olivia not only deserved this but needed it. She needed to face Jake so she could claim victory.
He received a message and smiled. Edison had just deposited $500,000 into his account. He could rest a little easier knowing that he was the hit man.
A little later he listened to the taps that he planted. Jake had called in. They had a code that to the normal person meant nothing, but to him it confirmed what he needed to know. Edison let Jake know the plan was officially moving forward.
A/N-Do I have any of you at the edge of your seats yet? I hope so. I like to try and mix it up a little. Even with all of the stories I am writing I don't want them to be the same other than they are a couple, they will be married, and children will be a part of the equation.
Outside of that is fair game. To recap you do know that they have put out some hits. For sure Gwen and Olivia. Are there more? What is the ultimate plan here other than the life insurance policy.
Keep it in mind that it is only Sept in this update. In the United States most kids get out anywhere between May/June depending on weather.
The plot will unfold as they continue to live life.