DISCLAIMER: Scandal and its characters belong to Shonda Rhimes and ABC/Disney.

Grant Ranch - Santa Barbara, CA

When Liv was out of sight, Fitz headed back inside and was met with a visibly impatient Cyrus. He was tired and not in the mood to deal with Cyrus this late at night. He had a million things on his mind, from arranging for his kids to be brought back home and to calling his lawyers.

"Fitz, are you sure this is the best idea? Can't you at least wait until you're elected? This risks tanking your campaign you know."

He sighed. He was prepared to receive a comment of such nature from Cyrus. But, he just didn't want to deal with him. Not now at least. He just wanted to make the plans for tomorrow and head to sleep, he hadn't slept much the previous night.

"Cy, what did I tell you?" He asks exasperated.

"I know, I know, your personal life is no one's business. I just thought..."

He was cut off by Fitz "That's the thing, it's my personal life, you don't get to think or have thoughts about it. And as I told you earlier, I can't wait. This is happening, so, stop trying to dissuade me from going forward with it. There is nothing you can do about it, so, stop it." he said getting angry.

Cyrus was taken aback by the tone of Fitz's voice. He usually doesn't raise his voice unless he's yelling at Mellie. If he were, to be honest with himself, this new Fitz was starting to worry him and even scare him a little. He seemed more determined, more sure of himself, and, not to be messed with.

"Okay, okay. At least, don't you think that 20 million dollars is too much? Particularly considering you're already giving her 2 houses and are keeping full custody of the kids?" he asked.

"You're worried about my money? WOW! You definitely don't get it. This isn't about the money, really, 20 million was my trust fund for when I went to college. It's not about the money. I mean, I'm a multimillionaire set to inherit billions, money isn't the issue. I just want this over with. I'm tired of all of this. I have the money yet I'm unhappy. So, if giving her a little 20 million dollars is what it will take for me and my children to be happy, so be it. You don't know how pathetic it is to have everything that is supposed to make you happy yet be miserable. So, for my children and myself, I need to do this. I don't care about the money, I just want her gone."

Cyrus didn't know what to say.

He just mumbles "Rich people problems." Then said his goodnight. There was definitely nothing that could say or do to change his mind, So, as not to be blackballed by this new Fitz, he decided to let go of the divorce. He'd definitely have to deal with the divorce if he wanted to keep his job and maybe see his dream, being one of the most powerful men in the world, come true.

Four Seasons - Santa Barbara Biltmore, CA

Once at her hotel, Liv showered and ordered herself some diner. With all the craziness that was Mellie, they hadn't gotten the chance to enjoy the diner Fitz had ordered. While enjoying her diner, she kept thinking about her day. From Stephen's love declaration to her being in California. She couldn't believe how much her life had changed in less than 2 days.

When rethinking about recent events, she kept thinking of Fitz and of how he seemed sad and miserable while opening up to her. She thought of how she felt sorry for him and thought that he didn't deserve to be treated that way. She felt like he was a good man that had tried his best to make his marriage work. She decided that she would do everything in her power to ensure that he didn't have to live in that misery anymore. She also hoped she could make his dreams come true at the same time.

However, something that Fitz said in his monologue didn't sit quite well with her. She had this nagging feeling that maybe there was something more to the story. Maybe Fitz didn't know it but, she felt like there was more to the Mellie story than met the eye. But, she was too tired to think more about that. She would worry about it later. No matter what the story was, she was determined to uncover the truth behind Mellie. She would make sure to call Huck and to put him on the Mellie front first thing in the morning. But, for now, she needed to succumb to a peaceful slumber.

Grant Ranch - Santa Barbara, CA

Once Cyrus left, Fitz proceeded to call his grandfather so he could get the kids home.

"Hey, Pops! Sorry to wake you up so late at night." he greeted his grandpa

"What's the wrong soldier?" he asked worriedly.

"It's nothing," he said trying to ease his worry. "I just called to tell you that I'd like to have the kids home tomorrow. I already made sure that the jet will be ready for you."

Fitzgerald Grant Senior became even more worried. Tripp never did such things. He always made sure that his children had enough time with him during their summer vacation. He had never interrupted their time together before. So, having his grandson call him at 11 in the evening asking that his children be brought home the next day rose red flags for him.

"Tripp, what's the matter?" he asked starting to panic.

Fitz didn't think that that was a discussion he should have on the phone.

"Pops, I promise, nothing is wrong. I just need the kids to come home. You can come too if you'd like. Just, get them home. By the way, tell the kids I love them and I'm sorry I couldn't call today. I was about to but, I figured they were already asleep."

"Okay. We should be there in time for breakfast. An, don't worry, I made sure to tell them that before they went to bed." he answered somehow fearing the reason why his grandson was summoning his children only halfway into their vacation time with him.

"Thank you. I'll see you in the morning then," he said before hanging up.

He readied himself for bed and headed to the guest room he'd been occupying. He went to bed hoping he'd dream of the life he saw into Liv's eyes, a life he could have once he was no longer married to Mellie. And, for the first time in a while, he was looking forward to something that wasn't spending time with his kids.

Four Seasons Santa Barbara Biltmore, CA

Liv tossed and turned since going to bed. She kept telling herself that it was the jetlag, but she knew she was lying to her self. What made her restless was the fact that she couldn't help but dream of Fitz and what it would be like to be with him. She dreamt of going on a date with him, to the cuddling after a long day. She dream of kids and a house together. She dreamt of family vacations and inside jokes.

She was frustrated. She wasn't this girl that dreamt of a guy. She'd never fantasized about a guy before and now, it seemed as if she couldn't close her eyes without Fitz invading her thoughts.

She didn't know what to do. Olivia Pope was never one not to know what to do, and that frustrated her. Giving up on the pretense of sleep, she decided to occupy her mind with work.

She hashed out a plan that would allow Fitz to go to the press about his divorce without completely flunking his approval ratings. She proposed various scenarios and plans to ensure that the divorce affected the campaign minimally. She also spent a couple of hours working on the divorce. Just because the two of them had come to an agreement, didn't mean that they were out of the woods yet. Until the divorce decree was issued, the divorce remained an issue.

She had been going through the postnup when she finally dozed off.

Washington D.C.

He was becoming agitated. He was doing the best that he could yet, it seemed like nothing he did could repair the damage to their relationship. But, he was determined to at least try and regain what they once had, if they ever had a solid relationship. If they never did, he was keen to change that. He'd make sure that things changed for the better between them. He'd do everything in his power to ensure that they did. There was no way he wouldn't repair what he'd broken. But he at least had to try to mend fences. He owed it to himself. He needed the last chance.

And, he knew exactly what to do in order for that to happen. But, he had some things to do first.

"Yeah, I think I'll take this one. But, you'll have to send the paperwork to my office. I have a plane to catch." he said to the realtor.

"Of course sir, the paperwork will be at your office this afternoon. If you really want it, it can be yours by Monday."

"I'm certain I'll take it. I'll send my interior designer in this afternoon so, she'll know what to do with the place. I'd like to keep up and chat, but I really got to go." He said then headed out.

Grant Ranch - Santa Barbara, CA

Fitz woke up feeling extremely happy. Today marked a new chapter in his life. Today, he was going to be one step closer to having the life he spent the night dreaming of. Today, he'd be inching to the possibility of a life with Liv, and, he couldn't be happier.

But, as happy as he was, he couldn't help himself but worry. What if Mellie changed her mind and decided she wanted to fight him on this? Then he'd either have to remain with her and miserable or destroy her and have his kids resent him for doing such a thing to their mother. What if the kids hated him for breaking up their family? What if the kids would rather live with Mellie than himself? What if this divorce really meant political suicide?

Though he was worried, he tried to keep up a good front for everyone. His grandfather had arrived about an hour after he woke up. They had one of the most awkward breakfasts in his life. It was filed with an uncomfortable silence. No one dared to outer a single word. For some reason, Cyrus managed to skip breakfast. Maybe he wasn't really looking forward to this conversation. Somehow Fitz wasn't looking forward to what was coming either.

It's Fitz that first broke the silence. "So, kids, you might be wondering why I made you guys come back home when you were supposed to be heading to Connecticut on Sunday." The kids and Fitz's grandpa nodded.

Fitz took a deep breath before launching himself: "Your mother and I have some news that will be affecting all of us."

Before he could finish, Karen cut him off "You're not running for president anymore? But, that's your dream!"

Then Gerry chipped in "Are you guys having a baby? Please tell me it's not a baby! All you guys do lately is argue." he asked somehow worriedly.

Fitz swallowed hard, it was tougher than what he had initially anticipated. "No, guy, it's not that. The thing is that..."

He was cut off by Mellie. "Oh no, it's not that at all. The thing is that your father decided that we are not good enough for him and that he deserves more than his own family. Yes, kids, your father decided that he doesn't want us anymore. He's filling for divorce." she said coldly before taking off.

Everyone around the table was speechless. Fitz didn't know what to do. The kids looked at him with teary eyes. It's Gerry that finally broke the silence.

"Is it true? Are you abandoning us?" He said through a cracking voice.

Fitz's heart broke at the sight before him. His two children, the children he loved more than anything, were doubting his love for them. Sensing that this was going to be a very sensitive moment for Fitz and the kids, Senior retired himself quietly.

"Kiddos, come here," he said opening his arms for the both of them to come and embrace him. They hesitated a bit but they reluctantly went to his open arms."Guys, listen to me. It is not true. I am not nor will I ever abandon you. You too are the best thing that ever happened to me. I could never abandon you. Your mother and I are divorcing but I will always be there for you. The divorce doesn't change anything between us."

Hearing her father speak made Karen sob even louder. Fitz didn't understand what he said that caused her to cry that much. He had never seen her cry that much. Not even when the boy she had a crush on kissed another girl. He couldn't comprehend what broke his little girl's heart so much, and he didn't like seeing her like this. He scooped her into his lap. He hadn't done that since she was 6, maybe 7, and she had lectured him about her being a big girl and as such should not sit in her father's lap.

"Karen, sweetheart, what's troubling you? I know it isn't easy learning that your parents are splitting up but, this isn't the end of the world. We're still and will always be a family."

She calmed a little and then said "You shouldn't have done that. Now I won't get to see you!" And then she sobbed even harder.

Fitz didn't understand what she said clearly. "What do you mean honey?" It was Gerry who answered for her.

"We don't want to lose you. And, remember Michael from school? His parents divorced and now he doesn't see his father. We don't want to be like that. We want to keep seeing you every day."

Now, it was the 3 of them that were crying. After a while, Fitz gathered enough strength to speak again. "You guys are not going to lose me. I thought I'd say this after you calm down but, if it's okay with you guys, of course, I'd like to file for full custody of you. Which means that you would both live with me wherever I am. Whether it's here, Sacramento, or the White House. I want you guys with me."

"You mean, we actually get to live with you if you win? We're not going to boarding school like mother said we would?" asked Karen a little hopeful.

"Yes, sweetie. If that's what you guys want, you'll get to live with me." He answered hoping that they'd actually want to live with him instead of going to boarding school or worse, their mother.

"But, how will you do that? I mean, usually, the kids go with the mother," said Gerry cautiously not wanting to get his hopes up for nothing.

"I have a friend. Her name is Olivia and she promised she'd help me make sure that you guys could stay with me if that's what you wanted."

"I hope she keeps her promise," said Karen. "I really want to live with you."

"Me too sweetheart, me too." He pulled them close and kissed their heads.

Four Seasons Santa Barbara Biltmore, CA

Liv woke up around 7 a.m and readied herself for what she felt like would be a long day. On the way to the ranch, she made a call that she felt was long overdue.

"Hi, Huck," she says with a yawn. She really needed more rest.

"Hi Liv, is everything alright? You sound tired for someone who should be waking up." He comments.

"I'm fine, I just haven't had my cup of coffee yet. How are you?"

"I'm okay. A little underwhelmed by Silicon Valley. Everyone thinks they have the next big idea here."

"Well, if you want a change of pace you could come meet me in Santa Barbara. I feel like I might need your help."

"When do you want me there?" He asked. Huck was not a man of many words, but he could always be counted on.

"It's not something that requires you to drop everything, but we're on a bit of a time crunch." He would understand what she meant.

"I'll be there by Sunday." He said. "By the way, you should probably talk to your father. Seems he's been buying things under your name again." He added.

"Arghh. Next time he calls I'll try to answer. Do you need me to buy you a ticket? Send the jet?"

"Didn't Harrison take the jet? You could book me a ticket, please. And be sure to mention..."

"... vegetarian, premier world for your armrest and no neighbors cause they freak you out. I know. I had forgotten that Harrison took the jet. When is he supposed to come back anyway? I swear that guy enjoys my plane more than I do."

"I don't know. But, he should be here by the end of the month."

"Ok. Let me make the arrangements, the agent will call you in about 5 minutes to give you the details. See you soon."

"See you soon."

She finishes her call just as they are pulling in at the Ranch.

Grant Ranch - Santa Barbara, CA

They remained in a tight embrace, not wanting to let go of each other. They fell into an easy silence. Their moment was broken by a clearing of a throat. It was Fitz's grandfather.

"Um... Tripp, you butler says your driver just brought in a young lady saying it's per your request," he says somewhat awkwardly.

"Oh, Olivia must be here. Oh, yeah, let her come. I think you should all meet the one who's trying to proceed with my divorce while ensuring that I get elected President of the United States. Come on guys, let's go meet her."

Fitz rushes to greet Liv at the door leaving his kids and grandpa in the living room.

"Hi." he chokes up upon seeing her. She looks flawless.

"Hi." she smiles back. She can't help but stare at him. He was wearing a simple t-shirt and jeans. He looked relaxed and like someone at home, the opposite of the day before. His hair was still a little wet and she couldn't help but want to touch it.

After what felt like an eternity, Fitz remembered about his kids and grandpa in the living room and guides her there.

"Kids, Pops, this is Olivia Pope, she is the one that is going to represent me so that you can stay with me. She's also going to be my campaign manager along with Cyrus."

"Oliva Pope as in THE Olivia Pope?" Karen shrieks

"Yes, Karen, What's up with the excitement?" He says clearing his ears which are aching from how loud Karen shriek was.

"What with the excitement? How are you not excited?" she says as if it was the most obvious reaction to Liv's presence. "Dad, SHE owns like half of the New York Fashion world. She is the one that stays behind the scenes but has all the power in New York. How can you not know her?" she says in disbelief.

"Okay, okay, let's not get carried away, shall we? You haven't even greeted Olivia yet." he then turns to Olivia. "You'll have to excuse her, she gets a little carried away when it comes to fashion."

She smiles at him. "No, it's okay, it's actually pretty refreshing. I'm not generally known aside from the "Fixer" and the "Political nun" as Cyrus says." She walks to Karen and gives her her hand to shake.

"I'm Olivia Pope and you must be Karen and I take that you're interested in fashion. Not that many people know me in the fashion world so you must be either very curious or looking at working in the fashion industry."

Instead of shaking her hand, Karen launches herself at her almost knocking her out. Fitz is horrified by that gesture, he needs to remind his kids about personal space. But, his worry subsides when she bursts into laughter. "Oh my gosh, you have no idea. I love everything fashion, I think I'm going to be a designer when I grow up," she says finally releasing her.

"I'm sure you'll be a great one." She announces proudly. Fitz feels as if his heart is gonna burst out of his chest. He can't believe this woman, not only is she beautiful as a goddess, she seems to connect with Karen in a way that Mellie never did. She seems to be the female role model Karen needs. He can't help but wonder what life would be like if he was married to Olivia.

Gerry walks to her and gives her her hand to shake. "Hello miss Olivia, my name is Gerry. I hope this one here didn't damage your ears, she tends to do that a lot." he teases his sister.

"I think I'll survive. And please, call me Olivia," she replies.

She walks to where Fitzgerald senior was dreaming what it would have been like had his grandson married someone like Olivia. She gives him her hand to shake and smiles. "Congressman Grant, sir, it's a pleasure to meet you, sir."

He smiles at how humble she seems. "The pleasure is all mine. And please, call me Pops. No one calls me congressman anymore." She smiles back at him. She's about to answer when she heard someone speak.

"So, Olivia, you're the one who's going to guarantee that we stay with dad?" asks Karen

"Yes Karen, I am the one who's going to make sure that you stay with your dad after the divorce," she says looking at the girl who seemed to almost be her height.

"Can I ask you something?" asks Gerry shyly.

"Of course Gerry, you can ask me anything," she replies to the 10-year-old who's taller than she is.

"Can you promise me that no matter what, you'll do everything that you can so we can stay with dad? And that means no boarding school either."

Fitz doesn't know what to say, normally, Gerry is the shy one. He doesn't open up easily, much less to strangers. And, he never allows anyone other than his father, sister, and great-grandparents to see him vulnerable but, at this moment he's letting his biggest fear show. He gets angry at Mellie for making them believe that once he's president if he's president, they'll have to go to boarding school. Liv is surprised by the request and by looking at Fitz, she can see that he wasn't expecting it either. She can tell that he isn't usually an open person.

"I promise you that I'll do everything in my power for you guys to stay with your dad after the divorce even in the White House!" she says looking at Fitz even in then winks at him.

Fitz was about to say something when the doorbell rang. He went to answer himself and froze upon seeing who was at the door. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE? YOU OF ALL PEOPLE?"

Please tell me what you think. Your opinions are welcomed and desired.

JLG20