A/N: Your reviews from the last chapter was so wonderful, some of you shared personal stories about crazy Brian's in your life. He's one crazy mofo and I can guarantee you that he's gone for good. Thanks for all of the new followers and favorites. Hope you enjoy the new installment!

Two days after that unforgiving night, the Grants were able to return to some semblance of normalcy; as normal as having two body guards patrolling with you at all times and a full time live in nanny. Nevertheless, they were progressing onwards and leaving the distasteful past behind them. They've learnt that many people who enters their lives do not wish them well, some harboring hate and silently wishing them harm – but they rise. They're wiser for the experiences life has thought them, whether good or bad.

Following the incident with Brian, Olivia and Fitz were both relieve that he will be charged with crimes that will keep him locked up for at least twenty years. Justice has been served and for once it was rightfully done.

"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" Olivia asked for the thousandth time that morning. Fitz was going into Iya's and Tommy's school today, to discuss the incident that occurred on Monday. It had been two days since it all went down and two days since the kids had went to school. Fitz refused to have them return without proper resolution to the situation. Until then, they stayed home with both of their parents as none of them had yet to return to work either.

"Liv, its fine. I promise I won't do anything hasty" he appeased. He already knew how much she detest his irrational actions. Case in point – him going over to Brian's house on a whim to beat his ass up. Last night, said subject was brought up and he'd felt the brunt of her tongue as she expresses how reckless his behavior was. Looking back now he could see how something could've went horribly wrong, resulting in his demise and subsequently leaving his family without his presence. He apologized to his wife, even though he secretly would've done what he did all over again. He had no regrets or feelings of remorse harbored in his heart for what he'd done to Brian. He would gladly do it again and again.

"That's what I want to hear."

"Are you going to work today?" Fitz asked his wife who was still lying in bed. Since the incident had happened; she hadn't left the house after their visit to the police station. He was beginning to get worried that she'll never want to leave the house again, but those thoughts were exaggerative since it had only been two days.

"Yea" she answered, making herself more comfortable underneath the sheets. For some reason today she wasn't feeling too well and Fitz could sense it.

"Shouldn't you stay home and rest some more? I don't want you overworking yourself, and I know that the past two days have been quite stressful on all of us. Take the day?" One of his eyebrows arched questioningly as his overall face wears a pleading look.

"I'll be fine, plus I need to talk to Samantha."

Fitz lets out a long sigh. "How's she?"

"For the few times I've spoken to her on the phone she sounded ok."

"Ok. Well call me if you need anything." He came to her side of the bed to give her a smooch.

"I will, now go before, Principle Thomas, reschedules your meeting."

"They really won't want to do that because if they're thinking I'm crazy now, they won't know what hits them if they reschedule me."

His statement made Olivia smile, he was such a protector and it made her feel safe and loved.

"Ok, Big Poppa" she teased.

"I'll show you tonight why they call me, Big Poppa" he replied cheekily.

"Go!" she commanded, with an index finger pointing to the door while trying to stifle her laughter.

Fitz throws his hands up in surrender and said, "Alright, I'm going I'm going." He slowly backs out the room and almost stepped on Rex, who was crouched on the other side of the door.

Olivia could hear him talking to the dog about lying in the passageway. It appears as though Rex understood what he was saying because he let out soft growls everytime he asked, "You got it?"

Olivia shakes her head and closed her eyes, relaxing her body. Slowly she drifted back to sleep. She didn't have to wake up to tend to the kids because Mama Awa was there, instead of moving in next week, she moved in yesterday much to their delight. Olivia couldn't be more grateful for the older woman's help.

Fitz got downstairs to see the kids still dress in their jammies and watching cartoon.

"Good morning, Hansel and Gretel" he greeted. The first time he'd called them that they were baffled. Many kids of this generation wasn't familiar with the older Disney tale. It wasn't after he'd shown them a storybook that the names resonated with them.

"Good morning, Dad" they chorus, eyes still stuck on the TV.

"You're not going to be watching TV all day. You'll do some school work" he told them, which elicited groans of dissatisfaction from the two.

"Do you want me to turn off the TV now?" he rebut.

"No, Dad" Iya quickly said.

"Good. You have an hour more to watch TV. By 10 it needs to be off."

"Got it" the kids replied chipper, not wanting to chance getting on their father's grumpy side.

By the end of his speech, Mama Awa entered the room to tell the kids that breakfast was ready. They both let out long sighs as they dragged their bodies to the kitchen table. They perked up a little after their father admonish them to.

They all ate breakfast in a comfortable chatter. Iya brought up the thanksgiving meal for the homeless again and they chatted about it. Olivia had already told him about it and Fitz was immediately onboard. He'd already told Lauren to make contact with one of the homeless shelter yesterday, getting the ball on the road.

Breakfast came to an end, and Fitz was getting ready to leave. He kissed the children see you laters, and reminded them that they only have a limited amount of TV time, and that they needed to do school work. After that he was out the door.

Forty-Five minutes later, Fitz was seated in front of a Mrs. Thomas, the principle of Leman Manhattan Prepatory School. She appeared to be in her late fifties, tall authoritative looking woman.

After shaking each other's hands and saying the recommended niceties, they were ready to get down to business.

"Mr. Grant, we here at Leman's take the security of our students very seriously. Please know that the attending security personnel that worked that day was fired, due to careless negligence."

"That's good to know, if I can't guarantee they're safe when I send them to school, then I won't send them to school. Why would he even give them the bags in the first place? I mean... come on, I don't get why your security would accept something from a stranger who's not on their pick up list. Is it because he's black and my wife happen to be so? So they automatically assumed that they're indeed friends. Help me understand why this would even happen in the first place."

Principle Thomas let out a long sigh, she understood his frustrations and she couldn't blame him in the least. From her knowledge of the incident, if the kids were given something stronger than sleeping pills laced candies, then she would be speaking to a father who lost his kids to drug overdose. She couldn't even fathom having to do that.

"Mr. Grant, I apologize on behalf of our school. This incident should've never happened, and I can assure you that going forward things will be different. We will tighten our security measures to ensure safety for all of our students."

"I get that but I hope that you place a lot of emphasis on preventative care and not wait until something bad happens to do something. I understand that accident happen and this won't happen a second time if I have my way. It's my kids who's stopping me from even taking them out of this school right now. Do you know how unnerving it makes me feel that a stranger was able to gain access to my kids, and your security people aided it, instead of stopping it?" Fitz pinches the bridge of his nose, trying to keep calm and not have his wife find out that he had nasty words with the principle. "It infuriates me, Principle Thomas, it makes me extremely angry." He relays to her through clenched teeth and fists.

The air crackles with tension after Fitz had finished speaking. Principle Thomas did not know what she can offer to her students' parents to give them peace of minds. They amped their security up but still that didn't do anything to relieve their apprehensions. If she doesn't do anything fast she could kiss them good bye along with several other families that they had influence on. Little by little the students would trickle out of her school.

"What can I do to regain your confidence in us?" She asks after a moment.

Fitz watched her for a second and relayed everything that would give him a peace of mind. When he'd finished talking, they were able to come to a resolution on how they were going to operate going forward. His security personnel would be given full access to the school grounds when the children are there, he would need a monthly report of the kids' pick up and drop of sheet, in addition to no visitors, unless it's him or his wife.

Principle Thomas conceded although it was a tedious process that he's asking of them. To appease the situation, she offered to give Iya and Thomas one tuition free school year but Fitz declined, and instead requested that it be passed on to two of the kids who were less fortunate and was only there because of a scholarship. He didn't want their money or ass kissing, he simply wants his kids to be safe. That's what is important to him.

At the end of the meeting they shook hands and Fitz promised that the kids would return to school tomorrow. The situation was resolved as best as it could.

Fitz was driving into work when his PR team conference called him, to let him know that some trashy magazine was running a story of him and his wife heading for divorce; and they used the picture of the two of them coming out of the brunch spot –the Sunday that they'd ran into Samantha and former mate. It was Enquirer or one of those crappy ones that always have false news. He was totally not in the mood for it, they strategize about how they would handle it on his upcoming appearances on various talk shows that he'll be on, promoting his new album. His first appearance will be on Friday at the ABC Good Morning show, then he would be flying out to California, to go on the Ellen DeGeneres and Jimmy Fallon shows the following week; and that was only the beginning. He wasn't looking forward to the out of town trips as he isn't thrilled to leave his family.

By eleven-thirty, Fitz had finally pulled into his Brooklyn studio. He wondered if his wife had left for work as yet, he shoots her a text message.

FG: At work yet?

Instantaneously, he got a reply.

OG: Just got in, walking through the door. Overslept **emoji of monkey covering his eyes**

FG: Are you feeling ok?

Fitz replied while walking up the stairs to his floor, instead of getting on the elevator. It would be his exercise for the day, since he hasn't done any for the past couple of days.

OG: Not really but I'll be fine. I'm just very nauseous today.

FG: Livvie, I told you to rest. Please don't overwork yourself.

OG: I'll be ok. I'll text you later, just saw Samantha. Wish me luck.

FG: Good luck! I love you. **emoji of a kissy face**

OG: Love you too. **emoji of a heart**

The text session ended just in time as Fitz open the door to his floor. As he walked into the large room, he was immediately greeted by Lauren "Good morning, Fitz" she gives him a bright smile.

"Good morning" Fitz returned her smile.

"What's up, man?" Derrick shouted from across the room. He was talking to their violinist, Savannah. Briefly, the memory of Leah flashed across his mind. Up to this day he still couldn't believe that she had the gall to ask him such a crude question.

"I'm good D" he shouted back to the younger man, just like that their work day moved into progress. They discussed their upcoming appearances and what they would like their performance to look like. Lauren had the stage producer for the Good Morning show on the phone as they talked about stage set up.

When Olivia had confronted Samantha, it was a heartbreaking moment. She held onto her friend and allowed her to cry her heart out, releasing the anguish and pain. Her countenance was down because she felt as though she was used. She was humiliated and ashamed that she would fall for someone like Brian. He clearly had strategize his entrance in to her life. For clarity and understanding, she'd asked her friend why she'd introduced her to him, and she'd learn that he was very persistent in trying to meet her. He was a conniving snake and she was Eve, she took the bait and ate the fruit. Olivia or anyone for that matter, didn't understood how ashamed she felt to be affiliated with such a man. It made her feel like something is wrong with her that she'd attracted such a piece of shit in to her life. She wonder if she'll ever meet the right guy, and quite frankly she was done searching. She couldn't bear to be hurt like that again. Unbeknownst to her conscience, her heart had built walls around itself in self-preservation, blocking out any and every one from getting too close. She'll never be an easy catch again and as of right now she detest men.

"It's going to be fine, you're going to be fine" Olivia soothed, as she stroked Samantha's hair. They'd closed the gallery from potential visitors and was at the back in her office, sitting on the couch.

"It could've been a whole lot worse" Olivia choked, as she remembers some of the evidence that was retrieved from Brian's house.

Samantha hiccupped and cried even harder. She held onto Olivia's petite frame and bawled her eyes out.

Olivia held onto her as her own tears streak down her face. She held onto her friend and silently thank God, that even though both of their privacies were violated, some more than some – that they still had their lives. Going forward a lot of mistrust would plague their hearts but they'll survive.

Two weeks later

School was out for Thanksgiving and the kids couldn't be anymore happy. The week before they helped their mom put up some turkey decorations around the house. They were acclimating to the changes in their lives. They got used to Tom and Huck riding along with them wherever they went. They'd somehow became very familiar with each other; and the kids enjoyed having them along as they would entertain them by answering a whole bunch of questions.

Mama Awa had become even more of a blessing to their family, she was there for the kids like a third grandmother and Olivia couldn't be more grateful. Some days her pregnancy made her want to sleep all day and Mama Awa was there to ensure that the kids or husband didn't bother her. This pregnancy was completely different than her other two times. For one, Olivia was already blowing up. She had a small pouch that was already visible through clothes. Even though that was the case, they still hadn't told a soul about it, including her mother. Reason being, Olivia wanted to surprise her mother in person when they visit her for Christmas. She'll get a mouth whooping that she didn't tell her sooner but it will still be wonderful to have her mother be completely surprise by it.

It was the day before thanksgiving and Olivia was happy that Fitz had finish with his press releases for his new album. He'd been traveling between the two coasts for the past week and a half. News was broken to her that he'll be going on tour and that he wants her and the kids to accompany him. The tour will be for two months and that was too long of a time for him to be without them. Surprisingly, without much fight from her, Olivia agreed to it. She'd learnt to let go sometimes and allow her husband to take control.

The tour will begin in late January and end in early March. It was starting the right time, because she'd received the official call a few days ago to be a guest speaker at SU's art festival in mid-January of the New Year. It seems as though the New Year will be very busy for them – with their baby delivery dates scheduled in May.

Olivia was grateful to see Samantha moving along with life, she made sure to make a special effort to be there for her; whether she wanted to vent or simply just talk – she was going to be there for her. It can even be said, that since the incident had occurred, the two friends had become closer. Olivia shared things with her that she never even shared with Abby.

Raye and Harrison's wedding plans were coming into fruition. Their wedding was set for December 13th, a Saturday, two weeks away. They'd went dress shopping and Olivia was stunned when Raye had asked her to be her maid of honor, Olivia couldn't believe that Raye would bestow such an honor on her. Then she'd went on to tell her that she's more than a sister in law to her, she's like a sister she'd never had. Needless to say, Olivia was a giant ball of emotions and it all exploded at once. They hugged out their feelings.

Olivia came back from her memory recap of the past two weeks, and allowed herself to be in the moment with her family. They were all sitting in the living room watching Home Alone 2, eating out of a big bowl of popcorn. Fitz and Olivia made an effort to share with the kids, some of the older movies that were way better than the ones they currently make. The previous night they'd started the first one and tonight they'd decided to watch the second part. For the first time in a while, they were truly home alone with each other, there was no nanny, no bodyguards, just them.

The following morning, the clan bundled up in winter gears as the place was freezing cold. They were heading to go watch the Macy Day parade off of 75th street. Thankfully, Fitz was able to secure a room at one of the neighboring hotels that allowed them to watch from an elevated view. After they'd finish getting dressed, they'd all piled into the SUV and headed over there. From the parade viewing; they were heading over to one of the local shelters to volunteer their services for the day. Fitz had arranged to pay and prepare for the entire meal, along with donating new winter clothes and blankets to them. He did all of this low key as to not alert the media. It was just a simple way for him and his family to give back to the less fortunate. They didn't need an audience to do so.

They arrived at the hotel without any disruptions, and made their way up to the tenth floor where a suite was reserved for them. Since they'd rushed out of the house without eaten breakfast, they decided to order room service.

Thirty minutes later their food had arrived on a cart, Fitz collected it and tipped the bellhop handsomely. He maneuvered the cart across the room to the huge floor to ceiling window, where his family was stretched out on an oversize couch.

Olivia almost retched at the sight of the sunny side egg on one of the plates.

"Fitz" she eyed his plate, silently pleading for him to remove it from her presence.

"Sorry" he give her a remorseful smile, before taking his plate to the small dining table that was on the other side of the room, away from them.

With the egg gone, Olivia was able to enjoy her breakfast. Strawberry and banana French toast and bacon. The kids also enjoyed theirs as they'd asked for seconds. Fitz sat by the table all by himself, indulging in his offensive breakfast.

By the time they were finished eating, the floats started to pass by. The kids marveled at the various floats and started calling out the names for the ones that they knew. For the ones that they didn't, they asked their father or mother for it.

It was a magical experience for them. During the show, Olivia ordered up hot chocolate for them to consume. The kids were elated because of the plentiful amount of marshmallows, floating on top of it.

As the parade continued, Olivia decided to call her mother to wish her a Happy Thanksgiving. During the conversation, her mother asked, "Why does your face looks so full?" and Olivia simply laughed. She offered her no explanation and her mother dropped it, giving her a knowing look. Mothers do have keen eyes for things.

Fitz and Olivia also called Big Jerry and Janet who were meeting them up later at the shelter to volunteer as well. Since they weren't going to have the big thanksgiving dinner this year, they all decided to pitch in to volunteer their services to their community. The kids were excited, that their little cousin was also going to be there.

After the phone calls were had, Fitz and Olivia were wrapped up in each other's arms, lying on the couch as they looked on at the kids with their noses pressed to the window. They looked happy and carefree, the only way kids should look. Both parents were thankful that their children were able to move on from the incident that occurred to them with minimal scars. They were educated about the dangers of accepting things from strangers, to avoid a reoccurrence. They were confident that their message was delivered successfully as they asked questions pertaining to such topics. For example, "is it ok if my friends give me sweets?" Which they said was fine as long as they were able to trust them.

Breaking out of their thoughts, Fitz was the first one to speak. "Do you think it's time we tell them?" He asked, as he rubs her protruding lower belly. He was laying on his back with her lying on top of him, both of his arms were around her waist.

"I agree" she tells him, after all she was coming out of her first trimester.

"How about now? I don't think we'll have another magical moment like this." He said, kissing the top of her head.

"Let's do it" Olivia replied, with surprising confidence.

"Ok" Fitz was already pushing both of them up into a sitting position.

"Kids, can you come here for a minute, your mother and I need to tell you something."

They watch as both of them came and flopped themselves down on their butts, in front of the couch. Both wearing beanies, Tommy a royal blue color and Iya's a yellow color, along with white and blue stripped cashmere sweaters and jeans.

"Your dad and I want you to know that we're going to-"

"A baby. You're pregnant" Iya filled in.

Olivia was taken aback and she turned to look at Fitz. "Yes, I'm pregnant." Olivia confirmed. "How did you know?"

"Mom, look" Iya lifted her hand to touch her mom's belly through her sweater. "I could tell because your belly is growing and you're always sleepy and hate eggs."

Olivia had a look of surprise on her face. She didn't realize that her daughter was able to figure her out. What were they teaching these kids in school today? She thought.

"Wow. You're absolutely right." She smiled at her.

"How do you guys, feel about another baby sister or brother?" Their father asked.

Iya shrugged her shoulders, "its fine with me. I survived him" she poked Tommy's side and he hit her hands away from him, which made her laugh. She could more than survive another sibling.

Her parents were relieve to see her pay no mind to an addition. "How about you, Tom Tom?" His mother asked him. All they got was a pout and a squished face. He wasn't happy about the new addition, for five years he was the baby and he knew that he didn't want to be knocked out of his position.

"You'll still be our baby boy" Olivia coaxed, she was about to rub her fingers through his hair but he pulled away his head, rejecting her touch. He felt betrayed by this news and started crying.

Fitz and Olivia were both perplexed by his behavior, they never expected him to be flat out crying at the news- even his sister looked surprised at her brother's behavior.

Getting up from the couch, Fitz reaches down for him and pulls him into a bear hug. He walks around the room and comforts him as if he was a new born baby. He whispered in his ears, reassuring words of love and comfort that he could never be replaced. When he was able to calm him down, he took him over to his mother, and allowed him to lay in her arms as she too reassures him of his place in their hearts and family.

By early afternoon they were all at the homeless shelter serving the homeless. It was such a privilege that they all felt, to be able to have enough to not only live off of but all us to give back. Iya was beaming with such joy whenever she would serve some of the little kids that were in attendance. She talked to them as if they were her every day school friends. Her parents were beyond proud of her, to see her be open and caring to someone other than herself. They felt as though they were doing parenting right.

Tommy had come out of his shell from his initial shock of expecting a new brother or sister, he was around playing with his cousin.

After most of the homeless people had finished eaten, and dessert was being served, Fitz cued Huck, who had insisted that he accompany them here today – to bring over his guitar.

Fitz sat on a stool in the middle of the room and allowed his soulful voice to bring comfort and peace to the homeless people, even if it was only for a brief moment. After all, what is life if we do not care and look out for one another?

A/N: And I will stop here. I want to wish my readers a Merry Merry Christmas. Spend time with your love ones, not because you have to but because you want to. We all are not from perfect family and that's ok – we can only be grateful for the people that God has placed in our lives. Even though I know you virtually, I'm still grateful for you.

This chapter is pretty much a setup for what's to come in the future.

I wanted to let Samantha's pain be highlighted. She's hurt and humiliated by that fool's action but slowly she's moving on, albeit her heart is closed off. Luckily for her, Olivia is there for her.

Fitz had his moments with the school and they're lucky that he didn't pulled his kids out of it.

The kids found out about the baby, Miss. Iya is too smart for her own good but they mostly took it well, except for Tommy. He's been the baby for so long and now it's going to be a problem for him to get used to the idea of a new baby.

Iya plans came through and they were able to serve the homeless. :)

Thanks again for reading and I'll try to update soon. Enjoy your Christmas/Hanukkah/whatever else you celebrate.

Let me know your thoughts by dropping a review. You all have no idea how much I appreciate and enjoy reading them. Thanks for taking the time to do so.

Xoxo