With Gerry and Amy's wedding in the works Olivia refused to have their own wedding overshadow the kids wedding. So she and Fitz had opted to elope that weekend they told the kids. All they really wanted was to have all the kids there so that Saturday afternoon the celebrant came to officiate their wedding. All gladiators were present; Cyrus and James even flew in for the occasion. The ceremony was followed by a catered reception in their home and having the whole family there was all they really wanted therefore the day was perfect.
"Good morning Mrs. Grant." Fitz said softly coaxing Liv out of her peaceful slumber. Liv smiled as she opened her eyes to find him sitting beside her holding a breakfast tray. With their wedding so anti climactic the children insisted they at least do their honeymoon properly. So Sunday morning they were Hawaii bound for a week. Karen had offered to stay with the two little ones for a few days and then Gerry and Amy were going to tag her to head back to London. Though it wasn't entirely necessary as Huck still lived in the premises. Abby was nearby and not to mention that Teddy had his own detail. Karen knew that Liv wouldn't feel entirely comfortable leaving the kids at home on their own.
"We really did it huh?" She said looking down at her hand.
"We sure did." He replied with a grin.
"I'm so glad." Fitz brought his lips to hers,
"Me too sweetheart."
They spent the next few days indoors. Occasionally taking a stroll along the beach or a swim in their private pool. Fitz had rented a secluded house by the beach. They drove in a convertible jeep exploring the island for the rest of their days.
"Seriously Liv, I think we've bought enough presents for the kids." Fitz said amused as Liv handed him another arm full of clothes. Liv looked at him sheepishly.
"Sorry."
"It's okay sweetheart. I just don't think we need to dress them for the next two years from this one trip alone." He teased earning a smack from his wife.
"You've made your point. We're done. Was there anything else you wanted to have a look at?" Fitz shook his head as he draped an arm around her shoulder making their way to the check outs to purchase the armload he had.
"We've got the whole afternoon. Did you still want to go to the Pineapple plantation?" Liv grinned and nodded. She was dying to try out the maze. Fitz couldn't help but grin at her enthusiasm. In the maze itself she bounced with excitement and it was contagious. Like two kids they navigated through the maze challenging and teasing each other. Needless to say they were both exhausted upon returning to their beach house.
"Hi Baby,"
"Hi Mommy," Bellie answered happily.
"What did you get up to today?" Liv asked as she started packing for their return the next day. As great as it was to have some time to themselves, they both missed their kids.
"Teddy had soccer practice so Gerry took me to the Art Gallery,"
"That's nice. Did you have fun?"
"Yeah I did. I miss Gerry."
"Oh sweetheart, you know he misses you just as much."
"I know. So what time will you be home tomorrow?"
"We should be home in time for dinner."
"I miss you Mommy."
"I miss you too sweetheart. Now go to bed, I'll see you tomorrow. Mommy and Daddy love you to the moon and back."
"I love you too, both of you." Bellie replied.
Fitz and Olivia arrived home in the early afternoon to find Gerry working on his laptop in the kitchen. Teddy and Bellie were still in school therefore he was able to do some work in their absence.
"You're home! I thought you weren't getting in till later?" Gerry looked up surprised rising to his feet to greet them both with a hug.
"Hi Bud. We've missed you. Thank you so much for staying with your siblings." Olivia said gratefully returning his hug.
"It's the least we could do. After all you deserved the honeymoon seeing as you vetoed your own wedding in place of mine." He answered dryly.
"I don't know what you're talking about. We had a great wedding. It was everything I had ever hoped for. All the people I loved were there, that's all I wanted and I got it."
"Regardless, it was great to just hang out with the munchkins. I have missed them. Especially the rugrat. I can't believe how big she's gotten. More and more like you every day Liv."
"You're telling me." Fitz muttered good naturedly earning a smack from Olivia.
"Hey Ger, why don't you help me with the bags?"
"Sure Dad." He said following him out of the house leaving Liv in the kitchen looking for a snack.
"You Mom called. She wanted to make sure that she and I were walking you down the aisle. Bud, she's your Mom. It's not a hard ask."
"But Liv practically raised me and Karen. We spent more time with her than Mom. Would it be such a leap that I want her to walk me down the aisle? Hasn't she earned that right? Don't I deserve to choose who that person is worthy to walk me down the aisle?" Fitz let out a huge breath.
"I get it bud, I do but she's still your Mom."
"Fine, but you just lost your slot as my best man. If Mom has to walk me down that aisle, I want Liv to stand beside me as my Best Man, because with the exception of you, Karen and Bellie, she is the most fitting to stand beside me." Fitz smiled,
"Sounds like a plan." Fitz replied laying a hand on his shoulder extremely proud of him.
"Liv," Gerry called out as they re-entered the house.
"Yes Ger, what's up?" She answered coming out of the kitchen with a small tub of yoghurt in her hand.
"Can we take a walk?"
"Uh sure." Handing Fitz her half eaten yoghurt she looped an arm through Gerry's as they slipped out of the back door.
"So what goes on in that mind of yours?" she asked.
"Would you be my Best Man?"
"Ger,"
"I can't think of anyone better to stand beside me as I say I do. For as long as I can remember you have been there, with the exception of Karen and Bellie, you are my best friend."
"I thought you were asking your Dad?"
"He's walking me down the aisle. Besides you have been standing beside me all these years. It seems only fitting that you stand beside me in what is to be the most important day of my life."
"Ger, I would be honoured. Yes, I would love to be your best man." Gerry grinned and pulled her into a meaningful hug.
*** I'm so sorry for the staggered and short updates. My life is crazy as always, but we've had a few add ons too. I've been yet sick again with a respiratory infection that I haven't quite shaken. I was off running a kids conference for a week. Planned my sister's 40th. Somewhere in the midst of all that I turned 35. I am hoping my life will become less crazy so that I am able to do justice on these chapters. Thank you for your reviews ***