Liv slipped into Bellie's room long before the sun was due to be up. She sat on the edge of her bed by Bellie's petite frame. She stared at her daughter and ran her fingers gently through her hair. Her heart still felt the pinch of Bellie's uncertainty of her all of a sudden. Liv dropped her lips to Bellie's forehead. Stirring Bellie awoke to find her mother by her bed. Sleepily she held her arms open for her mowho leant down and hugged her tightly. Bellie had grown up to her Mom checking in on her throughout the night. On birthdays and significant days her Mom would slip into her bed and snuggle till she would fall asleep. It was 'their' thing. Admittedly since they had moved back to the States 'Mommy and Bellie things' had become few and far between. It made Olivia hold Bellie tighter against her. Tears involuntarily filled her eyes. She willed for Bellie to not be permanently scarred with her carelessness. To feel her apology and regret as she held her close.
"Mommy, it's okay." Bellie murmured softly as her arms wrapped themselves around Olivia's neck.
"What do you say you and I take a sunrise ride?" Bellie pulled back to look at her mother with a wide grin nodding. Bellie loved to ride. She and Liv rode every chance they got in Paris and when they got back to the States Fitz had surprised them both with their own horses.
"Go get dressed and we'll go." Bellie jumped out of her bed and into her wardrobe walking out in her jeans and jumper while slipping on her riding boots. Liv smiled at her enthusiasm. She was still her little girl who saw wonder in everything. Despite all that she has had to go through she remained her sweet Bellie Boo. Even as she grew older the essence of she always was remained.
Instead of untacking both their horses they both hopped on Constitution, Olivia's horse. Fitz had let them pick the names for each of their own Horses and they all chuckled at Olivia's choice of name. With Bellie at front, Liv sat behind her arms wrapped around her daughter. Constitution kept a slow pace knowing that it wasn't a normal ride where they raced or jumped fences. They rode around the large property they lived in. Though it wasn't anywhere near the size of the ranch in California it was rather large.
"So how do you feel after opening night?" Liv asked as they rode in semi silence.
"Good. I was nervous at first. Scared I'd forget or blow my lines but everyone was always ready to prompt if I needed it and that itself made it easier to just deliver the lines. That and Daddy was in the front row mouthing my lines."
"He was?" She asked surprised. She was so engrossed in watching Bellie that she had blocked everything else around her.
"Well I suppose if there was anyone who knew your lines better than you it would be your Dad. Ithink he's read through that play almost as much you have." Bellie laughed knowing it was true. He truly made a great thespian father. As Bellie began to tell her about the latest Olivia realised how much she was missing and vowed to miss no more.
"Gerry asked if I wanted to come for a weekend during my holidays. He'll be working a lot finishing up at their office to move here and he doesn't want to leave Amy on her own very much."
"I know you love going there. I know you have loads of fun with your brother and Amy. If you want to go you can sweetheart, but I do miss you when you're not here."
"I miss you too Mom."
They watched the sun come up from the highest point of their property. As mother a d daughter sat there in silence it was as though their bond had been repaired. Bellie leaned into Liv's embrace, back to Liv's chest savouring the moment they would would pass only too soon.
"I love you sweetheart. To the moon and back. Always always."
By the time they got back and had cooled and brushed Constitution down, the rest of their family were sitting down to breakfast. With Gerry, Amy and Karen home Fitz had risen early to cook their favourite breakfast. He knew that Liv was unsettled about Bellie so he wasn't surprised to a note on her pillow telling him where they would be. By the look of peace on her face he knew their morning together had helped. Bellie had given her Dad a brief hug before Gerry had affectionately draped an arm over her shoulder,
"You two smell like horsey..." he teased giving Liv a kiss on the cheek as she passed him. Bellie in prime position took the opportunity to lightly elbow her brother on his stomach.
"Ow kid." He feigned wounded.
"You deserved it." She quipped before sitting between Karen and Amy while Fitz placed a plate of waffles and bacon in front of jer with a bpwl of fruit.
"Thank you." She said pulling at his sleeve till he was bent low enoigh to kiss his cheek.
"You're welcome cupcake. What are everyone's plans for today?" As if on queue they all began speaking at the same time. Yet everyone heard and understood each other which was always funny to watch. Olivia slipped her arns around Fitz waist and gave him a content smile. Fitz nodded knowingly dropping his lips on her head as he returned her hug.