"You look so beautiful, baby girl," Maya said as she stood behind Olivia with a proud look on her face.

"Thank you, mommy." Olivia smiled as she glanced at her mother through the full length mirror.

Today was her big day. After being engaged for five months, Olivia was finally tying the knot with the man she loved more than anything (aside from their children). She felt a calmness over her toady as she, her mother, her best friend and sisters stood in the dressing room getting her ready. She knew she was marrying the right man, and so she had no reason to be nervous at all. She was only excited and could not wait to meet her baby daddy at the alter.

"Olivia, you look beautiful, girl. I'm gonna go give Fitz his gift," Whitney said, looking at her dearest friend with a smile and holding up the gift that Olivia had put a lot thought in to. Olivia grinned, nodding her head. "Thank you, bestie! You think he's going to like it?"

"Chile, he is going to love it!" Whitney winked, walking out of the door.

"Yass, Livia! You are looking so snatched," Tamia said as she smiled at her big sister. Olivia had worked so hard to get her body in shape after having Willow and as she stood in her self-designed wedding dress, she couldn't feel more accomplished. She looked great.

"You do look beautiful, Lib!" Clara gushed. Grace nodded, agreeing with the compliment. "Very. You are like a goddess, sis."

"Thank you! I love you guys so much. I have the world's best sisters ever," Olivia said as she looked at her four younger sisters. They meant the world to her, and she loved how they knew exactly how to hype her up.

Alice smirked. "Big sis is about to her back cracked tonight!"

"And you know she here for it," Tamia said, giving Alice a hi-five as they all laughed. Olivia blushed and shook her head. She knew they weren't wrong, so she didn't even try to deny it.

"Alright girls, calm down. We are in a church. How about you girls go out there and let them know that Livie will be out in a minute," Maya said to her daughters and they followed their mother's instructions.

Now with Olivia and Maya alone in the room, Maya kept her eyes trained on her child– the one that had made her a mother. She couldn't be more proud of the woman her daughter had grown up to be. She didn't always agree with some of the choices she made, but she was going to be by her side, always.

"Olivia? Honey, look at me," Maya said. Once Olivia turned away from the mirror, she looked at her mother and said, "Yes, mommy?"

Maya grabbed her daughter's hands in hers. "Can you believe today is your wedding day, baby? One of the most special days of your life." Maya grinned. "Today you will walk down the aisle, radiating beauty, leaning on your father's arm to meet the man you will take as the chosen love of your life. Today, this man, whom we all prayed for will take you as his wife, for better or worse. This life-altering day has been prayed for. We didn't know who we prayed for, but God did, and he had Fitzgerald in mind just for you. I want you to be patient with each other, love each other, and stay true to each other, and I promise no mountain will be too high to climb. Finding love means finding your other half. I'm so happy for both of you. You've been through so much, but thank God that you never gave up. You make me so proud, Olivia Carolyn."

Olivia pulled her hand out of her mother's and dapped the corner of her eyes with a kleenex. Her mother's words had moved her to tears. She was so grateful for the woman standing before her. "Thank you for always being in my corner, mommy. I love you so much, and the woman that I am today- the credit goes to you. I've seen you at your highest and lowest and you've never given up. That's what motivates me to keep going- to keep thriving- because if my mama can do it then so can I. You are the perfect picture of resilience and strength, mom. You are my true inspiration and I am so grateful to have you."

Maya smiled and shook her head. She had never been an emotional woman or a crier, ever. But in this moment, she knew if she didn't pivot and change the subject soon, her emotions would certainly take over. "Nu-uh. Don't you ruin that beautiful makeup with those tears and I'm certainly not ruining mine." She laughed. "I'm going to go grabbed your big head father, then take my seat. I'll see you standing at the altar, baby," Maya said, kissing her daughter's cheek. "I love you."

Olivia laughed and shook her head, just like her mother had done. She had a gut feeling that her mother still wanted to be with her dad but she would never voice that opinion aloud, or especially to her mother's face. Whatever those two have going on, it's their business. "I'll see you out there. I love you too, ma."

Maya walked out, leaving Olivia alone for a few minutes. She turned back to the mirror and flattened out her dress with a huff. Then, she smiled at her reflection. She couldn't believe that this day had finally come. The planning was done so smoothly. Everything she wanted, everything she dreamed of, Fitz said she could have. Olivia's mother, Miss Barbara and her had bumped heads a few times when the two older women tried telling her how to orchestrate her own wedding, but Olivia immediately shut them down with Fitz at her side. They were a real team, and now it was time for her to become Mrs. Fitzgerald Grant.

While still alone in the room, Olivia took a moment to open the gifts Fitz had given her. When the wrapping paper was removed and she inspected the gifts, she let out a loud laugh once she realized they had gotten each other similar gifts.

I really thought I had did something, Olivia thought with a smile.

She examined the custom pink roman diamond rolex with a smile before moving on to the next gift, then she blushed and shook her head. Lord, forgive me and my husband, she said looking up towards the heavens before quickly putting away the naughty gift. She was not trying to get struck down by lightning on her wedding day.

Eli finally knocked on the door bringing her out of her thoughts and when she opened the door to let him in, Eli couldn't contain his wide smile. "It's a lot of people out there, kid. But if you want to make a run for it, I'll help you."

Olivia laughed out loud, shaking her head. "No, daddy. There's no running from this one. Hey! You should've given me that choice with Jake!"

Eli chuckled. "Well, I only asked you this time because I know you wouldn't ran. The love you two have for each other, it is very evident, kid." He kissed his daughter's cheek and Olivia quickly blinked her eyes, pushing away another round of tears. "You look beautiful and I am very proud of you. I love you, baby."

"I love you too, daddy. Thank you so much." Olivia looped arms with her father's and he began to walk her out of the changing room.

"Now, let's go get you married, kid." Eli smiled.

The church was packed wall to wall with family and friends, all excited to witness the joining of Olivia Pope and Fitzgerald Grant the third. The guest all sat and quietly talked amongst each other, waiting for Olivia's grand entrance.

Olivia's bridesmaids were her sisters and her favorite cousin, and the maid of honor was Whitney. The ladies were draped in beautiful, sheath satin off-the-shoulders emerald green dresses with flawlessly done makeup and their hair was styled into a long, slick, low ponytail that allowed for the beautiful, customized jewelry that adorn their necks and ears to show.

The ladies were already lined up at the front of the church, looking radiant and ready to celebrate this long awaited union.

X

Fitz usually wasn't the type to get nervous, but as he stood with the wedding party at the front of the church, waiting for his bride, his stomach was beginning to do summersaults. When he looked out at the crowd of people, what he saw was so many familiar faces and although he was nervous, he couldn't wait to properly make Olivia his in front of all of them to see.

Fitz looked down at his emerald green suit then he looked down the line of his groomsmen, which were his four sons and his brother, Benjamin. His best man was Harrison. They were all looking damn good in their emerald green vest and brown suits.

The colors and decor, it all had come together so beautifully. The exact way Olivia had envisioned it. She had a real eye for fashion and decor, and Fitz was glad. The wedding planner had really outdone herself and brought his and Olivia's dream wedding to life.

Now, he just couldn't wait to see her.

His future wife.

His forever.

X

The lyrics of 'Why I Love You' that was being beautifully sung by MAJOR, an industry friend began to flow through the speakers, signaling that it was Olivia's time to walk in.

The crowd of people stood and faced the door as Braxton, Olivia's nephew came in as the ring bearer. Once he went and stood with the groomsmen, little Katie and Brooke came in as the flower girls making the crowd gush.

At last, Olivia walked through the entrance, arm looped with her father's. The crowd gasped at the sight of her, she was the most beautiful bride anyone had ever seen.

Her white customized beaded wedding dress was absolutely mesmerizing and fitted her body perfectly, enhancing the areas that needed to be and making her the perfect bride. The dress was a spaghetti strap, v-neck sheath styled dress with a high slit that showed a beautiful, brown leg with every step she took.

Olivia's makeup was done flawlessly and there wasn't a hair out of place on her head as she wore it straight back with a part down the midde— she looked absolutely like perfect.

Like an angel straight from heaven.

Once father and daughter reached the front of the church, Eli placed his baby girl's hands into Fitz's. "Take care of my little girl, Fitz," he said. Fitz nodded, then Eli kissed Olivia's cheek and went to his seat. Olivia flickered her eyes to the most beautiful man and he looked back at her with some intensity. Now with the couple's eyes locked on each other, everyone else around them seemed to disappear. As Fitz took his time admiring her, he saw how Olivia's eyes were shining with happiness, love and excitement. As he stared back into them, he seemed to lose his composure of holding back his tears of joy. "Olivia...God, baby...You look beautiful." He whispered as the tears started to fall. Her beauty had become overwhelming and not only that, Fitz couldn't believe that this day had finally come. After all they'd been through. The gut-wrenching heartbreaks. The trials and tribulations. It had not all been for nothing. And after today, they would spend forever together, and Fitz, he couldn't wait.

"Baby..." Olivia whispered as her voice cracked, she could no longer hold back her own tears. Seeing Fitz cry had moved her in an unexplainable way.

And now, there wasn't a dry eye in the audience. Barbara (holding Willow) and Maya were weeping the most from the front row and Eli Pope took the opportunity to take hold of his ex-wife, holding her in his arms.

"Who gives this woman away?" The bishop asked, searching the crowd.

Maya and Eli glanced at each other then they looked at the bishop with a smile and in unison they said, "We do."

X

After their beautiful, heartfelt vows were exchanged, rings were placed on the proper fingers and they shared their first kiss as husband and wife, Fitz and Olivia turned to face all their family and friends who cheered loudly for them.

"Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald Grant, everybody!" The bishop proclaimed as the cheering continued.

Fitz had wanted him and Olivia to jump the broom since Jake hadn't allowed her to do any African American traditions at their wedding, but Olivia had to gently let Fitz know that she wouldn't practice that tradition with him either.

Jumping the broom was something enslaved Africans did because they could not legally marry, so as a way to show their union, they jumped a broom. Olivia let him know that jumping the broom as an interracial couple was disrespectful to her ancestors and their interracial marriage would only work if they respected each other's cultural history. "It'll be better for us to create our own tradition as a new couple and family. Thank you for wanting to jump the broom with me, but I just wouldn't feel comfortable with doing it." Olivia had said. Fitz immediately saw things from Olivia's perspective and he was more than happy to respect the history and come up with an idea just for them. That had made Olivia fall in love with him so much more. He was just so damn perfect and so understanding.

Olivia and Fitz both had the biggest and brightest smiles on their faces as they raced down the aisle hand and hand to Natalie Cole's 'This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)'.

Besides the day their children had been born, today was the best day of their lives.

"I love you, Mrs. Grant," Fitz said. He wrapped an arm around Olivia and pulled her against him once they made it outside to their awaiting white limo that had "Olitz Just Hitched" written on the back.

Olivia had been grinning so hard that her cheeks literally burned, but she certainly couldn't hold back her smile after being called by her new last name.

"I love you too, Mr. Grant," she replied, holding his face and pecking his lips softly. Before letting go her, Fitz dipped her backwards and deepened the soft peck she'd given him into something much more heated, making his beautiful bride squeal in delight.

X

After all the professional photos were taken with the wedding party and the guest began arriving at the reception, they served dinner and allowed everyone to eat, chat and congratulate them on their union.

After a while it was time for speeches from the wedding party.

Whitney stood and grabbed the mic first, "Well, first off, congratulations to the bride and groom! Olivia, my best friend since elementary, over the years I've witnessed you kiss a few frogs, but today, I watched you marry your true prince. I am so happy that you never gave up on love. You and Fitz, you guys are the cutest couple ever and I am so glad that I was able to be apart of this beautiful, magical moment. The love you two share is a beautiful one and I wish you guys nothing but happiness and an abundance of that special love to get you through the years. Marriage isn't easy, but it is completely worth it. Fitz, take care of my girl. I love you both so much!"

Olivia stood and hugged her. "Thank you, Whitney. I love you so much, bestie."

Whitney passed the microphone to Tamia then took her seat as Tamia stood, ready to deliver what was on her heart.

"Alright, so it's my turn? Well, since everyone knows how I am about Olivia, I'm not going to go on a long tangent about her. Love you though, sis! But to my new brother-in-law, Fitz, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for coming back in my sister's life and bringing her the happiness and the love that she's always deserved. I've never seen a woman smile so big while talking about her man, but that's Livia all the way when it comes to you. She becomes like this teenage girl around you, just giggly with this radiant glow about her. I could go on and on about how I admire y'all's relationship. You're so protective and loving towards my sister and I hope that never ends. I wish you guys nothing but peace, love, happiness and a lot of good sex! My apologies to the Pastor and First Lady, and children."

Everyone laughed as Olivia wiped away happy her tears. Fitz and Tamia hugged, then Harrison and Ben stood up to say a few words to their brother.

"Ben, keep it clean, buddy. This my wife now." Fitz warned half-jokingly as he draped an arm over Olivia's chair.

"Look. You guys see how he does me, right," Ben asked the crowd with a chuckle before turning back to his brother. "Well, I just want to say that I'm extremely proud of you brother. For you have married the woman of every mans dreams. And Liv, I won't say welcome to the family because you've always been family, but what I will say is, if my big brother doesn't treat you right, you know I have a shoulder just for you. We love you guys, and please stay married! Fitzgerald, I'm not doing any more goddamn wedding speeches for you, so this...this better be your third and last one!"

The crowd erupted in laughter as Olivia and Fitz shook their heads at his crazy brother. "Ben, we love you too, and I am definitely the last one," Olivia said matter-of-factly as she looked over at Fitz who grinned and nodded his head in agreement. "Absolutely, baby."

Harrison stood up, grabbing the mic and clearing his throat from laughing so hard. "Ben, you are a fool, man," he said before turning his attention to Olivia and Fitz. "But I just have one thing to correct that my wife said, y'all are the second cutest couple. Baby, you know we're in first place," he joked, making everyone laugh. "I'm joking, but as many of you know, Fitz was actually the one that introduced me to my future wife and what would be his future wife as well. Before I had the pleasure of meeting Olivia, Fitz would just go on and on about her. He'd say, 'Har, there's this girl, I've got to get her. I've got to get her' and once I met Olivia for myself, I understood why. So, Fitz, Liv, I wish you guys nothing but the best, and Fitz, you finally got the girl, now hold onto her and never let her go because there's nothing like having a black woman by your side."

Fitz nodded, then he stood and hugged his dearest friend and thanked him for such encouraging words. "I appreciate that, Harrison. Thank you for reminding me of that, bro. I won't ever let her go. She's my entire heart," he said glancing at Olivia, who smiled back up at him with a loving gaze.

Yeah, she was his world.

X

After all the encouraging remarks were made, Olivia and Fitz walked to the dance floor for their first dance. They smiled lovingly at each other while sharing soft kisses and slowly swaying to 'Spend My Life With You'. Once their dance came to an end, Olivia danced with her father. "Olivia, you've made me one proud dad. I know Fitzgerald is a good man, but if he ever hurt you, you call me and I'll handle him." Olivia laughed. Somethings were obviously never going to change when it came to her daddy. Eli Pope has always been protective of his girls. "I know, dad. You'll be the first one on my list to call." She smiled. Eli chuckled. They both knew that she was in good hands and neither one of them were worried. Olivia had chosen good.

Lastly, Fitz and his mother danced. "I know your father is smiling down on you today, peanut. You've made us both so proud."

Hearing those words stirred something deep within Fitz. His father, Gerry Grant passed away when Fitz was eighteen years old. Gerry was a tough military man and he had been an even tougher father. Though they didn't have the best relationship, Fitz did love him and he knew his father loved him too. "Thank you, mom." Fitz choked. "I felt his presence today when I was getting ready with the boys. One of the gifts Olivia had given me was a painting of the boys and I…with dad standing next to me."

"That girl..." Barbara said lovingly with tears welled up in her eyes. "She is something special. You take good care of her, Fitzgerald."

"Have no doubt."

Olivia and Fitz eventually moved on to cutting their wedding cake, and of course, Fitz smashed some of it on her face as the cameras flashed, capturing the beautiful and hilarious moment.

"Fitzgerald! Why would you do that? You're gonna ruin my makeup, baby." Olivia pouted as her best friend helped clean her face.

"I just couldn't resist, baby." Fitz chuckled. "The white icing is just the beginning of the white substance that'll be on your face tonight."

Olivia gasped as her face flushed. "Fitzgerald!" She laughed, pushing him away from her ear. Fitz cackled as he thrusted his hips at her. "Mhm. Get ready!" He warned as he walked away. Clearly her man has had too much to drink.

As Whitney cleaned her face, Olivia felt a tug at her wedding dress and she glanced down. "Mommy, I want cake." Katie begged making Whitney giggle. Oh, the joys of motherhood.

"Kat, go tell daddy," Olivia said and the little girl took off. Olivia never understood why her children always had to bypass their very capable father to come to her. She loved being wanted and needed by them, but Fitz had working arms and legs, too!

Once Whitney had her face cleaned, Olivia thanked her before turning to her son. "Asher, bring Willow over and tell your brothers to come over so we can take pictures!"

Asher went and did as he was told then he returned holding his baby sister. "Nolan doesn't want to come, mom. He said he doesn't want to take anymore pictures."

Olivia frowned as she look up at Fitz, who had made his way back to her, then she stalked off to go get their son. "Nolan, come on! Just a few more pictures, baby. I know you're tired of taking so many." Olivia smiled as she grabbed her son's hand and dragged him towards the rest of their family. "I'm tired, mom," he groaned, following behind his mother.

"What's wrong," Fitz asked Nolan, who said nothing in return. He clearly had an attitude about something. "You need to straighten up right now," he said sternly.

"Fitz, he's ok. It's been a long day for them, baby." Olivia said placing her hand on his chest and kissing his cheek.

Fitz hardly ever reprimand their children but Nolan's attitude was a bit uncalled for, especially on a day like today. Olivia looked up at Fitz with a smirk, she loved it when he would used his serious voice. Fitz in daddy mode was sexy as hell.

After the photographer snapped quite a few pictures of their family, Felix and the boys walked off with Nolan, trying see what was upsetting him.

Olivia held five month old, Willow on her hip as she looked up at husband. "Do you think he's ok, Fitz," she asked.

"I'm not sure, honey, but we'll handle it later. It's our time. Today is our special day," he said, kissing her lips before sucking on her bottom one.

Olivia moaned against his mouth, then she pulled away, laughing. "Babe, stop it. Lilo is right here. But you're right. Let me just tell mom that the kids are ready to go, then we can really get this party going," she said, moving her hips seductively.

Fitz eyed her up and down with a smirk. "Mhm, I like the sound of that, baby," he said, grabbing their daughter from her arms.

He took her out to the dance floor and a few seconds later they were joined by Katie. Fitz held both of his daughters in his arms as the deejay played "My Girl" by The Temptations. Everyone gushed and cooed as they snapped pictures and recorded the beautiful moment of Fitz and his two girls.

"He is such a good father." Olivia gushed as she, Barbara and Maya watched Fitz from the sidelines.

"Mhmm." Both Barbara and Maya smiled.

"Whew! Makes me want to go make another one with him right now." Olivia laughed. Then, she quickly scurried away from her mother and mother-in-law's reach, they had both gasped and tried to spank her on her behind.

"I'm kiddingg!" Olivia laughed as her mother's pointed at her. They were laughing as well.

To be continued..