Fitz's gaze met Olivia's and the smile he gave her sent a flash of pure understanding between them. He'd known that she'd worried about him and his smile - warm and strong - was his answer. Every thing was more than all right because no matter what, they were here, together.

For Olivia, his smile made everything about the next little while that much more special; everything that came after, everything he said and did was focused on one thing - her.

Even so, she let her concern show the first opportunity she got to exchange a few private words with him. "Is every thing okay? How did things go with -"

"How could it be anything else?" Fitz refused to let her finish. Instead he gave her another smile, one with a spark of mischief in it as he turned his attention to their god-daughter. "It's a beautiful day and I'm getting to spend it with a collection of beautiful women."

Fitz turned his attention back to the beautiful little woman currently in his arms and blew bubbles against her cheek with his lips again, earning him a laugh and a kiss back.

Olivia took the hint and gave into it; together, they managed to leave the troublesome parts of the day behind them, instead concentrating on enjoying this wonderful little interlude, this rare occasion where they could enjoy one another's company in public, surrounded by people they enjoyed and - as long as they were careful - be themselves at the same time. After all, who could find fault with two god-parents spending time with their beautiful god-daughter?

Other people happened by and many conversations came with them. Thankfully - and as the day deserved - they stayed purposefully light-hearted and as politically free as one could expect on White House grounds. Everyone seemed determined to treat this holiday as a holiday, with Fitz leading the way.

Of course, everyone wanted a picture with the president and Fitz tried to oblige as many people as he could. That kept the groups surrounding them constantly shifting and changing, grouping and re-grouping into several small gatherings. It made things easier for Olivia and Fitz as they moved through the small crowd of people side by side. Together they chatted and mingled and joined into more than a few photos, and each and every time they came together Olivia found Fitz using the opportunities to stand as close as he could. She couldn't help the smile that blossomed both inside and out as the warmth of their connection wrapped itself around her. The warmth of the November day was nothing next to that and she found herself thinking that Fitz was right - how could anything trouble them on a day like this?

Olivia swore that Fitz stayed close enough on purpose so that she couldn't help but remain all too aware of his body so close to hers. There was something in his eyes when he looked at her that underscored his intent, and whenever they paused to pose together for pictures, he was close enough so that she half-imagined that she could catch the scent of him, rich and subtle and oh so very masculine and even better, oh so very Fitz and whatever it was, be it her imagination or her reality, it filled her senses and her heart and sent them spiraling upwards in the best way.

Every time that their eyes met, his were full of laughter and happiness, but deep down, there was a flicker, a smolder of desire, waiting for a spark. And he made it clear that any spark would do.

"Is that a new color of lipstick you're wearing?" he murmured as Olivia was taking Ella from him so that she and Ella could take a picture alone - at his request. It would give him the perfect image to sit on his desk - and one no one with any sense could object to. His gaze was turned towards everyone else, but the smile that teased at his lips was aimed at her. "I meant to point out earlier that I'm finding it very kissable."

All of this was being said as he was helping Olivia sit herself down on one of the colorful blankets being used for a camera prop setting

His words sent an answering wave of heat flooding through her and her answer was in the sparkle of her smile. That same sparkle would be reflected in the photo delivered to Fitz a few days later, giving him one of his favorite photos to display in the Oval.

"Behave yourself, Mr. President." She said to him quietly.

"I am behaving myself." Fitz said. "But you know what you do to me when you call me that, or do you need reminding?"

No, she definitely did not need reminding; Olivia's body remembered for her all too well sending a second wash of warmth through her.

"I can see that you do." Fitz allowed himself a soft and gentle smirk. He stepped back before she could answer and gestured to the photographer to take his shots.

When he was done and was on to the next group waiting, Fitz was instantly by her side, reaching out a hand to help Olivia back to her feet. The brief hand to hand pleased them both, underscored by Ella giggling to see their smiles.

"Karen has Teddy right now and there's a story there to tell you about later, but the point is that he's going to be so glad to see Ella." Fitz said.

Teddy and Ella have adored each other since they first met, so of course Olivia agreed. "They do make the cutest couple."

"Just like another two I know." Fitz gave her a look, leaving Olivia no doubt as to who he was referring to. "Of course, that's probably because he's following after his father. We Grant men have a type - as well as excellent taste."

"Oh, really?" Olivia said, playing along as if she didn't know what Fitz was talking about. "Teddy has a type? Isn't he a little young for that?"

Fitz shrugged. "Maybe it really is just a matter of good taste - again, just like his father. I did point out that I was enjoying the idea of spending time with so many beautiful women, didn't I? Maybe I should amend that to beautiful and intelligent women."

His voice dropped. "In fact, there's one in particular that I can't seem to keep my eyes off of."

"Well, I can't argue with you there." Olivia never thinks about her looks overmuch. She knows that men find her attractive and over the years it's been a useful tool - a weapon at times, to be used sparingly but with usually successful results - but in Fitz's eyes, she has finally come to know that yes, she is beautiful.

"Can't or won't?" Fitz teased.

"Does it matter?"

"Not in the least." He said.

That fact that he sees her as beautiful is in her eyes even as she tilts her face up at him, letting herself get a little lost in his gaze before she answers him. "I won't even let myself be jealous that one of those beautiful women has spent more time in your arms than I have today."

She looked at Ella pointedly. "Luckily, I'm a patient - and forgiving - woman."

"Glad to hear it." Fitz bent close, the look in her eyes drawing him in. "Especially since I have better things in mind to do with that pretty little mouth than argue with it. Lucky me."

His voice dropped and Fitz all but breathed those last two words; Olivia could barely hear them, but just the whisper of his voice was enough to ignite another slow burn deep inside her, one that threatened to ignore everyone and every thing going on all around them. They were supposed to be being careful. "You are bad."

"No, I'm not. In fact, I'm so bad, I'm good. So good that I promise to make up for any and all lack of attention before the day is done."

Just then, James swooped in to reclaim his daughter; they laugh and joke together for a few minutes - with Olivia all too aware of Fitz's warm gaze remaining on her more than anywhere else - before James takes off, leaving Olivia and Fitz a few seconds to themselves before the world rushed back in to claim them both.

Olivia looked up at him, her face flushed and warm, her blood rushing though her veins. "You are terrible and you should be ashamed of yourself."

"But I'm not." Which from the gleam in his eye was obviously true, but he was thoroughly unrepentant.

"But you should be." That was probably just as true, but at the same time, Olivia found a part of herself almost not caring. With difficulty, she dragged her senses back from the brink, because all she wanted to do right now was feel Fitz wrap his arms around her and kiss her senseless.

"I'm glad this is happening." She gestured with one hand, changing the subject before she says something that will lead them both further into temptation. "The fresh air, the sunshine, the company - all of this is just what you needed. I love it when a plan comes together."

"You - as always - are just what I needed. " Fitz was happy to disagree. "All of this is nothing without your being here."

"I wouldn't go that far." Olivia said. But she would be lying if she didn't admit that she was glad that he did.

His voice went all low and husky on her. "You'd be surprised at just how far I would go."

"Would I?" She couldn't help herself, and the thoughts that followed sent a fresh blossoming of heat straight through her core.

Fitz laughed. "Oh, Ms. Pope, be careful of what you wish for."

Before she could find an answer to that particular provocation, Karen came into view, along with both of her brothers. Olivia watched Fitz's face light up at their appearance and her heart filled with the sight of his happiness. His family; this was what Fitz needed more than anything else and she was beyond happy to see him get what he not only wanted and needed, but what he deserved.

Olivia would have pulled away, to give him the family time that he deserved - except Fitz reached out, laid one large hand on her shoulder. "Don't go." He said, so quietly that no one else heard him. "Not yet."

The sincerity and pure feeling in his voice kept her close for a little while longer.

More picture taking followed; Olivia was a little more circumspect with Fitz's children present. But Karen had nothing but smiles for her and she was glad for Fitz's sake that even Gerry unbent enough to smile and crack a joke or two. Little Teddy was the happiest of all, to have his family all around him, and having Ella for him was the cherry on top.

Eventually, Olivia drew back from the happy family group and retreated to one side. She watched Fitz and his children with a gentle smile, happy for them all.

Unnoticed by all, her smile faded a little, as unbidden, shadowed memories made their presence known along the edges of her mind and she was suddenly, unwillingly reminded of her own past, to the time when her mother had died. Something between her and her father had died too and the hope for memories like these had died as well.

It was hard to think of her father and memories; Olivia had schooled herself long ago to never open that closed and shuttered door in her mind and now she scolded herself for it. She shook her head slightly, refusing to relive those memories - or more truthfully, the lack of them. Today had been one more example of how they were all making new memories and that was the thought that she would choose to cling to.

Olivia hadn't noticed, but there had been one person who had noticed the brief shift in her expression and the tiny shake of her head.

As quick as it came and went, no one else could have read her expression except Abby. Unconsciously, she mimicked her friend's head-shake and sighed. Olivia had looked so happy only moments ago; they'd known each other long enough that Abby knew how much Olivia tended to live in her head, so now she couldn't help but wonder what clouds had popped up on Olivia's mental horizon.

She also had known Olivia long enough to know better than to ask her outright - but maybe she could offer a little diversion from whatever was in her head.

Abby put a deliberate smile on her face as she walked over to Olivia. "I love it when a plan comes together."

"I agree." Olivia said. And because she has just said the same thing to Fitz, she laughed out loud, drawing a look from Abby.

She flicked a glance in Abby's direction; Olivia was no fool and she read her friend's too casual glance for the quick study that it was. She wondered what was on Abby's mind as she turned her gaze back to Fitz. He was holding Teddy in one arm and Ella in the other, taking turns at making them laugh, the sound music in the air. "Are you referring to anything in particular?"

"Not really." Abby said. "Every thing seems to be going according to plan and the things that haven't have been handled, Am I right?"

"Yes, you are." Olivia said. Whatever Abby had been thinking, she'd said the right thing, whether she knew it or not. She and Fitz had handled Sally and her attempt at a political ambush for one thing, and watching Fitz with his children put everything into its proper perspective. Seeing him with Gerry in particular - watching the two of them as Fitz coaxed a laugh from his oldest son left him almost glowing with pride and joy. Fitz making headway with his oldest son made it easy for Olivia's own thoughts to turn in more joyful directions.

They were all making new memories and maybe - just maybe - she could do the same. Maybe - just maybe -she could let her own painful memories fade away, like those pictures that had never happened - except in her mind so very long ago - and with their fading, lose their power to hurt her once and for all.

The happiness she saw pouring out of Fitz in this moment gave her hope - she thought she might even start looking forward to making new ones of their own…

She was barely aware that in that moment, another wall in her mind began to crumble away.

"Be careful." Abby's voice broke into her thoughts.

"Of?…" Olivia turned her attention back to her friend and was happy to see that the smile on her face was one hundred percent genuine. Whatever Abby had been thinking, she'd put it aside.

Now, Abby's happiness was open and free. "Of being happy." She said.

"Of course, I'm happy, Abby - who wouldn't be on a day like today?" Olivia said.

"There's happy - and then there's happy." Abby's eyes left Olivia's face, going deliberately to Fitz and back again. Her smile widened in approval. "And right now, you're absolutely glowing with it."

Olivia didn't bother to deny it - and in her current mood, why should she? New memories, she reminded herself. "Funny how I've heard that before."

"It looks good on you." Abby said.

"I've heard that before too."

"From who? Harrison?" Abby said, guessing correctly. She made an inelegant noise. "I'm surprised - men are usually so obtuse."

Olivia's gaze went without thinking to Fitz. "Not all men."

"We're issuing unofficial disclaimers now?" Abby arched one slender eyebrow and laughed. "Oh, girl, you're gone."

"Happily." Olivia said with a laugh of her own.

"So, it's like that, now - is it?"

"I think that it's getting there." Olivia surprised them both with the admission. She nodded, acknowledging her own words and how easy they had come to her. Is this what love and happiness did to you? "No, it's there - and it's getting better every day."

"I think it must be something going around." Abby said.

"Oh?" It was Olivia's turn to raise an eyebrow. "Abigail, is there something - or someone - you haven't told me about?"

"Me? No!" After all that it had put her through, romance was the last thing on Abby's mind. What she and David had at the moment was…complicated - but love had nothing to do with it. Honestly, she didn't know if they had anything that anyone could put a name to - besides really good sex. That was the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth as far as she was concerned.

The idea of love made her all prickly inside and it made Abby uncomfortable enough so that she was quick to change the subject. "I was referring to our Harrison - or haven't you noticed that he's been playing hooky on and off from his duties all day? And pussibly more important - with whom?"

"I noticed. And it's not precisely hooky…" Olivia said, recalling her own conversations with Harrison concerning Shireen, and thinking about her own theories about what was happening with the friendship that had developed between her associate and their former client, she couldn't help the smile that twitched at her lips.

Seeing her expression, Abby pounced on what Olivia hadn't said. "You know something - spill it!"

"You know Shireen's history as much of the rest of us do. Now that all of the bombshells have dropped, Harrison has just been a much needed friend." Olivia would remember those words and how wrong they would turn out to be. But in the moment, standing in the sunshine on this crisp autumn day, she believed it to be true.

"Have they?" Unaware of the future, Abby wasn't buying it for no good reason except her gut was telling her otherwise. "Come on, you can do better than that, can't you?"

Olivia laughed. "I am not discussing Harrison's love life - or lack of one - with you."

"So you're choosing to neither confirm or deny?" Abby's answering grin held a hint of wickedness in it. "Fine. You leave me no choice, then."

"No choice in what?"

"I'll have to conduct my own investigation into the matter - and proceed accordingly."

"And just what is that supposed to mean?" Olivia wondered at the sudden gleam in Abby's eyes. Whatever she was planning, she was enjoying it. That could be good or bad, Olivia knew.

Abby shrugged. "I'm just thinking that maybe a little friendly intervention might be in order."

"Define friendly." Olivia said.

Abby's gaze was the soul of innocence. "What? Men can be so obtuse sometimes. I'm just offering my skills as a highly trained negotiator."

"Harrison doesn't need a negotiator." Olivia pointed out.

"Harrison is a man - meaning that he may not know what he needs." Abby countered. "That's something that I think I need to determine for myself - since you're not being at all helpful in the matter."

"He doesn't need help." Olivia tried to point that out too. Not that it mattered.

"Irrelevant." Abby went on as though Olivia hadn't spoken. "Not that I blame you for not being helpful, of course - you've been otherwise occupied - and we should all be so otherwise occupied." She flashed her friend a brilliant, knowing smile.

Olivia couldn't help but laugh at the expression on her friend's face, even as she shook her head. "Abby…"

There was a world of caution in her voice, one that Abby was obviously going to continue to cheerfully ignore.

"What? Am I not a highly trained investigator?"

"Sounds like you're more interested in being a instigator." Olivia said.

"Whatever works." Abby gave her another unrepentant grin. "It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it."

She was only telling the truth; after all, she owed Harrison a little intervention as far as his love life was concerned, didn't she? Payback could be a bitch sometimes - and today, Abby decided, she was a red-head.