Chapter 12

Earlier in the day

When Liv had left for the few hours to get ready and Fitz was straightening up his place, his phone rang, which was uncommon when he was off work.

Looking at the display, he was surprised to see the Renaissance Ballroom calling. Their big children's gala was tomorrow night, and Fitz wasn't going. He had been snubbed two years ago by Randolph Barr, another millionaire who did children's charity.

The difference between Fitzgerald Grant and Randolph Barr was Fitz did most of his charity work anonymously, on the down low. He didn't look for much publicity. That wasn't true for Randolph. Everything Randolph did was for a photo shoot, something to get himself into the spotlight. Simply put, Randolph Barr was a narcissistic, insulting, and difficult man. He was one who couldn't hold on to commitment.

Fitz felt bad for the charities and children who were supposed to benefit from the gala. He knew a family personally, the McAndrew's. Their son Spence was 9 years old, and he had come to Fitz's office shadowing Fitz last year. Spence was diagnosed with lymphoma and had made a bucket list.

One thing on the bucket list was to be boss of a big company for a day, a request Fitz was more than happy to let Spence live out. It was a remarkable day and the smile in Spence's face never left. Fitz wanted no part in the media coverage, and let Spence take over any news that the request made.

Spence's mother had pulled Fitz aside explaining how the gala had turned into nothing but a money-making scheme for Randolph's benefit. Some of the charities he was supposed to donate to were going to file an audit so his profits could be checked and verified.

Anyhow, the phone buzzed, and Fitz picked up. "This is Fitzgerald Grant."

"Mr. Grant, good morning, this is Alfred Reynolds, general manager of the Renaissance Plaza. I was wondering if you can help in a tight situation."

"Mr. Reynolds, do you remember our last conversation?"

"Yes, sir, and I want to apologize."

"You want to apologize? Why, because you need something now?"

Alfred cleared his throat. "Well, yes, but look we are in a bind. I wouldn't have called but Kaylen McAndrews asked me to reach out to you."

Fitz grew silent. He sat down now, hoping nothing had happened to Spence. "Go on, I'm listening."

"Randolph pulled out of the gala earlier this morning. Everything was set in place, and now, well now there's nothing, no funding, no payment, and the children, the charities, are left scrambling. We may have to call the whole thing off."

"You can't call it off, it's tomorrow. I told you this would happen. When I wanted the gala, you remember what you said. You said sorry Mr. Grant, I'm going with Mr. Barr. He's someone I trust and have known for years."

"Yes, sir, I remember."

Fitz rubbed his face. This was for children, for families such as McAndrew's. He thought of Kaylen and Mitch and himself as a parent. He couldn't say no. "How much are we talking about?"

"Tickets have already been sold; the event is sold out. At 25,000 dollars ticket with 500 tickets sold, plus food, rental and entertainment, it's in the area of 2.5 million dollars. Of course, the ticket sales are to benefit the charities."

"Why did Randolph pull out?'

There was a long pause. "Sir, I think that's a subject you may want to take up with him."

Randolph was going to lose millions; it has been hot on the wire for weeks now. This was a chance for Fitz to step in and take over his competition. He thought of the gala for the charities, he thought what he would do if it was Noelle who needed the help, then he thought of Liv in another dress.

"Done, I'll make the transfer as soon as I hang up, and Alfred, this gala is mine for the next ten years at least."

"Thank you so much Mr. Grant, truly, thank you. Now about the menu and the entertainment."

"That's not mine to choose."

"Sir?"

"I want you to call Kaylen McAndrews. Speak to Spence. He is running the show. Whatever he wants for entertainment, to eat, the works, you go through him."

"Sir, he's nine years old."

"He'll do better than Randolph." Fitz hung up.

Marcus, Lauren, Tiffany, and Harrison would all be getting phone calls. They have a gala to attend tomorrow night. Now, he had to make sure Liv would have another perfect dress ready, as they made their way with Noelle to the Renaissance tomorrow night.

Fitz just loved being so filled with surprises. He looked at the blinking lights on the Christmas tree. Walking over to it, he looked at the ornament with Liv's name on it. Sliding his hands over the letters, he smiled thinking of the day he got it, the first day he met her and had already fallen in love with her.

"Ah Livvie, another night with you, but this time, we'll be a little family." He smiled thinking how this would be one of the best surprises yet.

Present day

After a day long process of distributing and collecting toys throughout the city of New York, Liv, Fitz, and Noelle were finally on their way back to the condo building.

Daylight had long faded, and any snow they had seen that afternoon had gone away, dissolving into the streets and becoming puddles. Liv gave out a long yawn, as she watched all the storefront windows aglow with so many lights and decorations.

"Ovivia tired?" Noelle was looking at her yawn.

Liv shook her head. "I sure am, Noelle, you certainly had me work hard today, but it was all worth it."

"Presents." She agreed.

"Yes, presents, for so many children. You are bringing smiles to so many people."

"I like smiles." She smiled and looked out the window now. Liv had no idea how this little one was still awake.

Glancing over at Fitz, who was surprisingly quiet on the way back, she noticed he was texting. He had a serious look on his face, and she didn't want to interrupt him.

"Daddy." Noelle did it for her. "Your phone." Her face was in confusion. Her daddy very rarely ignored her for his phone.

Liv waited for his response, but he didn't seem to hear Noelle. "Fitz." Liv said, rubbing his arm. "Is everything ok."

Fitz looked up from the display. He put the phone by his side and looked at Liv. "Yeah, everything is fine, sorry I was distant."

"Daddy." Noelle said again. "Who's the phone?" Meaning who was on the phone.

"I was chatting with Spence, remember Spence?" He wasn't really chatting with him; he was texting Kaylen. Alfred was giving her a hard time about the menu Spence had chosen, so Alfred would be getting a phone call once Fitz was out of Noelle's ear shot.

Noelle shook her head. "He's nice." Then she wasn't so concerned anymore as they pulled up to the condo and Fabian was holding the door.

Noelle jumped out of the car seat after Liv had unbuckled her and took her hand. With her other hand she was holding a wrapped gift. Much like the night Liv first saw Noelle, Noelle stepped up to Fabian.

"Hello Little Miss Noelle." Fabian looked at Liv and Fitz. "Evening Ms. Pope, Mr. Grant."

Noelle held up the gift for Fabian to take. Since it was wrapped in Disney Princess wrap, he didn't think this one was for him. "What's this?", he asked surprised.

"For Ally." Noelle said smiling.

Ally was Fabian's 6 year old daughter and Noelle met her once or twice when he brought her to work. She stayed at home when Fabian was at work, with Fabian's mother, her grandmother. Ally's mother had left Fabian for another man and abandoned them, no word on where she was.

Taking the gift now from Noelle, Fabian couldn't help but get teary eyed. "Noelle, thank you so much. I am sure she will love it." Right now it was all he had for Ally, and was ashamed to ever admit it.

Noelle shook her head. She suddenly felt tired, too tired to walk anymore and she turned to Fitz raising her arms for him to hold her.

Fitz picked her up and she rested her head on his shoulder. Fabian looked at the gift one more time. He looked at the three of them now and opened the door. Just a few short weeks ago, they were strangers, now seeing them brought his heart to happiness.

"This means so much to me, Mr. Grant, I can't thank you enough."

"Of course, Fabian, I hope Ally likes it." Fitz said. Fitz knew Fabian didn't have much, relied on his job to get him by. Ally would have much more than one gift on Christmas.

Liv interlocked her arm with Fitz's as he held Noelle, and they walked in together. Fabian knew, being the doorman, no gossip got past him, he knew how lonely Olivia was. That's why it took her so long to get into the condo.

He also knew how much love Fitz had to give someone, a genuine heart of gold. There was no doubt in Fabian's mind that these two were meant to be, and it was all Noelle's doing that they met in the first place.

As the door closed and Fabian looked out into the night, he saw a lighted star on top of a Christmas tree in a storefront across the street. He remembered when Noelle pointed to the sky and said the blinking star was her mommy looking down at her. "Yes," he whispered, "a blinking star bringing you happiness little lady, just like you bring happiness to so many."

Liv was watching the mock fireplace glow in the dark room. The Christmas lights added a bit of color, but it couldn't overtake the glow of the pretend yule log going in rhythm to soft Christmas music playing in the back.

Sitting on the couch waiting for Fitz to put a sleeping Noelle into her bed, Olivia sat with her knees bent under her, leaning onto her hands as her elbows rested on the arm of the couch. She could feel herself drifting off to sleep, but would bob her head up again, wanting to stay up and talk to Fitz.

They hadn't done much talking today, all out and about collecting and delivering gifts. She was very curious who Spence was, and why she had to wear another elegant dress tomorrow.

She didn't mind at all. Being the editor of a fashion magazine, she wasn't running low on any kind of clothes, especially dresses, she would love a hint at the occasion.

She was seeing her silver beaded V-neck gown that she could wear. It was floating in clouds, and she was reaching for it. It seemed silly that her dress was floating, but it was. She looked at the arm sleeves of the dress. They were sheer with silver designs by the elbow and wrist. That's the one.

Liv didn't realize she was half in and half out of sleep. Feeling a sensation take over her lips, she stopped talking to her floating dress. Her eyes opened and she saw the gorgeous blue ones of the man she was in love with. He was giving her the softest kiss.

"Hi." He said. "Are you dreaming about me?"

"Mm," she answered in a groggy voice. "Always, but I'm dreaming about the dress I'll be wearing tomorrow night."

"Oh yeah? Will this match it?" He handed her a necklace box, black velvet and Liv looked at him.

"Fitz," she whispered, "No."

"No"? His head went back with a laugh. "You can't tell me no."

Her hand covered her mouth as she took the box from him. "I can tell you no, doesn't mean you'll listen."

Opening the box, she was blinded by a gorgeous, sparkling, 10 carat diamond white gold tennis necklace. "My God." She just had no other words, and Fitz had taken the necklace out before she could react.

He climbed slightly behind her and wrapped it around her neck. Her brown, silky skin made it shine more than it already was, and his lips went down to kiss her neck, because it just looked so beautiful resting on it.

"The only thing more beautiful than it being on you is you yourself."

"This will go perfectly with the dress, Fitz." She interlocked her hands resting on the back of his neck and gave him a kiss. "Thank you so much."

"You're welcome so much, I can't wait to be with you tomorrow night."

"Who is Spence?" She pulled her head back, not moving her hands.

Fitz shrugged. "He's a business partner. He's doing something for me tomorrow night and there's someone giving him a hard time." Fitz pulled out his phone, and Liv let go of him.

"Which reminds me." He held up his finger. "I just have to make…. Alfred, Fitzgerald Grant. Why are you giving Spence a hard time?"

"He's nine, Fitz, do you know what his menu consists of?"

"Pizza, chicken nuggets with bbq sauce, fries, milkshakes, and cupcakes?" Fitz saw Olivia make a weird face. It made him smirk.

"Yes, just about all of that and you're forgetting the ice cream and candy bar he is insisting on."

Fitz laughed as Liv palmed her necklace looking down at it. Fitz's other hand was on her thigh, rubbing it gently.

"Give him whatever he is asking for, otherwise, you can call someone else to fill the bind you're in. Good night, Alfred."

There was a long pause, Fitz thought he may have already hung up on him. "Good night, sir."

"I guess I'll just wait for the surprise after that conversation." Liv laughed. "Is that on the menu tomorrow with my very expensive dress and necklace?"

"You'll just have to wait and see." He kissed her cheek, dialing his phone one more time.

"Kaylen, hi, Fitz. Yeah, I spoke to Alfred, there shouldn't be any more problems. You know, just put something vegan on the menu and make sure the whole thing is nut free. Any more problems, you call me directly. Ok, yeah, looking forward to it. Tell Spence this is his show to run."

Liv was leaning on Fitz now, the back of her head against his shoulder as her legs were up on the couch. She interlocked her hand with his.

Fitz was watching the dancing lights of the mock fireplace now, listening to an instrumental version of white Christmas fill the air.

"Guilt runs high in me Livvie; I need you to understand that. So, everything I do, it's for a reason, to ease my guilt."

Her head turned and faced him. "Guilt for what?"

"After what happened to Jacqui, Noelle's mother, I never took another day for granted. Every day I wake up I am more grateful than the last. I mean had I not been so dumb, so drunk and horny, she wouldn't have gotten pregnant and…." He stopped his words and looked away.

"Fitz." Liv sat up now and faced him, legs crossed in front of her, pretzel style on the couch. "Hey, that's not on you, it could've been an accident at any time during the pregnancy, the important thing is Noelle survived, for a reason."

"Jay has told me this over again. She was all Jay had, and she's gone. It's a tough burden to live with and as thankful I am that Noelle is with us, here to grow up, I think of Jacqui and what her last thoughts may have been."

"I didn't know her Fitz, but if she knew it was her last thought, I'm sure it was that Noelle's father would take excellent care of the baby. This is not on you." She teared up a bit and pulled him over for a kiss.

"I know," he whispered. "Tomorrow night wasn't supposed to happen at all. I'll explain tomorrow, just know it fills my heart to be able to do it." He pulled her back into his chest, and they were both spent, exhausted from the day's events.

Resting so comfortably on his chest, and Fitz leaning his head on his other hand, they fell asleep to the blinking of the lights and the soft music comforting them. Fitz sitting up holding the woman he loves while she laid on the couch, both soundly sleeping, fully dressed.

They heard giggles and the squeaky voice filled the room. Daylight had taken over what once was darkness and blinking lights. "Ovivia", the giggling Noelle said. "Daddy." Her hand was covering her mouth now with a smile.

Sometime during their very peaceful sleep, they maneuvered themselves. Liv's back was against the back of the couch, lying vertical against it with her head on Fitz's chest. He was lying holding her close to him as Liv's arm was tightly around him interlocked now as one. They opened their eyes at the same time.

With his free arm, he wrapped Noelle up in it and scooped her to the side Liv wasn't on. She, too, rested her head on her daddy's chest. "Daddy." She gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Good morning. Ovivia slept over?"

"More like fell asleep. We were so tired. One minute we were talking, the next we were snoring." She gave a pat to Fitz's chest. "I'm going to head upstairs and get ready for tonight."

"I come?" Noelle asked. "I see your dress."

Liv looked at Noelle, then at Fitz who was sitting up now with Noelle in his lap. "Noelle" Fitz was at a loss. With so much to get through in a few hours, he figured he would throw on some movies and let Noelle just watch.

"If it's ok with you, Fitz, I'll take her. We can get ready together and have some girl time. I don't want to leave you alone, though."

Noelle jumped down from Fitz's lap not even waiting for her father to give the approval. He threw his hands in the air. "Well, yeah, I mean if you don't mind. I was going to let her wear her dress from the nurses, then take pictures."

"We can do that, what time do you want us ready?"

Noelle had run to her bedroom and grabbed the dress and UNI. Fitz stepped up to Liv rubbing her shoulders. "You sure about this?"

"Yeah, absolutely, get whatever you need to get done." She poked his nose and pecked him. She rubbed her necklace. "I still can't believe this Fitz; this is over the top."

"Oh, wait." He went to the shelf as Noelle was coming back. Her necklace was in a red velvet box. "This, my little girl, is for you." He opened it for Noelle, the contents facing her and Liv, and Noelle dropped UNI while she covered her mouth in surprise.

"Daddy! Oh my." Noelle was staring at a heart shaped ruby linked to a diamond studded necklace. "So pretty." She reached for it and touched it, not taking it out of the box. "Sparkles like Ovivia's." Noelle smiled.

He handed the box to Olivia and scooped up Noelle, who wrapped her arms around him in a hug. He hugged her back holding her tight. "This is the first time Daddy won't dress you in your Christmas dress." He took a deep breath.

"It's ok." Noelle kissed his forehead. "Ovivia now."

"Yes, we have Olivia now."

Liv covered her eyes to hide the tears. She really was feeling a part of the little family now, and Noelle getting ready with her, well it was just pulling at her heart.

"Go get your UNI floaties, Liv has to give you a bath, and no running away from her naked."

"Ok, daddy."

While Noelle and Olivia wasted no time getting ready as princesses would for a fancy gala, Fitz took a quick trip to the Renaissance Plaza. Alfred was scrambling about the ballroom ranting off orders and pointing in every direction. He froze when he saw Fitz standing at the door.

"Mr. Grant, is there a problem? I'm fine with the menu, Mrs. McAndrew and I worked it all out. The DJ is being set up over there. Spence's request for sunglasses, blow up guitars, and shakers all fulfilled. Over there we have the photo booth, and off to the back will be the ice cream and the candy bar."

Fitz nodded looking around. The staff were all into doing the job they were assigned. He pointed to two chairs. "Have a seat, Alfred."

Alfred took a hard swallow. This was big, he couldn't mess it up. Fitz already saved his ass by agreeing to host the gala. Was this his last job catering at the Renaissance? "Sir." He sat down as requested.

"I want you to understand what you are dealing with tonight. This isn't about hosting a perfect party. This is for terminally ill children who may never see another Christmas again. I need you to act like this is everything to them, because it is.

"Although there are hundreds of posh donors to this event, they understand why they donated. I know Randolph didn't make a big deal about what the gala meant to the children and their families, but I do. Spence is special, he shows leadership at a young age, and if he gets to grow up, he may be your boss one day. So, embrace the fun you will have entertaining wealthy adults through the eyes of a child." He gave a pat to Alfred's knee.

Alfred was just at a loss for words. He was so used to the tyranny of Randolph; he did lose sight of the gala's meaning. "Yes sir, understood."

"Good. I like the Christmas tree over there in the corner, but I would like to see some more Christmas lights. It is the season, and the theme, so make it a bit more Santa's workshop, North Pole type." Fitz looked around one more time. He called three staff members over.

"There is a truck waiting in the delivery section. It's filled with wrapped gifts. Please get the gifts up here, and in the form of something Christmas, make a display so each family has a gift to leave with at the conclusion of the gala." Fitz saw Alfred's mouth drop open in shock.

"Lighten up Alfred, come on, haven't you ever had the Christmas spirit. Geez."

At exactly 5:00, the door to Fitz's condo opened, and Fitz's breath was taken away from him. He was now looking at two of the most gorgeous people in his life. Noelle was holding Olivia's hand, her hair in a tight bun, her necklace sparkling.

The red heart ruby lay perfectly on the collar of white fur of her Christmas dress. He noticed she was wearing a bracelet, a silver one. Her shoes were sparkling red sequins with her white tights showing how tiny her legs were.

In all, her blue eyes were glistening, and in the three years he had gotten her ready for her picture in her Christmas dress, he never saw her as glowing as she was right now. "How I look daddy?" She smiled and Fitz nearly burst into tears.

He reached out and took her hand, he spun her around in a slow dance move and said, "like the most beautiful princess of all." He looked at her bracelet. It was white gold and it said Noelle in cursive writing.

"Ovivia bought it." She giggled and walked towards the tree to pick up one of her toys.

"And you." He faced Olivia, who had to put her head down with compliment. He licked his lips as he looked at her and saw the V-neckline, with the necklace making her gorgeous neck sparkle.

The gown went down just to her ankles, it was barely covering the top of her feet where Fitz could see her crystal outlined opened shoes. He looked back up at her. "The things I can do to that neck." He gave it a quick kiss, and behind them, just in time, was Toya, the photographer.

Liv watched as Noelle was a natural taking pictures by the tree, by the decorations, and with Fitz for the nurses to see how she had grown in three years. She was both emotionally and surprised when Fitz invited her to take pictures as a family.

Noelle sitting between them, on Fitz's lap, standing behind them, and all with the Christmas theme around them. Fitz in his tux and the girls in their beautiful dresses, Toya assured him the pictures would be ready by Monday. "You all look spectacular Mr. Grant. Have a great time tonight."

As the doors of the gala opened, the booming of "Rockin Around the Christmas Tree" was vibrating the walls. Kids and adults alike were dancing on the ballroom floor as red and green circle lights went around the room.

"This great!" Noelle looked around.

Lauren and Tiffany came over and Fitz told Noelle who she was to stay with besides him and Olivia during the night. Before Olivia could even say hello, she heard a voice greeting her.

"Good evening Mr. Grant, Noelle, and…"

"Spence, this is Olivia Pope, the woman I love."

Spence, a small brown haired brown eyed boy took Liv's hand. He kissed the top. "Pleasure to meet you, Miss Pope. We have a variety of hors d'oeuvres going around, water in champagne glasses, and we hope you find the entertainment to your liking." He bowed his head.

Olivia was still confused. Spence was a business partner of Fitz's? He looked all of ten years old.

"Olivia, this is Spence McAndrew, doesn't it sound like a starting shortstop name for the New York Yankees?" Fitz asked.

"It sure does. It's a pleasure to meet you Spence, the whole place looks wonderful." Olivia glanced over his shoulder. Suddenly it came to her. Spence is one of the children benefitting from this gala and Fitz gave him the reigns. He's doing a great job, Olivia had to admit.

"You must be Kaylen. Fitz has told me so much about you. You have a wonderful son."

"Thank you," Kaylen turned. "This is my husband, Mitch. We have Fitz to thank for so much. This wouldn't have happened tonight if not for him. You look stunning Olivia, and that necklace is breath taking."

"Thank you." Fitz did have a knack for taking her breath away.

Kaylen gave Fitz a gentle hug. "You outdid yourself, no wait you outdid Randolph. Look at the gifts over there." She pointed to a Christmas tree shaped pile of gifts. "That's amazing."

"Yeah, everything looks good." He interlocked his hands with Liv's, saw Noelle on the dance floor with a blow-up guitar and was about to head to their seats.

"Fitz." Olivia heard Kaylen stop him. "This means the world to him." She nodded over to Spence who was greeting some more guests. "You've made his dreams come true. He hasn't stopped smiling since I told him."

"Glad to hear it. Now let's go order some chicken nuggets shall we."

Spence, along with several other children, were able to make a speech thanking everyone for attending and donating to the charities that were going to help in research to one day find a cure. With every child that spoke, Liv looked at Fitz.

He seemed to have no idea the delight he brought to the children and these families. Of all the surprises so far, this was by far the best one Liv had to be a part of. She got a glimpse of his giving world, and Fitz wanted no recognition for it. It was all about the children, and she couldn't love him more than she already did.

Harrison, who had come a bit late, even mentioned the delight of the party. "This is the best gala I've ever been to. The portion size of the food alone was worth it. No tiny bump of beef, I got eight chicken nuggets and full bowl of mac and cheese."

She was happy Fitz included Harrison and so was Harrison. She got to see him do the electric slide and put on a Santa hat to distribute gifts to the departing families. He seemed to have a better time than the kids.

As they were riding home, Noelle had fallen asleep instantly as soon as she fell into the car seat. Fitz rested his head on Liv's shoulder and the business of the past few days took it's toll on him and he was breathing softly and sleeping.

Liv couldn't remember the last time she felt so full. Full of love, full of happiness, and filled with the anticipation of celebrating Noelle's birthday and Christmas. Just three short weeks ago she was ready to pack it all up and move back to Los Angeles, now she couldn't imagine a day without Fitz and Noelle.

As they cruised through the still buzzing New York streets, she remembered, mostly, the look on the faces of the McAndrew family. Spence never stopped smiling, yet took his job so seriously, and it seemed his parents were carefree for the night seeing him happy.

Sunday was a day of nothing for Fitz, Noelle, and Olivia. They ate snacks, watched Christmas movies, and napped most of the day. They had all had their fill of surprises from the previous days, and they decided today was a take it easy day.

Noelle did take time to remember the events of last night and wear her sunglasses and play her blow up guitar, but for the most part, she sat in Liv or Fitz's lap, falling asleep occasionally watching movies like Home Alone and Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas.

Back to work on Monday and the office was buzzing when Olivia walked in. Harrison was telling everyone about he gala and he was showing off pictures of Liv in her dress, but everyone was talking about the necklace she was wearing.

Annie was the first to run up to her. "Holy crap, Liv, 10 carats, does your neck hurt?" She laughed. "Seriously what an awesome event to be a part of."

"Thank you, Annie, it was certainly a night I'm not going to forget." She smiled at Harrison. "Glad you had fun."

"Paperwork, tons of it on your desk." Harrison closed her door.

Rubbing her neck and finally looking up from her desk, it was 1230 in the afternoon. The rumbling in her stomach had her realize she hadn't even eaten lunch. She placed an order with Harrison. "I'll be going across town to Fitz's office to have lunch with him. I should be back by 4."

All the surprises he gave her, why not surprise him with lunch, a little lunch date after the busy weekend, Liv was feeling accomplished having her paperwork done in record time.

Liv was greeted by Lauren when she entered the floor of Fitz's office. It took her fifteen minutes to find it. Grant Enterprises was one big building and Liv was lost.

Lauren looked seriously at Liv. "He's in the conference room."

"Oh, he's in a meeting? I can just leave the lunch…"

"No, the meeting was called off." Lauren stopped. "He's alone in the office."

"What happened?"

Lauren rubbed her forehead. "Fitz got a call a few minutes ago from Kaylen McAndrew. Spence had a seizure during treatment, the doctors aren't too optimistic that he will make it. Fitz is taking it…." And Lauren couldn't finish. She began to sob.

"Where's the conference room?"

"Down two floors, 67, off the elevator to the right. It's the only room on the floor."

When Liv opened the door, it was dark despite it being the middle of the afternoon in New York. The only light came from a small Christmas tree that held a tiny string of blinking lights. The big leather chair was back facing as Liv entered.

Fitz was in the chair staring at the lights of the tree. He was leaned back, his finger just outlining his lips. He heard the door, but didn't turn around. "No disturbance Lauren."

"It's not Lauren." Liv whispered as she kneeled in front of him.

He looked down at her, tears in his eyes, shaking his head. "Take nothing for granted, Liv."

She went into his lap and hugged him, as he wrapped his arms around her. She put her face in the crook of his neck, smelling the Creed she loved so much. "Fitz." She whispered. "Any word or update?"

He just shook his head, not saying anything. He swung his chair around now and it was facing the conference table. "How did you know to come?"

"I didn't, I thought I would surprise you for a change and bring lunch. Lauren just told me upstairs when I went in looking for you."

He nodded, looking at her, his eyes a very dark, sad gray. His hand rubbed her cheek, and he pulled her in, landing his lips on hers, kissing her hard. When he stopped, his hand on her knee, he pointed to the table.

"Remember the Inn? Our weekend we had at the Inn?" he asked. Liv nodded, but Fitz continued to stare at the table. "When I got back to the conference room after that weekend, I knew I was in love with, so in love with you, I was afraid, afraid I would lose you and all of my thoughts were just of you."

He put his hand now cupping the back of her neck, and again, a long, tongue leading kiss, that had Olivia moan. Her core beginning to ache. He needed her now, and how she wanted to be there for him.

"This is the table I texted you about. When everyone left the conference that day all I saw was you, naked, lying on the table. The things I wanted to do to you, to make you weak in my arms, to show you, through affection the love I was feeling for you."

Liv stopped looking at him and pulled her shirt off. His hand cupped her bra covered breast and he leaned her back onto the conference table. As soon as her back was flat on it, he began to kiss her neck and unclip the front snapping bra she had one.

Liv's arms went across either side of her body, as he worked his way down to her breast, circling kisses around the nipple until finally giving it a soft bite before he began gently sucking on them, one at time, still cupping it as his mouth did the work.

She was growing weak, and he pulled the rest of her body up to the table, so she was fully on it, and he pulled her dress pants down leaving her lace underwear on. He looked at her, only through the glowing light of the Christmas tree, and she was beyond gorgeous. Her eyes closed, waiting for his next move.

His wet lips kissed her smooth stomach, and then down to her inner thigh, as he pulled off what was left of the clothing she was wearing. He watched her breathing get heavier, and he could feel how much she wanted him.

Liv just lay there, waiting, knowing the need he had for her, and when his tongue began circling her clit, she lifted her head momentarily, and put it back down. Her head arched up, and she had to cup either side of his head, groaning in pure pleasure.

His tongue made the entry into her and she exploded, having felt her body go numb, and the wetness take full control. "Fitz." She whispered, "Ahh, Fitz." She focused now on her breathing, which was coming rapidly, as he continued to lick down there.

His hands ran up her stomach and stopped at her neck, where he caressed it. "I love you so much, Olivia. The love I feel for you." He whispered; his voice so deep so seductive. He moaned, and brought his lips to her neck, not fully on, just taking in air as his fingers filled her entry now.

He could feel her legs moving, trying to get strength back, and with two fingers now circling her clit, his mouth fully engulfed hers, and he felt her climax again, as she moaned into his mouth, and her head fell forward in sheer weakness.

Fitz lifted her body now off the table. There was a couch not too far, and she was cradled in his arms. Her head rested on his chest as he sat with her, quietly and heard her breathing. She let him get the need of her out, and he was just caressing her now, thanking her for being here for him.

Olivia heard his words, and he reached over to get his office blanket. Many a nights, he used this couch as a bed, especially before Noelle came into his life. He wrapped her in the blanket, and he heard his phone begin to buzz.

Taking it from the arm of the couch, still one arm wrapped around Olivia, he noticed the caller was Kaylen McAndrew. Liv looked at the display also, and just rested her head on his shoulder, expecting the worst of news.

"If ever I wanted a Christmas surprise, it's now Livvie."

"Kaylen, this is Fitz, what's going on?"

Liv heard her voice but couldn't understand the words. Fitz didn't say much, just got teary eyed. "Thank you. Anything you need, you call."

Looking at him now, hands hugging his neck, their eyes dancing. "He's out of the woods, still critical, but he'll make it. Brain activity is normal." He smiled, breathed in Liv's smell and took a deep breath. He looked back into her eyes, and their lips connected.

"I want to always be here for you Fitz. I'll be the strength you need, whenever you need it."

He looked up at the picture of Noelle hanging on the wall. "Let's just get home to our girl. I have a thousand hugs I want to give her tonight, with you by my side. Want to have another sleepover?"

Liv was getting dressed now by the glow of the lights on the tree. She noticed the darkness outside and sent a quick text to Harrison. "Hold down the office, I have my family to tend to tonight."

They interlocked their hands, went upstairs to give the office the good news about Spence and went "home" to be with Noelle. The next few weeks will be celebrating Noelle's life, and Liv couldn't wait to be a part of it this year.