Chapter 16

If comfort was an Olympic sport, Olivia was certain Fitz would have won the gold medal several times. The comfort she felt being secure in his arms was a feeling beyond anything she could ever describe. She wouldn't admit it out loud, but she had been trembling inside ever since Russel made his way into her penthouse.

The way he looked around at her decorations, thinking it was all her because of her love for Christmas, when Russel was the one that made her despise the holiday she once loved. Thinking, how she knew the truth that it was Fitz and Noelle that brought her feeling of love back for this season. They also brought every decoration Russel was admiring into her home.

When Fitz punched Russel, she saw more in Fitz than she wanted to realize. It was rage, and Liv saw him take control of himself for her benefit and for the benefit of Noelle. Liv saw it in Fitz's eyes, he wanted to do so much more to Russel, but his love for her stopped him and she was grateful for that.

It had been an emotional few hours, and Liv was just winding down. The fear of hearing Russel's voice, the desire for Fitz after Russel left, the love making, the tears, the hot, steamy shower, and now, the comfort. Oh this comfort that Liv had longed for, needed and wanted, for so many years, and the feeling was overwhelming. She closed her eyes as his arms wrapped around her, and she brought herself back to that bathroom, in that shower.

The bathroom was steaming up and Liv didn't think it was from the hot water. The things this man did to her in that shower, his hands, his mouth, and his touch. Their bodies soaked, water and steam alike dripping from their skin, yet their lips couldn't loosen from each other.

Sexual desire consuming her in the aftermath of the fear, desire for this man she fell so in love with, the want for him because of the protection he gave to her and watching the sensitive love he has for his daughter, it was all of that coming together, and it was weakening her as she felt all of him.

No sooner had the water begun to steam up, Fitz took control as Liv gripped the bar on the wall. Her hands absentmindedly going through his wet hair, making her just as wet, as his tongue found her entry. "You taste so fucking good, Livvie." His words whispered loud enough as he took his first lick, and then continued up her clit.

Both of his hands were on her either of her ass cheeks and he caressed them both as he pulled her body closer to his and he began to move his mouth and tongue together in motion, causing a feeling in her body she never felt before. Liv couldn't get any words out, as her eyes closed, she felt the caressing of her ass, and the movements of his tongue, and she pulled at his wet hair, taking deep breath before losing all control.

Her body arched back onto the shower wall, and she felt his hand leave her ass and move slowly up her wet stomach to her soaking breast. He cupped her there and used his thumb to caress the hard nipple. Liv felt her mouth fall open, but nothing, not even breath could come out for a moment as the orgasm hit her.

"You are delicious when you come for me." Fitz pulled back for a second before continuing his tongue movements through her orgasm. His arm wrapped around her waist now as he stood upright, pulling her body to his. Her head just fell to his chest as she gripped him in a hugging numbness, finding the breath now she couldn't find moments ago. His caress of her hair made her eyes close.

Without a thought, she gained her strength and kissed her way down to his long erection, knowing it was there the whole time, and her hand began to stroke it in slow motion.

"Don't tease me, Livvie, please." His head went up and he gripped a bit of her hair. It was only fair; she did her share of pulling his. He used that to guide her mouth just above the tip of his dick, where she used the tip of her tongue to lick around.

Now it was his turn to grasp the bar, as she slowly, inch by inch, took him into her mouth, tasting the pre cum before making her way down. Fitz looked down at her, unbeknownst to Liv, and watched as her mouth took him all in, and he gave a slight thrust to her body.

The moan when she felt that thrust caused him to go a bit deeper, and Liv's motions became a bit faster. With each suck, her hand stroked, then back to mouth, then hand, until Fitz became a bit dizzy from the feeling.

He gave one push to her head, as he felt her grip his thighs and pull him in deeper. His head went back as she held him in place and took it all, giving it one final lick, before taking her place again on his chest.

They stood there, in the stream of water, just slowly dancing to no music, no words needed, as they just took in their time together for the moment.

Fitz made the first move reaching for the body wash and putting the liquid in his hand. He began with her shoulders, turning her and rubbing so gently down her back. He turned her back, took some more liquid into his hand, and went down her front giving a bit more attention to her breasts before continuing down to her legs.

As she turned her body into the stream of water, she grabbed shampoo and began to foam up his hair, rubbing slowly and gently as he looked at her like she was the sunset on the beach, like she was the only woman in the world, and Liv pulled him down, soapy and all, and just kissed his lips to thank him for coming into her life.

Liv was lying in bed waiting for Fitz to come out of the bathroom. They did get around to finally taking a shower and Liv left him in there to finish up. Knowing he would have to go soon, back to Jay and Noelle, Liv wanted to just go to sleep and forget that he wouldn't be beside her tonight.

She was watching the lights blink, losing herself in the rhythm of them anticipating Christmas Eve in a few hours and the start of their cruise the next day. She wanted so desperately to ask where they would be going, what cruise line they were taking, but she knew better. It was all going to be a surprise.

Sitting up now, her stomach churned just a bit. In a distance in the back of her mind she heard Noelle's squeaky voice. "ok, mommy" and Liv's eyes filled with tears. This was going to be the best Christmas of her life and she couldn't wait.

As she was sitting up in the middle of the bed in her daydream of Christmas lights and thoughts, Fitz crawled up the bed and wrapped his arm around her pulling her down with him. She was under him, and her arms wrapped around him. His around her waist, hers around his shoulders as his lips met her neck.

He then turned to his side, pulling her with him and spooning her in front him. He put his arm around her his hand resting on her opposite shoulder and he took a deep breath taking in her smell. "You ok, Livvie?"

Her hand rubbed his forearm as her other hand rested under her cheek. "I am so ok, Mister. I am just thinking about the next few days."

"Yeah, me too. I can't wait. Noelle's Christmas and your cruise." His nestled a bit more into her. "This is going to be the best Christmas of my life." Liv turned to face him now.

"You better get back downstairs to Jay and Noelle." She took a deep breath. "Any word about Russel."

Fitz rubbed his finger down the bridge of her nose. "Don't worry, I'm taking care of it, ok."

"Ok." He was right, she shouldn't worry. What Russel did was crazy tonight and he deserved what he had coming to him. She looked at Fitz and smiled. "No more worrying."

Fitz's phone buzzed. He picked up the facetime call and Liv looked with him. "Hi daddy." Noelle was waving.

"Hey princess, uh oh, what did you do to Uncle Jay?"

Noelle put her hand over her mouth and giggled. "Uncle Jay is funny. Peanut butter pancakes too."

Jay grabbed the phone. "Hey, Fitz, no, no pancakes, umm, that was just pretend."

Fitz and Liv busted out laughing looking at Jay. He was wearing a pink Tiara and had lipstick on his upper lip. He was also wearing a clip on unicorn earring from one of the gift sets Noelle had received earlier.

"You look like you're dressed to impress." Fitz said. "I'm on my way down."

"Yay" Noelle said from behind Jay. "Ovivia too?"

"Hi Noelle. No, I'm going to do some things up here in my place to get ready for Christmas surprises, ok, you have fun with daddy and Uncle Jay, I will see you tomorrow."

"Santa come." Noelle said.

"Yes, Santa will come. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Ok. Love you Ovivia."

Fitz watched Liv's face go soft. She rubbed a finger down the phone smiling softly. "I love you too, Noelle, two L's."

"Be down soon, make sure Uncle Jay doesn't fall asleep." Fitz assured her.

Fitz turned towards Liv after the call. "Well, it's unanimous, the Grant's love you." He smiled.

He pulled her down to his chest and caressed her hair. Kissing her forehead gently he whispered, "I want you to sleep Livvie."

She cuddled closer to him. With his arms around her, still feeling steam from the shower if that was possible, she nodded her head. She really was exhausted, and she welcomed any sleep she could get. She kissed his chest gently. "Right here, I could sleep for days." Her eyes closed and she followed the trail of Christmas lights she began to see.

It was snowing and Noelle was holding her hand out for Liv to grab. "Ovivia, mommy, hand." Noelle had on her unicorn mitten, the one she dropped in the elevator the first time they met. Olivia grabbed Noelle's hand, and that's the last thing she remembered before the morning sunlight woke her up. The comfort of Fitz's arms had lulled her into a deep sleep, and she couldn't remember a time she felt so warm and so loved.

Fitz swooped Noelle up into his arms, holding her high in the air. "You were spoiled by Uncle Jay tonight." Noelle's giggles filled the room.

"Uncle Jay dress up." Noelle said through her giggles.

"He sure did." Fitz looked down at his best friend. He gave a small smile. "Thanks so much. Let me get the little one to bed and I'll be out. We'll talk."

Fitz dropped Noelle into Jay's arms. Noelle gave him a great big hug. "I miss you." She gave a kiss to his cheek. "Love you Uncle Jay."

Jay squeezed his little niece a bit closer to him, one extra hug for his sister. "I miss you too. I had so much fun today and tonight. Daddy will give you my Christmas gift tomorrow ok."

"Ok. You sleep over right."

"Yes, but I have to leave very early. I'll call you. I want to know what Santa brings you." With a bit of tears in his eyes, Jay gave his niece one more hug before Fitz carried her to the room to prepare her for bed.

"You, little Miss Noelle are up very late tonight. Time for sleep." Fitz kissed her forehead and handed her UNI.

Noelle took UNI into her arms, hugging it close. "Best birthday." Noelle said and sat up to hug Fitz. "I love you daddy." She rested her head on his shoulder, not wanting to lay back down just yet. "I miss Ovivia."

Fitz pulled her closer to him. He gave her a gentle kiss. "I know, you will see her tomorrow. Christmas Eve tomorrow. So many surprises and then, the best surprise of all on Christmas."

Noelle nodded, not having the energy to say her famous "Yay" as her tiny hand gave a pat to her daddy's shoulder.

Fitz felt Noelle yawn and her body go a bit limp. His daughter had fallen asleep on his shoulder and Fitz bit his bottom lip. The warmth of her tiny body made his heart full, and he put his arm around her to lay her down.

Her eyes fully closed, her UNI cuddled close, Fitz pulled the blanket up to her shoulders and watched for a moment as his lifeline slept soundly. He smiled knowing both the people he loved most in this world had fallen asleep in his arms tonight.

Taking a deep breath, he got up from her bed and headed towards Jay. He had to laugh when he went out to the living room to see his best friend wiping lipstick from his lips.

"Aww, that color is so you, Jay." Fitz laughed and sat across from his friend.

Jay tossed the tissue at Fitz. "You think you're funny, huh. What had you bolt out of here before? Is Olivia ok?"

Fitz took a deep breath. "She is now. She has this crazy ex from LA, and I found out he made his way back here. Took care of it though. He was up there in her place, threatening her." He stopped talking and just sat back on the couch.

"Did you go all Charles Sandburg on him?" Jay asked him.

Charles Sandburg was a football stand out at the college Jay and Fitz attended. They were at a frat party and Charles came in already drunk and began stirring up trouble. Jay had been talking to a girl and when he left to get them both another drink, Charles began chatting with her.

Fitz saw the girl was uncomfortable, knew his best friend was interested in her and politely told Charles to piss off. Without taking his eyes off the girl, Charles extended his arm, his hand on Fitz's chest and pushed him back.

"Fuck off Grant, this doesn't concern you. Right, sweetness." His finger went down the girl's cheek who Fitz saw was trying to get away, but Charles's arm was too strong.

Jay came over after he saw Fitz get pushed, but Fitz stopped him. "Take your girl, go take her."

Jay interlocked his hand with hers and pulled her as Charles turned around. He met Fitz's fist and went down after one shot to his face. Jay stopped and waited figuring Fitz would follow them out, but he saw rage in his friend, something he hadn't seen before.

"You see a girl who doesn't want you, leave her alone, drunken jock." Fitz straddled Charles and began punching him. One, two, three punches, and his face was a bloody mess. Jay ran over and wrapped his arms around Fitz having to lift him off and physically pull him away.

Outside, he pushed Fitz to the wall. "What the fuck was that? Fitz, man, are you alright."

"Fine." Fitz walked off. Jay would later find out Charles sustained a broken nose and jaw, but because he was drunk, he had to keep it private being the starting QB for the football team, he would have lost his scholarship.

Fitz gave a chuckle. "No, I didn't, but I was about too. I could've killed him tonight, Jay. Denzel came in just in time. He knows my temper and he took control of the situation."

"And Liv?" Jay asked. "How is she?"

Fitz stood up and headed towards the kitchen to get them both a drink. "She's ok. She was shaken up at first, but she's alright. Anyway, Russel is off to California where he faces a slew of charges and you my friend are now the proud owner of a very profitable building."

"No shit." Jay took the glass from Fitz. "I was just trying to hook up a deal with someone in LA, this is great."

"Yep, told you to keep your eye on the west coast. David will have information for you when you can get out there. So where are you heading to so early on Christmas Eve?"

"Back to Colorado. The pop ups are collecting the profits there. I have to hire more staff for the new year and then I'll make arrangements to get out to California." He looked at Fitz. "So, do you want the goods?" Jay laughed.

Putting his glass on the table next to him Fitz sat up, leaning in towards Jay. He looked up and down at the glowing Christmas tree, saw the ornament with Liv's name and smiled. "Hell, yeah I want the goods."

Jay reached into his pocket. "Now I wouldn't be giving this to you if I didn't see it with my own eyes. I needed to make sure Liv wasn't in it just for your money." Jay laughed. "You two are clearly soul mates and in the short time you've known her, you look like you've already spent a lifetime with her."

"It means so much that you met her Jay. She is truly amazing. I just." His shoulder shrugged. "I don't know when I first met her eyes, it was a feeling I can't describe." He reached out and took the ring box from Jay.

Jay nodded towards the box. "I had my best guy do this. Best jeweler in Utah." He watched as Fitz opened the box.

Fitz was staring at a 4.5 carat square shaped diamond ring with round diamond stones all around the ring. The colors of the lights from the tree gave the diamond an even more radiant shine and he couldn't wait to put it on Liv's finger.

"She's special, huh Fitz." Jay was looking now at the pictures of the three of them on the wall walking to get a closer look at them. "She fits right in."

Fitz stood up and gave Jay a hug. "More than you know. I can't thank you enough for this. I am glad you accept her and feel she's good for Noelle."

"It's clear Noelle loves her, and Jacqui would want someone that loves her like her own, it's clear Liv does." Jay wiped a tear away. "So, when you asking her?"

Fitz told Jay all about the surprise he had planned, the cruise, and New Year's Eve celebration. "She doesn't know any of it, just the cruise part, so it will be sometime by Jan 1."

"I'm happy for you and Noelle, you deserve this man, so giving so loving, and I'm glad you found someone who loves you just as much back. I'll call you when I land tomorrow. You just keep that temper in check. You have two special girls counting on it now."

The morning sunlight beamed in through Liv's balcony window. She closed her eyes tighter, but the brightness was too much. She turned her body, her arm outstretching to reach for Fitz, but she felt a cold empty pillow.

She opened her eyes to see the empty spot where he once was several hours ago. Taking a deep breath, she longed for his touch, his lips on hers. Instead, she turned to the small tree always aglow in her room and smiled. She would see them both soon.

It was just 730, and she didn't know how long the two of them stayed up with Jay last night. She wasn't going to call just yet. There was so much packing to do, and she didn't know where to begin. Finally sitting up now, she looked to her closet.

Opening the sliding door, the big, wrapped gift covered most of the space she had. She couldn't wait for Fitz to open his gift, something she worked so hard to make perfect. Even though it was wrapped, Liv knew what it looked like inside and she rubbed down the front of it. "Oh, Mister, I cannot wait to see your reaction." She didn't even care if he got her a gift, he had given her so much already.

She had one bag packed and was beginning on a second one when she heard her phone. "Buzzing", she said in a voice mimicking Noelle's. "Good morning," She answered.

"Ovivia awake." She heard Noelle's whisper to Fitz and Liv had to laugh. "Hi Ovivia." Noelle came back to the phone. "I come up?"

"By yourself? Won't your daddy miss you?" Liv asked playfully.

Noelle giggled. "No, silly, with daddy."

"Of course, then you come up. Do you want breakfast?"

"Rainbow bagels." Noelle said like she was requesting it and Liv thought if she should run out to get some.

"Hey Liv." Fitz got on the phone. "I have bagels already. I wanted to make sure you were up. Did you sleep ok?"

Liv's hand went to her shoulder slightly hugging herself. "Best sleep I've had in a while." She smiled.

"Good to hear. Well, we are all packed down here, so we just have Christmas Eve surprises planned. Care for some company and breakfast?"

Liv looked at her bag. Maybe she was packing too much. "Umm, Fitz, like is there a bag limit on the cruise or anything, I think I may have three bags. Since I don't know what we are doing I'm packing for all seasons."

Fitz laughed as he watched Noelle playing with her two dolls. "Pack fifty bags if you have to, it's all good, you're not getting a hint from me." His voice then went down to a whisper. "Or pack nothing, the less you wear the better."

"You are shameless, I am hanging up now." Liv smiled, anticipating the knock on the door.

Sitting at Liv's kitchen table enjoying their breakfast, Noelle was talking about Jay. "He dress up." Noelle told Olivia.

"He sure did, I saw him when daddy called you."

Noelle nodded her head. She took one more bite of her bagel. "I done." She looked at Fitz. "I play?" She pointed to her dolls.

"Go ahead, you play." Fitz kissed her nose and folded his hands watching her run to her dolls in the stroller.

"What?" Liv asked as she swallowed some of her bagel. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Fitz shrugged. "Just missed you, missed you very much last night after I left."

Liv reached over and rubbed his hand. "And I woke up to emptiness. It wasn't a good feeling at all." Liv blinked, taking a sip of orange juice. "So, what time are we leaving today."

Fitz looked at his watch. "We have about a half hour, then we are off. We are making a few stops, a few at three children's wards in the hospital. No one should be in the hospital during Christmas so I want to make sure Santa doesn't forget them." He gave a smile to Olivia.

This man wasn't real. Liv shook her head. "You are amazing Mr. Grant." Liv felt a poke to her shoulder.

Looking down, Noelle was holding Jilly up to Liv. "Mommy, Jilly hungry." Noelle's blue eyes watched what Liv would do with Jilly.

"She's hungry? Hmm, let's see." Liv took a piece off of her bagel and put it by Jilly's mouth. "Now make sure you chew well, Jilly." Liv looked at Noelle who was watching the whole interaction.

Liv lifted Jilly above her now and looked at her. "Do you feel better now, Jilly? Are you ready to play with Kelly and Noelle?" Liv brought the doll down and kissed her cheek.

"She not hungry." Noelle said, taking her doll back. Just as Liv did, Noelle lifted Jilly above her and said. "Good girl, you eat." Replicating what Olivia did she gave Jilly a kiss on her cheek. "Mommy loves Jilly."

Fitz came from behind Liv and kissed her neck. "That little girl loves you more each day. I think you're going to enjoy today. Will we exchange gifts tonight?"

"You got me a gift?" Liv turned to him smiling. "What if I didn't get you one?"

"So, I'm allowed to get you what I want." He smirked.

"Yes, we'll exchange later, after Santa puts some of Noelle's presents under the tree."

"Ok, Noelle, we are heading out to our surprises. Let's get your coat and mittens on."

"Jilly and Kelly?"

Liv looked at Fitz. "Let them come with us today. We can handle babysitting." Liv nudged him.

"Ok, Noelle, your dolls can come."

"Yay." Noelle jumped up and ran to Liv to get her things on.

Within the hour Liv found herself on line in Santaland at Macy's at Herald Square. "I made reservations well in advance, shouldn't be too long of a wait." Fitz assured her as they entered the floor of the dept store.

Liv held Noelle's hand as Fitz walked behind them. Noelle stopped to talk to some of the elves. They assured her all the toys were getting ready to be delivered and Santa would be leaving soon to go to all the houses.

One of the elves, Clementine, made his way over to Noelle. "Hi Noelle." He said, as if he'd known her. Fitz had whispered her name into his ear. "You just had a birthday?" He asked.

She nodded her head, tightened her grip on Liv's hand and held up her fingers. "I three now." she said in a bit of a shaky voice.

"And now it's Christmas tomorrow." The elf said to her. "You have a wonderful time with your mommy and daddy, ok." He gave a pat on her head and walked off to other children waiting in line.

"Wow, Noelle, that was special. Santa's elf knew your name." Fitz said to his daughter.

Noelle pointed up at Liv. "He said mommy." Liv smiled down at Noelle, just nodding.

"Push your doll stroller, Noelle, we're getting closer to Santa." Liv said just to break from the pounding in her heart. Every time Noelle said mommy it made Liv's heart jump.

"So many trees, daddy" Noelle was looking all around.

"So many lights." Fitz was looking all around.

"So many kids." Liv laughed looking at the two of them. They were in awe of the Christmas trees around them, and Liv had to admit this was an impressive display.

"Santa there, daddy." Noelle jumped into her father's arms, and Liv took control of the stroller as they approached the man of the hour.

Noelle ran to him but didn't go onto his lap. She felt more comfortable standing next to him and talking to him about Jilly and Kelly. Santa was nodding at everything Noelle said, and then she pointed to a cart that was being wheeled in by two of his elves.

"Is this for me?" Santa asked as he looked at a cartful of toys.

Noelle nodded. "From daddy."

Fitz walked up and knelt next to Noelle. "We'd like you to give them to children that may not have anything this Christmas, can you fit them on your sleigh, Santa?" Fitz asked, pulling Noelle closer to him.

He reached out for Liv's hand, and they interlocked, Fitz picking up Noelle now. They turned and posed for a picture with Santa, standing behind his big chair. As they were leaving, Santa waved to them. "You make a wonderful family."

Fitz's hand gave a squeeze to Olivia's, and she looked up at him as she guided the stroller with the other hand. Her smile said it all. "You're part of our family, Santa said so." Fitz said to her with a smile right back.

After their visits to the hospitals, they finally began to wind down at Fitz's place. Noelle was lying in her new Christmas pajamas sitting up against Liv as they watched The Polar Express. With all the things they had done today, Liv didn't think Noelle would make it to the end of the movie.

Before she fell asleep, Fitz took her to the kitchen to leave cookies, milk, and carrots for Santa and his reindeer. Noelle even drew a red picture for Santa to bring to the elves. She then joined Liv again, to finish watching the movie.

Sure enough by the time the hot chocolate was delivered on the train, Noelle was sound asleep on Liv's chest. Liv just rubbed her back, smelling her hair, and taking it all in. Christmas through the eyes of a child really changed her perspective of the holiday.

Fitz had been in the room getting the gifts ready for the morning. They would have a quick opening of Noelle's gifts and head out to the cruise, which Liv still had no idea to where.

She tilted her head onto Noelle's and listened as the movie became background noise. Giving a slight yawn, the next thing she remembered was Fitz tapping her shoulder. "I'm going to take her to her bedroom."

Liv got up and followed him but not before noticing all the gifts already arranged under the tree. Liv had brought the gifts down from her place for Fitz and Noelle and she was anticipating the morning.

Gripping her UNI, Noelle turned towards the wall, not waking up and continued to sleep, as Fitz gave her a gentle kiss on her cheek. "My favorite Christmas gift."

He turned to Liv, "and you are my other favorite."

Once settled in the bedroom, Fitz climbed behind Olivia who was sitting up rubbing some lotion on her hands. She felt Fitz's hands and they clasped a necklace around Liv's neck. "Merry Christmas Livvie. I want you know how much I love you and how genuinely happy we are that you came into our lives."

Liv turned to him, shocked, and kissed him. "What is this?" Around Liv's neck was a 20-inch Infinity locket. She opened it to reveal the picture of Noelle in her dress on one side and the picture of the three of them on the other. Closing it back up, the engraving on the back said "Forever in our hearts."

"Fitz." Liv whispered. Her head fell into the crook of his neck. "This is beautiful. Thank you."

"You're welcome." He watched as she stood up and dragged in her big gift for him.

"Obviously it's not jewelry of any sense." She laughed. "I hope you like it, it was very difficult to get."

Fitz looked at the big rectangular shape in front of him and tore a strip of the paper down. He looked at it, realizing it was a painting and when it hit him what it was, he looked up at Liv wide eyed and shocked.

He continued to open it until it was fully exposed. "Oh my God, Liv, how did you?" His hand covered his mouth. His eyes filled with tears. "This is amazing."

Fitz was looking at a painting of his father's store. It was picture perfect, and clear details of the place that his father owned for so many decades. What caught Fitz's eye was the logo he had drawn up in the window and it was so easy to see.

Staring at it, Liv saw Fitz's face go to a faraway place, perhaps back as a boy in that store that he loved so much. "I found a picture of the store on Google, and through Harrison we know a painter, one that paints some of our models for the magazine and he was able to bring it more to life. What do you think?"

"My whole childhood just flashed before my eyes. Liv this is by far the best gift I have ever received. I can't believe you remembered."

"About your father? How could I not, it means so much to you."

Leaning the painting against the wall, Fitz turned off the lights. The only glow now was the familiar rhythm of the Christmas lights to the musical background. He scooped Liv up in his arms laying her softly on the bed.

After a long, passionate kiss, Fitz pulled back and looked at her. "I can't wait until we leave on cruise tomorrow." He lifted her shirt over her head, and the locket he had just gifted her sparkled with the lights. "I love you so much, Olivia Pope, Merry Christmas." The clock turned to midnight.

"And I love you my Mister. You and that daughter of yours, I love the two of you so much." She pulled him back down into another kiss and pulled his boxers off.

"Let's get this going before Santa walks in on us," Liv giggled.

Fitz's soft, wet lips gripped her nipple on her breast, and within seconds, Liv was in her familiar place of ecstasy with the man she will love forever.