Hey everybody, y'all all right? I'm back! It's been almost a month since my last update, and honestly, I don't really have a reason why it's taken this long. Anyway, this story has reached it's last few chapters, and I'm going to miss it, and all of you who've been with me on this crazy ride with our favorite couple. Your reviews and PMs have been so kind, thought provoking and insightful, and as always, thank you all so, so much.

Again, a LOT going on. There's also a lot of football, and I'm sorry if that bores some of you. Just trying to keep the story authentic. I love writing this version of Olitz and I'm beyond happy that you guys have loved reading it. Enjoy.

TBOT

Early Monday morning…

Fitz awakened before dawn and carried a sleeping Olivia up to bed. He then returned to their favorite room, where the evidence of their lustful evening was on the sofa and the floor. Tiredly, he straightened the room, retrieving their clothes, undergarments and shoes before returning to the bedroom. After dropping items in the hamper and the closet, he dragged his exhausted body across the room to the bed.

Olivia had burrowed further beneath the covers and Fitz smiled. He felt absolutely great, and completely satisfied, knowing it couldn't get any better than this. He carefully slid in next to her trying not to disturb her. Sighing, he closed his eyes and pulled her into his arms. Opening them again, he gazed down at her as she slept peacefully. He kissed her forehead and joined her in slumber.

XXX

Later that morning, Olivia slowly opened her eyes and gasped at the incredible sight of the largest and most stunning arrangements of orchids she'd ever seen. Confused, she sat up just as Fitz walked into the bedroom with a towel wrapped dangerously low around his waist. Seeing that she was awake, he smiled.

"Happy Birthday, baby."

Olivia's hands went to her face, dropping the sheet covering her naked body. "Oh, my God! Fitz I forgot today is my birthday. With everything going on, it completely slipped my mind."

Fitz smiled at his love. "Well I didn't forget."

She leaned over to smell one of the large bouquets on the night table. "How many flowers are in this thing?"

"Thirty-one." He sat on the bed next to her, giving her that grin. "Don't get any older. We'll need our own garden for all those flowers."

Olivia rolled her eyes. "Whatever, mister. You're older than me," she said, licking her tongue out at him.

Fitz's focus was on her naked breasts. "I can think of a few other things you can do with that tongue."

"Ugh," she hit his arm. "Must you be so nasty?"

Fitz grinned. "Yep…and don't forget it." He kissed her hair. "Come on sleepy head. Bert's preparing a birthday breakfast fit for a queen, and I have a lot to do before I take you to Ocean Prime, in the city, for dinner."

"Fitz!" she threw her arms around his neck. "Thank you, babe. I love you."

"I love you, too. Now come on, shower and get dressed." He lifted her from the bed and tossed her over his shoulder, causing her to squeal with joy, and carried her to the bathroom.

XXX

Fitz had been correct, after breakfast they both went through their phones, reading text messages and listening to voicemails. Olivia also spoke with her parents, Julian, Joey, other family members and friends, who'd called to wish her a happy birthday.

Fitz's phone had been blowing up since the previous evening. There were calls and texts from family, friends and long-lost acquaintances. Most wished him congratulations, and some wanted one thing: Super Bowl tickets. He and his teammates had been given information about tickets, hotel rooms, travel arrangements and planned family activities the week before the NFC Championship game. Everybody was required to have their lists ready, in case they won. They had a team meeting at ten and then some players would get treatment for injuries. Later, they'd watch film, going over mistakes from the championship game, and start to put together a game plan for the Super Bowl.

They were going to be busy, which is why the wives and girlfriends were encouraged to handle tickets and travel details for family and friends, so the players could focus on the big game. The Team expected the wives and girlfriends to serve as "gatekeepers" and manage outside distractions like hotel rooms and ticket requests. But Fitz didn't want Olivia to have to deal with any of that. He wanted her to enjoy the experience, so he had his team handle it all. Fortunately, Bennett Industries and Grant North America had relationships with the NFL front office, team owners and sponsors, so his family would be taken care of as well. They would also receive tickets for premier events and team functions. Fitz's only concern was taking care of Olivia and her family.

XXX

Later that afternoon…

Olivia and Fitz lay side by side in bed, his body curved around hers like a warm blanket. The sun was still shining through the windows into the bedroom. Earlier, he'd returned from his meetings in Ashburn and walked into the bedroom. Olivia had been sitting on the side of the bed, on the phone with Joey. She smiled up at him.

"Hi, babe," she said. "Joey says hello."

He didn't respond until he got closer to the bed. "Joey, if you'll excuse us, I need to…"

Olivia quickly covered his mouth with her hand, afraid he would say something her best friend didn't need to hear.

"I have to go, Jo. I'll call you later," Olivia said laughing.

"Yeah, I don't need to hear whatever's about to happen." Joey chuckled. "Love you both, and enjoy your birthday, Liv."

"Thank you, Jo." Olivia ended the call. "How was your meeting?"

Fitz shook his head and removed his long sleeve tee. "I don't want to talk about that right now," he said as he pushed her onto her back.

Olivia grinned. "Well what would you like to talk about?"

"Who said I wanted to talk," he said with that grin, and then gasped loudly as Olivia's small hand stroked his hard inches through his joggers.

"Oh I can definitely think of something I would rather do," she said in a loud whisper.

Fitz's attention was elsewhere as he trailed kisses down her neck, toward her breasts.

"Fitz! Baby!" She grasped his face between her hands. "Fitz! I need you to focus on the matter at hand."

Fitz grinned at her. "With pleasure," he promised. And as always, he delivered.

XXX

Although both their phones had been ringing and pinging since he returned, neither had made any effort to move from the warmth and security they were wrapped in.

Olivia pulled Fitz's arm tighter around her waist, clasping his fingers with hers. She hummed softly, arching her body and grinding her ass against his crotch. She moaned in pleasure as Fitz gently caressed her breast.

"Every time I make love to you I think it couldn't get any better and then we make love again and it is just as incredible," Fitz said as he hugged her tightly to his large body.

Olivia smiled, her eyes closed as her breathing fell into sync with his, the rise and fall of his broad chest brushing against her back. In that very moment, she couldn't remember ever feeling as complete, as whole, as satisfied, or as content as she did right then, wrapped in Fitz's arms.

"Have I told you lately how much I love you, babe?"

Fitz grinned. He knew, but he still liked hearing her tell him.

"More than I could I ever put into words."

"For always?"

She nodded. "Forever and ever."

"I can't wait to make plans with you, Livvie."

"Really? Like what?"

"Our wedding, our honeymoon, our babies…"

Olivia chuckled lazily. "You haven't even asked me to marry you, and you're already planning a honeymoon?" She chuckled again and brought his fingers to her lips.

"You're right. I haven't asked you, have I?"

"No," she said, shaking her head, "you have not. All you've asked of me is to have your sons."

Fitz laughed and she felt the vibrations against her back. "Well that was very important for me to know."

She smiled and rolled her eyes. "Oh, I'm sure it was."

"I also asked you to move in with me."

Olivia nodded. "Yes, you did, and I said no. But that didn't matter because I spend ninety-nine percent of the time here with you anyway."

Fitz kissed her hair. "That's a good point."

"I'm a lawyer, babe, I always make good points."

"And I love that about you." He grew quiet and rubbed his hand up her arm.

"Something you want to say?" she asked.

"I was just thinking. We should talk about that marriage thing. I mean we can't have a honeymoon if we don't have a wedding first," he said with a hint of humor in his voice.

"We won't be having any babies until then either."

"No?" he asked, lifting his head in surprise.

"No!"

"So I guess we should probably get married soon."

Olivia laughed. "Whenever you ask me, babe."

"I could do that. It would probably be a good thing at some point."

"At some point," Olivia repeated, tiredly.

Fitz eased her onto her back and positioned himself between her legs, holding his weight on his muscular forearms above her. He stared down into her doe eyes, and brushed her hair away from her face. She was so beautiful. He bent down and kissed her lips.

"Right now," he said, his hardness on her belly, "I think we should make love one more time before we have to shower and get dressed for dinner."

Olivia pressed her palms against his hard chest. "Oh, yeah?"

"Absolutely," he said, nodding his head. "We should practice making our babies as much as we can so that when we get married, we'll get it right." He grinned at her.

Olivia laughed, loudly. "Fitz, we've been practicing for months."

Her laughter was abruptly cut off when he kissed her again.

"But practice is always good," she murmured against his lips.

He nodded as his tongue moved from her mouth to her neck and then to her breasts. "Yes Livvie, practice is always very, very good."

XXX

Olivia and Fitz were escorted by one of the restaurant's hostesses toward a private dining room. Several people noticed him and nodded, but for the most part, they were left alone. Finally, the young woman opened the sliding door and allowed Olivia to step inside first.

"SURPRISE!"

The room full of people then yelled Happy Birthday and cheered. Olivia was stunned; she'd had no idea and nearly jumped out of her skin. She thought she'd lost a couple of years off her life they'd startled her so badly.

She looked around at all the people who'd come out to celebrate her birthday. Everyone was here. Her parents, Julian and Joey of course, the Grants, T.C., Ty, Lauren, Drew, Jada, Dre, Tracee, Victor, Chanel, Lincoln, Renee, Malik and her grandparents. He'd also invited Bert and her husband, and Anita Wilson and Marc McField from her old office, along with their dates, and a few of her cousins. Olivia stood with her mouth open before covering her face, laughing and crying at the same time; she'd had no idea, and was truly surprised.

Fitz wrapped his arms around her. "Livvie, don't cry." He took his thumb and gently wiped the tears from the cheeks. "It's your birthday."

Olivia looked up at him and nodded. "I love you so much, Fitz. Thank you." He leaned down and kissed her and the room erupted into more cheers.

She was ushered further into the room and everyone stood and came up and hugged her before they each took their seats again.

"Happy Birthday!" Joey said, coming up and hugging her best friend tightly.

Olivia hugged her back. "Thank you, Jo. We will definitely talk about this later," she said shaking her fist, and they both laughed.

"Happy Birthday, baby sis," Julian said and then hugged her.

Olivia shoved his chest and then hugged him back. "Thank you, Juju."

Julian stepped back. "Hey, let's not go there." She'd called him by the only name she could pronounce, Juju, until she was four. He'd thought it was cute then, now, not so much.

She'd hugged and kissed almost everyone in the room when her parents approached her.

"Happy Birthday, baby," Maya said after a tight hug. She looked into her daughter's beautiful face. "No matter how old you are, you will always be my baby."

"Aww, Mom." She hugged her mother again.

"Happy Birthday, Olivia," her father said when he hugged her.

"I'm not speaking to you, Daddy," she joked, swatting at his arm. "I spoke with you at least three times today and you said nothing."

Eli laughed heartily and kissed his daughter's temple. "I only did what Fitz asked me to do."

Olivia looked across the room to see her boyfriend chatting with his teammates. She loved him so, even though later she vowed to wring his neck for springing this surprise on her.

Later, Olivia had recovered enough from her initial shock, and her face was now covered in a huge smile. She was glowing with excitement, which only made her even more beautiful. Fitz was having a hard time keeping his hands off her.

After more well wishes, several toasts, and Fitz's gift: halo stud earrings with cushion-cut rhodolite garnets, Olivia's birthstone, in 18k white gold, the rest of the evening was spent enjoying good food, good conversation, and talking about the upcoming Super Bowl.

After Olivia's birthday, Fitz didn't mention marriage or babies again, and Olivia didn't have a clue what he was planning, if anything at all. In fact, with all the Super Bowl preparations and festivities going on, she'd barely had time to give their conversation a second thought.

XXX

Miami, Florida…

Olivia, her parents, Joey and Julian arrived in Miami, via private jet, on Wednesday morning, a few days before the big game. Olivia was staying in a suite at the Ritz-Carlton on Miami Beach, which was about a twenty minute drive from the downtown JW Marriott, the host hotel for the NFC champions, and Fitz's home until after the game. The Popes, Julian and Joey were guests of the Grant family at their resort in Turnberry Bay.

The Team had been in the city since Sunday and the couple had spoken every day. Most of the player's families would be arriving on Thursday and the Team was hosting a reception for them Thursday night. She was looking forward to finally seeing her man later that evening before they attended a family dinner at the Grant property with their families.

The couple would also be attending the NFL Honors Thursday night. Fitz was a finalist for league MVP and was expected to win. Friday morning, Olivia and Joey would attend the Off the Field Player's Wives Association Annual Charity Fashion Show. The show was known as a marquee event of Super Bowl week and brought together wives of active and retired professional football players to walk the catwalk for charity. This year all proceeds from the fashion show would benefit Michelle Obama's Reach Higher Initiative.

She missed Fitz immensely and couldn't wait for all of this to be over so they could spend some time together, far away from everybody and everything. Fitz had already made plans but he wouldn't tell her where they were going. Olivia didn't care, as long as they were together.

In the meantime, she would hang with her family and the Grants, shopping and enjoying the Miami nightlife with Joey and her friends from the Wives Club.

After checking into the hotel, Olivia quickly changed into a hot pink bikini and made her way to a private cabana, with personal concierge, on the beach. She spent the entire afternoon alone, just relaxing, before the real crazy began. Fitz called to make sure she'd made it safely, was happy with her accommodations, and to see if she needed anything else. They spoke briefly before he had to leave for a Team event, but they would see each other later.

XXX

Family dinner…

Olivia had just walked out of the bedroom in her suite when the doorbell rang. She smiled, knowing it was Fitz, and hurried to the door. Checking the peephole, she opened the door to her smiling man, wearing dark wash jeans and a khaki colored linen shirt neatly tucked, chocolate leather belt and sandals. His hair was still damp and his beard and mustache were neatly groomed.

"Hi, beautiful," he said, pulling her into his arms. Finally seeing Olivia, he could relax. It had been a long and hectic day, but the feel of her in his arms was what he needed more than rest, more than anything else in the world.

"Hi," she whispered, her voice muffled because her face was buried in his broad chest. He smelled so good, and felt even better. He was her Fitz; so solid, so real. She'd missed him even though they'd talked several times since he'd left D.C. on Sunday.

"I missed you." His voice was gruff with emotion. He kissed her and wanted more, but knew it wouldn't happen tonight.

"Likewise." She reached up and wiped her lip gloss from his lips.

He stood back and took her in. She was wearing a white dress with a cutout bodice and self-ties in the back, and it stopped a few inches above her knees. Her tanned skin showed effectively against the white dress. On her feet she wore four inch platform sandal in calf leather. The shoes made her beautiful toned and tanned legs go on for days. Her hair was in its natural curls and she wore only mascara and lip gloss.

"Wow."

"Thank you."

"Are you ready?" he asked.

"Can you make sure my knot is straight and neat?" Olivia asked, turning around and presenting her back to him while he sucked in a breath.

Fitz reached out and straightened the knot on her back. "Done," he said, lightly kissing her neck. "Are you ready now?"

She walked over to the sofa and picked up her Saint Laurent leather and bamboo bucket bag. "Now, I'm ready."

He put an arm around her waist and they walked out of the door where his security team was waiting in the private elevator.

"You are so beautiful," he said as he wrapped his arms around her, not caring if the guys were watching. She knew he loved the way she looked because he kept touching her, moving the hand on her shoulder to her bare back. "You, in this dress, will keep me hard all night," he whispered near her ear.

Olivia chuckled. "Your mind stays in the gutter."

Fitz grinned at her. "Why would tonight be any different?"

"How was practice today?" she asked, changing the subject.

"Practice was practice," he sighed. "I hate being away from you. I'm ready for Sunday." He kissed her shoulder. "I see you spent a lot of time in the sun today." Olivia's usual honey brown skin was sun kissed, flawless and even, from her day outside. She was almost glowing.

The doors finally opened in the parking garage, where a large black SUV and driver were waiting with the doors open. Leading her to the open back door, he watched as she slid across the leather seat, appreciating her legs. He climbed in behind her and the driver closed the door.

"Comfortable?" he asked, pulling her back into his arms.

"I'm fine." She rested her head on his solid shoulder and he kissed her curls. He winced as he shifted his long legs and Olivia turned to look at him.

"What's wrong, babe?"

"Nothing. I aggravated an old injury during practice yesterday."

She was about to respond, but his fingers on her lips stopped her.

"There's nothing to worry about. I've been receiving treatment and I will be ready for Sunday's game."

"I told you that you push yourself too hard."

"Well after Sunday, I plan to rest for a few months. Just me and you. I can't wait to see you in a bikini, or nothing, every day. I wish I could've been at the beach with you today." He looked at her sideways, openly admiring her beauty.

Olivia didn't respond and remained quiet as they moved thru traffic toward the Grant resort.

"Livvie," he said quietly, tilting her face toward his with his index finger, until he could see her beautiful eyes. "Talk to me, baby."

She sighed, trying to calm the butterflies in her stomach. "Believe it or not, I'm a little nervous about meeting your family."

"Really?"

She nodded.

"Well don't be." He kissed her temple. "They can't wait to meet you, and they're all going to love you as much as I do. And, I'll be by your side, along with my parents."

"What have you told them about me?" she asked, needing to know.

"That you are brilliant and beautiful."

She patted his chest "You're biased."

"Damn right." He leaned down and kissed her and she moaned into his mouth. She melted into his kiss and wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her body closer against him. Slowly, his lips moved down her neck, then lower.

"No, Fitz," she said leaning away from him.

"I know, Livvie." He then pulled her back into his arms and kissed her eyes, her nose, her cheeks and her lips again before leaning his forehead against hers.

"Babe, I want you as much as you want me, but we both know that can't happen until after Sunday's game."

Hugging her closer, Fitz rested his chin on top of Olivia's head. "I know, and we won't. So let's not even think about it. Tonight is for our families to get to know each other. I haven't seen some them at all this year. It'll be great."

She glanced up at him. "I know they're all proud of you…just like me."

"I hope so," he said, giving her that lopsided grin.

XXX

The couple took the elevator to the seventh floor patio and when they stepped off, they met a gorgeous Black woman, no taller than Olivia, just ending a phone call. She looked up and smiled.

"Hello, Fitz."

"Hey, Blair, how are you?" Fitz said, leaning down and kissing her cheek.

"I'm great." She turned to Olivia. "Hello, Olivia. I'm Blair Bennett. I'm married to Fitz's cousin, Tim."

"Hello, Blair, it's so nice to meet you." The two ladies hugged. Fitz had never told her that his family was multiracial but for some reason, she actually wasn't surprised.

"What are you doing out here by yourself? Where's your husband?"

"I had to check in with my parents. They're staying with the kids while we're in Miami. Now come on you two, everybody's waiting."

Fitz put an arm around each of their waists and walked them out onto the patio where their families were mingling.

They were met immediately by JR and Constance.

"Olivia, we'll talk later," Blair said before walking away.

"Hello, Olivia." Constance pulled her future daughter-in-law into her arms. "I'm so glad to see you. You look so beautiful."

"Thank you, Constance."

Constance then turned to her son, while JR pulled Olivia in for a hug. He kissed her cheek and then put his arm through hers. "Come on, I'll introduce you to everybody."

Fitz stood next to his mother, with his mouth open. "Close your mouth, Fitzgerald. She's going to be okay," Constance said.

By the time everyone sat down to dinner, they were all laughing and joking like one big happy family.

XXX

Fitz sat on a wicker lounger on the pool deck with a few other men enjoying drinks and imported cigars. Of course he didn't partake in either. He watched Olivia across the patio as she laughed and talked with Joey and members of his family. He had been correct with his prediction about his family. They'd all accepted her with open arms. When she and JR had approached his grandfather, Fitzgerald Senior, he stood and kissed her, and then he spoke. "My grandson has excellent taste. He told us you were beautiful and he was certainly right."

She was going to fit in perfectly.

"So, when are you going to propose to my sister?" Julian asked as he puffed on a Cuban cigar, bringing Fitz out of his musings.

Fitz took a sip of the sparkling water he'd been drinking all evening, wishing it was scotch. He turned to look at the man who would soon be his brother-in-law, and smiled.

"Is it that obvious?"

Julian nodded. "I can see that you both really love each other. It just seems like the next obvious step."

Fitz nodded, agreeing with Julian. "I love her, I really do."

"But…"

Fitz shook his head. "No buts. Your question just isn't one I can answer right now."

Julian nodded, giving Fitz a knowing smile. "Well this is a very important time for you and Liv. Just make it special."

"Noted, brother." They bumped fists and Fitz's eyes went back to his love.

XXX

Olivia was enjoying herself laughing with the women from both sides of Fitz's families. They'd all welcomed her with opened arms. She'd met JR's three brothers, their wives, their many children and grandchildren. The Grants were all nice and cordial, but they were nowhere near as loud as the Bennetts. Constance Grant had three living siblings and they had twenty kids between them. Their deceased sibling, Immanuelle, had never married but Fitz had been her favorite since birth.

They'd had a special bond, and when she passed away his sophomore year of college, he had toyed with the idea of quitting football but his mother had told him that his Aunt Imm would not want him to do that. That she would want him to play football for her, and win. And he had. He'd had his best season and had dedicated it to his favorite aunt. He missed her and wished that she could've met Olivia. He knew she would've been as crazy about her as he was.

XXX

Olivia felt someone staring at her and when she turned around, she wasn't surprised when she saw Fitz watching. She smiled. He stared as if he was mesmerized before finally motioning for her to join him. She excused herself and walked over to where he was sitting. Fitz reached out his hand to her and she took it. He pulled her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her, wanting her closer to him. They sat looking at one another, oblivious to the eyes of most of their families on them. Fitz leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"I love you, Fitzgerald Grant," she spoke in a soft tone.

Fitz smiled. "I love you too, Olivia Pope." He kissed her softly on the lips and they heard a collective "aww" from several family members. When they finally looked up, everyone had goofy, knowing smiles on their faces. Fitz rolled his eyes and then glanced at his watch.

"We should be going. I have some time before curfew and I want to spend it with you…alone."

Olivia nodded. She was ready to go too. Fitz helped her stand to her feet, and then stood next to her. Putting an arm around her waist, they walked around saying their goodbyes.

XXX

Later…

"Rege-Jean Page was definitely a great choice this evening," Olivia said as she spooned with Fitz on the sofa in the living room of her suite. They'd watched the first two episodes of the popular Netflix series before Fitz needed to return to his hotel.

"Yeah, sure. You just can't see past the man's good looks, like most women." Fitz chuckled and kissed her curls.

"The man is fine, babe," she said with emphasis, and then looked back at him.

"If you say so."

"Of course he's nowhere near as handsome and sexy as you." She leaned in to kiss him and he playfully moved his head, causing Olivia to laugh.

"I can't believe you just did that." She swatted at him, but he grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips.

"Livvie, no man wants to hear his woman compliment another man."

"Aww, I'm sorry, babe." She tried to kiss him again.

"Nope. It's too late," he said shaking his head, laughing.

"I said I was sorry."

Fitz smiled softly at the only woman he'd ever loved. "You know I'm only playing with you. But the next time you talk about another man's looks in my presence, I might not be so forgiving." He kissed the back of her hand, then her palm.

Olivia looked at him. "I'll remember that."

"And I might make you pay."

"Ooh, I can't wait," she said, shivering for full effect.

Fitz laughed and kissed her lips. "Sunday, baby."

Sitting up, he set her next to him on the sofa, unable to take his eyes off her legs. She'd changed into a silk pajama short set, while he remained fully dressed.

"Do you want anything else to eat or drink?" he asked. The huge bucket of popcorn and pitcher of non-alcoholic sangria were almost gone.

When they'd returned to Olivia's suite, Fitz had suggested a movie, knowing full well that that was the very last thing he wanted. But if they were going to spend time together before curfew, they would need a diversion.

"No, I'm good. I think I ate most of the popcorn by myself."

Fitz laughed. She was correct, but popcorn and wine was a food group to Olivia Pope.

"Well, I have about twenty-five minutes before I need to get back." Fitz slipped into his sandals and then stood from the sofa. Reaching for his phone, he called to let security know that he would be ready to leave in fifteen minutes. Slipping the device into his back pocket, he reached out his hand and helped Olivia to stand with him. Wrapping her in his arms, he moved his hands down her back to her ass and squeezed. "What time are you and Joey leaving to go shopping tomorrow?"

"David's picking her up at ten and we're going to have brunch before we set out to do damage." Olivia laughed and Fitz joined her. "And the hair and make-up team will be here at five to work their magic."

Fitz leaned down and kissed her. "You don't need magic, Livvie."

Olivia blushed. She wanted to look her best when she walked the red carpet with him. She'd viewed several photos from previous years to see what women had worn to the event, and had decided on something not too dramatic or too casual. It was appropriate for the event and she knew Fitz would like it.

"I'll be ready by seven-thirty."

"And I'll be here." He grinned down into her upturned face. "I love you."

She nodded. "I love you, too."

Fitz leaned down and kissed her in an open kiss that lasted a few moments. As they kissed, she arched her body into his and ran her hands up his back, and her fingers to the nape of his neck. When the kiss seemed to lead to more, Fitz reluctantly pulled away and took a step back watching Olivia as she caught her breath.

"I should go." They couldn't go any further than that kiss.

Olivia nodded and smiled. "You should go." She hadn't wanted him to stop.

He reached for her hand. "Walk me to the door."

She took his hand and together they walk to the suite's door.

"What time is practice tomorrow?"

"Well, we have morning meetings before they bus us over to University of Miami for practice, so probably around one. It will be our most intense practice of the week. We should be back at the hotel by five because the welcome reception for families begins at six."

Olivia nodded. "Lauren called to ask if I was attending. She forgot about the awards."

"You'll see them all on Friday."

"I know."

He opened his arms and she walked into them, laying her head over his heart.

"Please be careful out there tomorrow," she whispered.

Fitz nodded. "Don't worry, Livvie. You just have a great time with Joey. If you have any problems, you have the numbers for the members of my team. They'll take care of whatever you need. Okay?"

"Okay."

He so desperately wanted to give her his credit card for her shopping trip but knew she would outright refuse to take it. They'd had the money debate when he was making arrangements for her and her family's stay in Miami. Fitz had flatly refused to allow Olivia, or her family, to pay for anything and it had been quite a struggle. Yes, she could've funded her own trip but he wasn't having it. He felt that that was something a husband did, and since he already felt that way, he took care of everything.

Olivia had finally thrown up her hands to concede his victory.

"Fine, Fitz! You win this one, are you happy?" she asked in mock outrage.

Fitz had given her that lopsided grin in victory. "If you come over here and get in this bed with me, I'll be perfectly happy, baby," he said in a sexy voice.

She'd quickly forgotten their disagreement, removed her robe and joined him in bed. "You know how I love to make you happy." It was the last time they'd make love before the Super Bowl.

He kissed her again and then opened the door and stepped into the hallway. His security team was waiting at the elevator.

"Goodbye, Livvie."

She smiled. "Goodbye, Fitz."

Fitz stepped inside the car and the doors closed. Olivia then closed the door to her suite and leaned her back against it. She loved that man so much, and couldn't wait to see what the future held for them. Standing, she walked back into the living room and cleaned up their snacks before going to bathroom and completing her nighttime ritual, and finally falling into bed, exhausted.