Hey everybody, y'all all right? I know, I know, it's been a minute, but I didn't have anything to say. I'm going to be honest, this isn't my best work. This chapter was hard to write, but I needed to come up with something. You guys have been so loyal, I felt I owed you an ending. Thank you all for the PMs checking up on me, and for nudging me to continue. I appreciate you so much. Thanks also for continuing to read AWS, and for leaving your comments and suggestions.

We pick up with our faves back home after the holidays, and preparing for Baby Deux. I can say, I'm almost finished with Part 2 of this chapter, and it should be posted by this weekend. I promise.

Happy reading.

TBOT

XXX

The New Year…

The Christmas and New Year holidays were finally over, and they were better than Fitz and Olivia could have imagined. They'd returned to New York City tanned and relaxed, and beyond excited to see their baby boy, although he didn't appear to have missed them at all. After a quick trip up to Boston to visit the Bennett family, along with T.C., Wyatt and Enrique, the Grant family of three returned to Virginia to prepare for the arrival of its fourth member.

XXX

One week later, Great Falls, VA…

"Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby, ain't nothing like the real thing."

Fitz softly crooned as he and Olivia listened to a random playlist. He massaged her scalp with one large hand, while the other rested on her belly. Olivia smiled. She couldn't agree more. This, what she had with Fitzgerald Thomas Grant, III, was very real. The couple relaxed on the sofa in the sitting area of their bedroom where Olivia lay with her head on Fitz's lap. Her eyes were closed, and she practically purred with contentment.

They were both exhausted from a full day. It had been spent in Falls Church with Fiona making selections for the new floors, paint, wallpaper, light fixtures, appliances, cabinets, etc. She was having fun decorating their new 6,600 square foot home with a little assistance from her husband. She was still trying to decide on the décor for the new nursery, and Cruz's "big boy" bedroom, a room that he probably wouldn't sleep in all night, anytime soon.

They'd eventually returned to Great Falls and relieved Bert, who'd been caring for Cruz, and who had also prepared dinner. From the moment they walked through the door, the toddler clung to his mother and refused to let her go. When Fitz attempted to take him from his mother's arms and put him in his highchair, the baby flung himself backwards, crying loudly, angrily fighting off his father's attempt to remove him. He also refused to eat and fell asleep in his mother's arms, gnawing on his binky, while Olivia, with a little assistance from Fitz, ate the delicious meal Bert had prepared.

After dinner, they'd put their cranky and teething baby boy to bed and hoped that he'd get a little rest. They stood watching him sleep for a few minutes as Lucky Seven got comfortable in usual spot next to Cruz's crib. The dog had spent two weeks in obedience training school, and had quickly become their son's best friend. Along with Cruz in his stroller, he was Fitz's running buddy, and almost the perfect dog. Almost. Although he looked like a dog, he was still young, still a puppy at heart and got into mischief. Fitz spent time trying to expend his energy. He was a loyal playmate, and loved and protected Cruz. That is what endeared him to Bert, and she spoiled them both.

Satisfied that their baby boy was sleeping peacefully, Olivia and Fitz finally left his room, but from their previous experience with teething, they knew it could be a very long night.

XXX

Cruz had been asleep for over an hour, and his parents were enjoying the quiet before the possible storm.

Fitz sighed in contentment, and Olivia smiled.

It wasn't long before Olivia's belly shifted and moved. A little wave of motion, and a shape Fitz could have sworn was Baby Deux's little foot, made an appearance.

Fitz grinned, shaking his head in awe. "That is just…"

"Amazing, right?" Olivia said, glancing up at her husband.

Although they'd been through this before, it was still an indescribable sight and feeling.

"Yes, it is," he said, leaning down to kiss her temple.

"I want to rest and Baby Deux wants to play," she said.

Fitz chuckled.

Olivia covered his hand with hers and beneath their palms they felt their baby stirring. She exhaled and closed her eyes again, feeling herself drifting away.

Fitz continued massaging her scalp then he spoke.

"Are you asleep, Livvie?" he asked.

"Hmm," she said as she struggled to draw herself back to the sound of his voice.

"I was thinking."

Olivia smiled but didn't open her eyes. "Oh were you now?" she asked. "I like when you do that. It's sexy."

"Livvie, listen."

"I am listening, babe."

He took a deep breath. "I don't think you should go to Chicago."

Olivia's eyes shot open, but she remained stock-still. She'd assumed her husband was on board with her extended trip, apparently he was not.

"I just don't think you should be flying all over the country right now."

'Wow, where did that come from?'

Her thoughts instantly went to the conversation she'd had with her mother when her parents had visited Great Falls last week. Fitz, Eli and Cruz were downstairs in Fitz's cave, while Olivia and her mother were curled up on the sofa in hers and Fitz's favorite room, talking. Olivia had shared with her mother the news regarding the invitation to be a featured speaker at the University Of Chicago Law School, which would add three more days to her already planned trip. Maya listened to her daughter and then offered her opinion, which was no surprise to Olivia.

"Are you sure you should be flying so much at six months pregnant, Olivia Carolyn? Didn't Fatima advise you take it easy? I'm sure you were able to rest on your vacation because I know Fitz didn't allow you to do much."

Olivia smiled at the accuracy of her mother's words.

"When you told me about the trip to Atlanta I felt it was too much but since your husband was okay with it, well… I just think you're putting your health and that of my grandbaby at risk."

This was Maya Pope, doctor AND mother talking.

Olivia rolled her eyes. It was at that moment she regretted sharing this latest information with her mother. Their mother-daughter relationship had done a complete one-eighty, but the old Maya Pope still made an appearance every now and again. She also knew her mother was just concerned, so she tried to keep her thoughts to herself.

"And now you want go and travel all over the country."

Olivia sighed. "Mother, please. I am not flying all over the country. It's just Chicago and Atlanta. I'll only be gone five days."

"Five days is a long time away from your son."

"It's not too bad, and we both know my baby will be just fine with his father, and Bert. Also, I wouldn't have accepted the Chicago invite if Fitz wasn't okay with it." Technically, Fitz never actually said he was okay with her going to Chicago or with her being away from home for five days. She never really wanted to be away from home for any length of time and normally she wasn't. When she traveled it was usually via a Bennett Industries jet, and she was only away for one night, not a day more. This was different.

Maya scoffed. "Since when has Fitz said 'no' to something you wanted, or something you wanted to do? He spoils you."

Her mother was correct. Fitz rarely disagreed with anything she wanted to do.

"Okay, so he spoils me," Olivia admitted. "But he would have said something if he thought this was a bad idea. I don't think he would have given his okay if he thought it would affect my health, or that of our unborn child."

Maya's head snapped in surprise. "Given his okay? I am shocked at your choice of words, Olivia Carolyn.

Olivia blushed. "I never said I always knew what was best…"

"But you certainly pretend to."

"I just trust that sometimes my husband has a perspective that I don't, that's all."

Maya didn't get a chance to respond because of the appearance of her husband, son-in-law and sleeping grandson. They would have to table this conversation… for now.

Olivia finally lifted her head from Fitz's lap and attempted to sit up. Fitz quickly reached down to help her to a sitting position. She paused for a moment, steeling herself and gathering her thoughts before she faced him. Inhaling deeply, she finally spoke.

"Fitz we've already discussed this. I made a commitment, remember? You said you were okay with it."

He shook his head. "No, we discussed you traveling to Atlanta because Dr. Goodrich gave you the okay. It was supposed to be a two day trip for you to speak on that panel at Emory Law and to celebrate your birthday. I was hesitant, but your Spelman sisters promised to take good care of you. Now that you've added the Chicago trip, it's turned into five days away from home. You're six months pregnant, Livvie, and let's be honest this pregnancy is a lot different from your first." He had her there. Her first pregnancy had gone relatively smoothly, but Baby Deux was making the end of her second trimester a little difficult.

Most of the time Olivia tried to do most of things she'd always done until Fitz pointed out to her that it was unwise or impractical. Like this extended trip. She was tired all the time, but she was also working, and had a fifteen month old who was good at toddler tantrums. She was also beginning to experience back aches, her feet sometimes swell and she knew she'd soon have to lay off her beloved four and five inch heels. Then there was the ligament pain, light dizziness and even Braxton Hicks contractions, which had scared them both.

But Olivia knew her body, and she would never put herself or their unborn child in harm's way. Fitz had to know this. She'd seen Dr. Goodrich, who understood her concerns, and assured her that two days in Atlanta would be okay. Of course that was before Josie had called, while she was in New York, with the opportunity as a guest of the law school's Diversity Scholar Speaker Series. She loved the idea and wished that her own law school had offered something like it. She'd also accepted without at least talking to her husband about it first. But Olivia liked Chicago. It was one of her favorite cities; it wasn't as overwhelming as New York, or as sleepy as D.C. It was busy and cosmopolitan without feeling overcrowded. She was looking forward to maybe doing a little shopping on Michigan Avenue, and dinner at a perennial favorite, Topolobampo. Now all of those plans were in jeopardy.

Fitz wasn't surprised that his wife was in high demand. Olivia Pope-Grant was smart and shrewd...the consummate prosecutor. That's why so many people in the legal community respected her. Now she was making a name for herself outside the AUSA's office. She was good at what she did and was being rewarded for all her hard work over the years. She deserved all the opportunities coming her way. He was so damn proud of her, but that didn't mean that he was okay with her traveling at six months pregnant. He just wanted her to slow down.

"Fitz, we went through this when I was pregnant with Cruz. You wanted me to stay home with our baby. I tried, but we both know how that worked out. Women work and have children all the time. Women with careers more demanding than mine."

"I know that, Livvie. But we're not talking about other women, we're talking about you."

"So now you're trying to force me to stay home and take it easy."

Fitz generally gave his wife whatever she wanted. But she didn't want much, and in the past year he realized how much her new career meant to her. He knew she wasn't one to stay home. No, Olivia Pope Grant was one who needed to fly. And his challenge was to always remember to allow her to do that. But this was different. He didn't want her out of his sight, of course, though he knew that was impossible. He looked at her. She was so beautiful. So, so pretty. She was also pregnant, hormonal and very emotional, so he knew he needed to tread lightly.

"Livvie, you and I both know I could never force you to do anything, even if I tried."

Olivia nodded. He was certainly right about that. She did not need his permission.

"Fitz I don't have a medical condition, I'm pregnant! It's a normal part of life. I'm fit, strong and healthy, and taking care of myself. If Fatima told me that I needed to stay off my feet, I would do it immediately. I'm going to be fine, so you have nothing to worry about. I loved my life prior to becoming a mom and I love my life now. I also love what I do and I want to keep doing it until the end of my seventh month. I don't want to give up my ambition just because I'm having another baby."

"And I don't expect you to. But with the way you've been feeling lately, I'm just saying, I'm not sure you should be traveling so much. I think you should take it easy, rest and grow our baby. Maybe stay closer to home." Fitz sighed deeply. "I'm just not sure about all this."

"What is there not to be sure of, Fitz? This is my career and I…"

Her words were smothered by his lips crushing down on hers, thrusting his tongue into her mouth. It was still the only way for him to get her attention, and also get a word in. After a few seconds, Olivia broke the contact and leaned back to look into her husband's eyes. She was about to speak but Fitz didn't give her a chance. He placed a silencing finger lightly on her lips.

"Let's not go back and forth with this. You know how much I hate to argue." He removed his finger and pulled her closer to his large body. "I know there's no way I can tell you what to do, and I would never try to do that. That's not who I am. It's just the thought of you being hundreds of miles away from me, something happening to you and me being unable to get to you quickly. It keeps me awake some nights."

Olivia looked at her husband. His jaw was tight. She knew what that meant. Fitz usually allowed her to have her way but there were times, when he asserted himself, like now, and she knew he wasn't going to change his mind. She reached out and placed a gentle hand on his cheek and caressed it. His jaw relaxed and he placed a kiss in her palm. For a moment they were both lost in each other.

Olivia leaned in closer and whispered, "You're so damn sexy when you try to put your foot down."

Fitz threw back his head, his body relaxing, and laughed before pulling her in his arms. "I love you so much, Olivia Grant. And we'll figure this out the way we always do, together."

One of the strengths of their relationship was their willingness to communicate, to talk. They understood that too many relationships and marriages failed because they didn't. They talked about everything, and always reached some kind of compromise if needed. This was one of those times.

She kissed him. "I know, and you're right," she said quietly, "We'll figure it out, together."

XXX

A few days later…

Olivia and Joey were currently sitting at a table tucked in a corner in the back dining room at Chef Geoff's West End in the District, having lunch. They'd recently resumed their twice monthly lunch dates. They hadn't seen each other since Joey's birthday dinner in December because Joey's first trimester, and part of the second, had been hell. She was sick all the time, and miserable. Not just nauseated, but sick. Vomiting, retching, the entire circus, clowns and all! Needless to say, she wasn't in the mood for anything, especially going out to a restaurant and being unable to keep anything down.

Olivia had sympathized with her bestie, but she was also happy to see her. They planned to spend their time together dissecting their lives, and comparing pregnancy notes. They also wanted to do a little shopping together for new clothes before parting ways. Joey had not been prepared for the weight gain, although she still worked out when she could. Her obstetrician had given her the go-ahead to exercise as long as she took it easy. She worked with her clients, but knew it wouldn't be long before she had to stop.

Olivia had just finished catching Joey up on what was going on in her busy life.

"Fitz is just concerned about you, Liv."

Olivia nodded. "I know. But it felt as if he was telling me what I could and could not do," she said staring at Joey across the table. "I've had to make some difficult choices between my career, my husband and our family. Remember, the last thing I expected was to get pregnant again so soon. But here we are."

"You're six months pregnant and lately you've been having back and hip aches, swollen feet, and remember the Braxton Hicks contractions? Of course Fitz is worried about you traveling so much."

"And I'm happy and grateful to have a husband who loves me and looks out for my well-being. Maybe it was the way he said it. I thought it was going to lead to a fight."

Joey took a sip of water. "You and Fitz fight? You never talk about that."

Olivia frowned. "Very rarely. I'm a lawyer and can argue a case like I'm standing before the Supreme Court, but not Fitz. He doesn't like it. But when we do…" she grimaced. "It's almost like the end of the world. Then we talk and work our way through the problem. The make-up part is always the best, though. I just love him so much, Jo."

Joey smiled at Olivia. "I know you do. Fitz is just perfect."

Olivia shook her head. "No, he is far from perfect. He can be a little chauvinistic sometimes, but even that is kind of sexy. I can't lie." They both laughed.

"Don't you and J argue?"

In some ways Joey and Julian both regretted the years they wasted picking on each other and bickering like children. So much wasted time. But they were also grateful that they'd spent so many years being acquainted. There were so many things they knew about each other, so many things they understood. Now they were just right for each other.

Joey shook her head. "Not often. Remember, we did most of our arguing before we even started dating, and you know how those went. We spent what, twenty-five years disliking each other, and ignoring the attraction between us."

Joey took another sip of water and continued. "Julian knows I'm going to be me, whatever that means."

"Fitz does as well. He usually makes things easy for me, but on Chicago," she shook her head, "he was not so amiable."

"So what are you going to do?"

"Well after much discussion and a conversation with Fatima, we've decided that Fitz will be traveling with me to Chicago and Atlanta. It will put his mind at ease, and I want that for him."

They'd talked and listened to each other, and had come up with a plan that worked for them both. And though Fitz wasn't the arguing type, when it came to his wife and their children he made his point crystal clear. He did not want Olivia traveling at all, but if she had to, or needed to, he was going to accompany her.

During their conversation, Fitz had also reminded her that he would always support her but he would also be the first person to tell her why he did or did not agree with what she wanted to do. And she listened because Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III had never steered her wrong. He would never outright tell her she couldn't do something because her independence, her curiosity and her drive were some of the things he found so sexy about his wife. She was never going to give any of those up and he was going to be there to make sure she didn't. He was a man who wasn't afraid to let his wife fly.

Olivia had also come to the realization that she couldn't have everything. She had to defer some things, and even put some aside entirely. She had to choose what was most important to her and right now, that was her family, her husband and their children. Of course her career was important, but it would probably run a distant second for the next few years. And she was fine with that, because it was her choice. Sure she had a husband who happily carried the load, and she could hire help, but she also wanted to be present and that meant some sacrifices.

"Liv that's great. I wish I could go with you, and see everybody." Olivia smiled.

"Honestly Jo, I'm happy he's coming with me, too. The birthday dinner that was planned for me by our Spelman sisters will now include husbands and significant others. Everyone's excited to meet Fitz. "

"Oh I'm sure they are. What about Cruzy, is he going?"

Olivia shook her head. "No, Cruz won't be traveling with us. JR and Constance, along with Wyatt and Enrique, who are still in New York, will be here next week to care for Cruz until we return. They all jumped at the chance to continue spoiling him. Well I shouldn't say spoiled, he's just very well loved."

Joey agreed.

"Seriously Jo, Cruz will be just fine for a few days, and I'll get to spend more alone time with my husband before we officially become a family of four."

"My buddy, Enrique, is coming to town!"

"Yes, and he will be calling you," Olivia said laughing.

"I cannot wait." Joey was giddy with excitement. A time was always had when those two got together.

"I'm sure JR will find time to play a few rounds of golf with J and Daddy."

"Probably," Joey responded absently. She was already making plans for her and Enrique.

"I have a lot to do before we leave."

"But you and Fitz are still coming over for dinner Friday night, right?"

Olivia nodded. "Of course. Mom and Daddy are keeping Cruz and Seven overnight, so Fitz and I can stay out as late as we want." Olivia had joked with Fitz that by dessert they would both be yawning, ready for the evening to end.

"Maya Pope is allowing Lucky Seven in her home?" Joey asked, shocked.

Olivia laughed. "Can you believe it? We're staying at the condo and didn't want to leave him home alone. My building doesn't allow pets, so they volunteered to dogsit."

"Well wonders never cease."

"Tell me about it. Are you almost finished?" she asked. "There are a few shops I want to visit before I head home. I want to look cute when I see everybody."

Joey laughed. "Please Liv, you were one of those ridiculously chic women when you were pregnant with Cruzy. You looked like you were hiding a ball beneath your clothes. Believe me, nothing's changed."

"I don't feel chic."

"Well if I was a jealous woman, I'd really dislike you."

They both laughed.

"But I'm so happy, and I can't wait for our babies to get here."

"Neither can I," she said, then looked around. "Now where's that waiter with the check."

XXX

Friday Night Dinner…

"Liv, I can't believe you don't want a baby shower."

Fitz and Olivia were having dinner at Julian's and Joey's new home. They'd both sold their homes and purchased a large colonial with a huge backyard and pool in Cleveland Park. Olivia had finished work and they headed to the city earlier that evening for dinner with the Popes.

"Believe it, Jo."

Joey shook her head. "Come on Liv, you have to."

"I didn't want the shower I was surprised with the first time. I had a great time, but I do not want nor do I need another one."

Everyone laughed.

"My mother and my mother-in-law have been warned. No. Shower. Besides, another shower would be tacky, and I feel that all the attention should be on you. Fortunately, they're both so excited about the new grandbabies, they're fine with it. Besides, Aunt Z, Mom and I are having a ball planning your baby shower. I mean, I never thought I would get the chance to do this for my brother."

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?" Julian asked in mock indignation.

"She just means everyone thought you were going to be a bachelor for life, baby," Joey said, then took his chin in her hand, turned his face toward hers, and kissed his lips. "But we both know that's the furthest thing from the truth."

"Damn right," Julian said then took a long sip of the craft beer Fitz had brought. "This beer isn't bad, Fitz." He took another sip. "It's a little funky, but smooth, and definitely not as good as a glass of chardonnay, but not bad. I think it will grow on me."

Fitz laughed. "You sound a lot like my wine snob wife."

"Alright, Mr. Grant," Olivia warned as she swirled pomegranate juice around in her stemless wineglass. She hadn't had a glass of wine since they learned she was pregnant again.

"Do you miss having a good glass of wine, baby sis?" Julian asked, smiling at his sister.

Olivia frowned at the name her brother called her. "Not really."

"Well I do," Joey complained, "although I do appreciate you both not drinking wine in mine and Liv's presence. You can have your beer though." She made a face.

"Abstaining from wine has my wife's mood and temperament all over the place. How do you handle it, Fitz?"

Fitz placed an arm around Olivia's shoulder before he answered. "Sorry Julian, but I can't help you there. Livvie's always the same."

"How's that?" Julian asked.

Fitz winked at his wife. "Snarky."

Julian laughed along with Fitz but Olivia and Joey didn't find his comment funny at all.

"You laugh at my expense Fitz, but your 'snarky' comment will have you sleeping on the sofa tonight."

Emboldened by scotch and beer, Fitz responded recklessly. "I ain't scared."

Olivia glared at her husband then spoke, "you probably should be."

Fitz didn't laugh, but leaned down and kissed his wife. "I'm sorry, Livvie. I was only joking. Forgive me?"

Olivia smiled against his lips. "Of course, but you'll pay for that 'snarky' comment later, mister."

Fitz smiled at her, an indulgent look on his face, and unmistakable love in his eyes. "I know…and I can't wait."

Dinner continued, along with a conversation filled with the warmth and camaraderie.

"You're both going to love what we're planning for Baby Pope's shower."

"Yeah, well nothing over the top," Julian said.

Olivia laughed. "Um big brother, have you met your wife?"

"Hey!" Joey gave her best friend a mock offended expression.

Everyone at the table laughed, including Joey because she knew Olivia was correct.

"But Liv you're still considering joining me for a bestie maternity shoot, right?"

Olivia groaned. Joey had been practically begging but she wasn't really interested. When she was pregnant with Cruz, Olivia and Fitz had taken a few photos together, cradling her naked belly. She had accompanied her husband to a photo shoot for one of the brands he endorsed. When the brand's shoot was over, the photographer talked them into an impromptu photo shoot and the results were stunning. They chose two photos, one which currently hung in their favorite room, seen by those who were invited into their home, and the other, of the couple in a very intimate pose, hung in the sitting area of their bedroom for their eyes only.

Unlike Olivia, Joey wanted to experience everything. Gender reveal, maternity photo shoot, a baby shower and a push present. Olivia and Fitz wanted to be surprised again. They'd said on more than one occasion that they would reveal their baby's gender at birth. But Joey and Julian couldn't wait, and were planning to reveal Baby Pope's gender at Sunday dinner in two days, at the de Matteos.

"I don't know, Jo. I'm still thinking about it."

"Well don't take too long."

"I won't."

"How's the reno going?" Julian asked, skillfully changing the subject.

"Well it was on schedule but Fiona informed us that the wallpaper we selected has been delayed so work in the living and dining rooms has stopped," Fitz answered. "They've completed the in-law suite out back and the rooms on the lower level, which includes my room," he said grinning at his wife, as well as the kitchen, family room, our offices and Livvie's custom wine cellar on the second floor. Our suite of rooms, Cruz's room and the nursery are next, along with the guest suites."

"We're choosing floors, paint and furniture for the guest suites," Olivia added. "But I'm still trying to decide how I want to decorate Cruz's new big boy room and the nursery."

"You're cutting it kind of close aren't you, Liv?"

Olivia smiled at her brother. "Maybe, but I'm not sure what I want yet."

"That's okay Livvie, you have time." Fitz kissed her hair.

Olivia nodded. She had a few ideas in mind.

Joey looked at Julian. "You want to bring out dessert, babe?"

"Sure."

Fitz stood. "I'll help you, Julian."

"Thanks, Fitz."

Joey and Olivia watched their husbands clear the table and load everything onto a cart before leaving the dining room.

"What's wrong, Jo?" Olivia asked. She'd noticed the look on her best friend's face as she watched her husband.

"Nothing I guess," Joey shrugged. "I'm just happy to see Julian so loose."

Olivia chuckled. "How can you tell?"

Joey smirked but didn't comment. "He's been so busy lately. His current case is a big one, and it has gone on longer than expected. He's working his ass off, but he also tries to get home at a decent hour but that's not always possible. I was surprised when he informed me that he would be home in time for dinner this evening. When I call him, he always answers but sometimes he seems distracted. He always makes sure to tell me that he's thinking about me, loves me and can't wait to get home to me."

Olivia looked at her sister-friend and saw that she needed assurances. She reached for her hand. "Don't worry, Jo," she said in a soothing voice. "It's normal to feel this way when you're pregnant."

"Feel what way?"

"Needy, and craving your husband's attention. I had it bad when I was pregnant with Cruz. Fitz was away at training camp for five weeks, and then practice for the upcoming season. I didn't care, I just wanted my husband."

Joey chuckled.

"Honestly, its par for the course. At least that's the way it is for women."

"And for men?"

"They work their asses off," Olivia said. "That's their way of nesting; preparing to provide for their family."

"I just love him so much, and wonder if there's such a thing as being too happy."

"God, I hope not." She grinned at her friend. "But I think I know how you feel. Everything is going great but you're feeling like there's a shoe somewhere waiting to drop."

Joey nodded. "I keep expecting to wake up and find out this wonderful life I have never happened, that it's all been a dream. I have a husband who loves me deeply and unconditionally. I love my in-laws," she smiled at Olivia. "My family is wonderful and we're finally all getting along now, and my parents are in good health. You know I've never been a pessimist, but it's scary."

Olivia sighed. "We just have to enjoy the moment for what it is, Jo. Everybody deserves happiness at some point. I'm just glad we found ours."

Joey raised her glass of juice. "Here, here!"

Olivia laughed and touched her glass to Joey's before taking a sip.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen Fitz and Julian were deep in conversation while the coffee brewed. Julian rubbed his cheek and grinned at his brother-in-law. He could tell from the way Fitz kept glancing at the clock that something was on his mind.

"You've got it real bad, brother. You're as bad I am. You're counting the minutes until the two of you can leave. Don't deny it," he warned him in a teasing voice.

Fitz frowned. "I'm not trying to deny anything, Julian. Yeah, I've got it bad and yeah, I'm thinking of when I can get out of here with my wife. Hell, I'm always thinking about my wife. Whoever said that men run the world is a damned liar because you and I both know that women are the ones in control," he said truthfully.

Both men stood nodding.

"Yeah, Liv has had your nose wide open for a long time, still does."

Fitz laughed, nodding his head.

"I remember when we were at family dinner in Miami and it was so apparent that it would be sooner rather later when you would propose marriage. You were so far gone that if she hadn't said 'yes' we would've had to have you committed, and you know this," he said grinning.

"I can't deny it, brother. The truth is the light," Fitz said, shrugging his shoulders. "But we got married, had a beautiful son, a beautiful new home, a beautiful dog, and in three months we'll have our second beautiful child. I have an amazing, sexy, brilliant and gorgeous wife and I've never been happier in my life."

Julian stuck out his hand. "My man."

Fitz laughed and shook it just as the buzzer on the coffeemaker signaled the end of the brewing cycle.

Julian entered the dining room with dessert, Bert's chocolate cake, followed by Fitz who carried coffee and tea, then stopped abruptly.

"Is everything okay in here?"

Joey smiled at her husband with tear filled eyes, the man she loved with her entire being. "Everything's fine, baby."

Julian glanced at his sister and then his wife. He didn't believe her but he nodded because Fitz had just warned him that 'yes' was almost always the correct answer, no matter the question, when it came to his wife during pregnancy.

"Well in that case, dessert is served."

XXX

Later that evening…

"So are you excited to find out your baby's gender on Sunday?"

"Are you kidding? I can't wait!" Joey responded with a huge smile on her face.

They were in the living room sitting in front of a roaring fire in the fireplace while their husbands cleaned up after dinner.

"Well you know it doesn't matter to me. I just can't wait to be called, Auntie O."

Joey laughed. "Auntie Jo, and Auntie O, I think I love it. But you know I think we're BOTH having girls."

There it was again. Everybody seemed to think that she was carrying a little girl. She wasn't partial to one or the other as long as Baby Deux was healthy. "Well you'll know for sure on Sunday, and I will find out in April."

They laughed at Olivia's comment.

"Fitz seems excited to meet everybody in Atlanta."

Olivia nodded. "Yes, he is and so am I. He hasn't mentioned Chicago at all. I think he wants to meet the people who knew me during college. They're excited to meet him too."

"Well I'm happy you guys are in a good place."

"That we are." Olivia sighed. "I just needed to be reminded that it's not just about what I want or what's right for me anymore. It's about what's right for my family. I should have never accepted the Chicago speaking engagement without at least discussing it with my husband first. He didn't say anything when I told him I was going so I assumed he was okay with it. Obviously he was not."

'Liv, we're not mind readers."

Olivia shook her head. "No, we are not, but neither are they. Remember when I was going through my postpartum issues and I expected Fitz to know that I was not happy just being home with Cruz all day? I was angry with him, and he didn't even know it."

Joey nodded.

"After our brief break-up, when we were dating, we vowed that we would communicate better, talk to each other about how we're feeling, about any issues in our relationship. And things don't necessarily have to be big issues to be important."

"That's true."

"There were times after I gave birth where I wasn't really paying attention to my husband's needs because I was too busy with a newborn, tending to his needs."

"But Liv you were a new mom, your body was healing and you were hormonal."

Olivia chuckled. "Thanks, Jo. I was all those things and more, but Fitz never made me feel as though he wasn't getting what he needed from me. He was also busy and in the middle of the season with the Team. It wasn't until I came out of that newborn fog and really started to pay attention that I realized my husband was feeling a little left out."

Joey looked at her curiously. "How so?"

"During my last trimester, when I was very far along in my pregnancy with my big baby boy, I was so uncomfortable."

Joey chuckled. She knew all about Olivia's third trimester blues.

"Maybe three weeks before my due date, Fitz started drawing baths for me every night just to ease the back pressure. I would stay in there until the water grew cold." She smiled thinking about that time. "When Cruz was born I started to take them with him on my chest. It was just the two of us in the warm water, just like when he was inside me. And then I began to notice, if Fitz was home, he would come into the bathroom with questions and requests…just meaningless conversation, interrupting our bath time. Every time, it was something with him."

Joey chuckled softly. She'd been listening to her best friend in rapt attention.

"And then one night, something clicked, and I asked him 'Babe? Do you want to join us? Honey, I've never seen him undress so fast. Not even for sex."

Joey laughed then, and so did Olivia.

"Turns out all that time he just wanted to join us in our ritual and was just waiting for an invite.

"Aww, Liv. That's so sweet."

Olivia grinned and nodded. "It is, isn't it? Of course Cruz is too active to take baths with me now, but my husband and I still enjoy them together. We relax and talk about our day. I love it."

"It's one of my favorite things to do with Julian, too, among…well… other things." She winked at Olivia, and Olivia almost gagged.

"When Cruz was a newborn," Olivia said, ignoring Joey's comment, "Fitz was still playing and missed out on some things. A lot of times, well most of the time, Cruz would be down for the night after I nursed him. Like clockwork, every morning I would awake with rock hard breasts," she grimaced, "ready to feed our son for relief, but Fitz always beat me to it. I would find them in our sitting room, Fitz feeding him from a bottle and would get so annoyed."

"Why, Liv?"

"Well you know the hard time I had with breastfeeding in the beginning, and just when Cruz and I were getting into a groove, he started doing that. There I was, standing there with painful breasts and he was feeding our son from a bottle. I was pissed!"

Joey nodded. She had been reading a lot, but she was also learning quite a bit about motherhood from her best friend.

"After a few mornings of that, I finally just asked him not to do it anymore. The look on his face…" Olivia placed a hand on her chest. "He was crushed. In that moment I realized that he woke up every morning because he loved to do it, and he was allowing me to sleep in. That was their time together before he had to rush off to Ashburn. He practiced all day, and checked in via FaceTime because he knew that most times Cruz and I would be asleep when he made it home. The morning feedings was father-son bonding time and I couldn't take that away from them. Needless to say, I woke up and pumped so Fitz and his boy could have their moment. They don't always tell us why they do the things they do, which is why we need to pay attention and speak up when we need to."

"Yes, but so do they."

Olivia nodded. "Absolutely. Sometimes it's what they don't say. I didn't talk to Fitz before I said 'yes' to Chicago. He didn't say anything when I told him, but when he finally told me how he felt we were able to discuss it. We have our moments, but we always work it out. So if you want to stay in a good place, my suggestion would be not to ignore the little things."

The men chose that moment to enter the room, interrupting the conversation.

"We are finished with the kitchen and the dining room," Julian announced when he and Fitz walked into the living room and joined their wives.

The couples talked for another hour before Fitz and Olivia were ready to leave and get each other into bed. They quickly said their goodbyes.

XXX

Fitz and Olivia were silent as Fitz drove them to the condo. It wasn't long before Olivia placed her hand on her husband's thigh. Fitz glanced briefly at his wife and grinned.

"Are you feeling okay, babe?" she asked.

"Uh-huh." His body tensed as her hand moved farther up his thigh toward his crotch. He bucked his hips and shifted in the driver's seat. Slowly she began to stroke his inches, which had grown hard the moment she put her little hands on him.

"Shit, Livvie," he exclaimed as he involuntarily pushed his crotch toward her hand. "I'm driving."

"Then hurry and get us home," Olivia said in a husky voice.

Without another word, Fitz accelerated down Massachusetts Avenue and in no time he was driving into the underground parking garage of the condo. He parked into her assigned space and shut off the Rover's engine. Quickly he unbuckled his seatbelt, did the same for Olivia and pulled her toward him. He kissed down the side of her neck, then along her jawline.

"Tease," he murmured, then kissed her deeply, thrusting his tongue into her mouth. Olivia moaned and pressed her hand harder against Fitz's hard dick and rubbed him slowly. He groaned and thrust his hips in time to her actions.

Olivia wrenched her mouth from his and gasped. "I want you, Fitz. Now!"

"I want you too, Livvie, but not here. Someone could pull in any minute."

Olivia chuckled and nodded. "You're right."

He leaned in and kissed her again. "Come on, let's go upstairs and finish what you started."

Olivia laughed as she watched her husband quickly exit the vehicle. He jogged around to the passenger side, opened the door and helped her to her feet. Giggling like teenagers, they walked-ran to the elevator, eager to pick up where they left off.

XXX

Chicago and Atlanta…

The weather in Chicago was close to freezing and Fitz and Olivia got in and out quickly without any problems. She would have to come back to shop, and have dinner at Topolobampo when the weather was warmer.

In Atlanta, the city Olivia had called home for four years, the January weather was mild and the couple rested in their suite at the Four Seasons before Olivia's speaking engagement. As expected, Olivia wowed the attendees at the event, which was attended by some of her friends. She'd always been impressive and imposing, but now she was also more unassuming which drew people in.

They'd also made a trip to Buckhead Village because Olivia wanted to visit a few shops. It was her birthday after all. She did a little shopping including purchasing an amulet locket for Joey.

When Cruz was born, to celebrate Olivia's new journey into motherhood, Joey gifted her with a locket with his picture inside. She'd told Olivia that there was something special about a locket. It may seem dated, but this was not grandma's locket, and Olivia wore it every day. Now that they knew that a little girl was on the way, Olivia wanted to return the gesture and place a photo of her new niece inside.

Everyone had been so happy with the Baby Girl Pope news, and Julian and Joey had been brought to tears. One half of the gender equation was solved, now they had to wait until April to solve the other.

Later that evening, in the private dining room at Bacchanalia in Atlanta, ten friends, along with their spouses and significant others gathered to celebrate their Spelman sister Olivia Pope-Grant's thirty-third birthday.

The ladies were currently seated in a sitting area enjoying cocktail hour, while the men stood at the bar across the room. They were talking but also catching glimpses of Fitz with dreamy eyes. Olivia laughed and glanced at her husband. He briefly looked at her and she could almost see his dirty thoughts, making her blush. This was why she couldn't blame her friends for swooning over him. He looked so handsome in the dark grey Zegna, two-button cashmere suit. He wore a black shirt sans tie underneath, which gave him laid back sex appeal. He'd been letting his hair grow out and now it kissed his collar with the front falling into his eyes like their son's, but in the sexiest way, especially when he didn't comb it out of his face.

The men were different. They were excited to meet the two-time Super Bowl MVP and talk football. Everyone was his number fan and their genuine adoration made him blush. They rattled off question after question about his career. Even though Fitz rarely watched the games and never thought of returning to the sport, he didn't mind. Olivia was just happy to see him enjoying himself with men he'd just met. But she shouldn't have been surprised. That's who he was. Fitz always carried himself with such confidence that no matter where they went, people fell over themselves to please him. There were a million ways that being with him made her feel special, but the VIP treatment was one she never would have imagined getting used to. Apparently, she had. The way people behaved when he entered a room had long ago stopped making her roll her eyes. It almost embarrassed her to admit it, but being Mrs. Fitzgerald Thomas Grant, III had its privileges. And she was proud and happy to have him by her side for life.

He had already charmed them all when they'd arrived earlier. Olivia hadn't really had to make introductions because Fitz had taken care of it.

"Good evening, Fitz, it's nice to finally meet you. I'm Erika by the way."

"The doctor, correct?"

Erika lifted a brow and smiled. "That's right."

"The pleasure is mine," Fitz responded.

He then turned to the tall, willowy woman standing next to Erika. "You must be Chenille, the lawyer," he said with a charming smile on his face.

"That would be me"

"You were Livvie's LSAT study partner, and she was your 'special' when she pledged your sorority."

Chenille raised a brow, impressed. "I see you've been telling Fitz about us, Liv."

Olivia laughed, nodding her head. "I may have told him a little something." She had shown Fitz pictures and gave him a little insight about each of the women he would be meeting. He had remembered them all. After the introductions, he spent time sitting, talking and laughing with his wife's college friends. They filled in the blanks that Joey hadn't. He asked Chenille about Olivia's line name, Strictly Business, why they'd given it to her.

Chenille looked at Fitz and laughed. "Do you really have to ask?"

They'd had a good laugh. He'd also learned why Joey was called Lost and Found; she was never where she was supposed to be. That was Joey. She marched to the beat of her own drum. It was why no one was surprised that she had given up what would have been a lucrative and cushy position with any law firm to pursue her passion.

For the next thirty minutes, everyone talked about how much Olivia had changed since the last time they'd seen her. Obviously she wasn't the same undergrad they'd all known, but she also wasn't the same uptight Olivia Pope. She was definitely more relaxed.

The old Olivia Pope was the least likely person to end up marrying professional athlete. She'd learned that you couldn't judge a book by its cover, and was grateful she'd been able to overcome her stereotypes and assumptions about celebrities, politicians and athletes.

Olivia agreed and explained that a lot of it was Fitz, along with his love and patience. It was also becoming a mother. Motherhood had brought out her softer side. As a lawyer she'd been taught to always be serious, but she'd grown in a way where she could show her emotions on her sleeve and it was okay. This also helped her connect in an authentic way with MSNBC viewers, and those who attended lectures and other speaking engagements where she was featured.

"Fitz, these ladies are about to get crazy. I think we should make a break for it now." It was Hakeem Clarke, husband of Olivia's line sister, Reese. She slapped his arm while the other women gave him the eye, and the men including Fitz, laughed.

Fitz stood. "It was nice talking to you all. We'll continue this conversation later."

Quickly all the men headed off toward the bar while the women watched.

"Damn," Erika whispered.

"Exactly," Chenille muttered.

"I like him," Reese added.

Olivia laughed at her friends. "Yep. I think I'll keep him."

The evening was a rousing success. Fitz thoroughly enjoyed meeting Olivia's old friends. They were all down to earth, and they loved and cared about his Livvie. That was enough for him. The couple promised to attend the SpelHouse Homecoming the following year. This year wasn't going to happen with a toddler and a six month old at home. They would however, see everyone that fall in D.C. when the Howard Bison took on the Morehouse Maroon Tigers in a gridiron classic. Even Joey and Julian were planning to attend.

In the end, Fitz was happy he'd accompanied his wife, and so was she.

TBC