Nature V Nurture

by Starfish81

Olivia and Fitz were once a married couple, young, happy and in love. They had the perfect life, except the one thing the two of them wanted most, a child. After two years apart, what happens when one night of passion leads to the child they both longed for. Will this bring them back together or force them farther apart?

11. Chapter Eleven: How to Cope

Chapter Eleven: How to Cope

The sounds of a baby crying was all that could be heard in Olivia's residence. Sophia had been home for a two now, and oh how she was making her presence known. Olivia had taken leave from work, and now spent all her time at home taking care of her baby girl. Now all her days consisted of making bottles, washing bottles, refilling those bottles. Changing diapers, changing more diapers, washing baby clothes, folding baby clothes and trying to find some time to take a nap in between.

Olivia was tired to say the least. But she was prepared for it. She knew what becoming a single mother would entail. She would be doing everything herself. She would be the one to always get the baby when she cried at three in the morning. There was no one else to rock the baby back to sleep. And although Olivia may have been beyond tired, she didn't complain. She didn't complain, because this was what she wanted. To finally be a mother, no matter how unglamorous it could be at times.

But tonight was different. Tonight, Sophia was on another level. She seemed to be in a bad mood all day long. A normal day with Sophia would start around five in the morning when she woke. Olivia would feed her, take her bath for the day and put her in her swing. She loved that thing, she could stay in it all day long. Soph would normally sleep through the day, like a normal baby would, only waking when she needed to be fed or changed, then go right back to sleep.

But this day was different. She woke up a two in the morning, instead of around five. Nevertheless, Olivia still got up, fed her and took her bath. But when she tried to lay her back down, Sophia began the siren scream. Anytime Olivia would try and put her down, she'd just start screaming until someone picked her back up. Olivia eventually gave up, and fell back asleep cradling the baby in the rocker in her nursery.

When the sun finally lit the sky, Olivia was awakened again by her crying daughter in her arms. She made another bottle and fed her again. After she'd burped Sophia, Olivia tried once again to put her in her swing. Soph was having none of it. It was like that for the entire day, until Sophia just decided to cry the whole day.

Olivia couldn't figure out what was wrong with her. She was well fed, and burped, her diaper was clean and she was in her favorite swing set. But she was still screaming her head off. Olivia tried any and everything to get the girl to stop crying, and nothing worked. Olivia was beginning to get frustrated herself, not just at the baby, but with herself as well for not being able to quiet her.

After a while of the baby screaming, Olivia had finally called her mother to come rescue her. The minute Adelle stepped through the door to Olivia's home, Olivia thrust the still crying baby into her mother's arms and retreated down the hall.

Adelle had no time to ask Olivia what was wrong, because she was gone in a flash. She looked down at her screaming grand baby and instantly felt bad for both the ladies. "What's wrong with grandma's baby?"

After Adelle finally managed to get the baby to calm down, sleep and actually let her lay her down in her crib, she went in search of her daughter. When she found her, she was in the kitchen pouring herself another glass of wine.

Olivia was so glad she was breastfeeding. She needed this large glass of wine and the one before. She'd heard her daughter's cries quiet about half an hour ago, and she couldn't have been more grateful to her mother. She didn't know what Adelle had done, and she didn't care. As long as Sophia wasn't screaming anymore. Her cries had long since given Olivia a headache, and she knew this glass of wine wouldn't help with that, but it sure would help with agitation and nerves.

Adelle sat down in a chair across from Olivia at the table. She slid the wine bottle away from Olivia as she sat. She didn't know how much Olivia had already drank, but she figured that as enough.

"She's sleeping."

Olivia meekly nodded her head. "Thank you. But it won't last."

Adelle chuckled. "They never do."

"I'm sorry I called you so late, but I couldn't take it anymore. Soph's been crying all day long and no matter what I did, it didn't work. She only screamed louder."

"She's a baby Liv. That's what they do. You just have to be patient."

"Do you think she knows?" Olivia asked, gazing down at her wine glass.

"Knows what?"

"That I'm not her mother. Do you think babies can tell that type of thing? Like they have a sixth sense for it."

"Olivia you are her mother."

"I don't love her." Olivia blurted out before she could stop herself. She didn't think it was true, but she often had more contempt for her child than love. She didn't dink that was the same for all new mothers.

Adelle laughed again, "Of course you do honey."

"No I don't. and she doesn't love me either, she doesn't even like me. I couldn't get her to quiet down at all today and here you come and she's soon asleep."

Adelle sighed. "Now listen Olivia you need to pull yourself together alright. I'm not here for some type of pity party."

Olivia scoffed. "This isn't a pity party momma."

"Olivia stop being ridiculous."

"I'm not being ridiculous momma! I'm sleep deprived, I'm tired, I've had the same fucking migraine for the past two weeks because of that fucking baby! And I know I can't complain, because this is what I wanted, this is what I chose but she is driving me insane! All I do is feed her when she screams and change her when she stinks. I hold her, I rock her, feed her again, change her again and do it all over again when she wakes up at the crack of dawn every single day! And it's never good enough, she just cries anyway! All she ever does is cry and cry and cry and I'm sick of it, I can't fucking take it anymore. Who the fuck does she think she is?!"

Adelle had abandoned her seat, and was now standing over Olivia. She was couched down to her level with an angry look on her face. Olivia shrunk down just from the look her mother was giving her. "Do you think you're the first woman who ever had a baby? Huh? What the hell did you think this was gonna be?"

Olivia knew better than to try and answer those questions, Adelle wasn't looking for an answer. Olivia looked up, when Adelle gripped her chin and forced her face to meet her.

"Stop all that goddamn whining, grow the fuck up and get your act together. Be the mother."

Nine Months Later

"Peek-a-boo!"

The sounds of baby giggles and squeals filled examine room three. Inside, a now nine month old Sophia Pope was playing peek-a-boo with her mother, sitting on the bed in nothing but a diaper and the little yellow bloomers that came with her dress. Just moments ago, the room was filled with a different sound. The sound of her cries as her doctor pricked her thick thighs, causing her big, light browns eyes to fill with crocodile tears, while her arms and legs kicked out. Her doctor quickly learned how strong the little girl was. He had to hold the little girl down, and still needed Olivia's help to hold her, just so he could give Sophia her shots.

At nine months old, Sophia Pope was already a feisty little thing and spoiled rotten. She liked attention and needed to be the center of attention at all times, and had no problem letting others know it. She liked taking baths, because she liked to splash around in the water. She only has four teeth in her mouth, but somehow she can eat anything you give her. However, she didn't like baby food, and refused to eat it now that she'd had some real food. Her favorite was mac and cheese, and she loves chicken. She liked being outside, and liked to play with Blue while her mommy worked in her garden. She isn't walking yet, but she tries. She'll hold onto walls, chairs, and anything else she can grab onto to get from place to place. She's is a funny loving, sweet little girl and her mother wouldn't change a thing about her. Except, maybe how cranky she gets when someone isn't feeding her fast enough.

"You wanna play patty cake Soph?" Sophia started clapping her hands, before Olivia even started singing. Her little ladybug pacifier fell from her mouth, and a long string of slobber followed behind. "Honey what is it with the drooling." Olivia used the bib Sophia was wearing and dabbed at the drool running down her chin.

There was a knock at the door, and Stephan stepped in. "Alright I'm back." Stephan has been Sophia's doctor since she was born. Olivia wanted nothing but the best for her little girl, and since the best wasn't an option for her, she had to settle for the second best, Stephen. "It isn't ringworm, only eczema."

"Great. I was so worried. Soph had a little play-date last week. And the little girl had this nasty little rash on her hand. After they left, I scrubbed every single toy down with Lysol and threw away the plush toys she touched."

Stephen laughed. "Liv you could've just put them in the washer."

"You didn't see this rash. Okay, just be glad I didn't burn them."

Stephen shook his head, still laughing. "So I wrote Sophia a prescription for her eczema. It's a cortisone cream, put it on her skin twice a day. Also, you might want to change her soap and lotions. It may be what's causing her dry skin. A lot of my mothers started using Aveeno on their kids' dry skin and it seems to be helping. Last thing, whatever laundry soap you wash her clothes in. Try for something softer, not so harsh, and something fragrance free."

"Great." Olivia said, a she stood Sophia up on the bed to put her dress back on. Lately, Soph has been standing by herself, without holding onto anything. She just wouldn't take that step out, without holding onto something.

"Has she been trying to walk at all?"

"Yes, she'll go from room to room if she has something to hold onto." Olivia snapped the last button on Sophia's dress, and started putting on her white strappy sandals. "Which is why we have to stop at the store before we can go home. I have to buy some baby gates, to keep her out the kitchen. Last week I almost tripped over her with a pot of boiling water in my hands."

"And how's the adoption stuff going? Is everything finalized yet?"

Olivia sighed. "No, not yet. I still have some home visits coming, I hope it's only one though. Then eventually I'll have a court date where a judge will hopefully sign off on it. Honestly, I just need all this to be over. It's been nine months of nothing but biting my nails, hoping someone doesn't come to take her away from me."

"Liv no one is taking her."

"I can't relax until the ink dries, and she's officially, legally mine."

"And she will be."

"So when are you and Abby gonna start having some babies?" Olivia asked, changing the subject.

"Well if it were up to me, Abby would've come back from our honeymoon pregnant. I'm ready, it's just a matter of getting Abby ready."

"Well don't worry, she'll be ready soon enough. Between Sophia and Jackson, she'll get baby fever eventually."

"Yeah, and you and Fitz have to have worked out whatever issues you two are having before then." Olivia looked at him confusingly. "You know Abby will make you godmother, and I'm going to make Fitz godfather. You're bound to see each other. And I don't think you'll be able to hide the fact you have a kid anymore. I still don't know how you've been able to keep Soph hidden from him for nine months. Especially since he's the one who delivered her."

"Because we've had no reason to be in the same room in nine months."

It was true, Olivia barely went out the house for the first three months after Sophia's birth. She only went into work twice a week, and that was for the sensitive cases she couldn't hand to another doctor. And in the months that followed, Olivia and Fitz just never found themselves in the same room together. Even during the many trips Olivia made to Gerry and Carol's home. It was a little trickier, however, to keep Soph a secret when she had a doctor's appointment. Stephen of course worked in the same practice a Fitz. So Olivia had Sophia's doctor appointments arranged around Fitz's schedule at the hospital. So whatever days Fitz was working at the hospital, that's when Olivia scheduled Sophia's appointments with Stephen. And yes, she knew it was a little childish the way she was sneaking around and avoiding Fitz. But she just couldn't see him. And for whatever reason, she didn't want him to know about Soph. he would find out eventually, but she didn't want that to happen now.

"Why are you hiding her from him anyway?"

Olivia shrugged, she didn't have a definite answer. "I don't know. I'm just not ready for him to find out about her yet. It's not like he'll care anyway."

"Don't say that. Fitz knows how much you've wanted this and what it means to you. I think he would be happy for you, I know he would be."

Olivia shrugged. "If you say so. You ready to go peanut?" Sophia looked up at her mom and smiled, like she knew what she was saying.

"So cream twice a day and change her soap. Johnson Johnson is a popular brand, but some babies can't use it."

"Copy that." Olivia picked Soph up from the bed, and slung her diaper bag over her shoulder. "Can you say bye bye?" Soph giggled, and waved bye to Stephen, which was really just her opening and closing her fist. "I'll see you later Stephen."

As Olivia walked out the doctors' office, she was too busy trying to get her necklace from Sophia's grasp before she put it in her mouth, to notice Fitz walking out from his office. She hadn't seen him, but he for sure saw her. He was supposed to be at the hospital today, but his schedule changed at the last minute.

He was just walking out his office door, when he heard a baby's giggle. He didn't look up from his papers, but he smiled to himself. He always loved the sound of a happy baby. But when he heard what sounded like Olivia's voice, he couldn't help but look up.

He heard her say 'Soph no' and tried to pry her necklace from the little girl's grip. Confusion immediately set in. What was Liv doing here, and why did she have that baby. Before he could make the decision on whether to approach her or not, she got on the elevator. Who was that kid? Whoever's he was, she was a cute little booger. She had on a cute little white dress with sunflowers on it. And her hair was up in two small puffs with a small yellow headband.

Shortly after, Fitz spotted Stephen coming out of the same room Olivia just left out of.

"Stephen."

"Hey Fitz. What are you doing here? I thought you were on call at the hospital today."

"I was, but the schedule changed last minute. What was Liv doing here?"

"You saw Liv?"

"Yeah I saw her. What was she doing here, and why did she have a baby with her?"

Stephen knew Olivia wasn't ready to tell Fitz about Sophia yet, and he wasn't going to be the one to tell him first. "I uh… I think you should ask Liv yourself."

"What?" Why did he have to ask Liv, why couldn't Stephen just tell him? What was the big secret? Deciding to figure out for himself, Fitz took the file from Stephen's hands and opened it before Stephen could snatch it back. He read the name on the file Pope, Sophia. "Pope?" Fitz whispered to himself. He looked down at the spot where the parents were named. Pope, Olivia.

"That's a confidential file Mr. Grant." Stephen sassed.

"Olivia has a kid?" Fitz asked, but Stephen didn't answer. "When did she have a kid? When did she get pregnant?"

Stephen sighed. He already knew, no reason to keep lying now. "She didn't. She adopted Soph."

"And you knew this entire time and didn't tell me?"

"Olivia didn't want me to. She didn't want anyone to tell you. And don't ask me why, because I don't know why. It's Olivia, she's always been complicated for no reason."

"Why didn't she ask me to be her doctor?"

"Where you not just listening to me? You're not even supposed to know about Sophia. And can you imagine how awkward it would be having you as her kid's doctor?"

"When was she going to tell me?"

Stephen shrugged. "I don't know. Whenever she felt like it I guess. Ironically, you've already met the kid. You met her even before Liv did." Fitz frowned. "The night Soph was born, you were on call. You delivered a nine pound eight ounce breech baby girl around ten fifteen. Her birth mother gave her up for adoption. Jasmine Foresmith."

Now Fitz remembered. "The little turkey. She came out left foot first." Fitz smiled. "That's Olivia's baby?"

"Well the adoption isn't final yet, but yes."

"How did not know this? How'd she keep this from me for nine whole months? Sophia." Fitz repeated the little girl's name and a smile involuntarily came to her face. "Olivia always said she would name her first born girl Sophia, after her grandmother." Fitz smiled. "I would always tease her about Sophia being an old name. And she'd tell me so was Olivia and Althea, she said she was just keeping up with tradition."

So she finally had the little girl she always wanted. She'd finally become a mother. Why would she want to keep such a joyous thing from him? Did she honestly think I wouldn't be happy for her?

"Alright Fitz, so since you know now, just pretend like you still don't. Let her be the one to tell you." Fitz wasn't really listening to Stephen, but he nodded his head anyway. "I've got another patient on the way in. Catch you later."

X

"Sophia no." Olivia dashed over to Sophia, who had made her way to a plant in the corner. Olivia had just gotten to her, right as Soph tried to put a handful of the potting soil in her mouth. "That doesn't go in your mouth." Olivia swiped the dirt from her hands, and picked her up. Olivia put her in her playpen and went back to trying to put together the walker she'd just bought at the store when she bought the baby gates. Sophia, not liking being locked in the playpen had an instant fit. She stood holding onto the side of the playpen, shaking her little body with her head thrown back as she squealed.

"You know if you would just go to sleep and stop fighting it, you wouldn't be so cranky right now." Olivia ignored her daughter's little tantrum, shaking the sides of the playpen.

"Yo Liv!" Olivia jumped at her brother's booming voice, as he walked through her front door. She hadn't even heard his car pull up, or a key in the front door.

"Jr I gave you that key for emergencies. And you coming here twice a week to raid my refrigerator, because you refuse to grocery shop is not an emergency."

"Well it is to me." Jr said, as he plopped down on the sofa. "But that's not why I'm here."

"Oh no. No and no." Olivia said, shaking her head as she got up to get Sophia out her playpen. She hadn't even been in there a good five minutes, but her whining was getting louder.

"Oh come on Liv."

"No, you are not using my child as a prop so you can pick up women."

"Why not, it worked so well for me the first time." Olivia had to work late one day, so Jr watched Sophia until she got off work. He ended up taking Soph to the store with him, and discovered how much attention a handsome man with a baby got. "She's the perfect wingman. She's like a little puppy and a kitten mixed into one little brown package."

"I should slap you right now." Olivia gave Soph to Jr, while she fixed her a bottle so she could go to sleep. "What are you going to do when those women find out Soph isn't your baby?"

"You let me worry about that."

"You don't have to worry about anything, because you aren't taking my kid anywhere. But you can take Blue. She needs to be walked anyway."

"Whatever. That might be better anyway. There's this woman in my building, she's completely in love with dogs and I'm completely in love with her ass in bike shorts."

"Jr." Olivia slapped Jr's arm, and gave Soph her bottle. "Don't say ass, and you are a pig."

"What? She knows what she's doing wearing those tight little shorts, she knows I be looking."

"Remind me to never leave my future son alone with you." Olivia rolled her eyes. "Have you talked to Thea lately?"

"Yeah, they are still set for a month from now. I still can't believe Althea's moving back here."

Althea, Jason and the kids were scheduled to move to California in a month. After they left back to DC, it hadn't even been a few months when Thea called and said she and her family were moving back. It took a little talking into for Jason to get on board, but he finally accepted that he could practice law anywhere. And Thea just wanted to be back near her family again. The time she spent here for Abby's wedding reminded her just how much she missed her family.

"I can. Thea hates cold weather. She didn't want to leave in the first place, no matter how hard she tried to make everyone think she did." Sophia had finished her bottle, so CJ put it on the counter and propped her on his shoulder. "You know I had a real reason for being here."

"You mean besides trying to use my daughter to get women to sleep with you." Olivia took Soph from Jr, and took her upstairs to the nursery.

"There's a guy." He called behind her, as she walked away.

Olivia was already shaking her head no as she went up the stairs. "No."

"You haven't even let me finish."

"Because I already know what you're going to say. I don't need my big brother trying to set me up on dates."

"Well you broke it off with the black Mr. Clean. I don't see any other offers knocking down your door."

"Don't be an ass."

"Don't say ass." Jr mocked. "And why won't you even give this guy a try?"

"I don't even know him!" Olivia put Sophia down in her crib, made sure the baby monitor was on and walked out the room. Jr was still following her every step as she went back downstairs to finish putting the walker together. This thing was becoming a pain in the ass, and the instructions were no help at all.

"That's why you go on a date genius. I'm your big brother, trust me this isn't the highlight of my day either. You really think I want to introduce my little sister to a guy?"

"Then stop doing it."

"Once again, I don't see any offers in the near future."

"I'm curious, do you want me to punch you?"

"His name is Adam. We went to school together. He's a thirty-two year old entrepreneur, he owns a bunch of hotels in the states and abroad. Like the kind of hotels celebrities vacation to and get married in. He's crazy smart and athletic. He could've played pro football, but he injured his leg in college. He still could've went pro, but he decided to go into business instead."

"What does he look like?" Olivia asked sort of interested now.

"Tall, like six foot something. He's a brotha, a chocolate brotha. An Idris, Taye Diggs, Lance Gross mashup."

"Geez Jr, why don't you just date him."

"If I swung that way, he would be at the top of the list."

Olivia laughed. "I have Soph now Jr. I can't just go on dates with random guys."

"Adam is a family man. He grew up with five other brothers and sister, he wants kids, and he's at that settling down age."

"If he's so great, how come we've never met him before?"

"He's been in Europe for the past whatever."

"I appreciate what you're trying to do Jr. I really do. But I'm not ready to start dating yet."

"Well too bad, I already gave him your number."

"What?"

"Be expecting a call from him soon."

"Curtis Jamal Pope!" Olivia hurled the closest thing to her, which happened to be a block of Styrofoam. It bounced off Jr's forehead with a soft thud. "I can't believe you did that. How can you just give my number out like that?"

"Oh relax, he's not some stalker serial killer." Jr. took off his suit jacket and shoes and sat down on the carpet next to Olivia. He grabbed the instructions to the walker and started helping Olivia put it together.

"I hate you so much right now."

"Yeah yeah, just be nice to him when he calls you. Now hand me the screwdriver."

X

The next morning, Olivia and Soph started their day later than usual. They had breakfast in Olivia's bed, watching the morning cartoons. Then after, they took Blue for a walk and came back home for some more lazy time. On any other day, Olivia would have been out of the house and Sophia would be with her grandparents. But Olivia didn't have any patients today, only a meeting later that afternoon so she had some time to kill.

When she woke up this morning, she had half expected Jr's friend to call her. Jr said to be expecting his call, but didn't say when. Olivia wasn't sure if she was nervous or excited to hear from him. On one hand, she was ready to start dating again, to have someone there for the long haul. But then again, she wasn't sure if she was ready. She couldn't honestly say that she was ready to give herself one hundred percent to another man. In the past nine months, Olivia had thought about one man and one man only. Fitzgerald Grant. How could she be actively avoiding the man, but then at night have the most vivid dreams about him. Dreams so X-rated she woke up to damp panties and labored breathing. She would hate to go on a date with someone, when all she could think about was her ex.

Around twelve o'clock, Olivia finally started to get ready for work. She took herself and Soph a bath, before she got Soph dressed in a cute little white dress with a red headband and red sandals. Then she dressed herself in an all white suit with red accessories. She loved to have her and Sophia's outfits coordinating, even if they weren't going to be together. Olivia was just about to head out the door, when her home phone rang. With Soph on her hip, she balanced the phone on her shoulder while using her free hand to pour some apple jacks into Sophia's travel cup.

"Hello?"

There was some sniffling on the phone before Olivia heard, "Liv."

"Erika?" Olivia knew something was wrong, Erika was breathing hard, Olivia could hear her sniffles and hiccups between her words. "Erika what's wrong?"

"My… It's Verna." Olivia's heart dropped, fearing the worse. "She's in the hospital. She had a massive heart attack. The doctors don't…they don't think she's gonna ma- make it this time."

"Oh my God." Olivia knew Verna was having health problems, serious health problems, but she wasn't prepared for this phone call. Even though she and Fitz weren't together anymore, Verna was still family to Olivia and she'd been a grandmother to Soph in the short nine months since she was born.

"E, honey what do you need?"

"I- I'm at the shop, I need to get to the hospital. But I don't think, I can't drive right now. I'm too upset. And I don't want to call a cab-"

"I'm coming. I'll take you to the hospital, don't worry." Olivia was already heading towards the garage. She'd drop Soph off at her mother's, then swing by Erika's flower shop to get her and they would go to the hospital together. She knew she had to get her emotions together before she got to Erika. E was already a mess, they both couldn't be a mess walking into the hospital.

X

"She's so precious Olivia." Verna smiled down at the little baby sleeping peacefully in Olivia's arms. Sophia was about four months old, when Olivia finally started taking her out the house for more than doctors' appointments and quick trips to the grocery store. Olivia had decided she'd take Sophia to Gerry and Carol's. They'd already been by the house to see the baby, but Verna hadn't met Sophia yet. Fitz would be at work and had no plans of coming over that day, so Olivia thought this would be a good time.

Verna had become instantly drawn to the baby. She couldn't get over how adorable Sophia looked in her floral print suspenders. Olivia could tell Verna wanted to hold Soph, but she wasn't sure if Verna had the strength be able to hold her.

"What's her name?" Verna asked once again. She'd already asked Sophia's name at least three times.

"Her name is Sophia. Sophia Marie Pope."

"She looks like my Fitz."

Olivia smiled politely at the older woman. She didn't have the courage or heart to correct her anymore. It made her happy to think Olivia and Fitz were still together. Olivia wouldn't dare tell her otherwise.

"You think?"

"Oh yeah." Verna chuckled. "Look at that face. She's a grant for sure. Where is my Fitzy?"

Olivia smiled. Verna was the only person Fitz would allow to call him Fitzy. "I think he's working nana."

"I miss him. I wish he'd come by and see me soon."

"I'll make sure he does." Olivia knew Fitz was busy with work, and his hours at the hospital were often long nights, but he had to make time to come see his grandmother, before he didn't get another chance at all.

"Do me a favor sweetie."

"Yes ma'am?"

Verna pointed over to her dresser across the room. "Go and fetch me that jewelry box on top my dresser." Olivia got up from her chair beside the bed to retrieve the vintage silver jewelry box. She gave it to Verna and sat back down in her chair. She watched as Verna struggled just a little to get the top open on the box. Olivia would have offered to help her, but she knew how upset Verna got when people tried to do things for her. She was still a strong and independent woman and didn't like for people to take pity on her. Even if they were just trying to help.

When Verna finally managed to get the top off, she dug around in it for a moment, before she found what she was looking for. She pulled out a little tan jewelry bag and gave it to Olivia. "Open it." Verna commanded Liv, she knew she wouldn't be able to open it herself, she had a hard enough time getting the jewelry box opened.

Olivia rested Sophia's head in the crook of her arm and opened the bag. She dumped the contents in her hand, and found a gold necklace. It was a thin gold chain with a small angel hanging from it. "Verna, its beautiful."

"My father gave it to me when I was a little girl. He was in the army. He gave that to me the last time he deployed. He said it would always keep me safe even if he couldn't. Put it on that baby."

"Oh Nana are you sure? I don't want to take anything from you." Olivia knew Verna wasn't always in her right mind. And although Verna seemed to be having a relatively good day today, Olivia didn't want anyone to think she was taking advantage of Verna.

"I'm sure. I'm not as crazy as everyone seems to think I am."

"Nana that's not-"

"I want my grand baby to have it. It's kept me safe all these years, now it can keep her safe."

Present

Erika and Olivia had just arrived at the hospital. Erika already knew what room Verna was in, so they headed straight back. When they first walked in the room, they first saw Carol sitting in a recliner beside the bed and Gerry was standing behind her rubbing her shoulders. Carol was clutching a tissue tight in her left hand, while the other held onto her mother's hand on the bed. She looked like she hadn't slept in days. Her eyes were red and puffy, she had bags under her eyes and she looked disheveled. Clothes hanging off her body, her hair was in a messy ponytail and her nails looked like she'd been nervously chewing on them for hours. This wasn't the Carol Olivia knew. The Carol Olivia knew was polished, always put together, clothes tailor made, with a string of pearls around her neck. Olivia also noticed Fitz wasn't in the room with them. She was about to ask where he was, but she turned to look at Verna.

Olivia had to hold in her gasp. She could barely recognize Verna. It had only been two weeks since she last seen Verna, and she looked nothing like she did now. She looked small and fragile in the hospital bed. Her skin was pale, clammy and cold she didn't have her natural rosy red cheeks. She had wires hanging everywhere, an IV in her arm and a tube down her nose. And yet, she looked like she was just sleeping peacefully.

"Mom." Erika whispered. Carol looked up, and finally noticed the two of them standing there. Carol opened her arms, and Erika went to her without hesitation. She sat half on Carol's lap and half on the arm rest of the chair. Carol rubbed Erika's back in a circular motion, just like she use to do when she was little. It always calmed her down.

Olivia stayed in her spot by the door. Even though they still felt like family to her, she felt like she was interrupting in a family matter.

"Hey Liv." Olivia hadn't noticed Gerry approaching her, until he hugged her. "Thanks for bringing Erika. I didn't want to leave Carol. But when I spoke to E, I didn't think she needed to drive anywhere either."

"Don't worry about it. How um, how is she? What are the doctors saying?"

Gerry sighed, and Olivia knew whatever it was, it wasn't good. "It's not looking good." Gerry spoke low, so Carol and Erika couldn't overhear him. "The doctors basically gave up on her. They said they'll make her as comfortable as possible, but…"

"But what?"

"Verna signed a DNR. Once her heart stops that's it, they can't do anything about it."

"How long did they give her?" Olivia asked, willing her tears not to fall.

"Not even a week. Three days at most."

"Jesus."

"Yeah. I've been trying to get Carol ready, but I don't think she's accepted it yet. And Fitz…"

"Fitz what? Where is he anyway?"

"In his office on the fifth floor. He kind of lost it when he found out about Verna's DNR. He feels bad because he can't fix the fact that she's dying. I need a favor."

"Anything."

"I need you to talk to Fitz for me. Calm him down, maybe get him to leave the hospital just for a little while to let him cool off."

"Okay."

X

"I said get me the damn file!" The entire hall where Fitz's office was, was lit up by his shouting and screaming at the nurses and anyone else who dared to come in his office. He wasn't trying to bust their balls, but he was angry and they were the only ones he could take his anger out on right now. He was angry at the world, at God, and at himself for not being able to help his grandmother. He was a doctor, a surgeon, a master in his field who saved the lives of strangers every day and now he couldn't save someone he loved.

He heard the knock on his door, but he chose to ignore it. When the person knocked a second time, Fitz ignored that as well. But when the knock happened a third time he got pissed. He shouted "What?!" while slamming the files and papers in his hands down on his messy desk. He banged on the desk so hard, the small glass figurine he had on his desk popped up and onto the floor shattering.

"Fitz?" Fitz looked up at the sound of Olivia's voice. If it had been any other situation, he would've appreciated how beautiful Olivia looked in her all white pants suit with matching jacket. She was a vision, a stunning angel in white.

"What are you doing here?"

Olivia stepped in the office, closing the door behind her. "I heard about Verna and I brought Erika up here."

"Is she okay?"

"She's upset, a bit shaken up. But your dad sent me to check on you. He was worried and by the look of this office and the yelling I heard from the elevators he was right to be concerned."

"Don't start Olivia. Don't start with the psychobabble shrink talk, okay I'm not in the mood. Don't try and tell me how I need to feel right now. I'm pissed and I have every right to be."

"I wasn't going to say any of that. I know how you're feeling right now. I've lost loved ones before."

"This is my grandmother Liv."

"I know. Verna was special to me too Fitz, I loved her too."

"Loved? I know it doesn't look like it, but she's still breathing. She is still very much alive."

"I'm sorry." Olivia hadn't realized she slipped up and used the past tense.

"What are you even doing here?"

"I told you, your dad wanted me to talk to you. Maybe we can get out of here, get some lunch?"

"No, I can't leave." Fitz went back to flipping through papers on his desk and typing furiously on his laptop.

"Fitz, there's nothing you can do for her now."

"Of course there is! Those stupid hacks don't know what they're talking about. And they aren't going to do a damn thing if she dies."

"She signed a DNR Fitz. You know they can't do anything. It's a lawsuit waiting to happen if they go against a patient's wishes."

"I really don't want to hear this right now, I'm busy Olivia." Fitz was still typing on his computer. His knuckles were turning white from how hard he was typing. She couldn't even believe that he was typing actual words.

Olivia walked behind his desk, and leaned over to place her hand on top of his on the keyboard. Fitz kept his stare straight ahead, refusing to look her way. "She's dying Fitz, and no matter how bad you wish you can change that, you can't. She's getting old and her body is failing her. There's no cure for that Fitz. No medicine you can give her, no life changing surgery you can perform. You just have to accept it." Olivia spoke as softly and direct as she could, hoping she could get through to him.

"I can't."

"You have to Fitz. That's the only way you're gonna get through this. The only way your family is going to get through this. I know it isn't fair, but you have to be the strong one for your mother and your sister. Carol's leaning on Gerry and Erika's is gonna need you to lean on. It's just what we have to do for our family, when we're the stronger ones."

Fitz was shaking his head. "I can't do this right now, I can't go back in that room."

"You don't have to. Let's get out of here."

X

Fitz sat in his spot in the booth, across from Olivia with a half smirk half frown on his face. They had left the hospital, and Olivia drove them to a bar they use to go to when they first started dating. The owner was a friend of theirs and a real great guy. They would always come here and drink good beer, eat good food, listen to good music and Olivia would whip Fitz's ass in darts and he would beat her in pool.

Now they sat in one of the booths in the corner. It was their favorite booth, it was quiet and semi secluded from the rest of the bar. And it had the best view, you could see from the front door, to the billiards area, the bar and the stage.

Fitz sat back in his seat, and watched as Olivia finished off another chicken wing and reached for another loaded waffle fry from his plate. He was smirking, because when they sat down to order food, she wasn't hungry and didn't want anything. Fitz had been the one to order a basket of hot wings and the loaded waffle fries topped with cheese, diced bacon and green onions. He was frowning, because Olivia had eaten more than he has of his own food.

"I can feel you smirking at me." Olivia said, while still looking down at Fitz's plate.

"I'm just curious as to where all this hunger came from in the past half hour."

"I wasn't hungry half an hour ago. Now I am." Olivia said, taking a sip of her water.

"You sure you don't want something with a kick?"

"We can't both be tipsy, one of us has to drive home. Besides, I had a drink earlier."

"You had a Cosmo, you're so fancy." Fitz laughingly shook his head. "Normal, regular people drink beers and shots at when they go to a bar."

"Well I don't drink beer and you know that."

"Yes, I do know that." He knew that and so much more. Olivia didn't even know half the things about herself that Fitz knew. "So how have you been?"

"Pretty good. A lot has changed in my life in the past nine months. Most of it for the better."

Fitz was waiting for Liv to tell him about Sophia, but she never did. He was a little disappointed, but he understood Olivia's skepticism in tell him. So Fitz wouldn't tell her he already knew about her daughter, and instead would wait until she was ready to tell him herself. "So I hear Thea is moving back to California."

"Yes! I'm so happy. Now I get to see my nieces and nephews more often."

For the next few hours, the two caught up with each other, sharing only what they wanted. They talked about Verna and funny stories they had of her. Then the conversation shifted to politics, movies, and sports which eventually led to a game of darts. Then that game led to a round of pool, which they were still playing now.

Fitz snickered behind Olivia, as she tried to sink a ball in the left corner pocket. The ball ended up popping up and off the table, nearly hitting someone at the other table. "Well I see someone is still terrible at pool. I guess some things never change do they?"

"I guess not because I can still kick your ass in darts."

Fitz playfully rolled his eyes. "Do you want me to help you or not?"

"Yes please."

"Alright then." Fitz stepped behind Olivia, who was still bent over the table. She had taken off her suit jacket a long while ago and was now only in her suit pants and a thin strap undershirt. He almost lost himself at the feel of her silky brown skin. The soft curves of her body and the scent he'd fallen in love with all those years ago. You would think one would get tired of the same scent after so many years, but this was not the case. "You see you're far too tense. You have to relax your posture a little bit, don't be so stiff. Plan your move out in your head and get your alignment right. And then, you want to hit with just enough force to sink you ball in the pocket. Too much force and you get another ball in the air and too little and you'll never even reach the ball."

"Well that told me absolutely nothing."

"Hey I never said I was a master teacher here. I just happen to be better than you. Now hit the damn ball."

X

"Oh! Jesus Christ midnight, you scared the hell out of me." Gerry growled at the cat weaving through his legs as he walked through his front door. Midnight was Verna's cat, Gerry had always hated cats and had a special hatred for Midnight. Midnight was the kind of cat that like to scratch at everything, mess in people's food and climb on table and cabinets just to knock stuff over.

Gerry walked further into his house, reading over the mail he'd gotten from his box. He had come back home to shower and bring fresh clothes back to the hospital for Carol and Erika. There had been no change through the night, neither for the better or good. Gerry had talked to the doctor outside for a moment, and he told Gerry he didn't expect Verna to live through the next night. Gerry had already accepted Verna's death, because he knew it would happen soon and so did Verna. Verna had signed that DNR months ago, and had refused medical treatments, and had stop taking all her medicine except for her pain pills. She'd made peace with her death and was just waiting on the day she got called home.

Gerry's main worry wasn't his wife or his daughter, it was his son. Carol and Erika were emotional creatures, they wore their hearts on their sleeves. They would grieve openly, cry and shout, then eventually they would make peace with it. But Fitz, Fitz was different, because he was like his father. He would grieve in private, keep his emotions inside and let it fester. Pretending everything is fine, and he's okay just to make the ones around him feel better. And Gerry knew from personal experience that that was not the way to go. It never worked out to hold your feelings inside, because they always caught up to you. It may not be right away, but eventually it would catch up.

Gerry was just walking past the living room to the steps, when an adorable sight stopped him. His son and his ex-wife were cuddle up on the couch sleeping. Fitz was laying on his back with his arm around Olivia, while she lay against the back off the couch with her head on his chest and her arm and leg thrown over him. Gerry smiled. He'd always loved Olivia with his son, she was good for him and he was good for her. They were a good couple, great husband and wife and deeply in love. Which is why it was so shocking and confusing when they announced their divorce. How'd two people so madly in love with each other just one day end their marriage?

"Dad?" Fitz woke up groggy, with a bad taste in his mouth and some weight on his chest.

"Morning." Gerry smirked, then changed directions to the kitchen instead.

Fitz wiped the sleep from his eyes, and finally noticed the weight on his chest was Olivia. They must've fallen asleep watching the movie last night. After they left the bar pretty late, Olivia drive Fitz to his parent's house instead of his apartment. Olivia only came in the house because she had to use the restroom, but they ended up watching movies instead. They must have fallen asleep when the second one ended. Fitz was so appreciative of Olivia last night. She really got his mind off things for a while and let him cool down before he had to go back to the hospital. She'd always had that effect on him, the ability to calm him when others couldn't. Fitz slid out from beneath a still sleeping Olivia, careful not to wake her. She only shifted in her sleep when he fully removed himself. He found his dad in the kitchen putting cream cheese on a bagel.

"You and Liv must have had a late night."

"Nothing happened dad. We fell asleep watching movies."

"Hmm. So what'd you two get into last night?" Gerry asked, sliding a bagel with cream cheese on a plate next to Fitz.

"Went to Johnny's bar. We had a few drinks, or I had a few drinks Liv really only had one and sips of mine. We played a few games of pool, some darts and dancing then she drove me here."

"Well I'm glad she got you to settle down for a moment."

"Yeah, dad I'm sorry about blowing up the other day. That was…"

"Understandable son. You were upset and rightfully so, don't worry about it." Gerry patted Fitz's shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. His version of a hug. "Ah, Olivia dear good morning."

Olivia smiled and stepped in the kitchen. She could feel Fitz's eyes on her chest as she walked past him. She still wasn't wearing her suit jacket, and the tight undershirt she had on left little to the imagination and gave her breast a nice lift as well. "Good morning. I was just looking for my keys."

"Why don't you stay for breakfast? I'm sure I can whip something up real quick."

Olivia was already shaking her head, no offense but she just wanted to get out of there. "I'm so sorry. I would love to but I have to get to my mother's, she has my dau-" Olivia almost slipped up and said my daughter, but she quickly caught herself. Gerry knew about Sophia, but she'd asked both him and Carol not to tell Fitz yet. "I can't stay."

"Well maybe next time."

"Absolutely." Olivia stood on her tiptoes and kissed Gerry on the cheek. "You all can call me if you need anything, and I mean anything. You too Fitz. Anything, I'm here."

"Thanks." Fitz smiled, even after all the shit they've been through Olivia was still there for him.

"Okay. I'll see you guys later."

X

Fifteen minutes later, Olivia made it to her mother's house. She wasn't shocked to see one of her dad's cars parked in the driveway, but she was shocked to see her dad kissing her mother as she rounded the corner to the kitchen.

"Eww ma!" Curtis and Adelle split apart as soon as they heard Olivia's voice. "Do you really have to do that in front of my baby?" Sophia was sitting in her highchair next to the bar, eating banana slices. She started kicking her feet and giggling when she saw her mother in the doorway. Olivia passed her parents and picked up Sophia from her highchair. She looked back at her parents with a little smirk on her face.

"Wipe that little smug grin off your face." Adelle hissed.

"What? I didn't say anything." Olivia said. "So is this a thing now? Can we stop pretending you two don't have adult sleepovers?"

"Olivia!"

"What, momma we're all adults here. And you two aren't exactly the best sneaks. Momma you're at daddy's house six times a week, I'm surprised you're here right now. You call him late at night for ice cream runs, everyone knows any call after eleven is a straight up booty call."

"Olivia I will wash your mouth out with some soap if you don't hush."

"What are you so embarrassed about momma, everyone knows."

"I'm not embarrassed, and what do you mean everyone knows?"

"I told you you don't know how to sneak around. Thea saw you coming out of daddy's room one night when she was here last." Sophia broke Olivia's attention when she smashed a banana on Olivia's mouth, trying to feed her. Olivia laughed, and wiped her mouth while Soph tried to put another one in her mouth. This time Olivia was ready, and opened her mouth. "Thank you munchkin. Anyway mom, no one cares. You two don't have to sneak around like teenagers."

"You mean like you use to do?"

"It's not the same, because you never caught me."

"Alright, I'm gonna go give my grandbaby a bath so you can head out." Curtis said, taking Soph from Olivia.

"You getting rid of me already?" Curtis just waved her off as he walked out the kitchen with Sophia. Olivia noticed her mother was smiling and humming as she washed up Sophia's banana mess. She looked happy, genuinely happy. "Mommy can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"What made you decide to get back with daddy?"

Adelle stopped wiping the counter top, and sat down next to Olivia in one of the bar stools. "To be honest honey I don't know. After our divorce, we stayed friends obviously. We've always been friends, we just weren't the best at being married to each other. But then, we started to spend more and more time together, mostly because I was lonely at my house all by myself and also because I really missed your dad. He could always make me laugh, and I was just always in a good mood around him. It was your father's idea to give us another shot. We were so young back then, that we thought now we were older and more mature we could get it right this time."

"Did you still love him after you got divorced?"

"Of course I did, I never stopped. I don't think you can ever stop loving someone you truly loved, no matter how hard you try to." Adelle answered honestly. "Any particular reason you're asking?" She Asked, although Adelle had a good guess why Olivia was asking her alt his.

"I spent the night with Fitz last night." Adelle raised her eyebrows at her daughter. "Not like that. Gerry was worried about him at the hospital and he asked me to take him out so he could cool off. He wasn't taking Verna's health news so well."

"How is Verna doing?" Adelle asked.

"Not good. The doctors don't think she's gonna last much longer. And Fitz feels all helpless, because he can't do anything about it. I took him to Jonny's bar to take his mind off things and we had fun. I forgot I was even trying to be mad at him. And when we danced together last night, it reminded me of our first dance on our wedding day. The way he held me so close that I could feel his heart beating in sync with mine. The way I just felt so protected in his arms. And if I closed my eyes, for a second it was like we never divorced and I was Mrs. Grant again. I missed him. I missed us, you know. I missed my husband."

"So what are you saying?"

"I don't know."

"I think you do Olivia." Adelle smiled. She had a feeling this day would come. Olivia and Fitz had been so in love with each other. Their love was the kind of love people dreamed of having, the kind that only happened in books and movies. You just couldn't forget about at love like that. It doesn't just go away.

"I can't ma. Nothing's changed. And besides, I have Sophia now and I have to think about her now too. And having Fitz back in my life would not be good for either of us."

"You don't know that Olivia."

"I do momma, I still can't give him kids. Fitz wanting a son or daughter is not just going to go away overnight."

"It's not overnight Livia. It's been close to three years now."

"Well what happens when he finds out about Soph?" Olivia asked. "He didn't want to adopt a child with me before, what's different about this time?"

"Olivia I think you and Fitz just need to sit down together, and you need to have this talk with him. You never know honey; he could be feeling the exact same way."

Olivia was already shaking her head. "No. He has too much going on right now for me to pile more on top of him. He needs to stay focused on his family and not my drama."

"You never know unless you try Olivia."

"I never said I wanted to try. I'm just voicing my feelings, and now I'm done. Did you make breakfast, because I am starving."

Adelle shook her head at her daughter. Olivia could be so stubborn at times, in fact she was the most stubborn out of all her kids. Adelle wanted her daughter, all her kids, to be happy. But she didn't know if Olivia would be able to get over her stubbornness to go after what she wanted. Olivia may not have made up her mind yet, but Adelle knew her daughter wanted her husband back. They were such a good fit. They were damn near perfect. Adelle have never seen two people more in love with each other than her daughter and son-in-law. They were a match made in heaven. And the sooner the both of them figured that out, the better their lives would be.

X

Verna died two days later in her hospital bed at 11:58 p.m. with her family surrounding her. Carol and Erika were inconsolable. The doctors and their family tried to get them prepared for this day, but they still couldn't believe it. Carol had to be given a sedative because she became so hysterical. She spent the next couple of days locked away in her room, not wanting to see any of the visitors who came by the house, bringing food and to offer their condolences. She couldn't even help Gerry plan Verna's funeral. And since Erika wasn't any better, Fitz was the one who helped his father plan his grandmother's funeral. Not that it was any easier for him, but he was taking Olivia's advice about being the strong one for his family.

Fitz hadn't grieved yet, he'd yet to shed one tear because he was being strong for his family. He knew if he broke down, that would be it. So he kept his emotions hidden inside. Even now, as he straightened his tie for the funeral, he worked overtime to keep his emotions under control. He didn't know how he was going to handle all the people wanting to give him hugs and kisses and telling him how sorry he was. Sharing stories about what a wonderful person Verna was. He knew how great she was, he didn't need others telling him. He didn't want hugs he didn't want handshakes and kisses, he just wanted to go home and loose himself in a bottle of scotch.

"Fitzgerald dear are you ready." Fitz turned to see his mother standing in the doorway to his old room. He and Erika were getting ready at his parents' house and riding together in the family car to the church. Fitz actually hadn't been back to his apartment since his night out with Olivia. He wanted to be there for his mother and he also didn't want to be alone in his apartment. Fitz gave his mother a weak smile. She looked better than before, but he could tell she'd been crying although she tried to hide it with makeup and a few Clear Eyes drops.

"Yeah."

"Okay, your father and sister are waiting downstairs, we should probably get going."

The ride to the church was silent. No one wanted to talk so no one did. They all had so many things running through their mind, but the number one being grief. When they got to the church, there was already people there. Some were in the church sitting down, and there was a line going outside waiting for a seat and viewing the body. Fitz had no intention of view the body, so when his dad, mother and sister went to the casket, he went straight to his seat. A few people came to speak to him and offer their condolences and prayers and Fitz just shook their hands and nodded his head in response. Then he smelled a familiar scent. He raised his head and sure enough there was Olivia standing in front of him.

Even in the middle of his grief-stricken state, Fitz couldn't ignore how good Olivia looked. She was standing in front of him in a form fitting, long sleeved all black dress. It stopped at her knees, and she had on stockings and black pump heels. Her hair was in a bun to the side and she had on a large black hat. What was it with ladies and big church hats? He also noticed the string of pearls hanging around her neck. He knew they were the pearls Verna had given Olivia when they first got married. Olivia wore them as her something old, and Verna told her to keep them and when she and Fitz had a daughter, then she would wear them down the aisle. Olivia loved those pearls, she loved them better than diamonds. She thought pearls were classy, and chic and timeless, they would never go out of style and went with any outfit she owned.

"Hey." Fitz said.

"Hi. You didn't look like you wanted to speak to anyone else, but I had to come over." Olivia sat down next to him on the pew.

"No it's okay, I don't mind your company. It's everyone else who's getting on my nerves."

"How you feeling?"

Fitz shrugged. "I'm okay I guess. You know considering."

"You know you can always talk to me right."

"Yep." Fitz answered, and Olivia could tell he didn't want to talk anymore so she left it alone. His parents and Erika were walking over just as she was leaving.

"Olivia dear." Carol wrapped Olivia up in a tight hug. "How are you dear?"

"I'm fine, I should be asking you how you're doing."

Carol smiled. "I'm holding up, it's still hard, but I'm holding up. Listen, make sure you stop by the house afterwards okay. There's something I need to give you."

"Okay." Olivia gave Erika a hug next, and then Big Gerry. When she was finished, she was going back to her seat so others could pay their respects to the family, Carol stopped her

"Olivia, where is that precious baby of yours?" Carol asked, not realizing what she just did. Olivia could feel Fitz's eyes on her, but she didn't acknowledge him. She was going to tell him sooner or later, she just didn't expect it to be this soon. But whatever, he knew now, no use in trying to hide it.

"Um, she's sitting with my mother and my dad."

"Make sure I see her before you all leave."

"Yes ma'am, I will."

Olivia made her way back to her seat. She was only two rows back from Fitz and his family, the first two rows were reserved for the family. She was sitting with her parents, Quinn her husband and kids and Abby and Stephen. Olivia was holding Quinn's baby, but Sophia got jealous and crawled off her grandma's lap and over to her mother's lap. Jackson was a little under seven months old now, and he was the spitting image of his father. He was a sweet baby, always laughing and smiling and didn't mind when he got passed around at parties and any get together. But Sophia was a jealous one, and no one came between her and her mother, especially not another baby.

"She is so spoiled Olivia."

"Don't be so surprised, Olivia spoils any baby she gets her hands on." Adelle said, leaning over Olivia so she could see Quinn. "She spoils her kid, Thea's and yours."

Shortly after everyone got into the church, had a chance to see the body and get settled in their seats the service started. Their family pastor said a prayer, and a couple of family members said a few testimonials and short stories about Verna. Some were funny and others made you cry. Adelle had to keep giving Olivia tissues, because she kept getting choked up. After a few hymns, Gerry got up to in the pulpit to give the eulogy. Not too many were privy to it, but Verna and Gerry had a great relationship. Gerry wasn't the most expressive man in the world, but he did care for a lot of people and his mother-in-law was one of them.

"Verna Thornton was more than just a mother and grandmother, but she was also a wonderful and faithful friend and an exceptional woman. No one was more dedicated to their faith and family. But what set Verna apart was that she was fiercely passionate about those she cared about. She wasn't afraid to stand up for and protect the ones she loved, no matter who you were. Yes she was a hard pill to swallow at times." Gerry laughed, remembering one of those times Verna was being a hard ass to him. "But everyone who knew her as well as I did all knew that that everything she did was out of love. Every time she pushed and pushed you, she did it out of love. She always wanted what was best for her family. And if that meant pushing you towards better, then that was exactly what she would do. And she was fiercely loyal, a firm shoulder when you needed on. But if you cross her, well, let's just say that she'll never forget it and neither will you. And myself personally, though I'm sad she had to go, I can now rest knowing that she is no longer suffering in pain. I know, that she's up in heaven right now smiling down at us completely at peace. Her spirit will live on and her memory inscribed in all our hearts. We love you Verna."

X

After the funeral, the family and their friends all gathered back at the Grant home for the processional. Everyone all brought a different dish, and set it up in the dining room for the guest to partake in. Everyone was mingling around the home, talking to the family, and enjoying seeing their other relatives. Some of which lived out of town, so they hadn't seen them in a while. It was sad that something so tragic had to happen for the family to get together again. But Olivia was glad to see Carol smiling for once today. Even though they had gathered for something so sad, it was a great for Carol to see her family. She was surrounded by her family and they were taking up all her attention. Every time Olivia looked over to her, there was either someone talking to her, or another one of the kids running around here sitting on her lap.

She had taken Sophia for a while, until Soph got hungry and a little cranky. That's where Olivia was now, feeding Soph some of the rice and gravy, mac and cheese and green beans, although Soph was only worried about the bread roll in her hand. Soph never really liked baby food, she stopped eating that stuff long ago. Olivia would always have to put salt and pepper in her baby food to get her to eat it. She hated the vegetable stuff but she loved the fruits, she could eat that all day.

As she continued to feed Soph, Olivia found herself playing with the pearl necklace on her neck once again. She'd notice she'd been doing that all day. During the entire funeral, Olivia couldn't stop messing with it. She'd worn those pearls hundreds of times before, but this was the only time I pained her to wear them. Verna gave her those pearls on her wedding day. They were her something old, and she would never tell her mother this, but that was her favorite thing. But she could tell Adelle that, but she had on Adelle's garter on her thigh as her something borrowed. She and Althea had both worn it down the aisle when they got married. Olivia smiled, thinking back to her wedding day…

Flashback

"And here is your something old." Adelle reached down and held the garter so Olivia could slip her foot into it, and pull it up her thigh. She was in a room, getting ready for her wedding. She'd already gotten her hair and makeup down by a professional makeup artist to the stars. And she'd put her dress on moments ago and her mother was the first one to shed some tears. The ceremony hadn't even started yet, and already the water works had.

Now she was putting on her final touches, before she had to walk down the aisle. She had her something blue, her grandmother's light blue handkerchief she had in her bra. Her something new were the pearl and diamond earrings her parents had given her as one of their wedding gifts. The garter she wore was her something old. Carol had given Olivia the lace veil she wore on her wedding day, that was her something borrowed. She was all ready to go, but Verna had something for her as well.

"Well you already have your something old, but this can be your second something old." Gave Olivia a long brown jewelry box. Olivia opened it and found a single strand of classic pearls.

"Verna."

"My late husband Arnold gave these to me for my birthday. This is my second favorite necklace I owned. And now, I want you to have them."

"Verna I can't take these… I don't feel right taking them from you."

"Nonsense, you're marrying my grandson. That makes you family, so you can take them and you will."

"But you should give these to Erika, not me."

"Erika already has a necklace for her wedding day. She's more of a diamond girl than a pearl girl. I gave her the diamond necklace my mother wore on her wedding day before she gave it to me." Verna unclasped the pearls from the holder in the box and had Olivia to sit in front of a mirror, so she could put them on her. "Perfect." They really were perfect Olivia thought. They were the same size and color and the pearls in the earrings her parents gave her. "And when you and Fitz have my first great-granddaughter, she can wear these as her something old as well."

Olivia squeezed the Verna's hand that was still resting on her shoulder. "Thank you."

Verna gave Olivia her sweet motherly smile and said, "Now let's go get you married off."

Present

A single tear fell down Olivia's cheek, but she quickly wiped it away. She was going to miss Verna dearly. She was so lucky to have known Verna and to have had her in her life. Olivia only wished Sophia could have known her as well. Olivia had brought Sophia to meet Verna before, when Soph was about four months old. But Sophia wouldn't remember that, and Olivia doubted Verna did the next day. Although Verna was having one of her better days that day, she was still forgetful and her memory was still off. Though, she was able to sit up in her bed and enjoy the view from her window and was able to keep up with the conversation for the full duration of Olivia's visit.

And although Verna wasn't strong enough to hold Soph, Olivia had sat beside her on the bed and laid Soph on Verna's lap. Sophia even woke up for a little while and Verna talked with her. A doll baby is what Verna kept calling Sophia. And she wasn't wrong. Olivia just wished Verna could be here now to see Sophia growing up. She would fall in love with her all over again. Especially now, as she played with Isabelle. Belle was making her laugh so hard, just by ducking back and forth behind Olivia's chair. Every time Isabelle would reappear, Sophia would laugh so hard. She had the kind of laugh people would watch over and over again on a YouTube video.

"Is she walking now Auntie Liv?" Belle laughed, after Sophia focused back on the now soggy bread in her hand.

"Not yet, but she will be soon."

"I hope so. Because then we can play more when we have sleepovers. Can we have another sleepover soon?"

"You have to ask you parents if you can come over." Olivia told her, although she knew Quinn and Huck wouldn't have a problem with it.

As Belle ran off to go find her parents, Olivia noticed Fitz walking her way. Olivia braced herself, for what reason she didn't know. Olivia didn't know why she was so anxious and nervous to have Fitz around Sophia. It was ridiculous ducking and dodging him for the past nine months, making their friends lie about Sophia's existence just so Fitz wouldn't now.

Fitz finally got the nerve to go over to Olivia. He'd been contemplating going over to her for the past half hour. She was with her daughter, and Fitz knew Olivia had been hiding her from him for a while now. But he knew now, so he thought it was okay for him to go over and meet her. He wanted to wait for Olivia to introduce the two, but it was clear she wasn't. So he decided to make the first move. Fitz had no idea why he was nervous about meeting a nine month of child, but he was.

The closer he got to Olivia, the more he could see how gorgeous her daughter was. She had a beautiful dark brown complexion, a few shades darker than her mother's. Her big, light brown eyes sparkled when she laughed, and her two deep dimples were on full display when she smiled. Fitz could tell she was a short little girl, as her chubby legs barely showed from the dress she was wearing. It was all black with white flowers on it. Fitz smiled at her little black strap shoes with the white, ruffled socks. He remembered his mother making Erika wear the same kind of socks whenever they went to church. He also remembered how much Erika hated those socks.

"Hey." Fitz said, once he finally made it over to Olivia. She was sitting in one of the many folding chairs that had been lined up against a few of the walls around the house.

"Hi." Olivia shyly answered. Fitz took a seat two seats away from Olivia. The plate she was feeding Sophia from was in the chair between them.

"I've been trying to talk to you all day. It seems like every time I found you, you weren't alone."

"Your family is very big. And I haven't seen some of them in years. You're Cousin Ricky kept kissing my cheeks all day."

Fitz laughed and rolled his eyes. His cousin still thought he was still a player at seventy five years old. "That sure sounds like him. So, this must be Sophia."

Olivia was shocked that Fitz knew Sophia's name. "How do you know her name?" Olivia asked, before it hit her. "You knew didn't you."

"I saw you walking out my office with Stephen after one of her appointments."

"You've known this entire time?"

"Well not the entire time, I just found out after her last visit. I saw you walking to the elevator, and then I kind of bullied her file from Stephen. And also, you have her car seat in your backseat."

"Of course." Olivia mentally smacked herself, she couldn't believe she forgot about that. "Why didn't you say anything?" Olivia asked.

"Well I kind of figured you didn't want me to know, then Stephan confirmed to me that you didn't want me to know. So I didn't say anything. I figured you'd tell me when you were ready, or when I ran into you two together."

"Fitz, I'm… I'm sorry."

"No, no, you don't have to apologize. I get why you didn't want me to know, I understand. So how does it feel, being a mother?"

Olivia smiled brighter than she'd ever before. "It's amazing. Better than I imagined it would be. I mean we had a rocky start. I think I was just a little overwhelmed with it all. But we eventually got it right. I got lucky with this one, she's perfect."

"She's gorgeous."

"Thanks."

"I'm happy for you Olivia. I know this isn't how you planned on starting your family, and I'm partly to blame for that… but I'm happy for you that you finally got what you wanted most. She's a lucky little girl to have you as a mother."

Olivia reached over and held one of Fitz's hands with hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Thank you Fitz."

Fitz looked at the little girl in Olivia's lap, and suddenly became sad. He could've had this life with Olivia. Sophia could've been their daughter instead of just Olivia's. Not a day had gone by that Fitz didn't think about that night he left his wife. Not a day went by that he didn't regret his decision. He left, because he thought they would both find what they were looking for. It seemed to have worked out well for Olivia, but not for Fitz. He still wasn't any closer to have his son or daughter than he was two years ago. He was lonely, sleeping with women he met in bars, just so he didn't have to go home to an empty apartment night after night. And now with his grandmother's passing, Fitz just fell deeper into a hole, one he didn't know he could climb out of.

Fitz kissed the back of Olivia's hand, before getting up and leaving. Olivia watching his retreating form with confusion. He was acting wired, but Olivia just chalked it up to the day and the events. You weren't really expected to be in top form at your grandmother's funeral.

X

"Olivia thank you so much for staying to help us clean up. You really didn't have to." Carol thanked Olivia for the fourth time for helping her and Gerry clean up after their family and friends finally began to leave. Olivia and a few others stayed behind to help Carol put the leftover food in the fridge and clean up the mess. Gerry was in one of the other rooms cleaning, Fitz was upstairs somewhere, she hadn't seen much of him after their talk. And Erika was out back on the deck with Harrison. Their relationship had grown over the past nine months and Olivia was glad Erika finally came out of her shell and found someone. She was too good a person to be alone.

"It's really no problem, I don't mind."

"I hope you're not keeping Sophia out too late."

"Oh no, my mother took her with her."

"Oh well that's great. I know she's excited about having another grandbaby around the house."

"That she is. Soph already has my mom and dad wrapped around her finger already."

"I'm sure she does. Listen, can I steal you away for a second."

"Yeah sure." Olivia put the garbage back she had down on the floor, and followed Carol to her office down the hall. Carol called it her office, but it was really just a small arts and crafts room. This was where Carol did her knitting, her sewing, jewelry making and the occasional paint project. It was a little messy, but Carol always insisted she knew exactly where everything was.

Olivia shut the door behind them, while Carol opened one of the drawers in a cabinet and pulled out a small box. Carol gave the box to Olivia, and took a seat on the cushioned bench by the bay window. The curtains were opened, letting in a glow of natural lighting to the room.

"What's this?" Olivia asked, taking seat next to Carol.

"It's from mom. She gave this to me and told me to make sure you got it. I'm sorry, I meant to give it to you sooner, but when she got sick, I kind of forgot about it." Olivia opened the box and immediately recognized the crisscross gold band ring inside the box. It was the ring Fitz had given her on their honeymoon. It was Verna's ring, that she'd passed down to Fitz to give to the woman he loved one day. Olivia loved that ring, but after she and Fitz divorced, she didn't feel right keeping the ring. Neither Fitz nor Verna had asked for it back, but Olivia had given it back to Verna anyway.

"She never asked for it back." Carol said.

"I didn't feel right keeping it. Fitz and I weren't together anymore, and we aren't together now, I shouldn't keep this." Olivia closed the box, not wanting to look at the ring anymore. It brought back too many memories. Some pleasant and others she wished she could forget.

"I really shouldn't take this Carol." Olivia tried to give the box back to Carol, but she wouldn't take it.

"I'm not asking. She wanted you to have it" She closed Olivia's hands over the box and pushed to back on her lap.

"I won't want people to think I'm taking advantage."

"How could you be taking advantage when it was offered to you. You didn't ask for it. Trust me, mom was having a good day when she gave this to me to give to you. She said it wasn't hers anymore, and it belonged to you. So now you have to keep it and give it to your son or Sophia one day." Adelle lovingly rubbed Olivia's hands over the box she was clutching tight in her hands. "Now, I'm going to see if I can get all these people out of my house." Olivia laughed a little. "You alright darling?" Olivia nodded, keeping her head down. Carol kissed the top of Olivia's head, before she left out the room.

Olivia sat silently by herself for a moment, clutching that box in her hand. Why did Verna have to give this back to her? Oliva only wore it for Fitz. And now that they weren't together, she wanted nothing to do with this freaking ring. Verna should've given it to Erika, or back to Fitz so he could give it to someone else. Suddenly, Olivia was grateful Verna hadn't done that. Olivia didn't want the ring, but she didn't want to see it on another woman's finger either. She'd keep it in safe keeping, but Olivia wasn't sure she would ever want to wear this ring again.

X

Olivia was just about to leave the Grant house, when she heard Fitz calling her name from behind her. "Hey, you okay?" He looked a bit disheveled.

"People have been asking me that all day long, I'm really getting tired of that."

"Sorry." Olivia quickly apologized.

"No, I'm… I need a ride. I didn't drive here, and I would ask Erika, but she's… I don't know what she is, and she just keeps crying every five minutes and I can't deal with that right now. And I really can't spend another minute in this house, with grandma's room just down the hall. Every time I walk past that door, I swear I can smell her and I can't, I -"

"Hey hey Fitz, it's alright." Olivia cut of his ranting, gripping his arms as she spoke to him. "I can take you home. It's no problem."

"Thank you." Fitz didn't wait for a response, he just walked past Olivia and out the door to her car. Olivia followed close behind him, and unlocked the doors for him. Fitz got into the passenger seat and Olivia got behind the wheel. The ride to his apartment was quiet. The radio was off and Fitz only spoke to give Olivia directions to his apartment. Olivia's had never been to his new place, so she didn't know where she was going.

When she pulled into his apartment building, Olivia barely had the car in park before Fitz mumbled a quick thank you and hoped out her car. Olivia knew she should've left, Fitz clearly wanted to be alone right now. She should've left, but she couldn't bring herself to leave. Olivia knew that when he was upset, he wanted and needed to be alone with his thoughts. To get himself together again. But Olivia just couldn't leave when he was clearly in such agony. She may not have been his wife anymore, but she still cared for him and felt a need to take care of him when she could.

So instead of leaving, Olivia turned her car off and got out. The doors to the apartment building locked when closed, only residence could open them. So she waited for a while, until a woman with a baby on her hip came by. Olivia held the door open for her and slipped in behind the woman. She got Fitz's apartment number from the mail boxes on the wall and got on the elevator. Olivia wasn't sure what she was doing, or what she'd do when she got to his door. She was mostly winging it at this point.

When she got to his door, she found it slightly cracked open. She knocked, but didn't get a response. She called out his name, as she pushed the door open. She didn't have to search for him, because his apartment had an open floor plan and he was sitting on the couch in the living room.

"Fitz." He still didn't answer even as she walked over to the chair. She noticed the bottle of scotch on the table, but she also noticed his glass was still dry.

"What are you doing here Olivia?" Fitz finally spoke.

"To be honest, I don't know." Olivia sat her purse down in the single chair, and sat down beside Fitz on the love seat. "I was in my car about to drive off, but then I couldn't leave, knowing you were upset. I wanted to check on you." Olivia kicked her shoes off, and sat side ways on the sofa with her elbow resting on the back, propping her head up.

Fitz turned his head towards her. He couldn't help but smile at her. She'd taken her hair out of its bun, and now it fell to her shoulders in loose curls. She'd taken her shoes off, and she just looked so comfortable in his home. "You're not supposed to still care about me."

Olivia shrugged. "I can't help it. You still care about me."

"That's true." Fitz put his hand on Olivia's knee, rubbing small circles with his thumb.

Olivia put her hand over his on her knee. "Fitz you haven't cried for her yet." She could feel Fitz tense up but she kept going. "I know I said we have to be the strong ones for our families, but that doesn't mean you aren't allowed to grieve. You may not want to, but I know you'll feel much better after you just let it out." Olivia knew how much Fitz hated to cry in front of other people. She and his mother were really the only people he's allowed to see him cry. He always tried to be mister macho. But he didn't have to hide his emotions from Olivia. They'd been through too much together for him to not want to cry in front of her.

Olivia used her free hand, to run her fingers through Fitz's hair, massaging his scalp. That always use to calm him down before. And it seem to still be a useful weapon. Olivia could see Fitz's eyes getting a bit watery. He was still fighting it, but Olivia whispered to him that it was okay, and that broke the dam. Fitz began to cry heavy tears, letting out all his anger and frustration and grieve. Everything he'd been holding these past few days.

Olivia brought his head to her chest, and cradled him while he cried. She shed a few tears of her own, as she comforted Fitz, her tears falling into his curls. This was the same man who'd broken her heart two short years ago, the same man she use to hate, and now all she wanted to do was make his pain go away. Funny how strong a hold love could be.

Fitz had let go of Olivia and had his hands buried in his face as he bent over. Olivia slid off the couch, and knelt in front of him on her knees. His cries had turned into soft sniffles. Olivia pulled his hands away from his face, replacing them with her own. She cradled his head, as she kissed his forehead, then his wet cheeks. This wasn't how she'd planned on comforting him, but she didn't stop herself when she kissed the corner of his mouth. And he didn't stop her when she softly kissed his lips once. She pulled back only slightly, to gauge his reaction. She was now kneeling between his open legs, and she knew he approved, when she felt him gripping her sides, bunching her dress in his fists. So she pecked his lips again and then once more and didn't stop after that.

Olivia moved her hands from Fitz's face to his shoulders as he gripped her hips and lifted her onto his lap. She straddled him, never breaking their kiss. Fitz found the zipper on the back of her dress, and pulled it down. He lifted her dress from bottom and gathered it at her hips. Olivia pulled it over her head, tossing it beside them on the couch as Fitz kissed her side, her stomach and her breast through her lacy bra.

Fitz didn't know what had gotten into Olivia, but he wasn't going to question it. This wasn't at all how he saw his night going. The way his saw his night was in a bottle of booze. This wasn't a permanent solution to his problem, but it would damn sure put a Band-Aid on it for now. He just hoped Olivia didn't regret this the next morning, because he knew he wouldn't.

Fitz unhooked Olivia's stocking from her garter belt, but stopped her hands as she tried to unbutton his shirt. For a moment, Olivia thought he was changing his mind about this, but that vanished when he stood up with her in his arms and carried her down a short hallway to his bedroom. He gently laid her down on the bed, standing over her as he slowly undressed himself. And unlike the last time she was in a situation such as this one, Olivia wasn't feeling a single hint of doubt. She felt she was right where she needed to be.

The last times they were together was nothing but drunken, lust filled sex. But this wasn't the rough, animalistic sex they both loved so much. No, Fitz was taking his time tonight as if he had all the time in the world. After he'd stripped himself naked, he climbed on the bed, kneeling in between Olivia's bent legs. He was soothingly rubbing down her bare thighs as she panted underneath him. Olivia was supposed to be the one comforting him, but Fitz had taken charge and Olivia let him. She didn't always let him take charge, but she'd give it to him tonight.

She moaned loudly, when Fitz finally kissed her again. Massaging her breast through her bra, before he finally opened the front clasp of her bra. He swirled his tongue around her nipple, blowing cool air on them, making Olivia's back arch up off the bed. Her fingers locked in his hair. He nipped his way down her body, keeping her firmly on the bed. When he reached her panties, he pulled her stockings off, before pulling her panties down her thighs and dropping them in the floor.

Normally Fitz would have given Olivia a little more foreplay, but tonight he didn't. She was ready for him just as ready as he was for her. He'd make up for it later, seeing as he didn't think either of them would be getting much sleep tonight. Leaning back over Olivia, Fitz bared his weight on his elbows. But Olivia didn't like that. She liked when he put all his weight on her, trapping her to the bed. She loved to feel all of him. So she wrapped her legs around him and pulled him down by his neck. Fitz got the hint, and laid on her fully, giving her all his weight. They couldn't have been any closer in that moment.

Olivia opened her eyes, to find Fitz staring intently at her. She kept her eyes locked on him, as he slowly slid inside of her. He kept the pace nice and slow, giving her long and deep stokes. And Olivia took in every one of them, moving her hips in rhythm with his.

Fitz and Olivia may have done a lot of things wrong when they were together, but there was two things they could always get right. One was the physical in the bedroom, and the other was how to love one another. And tonight, they didn't know just how right they were. They wouldn't know this now, but tonight their love would make the baby the both of them desperately wanted.

X

Yay! Olitz babies to come! Since Shonda wont give me one on the show, I'm reduced to fantasizing about them and writing them into my fan-fiction. A lot of people were asking me was Olivia pregnant, when was she gonna get pregnant, and if she was even going to get pregnant. And to answer one question, no Sophia is not the baby I was talking about in the summary for this story. As much as I would love her to be, Sophia isn't an Olitz baby. I wanted to answer you guy's question, but I also didn't want to give the ending of this chapter away. I hate ruining stories. So in summary, Olivia's pregnant, but of course this wont be an easy road they're bout to take, so stay tuned.

Also the flashback scene between Olivia and Adelle was from a movie called Mother and Child a movie Kerry did a few years ago. Someone mentioned it in a review a while ago. I love that movie and yes, I pulled my inspiration for this story from that movie. But the flashback scene at the beginning was almost word for word from the movie on Adelle's parts. Kerry's momma getting her together in that movie was one of my favorite scenes. Let me know what you think.

(^_^)