Chapter 25

As Olivia had found out customs was an entirely different animal for the rich and famous. Someone from the FAA entered your private jet and reviewed all your flight information as well as your passport and necessary government identification. Those things went relatively smooth because obviously the people in charge of the Grant's movements around the world had everything in order. It had caught her off guard when they had left the Caribbean but not this time. This was how she would move about the planet in the future because of her association with Fitzgerald Grant.

The Grants apparently had to do nothing but present themselves to whatever destination they were traveling to or from and prepare for flight. The captain, was the captain for a reason. He captained the jet! It was also his job to see that the Grants had to do nothing. He presented his log, the information, and identification of his passengers. It was verified by Aviation personnel and then you were off into the friendly skies.

They had arrived in California in the wee hours of the morning. It was now minutes before seven o'clock. Olivia Carolyn Pope was delightfully happy. She had slept peacefully for hours while in flight without a care in the world. For several hours aboard a private jet, she had indulged in the most exquisite sex with her boyfriend. After a short but sweet helicopter ride, she now stood on what seemed like a mountain top staring down at a beautiful castle and its lush grounds. It was that time of morning when everything you viewed took on a surreal aura of beauty.

Looking at the austere Grant mansion brought a smile to her face. Of course, she had other things to smile about as well. At almost seven o'clock in the morning her body was sexually sated. She closed her eyes briefly at the memories of last night. Their two rounds of sex had been phenomenal. The things Fitz did to her, the way her body had responded again and again was unbelievable. She was now truly a bonafide member of the Mile High Club and she was smiling about it.

"You seem very happy Olivia and I'm extremely pleased about that. I want you to be happy. I know I keep saying it but I want it understood. My purpose from the day I met you has been to see to your happiness. Welcome to California. I intend to see that you have the best holiday. The skies are looking extremely clear today considering our air pollution and smog situation. I'm happy about that because you are about to see the most amazing thing in a few minutes. Talk about the earth and its beauty. This will take your breath away."

"Even more than you do Fitz? You take my breath away. I'm still in awe of the beauty of what we share."

Olivia said the sweetest things. She made him simply want to gobble her up! He lifted her beautiful mouth up to his for a kiss. It was supposed to be just a sweet little peck but they only knew one way to kiss, passionately. Their plan was to leave their next sexual encounter for tonight. However, at the moment she melted into his arms without any reservation. She didn't care who knew how much she loved and wanted him. When the kiss ended, they had eyes only for each other.

"And we have so much more sharing to do but none of that is in the cards this morning. In about five minutes or so you are going to see the most beautiful thing on earth, a California sunrise. I wanted to share this first one with you. I coordinated the times of our flight to make sure that we arrived right on time. The imagery is going to blow your mind Olivia. Wait until you see it!"

"Fitz, you are the most thoughtful boyfriend. You're beyond amazing. Sunrises and sunsets are the most extraordinary things. I can't wait to see the both of them here with you in California!"

"I know. I can hardly wait either."

They were standing there waiting for one of the most passive occurrences of time. The passage of night to day was basically overlooked by most people on the planet. It was something taken for granted. It happened every day and that was that. Fitz knew better and so did Olivia. Caribbean sunrises were amazing too. Still, she had paid them little attention while in the states. Fitz intended to show her what she had been missing!

At exactly 7:01:54, the sun began to rise in the sky. Fitz was right. It was the most beautiful things she had ever seen. There weren't any words to give what she was watching justice in Olivia's opinion. The sunrises at home were beautiful but they paled in comparison to what she was now viewing.

It was a vision. The sky suddenly filled with pink, orange, and purple hues. There were still fine remnants of the overnight fog. The family yacht was calmly sitting moored at the marina as a backdrop. Seagulls lulled in the air. Palm trees blew in the slight wind. It was magical standing there with him watching this miracle as the earth awakened. She turned and hugged him with all her might. She was so lucky he had come to Grand Caymans for her. And now he was sharing this special thing with her.

"Thanks for sharing this with me Fitz. I will never ever forget my first California sunrise. I know we may experience many more but this one will always be my favorite. It was so thoughtful of you to share this with me."

"All my life, I've been looking for you and I'm so happy right now. To share every single thing I can with you in this life is my ultimate goal. I'm so glad to have you here with me, Olivia. You can't imagine my joy!"

"I can! This is such a wonderful morning. I can't wait to see your family again."

"I've missed them myself. I should warn you that my parents have probably been up for hours. And on top of that, we are expected. My mother is just waiting for someone to tell her we're in residence. However, let me acquaint you with my section of the residence before we present ourselves to the main house. My parents are going to be so glad to see you and my mother will be intent on having you to herself for hours. I fully intend to share you but my mother likes you, so; she will attempt to monopolize lots of your time. I know my mother. Breakfast is served promptly at eight. We can join them if you like."

"That sounds lovely. My first meeting with your parents was delightful. I like your mother as well. I hope to get to know her better on this trip, your entire family for that matter."

"All of that is going to happen I assure you. You are going to become one of us Olivia. That's old news. They all know that. Come on. Let me show you my place."

Olivia smiled her brightest smile at her boyfriend. It always sent an arrow straight through her heart when he stated so matter-of-factly that she was going to become his wife and a Grant. She wanted that more than anything. He had taken hold of her hand and entwined with his. As he often did, he placed a kiss upon it.

"I love you so much."

"I know and I love you more."

His lodgings were in the west wing of the mansion. He had occupied these rooms since he was fifteen years old. As he had matured so had the themes of his surroundings. It was a luxury suite of sorts. It was a home within a home. He had every amenity if he never chose to go to the main house again. That would never be the case. Fitzgerald Grant loved his family and he never missed an opportunity to spend time with them. When he was in residence, he slept in the west wing but spent most of his time with the family. He rather missed a meal with them.

During those unfortunate years with Margot, she had tried to form a wedge between he and his family. He wasn't having it. He'd made a lot of concessions trying to build a marriage with her but he would dine with his family when they were in Santa Barbara. She could pretend to be a loving housewife when they resided in the Hollywood Hills. Of course, the woman couldn't be what she wasn't so he had known from the very start they were doomed.

He had found the woman of his dreams. He now had a chance at real happiness. He didn't plan to squander it. He would see to Olivia's happiness and in turn secure his own. Her smile was so bright when she was happy. She literally lit up everything around her. When she turned that smile on him, he was lost.

"Fitz, you said we were entering your home on the west side. We've been walking forever. Where are your rooms? They are inside the mansion, right? I mean everything I've seen so far is unbelievable and so beautiful. What on earth can the main house look like?"

"We're almost there Olivia. This is a huge place. There are eight bedrooms not including three master suites. My wing is actually a revised in-law suite of sorts as I have a consortium of rooms with an eat-in kitchen, full dining area, great room, a master suite, an extra bedroom, and two full baths. It was built supposedly for my grandfather. Papa Joe refused to stay here "separated" from the family. He has a suite in the main house. My mother decided to give the rooms to her teenage son. I think she wanted to entice me to never leave home in the beginning. It was cool having my own space."

"It's only natural I think for a mother to want her only child around. Your mother doesn't seem clingy or demanding. She seems to be just a very loving parent."

"I agree with your assessment. It was simply a gift to her teenaged son that she adored! Here we are Olivia. This is my place beyond that door. Come, let me carry you over the threshold."

"Fitz, that is a tradition usually reserved for married couples. I know we're headed there but we aren't there yet."

"No, not yet. I have a lot of homes Olivia and I intend to carry you over the threshold of each and every one of them. That is, if you don't mind. Indulge me, Sweet Baby. In my heart, you are already my wife."

"Of course, I don't mind Sir Fitza 7888'lot. I'm indeed already yours."

"Then hop into my arms Lady Olivia." She did!

The door was opened by smiling security. Fitz thanked the man. With his arms filled with Olivia Pope, he carried her over the threshold. He kicked the door closed behind them and stood her in the foyer. "Welcome home Olivia. Let me give you a quick tour."

It was a home within a home. Behind the magnificent ornate door was a foyer worthy of any entry into a grand house. A beautiful light fixture set off the entryway. A modest table held a vase of fresh flowers giving off various incredible scents. A single solitary picture of he and his family stood beside the vase surrounded by an obviously real gold frame.

You walked down the hallway and to the left was his office and library. You kept walking into the great room. It wasn't small at all. It was beautifully decorated and it said Fitzgerald Grant lived there. There was subtle elegance everywhere. The kitchen wasn't huge but it was a full eat-in kitchen with a dining room to the left of it with the most unique crystal chandelier. The bedrooms were down the opposite hall. The extra room was simply a well decorated extra bedroom. Olivia noted that her bounty of Christmas gifts from her Boston shopping spree were on the bed. The master suite was very elegant but very manly and very Fitz. The tour was ended. This was his home.

"Fitz, what a lovely place. It's so you. The décor, all of it, is perfect." She moved back into his arms and looked up at him. "I absolutely love your bedroom. It's beautiful. Are we far enough away from the main residence as not to disturb them during our passionate times? I'm a screamer you know."

"I do know Olivia and I love every decibel you emit. Speaking of screams, you look so good in that dress. I would love to take it off of you again and place you on my bed and have my way with you."

"I would love to let you but we need to freshen up for breakfast Fitz. We got up from a night of extraordinary sex, got dressed and exited your plane. We need a quick shower and a change of clothes before we greet the parents. Don't you agree? We can christen that bed later tonight."

"You're right of course. Breakfast is at eight. Let's hit the shower. I noticed that a few of your gifts for the family aren't wrapped. Unless you simply wish to do your own wrapping, we use a service that comes out and does beautiful hand-crafted wrapping up until midnight on Christmas Eve."

"Really? I do have a few things that need to be wrapped and I don't mind using the service."

"Remind me to inform mother that we will need the wrapping service."

They hit the shower and by mutual agreement didn't touch each other. They didn't linger. They showered and got dressed and headed to the main house for breakfast and to greet his family. Olivia was genuinely glad to see Fitz' parents again. They had been so nice to her in Caymans. It seemed that they truly liked her and they respected their son's choice. She could imagine that a lot of American families wouldn't have been so gracious. She was grateful that the Grants were such good people. They were obviously very glad to see their son. They welcomed them both with open arms. His grandfather was in Las Vegas and wouldn't be in until Christmas Day.

Gabriella's sister and her family were already in residence. Her teenage sons just happened to be identical twins. They were well-mannered handsome boys. Bernard loved fashion and his brother Benoit was a die-hard techie. They both played video games to death. Fitz had told her they very much would like to have the latest version of Fortnite. She had bought the game when it went on sale last month. Also, she had gotten them each a lovely leather vests which were the teen rage right now in the city of lights.

The twins were the last of Andrea and Guillaume's children. In fact, they were late in life children. Andrea and Guillaume were both forty-eight and thought their family was complete with their three other children. Their older children had grown up with Fitz. The couple had been traveling the world having two kids in college and high schooler. In fact, they were in the middle of a thirty-day cruise when Andrea started feeling ill. She thought she had food poisoning. A blood test had alerted them otherwise.

Fitz' family was so diverse and interesting. When he had given her the background on his family the story of Gabriella's sister Andrea had made her smile. They had been married at the time for twenty-five years with college age children but they were still out there loving each other and making babies. Fitz' described them as very much in love like her parents.

Aunt Amalie and her husband were there as well. Gabriella considered Amalie as a sister. She and her husband Art were very much part of the family. She was the same age as Gabriella. Her two daughters weren't making the trip to California. They were both career women heavily involved in their careers. Olivia had found the most interesting painting for couple. Art was Aunt Amalie's second husband. His two young children from his first marriage were with him at Christmas this year. Their nanny had just gotten permission to take them into the gaming room on the property. She still had to find gifts for Art's two kids.

Watching the kids run about the house reminded Olivia that she had seen herself holding a baby with eyes the color of Fitz' more than once in her dreams or visions. It warmed her heart to know she would give him the family he craved. She had also seen in a vision her nursing another child with blue eyes while Fitz was on the floor playing with another child. She assumed that meant that they would have at minimum two children. It made her smile. One day her own children would play in this beautiful place.

She had met the people here at the house before at the Thanksgiving gala. They had been friendly and engaging as they were now. Gabriella seemed very glad to have her here in Santa Barbara. She had made some tentative plans that she hoped wouldn't interfere with any plans that she and Fitz had made. Fitz told his mother that they could discuss all of that later.

"So, you decided to dine with us at breakfast Fitz? I wasn't sure. I know you. You will want to keep Olivia all to yourself. Nonetheless I was hoping you will be generous. The family would love to get to know Olivia better. You have to share, Fitzgerald. Tell your son he must share Olivia with us!"

Gabriella knew the thrill of a new hot romance. Her son was in love, deeply in love and he had hardly let Olivia out of his sight since they arrived. He would soon spirit her away to his lair and heaven only knew when he would release her. Fitzgerald was his father's son without a doubt. And it was obvious that Olivia adored Fitz. Once he placed her in the west wing of the mansion, she would have to pry her from him.

"You wouldn't want to disappoint your mother. She has been looking forward to your visit and a chance to get to know Olivia better."

"I haven't any intention of disappointing mother, Dad. Olivia will be her for eleven days. We are spending four nights in LA. Other than that, we will be on the estate and Olivia will be at your disposal. Meaning, I'm willing to share Maman. It's what the Christmas spirit is all about, giving and sharing. Olivia has made it very clear that I can't monopolize all of her time, regardless of how much I want to."

Everyone enjoyed the delicious breakfast. Everyone was very comfortable with one another. Olivia fit in seamlessly. The conversations easily could switch from English to French. Olivia spoke and understood the language so she was part of mostly all of the different conversations going on at the huge table.

After breakfast Gabriella wanted to show Olivia the rest of the mansion and the grounds. Olivia left with her and Amalie. They would spend a delightful morning together. Fitz and his father retired to his office for some father and son time.

"You and Olivia seem very happy son. I'm glad things are working out. Your mother was very excited knowing you were bringing Olivia with you. She wants very much to get to know the woman you are head over heels in love with. I know you intend to marry her. What are your plans?"

"As you know Olivia is finishing medical school this Spring and from there she will enter into years of residency. She had no intention of doing anything but entertaining her career path of becoming a doctor until I came along. I'm basically her bump in the road for lack of a better analogy. You know I want to marry her right now, this minute, but I don't want to force my hand. We love each other that's an established fact and we intend to be together.

We are working out the minute details as to how we will maintain a long-distance relationship until we marry. I believe I have talked Olivia into going on with her initial plans and allowing me to move in with her. I'm planning to commute from New York City to Boston weekly. Giving us the option of weekends until we come up with something better. Olivia was entertaining the idea of moving to New York and giving up a top residency in Boston. I can't allow than. She deserves to have her first choice as to residency. She's the top student in her class Dad. I have to honor that. I have to let her know that I will always put her first. Just as you have done with Mother."

"Excellent thinking and stratagem son. You don't want her left with regrets about your relationship. I spoke with Olivia for a long time the night of the Thanksgiving gala. She's going to make a wonder physician. Medicine is a life-long goal of hers. Do you believe there is an ambiguity with her as to being coming a doctor and your wife?"

"Of course, there is. I expected there to be. This is why I feel I must make all the concessions right now. She has agreed to us living together which essentially is little different from marriage. I will settle for that for now. I intent to ask her to marry me Christmas day. If she says yes, I believe we can get through any obstacles thrown our way. I have Jacoby & Sons looking for a more secure place for us as we speak. Security has also been tapped for her as you suggested. I know we are to be married. I've seen it in my future. That's basically the reason I'm so calm and collected. I know where we are headed."

"All of this is great news. I believe everything you are doing is the correct path to take. I wish you luck on your proposal. If she says no this first time, don't take it personal. Olivia is young and she has essentially been on her own for a long time. I believe the woman loves you a lot."

"Dad, I know she loves me. If I didn't, I would probably be in triple therapy sessions by now. Do you know what plans mother has that includes Olivia today? Is she was planning to show her parts of Santa Barbara today? I was thinking to show her some of it myself."

"Your mother mentioned showing Olivia the grounds and that Gracie was coming over for lunch. I don't think she was planning to go out today. She knows that you aren't going to let Olivia go much during her stay here. I reminded her of the newness of your relationship. That impressed her, I think. I reminded her of when we first spend a vacation together. We barely came up for air. Gabriella knows what it feels like to be in love for the first time."

"I know you do Dad. Thanks for running that bit of interference. These eleven days are going to be as precious to me as the first ones that I spent with Olivia in Caymans. They were momentous then and they are now. We are trying to build a future on a hastily formed foundation but I believe we are going to make it. I have my parents for inspiration and that's big plus. Then there's the fact that I'm head over heels in love with the woman I plan to ask to marry me this time. That and the fact that she loves me back is an ace in the hole!"

"Yes, it is son. You and Olivia are going to be fine. I need to work some of your mother's French breakfast out of my system. I'm about to hit the gym. We can continue our talk there. I also plan to swim a few laps. Do you want to join me? Your mother fixes all of that delicious French cuisine yet she expects me to have the body of a thirty-year old."

"Your wife wouldn't care if you weren't lean and fit and you know it. Gabriella Grant loves you to death. You are inspired because she is still as beautiful as the day you met her and you intend to keep her. That's pretty much going to be my motto as well. Sure, I'll join you. I probably should let Olivia know."

"Your mother knows my plans. I told her I was going to ask you to join me. She'll let her know. I can't wait to beat your ass swimming laps."

"Dream on old man."

James Lockheed was sitting in his office unable to concentrate on what he was doing. He'd had a restless night because of the reoccurring dreams he was having. Yes, Tessa Adderley was haunting him nightly. He wasn't going to interfere in her life but she was certainly interfering in his. He was dreaming about her, about them. While she was waiting for Thomas Pope to come back from medical school and marry her, she had turned him. They had started a relationship that was unusual in that it wasn't truly consummated until after she had married another man.

She had pleased him and made love to him all those months they were together in every way but one. She had held herself from him for that cretin she had married. He had survived her rejection and moved on. In fact, he had survived the wiles of Tessa Adderley twice. He still had the scars. So, why in the hell was he dreaming about her every night after all these years? He knew why. There was a possibility that she was going to be free again. And that possibility had him by the balls, literally. He had spent the last week dreaming about their one night together where he had totally possessed her. She had been his for twenty-four hours and then she had gotten up from his bed and walked out the door.

He closed his eyes thinking about the pain he felt when she had risen from his bed and gone back to her husband. He had felt used and abused. He was so angry and disappointed in her that night. He had essentially blackballed her from his life. He ignored her for almost a quarter of a century and now he can't get her out of his mind. It was like he had a fever. He threw the ledger he was trying to read across the room.

"Goddammit Tessa, leave me alone!"

Tessa Adderley had gotten up, dressed and was on her way to her lawyers' office. She had been called in to an emergency meeting at two o'clock. She was hoping it was good news. They had called her and told her that Thomas had finally contacted them. She was hoping he had come to his senses and was going to sign the divorce papers. If he didn't sign them this week, the divorce would plow way into the new year. She wouldn't be free of Thomas Pope when the New Year rung in but hopefully, she would be shortly thereafter. A new year with a new life was what she wanted. The man was old baggage and an albatross around her neck. At least he had been. Never again! She was done with him!

"Tessa Adderley to see Mr. Hogbar."

"Yes. Let me show you in."

"Good morning Mrs. Pope. I know we have only spoken over the phone. It's a pleasure to meet you. Please come in and have a seat. David Hogbar at your service."

"Good morning Mr. Hogbar. I realize that Mr. Huntington is out of town on holiday and you are sitting in for him but I take it you have familiarized yourself with the case. That being said, I made a very formal request. My divorce is pending but I have already reverted to my maiden name whether it's legal right now or not. Please don't call me Mrs. Pope."

"Of course, Madame. My mistake. Jacob briefed me and it is indeed in my notes right here. My sincere apologies, Ms. Adderley. I called you in today because your estranged husband and his attorney showed up here this morning without an appointment. I had assumed to conclude this matter. Your estranged husband's petition was only returned this morning when he showed up here with his attorney. He has retained the office of David Lancaster and is requesting that a formal mediation take place before any other proceedings move forward. I know you have said you do not wish to have mediation of any kind. You are seeking expediency in this matter and that mediation isn't a step in that direction. However, Mr. Pope has made a formal appeal to the court and is refusing any steps forward without it.

Normally this would've been put on the shelf and waited for Attorney Huntington's attention. In handing your case over to me in his absence he made sure to impress upon me that you want this matter resolved quickly. Mr. Pope as you know had not responded to any of our correspondence until now. Apparently only yesterday did the man obtain counsel in this matter and set mediation before the court. That fact and his apparent desperation exhibited here this morning suggest that he intends to hinder putting an end to your marriage. This petition would definitely push back out January 6th court date. I wanted to consult you as soon as possible to let you know where we are."

"I don't wish to mediate my marriage. It's over! I want a divorce. Thomas Pope knows that. This is only a stalling tactic to avoid the inevitable. There is nothing for us to mediate about. My understanding is that Mr. Huntington explained to Thomas Pope himself the circumstances that he would find himself in if he does not meet my demands. Surely that fact was relayed to him? I have refused all contact with the man. So now he wants to put a legal mediation on the table? I have nothing to say to him!"

"A mediation isn't that unusual Madame. You do have the option to refuse, of course, but if we play the game and get it out of the picture when the judge that hears this case can see that all avenues have walked down and produced nothing tangible perhaps a ruling in our favor comes quickly. I personally see no reason you won't be granted a divorce in the end Ms. Adderley. I believe that outcome is inevitable. However, Mr. Pope, maybe able to drag it out in the courts with stays and delays. My best advice to you is to agree to the mediation ASAP and put it behind us. Otherwise, this thing may follow us into the new year and beyond."

"You can't be serious?"

"Unfortunately, I am, Ms. Adderley. Thomas exhibited moments of desperation this morning. Perhaps he doesn't believe the marriage is truly over. Perhaps a bout of mediation will disavow him of that notion."

Tessa closed her eyes and shook her head. She had done her homework on an expedited divorce. It was possible. It wasn't a rarity. In fact, it was common. Both parties simply came to a meeting of the minds and it was resolved. Thomas didn't believe she would ruin them both to be free of him. That was the problem. He still thought that he could control her even after she had thrown his perfidy in his face. The man was so accustomed to her capitulation that he thought he still had the upper hand. He didn't! Perhaps in this mediation she would make her plain even to one such as Thomas Pope.

"How soon can we do this mediation. I want this to be over!"

"Ms. Adderley, I know you do. To be honest with you I'm not sure how quickly we can arrange this in the courts. Today is Thursday and Christmas is on Saturday so this week is a bust. I can try and arrange something between now and next Thursday but to be honest, the courts are almost shut down already. These last two weeks of December are pretty much a holiday for everyone. Nonetheless, I will see what I can do. I don't want to get your hopes up for next week but I will do what I can."

"I appreciate your candor Mr. Hogbar. You are helping out your fellow barrister while he's on vacation. This is an unexpected side to the case. Please do what you can."

"Of course. Mr. Pope seems to believe if only you two could sit down and talk, you could resolve your issues and become a happy couple again. I must say the man may be delusional based on the paperwork you have submitted for the case. In my opinion, divorce is a foregone conclusion."

"I assure you that it is a foregone conclusion. Thomas Pope is trying to deter the inevitable. The marriage isn't repairable. Too much has been done and said to break it down. He knows that. He is betting on the stance the marriage has taken over the last thirty years. He's betting on me to fold and give in to his demands. I've been his foil for thirty years doing his bidding. I've been humiliated, used, and abused. That part of my life is over Mr. Hogbar. Mediation will solve nothing. Set it up if you can. If not, we still move on for a dissolution of the marriage. As I said it's over."

"Thanks for coming in today. If a court mediator is available between now and January 6th, I will find them and set it up. No worries Ms. Adderley, you will get your divorce maybe just not as quickly as you thought it would happen. Do you have any other concerns about this situation that I need to look into?"

"No, thanks for your time. Good afternoon."

So, this was Thomas' latest strategy to extent their farce of a marriage. She wouldn't talk to him so now he would force her through the courts? Maybe she wouldn't be free before the new year came in but she would be free eventually of that demon of a husband of hers. She wanted that new life she was envisioning and dreaming about. As for Thomas Pope, he wasn't in it!

Fitz and Olivia caught up with each other at the informal buffet the Grant chef had prepared for lunch. There were lots of salad fixing that included grilled steak, veggies, and potato. The hot home-made French bread was exceptional. Olivia didn't even eat bread that much but the aroma had drawn her to it. And of course, there was her boyfriend slathering pieces of it with real butter and placing it in her mouth. They were going down to the pier to for dinner tonight. The Santa Barbara wharfs had some of the best restaurants in the world as Olivia would soon find out.

Dinner was an excellent undertaking. The family was just as animated as they had been at Thanksgiving. Everyone was telling stories and having a great time. Olivia was enjoying herself immensely. She seemed to fit in with the family and their friends very well. Aunt Amalie had welcomed her into the family and assured her that she would fit right in as she had done. The Grants were a loving family.

Olivia was impressed with the family bus that had transported the large group to the restaurant. It was a custom-built bus that they had been built just to transport the family to outings. As Gabriella had said it was much too tedious to drive several cars when they wished to do something as a family. They'd had the bus or some version of that type of bus for twenty years. This family was special and she was very happy to become a part of it!

Finally, she and Fitz had bid everyone goodnight and they were walking back to his suite of rooms. They were holding hands and their happiness was apparent. Their first day in California had been perfect. Olivia had told Fitz so. Her day, most of it spent in the company of his mother had been wonderful. Gabriella was treating her as if she were the daughter she never had.

"Fitz today was so special. Getting to know your family better and getting into the Christmas spirit was wonderful. I have so much to happy about. Thank-you for inviting me here. It has been a great day for me."

"I'm glad all went well for you today, Olivia. I missed you when we were apart but I knew you were in good hands. What did you think of the grounds? My mother designed everything herself and my father saw to its fruition. The gardens, the lawns, the flower beds, especially the roses, the winding hills of lush green grass; it's all from mother. When I take you to Paris and her little home town you will see that she brought a little bit of France to America."

"Your home and these grounds are the most beautiful and luxurious thing I have ever seen Fitz. It's amazing to see how the rich and famous actually live. And to see that beneath it all that they are just ordinary people. At least your family seems to be. You have a wonderful family Fitz. Even your neighbors are nice."

"How did you like the Petersons? They live two estates down. Richard and my father are very good friends. Their sons and I became really good friends during my high school years."

"I did meet the Petersons. They are lovely people."

"Here we are back at home." He opened the door and let them inside. He drew her into his arms and he kissed her. He didn't stop kissing her until they were both experiencing fire. "Let's go to bed. It's been a long day."

"Let's."

The entered the bedroom with certain intentions. He wanted her and she wanted him. Neither one of them tried to hide the fact. They started to undress neither taking their eyes off of the other. When they were both naked, they walked into each other arms.

"I've missed you, Oliva. I'm relieved to have you to myself right now."

"I've missed you as well."

"The condoms are in the night stand. What do you say to putting one or two to good use, Ms. Pope?"

"I say, let's do it Mr. Grant."

"I can't wait to be inside of you. I'm needy again tonight."

Olivia walked away from him to the huge super-king-sized bed. God, he could watch her ass swaying as she walked all night! She meticulously folded back the coverings and sheets on the bed. She reached in and got three condoms from the box. She placed two beside the lamp and one she held in her hand. She laid down on the bed, tore the condom open and she waited.

He joined her on the bed and placed himself on his knees between her legs. He was long and hard. She reached for him and stroked him reverently. She couldn't wait either. She was already wet in anticipation. She placed the condom on him. He placed himself at her core and began to push inside. He stopped with only about a third of himself inside of her. He hissed when he stopped putting his forehead next to hers. He looked into her eyes and whispered.

"Girl, you feel so good. I remember our first night together when you stopped me and told me you were a virgin. It just about killed me to stop and realize what that meant. I wanted to stop remember, but you wouldn't let me?"

"I do remember. It was the best night of my life, our first night together." Her body was involuntarily clutching him trying to pull him in. She couldn't help herself. "Boy, you feel so good and I don't want you to stop now either."

"I know you don't. I can feel that you don't. Livvy, do you know what a double entendre is?"

"Of course, I do Fitz."

He pushed all the way in and he said, "It's good to be home."