Chapter 27

"That was beyond amazing, Fitz. It was so good for me. I sorry I couldn't wait for you. What about you? I know you need me. You're hard as stone. How far are we from the mansion?"

"Olivia, I've told you that you never have to apologize for your sexual pleasure, not to me. I knew what you needed and wanted. I gave it to you. Of course, I have a need of you. I can't get enough of you, but I'm fine. We are almost home."

He pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead. He pulled back from her to look in her eyes. He still saw remnants of fire. "I love you, Livvy. I love everything about you. Yes, I want you badly right now. I just watched the most beautiful woman in this world have the most incredible orgasm. It took every ounce of will power that I possess not to have opened my fly and bury myself inside you. I reveled in what just happened. It was magnificent and hot as hell. I love watching you come. I can hardly wait to be inside of you but I will. My lady always comes first. Literally and figuratively."

Olivia let out a deep sigh and cuddled in his arms. Her body had been on fire back at the club. Now she was more than content. The sensual dancing and Fitz talking in ear describing what was next for them was too much. She had to come. Fitz has said they should always be their true selves in and out of the bedroom. She was to tell him what she wanted, always. That ache she'd had was one only he could soothe. And now she could clearly see the fire in his eyes. His blue eyes were stormy gray and darkening!

"Fitz, are you sure?"

"Think Olivia. The other night when you gave me what I needed, what I wanted. You told me yourself that watching me explode in your mouth excited you beyond reason. You were at the brink. It's no different for me. If we weren't only minutes from home, I promise you there would be a different outcome right now. Just as you can give me pleasure and await your turn. So, can I."

"I love you Fitz. You mean everything to me. You are the perfect boyfriend. I want you to be happy."

"I am happy. Happier than I've ever been in my life. We're home."

They walked from the car hand in hand. Security at the entrance to Fitz' place said good morning. So wrapped up in their love for each other they barely even saw them. Neither one of them had responded to the greeting. There was so much love between them. It radiated from their bodies. They needed to be in their space. They had unfinished business. Of the two of them, Fitz finally realized they weren't alone.

"Good morning, Estes. I'm sorry I didn't see you there. We're in for the evening."

"Enjoy the rest of your morning Mr. Grant and Miss Pope." Estes unlocked the door and let them in. Fitz threw the deadbolts and turned to face Olivia.

"Come here, Livvy. Do you know I much I want you right now?"

"No more than I want you. Take off your clothes."

Her words brought back memories of their first night together. They couldn't recreate what happened between them that night weeks ago. What they did was create new memories. Memories that would invade their minds for years to come. Each orgasm Olivia experienced this morning had seemed to escalate in pleasure. The intensity of each one was making her come longer and stronger. Fitz was obviously insatiable. His big dick was constantly inside of her. He would leave her momentarily to change his condom. Did he ever get completely soft between rounds? She didn't think so! His stamina was relentless. During each round he would fuck her senseless. Only when she had exploded more than once would he find his own pleasure.

The word fuck was too unimaginative for what he did to her body. He was over her, under the her, and behind her. His mouth worshipped her. He seemed an expert at everything. The way he performed cunninlingus! God! He ate her pussy like she was a five-star meal! It was as if he couldn't get enough of the taste of her. Darcie had told her if a man wasn't willing to go there, walk away! She now knew why!

Fitz was the leader in every aspect of their marathon. Olivia was at his command and she loved every minute of it. On their last encounter he wanted her to ride. He wanted them eye to eye. The way he said, "Look at me. Watch me fall apart for you." He was so damned sexy. Ordinarily she would set the pace as she rode him. Not this time! His dominance was everywhere. He had placed her above him and eased her slowly inch by inch onto him. She took him all in. The fullness intoxicated her. Then he had effortlessly manipulated her body. His powerful grip was unyielding. What they were doing had long gone past extraordinary. They were in another realm.

His mastery and power enthralled her. He had taught her what he wanted and she was learning what she wanted and needed as well. She had basked in the afterglow of each of their sexual encounters, but for some reason, tonight was like none before. Olivia had never felt such sensations. She found herself begging him for release. Time and time again he brought her to the brink only to pull her back. When he finally decided their fate, they came together. Her honeyed walls clutching his dick as she milked him.

"Dammit, girl! You're pulling me in. You feel so damned good! I have to let go! Hold on, Livvy. Hold on tight!" His ending was fierce. He pounded into her, unrestrained, seeking only what she could give him. She held on to him, bursting herself. Her screams was passionate and loud. Fitz roared her name as he emptied all he had left within her. They both lay replete and exhausted. His semen pool finally dry.

When they were able, they came back to reality, seeking their usual closeness. Olivia was placing sweet little kisses all over his face and he was whispering words of praise and love. He had never been more fulfilled. Neither had Olivia. This was another night to remember.

"You were remarkable Fitz. I swear where you took me tonight, I wondered if I could come back from the pleasure. Making me wait, it was for a good reason. I see that now. The intensity of what I felt, it was phenomenal. I imagine you're scarred for life. I couldn't help myself. I think I drew blood from your shoulder and back just now. You turn me into such a wild beast."

"You do the same for me Livvy. I'm a beast with you. I can't help myself. All is fair in love. You and I we love hard because we know our reward is going to be great. What we do in our bed and out of it, is for our delight and pleasure. Only we decide the boundaries. No one has ever pleased me more than you Olivia. No one. I love you, so much.

"And I love you back. Every beat of my heart is for you my handsome knight."

Ever the dutiful knight, Sir Fitzelot performed his final ritual of the morning. When he returned from disposing of the condom, he also supplied Olivia with hot cloths to soothe her battered nether regions. He also placed another condom within their reach. Apparently, he still wasn't done. Her knight had made a liar out of her. Lady Olivia shook her head and cried uncle! They fell asleep entwined in each other's arms. The count was eight to three.

They had indulged in sexual fantasy for over four hours and according to the alarm going off on his watch right now, they had slept only about two hours. It was almost nine. He had planned to be in LA by ten. They needed to get moving. His mother had reminded him that most stores opened early and closed early on Christmas eve. If they truly planned to do all of the shopping they planned, they would need to start early. It helped that they would helicopter in and out of the city. There were two cars from the Santa Barbara fleet on call and six members of the security force. The cars would transport Olivia's packages back to the house. His mother wanted to hold dinner for them, he asked her not to. He was taking Olivia out to dinner. They wouldn't be home until late.

At ten thirty-five they hit the pavement of Rodeo Drive. Olivia had been excited enough on the ride from airport last night. Today she was simply amazed. She was seeing the famous Hollywood sign and other notable fixtures in the light of day. Fitz had given her a brief history on the sign and some of the scandals associated with it. She was surprised to know that the sign had started out as Hollywoodland!

Fitz was a true kid of Hollywood and Los Angeles. He knew her history. Why wouldn't he? He was actually born in the hospital where most of the babies of Hollywood stars were born. His mother had her own star on the Walk of Fame. They were on a famed thoroughfare that though not exclusively for the rich and famous, Rodeo Drive was a mainstay of people with money. As Gabriella had said, the stars would be there to be seen and photographed. Today was going to be a hectic day.

Olivia Pope was beaming about it. She had her camera in her bag ready for the occasion. In truth she felt a little silly. Fitz only smiled fully prepared to indulge his star-struck girlfriend. Seeing Olivia happy and enjoying herself was his purpose. He talked her into allowing one of the security team to snap pictures of any stars they saw. He had to remind her that even though he wasn't a movie star he was the son of one and had once been married to one. Not to mention that he had a certain amount of notoriety in his own right. He was vastly rich and he was famous. He was a gorgeous rich playboy and he was single again. She could expect to be photographed herself, on his arm. Fitz was amazed that Olivia hadn't figured that out yet. When she had, you could literally see the light bulb flash on above her head. It had left Fitz smiling.

Their first stop was La Perla. It was where his mother shopped and it was her suggestion. Olivia needed lingerie. He had literally destroyed some of her lingerie over these past weeks in his ardor. According to his girlfriend she had on her last pair of undies. As soon as they entered the store Olivia noticed a small clearance section in the rear of the store. Olivia had plenty of nice expensive things but she budgeted and bargain shopped. Automatically she headed to the rear of the establishment. Her boyfriend stopped her and shook his head.

"Look around, find what you want Olivia, and we will buy it. You haven't any reason to skimp or seek out clearance items when you are with me. Buy what you want. We are here to buy things for you. We can go in the back and have them bring things to us or we can walk around and you choose what you want. If I see anything that I personally like, I will like to include them in your purchases. You don't mind if I pick out some things for you today, do you?"

"Of course not, Fitz. You've bought me things including undies before. You have excellent taste. I packed light, remember? You are the reason I'm wearing my last pair of undies."

"I know that! Forgive me for having a girlfriend with a hot body that incites me to tear her clothes from her! Make me pay for my behavior Olivia. Buy anything you see that tickles your fantasy. I want you to have whatever you want. This is our first Christmas together. It's very special for me. Let me spent my money on you. I plan to spoil you!"

"I can simply walk around in any store today and get what I want. I don't have to haggle over prices?"

"Not a one. Anything you want Olivia. It's Christmas. This shopping spree is one of my gifts to you. I mean it, get whatever you want."

"You're so good to me. You are the best boyfriend. I don't ever plan to let you go."

"Ditto, my love. Never. Ever."

Black lingerie had always been her favorite. She had some whites, beiges, and a few colors to match certain outfits. Only since her relationship with Fitz had she thought of buying things that he would like and could remove from her body. As he had said sometimes because he was in a hurry to remove the delicate pieces, they were ruined. She smiled about that because she didn't care one bit. She loved seeing Fitz incensed and barely controlling his need for her. He could make her feel the exact same way but he didn't have several pairs of unusable undies and bras in his drawers.

She shopped and Fitz walked with her. The Security team was always nearby as well. Sometimes inconspicuous, other times not so much. Would she ever get accustomed to this new life she was leading with Fitzgerald Grant? It was remarkable and over the top.

In the end Olivia chose what she liked. She scooped up bras, panties and thongs. She basically stuck to her usual colors, the majority in black. Her boyfriend saw plenty that he would like to see her in and he added it to her bounty. He reminded Olivia that she needed swimwear. Fitz loved her in bikinis so they had picked out three sexy ones and a black one piece that reminded him of the lifeguard suit she had worn the day she met him. He said she had never looked more beautiful in it.

Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III had given off the money vibes as soon as they crossed an establishment's threshold. Personnel eyed the man and gravitated to him. Shopping wasn't his thing but he had done it a time or two. He'd done it once with Margot. It had been a little shopping spree for her birthday. She had turned it into a free-for-all for the media and paparazzi. He was sure she had her PR people contact them. It was all very contrived. He had called her out on it and she didn't deny it. He had refused to do it again.

Today was different. This was Olivia and she didn't have a conspiratorial bone in her body. Unbeknownst to Olivia they had been discreetly photographed several times already. Grant Security would allow a certain amount of interference from the media. It came with the territory of being rich and famous. As for the media, they knew who was approachable and who wasn't.

When Fitz told the attendant that was "helping" them they were ready to checkout, she steered them to the back away from prying eyes. Olivia had tried not to look at the price tags on her items. If she had she was afraid she would buy nothing from the place. The average price of a pair of panties was one-hundred-fifty dollars. A thong was twice that amount. Olivia loved lycra and lace. The combination was her style but on a much different price level than La Perla. Fitz had chosen some matching sets for her as well as a couple of bustiers. They were very sexy and beautiful. The two bustiers alone were $600. Olivia was shaking her head. She replenished her underwear yearly for less than five-hundred dollars.

When the attendant said the bill at La Perla was $10,022.51. Olivia swallowed hard but she didn't say anything. She took in a deep breath. Fitz only let go of her hand to retrieve his Black American Express to pay for her purchases. He gave the woman the card and placed her hand back in his. Ten thousand dollars on undies and swim suits. Would she ever get accustomed to living like this. Olivia was in awe. Her boyfriend, the man that had chosen to love her, was as rich as the mythical King Midas!

Next up was the Louboutin Store. Fitz intended to buy her another LBD and he wanted her to have matching shoes and bag. Olivia ended up getting two pairs of Louboutins. One black pair with actual gold-plated edging and another pair of camel-colored six-inch heels. She also saw a pair of sneakers and flats that intrigued her. They were very unusual and she admired them. Fitz had given the signal to the clerk that they would take them. Olivia was shown purses that would match them. Excited and somewhat reluctant, she made her choices. The Louboutin bill was $6,341.80. She had to say something.

"Fitz, you are spending all of this money. You won't even let me look a clearance rack. I'm an excellent bargain shopper. I could be saving you some money. I feel greedy."

"There's only one place you need to feel greedy Olivia and that's in my bed."

"Fitz, stop talking like that, someone may overhear you!"

"I love you and all that entails, Olivia. I don't care who knows it. You don't need to save me money. I couldn't spend all my money in two life times. Think of the premise I told you about and repeat after me. 'Everything I have in this world; I choose to share with you.' Say it, Olivia. I want to hear you say out loud."

"Fitz? Really?"

"Olivia, really! Say it."

"Everything I have in this world; I choose to share with you. You mean every word, don't you?"

"I do. Everything, Olivia. Believe it. I can afford to buy you whatever you want. Don't fight it, Olivia. This is a fun day of shopping, a Christmas gift just for you. Let me spoil you, please? Let me spend my money on you!

"I don't think I can stop you."

"You can't. Now let's go find you a new little black dress. Sorry about tearing that strap on your old one. You'll need some accessories and some fun clothes to hang out in this week. Whatever else your heart desires. What about the rest of your shopping list for tomorrow. Is it a lot?"

"Actually, it isn't. I need you to help me find something appropriate for your aunt Andrea and her husband. Also, I need to find something for Amalie's two step kids and that would be it. What are the interests of a ten and twelve-year old?"

They found the little black dress at Dolce & Gabbana. It was simple but striking. Fitz saw it in the window and he knew the dress would be perfect for Olivia. Her body was perfectly formed and her legs were marvelous. He had a diamond and pearl ensemble wrapped and under the tree for her. The jewelry was made for such a dress. They found some Jimmy Choo's with the pearls imbedded in the six-inch heels. That would take the entire look to another level.

In the mind of Fitzgerald Grant, Olivia Pope would look good in a sack! She could wear whatever she wanted; he simply wanted to be with her. There were more outfits to be bought. They would be meeting some of his friends and their wives and/or significant others for dinner tonight and next week. Also, his father was receiving a special award next week in LA and they would go. He intended to show her off. Hopefully Olivia would've said yes to his proposal and she would also be wearing his ring.

They bought a mishmash of clothing for Olivia at various boutiques and other shops along the Rodeo Drive mall. Olivia had finally given in and was simply enjoying the moment. She was shopping with her boyfriend and could buy whatever she wanted. She knew what she needed for the length of time she would be in California. Fitz also wanted her to buy other things that she needed while in Boston. He wanted to give her everything.

It was so much fun shopping with Fitz. It was obvious that he was rich by the way he was dressed and carried himself. He literally demanded attention and he got it. Her boyfriend was special. It made her smile inside and out what Fitz had told a boutique shopper owner that asked him if she could be of service. "The lady, my lady, will let you know if she sees anything she likes." Fitz had said he didn't normally do shopping period, let alone a shopping spree but he was with her today through it all.

They had been photographed several times since they arrived on Rodeo Drive. The man was after all a celebrity lawyer and the son of a famous movie star. Paparazzi had a tendency to pepper you with questions while snapping photos. He answered no questions, so Olivia followed his lead. They did all of this shopping but they never left a store with packages. Everything that she chose and purchased would be picked up by Security. This way of life she was stepping into by loving the man holding her hand was an unbelievable one. As they walked out of the store she had stopped to stare up at Fitz.

"Is everything alright? Want to stop shopping and get a bite. Most of the stores are still closing at six. I'm prepared to be by your side until the end." His smile was wide and bright.

"Everything is fine. Everything is perfect. I love you so much Fitz. Thank-you for this. Thanks for coming with me and spending your hard-earned money on me. It makes me feel so special and loved. I'm not hungry or the least bit fatigued. Are you okay? If you are where are we going next?"

His girlfriend was priceless! He grabbed her up and swirled her around right there on Rodeo Drive. His smile was devastating and it was solely for her. He slid her down his body and she could feel the heat coming from him. He kissed her passionately right on the street. And she, loving him the way she did, kissed him back. Only when someone yelled 'Get a room' did they pull apart. He whispered in her ear.

"Girl, I love you so damned much. Let's finish your shopping. We are going out for a late dinner. If we wrap this up early, I may have time to show you just how much."

"I've told you what I have left to find. Let's finish up and go home."

Fitz looked around for Raymond and nodded. The lovers walked on hand in hand smiling and talking to each other. In minutes their car showed up. They got inside and Fitz spoke to the driver.

"Take us around to the art gallery not far from here. The Galerie Michael. Also, maybe that little antique shop on Melrose. My aunt and uncle are into art and antiques. And we need to get something for a couple of tweens. GPS the location of a Gamestop or toy store! We're winding this down. If we have to leave the area that's fine but first scope out what's available around here, please. Thanks Langston."

They settled into the car. Fitz turned to Olivia and said, "Are you getting tired Miss Pope? Is 'Let's finish up and go home' code for 'I'm tired of shopping until you drop?"

"No, I really do love shopping. I feel like I could shop until I drop, but I imagine you have just about had it. I think in our case it will be more like, shop until my boyfriend drops. I know this isn't your thing."

"No, it isn't but for you I would do it any time. As much as I have enjoyed every minute of this outing, I intend to teach you the joys of 'Show me what you got shopping.' Online is okay as well but there are other ways that are much faster and you can still become elated while doing it."

"Of course, there are. I'm not knocking them. I'm more than willing to try things your way, maybe next year. Your world is different from mine and I know that. We are two people committed to a relationship. We will be compromising on many things. I'm okay with that. As you have said, we are in this thing together. Thank-you so much for today."

"Thank-you, Lady Olivia for the pleasure of your company."

They found just what they were looking for in the next forty-five minutes. With the help of her boyfriend, they found a lovely piece of art for his aunt's home and some video games that were new releases for the kids. They were done!

A Caribbean Holiday

Thomas Pope had bought their new home and everything in it to suit his taste. Tessa hadn't been consulted about one item that she could recall. Thomas and his mother had decided everything. The house was classy and refined. It emphasized that they were wealthy. They had moved from the modest three-bedroom house of his mother into one of the wealthiest neighborhoods on the island. The Overton Street mansion was a beautiful home. Five bedrooms and that mother-in-law suite he had specially build for his mother made it a showcase. They had finally taken their rightful place in the world according to Thomas.

Again, every item in the house was decided on primarily by Thomas and his mother. He did ask her if she preferred dark or light wood on the floors. She said she thought light wood would brighten up the place. Everywhere in that house there was dark shiny polished wood! Why had he bothered to ask her? When they did the nursery for Tommy it became his project for his son. It was a stark and dark place. There was absolutely nothing to stimulate a child. No colors, no murals, no musical mobiles, no stuffed animals; nothing that indicated an infant would inhabit the room. When Olivia was born "The Nursery" was given a fresh coat of pink paint. There weren't fond memories for her in that house.

Today Tessa had gotten some good news. She had gotten word about the house she wanted to purchase. Her offer had been accepted. She was going to have a home of her own that she would be in charge of. She would get to choose the furniture, appliances, the drapery, the tiles in the bathroom, the wood flooring; all of it would be her choices. There would be no one to decide on what happened in that house but her! She had advised her lawyer that she wanted the closing pushed back as far as he could push it. The cold hard cash he had put in the sellers' hand had assured it. She wanted nothing in her name until she was totally free of Thomas Pope. Her life would begin once she was free.

She had agreed to the mediation with Thomas. It was to start on Wednesday of next week. A schedule had been set to iron out their differences. A maximum of two days according to the court. Thomas Pope thought he would browbeat her for two days and she would return to Overton Place. It was amazing that the man had lived with her for all those years and never really knew her. She was a fool to have stayed as long as she did. Finally, her eyes had been opened. She should never have married a man she didn't love. Her life was in pieces because she had.

That phone call from the realtor had put a little hope into her situation. She would have a home and a fresh place to start over. Living in a resort wasn't all it was hyped up to be. She was here in this beautiful exotic place experiencing little joy or excitement. Shouldn't there be something other than sadness to be found in such a place? She was miserable and alone. She was as alone as she had ever been. It was Christmas Eve for gods' sake and she was sitting in a resort suite alone. Did she feel sorry for herself? Yes, she did. She had been young and foolish and made the wrong choice. Because of that choice she was doomed to spend this holiday weekend and perhaps the rest of her life alone.

Her children were both in the US. She had received gifts from Tommy and his family to put under the tree. There was a box from Olivia. Needless to say, she didn't have a tree. She didn't have a wreath, a bow, not even a string of lights. Nothing in her suite alluded to the fact that it was even a holiday season, let alone the Christmas holidays.

Olivia had called a few days ago to ask if she had gotten the box. She had. Tommy had been gone for years. She'd always had Olivia until now. Olivia wasn't even with her this holiday. She was off to California with her new boyfriend. She was spending more than a week with Fitzgerald Grant and his family. She was happy and in love.

Tommy said that he and his wife were doing well after their latest round of couples' therapy. He was trying very hard to get past her betrayal. They were back together as a family after two Christmases apart. His wife was such a bitch but Tommy loved her through everything she did. Apparently, he was willing to forgive her yet again and try to move on. If Tommy could forgive his wife perhaps one day, she could seek forgiveness as well.

More than ever now her days and her nights were spent thinking about the man she had loved and lost. She still loved him. She had never stopped loving him. Sadly, she didn't think any of that mattered right now. When he had called her doing a specific duty for his friend, he had been cold and distant. To her it seemed he could hardly wait to get off of the phone with her. He seemed unconcerned that she had left her husband.

For one moment she thought she had felt a crack in his hard veneer while they were talking. The moment was fleeting and probably her imagination. What did she think? That the man would stumble over himself and rush to come to her? That he would present himself at her door wanting her still? It wasn't going to happen. James Lockheed was a proud man. He felt he had been used and abused. That phone call he had made on her husband's behalf was just that. She was the fool to think that he may still care for her.

Those foolish dreams that she was having where they were star-crossed lovers that reconciled were very imaginative. She was waking up in the middle of the night remembering the ways he had loved her. More than likely, they were to remain exactly what they were dreams. The first words he had spoken to her in a quarter century were about his best friend. They were just words. Cold and distant words.

How could he not know how much she loved him after all they had shared. She had gone back to her husband because she had a young son and her husband had threatened to deny her access to him. What else was she supposed to do? She couldn't leave her baby! She thought it was the right thing to do. It was the wrong thing to do. Could he ever forgive her, that was the question? Sadly, she didn't think that he could.

Tessa went out on the terrace and glanced at the stars. She and Olivia had studied astrology for a couple of semesters at the University. It had been something for them to do together. It took them away from Overton Street. She sat down with her glass of expensive wine and searched the sky for her own personal star. It was shining brightly, giving off immense twinkles. Your own personal star twinkling brightly was an indication of personal favor. It was supposed to signify good news. She smiled for the first time tonight. She still believed in astrology. It gave her a slither of hope.

With no children of his own and without a wife, James Lockheed was accustomed to holidays alone. They came and went with regularity. He had two godchildren that he had doted on since they were born. Today he was remembering all of the Christmas lists he had fulfilled for Tommy Jr. and Olivia. When they had become teens, he started giving them money in addition to the material things that they wanted. Their father wanted them to work for everything. The man was fanatical about it. James had put them to work in his businesses and paid them well. He had spoiled them rotten!

Over the years Thomas Pope had bitched about the things he did for Olivia and Tommy but he did them anyway. In his mind they were the children he would never have. In his mind they also should've been his children. He had wished it so every day of their existence. A man was supposed to spoil the children of the woman that he loved.

Tessa Adderley Pope. Like her children she should've been his but she wasn't. She was another man's wife and he had coveted her. He had loved her with everything he had. It wasn't enough. How he had gotten through all of these years after she had gone back to her husband? It had nearly destroyed him. It had been the children that had saved him and given him the will to overcome his loss of her.

He had poured his energy into his work. He built a business from the ground up. He was now a very rich man. He was much richer than Thomas Pope ever hoped to be! He wondered if Tessa ever regretted her choice. Probably not. She was spoiled and shallow. At least she was back then. It had meant everything to her to be a doctor's wife. It had meant more than what they had shared. Dammit! He had thought he had put this thing on the shelf. It was always in the recesses of his mind but of late it was front and center.

Why this year, why right now? Why was it that he was dragging all of this shit out of the hockey pot? Why couldn't he get a good night's sleep without thinking of a woman that had deserted him? It had been close to twenty-five years since she broken his heart wide open again and left it seeping. How he was able to go on was unthinkable but he had done it. He pretended that she didn't exist. He had gone on with his life. No, he hadn't, not really. He had existed in a life without her. His was a cold and calculated life. What joy he felt came as he lived a life vicariously through her children!

Now after thirty years she was going to end the farce she had with Thomas Pope and it was digging into his soul. That was why this year! The woman he had loved more than life itself was going to be free if she truly intended to dissolve her ill-fated marriage. That was why his heart was pumping blood again. He had been fooling himself if he thought he was over her. He wasn't.

He looked at his drink of choice. He had been drinking rum and coke for a couple of hours now. He was more than buzzed and feeling very sorry about the state of his life. His heart was indeed pumping blood again to a place he thought was dead. He was hard thinking about her. It pissed him off. He hadn't wanted sex in ages. He hadn't even thought about it at all this past year. Now all he could think about was what he had shared with another man's wife all those years ago. Jesus, he was too old for this. He was drunk and his man piece was hard as a rock. He needed to take a cold shower and take his ass to bed!

Meanwhile back in California they had shopped or rather Olivia had shopped until she dropped. She could barely keep her eyes open on the helicopter ride home. His little shopper was exhausted. They had made love into the wee hours of the morning. They had gotten at most two hours of sleep before getting up to start their day. He had entertained the idea of some sexual delights before they left for dinner and socializing with his hometown friends. It would have to wait. Olivia was bone tired. She needed a nap and if he dared to join her, she wouldn't get one. There was tonight! They landed and he gently awakened her.

"Wake up, sleeping beauty. We're home."

"I fell asleep on you, didn't I? I'm sorry Fitz. It was such a grand shopping experience. It exceeded my wildest expectations. I'm so excited and happy. I feel so loved by you. Thank-you for all the beautiful gifts. All the clothes, jewelry, shoes, boots, coats, accessories, and especially the lingerie; I love everything."

"I kept you up basically all-night Olivia, you have a right to be tired. And your shopping spree was no joke. That was a lot of walking. I want you happy Olivia. I want to you feel loved because you are. Very, very much. I promised you a new wardrobe and I always keep my promises. Now as for all that beautiful sexy lingerie, most of it is for my benefit. You look stunning in your undies. And nothing in the world gives me more pleasure than the pleasure of taking them off of you."

"It gives me pleasure as well. I guess I was pretty tired. We did have a marathon night. I must remind you again, it was wonderful by the way. I wouldn't have missed a minute of it. In the meantime, I'm asleep and I missed seeing all that beautiful scenery as we fly in. It's so comforting."

"We'll fly out again several times before you go home. There's still a lot I haven't shown you from up there in the skies of California."

"I can't wait. What time is it? Are we still going to fool around before we go out to dinner?"

"No. You're tired Olivia. Why don't you take a nap while I take a few business calls and call on my parents. I'll wake you in an hour or so and we'll shower and get ready to go out. Does that sound like a plan?"

"It does, but I can feel the need within you Fitz. I know that you want me. I would love to make love with you but I'm dead on my feet. Thanks for understanding."

"Olivia, I do want you every minute I'm breathing. I can't really say I'm sorry I can't hide my need for you. I'm to a point however, where I can pull back when I need to. I know you love me and want to please me. However, we both have the option to say no, not tonight. I'm tired or whatever. You know that don't you?"

"I do. That's why I love you so, so much. You are the kindest and sweetest of men. I'm so very lucky."

"We are both are very lucky. Go to bed, Sweet Baby. I'll see you in a couple of hours."

Olivia walked into their bedroom, kicked off her sandals, pulled her sundress over her head, and put her head on the pillow. She was asleep in minutes. She was flat out exhausted. Fitz looked in on her and he smiled. She was so perfect and she was his!

He wanted to talk to his parents. His father already knew that he intended to propose to Olivia tomorrow after everyone exchanged their gifts. It would be news for his mother! It was very early in their relationship and things were progressing very fast. Like his father, his mother would understand an early proposal. He was madly in love. He was going to attempt to keep his engagement to Olivia under wraps at least until all security measures were in place. A romance was one thing but an engagement to be married was another thing together.

His father already knew of his intentions. In fact, he had encouraged him to marry Olivia as soon as possible. You didn't let the love of your life get away! He didn't intend to. He walked up to the main residence. This was good news and he wanted to share it.

"Fitz, how lovely of you to join us this evening. Where is Olivia?"

"She's resting Mother. As you know, shopping in LA can be very tiring. I think she enjoyed herself but she was exhausted. She fell asleep in the copter on the way home. I insisted that she take a nap. We are going back out this evening. I'm taking Olivia to meet Damien, Lance and their wives tonight. We are meeting at Bouchon's for dinner. We will be in residence all day tomorrow and Sunday as well, Maman. You will have all weekend and much of next week to get to know Olivia better."

"You say that, when you've hardly let the poor girl come up for air since she's been here, Fitz. I imagine she is tired. You are being positively…"

"Gabby, you promised." Gabriella stared at her husband and let her sentence die.

His mother was in no way out of line. Fitz knew that his mother wanted to see for herself that the woman that he loved and fully intended to marry wasn't cut of the same cloth as the last one he had taken to the altar. He knew that he had his mother's support without even asking. Both of his parents respected his decisions about his life. There was nothing nefarious about her actions. His mother was a very loving woman. If he loved Olivia. She would love her as well. Gabriella was simply being Gabriella.

"The entire weekend Maman, starting tomorrow. We will be in residence both days. I will step aside and allow you to get to know your future daughter-in-law."

"Ah, yes. My future daughter-in-law. Your father tells me that she is the one. That your heart is irretrievably taken. I believe him. I've never seen you so animated and happy not since you were a carefree child. It warms my heart to see you happy and in love. It's what I've wanted for you more than anything Fitz. She's a dazzling beauty and apparently very brilliant. You have captured yourself quite a prize."

"Yes, I have. As you know, I'm deeply in love with Olivia and I intend to keep her. In fact, I plan to ask her to marry me tomorrow after the exchange of Holiday gifts. I didn't want you to be surprised. I have already discussed my plans with Dad. I asked him to allow me to tell you the news myself. It was at my request that he kept it from you. So, stop giving the poor man the evil eye. This family still shares everything, nothing has changed. Dad and I were talking boy talk and I told him my plans. This is the most important thing that's ever happened to me; me and Olivia. Never doubt that I would include my family, especially my dearest Maman." He pulled his mother close for a hug.

"Oh Fitz, I'm so happy for you. An engagement. One of your own choosing and to the love of your life. I understand. Sometimes sons need the expertise of their fathers. It was obvious that your father knew something that I did not. Your father was strung tight as a bow and now I know why. Our precious son is to marry. What are your immediate plans? A short or long engagement?"

"As of this moment it will most likely be a long engagement. Marriage isn't something Olivia had on her agenda. She had more or less mapped out her life for the next decade and then I stepped into it. She has allowed me in but…"

"But what Fitz? The woman is obviously very much in love with you. Anyone with eyes can see that. And you are smitten. There's no turning back for either one of you. I realize of course that Olivia is on the road to becoming a doctor but there are many married doctors are there not?"

"I don't want to interfere with Olivia's career plans. Internship, residency, and specialization are ahead of her. She hadn't any intention of becoming a wife right now. She's only twenty-three years old."

"What? She is that young? She carries herself as someone much more mature and sophisticated."

"Yes, she's that young and most people don't know it. She graduated high school at sixteen. She's young and she had her life on a certain track. I don't want to be a hindrance to her mother. I can't intrude on her plans but I can be part of them. We are going to live together, become engaged, and eventually marry. When Olivia is ready to marry me, she will say so. I won't push her, but I intend to claim her and let her know that marriage is what I want. I want to be her husband and I want everyone out there in both of our worlds to know it!"

"Well, once you've put a ring on her finger, the world will know. And that's what you want. I hope you and your father discussed security for Olivia. It will become necessary. As for you and Olivia, the engagement is wonderful news Fitz. I'm so happy for you. Tomorrow is going to be such a great day."

"Yes, tomorrow is going to be a great Christmas, son. I'm glad you have shared the news with your mother. You know I don't like keeping things from her."

"I know you don't. Thanks Dad. You two will be my shining example of what a marriage is supposed to be. Loving and sharing everything. Thank-you both for being such great parents. I'm going to get back to the west wing. I have a matter I need to clear up for Audrey so it can be handled next week. I'll see you guys bright and early tomorrow. Gift exchanges still start at nine?"

"On the dot!" We love you darling. You and Olivia have a lovely evening."

"Thanks Maman, we shall. Goodnight, we'll see you in the morning."