Chapter 35

The closing had been uneventful. There was nothing to do but sign the papers. Tessa had moved in and she had met her neighbors. She was enjoying her pool on the hot balmy evenings. For the first time in ages, she felt a sense of contentment. When she got up in the mornings and faced herself in the mirror she was smiling. For her this represented so much. That was the real Tessa Adderley staring back at her in the mirror. This house, it was her first real home. Thomas had bought Overton Place and moved her in. She had a say in nothing! Well, this time was going to be different. She had chosen the place herself. Everything that went inside of her home was handpicked by her.

The kitchen was beautiful. She had bucked tradition and gotten all black stainless-steel appliances. She opted for what the realtor called bold. It wasn't so much the color as the appliances itself. Her refrigerator was huge with clear French doors. The refrigerator light came on when you neared the appliance giving you a view of everything! She had a magnificent stove designed for a chef! She had all her appliances upgraded to the very latest styles and features.

Her kitchen was pristine white other than the appliances and flooring. The cabinets were stark white with black hardware. The wood flooring was a muted ash gray with threads of black whorls in it. The large kitchen windows was shuttered with the same color wooden blinds. Like all of the window treatments in the house except in the baths, they were assessed by remote. That was voice remote! Why say you were living a life of luxury unless you were?

From that ultra-suave kitchen flowed a huge entertainment room on one side and a place for elegant dining on the other. There were three bedrooms including a master suite on the main floor. You could gain access to her beautiful home by walking up a flights-of-stairs that lit up with each touch of your feet. Or you could use the avant-garde elevator on the ground floor.

Tessa had always wanted a veranda where she could sit outside and think. There had been a veranda better known as a porch in the old house where she had grown up. Being the baby of all those girls, she was spoiled and usually in trouble. Tessa had spent a lot of time on that porch. Sent there as punishment, she had cherished the time alone to think. Now she could choose where to do her thinking. She could choose the porch or the jacuzzi in the master bath. There was a television installed in the mirror in the bathroom should she choose to think in there.

On the bottom floor was the two-car garage, the laundry room, a huge storage room, a small room she planned to convert into a small workout room, and the mother-in-law suite. It was modeled totally after the one on Overton Place. It was for Olivia. The way Fitzgerald Grant looked at her daughter, she doubted she would ever return to the Caymans. It she ever chose to for any reason she wanted her to know that she had a home with her. There was plenty of space for Tommy and his brood upstairs. The kitchen and her bedroom were the only rooms fully furnished thus far. It was by design. She wanted her home to be warm and welcoming unlike Overton Place. Thomas' house had been built and the interior solely selected to impress others.

This place was for her! It was an extension of the woman she had become. Through sheer luck she had gotten out of an abusive marriage. Of course, she was bruised and battered, both her body and her psyche had suffered at the hands of Thomas Pope. The powers above had seen fit to set her free. This house was the start of her do over.

She had spent several days after the divorce down in the dumps. For weeks she had berated herself for being such a fool. Why had she stayed as long as she had? When the kids had gotten older, she could have run. She hadn't! At the time, Tessa had decided that Thomas Pope was what she deserved. She had given up hoping for any more than she had. Thinking like that was over!

Watching Olivia fall in love and fight for what she wanted had changed the tide. Thomas also had a lot to do with her eye-opening experience. When he had turned on Olivia that morning so angry and irate, she had thought he meant to strike her. She had jumped into his face and stopped whatever he had in mind! Finally, she had regained her voice. A word he seldom heard came out of her mouth. No! He wouldn't physically abuse her daughter. His verbal putdowns were done. She wouldn't stand for it! All of her mothering instincts returned to her that morning. She would protect her children from the weasel that raised them. In doing so, she had secured her freedom.

She was going into town today. There were some things that she wanted buy here. The bulk of her furnishing would be arriving from the states in the next two to three weeks. Once everything was installed and up to her standards, she intended to invite her sisters for dinner. She would finally say who came into her home. She had also taken up bridge again. She had loved the game and was an avid player until Thomas had insisted that she give it up. She was looking forward to entertaining the ladies from her old bridge club.

As interesting as her new life had become, she had yet to run into you know who! Ten to one, James Lockheed knew exactly where she was and what she was about. News traveled across the island fast. After leaving the resort she wasn't any longer a recluse. Thomas had said that the man knew everything going on in these islands. One day she would see because eventually she would be in his path! He might try to ignore her as he had done for the last twenty-five years but she intended a different outcome this time!

January had come and gone and it was now February. It had been exactly three weeks since Olivia had seen Fitz in person. She had seen him only once in the new year. He had dropped everything and had come to her last month. It had been a glorious reunion. She relived it some nights during her sleep. The memories of the ways he had loved her causing her to moan and reach for him. He wasn't there! Many of their most precious moments often played out in her dreams. She wasn't complaining. Those dreams kept her sane. They had seen her through not having him with her. However, that was all ending next week. Fitz would be here on Friday. His things had made the trip north weeks ago and she had been elated.

The weeks had gone by swiftly. The movers had arrived to her door exactly as they said they would. She knew precisely where to put the boxes. Fitz would take it from there. He would unpack and place his things himself. Her master suite was nice and spacious but could it hold all that was Fitz? The man was a fashion plate. She knew that he had a very extensive wardrobe. She suspected his closets rivaled hers!

He was moving into Cambridge but it was technically only for three and a half months. Their house, the Boston penthouse would be ready on June nineth. They would officially move in on the twelfth. A little off schedule according to Fitz. As for Olivia she had sweet dreams dancing in her head. Why? That was down the road, months down the road. This was the here and now. Fitz was officially moving in with her at the Cambridge house within days!

She had the morning off so she could be there to greet the movers. Her fiancé was nothing if not thorough. Every box was labeled as to where it would go. All she had to do was direct traffic. This company out of New York City was at the top of their game. Of course, Fitz wouldn't have hired them if they weren't. When they permanently moved into the penthouse in Beacon Hill, they would move them. Fitz wasn't closing the house in New York City. To that end they were furnishing the penthouse mostly with new things and the furnishing from Cambridge. After all her place could practically sit inside of their new home.

They were getting a remodel on the kitchen complete with new appliances and custom seating for the nook and island. The master suite was huge and they were going for a new look their as well. There would be two walk-in closets specifically designed for him and her. They were combining the best of both of them into something new. Fitz had met with his New York architect, who was amongst the best in the nation. The plans for his home office were amazing. With its modernized design and all new décor could you really even call it an office? The Security office and the team sleeping quarters were located in the West Wing of the penthouse. The architect had taken a one-bedroom suite and transformed it into something quite unbelievable!

There were only four bedrooms in her place. That left four bedrooms to furnish at the penthouse. Fitz suggested that they redo the dining room since her dining room had been a small six-seater space. Hosting a dinner party for twenty-five or more wasn't in her repertoire yet. It was old hat for her fiancé. She followed his lead on that as well.

All in all, the place was shaping up well. She couldn't wait to move in there. In the meantime, Fitz was coming to Cambridge. They would officially begin living together right here in this house. So far, she hadn't been able to do anything about her schedule. She wouldn't be there to greet him on his arrival on Friday. She'd been unable to swing a switch. It wasn't a problem for Fitz. He would see her when he saw her. All that mattered to him was that she would be in his arms at some point!

Unfortunately, her period had started this week. Which meant she would still be menstruating on Friday and probably some of Saturday. So, a certain things were off the table in reference to a reunion. Surprisingly the issue of periods was something that had totally bypassed them so far. All of the wonderful days and nights that they had spent together had been period free. Not once had they ever had to breech the subject.

Fitz had been married once so surely the subject had come up. Olivia had known about periods a long time before she even had one. It was part of the sexual education curriculum and her curiosity about it had her researching it early. By the time her mother had given her "the talk" Olivia had been well versed in the world of periods.

She and Darcie started periods the same year. They shared everything about the "awful" experience. Olivia had these long seemingly never-ending periods but thankfully never any cramps. Darcie had short periods but she literally died for three days. She would be done with it by Saturday. If they decided not to wait, they had options. There was their New Year's Eve experience to draw from. That had been a night to remember even before Fitzgerald Grant provided the first stroke inside of her! Fitz had been right. Restraining him and giving her the reins had proven to be an extraordinary sexual delight! Their reunion sans the "P" word would be fine.

Olivia had spoken to her mother today. Tessa had moved into her new house earlier in the week. She had gotten her drivers' license back. She was super excited about driving again. Her settlement with her father had afforded her mother quite a few amenities. New house, new car, and a new attitude. Her mother sounded all brand new, different. She had thanked Olivia for all those years of sticking with her. She had already apologized for not being a better mother. Today she had asked Olivia if she could truly forgive her and hopefully give her another chance at parenting.

Tessa Pope indeed sounded like a very different woman. Olivia hoped that she was! She loved her mother in spite of the years of indifference on Overton Place. They had stood together for years against the tyranny of Thomas Pope. The man was apparently out of both of their lives. Olivia hadn't heard from her father since she had let him know in no uncertain terms, she wouldn't lift a finger to help him "retrieve his errant wife!" That was fine with her. She didn't want to hear from him!

He had put Tessa Pope through whoops for years. Her mother was always walking around on egg shells. Trying never to make a mistake or irritate the man. A spotless house and meals ready when he walked through the door. Olivia was her constant companion throughout those farcical years. Her mother feared the wrath of Thomas Pope. They all did. She and Tommy knew of the verbal abuse toward their mother. Sometimes even they were victims of it! Olivia had never seen evidence of physical abuse toward her mother, but she suspected it. The years of verbal abuse that she witnessed was too strong and constant for there not to have been.

About the time Tommy left for college he had calmed down a lot. Her mother was going out of her way to present him with perfection on the home front. Olivia's mind flashed back to the turning point. Her father had found out about Tommy's new girlfriend. He was livid that Tommy had taken up with someone of the opposite race. Unable to take his frustrations out on Tommy, Tessa became his foil. It was during one of his rages about Tommy that she had witnessed her father shove her mother. He also raised his hand as if to strike her but he didn't. It had shocked Olivia but only mildly. When she later confronted her mother about it; Tessa had blown it off.

"Your father losing his temper once and a while in all these years is hardly significant Olivia."

"Tamper it with the disrespect he shows you with his rampant adultery for all the world to view; I would say it's significant. How often does he strike you?"

"You saw the encounter in the hallway?"

"I did. I said nothing because you and I have an agreement for you to stay in this marriage that you claim you want. That you claim is happy. I've gone along momma but this…"

"He was very angry yesterday. It's really about Tommy and that girl. He's furious with Tommy. He wanted me to amen his actions against your brother. I would not. He thought to take it out on me. He was loud and verbal but he didn't strike me as you saw. He later apologized and all is well. Your father is a good provider and he loves you children. Tommy is defying him and he's angry. Unable to manhandle Tommy he lashed out at me. I wasn't hurt in anyway. I can handle your father, Olivia. Let it go."

Olivia had let it go and moved on. Now, years later, she had defied Thomas Pope herself by loving Fitzgerald Grant! All hell broke loose again. The good thing was that her mother hadn't blown his bad behavior off this time. She had left the evil man and divorced him. That was a good thing. She was very happy for her mother and her new life! This current phone call showed her glimpses hopefully of the new Tessa Pope!

"Life is too short to hold grudges. The past is in the past as far as I'm concerned. I love you momma. I want what's best for you. I think I understood where you were coming from years ago. You thought to simply survive your situation and you did. I look forward to seeing you whenever possible. To be honest, I haven't any plans to return to the island anytime soon. When you come for my graduation, would you like to stay here in Cambridge with Fitz and I? We'd love to have you. I'd like for the two of you to know each other better."

"It's hard to believe your graduation from medical school is in a few months. For sure I will be there. I had already made reservations for me and your father to stay in Boston for a few days. I have revised those reservations only for myself. Your beau and I will have plenty of time to get to know each other. You'll need plenty of room for Fitz' kinfolk. Do you still plan to invite your father?"

"I do. He's still my father. He's the primary reason I chose medicine as a profession. He will receive an invitation to my graduation with a caveat. If he agrees to be on his best behavior, he's more than welcome.

Momma, I have plenty of room but it's your call. Staying with us in Cambridge is optional. Fitz has reserved a block of rooms in one of Beacon Hill's most prestigious hotels to accommodate both of our families and friends for my graduation. I've extended a personal invitation to only you and Darcie to stay here with us. I just thought you may be more comfortable here now that you're single. If not, it's not a big deal. I just want you here! Tommy and his family will be better served in a suite of their own. Let me know momma. It's good to know you are doing so well. I imagine the divorce was hell."

"Divorce is different but rewarding. I received a great deal of money as a result of the divorce. Having money to do what I want is a great way to start a new life. If I had to start completely over without financial structure it wouldn't be easy. Luckily, I had a brilliant lawyer that protected my rights and saw that I got what was due to a wife of thirty years. He's also turned my portfolio over to Huntcastle Associates. My investments are returning remarkable dividends as we speak! I'm going to be fine Olivia. Having time to myself gives me time to do a lot of thinking. When you and Fitz are more settled, I'll come back for an extended visit.

As for this first visit I'm looking forward to it. It will be a chance for me to spread my wings a little. Coming to the US for the first time; I'm thinking of maybe doing a little extended stay. After visiting you and your young man, I may visit some of the many places I've read so much about. Right now, it's just a thought swirling around in my head, but who knows!"

"It sounds like fun. Too bad I'm not able to join you for such an excursion. I would love to paint the United States of America red with you. But I'm no longer single momma and duty calls for me. Do you believe any of the aunts or cousins will come for my graduation? I'm inviting them all, providing transportation and accommodations."

"Some may surprise you, Olivia. To come to America on the dime of someone else? Your three cousins will jump at the chance. Your aunts are a certain breed of womenfolk. They are content to never leave their island. I would love to see them at your graduation though. They love you, Olivia."

"As I love them. Encourage them momma. I would love to see them here as I become a full-fledged doctor. Family is very important. There will be a catered event at the hotel after my graduation. I expect friends and family that has supported me all my life to be there.

"That sounds wonderful. You know that I'm in a position to help with the finances of your graduation event. You and Mr. Grant have but to let me know. I assume your godfather is coming?"

"Fitz is taking care of everything momma. He insists and I'm going to let him. As for Uncle Jimmy, he had best be here or face my wrath. Knowing him, he will probably resist Fitz' overture as well and commission his own accommodations and flight. Fitz wants to repay him for all he's done for me. He wants to pay off my debt to Uncle Jim. I've decided to let them work it out. Uncle Jim was with me as you know through both moves, here and Atlanta. Because of him momma I've never had to want for anything as an undergrad and certainly nothing here in Cambridge. I had excellent grades so my tuition was paid, but Uncle Jim saw to everything else. I'm sure that father never told you, did he?"

"Your father said that Jimmy was spoiling you rotten by buying houses for you to stay in and a car of your own to drive. He called Jimmy a shrewd businessman to buy a house and rent it out to you. The house, the car, all of it; Your father claimed it was great business sense. He also claimed he didn't have the funds to do it himself. But he did Olivia. Your father had plenty of money. He did not wish to share it with his family is all. Thank God that you had a godfather that loved you as his own.

James Lockheed is a fine man, Olivia. I will be forever grateful that he was there for you. He helped your brother monetarily all during his undergrad and grad school as well. Tommy told me that his actions saved him. What he did for Tommy after his father cut him off is highly commendable."

"Without a doubt Uncle Jim loves me and Tommy as if we were his own. Thomas Pope was lying again. There wasn't any rent. I never paid him a cent. Only after I become licensed and have a job would he agree to take a red cent! Godfather seems hardly a fitting title for all he's done. He's been a father to me and Tommy when we most needed one. You're right Uncle Jimmy is a fine man.

It's been another wonderful chat. I so look forward to talking to you. Listening to you come out of your shell and become the woman you should be uplifts me momma. You weren't meant to be the person Thomas Pope turned you into. When I do get the chance to come home, I will look forward to visiting you and your new place. Have a great day and I will talk to you soon."

"Bye Olivia."

Yesterday had been an unusual day for Fitzgerald Grant. It seemed that most of New York knew he was about to embark on an entirely new element of his life. He hadn't thrown a moving away party. He hadn't wanted that type of fanfare. Drey knew that, so she had squashed the office effort. It wasn't his style anyway. Everyone in his immediate circle of coworkers and friends knew he was moving to Boston and why. He had found love. True love this time and that meant putting out all that was required to sustain it. This wasn't an entanglement with Margot Lily or the resulting farce of a marriage. This was he and Olivia.

He'd been given the green light by security. They were free to announce their engagement to the world. All that was necessary to protect Olivia was in place. His move to Massachusetts was happening. Olivia was now properly ensconced into their vast network of protection. Beacon Hill would be secure long before their move in date. Olivia was now truly entrenched in the Grant family. He wasn't married to her but for all intent and purposes, he may as well had been. Their engagement would be announced to the world this week. Olivia was free to tell anyone at all. She would place his ring on her finger for all the world to see. Only this time she wouldn't have to take it off, ever again!

Finally, it was moving day. He was in his jet heading home. He looked out at the clouds. He was going home to Olivia. There was a big smile on his face. Hubert, the head of all Grant security was on the flight with him. He had gone over everything and had answered any questions that Fitz might have. It wasn't a requirement that Hubert make a personal appearance in Massachusetts but that's what he did. A new acquisition into the fold meant a personal visit from Hubert. He was paid millions of dollars to protect the Grant family. It was his job to see that the huge network of protection ran with precision all over the world!

Hubert Locaste had been seeing to the protection of the Grants for almost thirty years. His father before him had protected the Grants. He had been trained to step into his father's shoes and he had when he had died. He and Jerry had been friends since they were young boys. They were close friends. Papa Joe, Gabriella, they were all family. Hubert was thrilled that Fitz had finally found someone to love. Flying first out to New York and now this final leg to Boston was Hubert being thorough.

"Thanks for your support in this Hubert. Olivia is very important to me. Making sure that the necessary elements were in place to protect her were paramount. Once again you have outdone yourself."

"No problem, Fitz. Again, my apologies for the delay but it was necessary. Keeping your family safe is the name of the game. Congratulations again on your engagement. I know you have been eager to announce it in your circle. Now the world can know."

"Yes, the entire world can know. That makes me very happy. Are Olivia's telephones and computer on tap now?"

"They are sir. Secured."

"Hubert, why are you giving me the "sir" treatment. We're alone.

"Force of habit Fitz. Sorry. So, this will be new for you commuting. Do you think you will adjust quickly?"

"I do. It hasn't been easy being apart from Olivia. I welcomed any separation from Margot. You know that yourself. It's totally different with Olivia. I would walk over fire and brimstone to be with her. Commuting isn't the greatest thing but it's necessary for both of us right now. I can run my office from anywhere. It's been done before. My office has always run on high efficiency. It will continue to do so. Most of our brainstorming was done on Fridays with many of the staff on zoom. I'll simply be participating from a jet or home office. Olivia's schedule is erratic right now. I'll have plenty of time to play lawyer."

"Yes, you will. As soon as I have a team meeting and put a personal eye on the layouts in Cambridge and the new residence I'm out of here. I plan to be back at the home office Tuesday morning. Do you have any other questions about anything at all?"

"No, I think I'm good. Great job Hubert."

He arrived at Cambridge and went to work unpacking his things. It was easy pickings. He needed a winter and early Spring wardrobe for here. He needed a duplicate office here. It was scaled down of course. His home office was wired for sound and video. He could zoom anywhere in the world. His right-hand Drey and Vincent his number two were in sync. He would now officially spend his weekends in Cambridge. When he hadn't any Monday court cases. he could take a long weekend. This was going to work. He would see that it did!

He sat in on the security meeting. It was impressive listening to the world of security coverage. Olivia's detail had proven to be an efficient group. They had inconspicuously invaded her home and work space, giving him complete peace of mind. Olivia was in good hands. He wasn't going over to the new house which was a work in progress with the renovations going on. He said his goodbyes to Hubert and continued with his unpacking. He was in the process of hanging up duplicates of his academic achievements on the wall office when his phone rang. It was Olivia. His smile was broad!

"Hi."

"Hi. I got your text. I'm so glad you are here. I couldn't get away to welcome you home. How's the unpacking going?"

"Everything is going well. My clothes are unpacked and my toiletries. I'm currently in my office. "I'm attaching stuff to your walls. I plan to put away my law books and I may call it for today. I bought my kitchen utensils. You said you wanted me to cook. There're maybe four or five more boxes. It's not like I needed much to accommodate this move. I'll do a complete inventory and see if there's anything else I needed to bring. This has been a breeze. Other than you not being here, this has been an ideal move."

"I couldn't swing it Fitz. I'm so sorry. I can't even give you a time I'll get in today. Clinic day is pile on day for med students. We do all the grunge work. Please make yourself at home. The security team downstairs know all of the best places to eat if you get hungry. They even know how to light up the stove and cook. I have trekked down to the basement to see what was cooking. They can burn when they want to!"

"I assure you I won't starve! I've missed you, Olivia. I can't wait to see your face for real. By the way, you can tell anyone you want that we're engaged. It's official from security."

"Wonderful news Fitz. Dammit, they're calling me. If I don't get a chance to call back, I'll see you tonight. I love you Fitzgerald Grant. Welcome home. Bye."

"I love you back. Take care. Bye."

Fitz had opened every single box even if he hadn't unpacked it. He had done everything he had planned to do for now. He broke down the last of the unpacked boxes and called security up to discard them. He wanted the house preferably just as she had left it. His presence would be noted but he only wanted it to be noticed in a positive way. Some of his personal things were dispersed around the house.

Olivia had told him to feel free to add as he saw fit. His family photographs, replicas actually, had been placed amongst her family photos. He had filled the empty drawers she had left for him and his side of the walk-in closet held a complete winter wardrobe and more. He had tugged along a few of his favorite things including some paintings, most of his jazz collection, and volumes of things pertaining to the law. He had truly moved into her place. He was home!

Whatever the detail here in the house was eating for lunch, he wanted in. He wasn't that hungry but he hadn't had breakfast. He would go potluck with the guys downstairs. He was praying that they weren't fast food junkies. If they were, he would eat some of Olivia's fresh fruit and wait for her to get home. When she did get home, he would cook her whatever she wanted or they could eat out or in. If she were even hungry. His fiancée still ate like a bird.

He wanted to see her up close and personal. He was anxious to make love to her as well. It had been weeks again. However, there was much to consider on that front. If prior need was any indicator, there would be a reunion tonight. Still Olivia had been either in class or working all day. She would be tired and he would respect that. There was Saturday and Sunday to indulge in their fantasies. If he could just hold her in his arms; he felt he could find contentment.

He looked at the Van Gogh lithograph and the Renoir reproduction he had yet to unpack. He intended to place them in his office. He had some original works of the masters on his walls at the NY office and in his different living spaces. He would eventually bring most of the pieces here. Olivia had beautiful things on her walls most of it depicting her Caribbean Heritage. He hadn't seen any evidence that she held an affinity for art collection. He was an avid collector of original works of the Masters. She didn't know that. It was a hobby of his, collecting expensive art. Perhaps he could cultivate her interest in becoming a collector as well.

His phone rang and his heart started to swell. Olivia's name had appeared on the screen with a big heart beside it. He answered the phone with a huge grin on his face.

"Hi."

"Hi. Are you settling in okay? I wish I were with you right now."

"I'm settling in just fine. There are a few boxes that I want us to unpack together. We will decide where the contents belong. How's your day going and when do you think you'll get home?"

"I was calling to let you know that I'll be leaving the clinic around six-thirty. So, I should be home before seven. What shall we do for dinner? I bet you are waiting for me and you're hungry. I suggest that we go someplace. I know that you would cook for us but you shouldn't have to. You've been unpacking most of the day. We could order in. It's an easy one for me on this one. You're home. You're here for the weekend and I'm so happy. I'm not sure that I need food!"

Fitz laughed out loud. Hearing his laughter made her smile even brighter. She loved his laughter. The fact that he was in her house waiting for her made her so happy. "I should be home in a couple of hours."

"You need food Olivia. I need food. Do you have a taste for anything. Let's order in. I'll cook for us tomorrow. Maybe on Sunday too. Just come home Livvy. I've missed you."

"Oh Fitz, I'm so happy. This day can't go by fast enough. I can't wait to see you. Choose something that you like and I will love it as long as you're at the table with me! I have to get back to the clinic. See you soon. I've missed you so very much. Bye. I love you."

"I love you too Sweet Baby."

He had a little over ninety minutes to pull off a great welcome home for his fiancée. Dinner and maybe a little dancing followed by some spectacular lovemaking. He was here for that! How about something with an island flair? Maybe some good Caribbean food. Wait! There is a list somewhere of Olivia's favorite dining spots in the area. He'd find the list and order up dinner. Some Luther in the background would put them both in the mood. It was going to be a good night.

Olivia walked through her door at seven o'clock straight into the arms of Fitzgerald Grant. He swirled her around in his arms and then he kissed her soundly. She melted against him like she belonged there. The kiss they exchanged was pure fire. They both knew where they wanted this to go but they both had their reasons for ending their greeting with just a kiss.

Olivia had been in class all morning and had spent the afternoon and evening in a free clinic. Fitz knew she had to be tired and exhausted. A juice and a bagel were all she had eaten today. She needed to eat. His desire to mate had been instinctive since the moment his jet had touched down. At this point wanting her so much was something that would never change. He would feed her first and go from there.

Olivia was feeling desire as well. It had been weeks and all of her pheromones were on high alert. However, she was slowly ending her period. Was she the only girl in the world that had a heavy cycle that lasted for almost a week? It was literally over today with remnants, to be ended tomorrow for sure. She never had to discuss periods with anyone other than her mother and Nana. Of course, she shared everything with Darcie which was why she knew her periods were an oddity. Medically it wasn't that unusual. She had learned that from her first gynecological visit. Her own research had confirmed it.

She and Fitz had become sexually engaged during that kiss. Ordinarily it would be Olivia that would say they could eat later and they would be off to bed! Right away he suggested that they eat first. They would eat and let their love and need for one another take over. Unless she indicated she was too tired tonight. They had a weekend ahead of them.

When Fitz suggested that they eat first, Olivia hadn't objected. She was the most straight forward person on earth. She was a doctor for heaven's sake! Why did she feel so awkward about discussing this topic with Fitz? She knew that they could discuss anything. They would eat first, then she would tell him they should wait until tomorrow to make love. Technically, they didn't have to. Even being new to the game it was her preference to wait.

Sex without a condom had been an eye-opening experience. The semen deposited inside of her body had to go someplace. It leaked from her forever after a night with Fitz. That she realized was just the facts. She could envision that scenario with the remnants from menstruation. Their love life was perfect. She didn't want messy thrown into it!

Dinner was delightful. Fitz had ordered dinner for two from one of her favorite Caribbean restaurants. Olivia couldn't think of one thing she had ever eaten from there that wasn't delicious. He served them himself. They started with a delicious oxtail soup and a conch salad. The main course was a large whole fried red snapper with sides of red beans and rice, sauteed spinach, and fried plantain. She didn't realize how hungry she was until she began eating the delicious meal. The fish seasoned to island perfection was to die for. She and Fitz left nothing but the carcass of that fish.

"That was delicious. I hadn't any idea I was that hungry. Excellent choice, Fitz. You always know what I want and need."

"I knew you would be hungry and La Fabrica is your favorite Caribbean restaurant according to Agent Barfield. You know that I aim to please you Olivia, in all things. I want you happy. I know you are tired Babe. You want to call it a night? If not, I have our favorite playlist waiting to go live. I was thinking we could dance a little before we turn in. I've missed you Olivia and I can't wait to have you in my arms again on the dance floor and later in our bed. We have a glorious night ahead of us to explore and indulge in sexual pleasure."

"Yes, we do, almost."

"Yes, we do almost?"

"I'm on the last days of my period, Fitz. Periods have never come up for us before. I didn't know how to tell you. I knew you would be disappointed so I…" Fitz got up from the table and knelt beside her. He brought her hand to his lips and pressed the sweetest kiss there.

"You could never disappoint me, Olivia. Ever! Especially, about something like that. We will simply wait until your period is over. My need for you is apparently unending but I can practice restraint. You know that. I could tell you were worried about something, love. You shouldn't be. I love having sex with you Olivia. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever been a part of in my entire life but we both have to say yes, always."

"You're not disappointed then? It runs its course like clockwork. Hopefully, tomorrow night this time we should be good to go. We've been together since the third week of November of last year but we've never been together during my period. As much as and as often as we have sex it seems odd that we never have. Having to discuss something so personal did throw me off a little. You're the first person outside of my mother, Nana, and Darcie that I've uttered a word to in reference to this subject. I hope I'm not embarrassing you. Menstruation is part of the normal biology of being a woman."

"Yes, it is. We have always promised we could and would discuss everything with each other. I'm not in the least embarrassed, Olivia. For three months now we've been lovers. We practiced safe sex until you found the most effective method of birth control for us. I assumed you weren't pregnant. My theory was that the powers that be were working with us."

"Yes, they are. And no, I'm not pregnant. My birth control method is working very well. It has afforded us a new dimension to our lovemaking and I love it. I've been so excited about you moving in that I had forgotten my period was even coming this month. For it to coincide with your arrival is bad timing for us. This intimate dinner and your plans to woo me with some slow jams and wine is so Fitz. The good news is that today is a tampon day and only intercourse is off the table. You and I both know that sexual pleasure can be expressed in many ways. You are an expert at these things. I would simply follow where you choose to lead."

"We could do that but do we want to? I love having everything on the table Olivia. I always want that for us. Thorough, remember? I suggest that we wait until your menses are done. I can wait. Can you?"

"I think I can but slow jams, wine, and sex sounded so good. You forget I love sex as much as you do. It's always hard for me to keep my hands off of you. I love you and even novice that I am, I can think of a lot of ways to make us both happy and replete right now!"

"Olivia, please don't tempt me girl. I've been unpacking all day. And most of that time I was packing a boner, anticipating tonight. This is simply another test of wills for us as we get ready to take a leap. We are going to marry and have babies one day. We both know that. We are going to have lots of sex. We both know that. Just not tonight. So, my darling Livvy, what about a rom-com, some of your tasteless popcorn, and some delicious wine?

"That sounds divine. You are a man after my whole heart, Fitzgerald Grant."

"Yes, I am, Olivia Pope. I intent to claim every last chamber."

Her choice was the romantic comedy Overboard. They talked through the dialogue most of which Olivia could repeat word for word. Fitz laughed and worried for the star-crossed lovers just Olivia did. He didn't however get all googly as Olivia did at the endearing tidy ending. The love of his life was so sweet, kind, and giving. Yet she could be so fierce, strong, and determined. He loved this woman with all his being. He held her close and murmured sweet nothings in her ears.

"How many times have we watched this one together, Fitz?"

"We watched it a few times. I think I love that movie now as much as you do. You bring out so many different facets of me, Olivia. The day we found each other was the beginning of a new life for me. Thank-you for loving me. Let's go to bed and get some rest sweetheart. You've had a long day. Tomorrow is coming."

"Yes, it is. Sometime tomorrow, we get to express our love for each other out loud and personal. I'm going to revel and bask in delight because of that, Mr. Grant."

"As will I, Miss Pope.

Olivia was nestled into his arms on the couch. She looked up into his beautiful blue-gray eyes. They held an edge of banked fire, but then so did hers. Yet he was content to just hold her as she was content to simply be held by him.

"Welcome home Fitz. I love you.

"I love you back."

"Let's go to bed."

The two lovers watched each other undress. It had to be done. Perhaps it was even stressful. There would be no sex tonight but a mutual exhibition wouldn't hurt anything. They both liked what they saw. Olivia's perfect brown skin glowed from the lamp light in the room. Her perfect breasts seemed larger tonight with her nipples taut and peaked. And her bush, that black triangle enthralled him. Fitz drew in a staggered breath and continued to stare recalling how much he craved what lay between her legs.

Olivia was getting her fill of Fitz as he too became naked. He was an Adonis with his eight-pack abs and golden skin. He was perfectly formed as was his erection. It was only natural that her tongue touched her lips as she recalled taste, texture, and how much she craved him and his phallus. Tonight however, restraint was the name of the game for both of them!

Fitz got into the bed, laid down, and opened his arms to her. She laid beside him and placed her head on his chest. She lifted her mouth for a goodnight kiss. It was a respectable kiss that ended quickly. He held her close breathing in her scent. He was a very lucky man.

"Olivia?" He was smiling. She could feel it.

"Yes, Fitz."

"Tampon day is a bitch." He could feel her smile on his chest.

"I know that. Goodnight, my love."

"Goodnight, Livvy."

Olivia had been up since six this morning. She was now where she was supposed to be. She was asleep within minutes and Fitz was soon to follow. They would sleep peacefully all the night through until morning.