Chapter 50

Their new home was spectacular. They had first explored the kitchen since they were already there. They were extended a tour by Chef Marisa Gladstone aka Stoney. She was a master chef that had actually begun her training in a small culinary school in Virginia. Her skills had been perfected in the most famous restaurants and casinos in Las Vegas. Having a resume that included several years of study in Paris, she had been an idea candidate for head chef in residence at the Pope-Grant penthouse.

Knowing that Mr. Grant was a Parisian trained chef himself added to the excitement of the tour for Stoney. Mr. Grant would know how perfect this kitchen really was and what a pleasure it was going to be to work in it. It also meant her skills would have to be mostly perfection on every occasion. She and her assistant would have to be stellar. And of course they would be. Her last position was with a very wealthy business financier in Vegas. He had passed on and his very young wife had promptly sold everything and moved to the south of France. Stoney had liked the young woman and the three kids she had helped to nurture during her fifteen years of service but she was never leaving the USA again.

The huge kitchen was filled with Meile appliances and Blackstone counter tops. There was an oversized master craftsman island with one side for basic food prep and the other for intimate bar seating. There was also an eat-in area with seating for six. The kitchen could easily transition into an entertainment area. Instead of a wine cellar there was a sub-zero wine refrigerator. It was located near the wet bar which was literally paired with a real bar filled with expensive liquors. The kitchen and great room area were dynamic and quite two dimensional. The two rooms actually merged as one because of the dual-sided fire place that separated the spaces.

It was amazing the effect that the fireplace had on the two rooms. Extended from floor to ceiling the fireplace was quartz, highlighted with Blackstone on the kitchen side and quarried stone on the great room side. It was eye-catching and very unusual. A huge television was enclosed behind the quarried stone. A hidden switch opened the wall to reveal it. When you stepped into the great room you were transposed into a happy inviting place. Colors were neutral. The seating was a blend of leather and fabric. Contemporary art work lined the walls and huge live greenery was seen throughout. Fitz loved live plants and it turned out so did Olivia.

You could leave the family room and open a set of French doors that led to a formal dinner area that seated twenty of your favorite people. Two very striking crystal chandeliers hung from ceiling over the elegant table. An elegant buffet sat to the side. It's contemporary style a perfect match for the rest of the room.

There was the theater room down the hallway where they could seat twenty friends for viewing their favorites movies and TV shows. The room also had its own concession stand which included a grill and popcorn maker. For the adults in the room there was a full bar. Olivia was smiling. They had their own movie theater. she couldn't wait for Darcie to visit her. She would love it! Fitz had told her that he had connections in high places. They could view first run movies right in the privacy of their own home.

"Fitz, remember our second date at the movies. You had to have been offput by our little theater. It was so primitive. Knowing what you are accustomed too. I can imagine…"

"What you should imagine Olivia, is that there was no where else in the world I would've rather have been that night than there in that balcony in that tiny theater with you. It was the best movie I've never seen. We must actually watch that movie here in our home. So, what do you think of our place so far?

"Oh my god Fitz, it's magnificent. The finishing touches have transformed the place. I absolutely loved it before it was thoroughly completed. What I've seen so far has been amazing! Just so you know, I'd live in a shanty house with you in a hot minute. If you had not a penny to your name, I'd love you and be so happy to be here. That's not the case. You're rich as Midas himself and you have bought us the most wonderful house and transformed it into a beautiful home. It's more than I ever dreamed even when I dreamed of you. I knew you were the most handsome man in the world. Little did I know you were one of the kindest and richest. I'm a very lucky woman."

"And I'm a lucky man. Shall we continue our journey? There's still much to see."

"I know and I want to see it all. The bedrooms were finished last week. Let go to the roof. I want to see the pool house suite and the second kitchen."

"To the rooftop it is then."

The space was an oasis. A scaled-down version of an Olympic-sized pool thrilled Olivia to death. They were literally on top of the world. Paneled glass lined all sides of the enclosure except for the one that lead to the pool house suite. They would get to that later. Olivia was fascinated by the second full kitchen on the roof. It was a much smaller version of the beautiful one in the penthouse proper. A section of the kitchen contained a magnificent outdoor grilling area that included The Big Green Egg.

The pool area was complete with chaise lounges on both sides and contemporary group seating along the glass walls. Even with the rain and the hollering wind the current view of the city was spectacular. Fitz told her that watching the sunset and sunrise from up here would be extraordinary. On a beautiful Boston day or night, this area could be transformed into a fantasyland. A retractable roof and areas of disappearing glass really did transform the place. Unfortunately, the current Boston weather wouldn't cooperate on the current tour. She would have to experience it another day!

The pool house suite was unbelievable. It was a scaled-down version of their own master suite. There was a sitting area, huge walk-in closet and a tastefully done master bath. Fitz had said up front that they would spend some nights up here themselves. If Olivia hadn't been going to the hospital tonight, she would have insisted that they go for a swim. The entire area was temperature controlled. The pool looked most inviting.

"I never imagined that this space would turn out so beautifully, Fitz. Is your New York place anything like this?"

"There are some similarities but everything is much more spacious here in Boston. There isn't a guest house on the roof. There's only a small pool and poolside amenities. And of course, there will never be anything more exciting that viewing New York City from a roof top!"

"No, I can't imagine there is. I can't wait to see it but for now this is the grandest thing. Our very first house together is so wonderful. I feel at home here. Coming here was a brilliant idea Fitz. My head though not completely clear, is concentrating on our beautiful home. Thanks for suggesting a change of venue and thoughts for today. I'm so excited and happy right now."

"Good. That's exactly what I wanted. Guess what? We still have more exploring to do. There's the game room, library, and our office space. This is a huge place and we don't have to see everything today. We have years to explore this place but there are some things I want to show you today before you head out to the hospital. I really meant it Olivia. I want only happy thoughts for you when you go to the hospital tonight. Let's go for a little ride."

"We're leaving the penthouse?"

"Not exactly. We going down to the basement and garage."

"Why are we going down there?"

"It's a surprise of course. Come on. Let's go see what it is."

"Fitzgerald Grant, what have you done? Have you bought me some fancy expensive car?"

"No, I haven't. I want to, though. I want you to have expensive cars, homes, jewels, whatever your heart desires. I want to give you everything."

"I know that you do. You're a kind and thoughtful man. I'm so lucky that you and I are meant to spend a lifetime together. I of course will accept all and any gift you would choose to give me. You give me so much Fitz and I have nothing to give back to compare with all you give me. I sometimes feel lost about it. It will be years before I can buy you something that compares to the things you've given me so far. And now you've bought me a car, haven't you?"

"Actually, I did buy you a car. It's not a Porche or a Lamborghini but it's close. Let's go see. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised."

"I know I will be."

They had walked a spiral staircase to the rooftop from the family room. Of course there was second penthouse elevator. It was primarily used by Security and servants. They rode that elevator down to the garage floor. This elevator was a less elegant one than the main penthouse elevator that was elegant and downright decadent. It was elegant also but it was a subdued elegance. Anyone riding in it would be pleasantly surprised but not at all surprised that a billionaire owned this property.

They entered the elevator holding handing engrossed with loving each other. Fitz reminded them both that the afternoon was just about over. He wanted a lot of things including some hot sex with Olivia since she had let him know that she wanted that as well. This little tour of their property was just what she needed to get her mind off of the Uncle Jim revelation. Hopefully the next hour or so could be consumed with more joy.

They were on their way down to the garage. Olivia's vintage PT Cruiser awaited her. It was in tip top shape. A new coat of paint and some minor touch ups and the car looked like it had just come off of the assembly line. The car was registered in Massachusetts and ready to go. Security had taken over her life since she had agreed to become his wife. However, he had his personal cars that he sometime chose to drive. He wanted Olivia to have that same privilege if she wanted it. Her current car was housed here and now so was her PT Cruiser. They stepped out of the elevator and they were greeted by Security. They exchanged pleasantries.

"Fitz, you know how very much I like surprises. I'm very excited to see what you bought for me."

"Come on then. Let's go see!"

They rounded a corner and Olivia could see the familiar color staring back at her. Then the shape of the car became clear. It was without a doubt her very own PT Cruiser. Fitz had somehow gotten it away from her father, change that, Thomas Pope. She had never thought to see this car again. Even though she held a title for it, she half expected the man to somehow finagle it from her. She had expected him to find a way to take this car from her. Somehow Fitz had finagled it from Thomas Pope. This car meant so much to her. It was her very first purchase all on her own. Fitz knew how much this car symbolically meant to her. His love for her had compelled him to make sure that she possessed the car again.

"Oh my god Fitz, you've brought my car here to Boston. I know it's mine! It's not a duplicate. This is my car! Thank-you Fitz. You are the best finance a girl could have. This is a very precious thing you've done. I love you for all the care and things you do for me."

"I love you too. Making you happy is my life's work. I intend to keep that beautiful smile on your face. It's a terrible day for a drive and you have to go to work. Next beautiful day we have you can show me the city."

"Sounds like a plan. I do have to leave you soon and it just doesn't seem right."

Olivia tried to suppress a yawn but she couldn't. Fitz saw it and he wasn't happy. Today had been a day like no other. Olivia had found out that her entire existence had be fabricated. She had absorbed the news much better than he had expected. They had discussed it at length and then decided to give it a rest. So, they were here exploring their new home. They were still exploring but they needed to stop it right here. Olivia needed to get some sleep before her next shift. Sex was out too. What he had in mind for them wouldn't be quick.

"No, it doesn't but it's where we are and what we've agreed to. I'm happy and you're happy. This is a good thing. We've only got a couple of hours before dinner. I think you should get some sleep Olivia. And I truly mean it. I want you to get some sleep before your shift tonight. It would be nice if we got to share this night in our bed loving each other. I want to and I know you want to as well but it's not going to happen.

I have something else for you up in our suite. Another gift. Accept it and promise me after that you will lay down and rest before your shift. I mean it! I want your promise. I insist. Olivia?"

"Fitz, I realized when we were in that elevator that what we both needed was each other. We needed an emotional and physical connection. I realized during that ride that I wanted to share my body with you more than ever. I want you today, right now!"

"Olivia, we have the rest of our lives to enjoy each other's bodies. There's no way you could want me any more than I want you. I wanted to give you time to adjust to the news about your father. You are adjusting but the fallout of it is hardly over. We are simply taking a break and we continue analyzing tomorrow. In the meantime, we were checking out our new place. Next stop is our bedroom, where under any other circumstance I would take you to bed and make you forget everything in this world but me and the pleasure we give each other. You need to sleep Olivia. It's a priority. You came in this morning and I had no choice but to tell you the truth that I knew. You haven't been to sleep, remember? When you get in tomorrow morning, we can decide if sex can be put on the table before or after you get your morning sleep. Again, I insist."

"Aye, Aye, Captain. You know I love it when you boss me around. I am tired. I know that. Only thing is I'm not sure I can sleep even though I've been up for almost eighteen hours. You're right though. I need to try. Show me my other gift and I will lie down, close my eyes, and try to go to sleep."

"Come with me. Once you have received your gift it's lights out."

"Will you stay with me? I know you may not be sleepy but I need you with me."

"Of course I will Sweet Baby. Your wish is my command."

The rear elevator was assessed from a hidden panel in the family room. The home was full of marvels. They stepped out into the family room and walked to the hallway. The master suite was in the west wing of the penthouse. They would bypass their combination offices and the library. Those they would visit on another day. They walked into the opulent and massive suite. The huge bed fit right in with everything in the room. There was an area that was what amounted to another room. The area had a love seat and two chairs in it. There was an ornate long cabinet that matched the bed with pictures of the two of them from memorable occasions. Their first date at Uncle Jim's place. The framed picture of Olivia that she had given him for Christmas. There was also a picture of them and both their families at Olivia's graduation. Fitz held up a remote and a flat screen TV the size of the long cabinet rose from somewhere within the cabinet.

"Oh my, Fitz. I love this. We can literally watch a movie from our bed."

"We could. It's there for you. I know you sometimes like to watch TV before you fall asleep. I don't necessarily like watching TV in bed but this is our home. It's a combination of things that make us happy. My opinion is that beds are made for sleeping and making love."

"I feel like that too, Fitz. However sometimes I just like to watch TV in bed. I love this. For all I know I may never get to watch the thing on my current schedule but knowing that you loved me enough to put it there makes me happy."

"Then that TV is right where it's supposed to be. This house of ours is about being a home. It's our happy place. I've told you many times that I live to see you happy and I hope you are."

"I'm very happy. I can't believe we still haven't seen all of the house. This master suite reminds me of your Santa Barbara suite. It's truly magnificent."

"It is! Come on. Let see our walk-in closet. It was at one time one of our extra bedrooms. Not, any more. You know I'm a clothes hog. I must have lots of closet space and even though you're inclined not to be a clothes hog, you may one day become one. We have the exact same amount of closet space. You have your own dressing area and a small sitting room as well. It will grow on you believe me. When I was a kid, nothing meant more to me than being allowed in those spaces with my father and my mother.

My mother was a movie star and my father was a rich globalist but they were just Maman and Dad in those spaces. Their doors were away open to me no matter where they were. The time spent in their sitting rooms with them were the most special."

"And you see the same thing happening for our children, don't you?

"I do. We both bring with us the legacies of our families. From those legacies we will combine the best of them to raise our children and provide them with the best this world has to offer. This home was designed to be children friendly."

"I can see that and it makes me smile. I want to fill this home with our children. I don't want to wait years to do it, Fitz. You deserve to have our children while you are young and vibrant. Besides that, none of us are promised tomorrow. What if we wait and for some reason my capability to have children changes?"

"Olivia, we both have seen our future. We know what happens. We create a family through the love we have for each other. We will have children, you and I. We will have sons and we will have daughters. Don't doubt us or our future. We will have our children when you are ready. Not a moment before. Stop fretting. Everything is okay. I love you, I'm going to marry you, and you will be the mother of my children. We're good!"

Olivia flew into his arms and buried her head into his chest. He held her there comforting her lovingly. He wanted nothing more than to pick her up and take her to that massive bed and there the two of them would leave their troubles behind. Sex is truly not the answer to any problem but it can alleviate stress and tension. And sex with Olivia Pope made all his dreams come true. However, now was not the time nor place. Olivia needed nothing more than his love and comfort. She needed that and she needed some rest before her shift. He held her close and whispered how much he loved her. She responded back.

"I love you too more than anything. You're right of course. Our destiny is set and determined. We are moving forward as we should. Forgive me for being sullen and morose for even a minute. We're here in this lovely home for a reason. I've chosen to become a physician for a reason. There's a purpose for everything that happens. I will become your wife and mother to your children. That's the big picture and that's our future. We're good!

Let's finish out tour for today. You're right, I am tired. I think that's why I lost my place for a moment. So, what's next in here?"

"Your sitting room is a replica of mine with one exception. Come here and see for yourself."

Her sitting room was extraordinary. It was fit for a queen and to Fitzgerald Grant that was exactly what Olivia was, his queen. He was going to spend every day of his life seeing to her happiness. He held her hand and pulled her further into the room. He walked the two of them in front of the mirror. It had belonged to her precious Nana and had been held for ransom by the odious Thomas Pope. Now it was where it belonged.

"Fitz, you got my mirror back from my father. I mean from Thomas Pope. I knew that I could strongly feel the presence of Nana in this house. She's here with us Fitz. This is such a precious gift. Thank-you for getting it back for me. I thought never to see this mirror again. How much did you have to pay him? I know him. He wouldn't have let it go without setting a price."

"You're right of course. Thomas Pope remains one of the worst of what this world has to offer. Now that we know he hasn't any connection to this family, perhaps we will decide he hasn't a place in it. Yes, a price was paid but it was meaningless. Regaining your possessions was the only priority. I hope you're as pleased about the mirror as you were about the PT Cruiser."

Olivia stood in front of the mirror and stared. So many times, she had stood before this mirror talking to her now deceased and precious Nana about her world. She had been striving to understand her place in it. She had chosen medicine in part to please her father. The fact was, that she had truly wanted to become a doctor, a healer. It had been her dream, her only dream for a long time. Then she began to dream of a man she didn't know and had never seen. And one day seven months ago she had turned around and there he was. The man of her dreams. After that day her life had never been the same.

Fitz had gotten her mirror and placed it in their home. It was a blessing. Nana was here watching over them. Nana would help her through all of this. Nana would show her where she was going and why. So much tension left her body after she saw that mirror. Fitz had been right. Their coming here and leaving their troubles behind was a great idea. Finding out that Thomas Pope wasn't her father had truly stunned her for a moment. It had shaken her to her core. The facts of the revelation had left her disillusioned about her mother. Her feelings about her mother were all over the place. Her deception was incredible. When she thought of it her heart hurt so badly. No matter what type of mother she had been, her mother had been truthful or so she thought!

Nana had often said that Tessa hadn't been the woman for "her father." She was right. Her mother had apparently always been in love with someone else (Uncle Jim), thus leaving the marriage open to failure. In the meantime, two unsuspecting children were brought into the debacle. Tommy was a true product of the marriage, whereas she wasn't. Her current parental status had been confirmed, she was no longer Olivia Pope. She needed to get on with her life. She had a man that loved her and was devoted to her. Her true father, Uncle Jim, loved her and was devoted to her. She was sure in spite of all that had happened her mother loved her as well. She shouldn't lose sight of that fact. She had for a while and now regretted it.

Her mother deserved to be heard. She and she alone had to tell Olivia her story. Only Tessa could provide that narrative. Instead of listening, she had shut her mother out. Uncle Jim as well. When emotions run amok, we tend not to think straight. And hers had run amok. She needed to sit down and talk to her parents. She would do that sooner rather than later. Right now, she needed to make sure that Fitz knew how much she loved and appreciated him. Sex should never, ever be taken off of their table!

"Pleased isn't the word. That car was important to me but a car is replaceable but never this mirror. Again, thank-you Fitz. This gesture means the world to me. Even though I now know that Nana isn't related to me by blood, she was the best grandparent anyone could ever have. I'm so sorry that you didn't get to meet her. She was a very special woman. Come and stand here with me. Stand behind and hold me close."

He came up behind her and held her close. His hands lovingly caressed her arms and he bent his mouth to her right ear. He planted a sweet benign kiss on the side of her face and then he whispered.

"I love you Olivia with all my heart. I'm so happy to be here with you."

"Remember the first time we stood in front of this mirror and you held me, caressed me, and created a fire within us both before we left for the party at Grandiosity? I felt a hunger so intense for the night to come. I was still a virgin wondering how to tell you that bit of information. I had tasted passion on the beach with you days before and I was so eager to experience more. We had a party to go to. You stood behind me just as you are now. I felt the evidence of your desire for me. You were as hard as stone. I wanted you just as much as you wanted me that night.

If we hadn't had a party to go to you would have taken me right there in front of this mirror but we had to go. I wouldn't let you disappoint your mother that night but right now is different. I understand and know what happens between us. I know the magic. I know you want me. Just like that night so many months ago, I can feel you nestled behind me straining in your pants. You want me…"

"Of course I want you, Olivia. Every day that I live and breathe I want you. And yes, my Sweet Baby, I'm so hard and it's all for you. Nothing would please me more than to be deep inside of you right now but intimacy has to wait. You need to rest. We're going to bed so you can get some sleep. Come on. Lie down in my arms and sleep. You have to go work tonight, Olivia. Tomorrow will come soon enough."

"You're truly my knight in shining armor. I told Nana so that the night you came for me to take me to meet your family. I stood right in front of this same mirror and told her. Now you stand here with me as my friend, lover, and husband to be. I'm the luckiest woman on the planet and I know that Nana knows. She knows that I'm happy in spite of all that's happened. Nana loved me to her dying day. She would love me still even knowing I'm not really her granddaughter! She would want me to hear my mother out and she would want me to be woman enough to forgive her. She would want me to pray for her son to be a better man. I realize all he has done is beyond the pale but we must not let him ever become a point of dissention between us."

"I don't like Thomas Pope but he will never become a point of dissention between us, ever. I realize there's unfinished business between you two. I'm just happy right now that you can see that you must try to reconcile this thing with your mother and your true father, Uncle Jim. When you are ready, we will invite them over and you will talk this out. It will mean the world to them Olivia that you are willing to listen. So, that's settled. It's back to us. Me and you. Let's go to bed Olivia. I want to see you asleep for a very long nap. Forget about you know what and dinner. I'll have Chef Stoney fix you a delicious salad for the road. Are we good?"

"We're good. Can we get naked for this nap?"

"No, we cannot. Just down to our undies, girl. I know you want to test me but I'm not having it. Undress and get into bed."

"Fitz, you've forgotten, I don't have on any undies. I purposely didn't put any on because I fully intended to seduce you in our new home first thing this morning."

"Shit! I remember now. Both of our worlds got turned upside down this morning. I think both of us had seduction on our minds before the parentage situation arose. We are very sexual individuals. We basically tabled that situation until you said otherwise. I still worry about you. Are you sure you're alright? You going into work tonight still bothers me. I wish I could go for you. I wish you had more time to decompress everything before going on a twelve-hour shift."

"I promise that I'm okay."

They still stood in front of the mirror. The two of them had been watching each other as they were talking. They had gotten a little off track but they were back in that place now. The events of the day concerning her parentage was once again placed in the background. Olivia smiled at him that special smile that he felt was reserved just for Fitzgerald Grant. He smiled back.

His hands had been locked around her waist. Never taking her eyes from his, she pulled his hands apart and placed each hand upon a breast. Instinctively he began to knead and caress. Her nipples immediately hardened at the stimulation. Olivia also very slowly began to grind her backside into him. True, they had earlier changed the subject but his erection had only been slightly diminished. Olivia's ass backing into him changed that. Just like that his need for her crystalized. If he gave Olivia the least bit of encouragement, she wouldn't get the sleep she needed.

His eyes paired with hers. He wanted her as much as she wanted him but they needed to stay on course. He could be quick and give them both what they desired right now. The issue though, wasn't a frenzied round of sex. They'd done frenzied before and guess what? Their orgasmic delight was just as intense and satisfying as any marathon they had over these last seven months. But he was also a man of reason.

"Sleep, Olivia, I insist upon it. When you come home tomorrow morning we'll start right where we left off. That's a promise."

She turned in his arms and lifted her face for his kiss. They literally devoured each other for several minutes. They both remained clothed but their bodies were locked together in a physical intimacy that created pure fire. Pressed together and both of them needy as hell, they reluctantly ended the kiss.

"I love you, Fitzgerald Grant more than anything. You're such a wonderful fiancée. You bring out the best of me. Thanks for loving me back. Thanks for giving me the insight to see that I must give my parents the benefit of reason. I must hear them out and have a clear head when I do so."

Olivia yawned. She sighed. She rubbed her eyes. She was indeed tired and sleepy. She knew it very well. She could find the energy for sex but it wasn't reasonable knowing she had a twelve-hour shift ahead of her.

"Lastly, thank-you for knowing me so well. You always put me first in everything. I'm bone tired and I know it. you won't allow me go around that fact. I need to sleep. We should put off today what we can do tomorrow. Let's undress, go to bed, and sleep."

They walked toward the big bed with their hands entwined. They were in complete harmony.

"Olivia?"

"Yes, Fitz."

"I'm going to strip down to my skivvies. You on the other hand have nothing to strip down to. You're naked underneath that dress. I need you to put on your least enticing sleepwear. You in a bed naked next to me won't cool my ardor. I am your own personal knight but I'm also just a man."

"I get your drift, Sir Fuckalot. I'll be right back."

Fitz was lying in the huge bed awaiting Olivia. His eyes were closed and his head filled with images of the two of them. They were varying images. The first time he saw her. Their first date. Their second date. The two of them embroiled in graphic sexual congress. The images most satisfying to him were those of Olivia holding a baby and him nearby. His baby! He was smiling.

"I trust that I helped put that smile on your face?"

"You did."

Olivia wore a pajama tee and matching shorts. Fitz gathered her in his arms. She lay her head on his chest and closed her eyes. He closed his eyes again and smiled.

"Sleep, Sweet Baby."

Within minutes he was listening to her soft purring. Things were as they should be.

Tessa and James had gone down stairs in the Bostonian for dinner. The meal was delicious. They had decided not to dwell on the Olivia. Tessa was under a lot of tension because of it. James had finally gotten her to see that there was nothing for them to do but wait. Olivia would call them when her mind was clear.

James was having the lobster gnocchi with roasted green and yellow squash and a side salad. Tessa had chosen the pan-seared sole paired with grilled asparagus and scalloped potatoes. Their dinner discussion was limited to them and their plans once the dust settled with Olivia. Finding out that they could apply for a Las Vegas marriage license online had delighted the couple. Once they were free to go to Vegas, they had only to go to City Hall, pick up the document, and choose a marriage vendor. Knowing that one day soon they would be married had put some joy back in their lives.

Once they were married, they would leave Las Vegas and head to Tommy's. James had expressed that he felt that Tommy knew that they were involved. However, he was sure that Tommy didn't know the extent of that involvement. He also needed to know the truth. Would it change the dynamics of their relationship? No, it wouldn't. Hopefully it wouldn't change things between Tommy and his mother. James Lockheed wasn't his father but he was father to Olivia. James had always been godfather to Tommy and he doted on he and his family. None of that would change. Like Olivia, Tommy simply needed to know the truth.

They returned to Tessa's suite. She had been in a good mood and James was hoping to keep it like that. As soon as the door was closed and locked James took Tessa into his arms and kissed her soundly. It was a kiss filled with passion and longing. They were two people that had been given a second chance at love. The physical aspect of that love had been put on hold. It hadn't been easy for the mature couple but they had both agreed to wait this time for marriage. Their own daughter held the key to their future.

James Lockheed loved Tessa Adderley. He desired her above all other women. He wanted her to know this and remember their shared past intimacies. He was about to burst from his britches because of her. They were molded together in an embrace reserved for lovers. When the kiss was broken, he whispered in her ear.

"I love you, Tessa. I can't wait to marry you."

"I feel the same way. That was some kiss, Mr. Lockheed, very inspiring. I'm thinking, and for certain hoping, our daughter calls us soon.