Chapter Thirty: We're In This Together
Today was the big day. After what felt like a lifetime of stressing and planning this wedding the day had finally come for Erika and Harrison to say I do. Erika didn't want a bachelorette party full of alcohol and morning regrets. Instead she requested a simple girls night with her ladies. Olivia honored her decision not to have a bachelorette party and planned a nice beach dinner. She and the girls had set it up earlier that day with big, soft cushion pillows to sit. White linen sheets and blankets, candle, good food, wine and soft music. Erika, Abby, Quinn and Olivia stayed on the beach for hours into the early morning having good talks and laughs. Reminiscing about the good old days and hyping Erika up for her big day in the morning.
It was almost three in the morning in when Olivia finally made it back to her room. She showered off the remaining sand that still lingered after she dusted herself off, and she got into bed to get a few hours of sleep before she had to be up for hair and makeup. She got into bed beside Adam and tossed and turned for almost an hour before sleep finally found her. It didn't keep her long though, because she was back up around 6 a.m. she just had way too many thoughts running in her head. It felt like there was a hundred people talking in her head all at once, and she couldn't quiet them or focus on anything.
Giving up on sleep and not wanting to wake up Adam, Olivia slipped out the bed, threw on her robe and quietly left the room. She didn't know where she was going, but she thought some fresh air would be nice. She made her way to the lobby and out the back doors towards the garden. There was a few staff roaming the halls and outside, but she didn't think too many people were awake at this hour, and she needed the peace and quiet to calm herself.
She found a secluded garden, hidden from the outside by tall, well manicured bushes. She was thankful for the solace as she began to pace in circles. She noticed she did that often when something was bothering her. Fitz use to tell her he could always know how she was feeling just by the way she paced.
Fitz. Somehow her thoughts always went back to him. It was crazy how much that man consumes so much of her without even trying. And what sis it mean that Olivia couldn't seem to let him go? She knew what it meant but she was to afraid to admit it. There was no doubt in her mind and heart that she still loved Fitzgerald Grant. There was no doubt that he was the greatest love of her life. And at one point in time she was confidant at he felt the same way about her. And now after all these years and after so much heartache, she couldn't confidently say she knew he still felt the same.
Sure he said he loved her, but did he mean it. How could he love her and he was the one that broke their marriage. He was the one who walked away. How can you love someone and just break their heart? How can you love someone and just easily walk away from them? What kind of love was that?
Olivia wasn't sure how long she'd been pacing when she head the grass and leaves rustling. Someone was headed her way and she hoped that they would just keep moving. This was her area and she didn't feel like sharing or being bothered. But unfortunately for her, this person didn't seem to care about her need to be alone.
Fitz was also having a rough night of sleep. The cause of his lack of sleep wasn't because he was sleeping on a couch in hotel room, nor the fact that the person sleeping in the bed was an unwanted guest but had everything to do with a certain little lady who had been ignoring him. Fitz has been trying all week to get Olivia to talk to him. To let him explain why Claudia was here. He was certain she thought he lied to her about breaking up with Claudia. But he hasn't had the chance to tell her the truth. And she wasn't trying to give him that chance either. Fitz knew he was going to have to corner Olivia to get some alone time.
When he set out on his walk this morning, he didn't expect to run into anyone else, it was still early in the morning. But as he continued to walk, he came across a secluded garden blocked off buy some tall bushes. And to his surprise, when he followed the stone path in the garden he found the most beautiful flower. Olivia was pacing in circles around a statue, but she stopped and sighed when she noticed him.
"What's wrong? You pace in circles when something's wrong. When you're just thinking it's back and forth. But when something's wrong, circles."
"Did you need something Fitzgerald?"
"Hm, you use to sound sexy when you called me Fitzgerald. Now I just sound like some old man."
"Did you need something?"
"Yes actually I do." Olivia looked at him expectantly. "To talk."
Olivia turned back to her pacing. "I don't want to talk."
"Oh you've made that abundantly clear the past few days. Livid I've been trying to explain to you abut Claudia-"
"That's not of my business, I don't need to know."
"Livvie please, just let me explain."
"There's no need to explain Fitz. You told me one thing obviously lying to my face to get me to give into you by sweet talking me and-"
"That is not at all what happened Olivia. I did not lie to you. Everything I said to you that night was the truth and I meant every word of it. You're just scared. You're scared of what I said and you're scared of telling me how you really feel. And you're using Claudia to push me away. But I'm not going way Liv."
"I don't have to push you away Fitz! You did that years ago, we are no longer married by definition you are away you are unavailable."
"So is this about Claudia or Adam? You won't give me a second chance because you're so in love with him?"
"No- no! This is… he's a good man Fitz and he treats me right. He is everything I should want in a man and a husband, but I… I wait for you, I watch for you, my whole life is you. I can't breathe because I'm waiting for you. You own me, you control me, we're divorced and I still belong to you-"
"You own me!" Fitz yelled cutting of Olivia's ranting. "You control me, I belong to you. You think I don't want to be a better man? To finally let you go so you can be happy and move on with your life? I love you, I'm in love with you, you're the love of my life. My every feeling is controlled by the look on your face. I can't breathe without you, I can't sleep without you. I wait for you, I watch for you. I exist for you. I want you to be happy Livvie, but I'm not going to give up of use being happy together. We're in this together."
Fitz walked off back into the direction he came from. That wasn't the conversation he wanted to have with Olivia, but his heart was speaking for him.
Olivia stood rooted in her spot, stunned. If she didn't have a million things on her mind before, she certainly did now. But she couldn't stay and dwell too long, now she needed to get back upstairs before the hair and makeup team arrived.
X
"You look beautiful E." Olivia dabbed at the corners of her eyes for what felt like the tenth time in five minutes. Erika had just put on her wedding dress after hours of hair and makeup and she was the most beautiful bride. Her gown was an off white cap sleeve lace gown with tulle 3D flowers all around. It was floor length with a a train and it and it twirled like a ball gown when she moved. It was the perfect dress for her. She left her hair down and loosely curled framing her face. And she had on minimal makeup. She didn't want anything too heavy, she was going for the low effort relaxed look.
"Thanks Liv." Erika hugged her. "But you have to stop crying. It may not look like it, but I do have on makeup and I don't feel like redoing it!" Erika laughed as her own eyes were watering up. "I can't believe this is finally happening."
"Well believe it baby girl." Quinn came over with her veil and attached it to her head.
Olivia came up behind Erika in the mirror, adjust the veil. "There, now you're perfect."
X
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you for the first time Mr. And Mrs. Wright!" The DJ played Stevie Wonder's signed, sealed, delivred and Erika and Harrison's made their grand entrance in the reception hall to a crowd of cheers and flower petals being thrown their way.
The ceremony was beautiful and everything Erika had imagined and planned it to be. She professed her love to the love of her life on a beautiful hill top surrounded by nature and the ones she loved the most. It couldn't have been any better. And now that the stress of planning a wedding and the ceremony was over, it was time to party. And with champagne and an open bar, things were guaranteed to get interesting.
Olivia had taken a break from dancing with the other bridesmaids and was sitting at her table, sipping her drink. Watching her little girl dance with Bella. The twins were with their grandmother's eating way too much food. And Adam was dancing with one of Erika's aunts. She was glad this day had finally come and was over with. She was happy for Erika of course, but she had so much going on in her own life that it was getting hard to constantly stay upbeat and happy for E's sake. But that also meant the time had come for her to break up with Adam. It wasn't something she was looking forward to, but she knew it was something she had to do. She didn't want to keep stringing him along, knowing that she didn't feel the same way he felt about her.
This also meant she had to finally make a decision about Fitz. She'd heard him loud and clear last night. But she had to decide what it enough for her. Was it enough o forgive and forget the past, were they worth it? One thing she was certain about, was no matter the outcome for her and Fitz she had to end things with Adam. Now she just had to find the right time.
"What you doing sitting over here all by yourself?" Curtis came over to his daughter's table.
"Just trying to relax my feet." Olivia smiled.
"Abby can really put together a wedding can't she."
"Yes she can."
Curtis noticed his daughter's somewhat somber mood. He put his arm around her shoulder and she instinctively leaned into him, resting her head on him.
"What's bothering you baby girl?"
Olivia shook her head. "Nothing."
"Uh uh. Don't lie to your father."
Olivia sighed. "I've just got a lot on my mind right now daddy. Things that I'm not ready to handle or deal with at the moment."
"I've got something's on my mind too." Curtis said after a moment of silence. "Like getting you mother to marry me again."
Olivia looked up at her father shocked. "What?"
"I think it's time I make an honest woman out of her again."
"Really?" Olivia was overjoyed. She always thought they would remarry. She was still confused on why they divorced in the first place. "'You asked her?"
"No not yet. I have a ring being made for her and when it gets here, I'll pop the question… again."
Olivia couldn't help the smile on her face. "I'm happy for you daddy. And of course she's going to say yes. Why now though?"
Curtis thought for a moment. "You know it wasn't an easy decision for your mother and I to end our first marriage. Nor was it an easy decision to move the family to California, especially for your mother. Leaving behind everything and everyone she knew wasn't easy. And over time it got to her she. She was lonely and it didn't help that I was just starting out in the business which mean late night and long work days. We didn't see much of each other and she grew more and more frustrated. Our little bickering turned into full arguments and a lot of hurtful things were said. But you kids were still young then, you didn't understand. So we stuck it out as long as possible. Things got better but they weren't the best. And then you graduated from high school. Your sibling were off as well and we no longer had kids in the house holding us together."
"Maybe I shouldn't have graduated then."
Curtis chuckled. "You mother filed for divorce and I didn't put up a fight. Something I later regretted when our divorce was finalized."
"You two never acted like you were divorce."
"Just because we were no longer married didn't mean we no longer loved one another. Olivia you never just get over real love." Olivia could understand that. "And that's what your mother is to me real love. And now that she'd given me a second chance at that real love, I don't plan on letting it go again."
Olivia felt there was a reason her dad was telling her all this. "Daddy why are you tell me this?"
"People make mistakes Olivia. I made one years ago when I let your mother go. And when a person gets the opportunity to make it right, you can't ignore it."
"Daddy." Olivia knew they were no longer talking about her parents marriage.
"I can tell when you are unhappy Olivia. You may think this is what's right. You may think that you will eventually be happy. But you will never be truly happy if you settle now. Real love does not die Olivia."
Olivia looked up at her father with glassy eyes, not knowing what to say. "I'm scared."
Curtis wrapped his daughter in hug and she shed a tear on his chest. "I know. Your mother and I had to ask ourselves, was it worth it? Were we worth it?" After he released her, Curtis pulled a reluctant Olivia onto the dance floor to pull her out of her funk.
After what felt like hours of dance to the the black wedding hits, the DJ slowed things down. Teeks, first time began playing. Olivia loved this song. It always put her in the mood for love whenever she heard it. She had long since ditched her dad and was swaying by herself. Then she felt a pair of hands on her waist. She didn't need to turn around to know who they belonged to. She knew that touch and that smell with her eyes closed.
Without a word, Fitz turned Olivia to face him. She lifted her gaze to meet his and wrapped her arms around his neck. He pulled her closer and she didn't object.
"You're staring."
"You're beautiful."
"Don't."
"Don't what?"
"Look away Fitz."
"I can't not look at you Livvie." They continued to dance to the song. Olivia was relaxed in his arms, letting him guide her across the floor. She sighed into him when he began singing the song in her ear.
Finally we are here now
I've been waiting all my life
Everyday you're all I think about
My mind is like a river
An you always bathe in the water
"Fitz."
Oh, I prayed for you
Oh, I cried for you
I can't believe we're here at last…
Olivia was lost. Lost in the song, the lyrics in Fitz's voice. Her body felt heavy she was full of every emotion all at once. Lust, rage, love, sadness and joy. She was lost, consumed by it all. No one else existed in that moment except for the two of them.
"Livvie." Fitz moved his hand lower down her back.
"Fitz this isn't the place or time." Olivia finally found her voice, although she didn't move to correct Fitz's hands.
"I can't do this with you right now. Not at Erika's wedding."
"Then when?" Fitz asked. "When? Because it seems every time I try to talk to you either we get interrupted or you run off on me. Olivia I told you how I felt and I meant every word of it."
Oh, I prayed for you
Oh, I cried for you
I can't believe we're here at last…
"You tell me you love me, ask me for a second chance and then show up with her on your arm? The same woman you told me you broke up with."
"I did break up with her, but she's convinced herself that we were only on a break. I didn't ask her to be here, she just showed up. I didn't want to make a scene."
Olivia shook her head. "It's not my business."
"It is, Olivia I don't care what she thinks. She is no longer my concern, you are."
"Fitz-"
"Olivia I love you."
Can you take me through?
Touch me on my face
Kiss me on my hand
Take me to a place where we find love
Across the room, Adam sat at his table watching the two dance. He was trying not to be bothered by his girlfriend and her ex-husband dancing to such an intimate look very cozy with one another, holding each other's gaze looking like lovers and not exes.
"One would never think those two are divorced spouses." Claudia came up to the table, plopping down beside him. She'd been watching the pair as well. Claudia had spent her night alone at her table eating hors d'oeuvres and watching everyone else on the dance floor. Fitz hasn't spoken a word to her the entire night and he for sure wasn't inviting her onto the dance floor. And once the hors d'oeuvres stopped doing it for her, she took a glass of champagne. The first sip almost burned a hole in her throat. People drink this for fun? She thought. But as she watched Fitz work the room still completely ignoring her, it got easier and easier to down glass after glass.
"Here's to… well to them I suppose." Claudia roughly knocked her glass into Adam's. It was clear she was drunk. "You and I never talked before. Weird right, since it seems we're both constantly left by those two to go do whatever."
Adam cleared his throat. "Well I'm sure well have plenty of time to get to know one another given our partners are friends."
"Hmm friends. They're so close aren't they." Claudia looked over at the pair still on the dance floor. Close wasn't even a word for what they were right now. "How do you feel about them being so close?"
"It takes some getting used to."
"Makes you wonder why they even got divorced."
The pair focused back on Olivia and Fitz to see them now standing still on the dance floor. Olivia had dropped her hands to Fit'z waist and he was now holding her face in his hand, staring down at her intently.
"Good friends."
Show me what it means
And how its supposed to feel
You've got all I need
Can we make love like its our
First time?
"Fitz…"
"I. Love. You."
"I can't do this right now." Olivia untangled herself from Fitz.
"Olivia don't run off." Fitz pleaded.
"I'm not. I have to set up their honeymoon suite." Olivia did have to finish setting up the honeymoon suite for Erika and Harrison, but she was also using it as an excuse to escape right now.
Before she could exit the ballroom doors, Adam stopped her.
"Hey, where you running off to? I feel like I. Haven't seen you all night. Even this morning you were gone before I woke up."
"I'm- I've been running around all day, trying to make sure Erika's day was perfect. I didn't want to wake you this morning, hair and makeup got here early, and it took forever."
"I still haven't gotten my dance with you yet."
"You will okay, but I have to do one last thing. I have to set up their room for the night."
"Baby you know I can have staff do that."
"I know, but I want to. I take my maid of honor duties seriously."
Adam sighed, not being able to convince Olivia to stay. "Alright, but hurry back.
"I will, promise."
X
Olivia was almost done setting up the honeymoon room for Erika and Harrison. She placed the LED candles around the room bringing a warm glow. Erika's favorite wine was on ice with two glasses next to a tray of assorted chocolates and fruits. Balloons floating, covering the ceiling. Soft music played lowly on the speaker and trail of roses pedal lead from the door to the bed, where Erika would find her wedding gift from Harrison. She was finishing with the pedals on the bed when the door opened.
"Erika loves the classics red rose." Fitz said, standing in the doorway. Olivia had left the top lock on the door flipped as she was going back and forth from her room to the honeymoon suite. It was easier that way. "Can't believe you're setting up a room so my sister can consummate her marriage. Feels dirty being in here."
Olvia smiled despite herself. "So why are you here?"
"Because you're here." Fitz stepped fully into the room, shutting the door behind him.
"No, open the door." Olivia refused to do whatever this was right now. She was not going to allow herself to be in a compromising situation with Fitz in Erika's honeymoon suite.
"I just need you to talk to me Livvie."
"This is Erika's day don't do this." Fitz smiled sadly. How long was she going to keep this up? "I have something for you." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring box. "When I was over you house the other day, and you were looking through that old box. I noticed you were wearing your ring. You still have it on."
Olivia thumbed at the Doux Bebe ring still on her forefinger. She hasn't taken it off since that night.
"It got me thinking."
Olivia saw the ring box. "I don't want a ring from you."
"Well technically its already yours, I gave it to you years ago." Fitz opened the box so Olivia could see the ring. "But you threw it at my head." Fitz placed the open ring box on the bed. It was Olivia's wedding ring, the original one he'd proposed with. Olivia had never taken this ring off before the day she threw it at Fitz's head when he came to get the rest of his things from the house. Fitz had kept it all these years. She thought he'd sold it.
"To be fair I did miss." Olivia tearfully smiled.
"Barely. If I hadn't have ducked down the stone would have scratched my eye."
Olivia laughed, wiping her face. "Why are you giving me this?
"Because it's yours Livvie. I had hoped that one day I could put this ring back on your finger. I know I just keep cornering you and unloading on you, but I just need you to know how I feel and to know that I'm serious. And I know I should wait until this week is over, but I can't keep it in anymore Liv. And I'm not going to give up on us. Not this time."
Olivia could see the sincerity in his eyes, and all the wanted to do was jump into his arms. She knew that she loved him and with every admission of his love, her hesitation dissipated little by little. Olivia picked up the ring box, admiring the white gold hidden halo diamond ring. Stones wrapped around the back and the inside was engraved with their wedding date and initials. She loved this ring.
"I know when the day you threw this at me you hated me. But I'm hoping to rectify that."
Surprising Fitz, Olivia turned to him, grabbed his head and kissed him. It wasn't like the hungry kisses they shared before. This was a sweet, tender kiss that spoke the volumes of love these two had for one another.
"I could never hate you Fitz." She whispered against his lips, hugging his neck. She might have thought she hated Fitz at one point, but she could never truly hate this man.
"Everything alright in here?" Adam was standing at the door watching the pair in a very intimate hug.
Olivia separated from Fitz, wiping the tears from her face. "Yeah."
Adam look suspiciously at the two of them. His conversation with Claudia ringing in his head. "Everyone's looking for you. The both of you."
"Yeah, I'm coming." Olivia walked past Fitz, leaving with Adam with the ring box still in her hand.
Before they got back down the hall, Adam stopped Olivia by grabbing her arm and pulling her to him.
"What was that?" He asked. He hadn't seen them kissing, but he did see the tail end of their hug. He had watched Olivia leaving the ballroom earlier and after a while, Fitz left as well. He didn't think much of it at first. But then his conversation with Claudia forced him to go find Olivia and make sure she was by herself. He wasn't surprised to find her in that room with Fitz, although he was hoping he wouldn't. Adam sensed that something was going on between the two exes. Fitz had never been subtle about his lingering attraction to his ex-wife. Every time they were together, Adam saw how Fitz watched Olivia even from across the room, when he thought no one was looking. But Adam was always watching. And lately Olivia has become distant towards him. Although they have only been together for some m on this, Adam had true feelings for Olivia, and he wasn't trying to lose her to anyone.
"What are you talking about?"
"You and Fitz Liv. You two have been acting strange around one another since we got here, and you know what before we got here too. You two act like you hate one another but then I find you together alone, and now I find the two of you sneaking off together."
"Adam we weren't sneaking, I told you I was setting up the honeymoon room."
"Olivia is something going on between the two of you?"
"Wh- what?" Olivia stuttered. She wasn't sure how she wanted to answer that question. No? yes? Maybe?
"Is there something going on between the two of you Liv?" Adam repeated. "Please just be honest with me."
"Do you still have feeling for him?"
"What?" Olivia asked, but Adam didn't answer. He had a serious look on his face, and Olivia could tell he was getting annoyed or angry. "Adam I will always care for him okay. He's the father of my boys, we were married for ten years you don't just… I can't just forget that. I'll always care for him, but that has nothing to do with us."
"Do you love him still?"
Olivia sighed. "Why are we doing this? And why now?" She asked, ignoring his question.
"Because I just found you in a hotel room with him Olivia, looking very close to me."
"Adam I told you Fitz was just helping me okay. That's it." Olivia pulled her arm out of his grip and took his hand. "Now loosen back up, this is supposed to be a party remember. Come on, I owe you a dance."
Adam allowed Olivia to end their conversation and pull him back to the reception. He knew she was avoiding having this conversation with him, and he would allow her escape now. But he was in no way done with this conversation.
X
"You weren't even trying to hide it! You were drooling over her all night long. You completely ignored me."
"You're not even supposed to be here. I don't want you here."
"Why so you can have your precious Olivia all to yourself? Are you already screwing her or are you waiting for her to dump the boyfriend." Claudia laughed. "You'll be waiting forever honey, handsome and rich is hard to come by."
"I think you've had enough to drink." Fitz made a move to take the champagne bottle from from Claudia's hands, b it she moved away. "I can't believe your even drinking in the first place."
"This is you fault Fitz, you drove me to the bottle." Claudia swung the champagne bottle in front of Fitz's face.
"I drove you to- you know what, I'm not doing this with you. I've had a long day, a long, good day and I'm not going to let you ruin this night okay. I'm going to shower, I suggest you put the bottle down and go to sleep."
The reception had ended almost two hours ago. The bride and groom had said their goodnights and retired to their honeymoon suite. They were going to spend their wedding night at the hotel and in the morning, they were setting sail on a boat around Italy. Harrison was an experienced sailor, he'd been sailing with his father since he was a young boy. He'd taken Erika out on a few boat rides while they were dating. And if their honeymoon was anything like those trips, Erika couldn't wait to spent the next days sailing solo with her new husband.
After the bride and groom left their reception, some people mingled around the ballroom for a while longer, until everyone slowly began making their way to their rooms for the night. Fitz had stayed until Olivia called it a night and went to her and Adam's room.
Fitz wanted nothing more than to follow her, but Claudia was hot on his heels the entire time. Fitz hadn't even noticed that she'd been drinking all night, he'd barely paid any attention to her. He meant it when he said she was no longer his concern. He just wished like hell that he'd made her stay back in California and not come this week. She has been a thorn in his side ever since the plane touched down. And now, all he wanted to do was get some sleep, but she was drunk and belligerent and wouldn't leave him alone.
"What is it about her Fitz?" Claudia asked, watching Fitz gather his things to shower. "What is it about her? What makes Olivia so special? I mean you divorce her, then you decide you still want her and have some babies. Then you decide you don't want her again, then she moves on and you're still so caught up on her that you can't move on with anyone else." Claudia sarcastically laughed. "I mean what it is? What does she have between those magical thighs of hers that's got you so sprung."
"Claudia-"
"Get over her."
"Claudia-"
"Get over her!"
"I am not doing this with you!" Fitz yelled, matching Claudia's volume. "I am not doing this with you. This is not a conversation we are having because you have no say so in what I do. We are not together, we are not a couple. I don't have to answer to you, you don't even have the right to ask me anything regarding another woman. It is no longer any of you damn business. Who I choose to think about, spend my time with is no concern of yours." Fitz dropped his things, a shower could wait, he needed to get out of this room. "I don't know how I can be more clear for you. We are not on a break or a pause Claudia. What we had was fun but it's over now, done. When we get back to the states, I'm going to forget that you exist, and I suggest you do the same."
Fitz didn't give her time to reply, he just left out the room. He didn't have a plan and had no idea where he was going, but he knew he just needed to get far away from Claudia before he threw her off their balcony. He wondered around the resort for a while, before he ended up back at the front desk.
"Good evening." The woman behind the desk greeted him with a warm smile.
"Good evening Miss…" Fitz peaked at her name badge. "Miss Emilia." Fitz flashed her his best smile.
"How can I help you Mr. Grant?"
Fitz didn't know how she knew his name. "You know my name?"
"Of course, you're with the Pope-Wrights wedding. You're all special guests of Mr. Adam's. We've been told to make sure you were all taken care of."
Special guest. Fitz thought, Adam really was going all out to impress Olivia.
"Well that's good to hear, because I did have a small request."
"What can I do for you?"
"I was hoping to get the key to room 106."
"Is there a problem with your room sir?"
"Yes, there's a squatter. But I brought her so I'm not sure there's anything to do."
"I don't understand."
"Listen honestly, I honeymooned at this hotel years ago with my wife. This use to be our spot, we vacationed here, anniversary trips, this place is special to us. And we always stayed in room 106. I was sust hoping to peak in and reminisce for a while."
"I don't know sir-"
"I promise not to trash the place." Fitz joked. "Just for awhile and then I'll bring the key back to you and no one will have to know." She still looked hesitant. "Special guest remember…" He smiled again and he could see her giving in. The smile always worked.
X
It felt like the room hasn't changed in all these years. It of course had a few upgrades, but when Fitz stepped into the room, it was like he was stepping in for the first time back on his honeymoon with Olivia. He smiled remembering one of the happiest days of his life, carrying Olivia bridal style into the room and falling back onto the bed in a fit of laughter. The two weeks they spend in this room were nothing short of magical.
Fitz sat out on the balcony filling with his wedding ring on his finger. He'd been carrying it around lately. It matched Olivia, with the same engraving on the inside. After their divorce, he'd put both their rings in their box and kept them in his nightstand drawer. He would have never guessed that this would be how his marriage ended up, and he couldn't blame anyone but himself.
He wished it wouldn't have taken him so long to figure out what he knew now. So much has happened these past years and Fitz could only wish that he'd been able to go through it all with Olivia. Adoptions, births, weddings, so many major life changes.
Fitz's heart swelled with love and pride every time he thought about his kids. He was a father. A father. He had waited his entire life to be able to say that. For a long time, he didn't think it was a possibility for him. He'd planned his entire life down to the perfect job, wife and kids. But as the saying goes man plans and God laughs. And boy was he having a laugh now. This wasn't how he planned to have a family, but he couldn't be more grateful. And now that he'd been blesses with a second chance, he wasn't going to squander it. Olivia, Noah, Jonah and Sophia were his end game.
Sophia. It's funny how Fitz's mindset has changed. He didn't think it was possible for him to love a non biological child as much as a biological. But Sophia wormed her way into Fitz's heart and he didn't put up a fight. Fitz could truly say that he loved Sophia use as much as his two boys. If only he'd had this open mind and heart years ago…
The sound of the room door opening Fitz's quiets reflections. He figured it was Emilia coming to tell him his time was up. He was pleasantly surprised when Olivia walked through the door.
He saw her first, and smiled when she jumped at seeing him on the balcony. Obviously she wasn't expecting anyone else to be in the room.
"What are you doing here?" She smiled.
Fitz shrugged. "Clearing my head and reminiscing. What are you doing here?"
"I guess great minds think alike." Olivia walked out to the balcony to joined him. She sat down beside him on the loveseat. "How'd you get in here?" Olivia asked.
"I sweet talked the receptionist into giving me the key." Fitz replied with a smirk.
Olivia laughed, shaking her head. "Of course."
"How'd you get in?"
Olivia held out her hand with a key. "Adam's master key."
"Does he know you have that?"
"He will when he wakes up." They sat quietly for a while watching the water, listening to the sounds of a calm night. It was peaceful. "Is that your wedding ring?" Olivia had noticed him playing with something.
"Yeah." Fitz cleared his throat. "I uh.. I don't know it's been comforting to carry it around."
"This place hasn't changed much." Olivia said, changing the subject. "Still feels like the first time we were here."
Fitz could tell Olivia had something to say, but she was beating around the bush. "Liv-"
"I found a ring." Olivia whispered, but Fitz heard her and his heart dropped. His eyes were glued to her, but she wouldn't look his way. "Found it in his briefcase one day. It's nice, big. He's been carrying it around for weeks, I guess waiting for the right time to ask-" This was the real reason Olivia was pushing Adam away. Ever since she saw that ring in his briefcase, she'd been running.
"Olivia." There was no way he was going to let Adam propose to Olivia. Olivia was his wife, she belonged to him and he to her, they belonged to each other. Olivia was his family, she and their three kids, they were going to be together again, and Adam didn't fit into that picture."
"I could. Marry him. Become some rich housewife, get some normal."
"Olivia-"
"I could settle Fitz-"
"Baby-"
"But I wouldn't be happy." Olivia finally looked up at him. Both staring at each other with tears in their eyes. "I wouldn't be happy. I don't want to settle. Fitz the thought of being with you again makes my heart skip with joy, but it scares me too. You will never know how much it hurt me when you walked away from me. You were my everything, my entire world, and when you left. I had never felt so alone and empty before. But I never stopped loving you. I tried, but it's impossible. I tried to get over you Fitz, but I realize now that I don't want to. I'm scared of getting my heart broken again, but I more scared of living without you." Olivia's tears were now streaming down her face as she confessed her love to her ex-husband.
"Fitz, I love you. I'm still in love with you."
Fitz's heart was about to burst out of his chest. She said it. She'd finally uttered those three words he'd been desperately waiting to hear. She loved him. She still loved him. After everything they'd been through, after everything he'd put her through, she still loved him.
"I love you too Olivia. I never stopped." Fitz held her hands in his. "I promise you baby I will spend however long it takes proving that to you, I promise that you will never know heartbreak again. I vow that I will be the man, father and husband that you and our kids deserve. I love you so much Olivia, I'm never gonna let you go again."
Olivia didn't put up a fight as he pulled her into his lap. Her hand son his arms as he palmed her face. "We're in this together?"
Olivia smiled. "Over a cliff."
The kiss they shared felt as if they were breathing life into one another. And in a way they were. This was the beginning of a fresh new start. Not the beginning of a new chapter, but a new book. The sequel of Fitz and Olivia. Neither of them imagined their night ending this way, but they ere both so happy that it was.
Olivia wrapped her arms tighter around Fitz's neck, relaxing her body fully onto his. She couldn't get closer to him, She wanted to crawl in his skin. She missed this man so much, she craved him. His touch, his scent it was intoxicating. No one has ever made her feel the way Fitz does. No one has ever made her entire body tingle shut from a single touch. This man knew her body inside and out, he was her equal in every way.
Olivia pulled back from the kiss. "Fitz."
"Yes?"
"Make love to me."
"Yes ma'am."
Fitz stood, with Olivia still in his arms. Her hands in his hair, and her legs around his waist. He carried her into the room, purposefully falling onto the bed. They laughed, mimicking their first night in this room together.
"I love you."
Olivia smiled up at him. "I love you too." He would never tire of hearing that.
Finally, we are here now
I've been waiting all my life
Everyday you're all I think about
My mind is like a river
And you always bathe in the water
Fitz kissed a trail of kisses from her lips to her neck, to her chest, her stomach. Olivia's body has changed over the years and Fitz was going to kiss every inch of her body, recommitting every detail to his memory. Olivia just lay back with her eyes closed moaning at every touch of his lips against her skin. She was so sensitive.
Oh, I prayed for you
Oh, I cried for you
I can't believe we're here at last
Can you take me through
"Fitz." Olivia sighed. She needed to feel more of him. "Please." She was begging and he obliged her.
Fitz leaned up on his knees, pulling Olivia's shirt above her head, and pulling her pajama pants down her legs. He was pleasantly surprised to discover she wasn't wearing a bra or underwear. After he tossed her clothes, he made work of his own. He pulled open his button down, revealing his chiseled abs. Olivia ran her hands up and down his abdomen, playing in the happy trail of hair.
Touch me on my face
Kiss me on my hand
Take me to a place where we find love
Show me what it means
And how it supposed to feel
You've got all I need
She unbuckled his pants and he pushed them down and off his legs. He lowered his head, to kiss her inner thighs. Biting and nipping his way to what he craved the most. Before he could kiss her lower lips, Olivia tugged at his hair, making him look up.
"I need you. Now." Olivia was in no mood for foreplay. She didn't need to be warmed up, she was ready.
Fitz smirked. Olivia always knew what she wanted in the bedroom, and she was shy to be vocal about it. And Fitz was always up to the task. He kissed way back up her body until their lips found each other again. He gazed into her eyes and he finally found home inside her once again.
Olivia gasped, her mouth falling open as she pulled him down on top of her. His full weight resting on top of her now. His arms were wrapped underneath her, her arms wrapped tight around his neck and her legs locked behind his back. Tears were rolling down Olivia cheeks from the pain and pleasure she felt right now. They couldn't be any closer to one another in that moment. Their entire being was intertwined physically and mentally.
Can we make love like it's our
First time?
X
"Good morning Adam." Adele greeted Adam as he walked into the hotel dining hall. The family had all come down fro breakfast and was eating together before seeing Harrison and Erika off. Adam walked over to the table the Pope's, Grant's and Wright's were sitting at. Carol and Adele were feeding the twins and Curtis was helping Sophia cut into her waffles. Carol and Adele had basically kidnapped the twins and Sophia all week. Mrs. March was being paid to vacation at this point.
"Morning darling, you and Liv joining us." Adele then realized everyone was downstairs except for Olivia. "Where is Liv anyway? Still sleeping?"
"Uh no, I was actually coming down to look for her." Adam replied. When he woke up this morning he stretched out to feel the empty bed. Olivia's side of the bed didn't even look like it had been slept in. He tried calling her cell, but it only rang on the nightstand beside him.
"Liv was gone when I woke up this morning. I was coming to see if she'd already made her way down."
"Oh you know Liv, she probably went for another one of her walks this morning. She might be down by the water." Curtis answered at the same time Adele realized not only was Olivia missing but so was Fitz. Adele looked over to Carol and they gave each their a look. They both seemed to be thinking the same thing.
"I don't like that she just wonders off by herself without her phone or without any one knowing where she's going." Adam said, looking around the room for another face.
"I'm sure she'll be down soon." Adele tried to assure him.
Adam soon realized he didn't see the second face he was searching for. "Has Fitz come down yet?" He asked to the group.
Carol and Adele caught each other's eye again, before Carol answered. "Um, no. Not yet hon."
Adam silently nodded his head, before turning and walking away without a word.
X
The sun peeking through the curtains and the slight breeze coming from the open balcony doors work Olivia from her sleep. She slowly cracked her eyes open, blinking a few times to clear her blurry vision. She would never get tired of waking up to this view in the morning. On her honeymoon years ago, she would practically drag Fitz down to the water every morning so they could watch the sun rise together. He would always complain about being up so early, but he secretly loved it.
Thinking of Fitz, Olivia thoughts went back to last night. She and Fitz finally having a much needed conversation without being interrupted at the worst possible time. She confessing her feelings and confessing the love she still held for him after all these years. She couldn't believe that she and Fitz were back together and for real this time. This wasn't just some drunken one night stand or a quick hook up. This was real. What they shared last night was more than just sex, it was a reunion a rebirth. The start of something new for the both of them and Olivia couldn't wait to start again with Fitz.
As if Fitz heard hi name, he tightened his arms around Olivia. Snuggling into her neck, breathing in her scent. Olivia was just melting further and further into his arms. It felt good to be back in those arms. Te feel such familiarity, it was like they were never apart. He was her home.
Olivia turned over onto her other side, facing Fitz. His eyes were still closed, but she knew he was awake. She smoothed his hair back, running her hand down his face, studying him. He hasn't changed much over the years. He's got some grey hairs a few new freckles, he hasn't changed much still as handsome as the day she met him. Her hand traced over the bridge of his nose, across his lips, down his chin and onto his chest. He had more hair on his chest now, and it was slightly grey like the hair on his head. Olivia always liked when men had hair out on their chest, she thought it made them look more masculine. She was tracing over his abs, when his voice stopped her.
"You go any lower and we wont be leaving this bed this morning."
She looked up to see his eyes half open and a lazy smile on his face, that made her smile grow twice as big. She reached up and kissed his lips, allowing them to linger for a moment.
"Would it be such a bad thing? Sounds like a good idea to me." She kissed him again.
"Livvie we can't hide in this room forever."
Olivia groaned. "Why not." She put her head on his chest, and Fitz kissed her forehead.
"We have to face the music at some point Liv." He paused. "You're not having second thoughts are you?" Fitz wouldn't be able to handle it if Olivia was having second thoughts and rethinking her decision about last night.
Olivia looked up at him. "Fitz all I've ever wanted since he day I fell in love with you was to be with you, to raise a family with you in the home we made together and to grow old together. I haven't changed my mind about that."
Fitz breathed a sigh of relief, squeezing her tighter intent on never letting her go. "Good, because I would have had to lock you in this room otherwise." He leaned down to kiss her smiling lips. And just as every other time, he got lost in her presence. She was like a drug and he was happily addicted. He rolled her onto. Her back, settling between her thighs. Her hands finding their place in his hair, scratching at his scalp. He could feel her hot heat as she grind her hips against his. He was getting so lost in her, that he forgot they needed to be somewhere. Reluctantly, he pulled away from her kiss, putting his hand on her hip to keep her still.
"Five more minutes, it wont hurt."
"You're forgetting about Erika and Harrison." Olivia gave him a confused look. "Their send off. We're supposed to be down stairs sending them off not heir honeymoon."
"Oh shit!" Olivia pushed him off of her, scurrying off the bed to find her clothes. "Shit I forgot.' Olivia scrambled to find her clothes, putting her pajamas back on as Fitz put his tux back on. "What are we going to do?" Olivia noticed how it was going to look with the both of them coming downstairs together, him in his tux from last night and her in her pajamas, botched of them looking thoroughly fucked which was very accurate.
"Calm down Liv." Fitz put his hands on her shoulders halting her movement. "We're going to go downstairs and wave goodby to Erika and Harrison with everyone else. Then you and I are going to go have some important conversations with some folks." Olivia was not looking forward to having her important conversation. She was hoping to have this conversation once she got back home, but those plans changed last night. "It'll be okay. I promise." He hugged her tight, her head on his chest his arms cradling her head. Olivia could barely breathe, smushed into his chest, but she loved his big bear hugs.
After they got dressed, they walked out the room hand in hand and down the hall together. They split up walking before they met up with everyone else so they wouldn't show up at the same time. When Olivia caught up with the group outside, she was hoping to just slip in undetected, but that was squashed when Sophia spotted her.
"Mommy!" Sophia excitedly wriggled out of her grandfather's arms and made her way to her mother.
"Hi peanut." Olivia picked her up, kissing her cheek.
"Olivia where have you been? We've been looking all over for you." Adele asked her, noting her current attire. Everyone was looking at her now.
"I woke up early and just decided to go for a walk mom."
"See, that's what I told them." Curtis said. "But next time can you take a phone please. You had everyone worried."
"I'm sorry." Olivia's mother was looking at her funny. "What?"
Before she could answer, Fitz walked up and everyone's attention turned to him.
"Well look who else finally decided to show up." Jr said.
Olivia didn't look at Fitz, She couldn't. She just kept her gaze down, but she could feel her mother still staring at her. Luckily for her, Erika and Harrison broke up the awkwardness when they made it outside. Everyone hugged and kissed the couple goodbye wishing them well and safe travels. After all the snoozing was done, everyone separated, heading back to their rooms to finish packing and getting ready for checkout. Their flights back home were booked for later that evening. But packing was cordon on Olivia's to-do list she needed to have a conversation with someone first before she lost her nerve.
"Okay Liv, I guess i'll return your kids now. You're father and I need to finish packing."
"Actually could you take them to Mrs. March for me? I need to go do something really quick. Have you seen Adam?" Olivia noticed he wasn't downstairs with everyone else.
"Not since earlier when he was looking for you. Everything alright?" Adele asked.
"Yeah, I just need a second."
Adela wanted to press her daughter with more questions. She wanted to ask her why she and Fitz were missing for the entire morning. She wanted to ask her why she'd come downstairs looking disheveled and still in her pajamas and why Fitz came down looking no better and still in his clothes from last night. But she didn't and simply responded "Okay."
"Thank you momma." Olivia gave Sophia back to Curtis and made her way back inside. She stole a quick glance at Fitz and he winked at her, making her blush crimson red. Neither noticed their mothers watching them like a hawk.
Olivia headed back upstairs to her room, she figured she could shower real quick and change before she went looking for Adam. But when she walked into their room, she stopped at the door seeing Adam sitting on the edge of their bed. Olivia regained her composure, walking fully into the room and shutting the door. She stayed by the door as she spoke to him.
"Hey."
Adam looked up at her. He was angry. Olivia could tell by the look on his face.
"Hey?" Adam mimicked, standing up. "Hey? That's all you're gonna say? Olivia I've been looking for you, all over this hotel Olivia and you were nowhere to be found. Where have you been?" Olivia didn't answer him. "You know I couldn't help but notice Fitz has been missing all morning as well. Were you with him?" Olivia didn't verbally answer him, but Adam got his answer just by the look on her face and the unshod tears forming in her eyes. Adam humorlessly chuckled, dragging his hand down his face. "You know Claudia came up to the room to tell me she saw you two stumbling out of a room together, but I didn't want to believe her."
Olivia sniffled and spoke for the first time. "I don't know what to say."
"I want you to tell me that it isn't true, but you can't can you?"
Olivia finally looked up from the floor and met his gaze tearfully. "I'm so sorry." And in truth she was. Olivia loved Fitz and wanted nothing more than to be with him, but she couldn't deny that she had some feelings for Adam as well. She cared for him and in another lifetime she could see herself with him. She didn't want to hurt Adam but she knew she would only hurt him more, the longer she prolonged their relationship. This was for the best for everyone. Adam deserved a woman that was fully committed to him.
"You know I could feel that you weren't in this relationship like I was." Adam confessed. "I mean I know we've only been dating for some months, but I really did like you and I truly cared for you. You're an amazing woman and I wanted to get to know you so much more. I mean I guess that's why I've been pushing so hard for us, but you were never really in this. Your heart was somewhere else… with someone else."
"Adam I really am sorry. And you're right, I wasn't fully committed to this relationship because a part of me will always be in love with Fitz. But that doesn't mean that I didn't care for you, I did. There was a point when I wished that I could move past him and be with someone like you, it's be with truly are a great man. You're the type of man that women pray for. And if this were another lifetime, I could see myself falling for you hard, but…"
"But you've already fallen hard for him." Adam finished for her and Olivia stayed silent. This stung. It stung real bad. Adam felt some blame for his current misery. He could tell from he beginning that Olivia wasn't fully in their relationship, but he fell hard anyway. And as time went on her found the reason why Olivia wouldn't fully commit to them and he continued to fall. That's just the type of woman that Olivia was, she was just too captivating. Luring you in until you're fully hooked on all that is Olivia Pope.
Adam could tell that Olivia was struggling to find her words, and that this wasn't something easy for her to do right now. He didn't know why he still cared, he shouldn't, but it pained him to see her hurt. Breakups were never easy, and Adam has never been one for a big dramatic split. So he tried to keep the mood pretty light.
You know if this wasn't my hotel, this wouldn't be the worst place to get dumped."
Olivia smiled despite herself. "I'm sorry. I'm so ashamed."
Adam shrugged. "Heart wants what the heart wants. You love who you love. I'm shut glad you're being honest with me now before this went too far." Adam thought about the ring currently in his bag. He was glad Olivia was being upfront with him now before he made the mistake of pulling out that ring one day.
"I hope you find what you're looking for Olivia. I hope you find your happy."
Olivia didn't notice Adam's bag by the foot of the bed until he picked it was going to try and catch and earlier flight back to the states. He wasn't looking forward to being locked in a metal tube thousands of feet in the air with the woman who just left you and them and she left you for.
Olivia moved to the side of the door to let Adam out. He stopped and kissed the side of her head before he walked out.
"Goodbye Olivia."
"Bye Adam."
X
"You son of a bitch!" A vase went flying across the room, nearly missing Fitz's head as he ducked down.
"Hey!"
"You lying, cheating, no good sone of a bitch!" Another vase followed the same path as the first and Fitz ducked yet again.
"Hey cut it out! I'm not paying for this shit enough!"
"Fuck you!" Claudia growled. She was beyond pissed. Why does this keep happening to her? Why does she always find what she thinks is a good man and he turns out to be just like all the others. A no good, lying, cheating, dog. "You're just like the rest of them." Claudia cried.
Fitz sighed, not knowing what to say to this woman. To some extent he felt bad for Claudia. Throughout their entire relationship, he admits that he was leading her on. Leading her on, knowing that their relationship wasn't going anywhere. Olivia was his end goal even when he denied it. He had been good to Claudia, but his heart was never one hundred percent in.
Fitz felt for Claudia he truly did, but not in this moment. Not when she was screaming, cursing him out and throwing shit across the room at his head. Especially not after he'd already broken up with her multiple times and she just wouldn't let go. Yes, Fitz felt somewhat responsible for her pain, and felt some sympathy for her, but he was over this shit.
"Claudia I don't know why you're doing this."
"I saw you dumbass." Claudia said as if she'd just busted him. "I saw you and Olivia walking out of that room this morning. She was all over you and you stuck you tongue down her throat before she left. Yeah you weren't so sneaky after all."
Fitz couldn't care less. So she saw him kissing Olivia. It wasn't like they were together anymore.
"Oh and I told her little boyfriend as well." Claudia smiled. "Yeah he wasn't too pleased. He's probably yelling at her skanky ass now."
"Watch it Claudia, you don't have a right to be mad."
"Excuse me? No right?"
"Yes, no right. I broke up with you, multiple times, you weren't even supposed to be here. We're not together I can do whatever the hell I want."
"You're a real asshole Fitz." Claudia was crying now.
"Claudia I let you down easy weeks ago. You chose not to take our breakup serious, you kept inserting yourself in my life. All the hurt you're feeling now, you brought it on yourself."
Claudia scoffed. "Just like a man to not take any responsibility. I don't know why I thought you were different. You're shut like the rest of them stupid man-whores who think only with the head in their pants. Forget you, I don't need this!" Claudia gather up her already packed bags, throwing her purse over her shoulder and yanking her suitcase behind her. Fitz moved out of the way when she reached the door.
"Oh and one more thing." Claudia said to Fitz back.
Fitz sighed, "What?" he asked, turning around.
The second his face was in view, Claudia reared back and punched him square in the face.
"Ow! What the fuck?!" Fitz yelled, stumbling backwards. For such a small woman, Claudia had one hell of a right hook.
"Fuck you motherfucker, have a shitty life! I hope your dick falls off in your sleep!"
"Fuck."
Fitz went into the bathroom to see his face in the mirror. His eye was red, and he might bruise up some, but he would be fine. Fitz heard someone knocking softly on the door, Claudia had left it wide open when she stormed out.
"Fitz?"
He heard Olivia's voice calling out for him. He walked out the bathroom and gasped when she was his face.
"I take it your talk didn't go well?"
Fitz chuckled. "No, not at all. Lucky for me though she hits softer than you do."
Olivia rolled her eyes, going over to the ice bucket on the counter and putting some ice in a cloth napkin. Fitz sat on the end of the bed and she sat beside him, holding the ice to his face.
"How did Adam take it?" Fitz asked, tracing his thumb over Olivia's knee.
"A lot better than I thought he would. He really is going to make some woman very happy one day. He just wasn't right for me."
"Oh and who is right for you?" Fitz asked, moving her hand and the ice away from his face so he could see her clearly.
"The same man I've been madly in love with for the past fifteen years."
Fitz pecked her lips. "So now what?"
Olivia shrugged. "Whatever we want."
"Marry me." Fitz said with no hesitation.
Olivia smiled wildly, laughing. "Easy tiger. You're gonna need to earn that. Earn me."
"I can do that." Fitz spoke with all confidence, leaning in to kiss her lips once more. He could earn her, he would earn her, and she would once again be his Mrs. Grant.
X
Epilogue
Steam filled the bathroom as the water ran on hot in the shower. Olivia had been standing under the hot spray of water for about ten minutes, letting the hot water soothe her aching muscles. Fitz would always complain about the length and temperature of her shower and bath water, but he was also always finding his way into her showers and baths. Olivia dipped her head under the spray of water allowing her curls to soak. She heard the door to the bathroom open and she smiled.
"You better get in here, because I plan on taking all the hot water."
Moments later, the shower door opened and Fitz swaggered in with a grin. "Hi."
"Hi." Olivia smiled.
"You look beautiful."
"I'm soaking wet, naked in a shower."
"Never been more beautiful." Fitz's brought his hand down Olivia's back, soothing over her skin. Making its way to her thighs and between her legs. She moaned, feeling him part her legs with his hand before sticking two fingers into her hot heat. She was still sore from last nights activities, but she wasn't going to stop him…
X
Later that morning downstairs, Fitz was sitting at the kitchen bar drinking drinking coffee and reading more parents comments on his email. He'd started coaching a little league team during his down time. And some of the parents were complaining about their child not getting enough playing time.
Fitz heard her shoes clicking against the floor, and smelled her scent before she emerged from the hall into the kitchen.
"Good morning husband." She kissed his cheek.
"Good morning wife."
"More hate mail from the mini van gang." Olivia laughed.
"I swear I'm about to change my email. And Tyler's mom is the worst of them all. She tried to slip my fifty bucks last week to let him pitch."
"Why wont you just let him pitch?" Olivia asked, getting the orange juice from the fridge.
"Because the kid can't throw baby, and I've got a championship to win."
Olivia watched him grab the jar of jelly in front of him and slather some onto a piece of toast.
"Baby that's like the third jar you've gone through this week."
"Well stop making it so good."
Olivia's newest hobby was making jam. She only started it as a hobby and now she makes some for the family and friends when they request it. Fitz was her biggest fan, she couldn't keep enough in the house, especially his favorite flavor boysenberry.
"Daddy daddy, look what we found!" Sophia came running into the kitchen front he back door with her brothers following behind her and a cat in her arms. "Can we keep it?"
Fitz sighed, eyeing the orange tabby. He knew that was their neighbor's cat and so did Sophia. Their neighbor was an older woman, and she was constantly leaving her back door open, and her cat always got out and ended up in their back yard.
"Soph, you know we can't keep her. That's Carrot, Ms. Lin's cat and you know it. Now go put her back through the fence."
"But she doesn't have a collar on, look!" Sophia held the cat up in Fitz's face so he could see she wasn't wearing a collar. Olivia laughed behind her glass of orange juice. Her kids were some sneaks and apparently potential cat thieves.
"Sophia, you and your brothers go and find that collar wherever you hid it, put it back on this cat and give her back to Ms. Lin."
"But daddy!"
"Sophia Grant, you heard your father. Now go give it back."
Sophia groaned, stomping her little foot as she turned to walk back outside.
"Hey if the three of you are good this summer, maybe we can convince mommy to let us have our own cat." Fitz bargained, but Sophia wasn't having it.
"Mommy hates cats!"
Olivia shook her head at her dramatic daughter ad the three of them went back outside to retrieve the missing collar they'd hidden. "I do hate cats." She said, sitting down on her husband's lap. "What's on your schedule today? Fielding through theses emails and then we've got a practice later today. Gotta get ready for the game on Saturday. You?"
"Boysenberry." Olivia smiled.
Fitz dramatically gasped, making Olivia laugh. "Boysenberry, I love you."
"You're ridiculous."
"I'm lucky is what I am. I love you."
"I love you too."
It was a tough road to get to her happily ever after, and for a while, Olivia thought this was a life she could only dream about. But to be here and living her dream in the moment with the man of her dreams, the kids of her dreams, the family of her dreams. Nothing could make it better. They had been through hell and back together and now they were in it together until the end.
The end…