A/N: For those of you following my other story, I have stated writing has been limited for me due to a family emergency. As things begin getting better (Thank God) I'm going to update when I can. Hope you enjoy this chapter and thank you so much for your patience. I can't wait to read reviews, you all are so wonderful.

Chapter 24

The smooth feel of his lips on her bare back, his breath, although warm, giving her chills that ran from the bottom of her back to the base of her neck, and finally, his big, yet gentle hand cupped around her breast made her anticipation of sleeping late a fantasy rather than a reality.

Liv blinked her eyes opened. This is the feeling, no sensation, she was waking up to on an obviously sunny day in Santa Barbara. The daylight just peeking in and the love of Governor Fitzgerald Grant consuming her body. She felt coldness now as his lips stopped by her shoulder.

With her back facing him, he had no idea of knowing she had blinked her eyes open. He gave one last kiss on her shoulder. "Livvie, you awake?" he whispered.

"No." she mumbled, because she didn't want him to stop waking her up. "Put your lips back on my skin, Mister." She felt him smile on her shoulder.

"There's nothing I want more to do, but I already begged MiMi to give Grant his morning bottle and we need to talk about the upcoming days."

The realization of Erin being there hit Liv. She jumped up to the sitting position and looked at Fitz. "Did Erin sleep ok? God, I should go check on her."

Fitz rubbed her bare back. "She's fine, MiMi said she's still sleeping. The time change can do that to sleep. Remember your first few nights in California?" He pulled her back down, so they were facing each other.

"No, I was drunk, and someone took advantage of me and knocked me up in a hotel room." Liv smiled tight lipped looking at him, his gorgeousness.

Fitz's mouth dropped opened. "I'm appalled you said just said that. I did not take advantage of you, you held a bat to me, I had no choice but to fall in love with you." He smiled.

Liv looked in his eyes. "I wouldn't change a thing about that weekend, Fitz. It gave us the greatest gift."

"Sure did."

"So, in a few hours, I'm going shopping with Erin. Is Avila Beach the best place or do you recommend somewhere else? Maybe Rodeo Drive?" Liv tucked her hands under her cheek waiting.

"Save the hour plus drive and shop right here on State Street in Santa Barbara. Find the sexiest dress to wear. I won't settle for anything less." Fitz kissed her forehead and got up, getting ready for work.

"How about I get casual nice and save the sexy for afterwards?" Liv followed him out of the bed, putting on a shirt and sweats.

He walked over to her, now sitting at the desk with her calendar in front of her. Kissing her neck, he pointed to Saturday. He pulled the pen out of her hand and drew a huge heart around the date. California meets my Livvie; he wrote that inside the heart. "Eight days Livvie, I can't wait."

"Tomorrow we're taking Erin to the Governor's mansion, Sunday we're having Cameron and Evan over for dinner, then I lose you for two nights." Liv pouted.

"I know, but you can always come with me, we can bring Grant and MiMi. Staying in the Sacramento apartment is lonely without you."

"I don't want to leave Erin and if we bring her, that defeats the purpose of being alone, unless."

"Unless what?"

"Maybe I can go to the wellness shelter I didn't get to; the one Fallon was at. I could get some more insight and help out. I'm sure Mimi and Erin will do just fine here with Grant."

"And spend two nights alone with me?"

She got up and wrapped her hands around his waist, stopping him from putting on his tie. "And spend two nights with you," she repeated. "Then Grant has his wellness check, and you'll be calming me before the hustle of the mayor's ball."

"And you calming me from beating some of my legislators, because by Tuesday I'll about have enough of them arguing with every change I'm trying to put into place." He picked her chin up. "I'll see you later. Buy something that's teeth friendly for the afterwards." He raised his eyebrows up and down, leaving Liv to her shaking head.

"You're shameless." She yelled as he left, and she felt like a silly teenager falling in love. She looked up to see Erin at the door.

"Good morning, Liv, you two act like you're married." She smiled, walking into the room.

"I'm surprised your not holding Grant, isn't he missing out on spoiling from Nana time?"

"Dolores just put him down, after he fell asleep drinking his bottle. I figured I'll let him sleep a few minutes before attacking him with my kisses."

"Ready to shop? I was thinking casual, but not screaming conservative." Liv looked at Erin.

"Sexy, but not screaming slut." Erin echoed.

Liv laughed. "Yes, exactly."

Erin smiled, and it was something Liv had missed for a long time. Her smile faded. "You miss her?"

Liv sat on the bed next to Erin. She reached and put some of Erin's hair behind her ear. Her hair wasn't as red as Abby's, but you can tell who gave Abby the gene. "Every second of every day."

"You two were inseparable. God, how she loved you, Liv."

Liv's eyes filled with tears. "And I loved her, Mom." Liv put her hand over her eyes, "I failed her."

Erin grabbed Liv's shoulders. She faced her to look in her eyes. "You did not fail her, you hear me? No one failed her, Chip killed her. Whether he did it on that day or a week from that day, he was going to do it. You did everything in your power to protect her. You don't think I am forever thankful for that and for what you did to him after he beat her?"

Liv swallowed hard. "Mom, I, Huck, we just were blindsided."

"And what did you tell me? He's dead now." She looked at Liv, as any loving mother would do. "We have each other now, and you have Grant, and that little boy is a gift."

Liv shook her head in agreement. "He brightens up my every day."

"So, tell me, how come the state is not aware their Governor is a father." She gave Liv a little nudge. They both stood up walking towards Grant's room, Erin locking her arm with Liv's.

"Jake's sentencing, moving to the ranch, Chip's court date, Jax's pathetic games, and Fitz full blown Governor mode, we just are keeping him a secret for now." Liv shrugged now holding a sleeping Grant, as MiMi prepared some waffles. "Besides we're thinking how to tell the state their Governor has a child out of wedlock from a drunken meet up while he was engaged. It's the little details like that." Liv shrugged squishing her face.

Erin reached over rubbing Grant's curls. "He doesn't even have his father's last name." Erin looked concerned. "Seriously though, the public needs to fall in love with this little guy."

"It's because I didn't think I would see him again, Mom, I thought he was married. Fitz has some powerful enemies and some determined people keeping him closed off. Fitz is fine with it, and when we do introduce him, it's more sympathetic to know the danger Jax put me in."

Erin nodded her head in agreement. "Makes sense." Erin took Grant from Liv. She put her nose to his. "Everyone will love you little guy, you know that right?" He gave a small smile as his Nana kissed him up and down his cheek. "Good morning, Huck." Erin said as Huck reached in and rubbed Grant's head.

"Good morning." Huck entered the kitchen. "Uh, Liv, just let me know what time you want to go. Toby is coming today. I trained him for service detail." He went to leave.

"Huck, don't you dare." Mimi's strict voice stopped the CIA operative in his tracks. "Sit and have some waffles." Huck grew a liking to Mimi. MiMi took such good care of him, and Huck respected her like a mom. Liv smiled as she saw the way her command froze him.

Huck pulled the chair out and sat. He looked at Liv, her eyebrows up and the biggest smirk on her face. "Shut up." He whispered.

"MiMi owns you." She said, pushing his shoulder.

Fitz's phone buzzed just as he was approaching the statehouse. He pulled it out of his inside pocket.

"Go ahead."

"Sir, he gave orders to have Andres killed."

Fitz nodded his head as if he knew this.

"When?"

"Upon release from holding."

"We have 24 more hours, correct?"

"Correct sir."

Fitz rubbed his chin with this knowledge.

"Release him in five hours." He looked at his watch.

"Sir?"

"115 pm, let him go."

"Yes sir."

"Leak it to the news outlets that one suspect in the hit and run is being released."

"Copy."

"Anything else?" Fitz asked.

There was a long pause.

"Anything else," he said, clear anger in his voice. "I don't like hesitation."

"He knows why he was delayed at the airport and who landed."

"He knows Erin is here?"

"Yes sir."

"Thank you." Fitz hung up.

The car came to a stop in front of the statehouse.

"I'm waiting." He texted.

"Sorry Governor." The door opened, and the young intern came running, handing Fitz a sheet of paper.

As he climbed the Statehouse steps, the photographers took shots approaching the press podium waiting outside.

"Governor, Governor Grant, Governor, why this Friday session? Governor did you have anything to do with Jax Putney being detained, Governor Grant will you be attending Mayor Evan Sanchez's Ball?"

Fitz stood behind the microphones, and he waited for the reporters to quiet down. "This Friday session was called because although some legislators think they are above working on a Friday, they are not. Californians are taking a beating at the pump, gas prices soaring, and legislators need to fix this. That, upon many other problems are priority in this state." He nodded to a reporter. "Pete?"

"What's your plan for the oil companies?"

"Currently we have two bills being drawn, which is why I'm here today, to hear them. Let me just put his in perspective. Putney Refinery earned 19.7 billion dollars in 3rd quarter profits. I'll repeat that again, 19.7 billion dollars. So, while you're here asking about Putney, maybe you might want to ask him why you're paying 6.00 a gallon at the pump?" Fitz nodded to another reporter "Avery."

"Are the bills likely to pass? To be honest, it's a war between the companies and the consumers, with the politicians being the in between, how do you win this?"

"A tax, Avery, you need to tax the profits, it's the only way to hit someone like Putney hard, as hard as the consumers are being hit. Putney sits on his yachts, his planes, in his beach house, and he does this because of his pass on the tax on his profits." Fitz turned to walk away.

"Sir, the mayor's ball?" Fitz turned to see Santos from the Gazette looking curiously at him.

"Will you be there, Santos?" Fitz smiled.

"Yes, Governor."

Fitz nodded. "See you there, and you know what, you'll get the exclusive for when I arrive."

The young reporter nodded with gratitude. "Thank you, sir." He yelled as Fitz walked away.

Tom and Luther in front of him, Fitz followed, then slowed up to let his third detail catch up. Tom held the door opened while Luther entered the statehouse first, Fitz went to walk in, and Tom stopped the third detail, grabbing him by the collar.

"What the fuck, Larsen?" He looked down at Tom's hand on his collar. Tom pulled him to an empty room across from the entrance.

He threw him in the room, and the man turned to see Fitz standing, his shoulder leaning on the wall. The door slammed, and Fitz heard the man in front of him take a hard swallow. "Governor, I can explain."

"Sit your ass down, Rodrigo." Fitz felt the anger in his face, he could feel the heat.

Rodrigo backed up until the back of his knees felt the chair. He sat. "Sir I."

"Sir, you nothing." Fitz pushed a button on his phone. He watched Rodrigo's expression as he played the recording for him.

"Just wanted you to know Boss, the reason you were unable to use the private airport."

Fitz tilted his head, walking closer to Rodrigo. "You fucked up." He whispered loudly.

Fitz pushed the button again. "You're getting a fucking raise, Rodrigo." Jax's voice clear as day.

"Sir, he has…"

"I DON'T GIVE A SHIT WHAT HE HAS!" Fitz tossed the burner phone to the wall, and it broke into pieces. He grabbed Rodrigo by the shirt collar. His face not even an inch apart from his. "You fucked with my family, you're lucky I am going to spare your life. I hope that raise can support your sorry ass." He let go, Rodrigo falling to the ground.

Tom opened the door. Fitz walked towards him. "Get him out of here. I want him the fuck out of my state before I arrest his ass on any and every charge I can make up."

"Yes sir."

Fitz walked out into the corridor and stopped just shy of opening the main doors where the legislators were waiting for him. He pulled out his phone and made a call.

"Hi" her voice answered, and Fitz smiled.

"Hi, how's my Livvie and Grant?"

"We are good. Erin and I are just heading out, everything ok?"

Fitz looked up at the double doors. "Just about to enter with the legislators, this could be hours. I wanted to hear your voice."

"Aww, well, I love hearing your voice." Liv smiled into the phone.

"Enjoy your time with Erin, is Huck with you?"

"Yes Governor, Huck and Toby."

"Ah, yes, young Toby. He's Evan's son, be nice to him."

"I'm nice to everyone."

"Sure you are, Babe Ruth, love you."

"Love you more."

Fitz opened the door and watched as the 80 legislators stood up eyeing his walk to the front of the room. It's going to be a long ass day, he thought, but smiled, because that's just what he wanted. "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, let's begin."

After an hour of checking out various stores on the Promenade, Liv and Erin had to take a small break. Erin's eyes were wandering, more of a worried look as they took a seat at an outdoor table for a cozy café.

"Mom, what's wrong? Don't be nervous, we are protected." Liv looked over at the corner watching Huck sitting there. He was facing them, and he nodded when he caught her look.

"It's nerve wracking is all. So, do you like what we picked out so far?" Erin sipped her lemonade.

"Four sweaters, two different leggings, three sundresses, and six outfits for Grant, I thought we were looking for sexy but not slutty." Liv laughed picking up her iced tea.

"Over there." Erin pointed. "I just know we'll find it in that store." Liv turned to look.

The store looked so heartwarming from the outside. From the distance they were looking, there were mannequins with dresses in the window. Liv turned back to Erin. "Just like Abby, you have a way with finding the best things where no one else is looking."

"So how was it Liv, how was the pregnancy?" Erin finally asked.

"Up until I was attacked by Chip, things were alright. I missed him so much, my heart hurt, though. I never would have thought I could fall in love overnight, but I did. That was the same weekend you were attacked. I think Jax knew I wasn't around."

Erin nodded. "I remember. That was some pain I felt, but you know it wasn't bad because I knew it was the same pain Chip felt when you attacked him the same way, so I took it as poetic justice." Erin shrugged.

"Only you. Mom. I cried for hours and Fitz stayed with me. He had to to leave eventually, but if I asked him, he would have stayed. Then, I did what I had to do in court, and came back. Two months later I found out I was pregnant. I thought of aborting." She looked at Erin knowing her reaction wouldn't be accepting.

"Olivia Carolyn Pope!"

"I know." Liv put her hand up. "If you could have heard Fitz and his desire to be a father, then in my mind I knew how much Abby wanted to be a mom, and I couldn't. So, I kept him, and it was best decision I ever made. I am so in love with that baby boy."

"He has a lot of people who love him. There are about 40 million others that will love him too." Erin was talking about introducing him to the state.

"I have mixed emotions about that. I want the state to embrace Fitz, to see what love he has as a father, that he understands the needs of parents. On the other hand, I want Grant only for us, for my immediate circle." Liv shrugged. "It should be an interesting week."

"Have you stopped being a lawyer completely to be a full time mom?"

"No, actually, I am helping out at women's shelters. I did one visit last week, and next week I'll do my second visit. It's a tribute to Abby." Liv looked down. "Help them as much as I can and get the fuckers that abuse them behind bars, in the cages they belong in."

Erin reached out for Liv's hand. "You're never going to forgive yourself, are you?" She rubbed her hand. "If it's what you want to do, do it, but don't do it out of guilt. You understand?"

"I understand." Liv whispered. "But I am going to begin a fund in Abby's name, in conjunction with the Governor's office, to help get abused women back on their feet."

Erin smiled as she got up. "Giving my girl a legacy."

Walking towards the store now, holding the bags they already had Erin finally brought him up. "You're afraid of what Jax may do to Grant, aren't you?"

Liv stopped in her tracks. "He knows about him, he hates Fitz, and yes, I am afraid, and I'm afraid for you Mom. I'm afraid when he finds out you are in state, he will come for you. I'm being honest with you."

Erin continued walking. "You think I don't know that. He has taken everything from me except the air I breathe. I'm not afraid of him, and I can't wait until he sees the Governor with his beautiful, stunning, girlfriend at the mayor's ball." Erin looked in the store window. "Wearing that!" She pointed at a an extravagant dress, pulling Liv in with her.

Demp finally had enough of the assembly, of the session, of the whole damn working for hours on a fucking Friday. "This is enough, Governor Grant, you made your point. It's time to end the fiasco."

The hall grew silent, the first time in five hours there was silence. Fitz looked over at Demp. His chest went up with a slight laugh and he rubbed his forehead bringing his hand down his face to his chin. "And I told you the other day, genius, what's your solution?"

"Well, it's not calling out the executives of the oil companies, Governor, that's just ridiculous."

Fitz walked a bit closer to him. "Is it now?" He looked at Demp up and down. He faced the other Senators watching the scene unfold cautiously. "You know, if you look closely, you can see the tattoo."

"What tattoo?" Demp smirked. "I don't have any tattoo."

Knowing what a woman in power did to Demp, angered him, Fitz teased a bit. "Garces, come here please?" Keona Garces stood up, walking towards the Governor. She squinted when Fitz pointed to Demp's forehead. "You see that Keona?"

Keona didn't know what to say so she waited. "Clear as day, it says Jax Putney." He moved his finger from left to right in the air in front of Demp's forehead.

"Oh yeah," Keona whispered. "Now that you pointed it out."

"Sit down Garces, kiss ass." Demp said in anger.

Fitz handed him the paper he had spent time writing. "Take this to the media podium out front and read it."

Demp looked it over and handed it to Sanderson. "Not a chance in hell in Governor, read it yourself."

"Oh, I plan to, after the bill is passed, but I am giving you the opportunity to call out the money makers. Make them sit with us for hours, have an open hearing, have them explain the gas prices to the people. Why won't you do it?" Fitz waited.

Demp finally sat down and whispered under his breath. "You're a fucking jerk."

Fitz leaned closer to Demp's ear. "I've been called worse by better."

Knowing she was in a tight race in her district to win her seat back, Sandra Fletcher was the next name Fitz called out. "Sandra, care to do the honors."

"Absolutely, Governor, it would be my pleasure."

Within minutes, Jax Putney, Woodson Kramer, and Conrad Drent's faces and pictures were all over the news networks.

BREAKING: Senator Sandra Fletcher has just called out the three CEO's from the oil companies, inviting them to an open session in the state Capitol to discuss the soaring prices of gasoline and price gouging. This is unprecedented, and mind you very bold for the Senator to do. She just put the ball in their court, will the answer. We'll continue to update the story as it develops.

"People, go enjoy your weekend. I'll see you back here on Monday. We'll discuss the free high speed internet access we're giving to people around California. Demp will be accompanying me to San Diego to get it started. See you then."

Demp low key gave Fitz the middle finger. Fitz laughed. With the hall clearing out, Demp walked over to Fitz. "I don't know what it is, but I know Jax has something on you. You better watch yourself with him, he's not to be played with. Didn't your daddy teach you that?"

Fitz grinded his teeth together. He took a deep breath, as he saw Tom and Luther approaching. He licked his lips. "You going to the mayor's ball, Scott?"

"I'll be there." Demp said walking away.

"Good, you're in for a big surprise."

"Will you stop crying, mom."

"It's the perfect dress. I knew it when I saw it. This is going to blow him away, blow the people away." She hugged Liv before they got in the car to head back to the ranch.

Liv had to admit she looked damn good in the dress, Erin picked it in no time and it was the perfect fit. Her body felt the chill as she thought of walking into the ball with it on. "It is perfect, mom."

Liv looked over in the garden when the car came to a stop. Fitz was there holding Grant on his lap. Grant was facing the garden, and Fitz was kissing his cheek. He saw Liv get out and waved to her, signaling her to come over.

"That's his thinking garden. I'll see you later for dinner." Liv kissed Erin's cheek. "I had a great time, mom."

"Me too." Erin waved to Fitz walking into the house.

Kissing his little head of curls, Grant was tossing his hands in the air. "Looks like you had a day."

"I had a day." He kissed her cheek as she sat next to him staring out at the garden. "Did you get a dress?"

"I sure did, and governor, will it ever." Liv shivered not finishing.

"Wow." He said.

"I had a good time with Erin. I needed that Fitz."

Liv's phone buzzed. She looked at the display, then looked at Fitz. Fitz crossed his eyebrows. "What is it?"

Liv's finger went up as she answered. "Ok, just calm down. Don't say anything and I'll meet you there. Give me a little time, I'm on my way."

Fitz stood up with Grant. "Liv, what's going on?"

"You know Fitz, sometimes your revenge on Jax turns out to backfire and those that least expect it get hurt in the crossfire."

"What are you talking about?"

"Joyce Waters has just been arrested for the murder of Andres Travez. I'm going to meet her at a San Diego police station." Liv walked towards the house.

Fitz turned Grant towards him. "Mommy doesn't know it yet, but this is exactly what I wanted to happen. She's going to be mad though when she finds out. Stick with me kid, ok, we'll take good care of mommy."

"What the hell do you mean free to go? How am I free to go, I was arrested for impersonating a cop, I didn't lawyer up yet, how am I free to go, I don't want to go." Andres stared at the detective holding the door open for him.

"Yeah, some misunderstanding, and adios my friend, you're outta here. Good luck, and our apologies."

'No," Andres pleaded. "This was Jax Putney, hold me for 24 more hours, he's going to kill me."

The detective pat Andres on the shoulder. "Relax, man, stop being so stressed. Your brother is here to take you."

Andres breathed a sigh of relief. "Rafael, thank God." He walked over to him. "Take me far away from California."

"You fucked up big time Hermano, Jax is on the warpath."

"You don't think I know that? I need to get far away. He's going to have me killed."

"He wants you to do one thing, just one and this whole thing will go away."

Andres tried to calm his breathing, his heart racing. "What?"

"Apologize to Joyce Waters. He doesn't want this getting out, but the woman already is in a bind, she can't go to the mayor's ball and she was supposed to be Jax's ticket in there."

"I know, I know." He looked out the window as they approached the airport. "So, are you ok with it. She's willing to meet you and accept your apology, will you do it?"

"Fine, tell him it's fine." They boarded Jax's private plane, and Andres had no idea it would be one of the last things he did in his life. He should have known better, but he never thought, not in a million years that his own brother would kill him.

This is how Jax Putney played his games though. Revenge was best served cold, and he needed revenge for losing five million dollars. Rafael was given the orders to kill him, set the body up in Joyce's bedroom, have her charged with the murder.

It would be self defense of course, and his candidate would come out looking like a victim. When he got the phone call, he would send Leslie Alum there to be her lawyer and this would play right into his hands. She couldn't attend the mayor's ball if she is straightening out her legal problems, but sure enough she would come out strong, and on the side now for those that have been victims of domestic abuse.

He never knew Joyce Waters met Olivia Pope. Jax never guessed she would call Olivia over him, but Joyce did, and when the call from Joyce never came, Jax wondered what the hell was going on. His phone rang, but it wasn't Joyce.

"Dez, what the fuck is happening?"

"She lawyered up, alright, but it's not Leslie."

"Who?"

"Boss, you're not going to believe this."

With grinded teeth Jax banged the table he was sitting at. "Olivia fucking Pope."

There was no more for Dez left to say.

"Liv?" Fitz put Grant into his cradle. He sat next to Liv on the bed. "you ok with this?"

She put her forehead on Fitz's shoulder. "I don't know." She whispered. "She's desperate, she's sounds so scared.""

Fitz's lips kissed the top of her head. "She called the best." Liv looked up at him.

Wrapping her arms around him, burying her face in the crook of his neck, she took a deep breath. "I have to go." She put her lips on to his, kissing him gently.

After the beating Joyce received from Andres, there was no way she would be fit to run a rigorous campaign against Sanderson. Jax wouldn't have it any other way, Fitz was sure of it. He would make her use the abuse for his advantage to get her the Senate seat.

Fitz had no way of knowing Jax was going to use Andres's brother to kill him, but he did know Jax would have him killed. He didn't think that he would set Joyce up for the murder, but Jax always did have his own agenda.

He watched Liv kiss Grant, felt her hand rub his back, and grab her bag. Huck followed her out, and Fitz gestured over to Luther, who went along with them. Fitz felt better having two with her. He would have to sit back and wait now, having all the confidence in Olivia.

In a darkened room, the only light coming from the small desk lamp, the pages of a photo album were being turned. There was twenty years of head shots, group photos, and newspaper clippings. Each photo of Jax Putney, each one with a slit across his face.

"One day" a hand rubbed each slit and turned the page, "from the day you hurt me and threatened who I loved the most, I have been planning your death."

The picture came now onto Jax with his arm around a young Chip. A knife went down the middle and Chip was cut out, his picture falling to the floor. "One Putney down, one more to go, although I'll never be free of you, will I?"

The final picture in the book was a news clipping. A smiling Jax Putney in front of his Jax Refinery sign. This picture wasn't slit yet, and the knife went down the middle. "You may not know the day you're going to die, Mr. Putney, but I do, and I can't wait to see you take your last breath." The photo album closed and the light was turned off, leaving Jax's soon to be killer in the darkness that had been consuming the days for over 25 years.