When they arrived Fitz's high school reunion was in full swing. The room was packed, the music was loud and the chatter of voices was audible. Fitz held Olivia's hand as they walked while Gerry and Catherine were in tow. They were immediately greeted by a group of his basketball teammates as they tried to head to their table.
"Fitz-" one of the men yelled before the other rushed over. "Prom king!"
Fitz shook his head and laughed as they came, full of excitement. "What's going on man?"
"Nothing," Fitz said with a smile then gestured to Olivia, "this is my girlfriend Olivia."
"Hi Olivia," the group said collectively.
Olivia smiled and waved, "Hi. it's so nice to meet you all."
Catherine walked over, "hi, boys, it's been a while."
"Hey Mrs. Grant," they said. "Hey, Coach."
Gerry waved, "it's been a while since I've heard from you boys," Gerry said as he exchanged hugs with the group.
"So, what's going on?" Fitz asked. "Are we all 30 now or is it just me?"
"I think we've all crossed the bridge, although 30 is treating some of us better than others. Last I heard, you were in Europe getting richer and richer by the minute?" one of his teammates said.
"Who told you that?" Fitz asked.
"It's all anyone talks about," another said. "We know you chipped in a lot for the reunion."
"My mom forced me," Fitz said with a half smile.
"Still," another teammate said. "It's great to see you."
"It's great to see you too. All of you," Fitz said. "We had a great couple of years."
"Did you?" one of them teased. "You were always working so damn hard, you barely got to fool around with the rest of us."
Fitz shrugged and chuckled, "I worked hard and played hard."
"I'm not that convinced about the playing-" one teased and the group burst into laughter.
"Wait- was I boring?" Fitz asked suddenly.
"Yes!" the group yelled.
"Shit- " Fitz said with a groan.
They laughed and continued socializing with the group until when they broke up. Fitz made the rounds with Olivia, reconnecting with old high school teachers and friends. At the end, he took her to their table and pulled the chair out for her to sit. When she sat down, he sat on the chair next to her.
"This is really nice. Your mom did a good job, it looks great in here and it seems you're the superstar here, prom king."
Fitz smiled, "there's nothing Catherine loves more than planning something especially when she'll be the center of attention. Be prepared for an over-the-top baby shower."
Olivia laughed, "that's not the worst thing in the world, in fact, I'm excited."
"I knew you would be," he countered.
She smiled and leaned against him, "baby, I'm starving."
Fitz chuckled and stood, "I'll find you something."
"Thank you," she said what a flutter of her lashes.
As Fitz stepped off she leaned back against the chair and caressed her tiny belly, content to wait for him but moments later Catherine approached her with a group of women.
"I couldn't let you leave without introducing you to my gorgeous future daughter-in-law and the newest member of our family," Catherine said with a grin to the group of women as she gestured to Olivia, "this is Olivia. Olivia, these are my old friends from my PTA days, Karen, Susan, and Nancy."
Olivia stood and smiled and outstretched her hand, "it's so nice to meet you."
All the women shook her hand and returned the greeting.
"Catherine tells us you and Fitzgerald are expecting, what an adorable little baby bump," one of the women said.
Olivia smiled, "thank you. We're very excited."
"How has it been so far? I know all four of my pregnancies were hell," another said.
"It's been great. I'm nervous about the birth but I think all moms are."
The group laughed, "absolutely."
"Don't worry darling, I'll be right there to help you through it," Catherine said. "Where is my son?"
"Oh, he went to get me food."
"Good, he's being useful," Catherine said and Olivia chuckled at her quip. "Anyhow, we'll leave you alone."
Olivia nodded with a polite smile and sat once again. The group of women stepped off.
"She's absolutely gorgeous," one of them said as they walked. Olivia could still hear.
Catherine laughed, "she's just the sweetest thing ever and a brain surgeon, Nancy, I mean- I'm just so proud and she actually went to Harvard which means that there's a decent chance that my grandaughter will probably attend Harvard as well."
"Wow-"
Olivia chuckled at their conversation but their voices began to fade the further away they walked. Catherine reminded her of Maya whenever she would boast to her friends and the moment she thought of her mother she quickly shoved it from her mind, trying not to dwell on missing her. When she turned Fitz was approaching her with a plate and a drink. He sat it on the table in front of her. It consisted of an assortment of hors d'oeuvres and a glass of rose-flavored sparkling lemonade.
"Dig in," he said. "I need you to get fat."
She chuckled and shook her head, "you're very supportive."
"Eat before I feed it to you."
"Okay, okay," she said as she quickly stuffed a croquette in her mouth and chewed. They sat together for a while as Olivia ate her food and drank her lemonade. Fitz watched her and smiled until she finished then he helped her up from the chair.
"Wait-" Olivia said as she grabbed his hand but didn't move.
"What?" He said.
"I'm gassy- I have to fart," she whispered.
He chuckled, "so fart."
"Not here. What if it stinks?"
"It's fart- it probably will."
Olivia groaned as she rubbed her belly, "let's go outside."
Fitz leaned down close to her face, grinning amused, "fart right now."
"Shut up- no-what if someone comes over-"
"Do it-"
Her stomach growled and Fitz guffawed.
"Why is she doing this to me?" Olivia whimpered.
"You're doing it to yourself," he said, unable to stop smiling. "Let's go."
They headed towards the exit. As they were leaving Gerry approached them, "son, you aren't leaving, are you?"
"No, I'm just taking Olivia outside to make her pregnancy farts. We'll be right back."
"Well don't tell anyone-" Olivia complained.
Gerry laughed.
"Come," Fitz said.
Olivia rushed out with him until she was just out of the auditorium in the parking lot.
"Let it out," he said.
Olivia grabbed his hand but it took her a moment before she could pass gas.
"Do you feel better?"
"No- maybe just a little."
"Do you want to stay out here for a while?" he asked.
She nodded.
Fitz turned her around and held her against his chest and rubbed circles into her belly and seconds later there was another one. They both laughed.
"I think one more and I feel fine," she said.
Fitz rubbed the sides of her stomach then moved under her belly and rubbed there too. Almost a minute later she farted again.
"Done," she said with a grin as she leaned up and kissed him. He grabbed her and kissed her back. "Are you ready to go back in?"
She nodded and they headed back inside. Catherine and Gerry were at their table and as they approached. Gerry smiled, "Olivia, are you better?"
She could feel Fitz's grin behind her and playfully pushed him without looking. "Yes, I got it all out."
Fitz laughed again.
"At least I'm pregnant? What's your excuse for farting up the bed every morning?"
"I don't need an excuse because I'm proud of it."
She covered her mouth and laughed and in response, Fitz kissed her shoulder and wrapped his arms around her.
"Can we leave now?" Fitz asked.
"No," Catherine said, "you have to wait until they play the video."
"What video?"
"A video of footage from your four years of school. It's a whole mash-up and it's great so you have to see it," Catherine insisted. "It should start in a couple of minutes."
"Okay," he said with a nod.
Olivia laughed excitedly, "I can't wait to see it."
A woman approached them with a man beside her. She was very beautiful, tall, and slender though she didn't particularly have a good fashion sense. She walked to Catherine and gave her a hug. "Hi Cat," she said softly, then she hugged Gerry as well.
"Hi, Jade, I haven't seen you since the wedding, how have you been?"
She smiled. "I've been great, this is my husband Connor, I'm sure you remember him from the wedding" she introduced. He was very skinny and tall and though not classically handsome he had a kind face.
"Hello again," Connor said as he outstretched his hand to Catherine and then to Gerry. "Thank you so much for such a generous wedding gift. We really appreciate it. Fiji was amazing. We had the time of our lives."
"You're very welcome," Catherine said with a smile. "I've known Jade since she was a pre-teen so it's the least we could do. I think every couple should have a spectacular honeymoon. It's the best way to begin a marriage."
Jade smiled and nodded and turned to Fitz, "Hi Fitz- Connor this is Fitz, my old high school boyfriend."
His eyes opened wider just momentarily before he reached and shook Fitz's hand. "I've heard a lot about you."
"All bad things, I'm sure," Fitz quipped playfully.
Connor laughed but didn't deny it. After shaking Fitz's hand he shook Olivia's and greeted her. "Nice to meet you-"
"This is my girlfriend Olivia," Fitz said.
Olivia nodded and smiled. "It's nice to meet you too," she said then she stretched her hand to Jade but Jade just stared at her hand with an icy tight-lipped smile.
Catherine's smile turned into a frown as she witnessed the interaction but was then distracted when her phone rang. She stepped away and so did Gerry to escape whatever conversation was about to happen.
Fitz raised an eyebrow and Olivia clearly understood Jade's intent to be rude and pulled back her hand with a small smirk. Jade turned to Fitz, "so how have you been?"
"Olivia stretched her hand to you and you ignored it," he said, deciding not to just let the awkward moment hang in the air but rather to address it. "That's a very weird thing to do considering you were the one who approached us."
"I don't know her," Jade said.
"If you knew her then a handshake would be unnecessary, wouldn't it?"
"It's okay," Olivia said with a chuckle. "I probably will never see her again so a meeting isn't that important."
"Actually, I was rude, I apologize," Jade said as she stretched her hand to Olivia but this time it was Olivia who didn't return the gesture. "I appreciate your apology," she said with a small smile.
Jade shrugged.
"So you and my wife dated in high school huh," Connor began after watching the very awkward exchange.
Fitz nodded after deciding to let it go. "Yes we did."
Connor nodded, "congratulations, by the way." He said, gesturing to Olivia.
"Thank you," Fitz said as he wrapped his arm around Olivia's shoulder. "Thank you," Olivia said as well.
"Oh- you're pregnant?" Jade asked. "I thought you were just fat."
Olivia smiled, finding a bit of pleasure in how obviously hostile Jade was being. She was clearly jealous and it was even funnier that she was behaving that way beside her husband. "Fitz has been trying to fatten me up because I'm underweight-" she turned to him, "I guess it's working."
Fitz laughed, "it's not working fast enough, I need you fatter."
Olivia laughed and rested her head on his shoulder.
Jade plastered an icy, sideways smile on her face, "congratulations. I wouldn't get pregnant without being married but everyone is different I guess."
"Yes," Olivia said as she caressed her belly, "everyone is."
"So uh, what do you do for a living?" Connor asked Fitz.
"Real Estate," Fitz said. "You?"
"I'm a teacher at your old high school," Connor said. "History. That's how I met Jade, she teaches there too."
"Oh," Fitz said.
"What about you Olivia?"
"I'm a neurosurgery resident at Massachusetts general hospital," Olivia said.
Jade's eyes opened wide but she quickly caught herself. "How do you find time to do anything?" Jade asked.
"It's definitely hard with the hours I work but luckily I'm able to pool my days off together so I can do things like this," Olivia said. "And Fitz's isn't working right now so that makes it easier to find time to do things as well."
"The job market is tough, hopefully, you find something soon," Connor said.
"Oh, I'm not in need of a job- I work for myself and I've stepped aside from running my companies so I can spend time with Olivia until our daughter comes. I still have my general managers and executives running things so this is something I can do."
"Oh-" Connor said. "You're lucky- you said you work in real estate right so what does that mean- we're looking for a house but they're so expensive in areas where we want to live. Is that something that your company can help with?"
"No," Fitz said with a chuckle, "in fact you might hate me when you realize I'm just a glorified landlord. I gobble up properties and see how much money I can squeeze from them."
Connor laughed, "that was the answer I was hoping not to hear."
"So you guys are in Boston then?" Jade asked. "Last I heard, Fitz, you were in Spain or Europe or something like that."
"Yeah, and now I'm in Boston for my woman."
"We actually just bought a house there which has been really exciting so good luck with your search, hopefully, you find your dream home."
"That's hard to do in California when you have a tight budget," Connor said. "If you don't mind me asking, what was the process like?"
"Um- Fitz might be better to answer this than I am. He paid for the whole thing. I just told him if I wanted it or not."
Connor laughed, "back to you Fitz."
He chuckled, "uhh I had my agent search for a few properties in the area we wanted to live in. He brought some options for us to tour. Olivia fell in love with the first one we saw and we bought it."
"What was the process of purchasing like?"
"I bought this property in cash and so within a couple of weeks, we owned it. I outsourced all the work and so really all we did was sign some papers."
"Are you happy with the home?"
"It's stunning," Olivia said. "I love it."
"Was it above or below your budget? I'm just trying to temper our expectations," Connor said.
"There was no budget and to be honest- I'm not even sure how much it cost," Olivia said with an awkward chuckle as she looked at Fitz.
"Um- under 10," Fitz said. "The whole thing."
"10 million?" Connor said with a gasp.
Fitz shrugged and laughed, "anything Olivia wants she gets and that was the house she wanted."
Olivia blushed and giggled, "we're trying to get it renovated before our daughter comes so that's one less thing we have to worry about with a newborn."
Connor nodded and smiled, "well you guys are way ahead of us but we're getting there."
"Well they're not even married yet hunny, I think we're fine," Jade said.
"I think that when Olivia and Fitz are ready to marry they'll do just that," Catherine said from behind Jade. "I'm a little disappointed Jade. I've never seen you behave like this, much less act so hostile towards someone who's been nothing but gracious to you."
"-Cathe-"
"I think it might be best to cut this gathering short. I see no reason to continue-" Catherine turned to Fitz and Olivia. "The video will start soon my darlings. You might get a better view a bit closer to the stage."
Fitz nodded and took Olivia's hand as he headed in Catherine's direction and followed her. As they walked Olivia saw a grin on his lips, "did you know that was gonna happen."
He laughed, "after the initial handshake thing I was sure Catherine would come back showing her teeth."
"Is she the one you cheated on?"
Fitz nodded. "But don't say it like that. I was 19," he defended.
"Is she still upset about that because I can't tell if she's mad that you're the jerk that cheated on her or if she's mad she's not still with you?"
"The last conversation I had with her was of her trying to reconcile our relationship and that was a couple years ago."
"What did you say?"
"I wasn't interested. A high school relationship that ended over a decade ago shouldn't be the cause of this much fucking drama. I apologized to her multiple times for cheating and so I don't really have anything else to say to her regarding that."
Olivia nodded.
They headed to the stage where a large projector screen was. Most of the people in the room gathered there as well. They stood waiting until the video began playing. Olivia smiled as she watched clips and pictures from Fitz's time in high school. He was in a good chunk of the clips. Some were of him being silly, others were of him playing basketball at games or practice, and there were some of him and Jade together but it didn't bother Olivia to see.
After the video ended the room applauded. Fitz was ready to leave and as he was ready to approach Catherine she came to him. "Come on honey. I know you're ready."
Fitz laughed, "you know me well mom."
After stopping at a bar for drinks and food Fitz and Olivia headed back to their hotel while Gerry and Catherine headed home after failing to convince them to come and spend the rest of their stay at the house.
In the morning when Olivia woke Fitz was just returning from a jog on the beach. He was covered in sweat so much that his t-shirt clung to his body and his hair was slicked back. She was still in bed, covered in sheets when he opened french doors from the terrace. She smiled when she saw him.
"You timed that perfectly. I was just about to call you."
"I woke up with an erection and no matter how much I tried to wake you, you couldn't stay up so I decided to run it off."
"And did you?"
"Fuck no," he said with a laugh.
"Mmm- come over here then. I want you all wet and sweaty," Olivia said as she pushed her sheets from her body. Fitz smiled and pulled off his shirt then kicked off his sneakers as he walked to her. He stopped at the edge of the bed and Olivia sat up and pushed down his sweat shorts and boxers. Fitz leaned her back on the bed and kissed her as he positioned himself between her legs. Olivia giggled as ran her hands up his body. "You are so sexy," she whispered against his lips as they kissed.
"Are you ready for me?" he asked.
"I woke up ready. Why do you think I was looking for you?"
He grinned as he grabbed her thigh and opened her legs wider and sank into her. She was already naked from the night. When he felt her, she was hot in between her legs and that was his favorite part of morning sex, how hot she was when she just woke.
Olivia bit her lips and grabbed his ass and shoved him deeper. Fitz pressed his body against her so she could feel his moist, sweaty skin.
Olivia kissed down his neck and sucked against his collar where he liked.
"Mmm…" he groaned then he suddenly began thrusting fast and hard.
"Ahhh-" Olivia cried out in response as she grabbed his back and squeezed him tight. "Oh my god- I need you deeper."
He pushed deeper until he heard her choke on her breath but never slowed his thrusts, "is that deep enough?" he said breathlessly as he continued to ride her.
"Yes-" she choked out. "God-yes I'm cuming." She moved her hands down to his hips and held him as he rolled his hips in and out of her and moments later they came in unison.
Fitz laughed as he tried to catch his breath and pulled out slowly. "This cream pie was extra wet."
"Yes it was," she said with a chuckle as she reached down between her legs and ran her fingers between her wet lips. Fitz slipped his finger inside her and then brought it up to her lips. She smiled and sucked his wet fingers, dripping in both their fluid.
"I want anal," Olivia said.
Fitz groaned, "I can't handle your tight little ass right now. Besides, anal is for special occasions."
"It's not," Olivia countered.
"It is when your pussy is tight and perfectly functional," he said as he stretched as stood then headed to the bathroom. Olivia sat up and grabbed her phone from the bed and checked her notifications. She saw a text from Abby and another from Catherine. She checked Catherine's text.
Catherine Grant: Since you two won't be flying back until the evening I wanted to steal you away to go shopping for the baby."
Olivia smiled and texted back that she would love to then she checked Abby's text.
Abby: Hey, the chef sent me an invoice for almost $1500 for the dinner party. I didn't know she'd charge that much. Why didn't you tell me she was so expensive?
Olivia groaned and texted back.
Olivia: I told you she charged separately for that stuff. If it's too much, tell her to send the invoice to me. Happy Birthday!
Olivia locked her phone and stood from the bed. She heard the shower turn on in the bathroom but before she could step off she heard another text chime. She checked it and saw a text from Abby.
Abby: thanks! Luv ya!
Olivia shrugged and headed for the bathroom. She clipped up her hair and peed before she stepped into the shower with Fitz.
"Hey beautiful," he said as he pulled her back against his chest and wrapped his arms around her little belly.
"What are we gonna do today?" he asked as he kissed her shoulder and then traced kisses up her neck.
Olivia smiled, "I'm ditching you to go shopping for our daughter with your mom."
Fitz chuckled, "wow, my dad wanted to go horseback riding and I told him to fuck off because I planned to spend the day with you and you're gonna ditch me?"
"That's right," Olivia said.
Fitz laughed and spanked her ass lightly.
"Mmm..do it again."
He bent her over slightly and spanked her again and she laughed and turned around. "God, I love you."
He kissed her softly on the lips, "I love you too."
After they finished their shower they both dressed and headed over to Catherine and Gerry's house.
It was just 4pm when they returned. Fitz has both his arms full of shopping bags. Olivia walked in behind him and headed straight to the bed and plopped down. "Just a tiny nap before we have to fly back," she said as she kicked off her shoes. "I didn't know your mom was such a vigorous shopper."
Fitz dropped the bags on the floor.
"I warned you."
"Shut up," Olivia mumbled half asleep.
"You have an hour before we have to head to the plane," Fitz said.
"Come sleep with me?" Olivia said as she stretched for him.
Fitz walked to her arms and lay beside her on the bed. He held her until she fell asleep then he got up and kept himself busy until it was time to wake her for their flight.
They landed in Boston in the night and headed straight to their apartment. She had fallen asleep on the drive home so he carried her from the parking garage in the basement of their building up to bed. Once he laid her down he pulled off her shoes and jacket and covered her under the blanket. Once he got himself ready for bed and he joined her and cuddled her until he fell asleep.
In the morning she woke at 4:30 for her 6am shift. She showered and dressed and it was just after 5am when she climbed beside Fitz on the bed to wake Fitz.
"Baby," she said softly. "It's time to drop me to work."
He squinted and yawned. "I'm up."
Olivia crawled on top of him and kissed him. "Can I give you a blow job before we go?"
"Why is that even a question, Livie?"
She giggled and leaned up and moved down to his groin. She pulled his semi-erect penis from his pajama pants and slowly massaged him with her hands, moving them up and down his shaft. It took him seconds to stiffen completely and once he did she sucked him until he ejaculated in her mouth. She swallowed him and eased up so he could get ready. He sat up and pulled up his pajama pants then he pulled her back on the bed and kissed her belly. "What time should I come for the consultation with the surgeon?" Fitz asked.
"She said that anytime after noon works so once I'm sure about a specific time I'll text you. She's doing consults so she's gonna try to fit us in."
Fitz nodded and kissed her belly again, "hopefully it's good."
Olivia nodded and caressed his cheek, "it will be."
Fitz stood and headed to the bathroom to freshen up before dropping her to work. It was a quick drive and when they arrived he parked in front of the curb. "Go get 'em tiger."
Olivia groaned, "Stop saying that!"
Fitz chortled, amused. "Why are you arguing with me? Go get 'em!"
Olivia laughed and punched him lightly on the arm. "Goodbye..and start thinking of baby names."
"What's your first choice?" he asked with a smile.
Olivia smiled, "Freya. You?"
"Sienna."
Olivia gasped, "I love that. When did you think of that one?"
"When I found out we were having a daughter. Duh."
Olivia smiled, "that's the one to beat."
"M-hm," Fitz said as he leaned over and kissed her softly. "Now go get 'em."
She chuckled and opened the door and stepped out then headed inside the hospital. As usual, a guard came in with her. They'd been working with hospital security since Marco hurt her. She headed up to the locker room to change into her scrubs and then she headed out for pre-rounds.
Just after noon, she got confirmation of an appointment time with Dr. Bee and then texted Fitz to let him know. She continued to work until Fitz texted her that she was close and she went down to the lobby to meet him.
He was dressed in black chinos, a gray sweatshirt, and a black puff jacket. She waited as he sauntered across the large room towards her and immediately caressed her cheek and hugged her then kissed her.
"Hey baby," she said with a smile.
"How's your day been so far?"
"I'm avoiding Abby because I'm annoyed at her about the dinner party thing."
"Because she stuck you with the bill?" he said with a chuckle.
"I offered but I'm still annoyed because I feel like if I didn't we'd be fighting about amounts of money that make me look cheap or mean if I don't pay it. I'm tired of fighting with her because we just fought about money but I need to have a firm boundary. I hate that she had a stupid dinner party and then acted surprised that Simone gave her a bill at the end of it after I told her she would."
"It's hard to set boundaries especially when people feel entitled to your money."
"What should I do?"
"Don't ask me look at fucking Arianna? I'm sure you'll figure it out though."
"The problem is it's not my money- it's yours because that invoice is just gonna be added onto her pay. I gave her $20,000 of my money and she didn't want to use it for her party. What am I supposed to do with that?"
"Don't bail her out next time. She's gonna do it again and it's gonna be bigger."
Olivia nodded, "not looking forward to it."
"Yeah, but at least you'll be prepared."
Fitz kissed her against her temple, "enough about your annoying redhead friend. Let's go hear what the doctor has to say."
Olivia nodded and headed to the patient elevators to the women, infants, and children ward. They waited for just a few minutes before they were called in by Dr. Bee. They left the waiting area and headed towards the examination room but Olivia stopped just outside the door and took a deep breath.
"Hey," Fitz said as he caressed her cheek, "don't be nervous."
Olivia nodded and let out a breath then stepped into the room with Fitz in tow.
Dr. Bee immediately walked to greet them."Dr. Pope, it's good to see you and - Fitz- I remembered the name because it's Celtic and my husband is Irish and his name is Fitzthomas- and he hates it. "
"God- I have a deep and singular hatred of my name as well and would you believe it if I told you my middle name is Thomas-"
She laughed."You would get along with my husband," she said.
"Dr. Pope, you know the drill," Dr. Bee said. She was a small, dark-skinned woman with a low afro. She had a big smile and a kind face that made her beautiful. "She's my favorite resident but that maternal/fetal medicine rotation did a number on you, didn't it?"
Olivia smiled, "yes, I hated it and now here I am."
Fitz helped her to climb onto the exam table. She sat back and pulled up her scrub shirt and the long sleeve shirt she had under it.
Dr. Bee slipped on a pair of gloves while her medical assistant was on standby right behind her getting the ultrasound machine ready.
"So I've had a few difficult placenta previa cases. Placenta accreta is a bit rarer but I actually focused on that in a good chunk of my research year."
"So you're kind of like an expert?" Fitz asked.
"You could say that," she said.
"So what are we in for? Please be honest," Fitz asked. The silent worry in his voice caused Olivia to turn to him to make sure he was okay.
Dr. Bee took a breath, "the miracle here is that it was diagnosed so quickly and the curse here is that it developed so quickly."
Fitz took a breath, "I remember dr. Fencer saying that it can get worse."
"It can, which is what makes me nervous but like I said we caught it early so we can monitor it and change the birth plan as we go if it progresses."
"Worst case scenario?" Fitz said.
Dr. Bee looked to Olivia for permission before she spoke. Olivia nodded and then she continued.
"She already has complete placenta previa. The Worst case scenario is that the placenta grows even deeper into her cervix which causes a steady stream of bleeding that's hard to control while also growing into the uterus and into surrounding organs. Once I have you on a table in front of me Olivia you'll be in good hands but the problem is if there's an accident, if you fall and the placenta separates or tears or if you go into preterm labor, if you start to hemorrhage or even worse if you develop a secondary condition like preeclampsia which is likely to happen with placenta previa."
Fitz ran his hand through his hair and took a deep breath.
"Is there any good news?"
"I'm her doctor and she's a doctor herself. She's young and healthy and she has the means to take care of herself. All of these things matter and are better than the alternative."
Olivia reached for his hand and squeezed it, "it'll be okay. We'll get through this."
"I'm sorry," he said as he kissed her against her hair. "I don't mean to scare you, it's just that I feel like there are 50 million things that could go wrong for this all to turn into a disaster."
"I've dealt with patients who've had everything that could go wrong in placenta previa go wrong and they still made it."
"Have you lost a patient?" Fitz asked.
"I have. One patient and it hurt like hell."
Fitz took her hand and kissed it. "Okay, can we see her now?"
Dr. Bee nodded and smiled, "let's look at the little troublemaker."
Olivia walked him back to the lobby. "So how do you feel?" she asked as they neared the door.
"Better. She's a good doctor."
"I told you."
"I feel safe with her. I've worked with her, and I've seen her in surgery. She's really good. I trust her. I'm gonna loop Dr. Fencer in so we can work together on a birth plan and ideally they'd probably both deliver the baby."
He sighed and looked at the ultrasound picture in his palm and smiled. She was tiny but her silhouette was so pronounced. Her tiny nose and lips and limbs. "If you trust her, I trust her." He caressed her cheek and kissed her softly. "I'll pick you up tomorrow morning?"
Olivia nodded and smiled. "I love you."
"Love you too," Fitz said. "Text me before you go to bed."
"I will," she said with a nod.
Fitz headed to the entrance and stepped out into the cold and walked to his car. He sat in the car for a moment to take a breath before he pulled out of the parking spot and dialed Gerry and put him on speaker.
"Hey, son?"Gerry greeted. "How was the appointment?"
"Good I guess but it doesn't make me feel any better," Fitz said as he merged onto the street traffic.
"What happened?"
"The doctor is fantastic but that doesn't stop me from being scared out of my fucking mind. I'm terrified and I know Olivia's scared too but she's handling this better than I am and I don't know if should make me feel better because she knows a lot more about this stuff than I do so maybe I'm overreacting or if she's handling it better because she's trying to be positive and get through it."
"You still haven't told us how bad it is," Gerry said.
"There's a very real chance that she can die," Fitz said. "I feel like they're trying to downplay that. So many things can go wrong. She can't give vaginal birth under any circumstances because even the doctor admitted that she'd bleed to death instantly if that happened. She can't go into labor. She can't fall, she can't get too stressed because that'll hurt her too…"
"Do you want me to fly out?" Gerry asked worriedly.
"No, no," Fitz said as he drove. "We're fine…I just…if I'd left her alone this wouldn't be happening. I involved her in my shit, I got her pregnant, and now if this pregnancy kills her I…probably wouldn't survive either. I couldn't live with myself."
"Hey- stop that-don't you dare talk like that and don't discount how strong Olivia is. Pregnancies are harder than you or I will ever know but don't give up and don't think like that because it'll only make it so much harder. Your mom went through hell giving birth to you. She passed out during labor which apparently is very rare and when she was done pushing you out you ripped her down to her asshole. she cried for days after and couldn't walk."
"Christ-"
"When she passed out I thought she was dead and that was the most terrifying moment of my life. I forgot she was even pregnant, you know, I hate to say it but you were the last thing on my mind all I cared about was her and after all that, she got through it and she was happy with her 10-pound newborn."
Fitz laughed, "I just want to look back a year from now and feel like I was silly for worrying so much but right now it's hard to get there."
"I hear you and I know how you feel," Gerry said.
Fitz nodded and sighed as he drove down the street toward their apartment.
"I should remind you that the baby is coming at least a month early but the doctor wants to take her at 34 weeks to be safe which is in a little over 3 months. You guys don't have to move here right away because Olivia and I will be with her for those first few months but I know you'll want to be here for the birth."
"I wouldn't want to miss those first few months either. Even if we aren't taking care of her yet we'd still want to help out."
"Well-" Fitz said, "don't tell mom but I'm not even sure we'll be here. I was thinking of taking Olivia away once she and the baby are strong enough to travel- if everything works out-"
"No- no caveats, everything will work out."
Fitz groaned, "you're right, uh, I want to take her to my chateau in France and spend some time with her and the baby."
"Your mother will be in ears that she won't be able to see her granddaughter every second of the day," Gerry said with a chuckle.
"I'm sure her mom will have some complaints as well."
Gerry groaned, "that woman. Is she still around?"
"Olivia refuses to speak to her but I'm sure they'll make up before the baby is here."
"How are you so sure?"
"Because I'm gonna make them."
"Her mother is-"
"Annoying and very nosy and even more intrusive but she really loves her and I don't want her to have to go through such a hard birth without her so I'm gonna have to do it."
"What if she does something like she did at dinner?"
Fitz chuckled, "she told you your son is a shitty person. There's nothing else she can tell you?
Gerry laughed, "you're right."
"I'll talk to you later," he said as he pulled into his parking spot in the garage.
"Alright son," Gerry said before hanging up.
Fitz took a breath before he stepped out of his Mercedes jeep and took the elevator up to his penthouse apartment. The rest of his day was consumed with working with immigration lawyers and preparing to work with the contractors for their home. His goal was to keep himself as busy as possible until it was time to get Olivia.
It was almost a week later when he heard the doorbell buzz as he was eating dinner. Barca already texted him that Maya was on her way up and he was looking forward to seeing her because he needed to speak with her.
He waited until he heard the front door open and moments later Maya called out.
"Hello?"
"In here," Fitz called from the kitchen.
Maya took off her coat and hung it in the closet then headed towards the kitchen to find Fitz sitting at the island eating a large dinner. It consisted of garlic rosemary salmon and sauteed vegetables.
"Are you hungry?" Fitz asked.
Maya nodded.
"Help yourself," he said as he took a sip of his scotch and bit off another piece of his salmon.
Maya walked to the fridge and took a small container of leftover food. Simone usually packed them in little food prep containers. Maya put the container in the microwave and waited awkwardly as it warmed, then took it out and sat beside Fitz on the island after taking a form from the drawer. She began eating and it took a moment before she began.
"How is Olivia?" she asked.
"Olivia is doing great."
"How's my grandbaby?"
"A little underweight but we're trying to fatten her up- Olivia's underweight too so she needs fattening as well."
Maya chuckled, "Olivia was underweight during my pregnancy and so was I, we both did fine."
It was then that it dawned on him.
"Did you have any pregnancy complications?" he asked.
Maya immediately became alarmed, "did something happen?"
He took a breath, realizing that the conversation could get out of hand depending on what Maya says.
"She has placenta previa-"
"I had placenta previa, it went away on its own for me. I also had preeclampsia."
"How bad was it?" Fitz asked.
"I had a little bit of spotting for about a week. I went on bedrest and the spotting went away, a month after that my placenta was in its normal position. I was able to have a normal birth with extra monitoring for preeclampsia."
"Did it block your cervix?"
"Uh-no," Maya said, "it was just low lying but it wasn't complete."
"Hers is complete and it won't go away. She can't have a normal birth, they're gonna have to take the baby at around 34 weeks and in addition to all of that her placenta is growing into her uterus so she'll need to have surgery to remove it."
Maya's eyes filled with tears, "oh my poor baby- are you sure she's okay?"
"She's tough," Fitz said, choking on his word just a bit, "she's tougher than me…I -" He stopped and took a sip of water.
"You feel guilty?" Maya said though it was an observation and not a question.
Fitz smiled humorlessly, "is that obvious?"
"It's all over your face," Maya said, pained.
"I can't lose her and I know you can't lose her either."
Maya closed her eyes and sighed as another stream of tears came down. "At least she's talking to you. She'd walked past me on the street."
"She just needs some time," Fitz said even though he was sure it wasn't what Maya wanted to hear.
"I've been trying to be different, you know," she said as she cleared her throat. "Olivia told me I needed to see someone and I did."
"Has it helped?"
Maya smiled, "it's helped me be even more delusional."
"Oh god," Fitz groaned. "What does that mean?"
She wiped her eyes and shook her head, "that therapist lady says I need to start looking at things a different way. She says I look at things and find the worst possible scenario to act on and internalize."
"Oh-" he said.
"When I went to the dinner I didn't plan on doing what I did. I just lashed out because I was jealous. Your two perfect, rich parents came in and I already felt like a hot mess compared to them then your mom mentioned they'd be watching the baby and I lost it- I was jealous because I wasn't even considered. I didn't have that option."
Fitz shook his head, "You work-"
"Do you think I'd rather spend 10-hour days nannying bratty rich kids or spending time taking care of my first and only granddaughter?"
Fitz chuckled, "all you had to do was ask. That's it. My mom and dad asked, it was that simple. That didn't mean you were excluded from taking care of your granddaughter. That was just something you decided to get mad about."
"That's what my therapist said," Maya replied. "I was upset and because of my pride, it didn't occur to me to ask because that would require me to ask you to help me. I can't watch her and work full time."
"Maya it would be no problem at all to help you out while you're taking care of my daughter."
Maya nodded, "thank you…and you know I wanted to say that apart from what happened at dinner I've been trying- and I didn't tell the therapist this but- everything that happened I'm trying to think differently, instead of being so upset that she was taken I have to realize that it was a good thing it was you instead of someone that would hurt her because the last time it happened she got hurt. She loves you which is scary for me because if this ends badly I know she'll be hurt but you know, you take care of her and you make her happy- she was working herself to death before, and now I've never seen her this happy since she was a little girl" she said then sighed. "I'm trying to be different because I need my daughter."
Fitz reached into his pocket and took out an ultrasound picture from his wallet and handed it to Maya.
She grinned, "when was this from?"
"Last week."
"Can I keep it?" she asked.
He nodded then continued to eat. They sat together in silence eating until they were finished and he dropped her home. He stopped in front of her apartment building and parked as he waited for her to step out. "Keep taking care of her and let me know if anything gets worse with the baby."
Fitz nodded and once she stepped out he waited until he disappeared into her building and then pulled off.
One month passed. It was a month of doctor appointments and consultations and planning the renovations of their home. Olivia's stomach had grown but not enough. She was 25 weeks pregnant. The good news was that she hadn't experienced many physical symptoms from her placenta previa and accreta but the bad news was that the condition was worsening and her cervix was weakening. Her placenta was still growing into her cervix and uterus.
Now she was lying in an exam room at the hospital with her legs spread open on stirrups as Dr. Fencer inspected her cervix one more time before she was to complete the procedure in a few hours. Fitz was beside her., holding her hand.
After a moment Dr. Fencer leaned up and removed her gloves and mask.
"How is it looking?" Olivia asked.
"Not better," she said. "We're gonna have to do the cerclage and I hate to even say this but we'll have to hope it doesn't instigate bleeding."
"I know," Olivia said with a groan, "but I can't go into labor right now so if the bleeding starts it's better to do it with my cervix sewn shut."
Dr. Fencer nodded because that was the consensus between her and dr. Bee. Her cervix was weakening and early vaginal labor was one of their worst-case scenarios. Sewing her cervix shut would prevent that.
"I want to be completely knocked out, I don't want regional anesthesia," Olivia said. "I don't want any pain or discomfort at all."
Dr. Fencer smiled, "Olivia, you've told me this about 10 times now."
"Yeah because in medical school they train us not to take a woman's pain seriously. Men come in here and get anesthesia for an ultrasound on their balls, okay, if my cervix is getting sewn shut I want anesthesia."
"I agree, trust me. I know the bullshit reason they tell us to say- oh it's just a little discomfort blah blah blah, I get it, you will be knocked out cold."
Olivia smiled and lifted her legs from the stirrups, "that's why you're my doctor Addison."
Dr. Fencer laughed and stood, "I'll see you in a few hours. I'm gonna eat something and do some prep for the procedure."
Olivia nodded and leaned up.
"Gently," Dr. Fencer said. "Do everything at half speed."
"That was half-speed," Olivia said.
"Quarter then."
"Okay, okay," she said.
Fitz helped her up slowly so she was sitting up on the bed. Dr. Fencer headed out of the room and left the nurse to fix the bed for Olivia.
"How are you feeling?" Fitz asked.
"Not bad. I just want to get this over with and rest after."
The nurse fixed the bed and moved the stirrups then headed out, leaving them alone.
"Did you eat?" Olivia asked.
"I'll get something later. While they have you."
Olivia nodded and reached for him. Fitz climbed on the bed behind her and wrapped his arms around her belly.
"Is she moving a lot today?"
Olivia nodded, "you know she loves excitement."
He smiled and kissed her shoulder and a few minutes later he dozed off behind her. Olivia laughed when she noticed he fell asleep and then went to sleep as well.
Later in the morning Dr. Fencer and her medical team came to move her to the procedure room. Fitz kissed her goodbye before they took her and once she was off for the procedure he sat on the couch and waited.
Just over an hour later she was back.
"How was it?" Fitz asked.
"It went perfectly," Dr. Fencer said. "She'll need a few hours to sleep off her anesthesia.
Olivia was tucked under blankets and fast asleep.
"Thanks," Fitz said as he stood and talked to Olivia as they placed her bed back in its original spot. "And we'll be here for just a day?"
Dr. Fencer nodded, "yes and we'd like her to have another two days of bed rest before she goes back to work and even then she knows to take it easy. Also, no intercourse for 10 days."
Fitz nodded, "don't worry, there will be no chance of that."
Dr. Fencer laughed, "trust me, you'd be surprised. Anyways I'm gonna hang around until she wakes and we'll be checking on her around every 30 minutes."
Fitz nodded as he leaned over and kissed her forehead.
"Don't worry, she's doing great," she has 2- maybe 2 and a half months left."
Fitz nodded and kissed her again.
He carried her in his arms up the stairs of their apartment.
"Fitz, I can walk," she complained.
"Shut up, dr. Fencer said bed rest, didn't she?"
She laughed, "yeah but-"
"But-but-but," he teased as he continued walking to their room. He walked her to the bed and pulled back the sheets before, gently laying her in and then covering her with the sheets.
"Thank you," she said softly as she caressed his cheek.
Fitz leaned down and kissed her softly, "I just need you to be okay."
Olivia scooted over on the bed, "come lay beside me?"
"First of all, don't move- at all and I stink, I need to shower so let me wash off and then I'm all yours."
Olivia nodded and smiled, "you know I'll need to get up to pee and stuff right?"
"I can lift you to the toilet."
"Oh my god," she said dramatically.
Fitz laughed and headed to the bathroom. She lay waiting as he showered and felt her phone vibrating in her hands after a few minutes. It was Catherine and she answered immediately.
"Hey Catherine," Olivia greeted.
"Liv, how are you? I just wanted to check in on you. Fitz told me you were headed home."
"Yeah, we're home now. I'm in bed and he just went to shower."
"How are you feeling?"
"Good, there's no pain and minimal bleeding and Fitz is taking my bed rest very seriously, he even plans on carrying me to the toilet," Olivia joked.
"Oh, he's so worried but I keep telling him you'll be fine. I just wish he believed it."
"I know, I'm just trying to stay positive. If I stress myself out by worrying, it'll make it worse."
"Yes it will and as always darling please, please tell me if there's anything at all that you need. We're preparing to be there in about 6 weeks so we can have some time to settle before the birth. You'll need a lot of support in those weeks when you're healing and you both are in the hospital."
"Yeah, I'm trying not to worry about that part as yet."
"How long will she be in the NICU?"
"Right now the plan is to take her at 34 weeks, if that time comes and they think I can last a little longer we might push for another week but not much longer. If they take her at 34 weeks she'll be in the NICU for about two weeks which I'm trying not to think about her tiny little body hooked up to a bunch of machines, especially since she's at only half the weight she should be right now-" Olivia said and suddenly she got tearful and Catherine heard the sniffles through the phone.
"She's gonna be okay," Catherine said. "But in order for her to be okay, you need to be okay. You need to take care of yourself and let Fitz take care of you. Once they take her, she'll have all of us around her to give her all the love and care she needs."
Olivia nodded and wiped her eyes, "thanks-I can't let Fitz see me cry, I feel like he'll freak out."
"Don't hide your worries from him, you have to be honest. Both of you."
Olivia sighed, "I know, hopefully, I can keep her in as long as possible because every single day counts and in the end, we'll both be okay."
"You both will," Catherine reassured her.
Olivia heard the bathroom door open. "Okay, I'll talk to you later," she said quickly before hanging up.
Fitz walked outside the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist. "Gimme a sec let me get dressed," he said.
Olivia nodded but when he didn't hear a response he turned around to look at her and noticed her wet eyes. He rushed over to her, "baby, what's wrong?"
Olivia shook her head and smiled, "nothing. It's just hormones."
"Livie," he scolded.
"It is. It's making me emotional."
He groaned.
"I was just worried about her, about me- because of the hormones. I'm fine. I'm totally fine."
"You're fine, you're totally fine," he teased.
She smiled again, "just hurry up and come hold me."
He pulled back the sheets and lifted her to the middle of the bed then laid beside her and held her tightly in his arms. "Olivia, if you aren't okay, you need to let me know," he said softly as he kissed her shoulder.
She was quiet for a moment before she responded, "I can't think about the future. I can't think about the birth, I can't think about how tiny she's gonna be or all how long she'll be in the NICU and even worse, I can't think about what happens if I don't make it or if she doesn't. I spend all my time trying not to think about those things because when I do I feel like I'm gonna have a panic attack."
Fitz held her tighter, "you should've told me you weren't okay."
"I am okay just not at all the time," Olivia said as she turned around slowly and faced him, "and what about you, you've been worried."
"Of course, I've been worried. I won't stop worrying until I take you both home."
Olivia smiled, "I needed to hear that."
"I need you to be honest with me when you aren't okay."
She nodded as she caressed his cheek. Fitz pulled her closer and kissed her lips softly, "I fucking love you so much," he whispered.
"I love you too."
He smiled."Do you want some good news?"
Olivia nodded, "let me hear it."
"So, since you have 20 weeks off, I was thinking that once you both get out of the hospital we could get out of the city to spend time with her alone."
"It would be nice to bond with her, just us three."
"I'd take you to Versaille, we'd spend maybe a month or so there with her."
"Is that where your chateau is?"
He nodded, "You'll like it and by then it'll be the spring so the weather will be great. There's a great French garden with lavender and roses. The inside is ancient, some of the furniture is from the 18th century."
"Does it look like a palace?"
"It's huge and yes it does. Arianna convinced me to buy it so she could pretend she was Marie-Antoinette on instagram."
Olivia chortled, "she's funny. I need to call her."
Fitz kissed her again, "it all depends on how you two are doing once we leave the hospital and because I'm apparently paranoid now I'll probably want a doctor to come with us even if you're both fine."
Olivia nodded, "can I be honest with you?"
"Tell me anything."
"I…kind of miss my mom. I miss her nurturing. I miss her love. I miss her doting on me all the time," she said with a sad smile.
"Then talk to her."
"She won't change. I don't miss how controlling she is or how jealous. I can't have her here fighting with you and your parents, constantly worrying about what new way she'll try to sabotage us. I don't need that right now so as much as I want her around for all the good parts of her I can because of all the bad parts."
"Olivia, if you need to talk to your mom, you should do it. Don't worry about all the other shit. You're going through a rough pregnancy, if you need her, you need her."
Olivia shrugged, "maybe it's just the hormones."
"Are you gonna blame everything on your hormones?"
"Yes."
He nodded and smiled, okay."
It was her last day on bed rest. She felt good and the bleeding stopped. She was eager to get back to work so she could clock as many hours as possible before she took her leave. The surgery chief and resident coordinators were generous enough to give her five months leave without an extension or delayed graduation from her residence program because they thought she was bright enough to catch up when she returned.
She had just woken up and Fitz wasn't in bed. He'd laid in bed with her for the better part of her time on bed rest and they watched tv, ate and slept together and spoke on the phone with their renovator as they tried to get the house livable as quickly as possible.
She stood slowly and stretched then walked to the bathroom to urinate and check her underwear for blood. When there was none she washed her hands and headed downstairs to find Fitz.
"Baby?" she called as she walked slowly down the stairs.
Moments later she heard footsteps rushing toward her. It was Fitz, coming from the kitchen, "why are you walking? You should be in bed."
"Fitz, my best rest is over, I have to move around."
He groaned and moments later she heard another, lighter set of footsteps. She walked towards him and Maya appeared.
"Mom?" she said, surprised.
"Hi Livie," Maya said softly, overwhelmed by the appearance of Olivia's small but pronounced bump.
She looked to Fitz and then to Maya then back to Fitz.
"What are you doing here?"
"We have dinner sometimes," Fitz said, "well- she's been cooking me dinner- her greens are amazing- I'm sure you've had them so you know."
Olivia shook her head confused, "what is happening?"
"We've been hanging out," Fitz said.
"What-why didn't you tell me?"
Fitz shrugged, "it had nothing to do with you."
"Really?" Olivia said.
"No, it had everything to do with you but still-"
Maya stepped forward, "can we talk, Livie?"
"-wait how long has this been going on?"
"Over a month, maybe 6 weeks, right Maya?"
Maya nodded.
Olivia immediately burst into sobs. Maya rushed over and held her. She became tearful as well. "Don't cry," Maya cried as she kissed her cheek, "I-don't-I'm sorry-"
"It's okay mom," Olivia said through tears, "I'm just so happy-"
Fitz smiled as he watched them. He wanted Olivia to have everything and if that meant trying to develop a relationship with her mother then that was what he did. He watched for a moment as Maya held her and tearfully apologized to her and in the midst of it he left to give them privacy, knowing that Maya would take care of her while he was gone.
He'd been in bed for days and decided to go down to the gym for a workout while Olivia and Maya talked.
Maya held her for a while before she stepped back and smiled, "look at my granddaughter."
Olivia smiled, "she's still so small."
"You were small," Maya said. "You were born at 5 pounds full term."
"Oh yeah, I forgot," Olivia said.
"Can I touch your belly?" Maya asked.
"Of course mom," she said as she whipped her eyes, "you don't have to ask."
Maya smiled and ran her hands across Olivia's stomach.
"Are you hungry?"
Olivia nodded.
"I brought enough for you," she said as she motioned to the kitchen.
Olivia looked around and realized Fitz was gone but she knew it was just to give them space. She walked to the kitchen with Maya and sat at the island as Maya heated up her food. She waited as she served her food on a plate and placed it in front of her.
"Thanks mom," Olivia said as she began to eat quickly.
"You're hungry?"
Olivia nodded, "Simone isn't in today but we have a lot of food in the fridge."
"So, how have you been? Fitz has been telling me what's going on but I want to hear it from you."
"I still can't believe guys have been talking. How did that happen?"
"Well, I know you told me I needed to talk to someone. That didn't happen right away but about 6 weeks ago I came to talk to him. He let me in and offered me food and we talked. I apologize even though I don't think he really believed me and we just sat together and ate and when we were finished he dropped me home. I came again and he let me in again and we did the same thing. He told me about your pregnancy complications and how worried he was. By then I started seeing one of those therapists and we talked about that too. After that, I started coming a couple times a week. Sometimes I'd bring food but most of the time we eat what your chef cooks. He called me and told me he thinks you're ready to talk but to wait until you're off of bed rest. We were just here eating and waiting for you to wake up."
"Oh-," Olivia said, shocked as she stuffed more greens into her mouth.
"So, let me just say, I'm sorry about what I did, I was jealous that he took so much of your attention, I was jealous of his parents and I lashed out and I was so wrong. I've been talking to a therapist and that's been helping. I also talked with Fitz and he said he would help me financially so I could quit my job and help to take care of the baby when you're off maternity leave. He said I could split the week with his parents- if that's okay with you?"
"Of course it is. It was always okay."
Maya nodded with a smile, "I just- I promise I'll be better. I'll try not to be so jealous anymore, I know I can get along with Fitz- we've been doing it for weeks now and I know he loves you so, you know, it's not like he's hurting you-"
Olivia chuckled, "-I think this is the first conversation we've had that you've actually used his name."
Maya laughed, "I know. I used to say that man, or him."
Olivia smiled and shook her head, "thanks for trying mom. I really appreciate it."
Maya nodded and sat beside her by the island, "now tell me about my granddaughter. What's going on with your pregnancy?"
A/N - Sorry it took so long but the chapter is finally done. Tell me what you think.