Chapter 30
"Fitz." Olivia gasps, her voice barely audible as she tries to speak through parched lips. The incessant beeping of machines fills the darkness around her and she struggles to remember where she is. Panic sets in as she realizes she's not in her own bed. Fitz is by her side, his eyes closed in exhaustion. She attempts to sit up, only to be met with searing pain coursing through her body. "Fitz." She whispers again, desperation creeping into her tone. With a groan, she bends her arms and a machine begins to beep urgently. Fitz startles awake, his bloodshot eyes meeting Olivia's for the first time in three days.
"Livvie."
A nurse rushes in, checking the machines and smiling at Fitz when she sees that Olivia is awake. "Welcome back, Olivia."
"Why am I in the hospital?" Olivia asks weakly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Do you remember what happened?" Fitz asks anxiously, praying that her memory is intact.
"Yes...I passed out from a panic attack." Olivia answers, closing her eyes.
Fitz links his fingers with hers. "It's been three days since then, Livvie."
"Three days?" Olivia blinks back tears looking at Fitz then at the nurse.
"Yes, sweetheart."
Olivia sits up in the bed. "I...I remember being at my parent's house and my uncle and aunt talking to me and then everything went black. I've had black outs before but nothing of this magnitude."
"Do you remember what they told you?"
"Yes...Gregory is my father." Olivia allows the tears to flow, dropping her head back against the mattress. "I don't remember being brought to the hospital."
Fitz sits on the edge of the bed, kissing the back of her hand. "Yes, that's true. Monica is your biological mother."
Olivia swallows hard, her mind racing with this new information. "Are we still in Georgia?"
"Yes." Fitz answers
"Oh God, I'm so sorry Fitz." Her voice cracks with emotion. "Have you been here the whole time?"
"Yes."
"What about work? New York?" Olivia asks in a panic.
"It can wait." He leans down to kiss her forehead and points to her engagement ring. "Do you remember this?"
"Yes." A small smile tugs at Olivia's lips. "I'm going to be your wife."
Fitz turns his head and lets out a sigh of relief. "Yes, sweetheart." He cups her cheeks, kissing her lips softly. He steps back, swallowing hard, "do you want me to call your family?"
"No...I don't want to see them." Olivia says forcefully. "Call Gracie only. Does she know I'm here?"
"Yes." Fitz nods. "She came to visit you yesterday." He quickly texts Gracie, letting her know that Olivia is awake but asking her not to tell Olivia's family.
X
The heavy hospital room door creaks open, and Gracie's soft voice echoes through the sterile room. She strides confidently to her best friend's bedside, engulfing her in a tight embrace. "Olivia Carolyn Pope," she whispers, using her full name as a term of endearment. "What the hell happened, bestie?"
Olivia chuckles, reaching for another fry and dipping it into a glob of ketchup.
"I'll give you two a minute." Fitz says with a gentle kiss on Olivia's cheek before walking towards the door. "I'll be right outside." His smile lingers as he leaves, unable to tear his gaze away from Olivia.
"You look better," Gracie observes as she pulls away from the hug, studying Olivia's face with concern.
"I feel good. They're pumping me with fluids and meds," Olivia replies, trying to sound upbeat. She's always been opposed to taking medication for her anxiety and panic attacks.
"It's the right thing, Liv. I know you tried to handle your panic attacks on your own, but this is what's best...right?"
"I guess," Olivia sighs solemnly.
Gracie curls up at the end of the bed, her feet tucked under her. "What are the doctors saying? How long will you be here?"
"All of my vitals are good. Not much longer. If my lab work comes back okay, I'll be discharged later tonight."
"That's great, bestie," Gracie claps her hands together in relief.
Olivia glances at the door before turning back to Gracie. "I need your help with something." She lifts up her left hand and reveals a stunning blue diamond engagement ring.
"Holy shit, Olivia! Is that what I think it is?"
"Yes, Fitz proposed."
"Shit! That man loves you. How many carats is that?" Gracie tucks her hand under her chin, beaming with excitement. "Definitely better than the piece of shit ring my brother bought you."
"Stop it, Gracie." Olivia chuckles.
"What do you need?" Gracie smiles at her best friend, reaching on the tray taking a fry from the plate dipping it in ketchup.
Olivia sits up in the bed, her chest rising and falling with excitement. She glances at the door, eager to share her news with Gracie. "I no longer want Pope as my last name," she declares confidently, a wide smile spreading across her face. "I'm ready to be a Grant."
Gracie's eyes widen in surprise. "Wait...what?" she whispers, leaning in closer.
"I want to marry Fitz before we return to New York," Olivia explains, determination shining in her eyes.
Gracie's brow furrows with concern. "Don't you think you should wait?" she asks, her hand reaching out to take Olivia's.
"Wait for what?" Olivia counteres. "Fitz loves me and I love him."
Gracie squeezes Olivia's hand gently. "Love is important, but it takes more than that for a relationship to last," she reminds her friend. "And what about your parents? Your father will be heartbroken if he doesn't get to walk you down the aisle."
Olivia lets out a deep sigh. "I don't need any of that," she insists. "All I need is Fitz. He's the love of my life." A lone tear escapes her eye as she thinks about her complicated family situation. "Walking down the aisle with your father is overrated anyway."
"Liv," Gracie sighs, clearly worried for her friend. "Did I miss something?"
Olivia pushes the lunch tray away from the bed and sits on the edge of the mattress, taking a deep breath. "It's a long story, Gracie," she says softly, resting her head on Gracie's shoulder. "I'll tell you another time. Right now, I just need your help becoming Mrs. Grant."
A smile spreads across Gracie's face at Olivia's words. "Under one condition," she replies playfully. "I get to be your maid of honor."
"Without a doubt," Olivia agrees, whispering her requests to Gracie. Now all she has to do is convince Fitz.
As if on cue, Fitz strolls back into the room as soon as Gracie leaves. "How are you feeling?" he asks with genuine concern.
"I feel really good," Olivia answers, giving him a small smile and patting the spot on the mattress next to her. "I...um...I want to talk to you."
Fitz joins her on the bed, taking her hand in his. Olivia leans against his chest, inhaling his familiar scent. "Life is unpredictable," she begins, turning to look up at him. "And I don't want to wait any longer to marry you." She lifts up her left hand, admiring the beautiful engagement ring that sparkles on her finger. "I want to be your wife before we leave Georgia." It was a simple plea, echoing the one he'd given her on the island.
Fitz's brow furrows as he processes her sudden request. "I'm not sure if I can pull that off, Livvie," he says honestly. "I have a lot of resources but..."
Olivia places a finger on his lips, silencing him. "Right here, right now," she whispers passionately, looking into his deep blue eyes.
He opens his mouth to respond but can't find the words. This was exactly what he needed, in case Olivia's family tried to convince her to stay in Georgia.
"Gracie is looking for the priest," Olivia informs him eagerly.
Fitz stands from the bed, running a hand through his brown curly hair, trying to wrap his head around this unexpected turn of events. "Are you sure, Liv? I know you're still upset with your family for keeping secrets from you...I need you to be absolutely sure. I don't want you to resent your decision later."
"I am sure," Olivia replies firmly, standing from the bed and cupping his cheeks in her hands. "I would never resent you. I want this...I want you to be my husband."
A soft knock on the door interrupts their conversation, and Gracie enters with a small bouquet of flowers she had picked up at the hospital gift shop. A priest follows closely behind her.
Fitz's heart swells with emotion as he takes Olivia's hand in his. "There is nothing more in this world that I want than to have you as mine...forever," he declares, his voice filled with love and determination. He sits back down on the bed, relishing in what is about to take place. He's getting married. Olivia will be his forever. His father would have been pleased with his decision.
Olivia wipes at her eyes and whispers. "Forever." She takes the bouquet from Gracie's hand and smiles at Fitz. "We're ready."
The priest begins the ceremony and both Fitz and Olivia listen intently as he speaks about the sanctity of marriage and the love and commitment between them. As they exchange vows, both can feel their hearts overflowing with emotion.
Olivia steadies herself next to Fitz as his fingers link with hers. His eyes are fixed on hers and she can feel his love radiating towards her. The words of the priest sink in as he asks the familiar solemn questions. Do you take this man to be your husband? Do you promise to love and cherish him for all eternity? Olivia's heart races as she replies with a resounding "I do." She turns to Fitz and sees the love and adoration in his blue cerulean eyes as he says the same words to her, sealing their commitment with a kiss.
As they pull away, Gracie claps her hands in excitement, bringing a smile to Olivia's face. They quickly sign the marriage license.
X
As they finish their dinner, a sudden knock at the door startles them. Laura, Fitz's mother, appears in the doorway, her face stern. In the whirlwind of recent events - from Olivia's awakening to their impromptu marriage - Fitz had completely forgotten his mother was still in town.
Laura calmly strolls to Olivia's bedside, her gaze scrutinizing as she takes in the sight of Olivia awake and well. "Hello, I'm Laura, Fitzgerald's mother," she introduces herself with a smile.
Olivia's heart races as she meets the stare of Fitz's mother. She swallows hard, trying to suppress the overwhelming emotions that threaten to spill out. "Nice to meet you," she manages to say before placing her fork down and taking a sip of water to calm her nerves.
"It's so good to see you awake, Olivia," Laura says with a tight-lipped smile that doesn't reach her eyes. "I know my son is happy."
Olivia quickly gulps down her water, using it to hide the lump in her throat. "I'm sorry our first meeting is like this," she apologizes softly.
"No need to apologize," Laura dismisses with a wave of her hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet the woman my son desires. It's clear you have quite the hold on him. He uprooted his entire life in New York just to be by your side." Her gaze flickers between Fitz and Olivia before settling back on Olivia. "What are the doctors saying?"
"She can go home in a few hours. We're just waiting for some final tests," Fitz answers before Olivia can speak.
"I understand the private jet is ready for your departure," Laura says matter-of-factly as she takes off her large black glasses and tucks them away in her purse.
"Yes, we'll be leaving as soon as Olivia is discharged," Fitz confirms.
Laura settles into the chair next to Olivia's bed, her gaze never leaving Olivia's face. "What kind of care will you need when you return to New York?" she asks in a business-like tone.
"I have a therapist that I see regularly and my medication will be monitored by my doctor," Olivia responds hesitantly.
"Fitzgerald, make sure you contact Dr. Miller. She is one of the best primary care doctors in New York," Laura instructs with a stern look.
Fitz nods obediently, acknowledging his mother's request. "Of course, I'll make sure everything is taken care of."
"How was your evening at the bed and breakfast?" Fitz suddenly switches gears, his expression softening slightly.
"It was very peaceful and quiet," Laura replies. "I understand the bed and breakfast is owned by your family."
"Yes, my parents..." Olivia takes a deep breath, trying to push away the thoughts that threaten to overwhelm her.
"We actually have some news," Fitz interjects, squeezing Olivia's hand gently.
Olivia's heart races as she silently pleads for him not to reveal their marriage to his mother.
"News?" Laura questions, sitting up straighter and giving Fitz her full attention. "The last time I was here, you informed me about your engagement. What could have possibly happened in the past twenty-four hours?"
"We're married!" Fitz declares proudly.
"Married?" Laura repeats, standing abruptly with a shocked expression on her face. She glances back and forth between Olivia and Fitz before finally settling her gaze on Fitz. "It's what we both wanted," he explains confidently.
Laura slowly puts her glasses back on and adjusts them with a small smile on her face. "Welcome to the family, Olivia," she says with a hint of sarcasm. "Fitzgerald, can I speak with you for a moment?" Without waiting for a response, she strides out of the room, leaving Fitz to follow her.
"I'll be right back," he promises Olivia before rushing after his mother.
Olivia's heart sinks as she hears their muffled voices coming from outside the door. She knows his mother must be upset about their sudden marriage and her less-than-perfect first impression.
"Fitzgerald," Laura begins. "Does she know about your father's will?"
Fitz's face falls as he shakes his head. "No, I haven't had a chance to tell her yet."
"Well, when do you plan on telling her? After she finds out and starts questioning your motives?" Laura scolds, her voice rising in anger.
"I was going to tell her as soon as everything calmed down," Fitz defends himself, trying to diffuse the situation.
"Make sure it doesn't blow up in your face, Fitzgerald," Laura warns.
"It won't," Fitz promises with determination in his voice.
"Oh, and make sure you convince Olivia that we need to have a proper wedding and reception. It's important for appearances," Laura adds before walking away.
Fitz lets out a sigh as he watches his mother leave, knowing that convincing Olivia may not be an easy feat. He heads back into the room where Olivia awaits anxiously for his return. As she looks at him with worry in her eyes, he knows that things are only going to get more complicated from here on out.
X
As Gregory and Monica approach the nurse's station, they are met with a cold, dismissive attitude. "We regret to inform you that your names have been added to the restricted visitors list," the nurse says curtly. Monica's heart sinks as she turns to Gregory in disbelief. "What do you mean, restricted list?" Desperation creeping into her voice.
"The patient placed your name on the list," the nurse replies icily.
"What do you mean she requested it? Is Olivia awake?" Monica demands.
"Yes, she woke up earlier today." The nurse reveals casually.
"No one contacted us," Monica retorts.
Gregory doesn't hesitate and starts striding down the hallway towards Olivia's room. But he is quickly stopped by the nurse. "Sir, if you continue down this hallway, I'll have to call security."
"Call Fitzgerald!" Monica shouts at Gregory's back.
Fitz answers on the first ring, his voice cool and collected.
"Olivia is awake," Gregory asks.
Monica's heart races with frustration. "Why weren't we informed?" She shouts into the phone.
"Olivia specifically asked me not to tell you," Fitz explains calmly.
Monica snatches the phone from Gregory's hand and presses it to her ear. "What do you mean she didn't want us to know?"
Fitz sighs on the other end of the line. "Olivia remembers everything before she passed out. She doesn't want to see you right now, and I have to respect her decision."
"You're not her family, we are! We want to see our daughter," Monica argues fiercely.
"I am her family. I am her husband," Fitz says confidently.
"Husband?" Gregory scoffs incredulously. "Put... Olivia... on...the...phone."
"Uncle Gregory." The sound of Olivia's soft voice sends shivers down Monica's spine. "I don't want to see you."
"Olivia, I am your father," Gregory pleads.
"I do not know you as my father. I am no longer a Pope or whatever my last name is supposed to be. I am Olivia Grant now, and Fitz is my husband," she responds firmly.
Tears well up in Monica's eyes as she tries to speak. "Olivia, please..."
"I have to go," Olivia interrupts, hanging up the phone without another word. Monica sobs mix with the sound of the dial tone as she crumbles to the ground, her heart breaking all over again at the rejection from her own daughter.
