Olivia is lying in bed, watching a sleeping Fitz as the sun peeks through the window. He never fails to surprise her. He whisked her away to his family's home in Montpelier, Vermont. A place that she never dreamed of, ever wanting to go. But as they drove up to the estate it was like driving into a rustic fantasy. The ranch was beautiful. The stain-glass windows caught her eye first. It was just as breathtaking inside as it was outside. It was a bubble that she now wishes she could stay in forever. Fitz gave her a walk around the estate and then dinner was prepared. Before they knew it, they retired to the bedroom and fell asleep in each other's arms. The weight of everything seems hit them but the reality that they could finally be together was clear.
Her phone vibrates on the nightstand. She quickly picks up to see it's from Savannah. She can't help but laugh at what she sees. She looked over to Fitz, hoping she didn't wake him. She decides to go into the bathroom and call her back. She carefully removes herself from his embrace. He moans lightly at the disconnect. She tiptoes into the bathroom, the very large bathroom, and sits on the tub's edge, dialing Savannah.
Savannah answers quickly, "Where the hell are you besides under Fitzgerald Grant?"
"I am not under Fitz. I snuck in his bathroom to answer you…. only because I didn't know Fitz was taking me away."
"Where are you?" Savannah says quickly.
"I am in, you won' t believe it, Vermont."
"What are you doing in Vermont?"
"Fitz's family has a ranch here. It's beautiful."
"Daddy told me what happened yesterday," Savannah tells her quickly.
"Daddy knew," Liv says, surprised.
"Apparently he and Fitz did all of this together," Savannah admits. Liv is suddenly quiet. It doesn't go unnoticed by Savannah. "What's wrong Sis?"
"I just…. I don't know," Liv shakes her head.
"Daddy was never ashamed. He was just disappointed that you put yourself in that position with that pudding looking bastard. He was a predator Liv. He deserved what he got yesterday."
"That's what I am afraid of. He got what he deserved, and I am going to pay the price," Liv says softly.
"That is not going to happen," Fitz says startling her.
"V, I have to go. I'll call you later," Liv says as she gives Fitz a half smile.
"Okay, I hope you remembered your…"
"Bye," Liv shakes her head as she hangs up.
"I didn't mean to listen," Fitz says.
"It's okay. It was Savannah. She knew I was with you, but she wanted to know where."
Fitz walks over, sitting on the tubs edge next to her, "And you told her America's Number 1 destination, Vermont."
Liv throws her head back laughing, "Not in those words but yes. She told me that you and my dad did all this."
He takes her hand from the cold marble, "He did. We did. We love you and we want to take care of you and that's what we did. We have something in common," Fitz says as he kisses the palm of her hand.
"Thank you for not judging me and loving me instead," she says with tears in her eyes.
Fitz brings his arm around her waist, pulling her close to him, "I would never judge your past. I hate he's a part of your past but he's just that. I got you back and I am never letting you out of my sight again."
"Where do we go from here?"
He leads her lips to his, "Wherever we go, it's going to be together." The kiss starts slow and loving and then grows hungry. They both start pulling at each other's clothes as Fitz puts a quick halt on it.
Liv's eyes are still closed and lips puckered for more. She opens her eyes quickly to see what's wrong. And decides to ask, "What's wrong?" She didn't even realize her hand made to his crotch.
"Our first and only night together, I'll never forget. We didn't have a one-night stand fuck. We made love. I plan to make love to you again and not in a bathroom. I want you right now, but I want it to be right."
"I was a fool for leaving that morning," she says, kissing the tips of his fingers.
"And I was fool for not handcuffing you to the bed that night," he winks.
Her cheeks turn rosy, red, "We can still make that happen."
Fitz gets up, holding out his hand to her as he gently lifts her from the tub. The start walking toward the bedroom, "Believe me, I plan to make that happen and you won't even see it coming," he cops that crooked smile.
Liv gets weak at the knees, at the thought. Her whole-body tingles at the thought as they leave the bathroom.
Edison is sitting at the kitchen table in his house. He's nursing an almost empty bottle of Grey Goose. His favorite brand. His knuckles are bruised and it's possibly a broken hand and wrist. He tried to beat the hell out of the wall in his living room. He was imagining Olivia's face with each punch.
"That bitch," he says angrily as there is an incessant knock at the door.
"Edison, open the door," his mother says.
He gets up from the table, staggering into the living room, to his door, opening it. "Come on in," he says sarcastically.
His mother barges in, like she normally does, going a mile a minute. "You worried me on the phone when you called. I couldn't understand anything you were saying." She doesn't even notice the bloody wall, but she notices his bloody hand and the Grey Goose on the table. "What happened?"
"I just lost my job," he slurs as he slumps back down to his chair.
She surveys the space and his hand. "What happened? We need to get you to a doctor."
"That damned Olivia. That's what happened," he screeches and then winces in pain.
His mother is now more concerned than ever for him, "Edison your wrist and hand are turning black and blue. We need to take you to a hospital. Then we can talk about that girl who you don't need to marry."
"I am going to kill her," he proclaims.
"I am no fan of that little opportunist, but you aren't going to kill anyone."
"I've lost everything because of her. She's going to pay for it," he says with venom in his voice.
His mother gently pulls his face to focus on her, "We have to get you to a doctor. We can talk about all this later."
After a lot of convincing. She gets Edison to come with her and she takes him to the hospital to get his hand and wrist ex-rayed. It turns out, it was the best decision as he broke his hand and wrist and may have shattered a bone. They ended up having emergency surgery. It just furthered his resolve that he is going to make Olivia Pope and the Great White Hope, pay for all of this.
Olivia and Fitz are sitting in the rocking chairs outside of the house. Olivia is so silent it scares Fitz. He studies her face as she looks out into the bright distance. There is calmness about her face. There is a calmness about spirit that he feels.
He reaches for her hand, "What's going on in that beautiful mind?"
She takes his hand and tilts her head toward him, "We take so many things for granted in life. You know, things like good health, freedom, and most of all happiness."
He holds her hand tighter, "Yes we do."
"I never would have thought I could sit here and just enjoy rocking in a chair, looking at the sky...in Vermont," she laughs.
"Yeah, but it is even more beautiful when you ae doing it with the person you love."
She turns away from him, to utter her next words. She has a fear he won't feel the same. Even though she knows the thought is silly. "I am seeing a life I never thought about having flash before me sitting here."
"Marriage and lots of babies, running around this space and us sitting right here watching," Fitz says.
She turns to him, "So I'm not crazy."
"Come here," he says.
"I am here," she retorts.
He pats his lap, "Right here." She blushes and gets up and takes a seat in his lap. They kiss softly as he tightens his grip around her waist. "You are not crazy. You want the same thing I want. At least I hope you do."
"And doesn't that scare you, just a little bit," she asks.
"No, it doesn't because I knew I wanted that, the night we made love. I had never in my life experienced that in my life. It was spiritual…it was other worldly. And I never felt that again."
"Were there many?" She reluctantly asks.
He looks at her a little confused, "Many?"
"Many women after I left. Angela doesn't count. But you said you never felt that again. Who were the others?" she clarifies.
"That doesn't matter," Fitz says.
"You know all of my embarrassing dirty deeds since we've been apart," she reminds him.
"I don't want to discuss this right now. We are back together. That's all that matters."
She can feel her anger rise. She loosens his grip and gets up. "Was it that many that you don't even want to tell me."
"I didn't say that Livvie," Fitz says after sighing.
She folds her arms, "You didn't say anything."
He gets up from the chair, "I don't want to fight with you."
"Why can't you answer the question?"
He doesn't know how to explain the year long relationship he was in and who it was with, "Livvie, I just want to keep the past in the past."
"Were you and my sister more serious than you told me? You two did sleep together."
Fitz is caught off guard, "No Livvie, I told you. Savannah told you. We went on a couple, like dates, and a coffee date at the hospital. We didn't sleep together."
"Then why not tell me who she is, if its not Savannah," Liv says.
"Because I don't want you to worry about nothing."
"It must be something. You look scared shitless to tell me," she fires back.
He starts, "I just…"
She holds up her hand, stopping him, "Forget it. Don't tell me. I want to visit the town. She what's out there and I want to go by myself."
"Liv don't be that way; I will tell you. Let's sit down," Fish tries to compromise.
"I don't feel like talking," she responds as she goes inside the house leaving him alone.
Right then, his phone rang. He looks down to see who's calling. He takes a deep breath. "Hey, how did it go yesterday?"
Mellie, the lawyer, who was with Leo, was on the other end, "It went great. He had no line of defense he could use. He didn't even try. We had the all the evidence we needed."
"That's good to hear. The guy is a predator," Fitz says.
"The worst kind," Mellie agrees. "The firm agree to compensate the women. Olivia is in compensation. It must be discussed."
"I will let her know," Fitz says.
"The firm wants this put the bed as fast as possible without public blowback. She has the option to turn down the compensation if she wants."
"I'll let her make that decision," Fitz answers.
There is an awkward silence, "Fitz, does she know about us?"
He leans on the post, "No she doesn't but I will tell her. I just didn't think it was important at first but now with Edison and this situation. I'll tell her."
"I can't say I'm not jealous. She is a beautiful girl. Emphasis on girl," Mellie says.
"Mellie," he says slowly.
"She's very lucky. She should know how much you held out for her."
"I am sorry," Fitz says.
"I am sorry it didn't go further. I am not sorry it happened. I'll definitely miss the..."
"Mellie, I have to go. I need to talk to her."
"I am sorry. I shouldn't have said that. But I will need her to come into my office after the legal documents are finalized with the firm.
"Sounds good and thank you for your help with this."
"Anything for you Fitz, always," Mellie says with a hint of sadness in her voice.
A car drives up to the house. Fitz is a little confused by the uninvited visitor until he sees it is an Uber driver. He drops his head shaking it. The door opens and Olivia comes out. "Livvie, we need to talk."
"We can talk when I get back. I just need to…I'll be back," she says going toward the car.
He gently pulls at her arm, "Can we please talk about this?"
"I need to be by myself a little while. I just need to process everything that's happened. I need to do that by myself."
Fitz's eyes grow sad. He understands that she needs this. He just hates what started their argument to begin with. "I will be here when you get back. Take as much time as you need."
She's sad now. She knows he is hurting but she can't put all her feelings into words, "Thank you! I won't be gone long."
"I love you Olivia, very much," he answers.
She takes a breath and walks to the waiting car, "I think I love you too," she answers with a wink.
Fitz watches the car drive away, he pulls out his phone, "I need your help with something. I don't know how long I have."
Edison wakes up from his surgery, in more pain than he's ever been. He looks over to see his mother looking at him. She doesn't have the same loving look she had before he went into surgery.
"Mom," he utters.
"You taped girls you had sex with and was blackmailing them," his mother says. She spares no punches.
"Mom, listen..."
"Listen, I didn't raise no pimps," She says angrily.
"You don't know what happened…How do you know?"
"Marcus came over. I called him to find out what happened, if he knew why you beat the hell out of wall and was so angry with Olivia."
"He shouldn't have told you," Edison says. He is groggy from the medicine and the pain is excruciating.
She walks over to the bed, "I can't believe you did something like that. No wonder that girl didn't want to marry you. You were extorting her."
"Olivia and I had a real relationship," Edison tries to ration.
"I could tell she didn't love you. I could tell she wanted nothing to do with you. I couldn't figure out why you were running after her like a lost puppy."
"Mom," he says.
"I called that girl a bitch and whore and a gold digger. Was she gold-digging or were you terrorizing her?"
"She's still a bitch."
His mother gets in his face, "No, you are the bitch for sleeping with those women, taping them and then holding it over their heads."
"Mom, who are you talking to?" Edison says gritting his teeth.
"I am talking to the lowdown son I raised," she points in his face.
"She has to pay for ruining my life and my career," Edison says grabbing his head that is now spinning.
"You did that on your own. You are on your own. I have condoned a lot of things you've done Eddie but this I won't," she says, grabbing her purse and leaving the room.
Edison slams his other hand down on the bed. His world is falling apart.
Olivia has a few bags in her hand. She did some shopping. She's now sitting at a little café, having tea. She dials a number. She needs a little direction, and she knows those from whom she can get it.
Eli answers the phone, "Well, it's my missing daughter."
Liv lets out a stressed smile, "Daddy."
Eli immediately notices the sadness, "What's going on sweetheart? What's wrong?"
"I had a fight with Fitz," she answers.
"You shouldn't be fighting sweetheart. You should be celebrating."
"I know," she answers.
"Then why aren't you. That man moved heaven and earth for you. What is there to argue about?" He asks.
"You moved heaven and earth for me too daddy. Thank you so much."
Eli sits back in his chair, "You never have to thank me for taking care of my girls. I am going to always do that. I just had a good person helping me." Olivia suddenly feels guilty about the fight with Fitz. Eli can almost read her thoughts. "Why did you and Fitz have a fight?"
Liv lets out a deep breath, "It was silly really."
"Silly like what?'
"We were talking about the two years we didn't see each other. He knew about my relationship, if you want to call it that, with Edison..."
"And you wanted to know who he dated while you were apart," Eli finishes her sentence.
"I felt like he was hiding something from me. He didn't want to answer it. He just kept saying, "The past is the past and we are together now."
"He's right! The past is the past. You should be looking toward the future. That's if you want a future with him."
"Of course, I want a future with him but I he knows all about me. I want to know if …" She stops mid-sentence.
Eli knows she needs levity, "Don't let Edison and what happened with Edison stop you from enjoying your life. I haven't known Fitz for long, but I know that Fitz loves you. I know that you are going to be in good hands with Fitz. He's going to take care of you. And for a stubborn mule like me, who vowed to never like any man that my daughters dated, that's all I can ask for."
"Daddy," she says softly. "I'm not ruined for him, am I?"
"Baby girl, Edison didn't ruin you. Edison didn't define you. Edison ruined himself. "
Liv smiles. Those were the words she needed to hear. These are the thoughts that plagued her. She gets up from the table. Eli can hear her rustling. "I am going to go now. I need to talk to Fitz."
Eli can't help but chuckle, "Be good and be responsible."
Liv shakes her head in slight embarrassment, "Goodbye Daddy!"
Fitz had a narrow window. He wanted Olivia to come back to a surprise, so they could talk. So, they could really talk. But he doesn't want her to think he wants to wine and dine her to keep her from asking more questions, which he plans to give her all the answers to. Night is starting to fall, and he's been building the fire outside for their fire lit dinner. He can hear a car coming up the drive. He checks the pots on the stove. Everything is ready. He goes outside to greet her.
She gets out of the car, thanking the driver for his help and suggestions. She turns to see Fitz standing there. They were standing facing each other as the car drove away. "Thank you for coming back," Fitz says as he takes the bags from her hand.
"Hi," she says.
"Hi," he says softly.
They walk into the house; he closes the door. She looks around at the different candles strategically placed around the house. She can smell the aroma of food. She turns to him, "You cooked."
"I did. I had a friend of mine get me everything I needed and got right on it. It's very simple but I hope you like it."
"Fitz, you didn't have to," Liv says sadly.
"Yes, I did."
She takes a breath, "I am sorry for being so pushy, but I need you to..."
"I understand why you need to know and it's not that I don't want to tell you. I just..."
"I selfishly hope you had someone else so I wouldn't feel like. I don't know I just, Edison..."
He walks over to her, gently taking her by the arms, "Edison is the past. You and I are going to leave him there."
"He's going to want revenge Fitz. He's that devious," Liv explains.
"And we will be ready and yes you were partly right. I didn't want you to know about Melanie."
Liv kind of bristles and he holds her tighter, "Melanie."
"Mellie, she's the lawyer I got to represent you all against Edison," he starts to explain.
"The tall brunette," she deduces.
"Yes," Fitz confirms.
Liv gently moves from his grip and walks over to the fireplace, "She's beautiful. She's perfect for you."
He wants her to hear him. He moves to her, taking her hand, "You are perfect for me. I chose you. I couldn't get over you. That's why we didn't work out."
"Fitz," she says as her voice cracks from emotion.
He caresses her face, "I fell in love with you that night and I told you I looked for you in in the handful of women I went on dates with. Yes, I thought Mellie could have been the one. We dated about a year, but she wasn't you."
She looks away, "She fell for you didn't she. That's why you didn't want to tell me about her."
Fitz steps away, putting her hand in her pockets, "Yes, she did."
"If we hadn't seen each other again, maybe you two would have gotten back together."
"No," Fitz shake his head. "And I chose her to represent you because she's good and I know she was going to take care of all of you. But she didn't do it with the expectation that we were going to get back together."
"I am so sorry I got so angry," she says wrapping herself into his embrace."
"I am sorry I just wasn't honest when you asked. I just didn't want you to freak out about who Mellie was."
She looks up at him, "But I needed to know. You said she still has feelings. If this situation with Edison is going to put us in orbit. I need to know what I am up against."
He grazes his lips against hers, "The only thing you are up against is something that definitely wants to reintroduce himself to you tonight," he winks as she they both look down at his growing erection.
"I would love for him to reintroduce himself too," she winks back.
"Let's have dinner. I have a full night planned for you."
Mellie is having a drink at Fitz's bar, well now Tom's bar. Tom recognizes her as Mellie's ex. He hadn't seen her in a while. He remembered her favorite drink. Vodka on the rocks with a splash of Chambord.
"Mellie, is that right?" Tom asks as he sits her drink down.
"And you are Tom, right?" Mellie answers.
"I haven't seen you in a while," he says as he continues cleaning glasses. He has taken over the bar while the bartender is on break.
"Since Fitz and I broke up. That's been a while," she answers.
Tom tries to act like he didn't know the time frame, "How have you been?"
"I've been good. Law never sleeps, which means I never sleep," she answers.
"That means you are just good what you do ma'am."
She takes a sip of her perfectly made drink, "You are as charming as you are good looking,"
Tom can't help but blush, "I'm a bartender. I must be."
The bartender comes by, "I'm back boss."
"I thought I was going to have to dock you," Tom jokes. Mellie looks a little confused.
"I am going to take care of some bills and some orders. Let me know if you need me," Tom says. He turns to Mellie, "It was nice seeing you again."
"Have you taken over the place?" Mellie quizzes.
"Yes, I did. Fitz handed it over to me last year," he answers.
"Congratulations," she plainly offers.
"Thanks!" He answers as his face turns bright red. Mellie turns to see who he looking at. A woman in her late 20's walks over to him. "Hello Gorgeous."
Quinn Perkins, his girlfriend of 2 years, is perky. To say the least. "I wanted to see if you could take a break and have dinner with your fiancé."
"Let me get a few things. I will have the chef fix our favorite. Dinners on me," Tom jokes as he gives her a kiss on temple.
Quinn nods at Mellie as she sits at the bar. The bartender fixes her a drink. He asks Mellie if she wants another, and she nods yes. Quinn decides to speak, "Hello!"
"Hello," Mellie responds.
"You look familiar to me," Quinn says.
"I used to be here a lot when I was dating Fitz," she says before she stops herself.
Quinn shakes her head, "Yes, I remember seeing you. He's such a good guy."
Mellie takes a sip of her drink, "Yes he is."
They continue to chat over drinks as she waits for Tom to come back.
Olivia and Fitz have enjoyed a wonderful Italian dinner by the fire. The dinner consisted of Ceasar salad, meatballs, shrimp scampi and garlic broccoli. The meal was so hearty they were both too stuffed to move. They haven't even touched the dessert, the strawberry tiramisu.
"Dinner was amazing," Liv says as he has his arms wrapped around her as she rests her back on his chest.
"I'll try not to pat myself on the back," Fitz bodes.
"You know, now that I know you can cook like this, I will be expecting a meal all the time."
"You can have whatever you want, when you want it Livvie," Fitz says kissing the side of her neck as the fire illuminates her skin.
"I can't wait for dessert," Liv says as she leans into his lips that are still planted on her neck.
He starts to fiddle with her shirt, bringing his hand under, as he starts to bring his hands inside her bra, "I can't wait for dessert either, "he whispers."
Olivia's body starts to tingle, "Make love to me." She whispers into his warm skin.
"I thought you'd never ask," he says as he drops his hand down to waistband of her lounger. "Turn around," he says seductively.
She turns around slowly, to face him. The pain in her leg is still very much there from the accident. She's in between his legs. "What now?"
"Lay down," he says. She slowly lays down. Her anxiety, the good anxiety is overwhelming her. The expectation of being with him, this way, again. She starts to shiver at the thought as he massages her feet softly. A look of worry spreads across her face, which he notices. "What's wrong?"
She covers her face in embarrassment, "What if its not the same? What if I'm not the same? What if...?"
He quickly brings his body over hers, placing himself between her legs. "It's going to be better," he says kissing her lips. He slides back down her body taking her lounger bottoms and underwear with him. She feels the sudden rush of air hitting her now naked middle. He starts to massage her bare legs. Each time teasing her middle getting close enough to touch. "Open up for me," he whispers.
She spreads her legs wide, knowing that is what he means. He starts to kiss from the arch of her foot and travels slowly up. She begins to pant as he licks and kisses her in circular motions. He stops at her center and blows which makes her twitch. "Fitz," she stutters.
He licks the line of her slit. He moans at the taste of her essence. He begins to suck her bud like he's drinking the nectar of the gods. She begins to moan as if she's humming a song. He takes two fingers and spreads her lips as he moves in tongue deeper and deeper. She throws her head back in pure ecstasy. He grabs her hips and holds them in place and tongue fucks her harder and harder. Her thighs lock his head in as her juices begin to flow as he keeps eating her hungrily. She's chanting his name, pleading for more and begging him to stop all at the same time.
Her body is over stimulated. She begins to pull at her shirt, wanting it off as she massages her breasts frantically. He travels up her body, his chin glistening with her juices as he kisses up her stomach. He stops at her navel and rips her shirt off. He lifts her up, tearing what's left of the shirt off. He lifts on his knees and rips his shirt off as she frantically unbuttons his pants. They both push his pants down hurriedly. She grabs his dick, rubbing him hurriedly. She's ready to take him in her mouth when Fitz stops her, "Not yet," he holds her face. "This moment is for you," he says.
She rubs her finger across his lips, "This moment is for us," she says as she grabs his face, pulling him down to her lips. She can taste herself on his lips as their tongues intertwine. He gently lays her down as he kisses every inch of her body.
"This is forever now," he breathes into her mouth. She can't break the trance he has her in as she stares into his cerulean eyes. She just nods in agreement as he slowly slides into her.
The moment is filled with the only emotion they can both fill which is evident in the exhale both feel when he fills her up. It's the feeling of home. Fitz begins to move inside of her slowly. He is pumping her as she squeezes his ass. They meet each other thrust for thrust as she grips his back. It's like their bodies are one. They are skin to skin, making love to each other in front of a smoldering fire.
"Harder…harder," she utters out of breath and Fitz is happy to comply. The circular motions as he pumps her keep hitting her spot as a satisfied cry leaves her lips.
Fitz is grunting as she bites his ear while he licks and bites her neck. He is finally able to utter words, as rolls her nipple between his fingers, "I love you…"
Before she can respond, he flips them over and she is now on top. She squeals in delight. "Love me baby," Fitz pleads as he squeezes her ass, moving her up on his dick. She starts to ride him slowly and expertly. Her breasts move up and down as she bounces off his dick. Fitz is in heaven as he watches his shaft move in and out of her as he glistens from her juices.
She stations her hands on his chest to steady her rhythm. "Take it all baby," Fitz eggs her on and she does just that. She rides him hard and fast; the jiggle of her breasts is a sight he never wants to forget.
He lifts them up. She is on his lap, he's still inside her as she wraps her legs around his waist. She continues to move up and down on him as he sucks her nipples raw. They go on like this for a while until both release and collapse in each other's arms. They hold each other, still in position, caressing each other's skin.
They begin to kiss softly. Liv stops, studying his eyes. "I was right. It wasn't the same."
"It was better," Fitz winks. 'I could die a happy man."
She reaches between them, grabbing his dick, "Not before you make me a happy woman, one more time."
"I would like nothing more," he answers with a kiss as she places him back inside her and they make love again.
This night is the beginning of their new life together.