Chapter 58

Liv was still numb from everything that had transpired the last few months. Right now, she was still in disbelief that she was a mother to the most precious baby boy. The little guy, just shy of two weeks old lay in the middle of the king size bed.

The shower was running in the bathroom, daddy getting refreshed for the night in case the handsome little dude wanted to give them a hard time sleeping. Liv's hand was rubbing his tiny chest as his head rested to the side, his little hands fisted and on either side of his head.

Her hand went softly around and round his tiny chest as it slowly went up down with each of his adorable breaths. "God, I didn't think I could love someone any more than I love your father, but you", Liv whispered, "you make my heart explode with love." Her hand left his chest, and the back of her finger went down the smooth right cheek. His face went a little squishy with the touch from his mother and he squealed just a bit, but didn't wake up.

Liv bit her bottom lip, tears in her eyes as she watched the expressions her son was making and she smiled, even with the teary eyes. He brought her so much joy, and Fitz, well Fitz was just floating on clouds.

Gently kissing her newborn on his forehead, she watched his eyes stay closed. As much as she loved having him awake and gazing into his big blue eyes until they focused on hers, she was happy for the peace for now.

The shine from the top shelf caught her eyes, almost a twinkle to remind her how Fitz didn't have time to come down from two exhausting months of happiness. Liv put her arm out straight and placed her head down, looking at the trophy that shined in their room.

The World Series trophy shining in the light. Fitz would be keeping it for the month, then off to Sam, then to Sparks. Its final destination would be the glass enclosing on display for opening day.

Liv closed her eyes, remembering how bitter she was inside that the Lake Monsters came back to beat her loved Yankees in game 7 of the League Championship. As angry as Liv was that her Pinstripe team lost, she was happy it was to Fitz's team, he deserved it as did the players.

They then went on to beat the Phillies in a six game World Series that ended in the stadium in Vermont. The after parties, the parades, the publicity was all too much for Liv who was about to bust out the baby, but she was there for Fitz every step of the way.

The smile never left his face, and the happiness was glowing from him. It's what Liv always wanted for him ever since that first night she saw one of his PTSD episodes. If they weren't already close enough, the two months of pure joy brought them even closer together. They weren't fighting off demons anymore.

The couple was living just like that, a couple. A baby shower at Sofie's, letting the girls sleepover to give Lara and Bryce a break, and frequent visits to Monica and Ezzy so Liv could "practice" taking care of a baby.

Huck was finally living a normal life. His guard was cautiously down, and his MMA was thriving. One of his older teams were on their way to a state championship and if that panned out, they would be off to Nationals soon.

For as much as Fitz and Liv had gone through to get to this moment, happiness was a welcoming feeling, and "OLITZ" as the girls frequently still called them were so ready to bring their baby boy into the world.

They attended the wedding of Keith Michaels, the second baseman, and Samiyah Hutchins. Liv met her at the New Year's Eve Gala, and they were always together at baseball events.

Seeing the two of them so in love, getting married, it reminded Liv of her happily ever after with Fitz. As Samiyah was walking down the aisle, Liv felt a feeling of proudness. Samiyah couldn't stop thanking her for being the inspiration in her life and success. Liv's pregnancy hormones were in full overdrive, and she couldn't stop crying throughout the ceremony, despite being so happy for the couple.

Fitz refused to leave Liv's side at the reception, being so pregnant didn't give her much energy to dance. Even if her stomach was still a tiny round shape, Liv had no energy. During one slow song Fitz leaned in towards her. "You sure you don't want to dance, Mrs. Grant."

Smiling to one side and having his baritone voice vibrate down her spine, she tilted her head on his. He gave her forehead a gentle kiss, the song "Wonderful Tonight" was blaring, and Liv couldn't resist.

He led the way holding her hand gently and they found a space on the floor, and it was just them in a crowded room, dancing for happiness to a wonderful couple. Liv rested her forehand just under his shoulder and swayed with him to the music. She took a deep breath, taking it all in.

"Hey, are you ok?" He pulled her back, blinking at her with her in concern, and he wiped away a tear falling. "I didn't think dancing would make you cry." They continued to sway, just slower now.

"No, Fitz." Liv gave a small sigh, "I'm fine, it's just, we'll be parents soon, and everything feels so right, at least I think it is. You know I'm afraid to be happy."

"Well, don't be afraid, I can't wait to be a daddy." They continued to dance, and it was just as wonderful as the song. As Liv was walking back to the table, Fitz stayed behind to chat with some of his team members.

"Olivia Pope?" Liv heard a voice, and she turned. It was one of Samiyah's bridesmaids, judging by the dress, and she smiled at Liv. "I'm Lia, Samiyah's sister. I just wanted to introduce myself and not let Samiyah take all the credit for your inspiration." She laughed. "I also have my own business, and I saw Samiyah do it, because of you, so I did it."

"Oh my, that's fabulous." Liv pointed to Fitz's chair for Lia to sit. She looked over and Fitz was still in deep chatter at the bar with a few guys. "What line of work are you in?"

"I'm a private investigator in New York City." She put her hands up. "I know it sounds like a dying breed, but actually the amount of things rich folks need to know about others is overwhelming. The business is thriving. I have seven others that work there, I oversee it all."

"Sounds amazing. A private investigator, that sounds exciting." Liv got to thinking which wasn't a good thing.

"It is, I love going to work every day. I know I'm no fashion mogul like my big sis over there, but I'm doing just as well." She tapped her knee, thinking she was boring Olivia with her story and was about to get up.

"Wait, Lia, I have a request." Liv held the young woman's hand to stop her from going. She wasn't sure she should do this, she had Huck, but he would overreact. "I need you to find someone for me, but I need this to be just between you and me. Whatever the cost, it's fine."

Lia sat back now, a bit intrigued, but a bit concerned. "Ok, what can I do?"

Liv reached into her small purse and took out a pen and paper. She wrote down the date of her accident and she stared at it. "Leave it be." She heard her mother's voice, teeth grinding voice, and she paused for a moment. "No, don't leave it be, that fucker got away with murder." She heard her father's voice and Liv closed her eyes.

"Mrs. Grant, is everything ok?" Lia's voice brought her back.

Liv swallowed and shook off the voices. "Yes, just thinking, give me a moment." She wrote the street names of where the accident occurred and folded the paper. Looking at Lia she held the paper out. "On this paper is the date of a motor vehicle accident and the street it happened on. It was quite a few years ago, 18 to be exact, but I need some information."

Lia cautiously took the paper. As she was going to open it, Liv stopped her. "No, not here, at your office back in New York. Take your time, there is no rush. I just need whatever information you find. Don't tell anyone, ok, especially not him." Liv nodded up. "Put the paper away."

Smiling as Fitz approached, Liv nodded towards Lia. "Fitz, this is Lia, she's Samiyah's little sister." Fitz smiled at her and shook her hand.

"Pleasure to meet you Mr. Grant. Congratulations on the World Series, my new brother-in-law won't let me live it down. I tell him to enjoy it because that trophy will be back in the Bronx where it belongs next year."

Fitz's mouth went open with a smile. "I see you've been speaking with my wife a bit too long. Yankees fan ambush, huh?"

"No, she's just smart, like your wife." Liv gave a pat to his shoulder. "Wonderful to have met you Lia, please, keep in touch."

"Will do." She turned and walked away leaving Fitz and Liv as they were getting ready to go.

"Lovely young lady." Fitz said to Liv. "What does she do?"

Liv shrugged, "not too sure, she came over to tell me she knew me through Samiyah always talking about me. She works in New York, that's all I know."

Sammy and Monica came over to leave with Fitz and Liv. "Do you miss your little Ezzy?" Liv looked at Monica. "First time away for so long, huh?"

"Longest time, yes, miss her terribly. You'll find out soon enough." They headed towards the door.

The ride home was just Sammy and Liv arguing about the baseball season coming up and who will do what, much to the rolling eyes of Monica and Fitz.

Having a December due date, the moment November 30th ended, and December 1st began, Liv went back to sleepless nights. It was hard for her to move around. As worried as she was about her belly being so small, it blew up suddenly in mid-November and you would have thought she swallowed a hot air balloon.

Ever since her talk also with Lia she kept having shaky dreams. They weren't so many nightmares, just dreams like someone was watching her. Lying one night awake while Fitz was sleeping she wondered why she wouldn't just go to Huck.

He would tell Fitz, Fitz would worry. She didn't want that. She blinked at the dark ceiling. Just ask your mother. That thought haunted her. It would bring guilt back and her mother would lecture her about just leaving it be and get ready to be a mother.

She closed her eyes, what's done is done. She hadn't heard anything back from Lia so maybe the girl forgot about it all together. The dreams kept happening though and it didn't go unnoticed by Fitz.

"Looks like you're having some issues with sleep. What is it Liv? You feeling alright? Are you having nightmares again?"

"No, nothing like that Fitz. It's just getting uncomfortable with the due date so close, and I finally blew up like a hot air balloon." She rubbed her stomach. She hated lying to him, but she just couldn't ruin his happiness and have him worry about her. He knew something was up, she could feel it in her gut.

Maya and Jumbo were right next door, still very much in love, and Maya laughed every time she would come over and watch Liv wobble her way around the house. A few times, Liv almost said something, but she caught herself. This was supposed to be happy times.

"Well baby girl, stay off your feet and you wouldn't wobble so much, but no, you have to do this and do that, never one to sit down." Maya waved her off and continued to water Liv's hanging plants. Liv couldn't reach up too much to do it.

As much as Maya did irritate her, Liv would never trade her in. She was so grateful to have her around, especially when Fitz was out of town for team press conferences for most of November.

The whole day, December 3rd, the little guy was kicking more than usual, and Liv woke up from what little sleep she did finally get, rubbing her belly as Fitz slept soundly beside her. Daisy jumped on the bed, unexpectedly. She hadn't done that in a while, having taken to her own bed to be more comfortable, but she rested her chin on Liv's tummy.

"What is it girl?" Liv rubbed Daisy's head. "Is your brother talking to you?" Liv smiled, and the fiercest pain shot through her. It's as if Daisy knew it was coming and was trying to comfort her.

Suddenly a sharp pain went from Liv's back and sent her body to the sitting position, both her hands now trying to grasp her stomach as Daisy circled the bed, and put her nose under Fitz's hand, bopping it up until it bothered him enough to wake him.

Liv was in too much pain to make a sound yet, just concentrating on it going away, but she began to sweat as the pains began to get more frequent and even more intense. "Oh, God, Fitz, you better get up."

Just like that, twelve minutes before December 3rd was coming to an end, their gorgeous baby boy was born. Weighing in at exactly 7 pounds and a body width of 19 inches, he was crying for about a minute and stopped the moment he was placed in Liv's arms.

His father was right there rubbing his son's tiny head. Liv gently kissed her son and looked at Fitz. "Elliot Jaxson. E.J. for short." Fitz nodded on the name they both agreed to several months ago. "Perfect, just like him." Fitz said as he watched his son curl up to Liv's chest, and sleep comfortably, a feeling Fitz knew all too well.

Fitz came out of the shower, boxers on, shirt off, and he stopped to watch the scene in front of him. Daisy was at the base of the bed, sleeping. On the bed, Liv's head rested on her own arm, her other hand flat on EJ's chest, almost taking up his whole body, as his head tilted towards his mother's, and they were breathing in sync.

With a blink of his eyes, he saw darkness but for a moment, the smell of the dirt hut came back and hit him like a ton of bricks. Taking a deep breath, he opened his eyes, still seeing the two people he loved most on the bed.

He gave Liv a gentle kiss, causing her to stir a bit, but it didn't wake her completely. He watched her, she had been having dreams, he knew that, and she wasn't talking about it. Wanting to ask her about it, because he was sure it had something to do with knowing the driver was alive, he kept it to himself. With everything that happened, he just needed this happiness to hang around.

He kissed his son, watching his little face squish a bit, and Fitz smiled. This was so perfect. He was about to get up when Liv opened her eyes. "Hey Mister." She rubbed his chest.

"Hi." he said, smiling ear to ear. "I was just going to get a bottle, take little guy to his cradle right here, and hold you in my arms for the night."

Liv pulled him down, her lips meeting his. He had been nothing but wonderful the last two weeks. Any fear he had about being a father gone, because this man had this down to a tee. Liv kissed him deeply, holding him on her lips, not able to pull back.

Fitz's hand held hers as it rested on his jaw and he pulled away. "What was that for?"

"For being my husband, and the best father EJ could have." They both looked over at him. "He's so perfect Fitz."

"He is." Fitz lifted him, swallowing him up in his arms. He looked so tiny in Fitz's big arms against that gorgeous chest, and EJ squirmed a bit and comforted right up to his father. Fitz's forehead met his son's, and he tenderly kissed him. "I love you baby boy." He gently placed him in the cradle and watched to make sure he stayed sleeping.

Liv had comforted herself on the bed. "I'll be waiting for that arm hold, Mister."

Fitz walked back to her. He kissed her this time, just as passionately as she did him. "Give me a few minutes, I have to clean up from dinner, then I'll be up." He kissed her again and her body responded.

She moaned into his mouth. "God, I want you in me so bad," Liv whispered, "so you know that can't happen, don't be a tease."

"Oh, there are other things I can do. Wait for me."

"Forever." Liv bit her lip and watched her man walk out. Daisy had poked her head up and noticed her little brother was out of the bed, so she jumped into it with Liv and went right next to her to lay down. It's as if she knew what was coming.

Liv's phone began to buzz from the nightstand next to the bed. She looked at the display reading "LIA" and she took a deep breath. Let it go to voicemail, was her first instinct, but no way Liv could do that.

"Lia." Liv whispered.

"Hi Mrs. Grant, is it a good time? Can you talk?" Liv noticed Daisy's head perk up and then rested on her chest looking at her.

"For about a minute."

"Well, I can come up and meet for lunch if that's ok."

Liv thought for a moment. Everyone knew everyone in Rutland, how would she explain it. "No, I mean yeah, but not here in Rutland. Just, what's up can you give me a speed read."

"It was the car accident you were in that killed your father. I'm sorry Mrs. Grant, I didn't know."

"It's fine, what else?"

"Well, what exactly did you need from this?"

"The person that did it, the driver of the other car. Is he still alive?"

Lia looked down at her notes. 257 court cases. 75 convictions, 92 plea deals, 90 acquittals. That was Craig Sarkowski's record as a scum defense lawyer. The 90 acquittals, 15 were drunk drivers that killed one or more, 20 were rape cases that couldn't be proven, and the rest were ranging from manslaughter to auto theft. If you needed a shit head for a lawyer he was your man.

"Mrs. Grant, the driver is alive, and he's a lawyer. Do you want to know his name?"

"Where is he practicing law?"

"Four different states. His father was, well, is well known in New York." Lia stared at the name. She had a few run ins with him while she was investigating some things, and he was just as disgusting as his son seemed to be. He was the former police commissioner, so that's why his son never served time.

"That's just great." Liv sighed into the phone.

"Look, Mrs. Grant, don't you know about this, I mean this guy…"

"Wait, don't say his name yet. No, I don't know anything, my mother led me to believe he was dead all these years. She wanted to tell me recently, but I didn't want to know, but now…." She looked at the door. Fitz would be up in a minute; she had to hurry. "Lia, just give me his name, I'll call you back tomorrow for more information. I don't have too much time to talk."

"Craig Sarkowski." Lia heard nothing but dead silence.

Liv's heart pounded, her stomach tied into a knot, and she couldn't even swallow. There it was, the name, a person, the person that caused her life to be hell for so many years. He had a name, and the second Lia said it, Liv hated him.

"Mrs. Grant." Lia wasn't sure if Liv was still there.

"Got it, thanks, Lia," she quickly hung up. Her hands covered her face, and she cried. She stopped and looked over at the cradle. All the while, Liv was petting Daisy, not realizing it, and Daisy was watching her carefully, making sure she was ok.

"I'm ok, girl, soon enough this will all be over." She saw Fitz's shadow now approaching the door, and he stopped.

"Hey girl, you better give me back my wife." He laughed, placing the bottle beside the bed, and hopping into it, Daisy now lying being the two of them. Fitz rubbed her beautiful coat down and gave her a big kiss which made her jump down and shake it off.

Before Liv's face card would give away her crying, she snuggled herself into Fitz's arms. Her hand began circling his chest, her finger down and down it went, until her hand cupped his erection that was growing by the second.

Fitz's hand was rubbing her shoulder as she lay kissing his chest gently. Once her hand took a grasp of his erection, he wanted to feel her, he missed her, and this was the first time she had shown any sexual desire since giving birth.

Honestly, Fitz thought it would take much longer, but he was happy she had this feistiness in her. He moaned and whispered, "this is a pleasant surprise." Liv's hand pulled at his boxers and they slid off, and Liv closed her eyes in desire of what she could see but could not put in her, well where she wanted it in anyway.

She stroked him and with her eyes finally dry, she looked up at him, smiling, and they kissed softly, Liv feeling him grow weaker by the minute. She never let up on stroking him longer, harder, and soon her hand was replaced by her mouth, and she never saw him curl so quickly before.

It didn't take long and maybe it was because the lack of the last month. Liv had no desire, but tonight was different, she just needed him in the worst way. She went to the bathroom to rinse her mouth, and came back.

Checking on EJ who wasn't bothered at all, she fell back into the arms of her gorgeous husband. "How's my Mister?"

"Thank you. Now what can I do for you?" He kissed her forehead and when she looked at him, he pulled her down to his lips, his hand sneaking away, and just gently touching the top of her clit, not knowing if she was till sore down there.

Her head went up in weakness and she whispered, "easy Fitz, just go easy." That he did, his finger gently circling her, careful not got go further down, because his instinct was to put them in her, but not yet.

He lifted her body slightly, giving a kiss between the breasts and she turned to lay flat on her back. Fitz held his head up with his hand, the other hand pleasuring his wife and he watched her.

Her eyes were closed, her breathing slowing down, her heart beating and with the next rotation of his fingers, she grabbed his wrist as she moaned loudly, her orgasm, the first one after child birth hit her, and it was phenomenal.

Her head turned, her forehead now on Fitz's chest, she just breathed slowly into it. He had brought her body to weakness, and she smiled into his chest. "You never let me down."

He kissed her gently. "And I never will." He got up to clean up, and when he came back, EJ decided it was time to eat, as he let out a loud hunger cry.

Fitz picked up his small son and carried him to the bed, placing him in his arms and feeding him. Liv was grateful, she was in no state to feed him tonight, Fitz had worn her out. She just watched them, thinking in the back of her mind about that name. CARL, and man named CARL fucked up my life, killed my father.

"Liv, what do you think?" Fitz stared at her. "Hello, you there?"

Liv blinked. "I'm sorry, what?"

"Where were you?" Fitz laughed. "I know he's that handsome, looks from dad, right?"

"Whatever." Liv smiled. "What were you saying?"
"I said I'm going to put him in between us for a bit, is that ok?"

"Yeah, I'd like that." They were both turned, facing each other, but staring at their new baby boy. EJ's eyes were wide opened as he stared at the light shadows on the ceiling. Liv watched Fitz's big hand rub EJ's little tummy just like Liv was doing a short while ago.

Her finger went gently down her son's cheek and her and Fitz's eyes met. They smiled at one another both in awe of the life they created. "He's so perfect." Liv took a deep breath through her nose and watched her little boy close his eyes because of her gentle touch.

Once EJ was sleeping Fitz's hand left his tummy and went to Liv's face, caressing it softly. "There's something on your mind. Do you want to talk about it?"

Ignoring the question completely, she soothed his hand that was caressing his face. "How did it feel when you knew Logan was dead? How did it make you feel?"

Liv's eyes didn't leave her baby's face and she waited for an answer. "I mean are you upset Huck was the one that killed him? Would you have much rather have done it?"

Fitz frowned at these questions. He gently picked up EJ, slowly, as not to wake him, and brought him back to his cradle. Crawling back into the bed, he went closer to Liv where EJ wasn't between them blocking any space.

He was face to face with her now, and Liv took a hard swallow, her eyes still filled with confusion and question. "Where is this coming from Liv? What's this all about?"

"It's just some questions, I'm curious. We never really talked about Logan, the mastermind behind your taken prisoner and your beatings."

"He's dead, let's leave it at that. It doesn't take away what he did to me, what he did to my father, what he did to this country." Fitz could feel the anger in his voice. It was more because these questions went beyond him and Liv wasn't telling him something.

Sensing the anger building, Liv turned away from him. "I was just curious." Liv put her forearm across her eyes and closed them wanting the conversation to end now.

"You're lying, and you know it Liv. Does this have anything to do with the driver of the other car." Fitz waited and heard silence, it was deafening and infuriating.

He took a deep breath, calmed himself down and needed to get answers from her. Could she have found out somehow who he was. Was she planning some kind of revenge? He didn't trust his instincts were wrong. Taking too long to hear from her, his voice went a bit deeper. "O LIV IA" he said.

She uncovered her eyes and wrapped her arm around burying her face into his chest, trying to hold back the tears as they just flowed out of her eyes. She felt his arms go around her, and he held her tight. Chills went up and down her body.

He gently kissed her head and could feel the tears as they wet his chest. "Livvie please talk to me."

Her eyes met his and his hand wiped away a tear. She shrugged up one shoulder, and took a deep breath. "I just was looking at EJ and wondered, you know, what we could prevent from happening to him in life. I wish I could have prevented that car accident, and knowing the man who ruined my life, who took a man away to never meet his grandson, it just got to me."

Fitz tipped Liv's chin up to kiss her lips. "You can't think like that. What happened to me, what happened to you, it wasn't in our control. The best we can do is love him, give him a good support group around people that love him, and be his parents."

Liv nodded. Her hand went down Fitz's bare chest. "I know," she whispered, and Fitz placed himself so that Liv could rest comfortably in his arms.

"Come on, get some sleep. EJ will be up again soon, and I want you in my arms for as long as he is asleep."

"I love you, Fitz." She kissed his chest, wrapped her arm around his waist, and closed her tired eyes. She fell asleep having every intention in the morning to find this CARL lawyer and get herself on his list as a "client." She would find a way.

Sooner or later, the police commissioner and his son will know what it is like to have someone they love taken away, maybe in a freak accident that "was out of their control."

Fitz watched the mother of his newborn son sleep now. Her breathing was peaceful and although he had his doubts, he couldn't see her doing a 360 and suddenly be out for revenge.

She was a mother now, a son who she adored, why suddenly did she feel the need to ask about revenge. Usually, Fitz could rely on Huck to help out, but he was busy with the MMA. "I have to keep my eye on you Olivia Grant." His head rested on hers and the new parents slept peacefully now with their newborn son soundly in the cradle.

The next day Fitz and Liv began their day getting EJ ready for his walk with Ezzy. Fitz was taking them with Sammy and Liv would get some much needed rest in the house. After EJ's feeding, she dressed him in the tiny jeans Maya and bought him. It had to match with his blue shirt that read "Grandma waited a long time for me."

Once Fitz left asking a hundred times over if Liv was ok, she picked up the phone. Staring at her computer screen she dialed the number in front of her.

"Sarkowski Law Offices, how can I help you?" Liv heard the receptionist's voice and took a long deep breath. She took a glance over at the newborn picture of EJ and the one next to it. The one where he was in her arms and Fitz was with them. A wave of guilt went over her, one for lying to Fitz and two for what she was about to do.

"Hello, may I help you?"

Liv began to speak to into the phone to secure a meeting with Carl Sarkowski himself.