Chapter 10-Setting up

"You know, the car usually moves when someone is inside of it at the wheel."

Fitz startled Olivia when his hands came from behind and he rested them just above the scar on her left side. She quickly put her hands over his, then calmed a bit and reached back for his chin. She took a deep breath.

"I know, I'm just wondering I why I got such a bland car. It screams soccer mom, I mean, I can afford an Audi and I am going to be driving a Ford. What is wrong with me? I really did want the simple life." Olivia was staring at the blue car delivered yesterday. She hadn't touched it, hadn't even sat in it yet to adjust the mirrors and seat, but she was getting ready to meet Lara and Abby for lunch and had to do the unavoidable.

She turned to Fitz. She pouted a bit, and said "Hi"

"Hi, back I missed you yesterday."

"Ditto". She really did miss him. He had spent the whole day at the soccer field setting up for the event coming up on Friday. Olivia didn't realize the town even gave the kids off from school, that's how big this event was. She was going to find out all the information if she ever got her butt in the car.

"Ever since the accident, cars have been my worst enemy. Riding the subway in the city was serenity for me. It was underground and I didn't have to hear the noise of the traffic on the street. Every time I did hear a screech or a horn honk, even the occasional collision I had anxiety for days. Some sounds you just don't forget."

Fitz knew that feeling all too well. He interlocked his hands with hers and spun her around. "I understand what you're saying, but I have no doubt you can do this." She looked in his eyes, and he felt her take a step back. Yeah, hers had that effect on him, too.

"Do you want me to drive you, I can drop you off then take a break from the setup to go get you." Fitz offered.

"I have to be a big girl, right? Look if you could brave two years in Iraq, I can brave a ten-minute drive to a lunch date. You give me strength, Mister."

Fitz's heart almost exploded with that comment. The words she said to him, he just couldn't explain how they made him feel. He never felt like much of a man after coming home, but Olivia Pope was erasing that feeling in less than a week. The things she did to his confidence could never be put into words.

"You just be careful, take it slow. Text me when you get there." He leaned down and gave her the slightest peck on the lips as he turned to head back to his place.

During the drive, Olivia took her mind off the anxiety and thought of her chats with Harold and Betty yesterday. She truly missed them, and it felt so good to hear their voices, especially Betty's.

It was inevitable she would have to speak to Fitz about Edison, she just didn't want anything to come in between Friday. Fitz seems so determined to make sure everything is perfect and since it's his first time attending, she wants it to be perfect for him as well.

"Harold's Bake Shoppe," Oliva smiled through the phone when Harold answered.

"Hey, I hear you have a Grinch come early with Edison Davis." Olivia answered back.

"Ms. Pope, so good to hear from you. I was so worried, especially after hearing that dreadful man. Are you ok? Where have you been? I do hope you have finally taken a break from work for some down time, you were always so overworked."

"I have Harold. I am thinking strongly about resigning and moving to a simpler life. That decision is still up in the air. Now about Edison, go back at him, bite back and he will back off. I want you to call him. Tell him you spoke directly to me. Give him this number." She recited the number to the burner phone Huck had sent. "Tell him I called you because you reached out looking for me at work, which isn't a lie. Make it clear to him I am visiting my mother in Paris; I will take it from there. Remind him of the time difference also. Don't worry, your business isn't in danger, and I sure do miss your Danish."

"Thank you so much Ms. Pope, I will call him as soon as I hang up with you, before the lunch crowd comes in. Give me your address where you're staying, and I will ship some Danish to you."

"Oh, Harold, that would be wonderful, but hold off on that, I will send a friend in for some, I may be having company for Thanksgiving and perhaps you can send the goods with him, if not, I will call you back with the information. It's so good to hear your voice."

"You sound relaxed, continue to take care of you, this city isn't stopping for anything soon. I'll be in touch."

When she heard the click of phone and the line go dead, she felt a feeling of emptiness. She thought of her empty condo and her never ending days. Surely, she wasn't missing it, it's just a moment of nostalgia after speaking to Harold.

Betty had called the office, just like she guessed, and Huck spoke directly to her. She gave her number where she could be reached and that was the next phone call Olivia made yesterday.

She approached a stop sign and made the right onto the road that would get her to the McClellan residence in just five short minutes. So far, the driving hasn't been too bad. She thought of Betty's soothing voice to calm her anxiety about driving the final few minutes.

"Betty's Tailoring, how can I help you?" Olivia's heart melted, how she missed her stories. It's only been a week, but it seemed like years. Betty is the reason she wanted this simple life.

"Betty, hello, it's Olivia Pope, I hear someone has you scared, and I am sorry about that."

"Oh Olivia, don't you apologize for that despicable man, I've dealt with worse than him, it's you I am concerned about. I have three suits of yours here and when he came around, I started thinking the worst. Are you alright?"

"I am fine. I am taking care of the problem; he shouldn't bother you again. I am actually taking some time for myself, visiting with my mother, it was an impromptu trip, do you mind holding the suits until I get back?"

"Oh dear, I am glad everything is well. Say hi to your mom for me, you always did speak so highly of her, and don't you worry about the suits, they'll be here when you return."

Her thoughts came back to the present as she pulled into the driveway. She had to avoid a little pink bike with training wheels on it. When she stepped out of the car, she looked at the bike.

The seat had a headshot of Ariel the Mermaid on it. Olivia wondered what motherhood was like. It's something she longed for, but still was a lifetime away. Fitz would be an amazing father, the thought crossed her mind, and she quickly erased it. Whoa, that was an unexpected thought, but it still brought her some comfort.

Lara came out of the house waving from the porch. Olivia walked towards her. She still looked so young, especially dressed in her casual jeans and a t-shirt that read Town of Rutland Sheriff's Dept.

"Any trouble finding the house?" Lara asked.

"None at all, thank you. Is Abby here yet?" She looked around for another car but didn't see one.

"She is, she is inside Leo dropped her off. Chloe is sleeping for at least another hour, her afternoon nap. She is so excited you will be here when she gets up. Let's go see if we don't scare you out of coming on Friday" Lara smiled, and they walked in together.

"Man, I had to come and see this with my own eyes." Bryce walked up to Fitz. Bryce was in full Sheriff's uniform as Fitz greeted him with a handshake. "I can't believe you're out of the house and here for this."

"Isn't someone committing a crime somewhere? Don't you have your own work to do?" Fitz answered back. "Your girls are working tirelessly, I hear, I want this to be perfect for them." Fitz stopped to direct a few workers to an area that needed setup. "Besides, I am not working, I am more dictating."

"Right, my girls, sure you can use them as an excuse. They are working hard with Lara; they want you and Olivia to make an impression. From what I hear they have some story for the two of you. The crowd is going to love it. Should be fun." Bryce's radio static came through and he was needed a few miles away.

"See you later, Bryce, go get them bad guys."

Bryce waved him off. Fitz was watching as the stage was being set up. This would be where he made his opening speech to the town and then towards the end of the event, it's where him and Olivia would perform their fairytale. It sounded corny, but this was for the children of Rutland. Olivia was fine with it, and she told him how much she was looking forward to it. He wondered how her lunch with Abby and Lara was going.

Three loud bangs made him jump a bit and he felt a slight pain in his back. He looked in front and saw a worker pounding nails into the stage. Every time he heard an unexpected loud noise, his wounds seem to open, and he felt the pain in his back. He took a deep breath. He had to be ready for Friday. Getting out every day, being here to watch the set up was good therapy for him. "Some sounds just give you anxiety" he remembered Liv's words from this morning.

He walked towards the soccer building. The planning board for the event was in there making the final schedule. It was the perfect place for Fitz to be, to drown out the noises coming from the stage. Those noises that brought him back to that dark cell.

Bang, bang, bang. "We're coming in." Fitz heard the American say after he heard the Iraqi soldier say something first. "We are bringing food and we're staying to make sure you are eating it. Bang, bang, bang. "Soldier, you hear what we said." Fitz refused to answer. At this point the punishments were numb to him anyway. He just looked forward to an update on how long he had been captured.

When the door opened and light shown in, Fitz's eyes burned. He wondered, if he did get out alive, if he would ever be able to face the light of day without damage to his eyes. He held his hand up to block the sunlight and looked at the American. The American nodded, which meant he had some news.

The Iraqi said something to him, and he proceeded with two bowls to set down in front of Fitz. "Make sure you eat; it's been 300 days today. Your father was informed of your capture." Fitz heard the words, but they didn't register yet.

"tell them I need to start going outside. Tell them just for five minutes, I need to walk around a bit. I am losing my mind."

Another loud bang from the soldier. He yelled something and the American said, "he wants us to stop talking." Fitz nodded; he grabbed the American's arm. "Just tell me your name." The American looked at the Iraqi and said Fitz had mentioned going outside. It was an excuse to speak to Fitz again.

The Iraqi mumbled something back and the American turned to Fitz. "Mike Williams, Army, Corporal Airborne Troop 158 out of San Antonio. The soldier will speak to his superiors about getting you out a half hour a day."

"Thank you, Mike." Again, the banging. "Geez, what's his problem with the banging. I have enough of a headache." The soldier walked towards Fitz and Mike stood up. He said something to him, and the soldier backed off. "Just eat your food, ok, we're not leaving until it's done." He grabbed two cups of water. The cups were bigger this time.

Fitz gathered this was from a conversation the Iraqi government must have had with his father or the Senate, or whomever is making a deal for his release. Almost a year in here. He thought of Natalie. Was she worried? Her coal black hair, her beaming blue eyes. It made it easier for him to eat, to swallow, and to keep the food down.

After fifteen minutes of being watched, Fitz heard gunfire right outside the cell. The Iraqi soldier closed the door quickly and stayed in shelter with the two Americans. Finally, the gunfire stopped, and Mike shook his head.

"What's that mean?" Fitz asked. Mike picked up his bowls and guided the cups into them and stood up.

"You don't want to know, just stay low, don't cause any trouble." He turned to leave with the soldier. "Shouldn't be much longer if you cooperate." Once they left, Fitz drew a 300 in the dirt. If they let him out every day, at least he could start a countdown.

As he felt sleep coming on, he kept hearing those relentless bangs in his mind. He tried to silence them, because they weren't happening anymore, but then the sound of gunfire would takeover. He got up walked to the corner and covered his ears, closed his eyes, and thought of Natalie. Although it was restless, he got some sleep, finally and looked forward to going outside tomorrow.

"Fitz, yo buddy, you ok." One of the crew members brought him back from his daydream.

"Yeah, sorry about that Abe, what's going on?"

"Someone here to see you an associate from the Vermont Lake Monsters baseball team. Want me to send him in?"

"Yeah, thanks." This was going to blow the minds of this town. Fitz was feeling like the McClellan girls now anticipating the event on Friday.

"You are kidding me!" Olivia tried not to be too loud as to wake Chloe, "she did what?"

Abby nodded, "yep that bitch actually tried to talk to reporters last year at this event, she had the audacity to show up without Fitz." They had been talking about Mellie, and Olivia was very intrigued. "One reporter asked her how she thought the town would benefit, and Mellie put her foot in her mouth, she said the event lasted for three days. She wasn't too happy when the crowd erupted in laughter. She was so mad. This year will be great though, with Fitz being there and that conniving b…" Abby stopped and nodded towards the doorway. Chloe was standing there rubbing her eyes.

The three ladies turned their heads and Chloe walked and stood right by Olivia.

"Hey Chloe, how are you sleeping beauty?" Chloe giggled at what Olivia called her. She bypassed her mother and jumped into Oliva's lap. She once again wrapped her arms around Olivia's neck and gave her a squeeze.

"Hi Pwincess Owivia," she stopped and sniffed. "You smell good."

"Aww, thank you Chloe. Did you have a nice nap? Were they all sweet dreams? You don't have to call me Princess, Olivia is fine." She had her arm wrapped around the child's back as she looked face to face with her. The striking resemblance to Lara was amazing.

"Fitz is a pwince", Chloe said, "so you have to be a pwincess because you are going to mawwy him." She said it with such confidence and began looking around.

"Chloe!" Lara said. "We talked about thinking there is going to be a wedding. I am sorry Olivia."

Abby covered her mouth to contain the laughter. Olivia too found the cute humor in Chloe's words.

Olivia waved it off. "It's fine. It's innocence. What are you looking for, Chloe?"

"Mommy, where my cwayons?"

"Over there, honey, why don't you go color and draw for a while? "Chloe hopped down from Olivia's lap and walked to her art station.

"So do you think Mellie will be back anytime soon?" Olivia tried to hide the jealousy in her words, but it concerned her, it didn't seem like a healthy relationship for Fitz, even if they were just friends.

"Oh God no," Abby didn't hesitate. "She did come around this past July 4th. She was upset Fitz wouldn't take her to the town celebration. She left before the fireworks. He hasn't mentioned her since, nothing for about four months now, fine with me."

As the ladies set the lunch up, Lara handed Olivia a sheet of paper. "This is the schedule for Friday. I am on the planning committee. They are meeting now, but I told them I was familiarizing the newest resident. Ever been to a state fair or the town carnival? This is what it is all in one day, with a "performance" at night."

Olivia glanced down at the list of vendors, games, and events. There was a potato sack race, a dizzy bat race, and one event that caught her curiosity. "Run with a pumpkin?" She looked at Lara, curiously.

"The participants have to run 50 yards with a heavy pumpkin. The winner gets to keep the pumpkin."

Olivia shook her head. This was definitely not New York City.

Abby chimed in. "The daytime is for the children. The later hours are the adults enjoying the "acting". Think of it as a school play role reversal. The kids write the script, and the adults act it out. The ones that act it out the best is crowned prince and princess to end the fairytale day. It usually all winds down by 9pm." Abby's eyes were gleaming.

"Why do you have that look in your eye Abby?" Oliva asked her chuckling.

"We are really happy for Fitz. Seriously, I don't know how many times you will hear this, but this has been the happiest we have seen him. No matter what he has done for the town, he never was this happy. It's kind of meaningful now to him."

"I have to agree, Olivia, for the past week he has been a different person. He is out and about and is eager to do more things. These are things that never seemed to interest him before. What have you done?"

Olivia looked down, shying away. "Honestly, I haven't done anything. We just became friends and are getting to know one another."

Abby picked up a finger sandwich. Before taking a bite, she looked at Olivia. "Have you two kissed yet?"

"ABBY!" Lara couldn't believe her friend asked Olivia that. Olivia noticed Chloe looked up from her coloring.

"It's ok, Lara, really. Abby, we are just enjoying each other's company right now. He's a unique man. Has he opened at all to you or Lara? What do you really know about Fitzgerald Grant?"

Lara handed Olivia a plate, and as Olivia reached in for some of everything, Lara began to speak. "We know he was in the Navy; his father is a rich, powerful politician in California, and he has a nemesis named Mellie that can't take a hint to stay away."

Olivia nodded and looked over at Abby. "We know there isn't anything he wouldn't do for a person. He has secrets. They aren't bad secrets, just he holds back. He doesn't open up much. Leo and Bryce have tried, but he is refined. He is a great friend, but we all just want the best for him. What about you, what can you tell us about Olivia Pope?"

Before Olivia could begin speaking, Chloe came over holding her masterpiece. She showed it to Lara and asked her mother something that couldn't be heard. Lara nodded and caressed the young girl's cheek. Chloe walked to Olivia and handed her the picture.

Olivia took it with a big smile and said "Another famous Chloe drawing for me? This is special, now I have two. My refrigerator is going to be the best decorated in Rutland." She looked at the colorful drawing and again asked Chloe to explain.

The drawing had two boxes. One had a sad face in it with dark clouds, the other box had two happy faces with sunshine and flowers. Above each picture were the letters FZ. She pointed to the sad box. That's Fitz he is sad. She pointed to the happy box. That's Fitz now, he is happy. He is happy because of you. She pointed to other happy face.

Liv looked at Chloe. This child loved Fitz very much. So much, she could read his emotions. For Chloe to say Olivia makes Fitz happy just put a bit more feeling into Liv's heart. She reached out and hugged Chloe, who once again climbed on Olivia's lap.

"Chloe," Lara began, but Olivia stopped her. "It's fine."

"So, Olivia Pope, that's me. She looked at Lara. "I did not like the state fair and I dreaded carnivals. My father," she stopped not wanting to be too graphic for Chloe to hear. "My father was tragically out of my life at a young age." Lara and Abby nodded, understanding what she was saying. "It's just everything I tried to participate in after that seemed different. Everyone looked at me like the girl to feel sorry for, and I couldn't take being around that. I stayed away from most town gatherings and celebrations."

Olivia looked at Abby. "When you say role reversal, to "perform" in a crowd, that frightens me, but from what you have told me about Fitz, it's something I will do for him. She rubbed Chloe's shoulders, and for this little one here, and her sisters."

Abby looked at Liv. "I will tell you now, on Friday, you will not feel like the girl everyone feels sorry for, in fact, you will be the envy of the town if Fitz is with you. We have tried for five years to get him to come. Not even Lara and Bryce's girls would get him to come."

"She's right," Lara said. "He would just make sure everything was set up, all the vendors were settled, and he would hear about the event and the success on the local news. Bryce told me he is even giving an opening speech this year. So, you're doing something right, Olivia." Lara turned towards the door as her two oldest returned from school.

Chloe jumped down again to greet her sisters and Abby's cell phone rang. Liv started thinking back to her summer of love with Tyler.

"Come on 'Livia, it will be fun. I promise, I will win you a stuffed penguin at one of the stands. Just say you'll come with me to the fair on Saturday."

Olivia and Tyler were at her place, watching a movie they weren't interested in. Their lips were too busy to care what the actors were saying or doing on the screen. Suddenly "Ty" stopped and asked her about going to the fair.

Olivia dreaded the fair. She always did since the accident. Her father would take her every year. They would ride the Ferris wheel and he would scare her into thinking they would get stuck on the top. The fair, like so many other things, held so many memories Olivia wanted to keep up inside.

Now Tyler was staring at her with his pleading brown eyes. How could she say no? Her mother had already told her she had to go on with her life and do things she used to do, despite the hurt.

"Ok, I'll go, but if I don't leave with a penguin, you're in big trouble buddy." She saw Tyler's eyes light up and he was so happy. "Why is this so important to you?"

"Because I get to show off my girl to everyone at the fair. I want everyone to know how much I love you."

They walked around the fair for hours that night. They went on every ride, ate cotton candy and corn dogs, and played every stand that offered a penguin for a prize. Olivia never felt so comfortable, resting her head on his shoulder as they walked, holding hands, and even stopping for an occasional kiss. Eyes were on them, but this time it was for a good thing, and Olivia didn't mind at all.

As the night was winding down, Olivia held out her hands and asked "you see these, Ty? They are empty. Where is my penguin?"

"Oh, you're going to guilt me now 'Livia? I see how it is." He looked at their surroundings and his eyes grew wide. "Watch this." There was a basketball game not too far from where they were standing. It was a game where you had to keep making buckets in order to win the bigger prizes.

He grabbed Olivia's hand and showed her the stand. "I know there aren't any penguins, but popping balloons isn't my specialty, can you find something you want here, and I promise I won't miss."

Olivia looked up. If you made six baskets in a row, there was a light brown fuzzy bear as a prize. The bear was a beanie baby collection, and it had the letters TY across the fur. She pointed up. "Look, it says "TY", you're my Ty, so win that for me."

Tyler paid the guy and made it look flawless. He hit seven baskets in a row, and he stopped there. He happily handed Olivia the bear, with a kiss of course. They left the fair that night, and Olivia didn't think her heart could be full any more than it was.

It was one of their last dates, as summer was winding down and school would start back up again.

"Olivia, would you be ok with that?" She felt poking at her shoulder. Alyssa was asking her a question.

"I am so sorry, honey, I was just thinking about something. What did you say?"

"Would you be ok if my mom puts make up on you for your character on Friday?"

Lara looked at her. "It's ok if it's uncomfortable Olivia, I know this is all new to you."

"No, it's fine. Will you make me look like an evil witch?" Olivia asked with suspense.

"Oh no!" Brianna said. "You're the princess and it's going to be the greatest fairytale Rutland has ever seen."

Alyssa looked at Olivia. "Brianna told me the story and I wrote it. Fitz is going to be a bitter prince and you are going to be the princes that makes his heart soft."

Abby rolled her eyes. "BORING. I want the evil witch instead."

Alyssa stuck her tongue out at Abby. "Well too bad you're not in the story then there would be an evil witch."

Abby stuck her tongue back out at her. "Ok, kids, that's enough" Lara laughed in. "You are sure you're ok with this?" She asked Olivia once again.

"Fine, I am getting excited for it now too." She stood up. "Thank you two for a wonderful lunch. She grabbed her picture and the schedule for Friday. All three girls ran to give Olivia a hug as she was leaving. Olivia turned to Abby. "Do you need a ride anywhere?"

Abby thanked her but Leo was on his way. The girls laughed again at the sound of Leo's name and Olivia laughed with them. "The Cookie Monster." Abby looked at her surprised. "Oh sure, gang up on me, thanks."

Olivia left the all-girls lunch with a bit more excitement then when she headed there. She looked down at the schedule of events and for the first time since she had been in Rutland, it was finally feeling like home.

Fitz had already been home for about an hour. He had no one to share the news with about his surprise for the town on Friday. He was very private about his life, and this was one of those things he did because of his privacy. He wanted to tell Liv, but he didn't think she would have a clue what it was about.

He noticed Daisy's ears perk up a bit and she gave a whimper. Fitz figured Daisy heard Liv's car pull in. It wasn't too far away for Daisy's senses, and five minutes later his phone chimed.

Liv: I am back, had a wonderful time. How are you?

Fitz: Thank you for letting me know, I am good. Care for some company?

Liv: I was going to get ready for a jog, I wanted to finally see the sunset, can I stop by after the jog?

Fitz: I'll be waiting. Heart eyes emoji.

Liv: Kiss emoji.

During her jog, Liv had so much to think about. She thought for sure Edison would've called the burner phone by now, but he hadn't. She didn't know what she was going to say when he did call. She had to have something planned.

She was thinking about Friday. A week ago, she was finalizing her trip to Rutland, now she's going to step up in front of everyone in town and perform. What hold this man had on her. She couldn't believe she was agreeing to this, but for him and those blue eyes, there isn't anything she wouldn't do.

She glanced over the mountain top; the sight was once again spectacular. The colors indescribable. There was just something different about a sunset in Vermont. Then she heard it, then she felt it. She looked down. "Damn it!" She ran right into a mud puddle, spewing mud all up her leggings. No way she could go to his house like this.

Despite being a muddy mess, Liv enjoyed the jog. Her adrenaline was pumping, her heart rate was racing, and the cold sweat, calmed some anxiety in her body. She got back at her place and called Fitz. "I wouldn't mind you coming over here, I just need to shower and change."

Fitz was looking around her living room, Daisy sniffing around the kitchen, when she appeared in loose fitting pajama pants and a simple gray t shirt. He turned to her. "You look gorgeous."

Liv blushed. "Fitz, I am in pajama pants and a t-shirt."

"Still, gorgeous." He pointed to a few things she had put up since he had last been there. "You have the same pictures." He noticed the picture of her smiling on the fireplace.

Next to the picture there was a beaten up old stuffed bear, the word TY for the maker across it. "Not a little mature for stuffed beanie babies?" Fitz wiggled the bear in the air.

"I do have the same pictures, but I have the one of us in my bedroom." Liv said. "The bear, well, look again at the word TY. Tyler got that for me." She ended it there and Fitz saw the sadness in her eyes. She took a salad out of the fridge. "Want some salad?"

"No, thank you, I ate." He looked back up at the fireplace. He noticed a baseball in case, signed. He looked closer at it. "Is this? That's Derek Jeter's autograph."

"Sure is, Mister, I bleed Yankee's blue. You don't have a problem with that do you?"

He chuckled as he sat with her at the table while she began eating her salad. "I went to the '98 parade. I caught Jeter just before he got on the float, and he signed the ball for me. I had it bad for him."

"Did you now? Well, I guess I am lucky that it didn't work out between the two of you."

Liv looked at him. "I would go to Yankee Stadium all the time with my mom and dad. We are big fans. Don't tell me you like the Vermont Lake Monsters, no wait, you're a Californian, are you a Giants fan?"

"Actually what no one knows about me is I am part owner of the Vermont Lake Monsters." His eyes never left hers.

Liv's fork fell out of her hand. "Shut up, Fitz, seriously?"

"Seriously," he laughed at her reaction. "So, I guess I can share the news with you. One of the players agreed to come to the festival on Friday. He's going to sign autographs for charity for Rutland. I really couldn't share it with anyone, this town is going to be crazy. Jordon…..

"FITZ! Don't tell me you got Jordon Lewis to come on Friday. Ok, I can't go now, no way. He single handedly beat my Yankees in the ALCS last year. I cannot be in the same air as that man." Liv was joking.

"He did beat them bad. I think he had a home run every at bat, right? Anyway, he is a hometown hero, and the town is in for a real surprise."

Fitz said it like it was nothing. Jordon Lewis was the best player in the league and just signed a multiyear deal to stay in Vermont. Liv knew this because the Yankees were trying to steal him away. Yet here Fitz was talking about it like it was a box of cereal he chose for the week.

"That's amazing, you're amazing. Oh, I cannot wait to meet him, I am going to have him sign my Yankees….

"He's not going to sign anything Yankees, don't even think about it." They both laughed as she cleaned up her salad bowl and area. She was walking towards the sink and lost grip on the bowl. It slipped out of her hands and crashed hard onto the floor, shattering into pieces after a loud bang of impact.

"Shit! Liv screamed. What the hell is wrong with me today?" She turned to get her broom and there was Fitz, just staring into space.

"Fitz, you, ok?" She walked over to him. "Fitz", she rubbed her hand through his hair, "you ok." She noticed some beads of sweat beginning to form on his forehead. He just closed his eyes taking deep breaths. Her hand remained on his cheek as he opened his eyes and looked at her. Daisy had come over to sit by Fitz's side.

She saw fear in his eyes. It looked like he was pained. "Fitz, it's ok, I am here. Look at me." His stare went from nothing to her, and he reached up and held her hand from his cheek. "Some sounds just cause anxiety." He said blankly. She continued to stare at him as he was slowly coming back.

The smashing of the bowl, the shattering of the glass, she could only imagine what he heard at war in Iraq. "Let me just clean up, I want to talk to you about lunch today, and the festival, let's talk about the festival." Fitz closed his eyes and focused on her voice. He was petting Daisy, who never left his side.

After showing him Chloe's picture and talking about the schedule on Friday, Liv placed her head on Fitz's chest as they sat on the couch. She rubbed his chest, through his soft flannel shirt, closing her eyes. She loved the feel of him, and when his arm wrapped around her, she felt the stress drown from her body. The feelings she had for him; she couldn't contain them much anymore.

"Chloe adores you," she said holding the picture. "She knows your emotions, for being so young."

Fitz smiled. "I held her in my arms the day she was born and ever since then we have a unique bond. She is a special kid."

Liv looked up at him. "Are you freaking out about your speech on Friday. I hear you're giving the welcome."

"I'm freaking out about the speech on Friday. It's the first time speaking to the town, but you'll be there. I will be fine."

She looked at him. "You are sure you're, ok?" He knew she meant it about what had just happened.

"You brought me back. Loud sounds aren't my thing. It's kind of like cars not being your thing. Tonight, though, you gave me strength." Their eyes locked in another dead stare, and Fitz reached under her chin and leaned down.

His lips overtook hers, and Liv's hand pulled him further into the kiss. It was at that moment, Liv realized how much she wanted him and pushed her chest more into his. Once again, the kiss, the closeness, the connection made Fitz react and he pulled back, as did she, realizing what she had just done.

As much as Olivia wanted to open her heart, let him in there was something holding her back. Fitz wanted her like he never wanted another woman, but he too held back.

"I won't be around tomorrow. I have to get Jordan settled in and meet with the fire Marshall and Bryce for the festival opening. I'll come by around noon on Friday to get you. You sure you up to this?"

Liv put her head back on his chest, this time she interlocked her fingers with his. "I am up to this. Why, though are you finally attending? What changed?"

Fitz looked at her. "You Olivia. I want this whole town to see you. I want to be the one to show you off, and I want them to see you walk arm in arm with me, that's if you want to. I get to show you off to the town."

Almost the same words Tyler used when he asked her to the fair, and Olivia's heart melted. "I am looking forward to it, but how about we make a plan now? After the festival, I'll stay at your place." Her eyes went back up to his, more seductive and he knew her intentions.

"Friday night plans, sounds good, Livvie." He reached down for one more kiss and called it a night. "I'll miss you tomorrow, but I'll text, and don't say anything about Jordan to anyone."

They both stood as Daisy jumped up. Walking him to the door, she asked one more time if he would be ok for the night and he assured her he would be. She watched as they walked towards his home, and when the flashlight beam was no longer visible, Liv prepared for bed.

She called Huck; surprised Edison hadn't reached out to her yet. Huck knew Harold called Edison having a trace on Edison's phone, but nothing else unusual. Liv was expecting Edison was planning some form of attack but felt better that Huck was tracking him. They would be in touch more tomorrow.

Mellie would be getting her car back in the morning. She planned her trip so she would get to Rutland by Fitz around noon on Friday. She was tired. She was alone, but she was looking forward to some quiet time in Fitz's home. He would help her get comfortable and at least keep her company through the holidays.

Both Fitz and Olivia were lying wide awake in anticipation for Friday. They both played their pasts in their minds, but ready to move forward with their future. Olivia had decided on Friday she would let Fitz in, just like she decided she would for Tyler so many years ago.

She wanted to be up front with him and wanted him to know every part of her body, every one of her scars. If there was someone, she was willing to open her heart to, it was Fitz. Friday would be a big step for her, and she fell asleep as she dreamed of dancing a slow dance with her "Pwince Fitz".

Fitz was also ready. He stared at her smile in the picture, he thought about her soothing voice tonight. Never had he been able to bring himself back from a potential attack, but tonight, in her presence, he finally did so. Friday night would be magical, and Fitz fell asleep as he dreamed of dancing a slow dance with his "princess Olivia".