A/N: Hi all. Glad you're still with the story. I am going to respond to the reviews and PM's before I finish the next chapter. I am halfway into it and it should be up by tomorrow night. My mind is racing with ideas for this story, and I need to get it down before I lose it.
Things are starting to get real for our two, and Liv is finding it difficult to accept, while Fitz is accepting it with open arms. A little time away may help Liv, but we know our guy Fitz, he never gives up.
Once again, thank you all for your continued kind words for this story. Happy reading and I'll be posting again tomorrow. Hope you enjoy, and if you can, leave a review.
Chapter 19—Subtle Distancing
"Stop". Olivia was laughing. "How did he get the name Two Shot?"
Fitz was expecting company. His two partners in ownership of the Lake Monsters were to arrive shortly. Tomorrow they would be introduced to the Rutland crew at Sophie's during lunch. Her and Fitz were waiting for Huck to come over and Fitz was telling her about his friendship with the partners.
"Do you really want to know?" Fitz had been friends with Two Shot and Sparks since he was 18. They met in the Naval Academy and were inseparable until Fitz got deployed. Previously they had been deployed with him the other two times.
"I do, that sounds funny, and if you are going to be calling him that for the next two nights, I think I should know the background. You military guys and your nicknames." Olivia was shaking her head.
"Well," Fitz began, as he was stirring the pot of beef stew on the stovetop, "Two Shot was, no he is a lady's man. He could never settle down. It's just not in him. He has too much fun being free from love and commitment. So, women only get one shot with him."
Liv was shaking her head, trying to follow along. "But he's two shot. Where did that come from?" Liv asked, confused.
"We would always joke around after the woman left, asking if she would be the one who gets the second shot with him. Will she be a two shot? It was a question we always asked him. When he would show up after a date, we would just look at him and say two shot? So, the the name stuck, and now we just call him two shot." Fitz shrugged and gave some more attention to the stew. "It's almost finished." He lowered the heat and turned back to Liv, who had a smirk on her face.
"Go, on, how did Sparks become Sparks? Or maybe I should quit while I am ahead." Liv was enjoying hearing Fitz talk about his friends.
"Sparks was always confident in himself. He is one of the most confident men I have ever met. He was never afraid of failure because if it didn't work out for Sparks, he just tried again. When he would date, he would brag that the ladies saw sparks when he would kiss them. He thought very highly of himself." Fitz smiled.
"Sounds like, but you said he settled down?"
"He did settle down. Right before I was deployed the last time, he got married. I was his best man. It was a small ceremony. A few Navy guys, Letecia's family, and Spark's uncle. He found the right girl, perfect for him. They have two boys now, 3 and 4 years old. After he kissed the bride, she turned and said she still saw sparks. The small crowd erupted in laughter, so the nickname stayed."
"They sound special to you." Liv tilted her head as she heard him talk so openly.
"They are. I feel bad I secluded them for the past five years. I really can't take credit for the success of the team, they held down the fort. I just funded my share. That's why I'm taking the trip, I owe them that much." Fitz took a deep breath. He was looking forward to going to Atlanta for the winter meetings, but he was going to miss Liv terribly.
Fitz gave the stew one last stir. He turned the stove off and turned towards Liv, who was texting. She looked up at him. "Huck texted he's just getting in the shower, and he'll be here in less than a half hour. Fitz, that smells amazing." Liv's mouth was salivating with the smell of Fitz's stew in the air.
"The guys are close also, about the same amount of time away. Come here." Fitz pulled Liv off the stool and led her by the hand to the bedroom.
"Fitz, what are you doing? Where are you taking me?"
He opened his top drawer, and he took out a wrapped package. It was wrapped in red foil paper with a white bow. "I wanted to give this to you. It's the first of many Christmas gifts I have for you, Livvie. I hope you like it."
Liv took a deep breath. "Fitz, you didn't.."
"I know, but I did. Just open it."
Liv carefully opened the gift. She looked at the beautiful Michael Aram golden frame. It matched perfectly with the golden colors of the sky behind Fitz and Liv. He had the picture of them enlarged to an 11x14 portrait and had it framed in this exquisite piece.
"My gosh, Fitz, this is gorgeous. Thank you so much. I, I , I just don't know what to say. "
"Just say you like it. It's only gorgeous because there's a picture of you in it." He rubbed her shoulders and put his lips to hers. "You're the gorgeous one Livvie." And his lips made their way down to her neck, where he could feel her go weak, for just a moment.
Having no where to put her hands as they were holding the frame, she had to lean it up on his chest to keep her knees from buckling under her. "Fitz, the frame."
He took the frame out of her hands and placed it on top of the dresser. "I'll hang that for you tomorrow at your place. Now, where was I?"
"Fitz, company is coming and…"
"And that's not all I want coming…. you are so beautiful when you come, I want to see it again." He guided her to the bed, lips locked on hers, and at its edge, just when her legs touched, she was forced to sit down. "This skirt looks beautiful on you and gives me such easy access. May I taste you Ms. Pope?"
Liv looked up at him, as he kneeled in front of her. She was wearing a black long sleeved fitted sweater with a black windowpane skirt that went just above the knees. She was wearing just below the knee boots, but she had taken them off for comfort before. She saw that seductive look in his eyes, the one that took her breath away. Suddenly, her body felt like putty. She found herself nodding, because this is the effect his voice, his eyes, hell everything about him had on her.
He kissed her left inner thigh, and she felt her body tremble at the touch. Then his lips touched her right inner thigh, and she felt her hands grip the sheet as she lay back. Suddenly, his hands moved her lace panties to the side, and she felt something she never felt before, a tongue brush her core. Oh, how it made her insides shake and she had nothing to do except go with the feeling.
Fitz's tongue began circular movements and just as Liv felt like she was going to explode, she felt it enter her and she nearly screamed with pleasure. "Fitz, oh Fitz." Those were the only words she could muster, as his tongue worked wonders inside her.
Fitz's hands were caressing her thighs as he felt her walls caving in. He could feel she couldn't hold on much longer, and he loved what he could do to her. He gave one last lick on her spot, and he let his fingers take over as he planted a deep kiss on her mouth. He heard her moan in both pleasure and surprise and felt her arch on his chest.
Fitz pulled his lips off her and watched as Liv's orgasm hit her hard, her eyes closed and her body trembling. As she settled down, she opened her eyes, and they were met with his gorgeous blue eyes. He was smiling from ear to ear. "Hi", he said.
"Hi", she said still only able to whisper.
"That must be the most beautiful sight I have ever seen, Livvie. You are simply beautiful."
She turned her head to rest on his shoulder, as he lay next to her caressing her back. "Remember how you owed me?" she said in a whisper. "Now, I owe you." Her heart was still pounding from his touch. He gave her another kiss before getting up and washing up, as she fixed herself.
Just in time for Fitz to go back out, the doorbell rang. Liv stayed behind to use the bathroom and freshen up. As he left, she picked up the picture, staring at it. That feeling of numbness overtaking her again. As good as he made her feel, she couldn't, she just couldn't let it all go to him. That fear still holding her back, and it wasn't fair to him.
By the time Liv freshened up, put her boots back on, and calmed her body down from that amazing feeling Fitz gave her, the three had arrived. Liv just stood back for a moment watching the scene. Fitz was laughing with two guys she had never seen as Huck was finishing up a story. All heads turned when Liv entered the room and the two-gentleman stood up as she headed towards the couch.
She turned to the first, tall dark, handsome, no wedding ring. He looked down at her with a bright smile. "Well, hello, I am Samuel, everyone calls me two shot, and if you weren't Fitz's light of the world, I don't know if I'd keep that nickname, because you certainly would get two shots." He shook Liv's hand, despite her blush.
"Hey, down boy." Fitz chimed in. "You're not even getting one shot."
"Don't I know it, and I can see why. You are one lucky man. Pleasure to meet you, Olivia." As he sat back down.
Before Liv found her seat on the couch, Sparks introduced himself. He was wearing a collard shirt, dress pants, and had his gold wedding band on. Placing his beer on the table, he reached his hand out to Liv's. "I can see what Fitz means, you are beautiful, Olivia. I'm Devon, pleasure to meet you. I can't wait for you to meet Letecia and the boys one day."
Liv nodded. "Thank you." Fitz handed her a glass of wine and the five of them started talking. "So, Huck, who is winning Army or Navy, it is three against one, I'll be on your side if you need me to be." Liv smiled.
"Army always takes down Navy. That's what we were talking and laughing about. These guys don't know the strength one Army man has to three Navy men. You can stay neutral Liv."
After about an hour of talking, hearing Navy and Army base stories, Liv offered to go set the island up for dinner. Fitz was going to do it, but she told him to stay and continue talking. After a few minutes of Liv getting the plates and utensils ready Sparks joined her in the kitchen.
"So, you've known Fitz a long time huh? You weren't with him when he met Huck in Iraq?"
"No, Fitz was a gifted pilot. One of the best in the Navy. He shouldn't have been deployed that last time, but they needed him over there to put an end to some of the conflict. He didn't want to leave N.."
Sparks stopped talking realizing he was going to bring up Natalie. Liv said, "It's ok, he told me about Natalie, you can go on."
"Well, he didn't want to leave the life he was building here, but he did. He made an oath to our country, and he isn't the type who doesn't follow through. Fitz is the most loyal person I know. He is kindhearted and would give his last dime to you if he thought you needed it more."
"He had it rough over there the last trip, huh?" Liv was just trying to pinpoint what she knew Huck and Fitz were keeping from her.
"Yeah, his father was fuming. He was only supposed to be there for six months, and they kept him there for two years. Apparently, the mission he was on was complicated, and he wound up losing the life he was building. I know it messed him up bad too, emotionally. Buying the team was a way Two Shot and I tried to get him to live a bit of normalcy. He gave his share, plus some, he was very generous, and just let us take over."
"He never talked about what went on over there?"
"Not really, a lot of it is classified. He did speak of Mike, who is your Huck over there, and now he is ready to live, and that's thanks to you. We knew right away when we met with him last week, he met someone. He wasn't even this head over heels with Natalie. He loves you, it's clear to see. You coming to the team formal?"
Liv looked confused. "Formal, I, I didn't know about a formal."
"Oh, sorry, my mistake. Excuse me." Sparks walked away to get his beer and started up a conversation with Huck.
Fitz caught Liv's eye, as she was finishing filling up the plates. The other three were talking and not paying much attention. Liv stopped what she was doing as Fitz gave her that killer smile. "Dinner's ready, walk to your seats gentlemen, let's not forget our manners."
Why didn't Fitz mention a formal? He's probably not going, Liv, that's why. Stop overthinking.
There wasn't much left, food wise, after they tasted Fitz's cooking. The stew was delicious, and the plates were wiped clean of food. They began a conversation about baseball, and Two Shot was shocked at the knowledge Liv had of the game.
"The best thing for Vermont to do in the off season is acquire a decent first basemen and a closer out of the bullpen. You are relying on Perez too much and he isn't much of a closer. Teams are killing you on the right side of the infield because you have no first basemen. You are playing a natural catcher at first base. It's not helping, and it's why you will lose to the Yankees."
Two Shot tossed his head back laughing. "No one is losing to the Yankees, have you seen their lineup? It's little league."
"Oh yeah? you watch. They are going to pick up Leeks for centerfield, Matos for starting pitcher, and now that you spent all your money on Lewis, they are going after Santana for shortstop. That's two switch hitters and a lefty. You're toast this year if you don't make moves."
Two Shot shook his head. "Brains and beauty," he turned to Fitz, "I have to find a Rutland girl like this."
Liv laughed, "Wrong, I am a city girl, New York City born and raised, that's why I bleed Yankee blue."
"Ouch."
Liv got up. "It was a pleasure meeting you two. I quite tired and it's best I get back. I will see you tomorrow at lunch. Fitz, will you bring the picture over tomorrow, I am going to head out. Huck, I'll get home, stay and continue talking."
Fitz crossed his eyebrows confused. He looked at the guys, and just followed Liv to the door. "Where are you going? You could stay the night, you know, I have the guest rooms for the guys."
"Fitz, I am tired. I have some early shopping to do with Lara and Abby in the morning before lunch. I'll see you at Sophie's." Liv turned and walked out of the door, before she can meet Fitz's lips coming down for a kiss.
Sophie had set up two long tables in the back for seating and two long tables for trays of food. Liv kept herself busy helping Abby and Sophie set up. They were talking about the gift exchange they would be having over dinner tomorrow night.
"What do you and Fitz need to tell us? He said he had some important announcement, but he is waiting until our gift exchange dinner tomorrow. Come to think of it, it's early for our gift exchange, Christmas is in two weeks." Abby was talking and setting up at the same time.
Liv shrugged. "You'll just have to wait and see. Did Huck like the vacant store front you showed him? I haven't seen him yet today to ask."
"You know, I think he did. It's two buildings up from here and just the right size for a gym. I left him talking to Fitz in there, I think he's going to do it. That would be great for the community. Especially since that body was found by you. I know it was an accident, but it's still scary. Why are there two extra seats? Who is coming that I don't know about?"
Before Liv could answer Fitz walked in with Two Shot and Sparks. They waved to Olivia who walked away to get Sophie and Leo. Fitz introduced them, Sophie hugging them and offering a seat and Abby sitting with them, chatting as usual. Fitz turned towards Liv, but just as he was approaching her, the others entered.
Chloe ran to Fitz, who scooped her up and rubbed her nose with his. "Hey little snow pea, how are you today?'
"I'm so so good Fitz, I made Wivvie her pwesent today. I can't wait to give it to her tomorrow."
"I'm sure she will love it." Fitz put Chloe down and turned back to talk to Liv, but she was sitting at the table already talking to Huck.
Chloe made her way over to Liv after her sisters had said their hello. Chloe climbed on to Olivia's lap. "Hi Huck. Awissa towd me you are going to teach me kawate. I can't wait."
Huck smiled at the little girl. He looked at Liv. "She's right. I am thinking about it. Fitz is going to work out some details. Rutland may be seeing more of me. There's even a place I can buy not too far from you. We'll talk more at your place later."
Chloe smiled at Olivia. She pulled Liv's ear to her lips. "Did you tell Huck our secwet?"
"Not yet, but I will, are you feeling better, I hope you're not still afraid."
"I am happy I towd you, but now I am afwaid for you."
"Don't be afraid for me, I am fine, Chloe, you are too young to worry about me, ok. Promise me you won't worry."
"Ok, I pwomise. Who are they? They don't look famiwar."
"That's some friends of Fitz, he's going to talk now, listen."
Fitz introduced his two friends. He talked about how they knew each other. When Fitz brought up, they were owners of the Vermont Lake Monsters, he added the part where he was an owner also. It was at the same time Bryce was taking a drink of his water, and he started coughing as the water obviously didn't agree with the shock Fitz just placed on them.
After his coughing subsided, he looked at Fitz. "You own the Lake Monsters, for five years, and I never knew this?"
"No one ever knew, I just wanted to lay back, let the boys do their thing, but I am ready to hop on board now, so that's why I invited them here to meet you, my closest friends, next to them."
Chloe turned to Liv, "Fitz pways baseball? I never saw him pway baseball."
"He doesn't play, Chloe, he is the boss of the team."
"Oh, well yeah, Fitz is the boss evewypwace. That's why evewbody wuvs him. He is so so nice."
Liv rubbed Chloe's back, she didn't understand the full concept, but she had the idea of what was going on.
After all the chatter died down a bit about the Vermont Lake Monsters, Fitz announced that Huck had something to say.
Huck told them about buying the building for a marital arts place and about moving part time to Rutland. He still had some details to work out, but he was certain he would be able to instruct martial arts and even named Abby as his partner. "So, Leo, you may want to protect your muffins, if you know what I mean."
Leo held up his drink glass. "Thank you Huck, my nut muffins thank you also."
Sophie was so overwhelmed with everything happening. She was so happy to see her little town put on the map. "We have a baseball team owner and now a martial arts gym. This town is blooming, Fitz, thank you so much."
Fitz just blushed, and Liv could feel her heart melt. He was so loved by everyone, so giving, and it just hurt her to know he wanted to give that heart to her. Her therapist always told her a way of healing is to accept someone's love, but the feeling overwhelmed her, and she couldn't think about it. They would be apart soon enough, it's for the better.
"Tell, me then, why the gift exchange tomorrow Fitz? We usually do it a bit closer to Christmas. We're still decorating for the season." Sophie was now questioning the haste.
"You'll just have to wait until tomorrow." He patted Bryce on the shoulder. "You, ok?"
"Yeah, just shocked, but I guess I should be used to it by now. I get luxury box seating for the Yankees, right? I get to see the Monsters pounce those Bronx Bums."
"Hey, hey, watch that language Bryce" Olivia chimed in. "Those Monsters stand no chance against my Pinstripe Pride."
As they were all heading out, Liv grabbed Lara. "I haven't had the chance to talk to you alone. Chloe opened up to me the other day. Don't tell her I told you though, but she saw DJ together with Mellie. I am sure DJ is the father of Mellie's baby. I have a picture she drew for me, but I don't want to pull it out here. Just know she's afraid and has been holding that fear for a few months now. If it's ok with you, I want to deal with it after I get the chance to tell Bryce and Fitz. "
Lara nodded, concerned. "I knew something was off with her, and when Mellie came back it was worse. I am glad she opened up to you. Hey, are you and Fitz, ok? You haven't said two words to him all afternoon."
"Oh, yeah, fine, he has his buddies here, just giving him some time. So did he shock you with that news."
"He did, I couldn't figure out how he got Jordan Lewis to come to the festival. I know Jordan grew up here, but he still isn't that easy to just come by. He's full of surprises Liv, hope you're ready."
"See you tomorrow, Lara."
While Fitz was helping Sophie clear up, Liv took the opportunity to sneak out. She walked by the place Huck was going to buy and it was an adorable little building. She looked inside, and she could see it in her mind being set up soon for a marital arts gym. Huck would be doing something he loved, and she was so happy for her friend. Before anyone came out looking for her, she headed to her car, texted Huck she would wait for him there. He texted back he'd get a ride with Fitz, and Liv headed home.
When she opened her door, the first thing she noticed, above the fireplace, was the picture Fitz had given her. He must have gone in while she was shopping and mounted it on the wall. The enlargement not only brought out the colors of the sunrise, but also the features of Fitz. He was simply beautiful, and Liv found herself staring at him. Let him love you, her inner voice told her. She closed her eyes.
Suddenly, she was back in the car with her father. "There you go, Liv, secure and hold that vase tight."
"I will daddy, mommy is going to love the flowers. Most of all, she is going to be so happy you remembered your anniversary."
"I always remember our anniversary, it's your mother who forgets and I don't want to show her up by reminding her, so."
Liv giggled. "You're funny Daddy, I love you."
"I love you too sweetheart."
Then the impact, the blood, and her dead father.
Liv took a deep breath, and as the door opened, Huck and Fitz walked in. Huck looked up at the picture. "Nice picture, Liv, and that frame is beautiful." Huck turned and walked to his room, and Liv felt Fitz standing there.
"You're avoiding me." He said as he approached her.
Liv walked towards the kitchen. "I am not avoiding you. I am leaving back to New York in three days, you're heading to Atlanta in two days, and I've been getting the gifts ready for tomorrow, I am not avoiding you, I am busy."
Fitz nodded his head. "Ok, call it what you want. I talked to Bryce after lunch today. He's going to have the warrant for you tomorrow. He could get in a lot of trouble sending it off with you, be careful, OK."
"Fitz, I know what I need to do, besides Huck will be by my side the whole time. We'll be fine."
Liv looked up at the picture. "Thank you for hanging that up. It looks great, it really does."
"You're welcome, it's my favorite picture ever." He lied.
"You're lying." Liv said.
"I am lying. My favorite picture is of your natural smile with the sunset. That sunset holds nothing to your beauty Olivia."
Liv put her head down. She took a deep breath. She walked closer to Fitz. She cupped his face and pulled him down to a kiss. "What time are your boys leaving tomorrow?"
"They'll be gone early. They are heading a day early to Atlanta. Sparks has his family down there already."
"I have all the gifts wrapped for everyone. I put on the label they were from you and me, is that ok?" Liv asked Fitz.
"I usually just give the kids cash and the adults some gift cards for dinner I didn't know you bought them gifts."
"You can put the cash and cards in an envelope, and I will put them on the gift. I also got you something Mister. It's hot and you'll get good use out of it."
"Oh really, it's hot?"
"Sure is. I can't wait to see your reaction." She pecked his lips. "I will see you tomorrow, now go; you have your boys to spend some time with."
Fitz's living room looked a bit like Santa's workshop when all the gifts were piled there. Fitz had set up his long table for dinner, and he had cooked a vegetable lasagna, roast beef, potatoes, and even baked an apple pie for dessert.
Besides the place looking like a gift workshop, it smelled heavenly. While everyone was seated for dinner, Liv started talking.
"As you know, I left a very important job in NYC to move to Rutland. When I left the city, I had promised my boss that I would help him close out my position and help him in any way. Well, three big clients are having some difficulty signing on, so I was asked to go back for a few weeks to help out."
"NO, Wivvie, you can't go. Pwease don't go." Chloe, went to go to Olivia, but Lara grabbed her and held her on her lap.
"It's only going to be until after the holidays, and then I will be back, for good. I have chosen to keep Rutland as my home, but I have a job to finish also. My boss took a very big chance with me when he hired me three years ago. If I can secure these clients for him, his business will be a success and my job is done."
She looked at Chloe, "we can face time every night, ok. I will be back before you even know I am gone."
"You pwomise, Wivvie, it won't be wong?"
"I promise it won't be long. Besides, if I get these clients, guess what? I get to take you girls to the parade next year right in front of Macy's where they perform."
"Then I will see all the big buildings, right Olivia?" Brianna asked.
"And no one will bother me in New York, because I will know karate by then, right Huck?" Alyssa asked.
Bryce laughed. "My girls have it all planned out Liv, who is going to watch over this guy?" He pointed to Fitz.
"I will be in Atlanta. I am leaving the day after tomorrow for a few weeks. I have the baseball winter meetings and I have some learning to do. So, that's why we asked you here today to exchange gifts. So, if everyone is filled, we can begin."
Chloe ran and grabbed a big box from the corner of the room. Bryce went with her to help her carry it. Huck was sitting on the couch, not expecting anything, when Chloe approached him. With the help of Bryce, she lifted the gift and placed it in Huck's lap.
"That's for you Huck. It's to hewp you bwd your new pwace. I picked it out and I wuved the cower of it. I think you wiw wuv it so so much."
Liv smiled, as she saw the happiness in Huck's eyes. He began to unwrap the gift as Liv was recording the moment. He opened the package to a big red toolbox. He looked at it, every part of it. "Wow, thank you so much."
"It's to help you build the inside things for the gym", Alyssa said.
"I wanted to get you black", Brianna said, "but for some reason Chloe said you would like a red toolbox. Open it, there are so many tools in there."
Huck opened the toolbox, and Brianna was right, there were tons of brand new tools in there. Chloe reached her hand in and pulled one of them out. "Ooh, Huck, this wooks wike what I see at the dentist. I don't wike that one."
Huck laughed. "Well, you may not like it, but I love it. This is great Chloe and I love the color." He looked at Bryce and Lara. "Thank you so much. This toolbox will have more than enough uses."
Liv let the girls open their gifts next. They tossed the envelope to the side, to which Fitz tossed his hands up as Liv laughed. She was standing next to him, his arm around her as they watched the girls open their gifts. For a brief moment, Liv got a feeling of a Christmas morning with Fitz watching their children open gifts.
Chloe opened an amazing art set. It was in a wooden case. On the front of the case, it was engraved "Chloe's Great Art Adventure." She opened the case to see a spectacular array of colors. There were 64 crayons, 20 coloring pencils, 40 markers, and 25 sheets of paper.
"Oh, my goodness, Wivvie and Fitz, this is the best pwesent ever. Thank you so so much."
Brianna and Alyssa opened their identical packages at the same time. Their mouths opened in pure surprise as they held up a case with 12 Disney Princess Dolls. The outside of the case was personalized Alyssa's dolls and Brianna's dolls.
"Wow" Brianna said. "These are all my favorite princesses, thank you so much."
But there was something under the case too, and Alyssa discovered it. She looked closely at the gift. "Oh wow, mom and dad, this is our fairy tale story. Olivia and Fitz had it framed for us."
Brianna pulled her frame out from behind the case.
"Thanks so much." Alyssa said looking at both gifts.
Fitz leaned down and whispered in Liv's ear. "Not only are you beautiful, but you are also amazing."
"Thank you she whispered back." Fitz was just about to bend to meet his lips with her, forgetting they had a room full of guests.
"Oh Wivvie," the little familiar voice squealed. Olivia looked down to see Chloe holding a gift for her to open. "I made it all on my own. Mommy just hewped me wap it. Pwease open it."
Of course, it was one of Chloe's beautiful little drawings, but no one needed an explanation. It was a picture of a beautiful sunrise. Two people were watching it, and it was marked in little writing CHLOE and WIVVIE. She drew the memory of the morning after Chloe had stayed over.
Liv's eyes filled with tears. She was really loving this little girl. Liv kneeled to Chloe's eye level. "I am going to get a special frame for this one and hang it up in my house. I am not even going to put it on the fridge, because this is so special to me. Thank you, Chloe, and she gave her a big hug.
Chloe made Olivia's heart melt as the little girl whispered in her ear. "I wuv you Wivvie, I want you to mawwy Fitz so so much, ok."
The rest of the adults exchanged gifts. Gift cards and cooking sets for the couples and Sophie. When everyone was finished, Liv nodded at Huck, and he went to stand by the back door. "First, we wanted to let you know Fitz and Huck have known each other for quite some time. They didn't know they had a connection in me being a friend and it wasn't until the other day that Fitz and Huck realized they had been friends. We know Fitz was overseas in Iraq, and so was Huck. They were separated, and never got a chance to say goodbye or share contact information."
Sophie looked at Fitz who nodded that it was fine. That didn't go unnoticed to Liv. "Anyway, with Huck going to spend more time in Rutland, and Fitz participating more in events, I decided to get him started for the spring and summer gatherings."
Huck opened the door and hooked up to the house was a gigantic Weber Summit Natural Gas Grill with seven burners and storage doors below. It was hooked up to the gas line of the house, thanks to Jefferson who did Liv a favor this time.
Fitz was shocked as he walked over by the grill inspecting it. "So being friends with you has its perks".
"Damn, Liv, that thing is huge." Abby said. "Fitz, all my BBQ's will be held here from now on. "So knowing Liv got that for you, here is our gift to you." Abby handed Fitz a gift. It was a chef set of an apron, potholders, and a chef hat. The hat and apron said "hot stuff coming through and I don't mean the food." Liv couldn't help but laugh, only Abby.
The McClellan's gifted Fitz with brand new BBQ tools. "So everyone knew about this except for me? Rarely do you get to keep a secret from me, so enjoy the moment Livvie. Thank you."
After all the gifts were exchanged, Bryce was talking to Liv and Huck. He gave them the arrest warrant and had them promise on all good things that it would not be lost. Huck took the paper and promised it was safe. If Edison knows what's best for him, he will stay out of Rutland, or face the consequences.
Bryce looked at Liv. "You be careful, watch that snake. You never know what he has up his sleeve."
Huck reassured him, "Don't worry, he comes within 10 miles of Liv, those tools you gave me will come to good use."
"Huck!" Liv had to stop him. Bryce shook his head. "Good to know you're protected Liv, I feel better about this whole thing, and John Doe will be given a proper Rutland Sheriff's Memorial."
Fitz joined the conversation, handing Bryce the new box of bones Daisy received as a gift. "Can't thank you enough for looking after Daisy for me while I am away."
Bryce took the box. "No problem, the girls are really excited about it. You sure you going to be ok without her, I mean, what if….you know."
Fitz looked over at Huck. "I think I will be alright. Some of my anxiety has eased a bit. I am eager to get out there, Bryce."
The goodbyes lasted a bit longer this time, knowing Liv, Huck, and Fitz would be gone for a while. Chloe clung on to Liv extra tight and very long, until Lara peeled her from Liv's arms. "Don't forget to face time me ok Wivvie."
Sophie and Fitz were talking in the kitchen and Huck walked over to join them. Sophie reached out and gave Huck a hug, which wasn't unusual for Sophie to do, but there was just something different in the hug. It was more like a thank you hug. Liv was watching and there was something not being said, she could feel it.
Everyone left including Huck to go organize his toolbox. He was taking it to NYC with him to use it to fix some things around his place there. Abby gave Huck the quick ride home and Liv was left with Fitz.
"There's something more to you and Huck's friendship from Iraq isn't there?" Liv came right out and said it.
Fitz started putting things away and moving dishes to the kitchen. "Liv, I told you bad things happened over there. Please don't, not tonight. We'll both be getting ready to go, I leave the day after tomorrow, please, let's just enjoy tonight."
"But why can't you tell Fitz, what is it? Did Huck do something bad to you over there?"
"God, no, Liv, I told you he saved my life over there, a few times. I owe him so much and with him being back in my life, I feel closure over what went on over there. I promise you, one day I will be able to tell you about it but for now, I want to have a few hours with you." He walked over to his grill , running his hand across it. "This is fabulous. Liv, thank you so much for thinking of me like this."
"You're deflecting."
"Really, Liv, and you have told me everything about you? There isn't anything I don't know about you, nothing you're not ready to share just yet?"
Liv just looked at him. She didn't know what to say to that, because he was right. It's not like she'd lied to him, she just hasn't been truthful about her scars and about sleeping with Edison.
Fitz just waved his hand in the air. "Can we?"
"Fine, Fitz."
"Before I forget, I need you up before the sunrise tomorrow. I have another gift for you, but we have to do it before the sun rises."
"Ok," Liv said cautiously. "Should I have Huck come along with his toolbox?"
"Very funny, Livvie."
They locked eyes for a moment. Fitz's eyes were glistening. He was happy in this very moment. Fitz saw something in Liv's eyes, it wasn't pain, but it wasn't happiness either. "Livvie, you ok, is everything ok with you?"
She nodded and Fitz brought his forehead to hers. "Kiss me Livvie, I am going to miss you so much. Just give me a kiss."
Liv looked at him. She tried to pull back, she really did, but her body pushed forward, and she found herself in such a deep passionate kiss with him. No matter how she tried, she just couldn't get enough of him. She wanted to make him feel as good as he had made her feel. He cupped her face and scooped her up to the bedroom. Fitz pulled her down on top of him, lying down on the bed, as they continued to explore each other tongues and necks, Fitz's hands rubbing all her back.
Liv continued kissing down Fitz's chest, despite his shirt still being on and looked at him before she would release the erection from his pants. "Please Livvie," he moaned.
Liv gave him a few strokes and his head was arched back as his breathing grew heavy. With a quick move, Liv had him completely in her mouth, and her tongue was working its way up and down as she continued to stroke it. She could feel him grow larger with each stroke.
He placed his hand on the back of her neck, slowly guiding her head up and down, and Liv could hear a small grunt come from the back of his throat. He swallowed hard and in his deep voice she heard "Jesus, Livvie, what you do to me."
Her thrusts went a bit faster, Liv had not done this before. She wasn't sure what she was doing, but she looked at Fitz and Liv could feel his muscles lock around her. "Liv, unless you want me to…you need to stop." But Liv went a bit faster and deeper and used her hand to stroke with each thrust from her mouth. Liv didn't know if she would be able to take it, but she was sure willing to try. Another grunt from Fitz and he actually pulled her hair as he let go. Liv took it all and when Fitz was finished, he pulled her up to his rest on his chest.
His breathing was fast, and he had to take a moment to catch his breath. She looked up at him at the same time he looked down at her. "I have never done that before," she admitted.
"That was...you just awaken every part of me Liv, every part of me that has been closed off for so long. I love you."
Liv felt her body stiffen. "Fitz," He put his finger on her lips. "I just needed to say it Liv, ok."
He pulled her lips to his, no words needed. Liv finally rested her head on his chest, as Fitz finally succumbed to sleep.
Liv could hear the whistles and chants from the basketball team on the bus as her and Tyler kissed before he left. He pulled back and looked at her. "You know I love you right Livia?"
She nodded her head, rubbing his chest she looked down briefly and back up at him. "I love you too, Tyler."
Two hours later the phone rang with the news that Tyler was gone.
As she lay there, watching him sleep, she couldn't help but feel a bit guilty over what just happened. She was trying to distance herself from him, not bring him closer by making him feel good. She had so many emotions going around in her mind. She just couldn't be there right now.
She carefully slipped out from under his arms, gathered her things from the living room, and headed home to sleep. She would have some explaining to do in the morning, but if he wanted her up before the break of dawn, she needed to be ready.