A/N: Some more back stories coming out here as our two go their separate ways. This is fiction though, so it won't be as long as it feels. Thank you all so much for your review from the last chapter. Pay attention in this chapter as some things may come back from here for our two.

Happy reading and, as always, I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 20—Parting Ways

Rutland was beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The first weekend in December always had Main Street decorated for the holidays. Different stores held different sales. People flocked to the strip at night just to get a glimpse of the lights.

Fitz knew this was the first morning the displays would be ready. He knew no one would be there so early on the first morning, and the lights were on full display as a test run for the first night. This is why Fitz wanted to bring Olivia before sunrise.

Olivia wouldn't be around to see all the wonderful lights and displays for Christmas in Rutland. Fitz thought bringing her here to see the main strip would give her a little bit of what she would miss.

Leaving for Atlanta tomorrow would be hard enough because he was leaving Rutland for the first time in five years. He was also going to miss Oliva and Daisy. He didn't know how busy the meetings would keep him, but he wanted to give Liv a little bit of Christmas together.

He had another gift for her, and he wanted it to be in a special setting when he gave it to her. He was hoping this walk around the lights would lighten the mood just a bit.

On his way now to pick up Liv, he was surprised to wake up with her gone. He hadn't slept much after she, well made him feel like she made him feel, like no woman had ever made him feel.

He spooked her, he knew that by saying those three words, but he couldn't help it. He can't change what he is feeling. He loves her, and it's not going away. They may be parting for a few weeks, but he loves her, and distance will not change that. He didn't know what to expect when he saw her this morning.

Liv was fooling herself. She didn't get much sleep at all last night. After she left Fitz's, she was a mess. He said it, he actually told her he loved her. Liv was not mentally prepared for that, and she's been up all night just thinking, overthinking.

Huck had already fallen asleep, otherwise she was going to grill him about what they were hiding. Huck was tough as nails though and she didn't really think she would get any answers from him. Maybe it's better Liv did not know.

She got up, 5:15 a.m. and got casually dressed. Her black leggings, a maroon long sleeved cashmere sweater, and her ankle length boots. She didn't think they would be outside, with the weather being so cold, but who knew with Fitz.

She waited outside for him, not wanting to disturb Huck and when the headlights glared from up the road, Liv braced herself.

She entered the car, and Fitz's face was about as serious as she's ever seen it. "You left me last night. Was it because of what I said? If it was deal with it Liv, because it's true, and it's not going to change."

Liv just stared out the windshield, trying to find anything to focus on. "Fitz, I wasn't expecting it, but it's not the reason I left. I was exhausted from the shopping, the wrapping, the packing, and I just needed some rest in my bed."

Fitz reached out and grabbed her hand. He rubbed the top of it. "OK, new day, fresh start. You ready for your surprises?"

"Wait, that's plural. I thought there was only one surprise. Fitz, you have to stop doing this."

"No, I don't. Make me." He smiled and put the car in drive.

When Fitz made the left on Main Street, he stopped the car just to watch the expression on Liv's face. You would think he walked a child into Santa's toy shop. Liv was in awe of all the colors and asked Fitz to park so they could walk from the start of Main Street to the end of Main Street, on both sides.

Not realizing she would be outside much; Liv only had that sweater on. Fitz gave her a look and shook his head. "I just got this back." He laughed as he reached to the back of the car and grabbed his NAVY sweatshirt.

Liv smiled as she pulled the shirt over her head and found her comfort. Fitz wrapped his arm around her shoulder as they walked and looked at each display. They were the only ones on the strip and Fitz explained it was customary for the shops to keep the lights on during the season. They had worked with Jefferson and Bryce for energy saving lights, so the shops would not lose money keeping the lights on. He also explained they were the first to be seeing the displays.

Liv placed her head on Fitz's shoulder as they walked slowly up and down the sidewalk. "Are you surprised Livvie? I know you aren't going to get your Rutland Christmas this year, so I hope this makes up a bit for it."

Liv looked at all the lights and Fitz saw her face glowing in each of them. She looked beautiful, naturally. The lights just added a colorful beam to her beauty. Anytime Fitz had a chance to make her happy, to turn a bad thought into a comforting one, he would do it.

"I am so so surprised, as Chloe would say." Liv pushed her face into the crook of his neck. She was smiling from ear to ear. She just felt like a child. Christmas had never come easy for her, especially after her father died.

They continued to walk and talk about their Christmas's growing up. Fitz talked a bit about his father. Liv could tell he was at a conflict in his life. He did love his father, but he also despised him and that, for Fitz was a conflict. Fitz had a heart that didn't want to love someone yet dislike them at the same time.

"Christmas in California was never the commercialized Christmas as portrayed on TV. There wasn't any white Christmas in California. Sometimes, dad would take me to a ski resort, and we would spend the holiday there. One thing was certain, I never woke up on a Christmas morning without gifts. I always had gifts to open", Fitz reminisced.

"My father would shake his head as I would separate the toys I really wanted and would play with away from the toys I knew I would get no use of. With those, I donated to children's homes and hospitals. Big Gerry soon realized he was raising someone who thought unselfishly and would always be willing to give." They stopped to look at a display of a toy train like the Polar Express , Fitz looked like a little boy watching the train go around.

Hearing Fitz talk of his father like that, Liv realized that Fitz was having an inner struggle and it pained her to see him like this. "When exactly did your father become so hurtful with his words to you?"

"Well, like I said, he never got over the fact that I didn't go into politics, and I think that hurt him. It hurt him more than he would admit. Rather than admit the anger was all his own, he lashed out at me."

"I think your father is still aware of the kind heart you have. Does he know about your ownership in the team?"

"No," Fitz shook his head. "I plan on calling him later, telling him about that and about going to the winter meetings."

"It sounds like there is a piece of you that loves your father, that wants a stable relationship. He seems to have given you a good holiday growing up, that's something, at least."

"Yeah, it was the one time of year, when the Senate was on break, and he left his women in DC. He did always make time for me during the holiday." Fitz took a deep breath. "One day I hope to tell him about the parts of my life he doesn't know about. I just hope in some way I make him proud."

They stopped, having come full circle back to the car. Liv leaned against him as he leaned against the car. "I think he is proud of you. Sometimes people like him just have a hard time admitting it. He will come around. Have you ever invited him here?"

Fitz gave Liv a small kiss on her forehead. He shook his head yes, "I have invited him for each Christmas I have been here, he has declined. I am going to try for after the holidays this time and if he declines, I may be on a plane to Santa Barbara. Do you care to join me?"

Liv smiled with a brief sigh. "Let's just get through these next few weeks." She brushed her lips on his and rubbed her fingers through his soft curls. She guided him down as their lips connected while the red and green glow of the Christmas lights shone all around them.

Liv stopped and rested her head on his chest as his arms wrapped around her. It was the perfect moment, but Liv's heart was pounding. There was that pulling again, pulling her away from him and she couldn't stop it .

Fitz reached into his jacket pocket. Liv pulled back to give him room and she saw a familiar turquoise box marked Tiffany and Co. She looked up at Fitz. "Fitz, what is this?"

"This is just a little something to show what you have of mine. Please Liv, it would mean the world to me for you to have it before I go."

Liv took the box, cautiously, and opened it too a medium sized black velvet box. As she flipped the top open, her eyes grew with surprise. "Fitz", she said in a whisper "this is breathtaking."

Inside was a white gold and diamond heart and key pendant necklace. Her mouth open with surprise, she looked up at him and he took it out of the box. He turned her around and clipped it on to her neck. It hung delicately just to next to her heart.

"You have the key to my heart Liv; this is my gift to you."

Liv felt the necklace around her neck. It was up against the sweatshirt, but she knew it was there. This necklace was brilliant. "Fitz, diamonds?"

"MMHMM…1.4 carats. You like?"

Her arms went around his neck. Their lips centimeters apart. "I do like, very much. Thank you." Her lips met his, and as they did, she could feel her heart slipping, slipping into his. She pulled back and just rested her forehead on his chin.

" You have the key to my heart Livvie, I mean it, I lo…."

And Olivia brought her lips back up to his. "Ok," he said as he pulled back, "but you can't do that every time I go to say it."

The sun was beginning to come up now. "Walk with me one more time around the stores, Fitz, as the daylight is coming through." They interlocked fingers while holding hands and began one more walk.

"Let me tell you about the first Christmas I remember with my parents and then the first one without my dad." Liv began sharing her story with Fitz.

"Livvie, Livvie, hey baby girl, it's time to wake up. Santa was here. Don't you want to see what Santa brought for you? I told him you were extra good this year." Five-year-old Olivia was still resting peacefully in her bed.

"Eli, you are worse than a child, waking up your own child on Christmas Day. She is supposed to wake herself up. Where is your Christmas etiquette?" Maya gave his shoulder a rub as they sat on the edge of their daughter's bed.

"It's already 9 am. What child sleeps past 7 am on Christmas morning?"

"A child who isn't spoiled or in need of anything. She isn't as excited because she is confident Santa is taking care of it."

Olivia wasn't really sleeping. She was listening to everything her parents were saying. She was 5 and it was the first Christmas she could remember clearly.

Olivia had written a list to Santa. She had asked for two dolls (any kind), a basketball, a new two-wheel bicycle, ice skates, and tickets to go skating, the first skate at Rockefeller Center and tickets to the Radio City Christmas Show, both on Christmas Day.

Olivia turned her head towards her parents. "Boo!" She giggled as her parents both looked startled that she was awake.

Eli scooped her out of bed tickling her. "You tricked us; you were listening to us talk. Now, you're getting the tickles." Olivia was now laughing with difficulty breathing, as the tickles had her laughter echoing thorough the apartment.

"Dad," she finally found a breath. "Stop." He put her down and Olivia looked around wide eyed. All the gifts were wrapped so perfectly. She could barely see the two gifts she bought for her parents amongst all the ones for her.

After all the gifts were opened, Liv was off to the side playing with her two new dolls. "As soon as the snow clears, I'll take you to Central Park and you'll be riding that two-wheeler in no time. Do you like your new bike?"

Liv loved her new bike. It was purple with a basket on the handlebars and a horn to beep away anyone walking in front of her. "I love it daddy. It's perfect." Her father was wearing the blue and gray tie Olivia had bought for him for his gift.

"Do you like your tie daddy? I picked it out." Liv watched as her father rubbed his hand up and down the tie.

"I think this is best tie I have ever owned. Everyone at the office is going to want one." Liv smiled from ear to ear.

She didn't get the tickets or the ice skates, but she was fine with everything she did get. She never questioned why she didn't get it, and her parents never explained.

That was the first memory of Christmas she had with her parents that wasn't too much of a childhood blur. Just like he promised, her father had her riding her bike in two hours. Liv couldn't get enough of riding the bike and wore the tires out by the end of that first summer.

"These were the memories I held on to. After the accident I tried to remember every moment, every conversation I ever had with my father. Anything I could remember I wrote down in a private journal. "

Fitz was just listening, trying to understand how hard it must have been for Liv after losing her father.

"Sometimes, to this day I find myself writing in the journal. I'm not sure if I'm making up memories now, but anytime I think of my father, I find peace in writing about him.

They arrived back at the car, and Fitz asked if she was up to finishing her talking in front of the fireplace at his house as he got his things organized.

As they pulled into Fitz's driveway, he looked at her. She was moving the pendant from side to side, daydreaming out the window. "Are you OK? You were quiet on the way back."

"Yeah, I'm fine, just thinking of things we have to do."

"So, every year I would ask for tickets. Three for the first skate at the Rink and three for the Christmas Spectacular. I never got them, but I never asked why. I guess I didn't want to know the truth. I was asking for too much."

"You were a kid; you didn't know what you were asking for was too much." Fitz tried to comfort her.

"Christmas in New York is beautiful, but it isn't cheap. Living there doesn't have its privileges and tourist prices are high. I always suspected my parents couldn't afford it and didn't want to deny me any other gifts just for those two, so each year, I just shrugged and was grateful for what I had and was able to receive."

They lay against the couch on a soft, fluff blanket by the glow, crackle, and heat of the fireplace. Olivia had her head on Fitz's lap as he caressed her hair and she talked about her Christmas growing up.

"My dad died after Thanksgiving, but before Christmas when I was 11. We didn't even decorate that year. I had come home from the hospital and was still recovering. The emotional toll it took on my mother was tremendous, and I didn't expect much of a Christmas."

"Did you have neighbors or friends that helped out?" Fitz asked solemnly.

"We did. Our table was filled with food and my friend's mother decorated the tree for us. Our church brought over some wrapped gifts for us that we kept under the tree. We both just surprised ourselves that morning."

"I am sure you don't remember what the gifts were, not that it matters. I am just wondering." Fitz was just looking for words to say at this point.

"Two sweaters, three stuffed animals, and four board games for me. My mother got her favorite perfume, two candles, and a coffee mug. It wasn't much, but we loved every single item. I didn't tell my mother at the time, but I had bought my father his gift for that year. It was a Mickey Rivers jersey. Do you know who is?"

"I do know who he is. I know my baseball history, even if it is the Yankees. Mick the Quick, they called him."

"They did, Mister, I am surprised. Anyway, my friend's dad worked in an embroidery shop, and I asked him if he could put his number on a plain Yankees jersey. Buying a plain jersey was cheaper than buying a made one. He said he would do it for free, but it had to be before the holiday rush. So, the jersey sat in my bottom drawer until March. That's when I remembered I had it."

"That must have been hard. Do you still have it.?"

"I do still have it. I have it safely hidden away with three other things I found. Late January, just before my birthday I was searching through my dad's things to find a shirt I could have just to smell him again. I know that sounds weird, but I just needed something. "

"I stumbled across a box way back on the floor in the back of his closet. I pulled the box out; it was wrapped in gold foil. I don't think my mother knew it was there. She never would have kept it there if she knew. She never was one to keep things hidden."

"I just remember looking at the box. It seemed like hours. I think I was waiting for it to talk, or to open itself. Finally, I opened it. Inside were a pair of ice skates. Taped to the left ice skates were three tickets for the first skate on Christmas morning under the tree at Rockefeller Center. Taped to the right skate were three tickets to the Christmas Spectacular, the 4:00 showing on Christmas Day." Liv stopped and took a deep breath.

She sat up and Fitz pulled her close to him. "Wow, Liv."

"I don't think my mother ever knew he bought them, and I never told her. I hid it all in my room. My father must have ordered them so far in advance to make sure we had those tickets. I have them now at my apartment in NYC, hidden away. I am hoping to tell my mother one day about that."

"Thank you for sharing that with me." Fitz looked at the necklace. "Do you really like it, Olivia?"

"I do Fitz, and I am going to wear it each day we are apart, ok. Speaking of you have packing to do and a phone call to make to your father. I am going to call my mother and see if she wants to come in for the holiday. I haven't told her I was going back to NYC yet; this should be fun."

"Ok, I'll see you tomorrow. Will you pick me up at 7? I am going to the Rutland Southern Regional Vermont Airport, small. I am taking a private jet."

"Yeah, I will see you in the morning." She leaned over, gave him a quick kiss and headed out.

As Liv left the car, Fitz watched her go in the house. He put his palm to his face. Off she went with his NAVY sweatshirt. He didn't dare go ask for it. She could have it with her while they were apart.

Liv spent the rest of the day packing and getting her things in the house situated. She took down the picture, despite it being new to the wall. She just wanted to have it with her at her place in NY.

Huck had been out most of the day, no doubt at the his future martial arts gym. She found it a good time to give her mother a call. She didn't feel like face timing her, sometimes that was too much work.

"Hey Livvie, so what soap opera drama today? Young and the Restless or Bold and the Beautiful?"

"Yeah, mom, you're funny. How are you?"

"Things are good. How is that man of yours? Everything still going good, because if you don't want him, maybe you can air mail him to Paris."

Liv shook her head. "I am going back to NY for a few weeks. He's going to be in Atlanta for a few weeks. We are going to be apart for a while."

"Baby your voice is cracking. You are going to miss him aren't you?"

"He told me he loved me yesterday." Liv just fell silent after that.

"Let me guess, you're scared now. Baby, how many times do we need to go over this. You have to allow yourself to be loved and you cannot be afraid to love back. I am beginning to sound like a broken record. Years of therapy, Livvie, this is what you put that to use for."

"Will you consider coming to NY to spend the holiday with me? Huck will be around, but I just don't feel like being alone there."

"You know, Livvie, I am going to say yes for two reasons. One is because I love you and the second is because when we are face to face, you cannot avoid the topic. I will be there. When would you like me to come in?"

"I'll order the ticket for you to come in on Wednesday. I will have a car pick you up from the airport. I am going to be in meetings all day, but I'll be home for dinner. The ticket will be in your inbox in a few minutes. Thank you mom."

"For you Livvie anything. Shopping on Fifth Avenue, the Tree, all the storefront displays, and Central Park, this will be like old times Livvie. See you soon. Love you baby."

Liv hung up before saying anything else. She never said the words if anyone was going away. Since her mother was boarding a flight soon, no way she was saying it. All the things her mother just mentioned, she was looking forward to doing. It would at least be something to keep her mind off Fitz.

She picked up the frame and placed it in her luggage. She packed her clothes and her pictures from Chloe. She worried about that little girl. Once she arrived back in NY, she would facetime her and show her the view from her balcony.

Brianna would definitely love to see it, and she would probably get a picture of the view the following week from Chloe. She never thought she would, but Liv was going to miss this tiny town for the few weeks she was away.

Huck had come back. They had to sit down and go over their plans for the next week. It was going to be weird being back in the office. Liv was looking a bit forward to it, Huck worried she would fall into the same routine of the long work hours.

"We have to decide what client of the three is the most valuable. Once that one is on board we can use it as a bargaining chip for others. When we meet with Mr. Harris on Monday, we need to have this lined out for him. We also need to tell him about Edison, immediately. I will have Lois call Edison after that and schedule an appointment with him at the office.' Liv was already in her work mode, as Huck could see.

He nodded his head in agreement as he was pulling up the financial records of all three companies. "Looks like if we go with Citicorp first, the other two will jump on board. We can work Citicorp for two days, then the other two for two days each also. We'll need to work out that schedule with Mr. Harris as well."

Liv agreed as she was punching in the data from Huck's computer into her computer. She would study the finances and create the summaries for Mr. Harris to review. "Huck any idea who he wants to go with as my replacement?"

"He had an interview with three, all women, so that's good. I don't think he trusts men to be as efficient as women are. I think he is favoring a Quinn Perkins. Did you ever hear of her?"

"I have, she is a brilliant financial mind. She's worked for Bryant Financial Group second in line to the CEO. I hope she gets the job. Do you have her information? See if she can be there when we are having the meetings? I'll clear it with Mr. Harris."

"I noticed that necklace Liv. Is that where you were this morning?" Huck asked as he looked at her playing with pendant.

"Yeah, Fitz picked me up to show me the displays and lights." She continued on with her story about this morning. When she stopped, she wondered if Fitz had gotten around to calling his father. After a few minutes of silence, she noticed Huck looking at her.

"Don't hurt him Olivia. Don't hurt yourself either. I know both of you and you both deserve each other."

Liv's eyebrows crossed in confusion. "What is that supposed to mean? What do you mean you know him? Exactly how do you know like I don't know him? What makes you think you know me, I have no intentions of hurting him, Huck. Why would say something like that?"

"You know what, never mind I said anything. I am going to take a shower. Do you have all the information from the computer? I am taking it to my room to charge." Without waiting for an answer, he grabbed the device and headed towards his room leaving Liv wondering what the hell just happened.

Fitz thought long and hard about what to say to his father. He had hung up in anger and frustration the last time they talked. His father wasn't one to easily forget that. Big Gerry picked up on the first ring.

"I was wondering when you'd come to your senses and call back. Took you long enough."

"Hello to you as well Dad. I know we didn't end things too well the last time. I just want you to understand I am living a life and Mellie is not in the plans. I hope you can see past that and put our differences aside."

"I spoke to Wilbur Sinclair. He's talking to Mellie, taking care of things. When are you going to learn, I just want what's best for your Fitzgerald?"

"Well Mellie isn't what's best for me. Anyhow, what are your plans for Christmas? I was thinking about the times growing up we would go to the ski resorts, you would get frustrated with all the gifts I'd give away. They were good times, Dad."

"Funny you should mention that. Lucinda has family coming in from Venezuela. She asked if I would join them at the ski lodge for two weeks during the holiday. So, that's where I will be, you're welcome to come up if you'd like. She would love to see you."

Lucinda had been their housekeeper for as long as Fitz could remember. She always took good care of Fitz and when he came back from Iraq, she nursed him back to health, both physically and emotionally. His father always did take good care of her and her family. It didn't go unnoticed, though, that Lucinda would love to see him but not Gerry.

"Thanks, but I have some news to share with you." He continued to tell him about his partnership with Two Shot and Sparks. He was surprised how intently his father listened.

"So, before baseball season begins I was thinking of flying out there to spend a few weeks with you. You up to that."

Those were the last words Gerry thought he'd hear, but he was all up for that. Despite the ways he treated his son, he did miss him. He would love to have him there and get to know how he was living his life.

"A baseball owner, son of a gun, I never would have guessed that. Don't think I am deflecting from my Dodgers for you."

"Not a chance, Dad. I will call you when I get back from the meetings."

Fitz couldn't remember the last time he had such a pleasant conversation with his father. With Liv set to drive him to the airport, Daisy at the McClellan's, Fitz was all packed and ready to go. He headed to his room to find some much needed sleep.

"I have already been on two tours. There are pilots that haven't been on one tour. Why do you need me to go back?" Fitz wasn't arguing with his Commander, he was just questioning the reasoning behind being chosen over others.

"This comes from the Pentagon, I am not going to argue with the Pentagon. They want our top pilot there. This mission is crucial to the defeat of the Taliban organizing in the area. You'll be given your flight plan when you land and check in."

The first call Fitz made was to his father. His father wasn't too happy he was going on a third deployment, but Fitz had no say. His father didn't even wish him well before slamming the phone in his ear.

The second call was to Natalie. It was official he was heading over in the morning. They sat in silence for a while, before they both declared their love for one another and hung up. He never thought he wouldn't hear her voice for two more years.

When he got his flight plan, Fitz remembers the other two pilots scheduled to go up with him. The mission was clear. Get above the targeted site and shoot the missile down below. It seemed easy enough for a fighter like Fitz. He knew the F-35 better than any pilot in the Navy.

What went wrong then? What made him take that wrong turn? Now, laying in his bed, hearing his father's voice, he got to thinking. Was it a wrong turn? He closed his eyes and thought about that flight plan. He studied it diligently. He didn't make a wrong turn, he is sure of it. He wouldn't make a mistake like that.

Hearing his father's voice again, something started to click. Things were happening in DC that year. It was an election year. Could it be possible Fitz was set up? Was he a political pawn for some sick game of politics in DC? He put the thought out of his mind. No way two years of his life was wasted, the torture he endured, it couldn't have been for someone's political aspirations, could it have been?

He stopped overthinking. He turned towards the picture of Liv, his second one. The original one was already packed away to go with him to Atlanta. He thought of her glow in the Christmas lights, and he fell asleep as her body in his arms comforted him.

"HUCK!" I need you talk to me. There is something so much more to your friendship with Fitz. What is going on?"

Huck shook his head. "And I told you, it's not for me to tell you, that's something Fitz has to do, stop putting me in this position. There are scars Liv, physical and emotional scars you bring home from war and Fitz has them, you have to give him time to tell you himself."

"You said I would hurt him. Why do you think I would hurt him?"

"I don't think you would do it intentionally, I know you are dealing with your own healing, and sometimes you push people away Liv."

"He told me he loved me, Huck. You know I don't do love well. Besides, I have scars too. How would he react to those scars?"

"I think he would understand, Liv, I really do."

"You don't know that for sure. He could hurt me as much as you think I can hurt him."

"Liv, look at that necklace. He loves you, he left a life behind, thinking he would never get one back and now you're here. I don't want to put pressure on you. I've seen you two together, this was fate."

"What if I am not who he thinks I am? What if there's something about me that hasn't seen and when he sees it, it scares him?"

"The same could go for him too, Liv, you are just making excuses, and you need to stop that."

"Huck, I can't do this anymore. I am going to bed. Fitz will be parking his car here at 630. He needs to be to the airport at 7."

Between Huck and her mother, Liv was outnumbered. She lost enough sleep last night and didn't want to overthink again tonight. "You have the key to my heart, Livvie. I love you. I just needed you to hear me say it. The key to my heart Livvie, I love you." She drifted off to sleep with his words echoing in her dreams.

"What do you mean she isn't here? Is she out back, she usually is looking at the sunrise?" Fitz picked up his cell and called Liv, but it went straight to voicemail. "I can't go not knowing where she is."

"First place I checked was out back, she isn't there." Huck looked concerned as well. "We had an argument last night, some stupid stuff." He took a deep breath. This was Liv running, this is what she does. "Look, if you drive my car to the airport, I will try to track her cell phone. I know it's off, but I could break through, I just need to use some programs while you drive."

Fitz ran his hand through his hair. "What kind of argument? Geez why would she take off in this darkness? I will never understand that. You sure you can track her?"

"Yeah, her cell phone isn't in the house, I am sure she has it. I'll track it."

There were three things in Olivia's Pope life she can remember without fail. She can remember the date of the first Yankees game she went to with her father, that Derek Jeter went 3 for 3 with a home run and six RBI's that game. She can recite every word to every Whitney Houston song ever made without making a mistake. Finally she can remember the exact day and spot she fell in love with Fitzgerald Grant.

Olivia was now sitting in that spot where she fell in love with him. He had taken her to see the fall foliage. They had only known each other for two days, so how the hell can she have fallen in love? But she did, and she can't undo the past.

She used her flashlight when she had left the car. The leaves were nearly all gone and those that were left had turned to crunchy bits under her feet. She sat in the very spot Fitz fell back into the pile that day. She remembered her hands around his neck and when they fell on the pile of leaves, that's when she fell in love.

The knot she felt in her stomach when her eyes met his, the ache in her core when she felt her body as one with his, and the closeness of their lips, it all just sent Olivia into a whirlwind. That was the moment she fell in love with him, and now she didn't know what to do.

She looked up at the heavens, stars fading from the night sky turning to day. She held the pendant in her hand, trying to find a sign. But she didn't need a sign did she. He loved her, she loved him. Was it all moving too fast? Even if it was, she couldn't mess this up, she couldn't come this far to mess it all up.

She jumped up, not realizing the time. She just needed to get out of the house, it was suffocating her, and this is where she wanted to be. Now, looking at the time, she noticed she was late in getting him to the airport.

She turned on her phone and it buzzed with messages from Fitz and Huck. She headed to the airport, hoping to get there before he left.

Five minutes out from the airport, Huck got the signal. "Got it. She's there. She's at the airport."

"What the hell? Did she not notice I wasn't in the car with her?"

Huck left the two of them alone to talk while he got Fitz's things on to the plane. They were in the back of Liv's car, Fitz just waiting for her to begin speaking.

"I didn't realize the time. I went to.." she looked at him to see his expression. "I went to where you took me for our fall picnic. I was deep in thought and I lost track of the time."

"What the hell were you doing there? In total darkness? Liv! God, your mother is right, you are difficult."

"I had a flashlight. I had to go back to that place, to the place I fell in love with you." She stopped talking. Fitz suddenly sat up.

"Did you?"

"I hold the key to your heart Fitz, I have to at least let you open mine, and I had thinking to do, some mind clearing to do. I didn't mean to be late. So, when you're ready, I will still be here, Fitz, Ok."

Fitz softly smiled. "That's where you fell in love with me?" His heart, her, she was everything. He couldn't even be mad at her. "Livvie" and he pulled her to him, as his lips gently brushed hers. She went in deeper and put her head on his shoulder.

"I am going to miss you so much, Fitz. I don't want you to go thinking I am upset with you. Just know, I am opening my heart, but it will take time."

"Take all the time you need Livvie, I am not going anywhere."

"Well, you're about to get on a plane, but whatever."

He laughed as he pulled her to his chest for a hug. He lifted her chin to meet her lips once more. As he pulled away, she stopped him and pulled him back down, climbing onto his lap. She wanted to feel him before he left, wanted him to remember her body on his.

They continued kissing and she felt his arousal as he backed her away. "Livvie, we are in the back of the car."

"I know, I just want you to know, Mister, I can't wait to feel this inside me, she said as she rubbed his erection. I. Can't. Wait."

"It will be sooner than you know Livvie, you know I am full of surprises."

Several minutes later Fitz was on the plane, watching Liv and Huck disappear as it took off to Atlanta.