A/N: Thank you to all the readers still vested in the story. We may be on Chapter 42, but there is still so much story to tell. Happy reading and I hope you enjoy. I look forward to your reviews.

Chapter 42—Together

Liv felt something she had missed for two weeks. She felt the security, the love, and the safety of being held in Fitz's arms. She opened her eyes to a new day, taking in the fresh smells of the Vermont cabin. Liv cuddled up to the crook of Fitz's neck.

"MMM I've missed you, Livvie." He kissed her forehead, pulling her closer to him as if that was even possible. "How did you sleep?"

"Like the baby we are going to have soon." Liv rubbed his chest, reminding him of the news she gave him before they both fell asleep.

"Yeah." He rubbed her back. "I still can't believe that. You hungry? Let me get up and make us something to eat. So what do you want to do today?" He stood up and put his boxers on as he walked over to the kitchen.

Liv turned to her side, watching him walk away. "Maybe watch the interview I missed with you on Primetime, then we can take a walk on the grounds, and finally, call my mother. I can't put that off much longer."

Fitz reached up, grabbing a pan, and took some things off the counter and out of the fridge. "Wait, you missed my interview?" He stopped and looked over at her. "That makes me sad." He pouted.

"Oh stop, I was mad at you, I didn't want to see your handsome face and hear your charm without being able to hold you." She sat up now, pulling his t-shirt over her. "Besides, you're already my hero, I don't need to hear you tell some reporter what I already know." She sat now on the island highchair watching him work his wonders in the kitchen. "What are you making?"

"Our first meal we had here." He smirked. "Do you remember?"

"I'll never forget, French toast." Liv smiled. "You're so good to me Fitz."

He leaned towards her, his elbows on the island. They were face to face. "Promise me you won't miss the June 2nd game and weekend at the Lake Monsters." He just looked at her, still hurt she missed opening weekend.

"Fitz, I would never, even if I was mad at you again. I know how much that weekend means to you, honoring the veteran's and the POW's. I'm not that harsh." She poked his nose.

He smiled. He turned back towards the stove. "So, how do you think your mother is going to take the news?"

"You should hear her scream happiness from Paris. I wouldn't be surprised if she's on the next flight out of there to Vermont. All she's ever wanted was a grandbaby, she is going to be so happy for us, and even happier she decided to move back here in time for a grandbaby to be on the way." Liv watched as Fitz placed a plate with two pieces of French toast in front of her.

Liv savored every bite of the meal Fitz cooked. She didn't know if it was now the knowledge of being pregnant, but she felt like she devoured the two pieces. When Fitz walked over with his plate, he just smirked. He dropped his plate in front of her and walked back to make himself some more.

"Thank you, Mister." She smiled. "I can't help it your offspring is making me hungrier than I normally am."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just so you know, Sophie sent over some home made spaghetti and meat balls for later, so don't stuff yourself too much with the French toast."

While Fitz was in the shower, Liv took the time to face time Maya. She still wasn't sure if she should break the news to her over the face time or wait until she arrived in person in a month. Maybe Liv will have a baby bump by then.

"Baby Girl, I though you fell off the face of the Earth. What have you been up to? I didn't even hear from you after the interview aired. You know what, don't say I didn't call you because I did. What's going on?"

"Hi mom, yeah, fine, and you? Oh that's good to hear."

Maya brushed her hand in the air. "Don't hi mom me."

"Fitz and I had a falling out."

"After your engagement? No! Liv get back to that boy and apologize, no, you are not losing him, whatever you did, you make it right."

"Gee, I'm glad you're on my side mother, that's very comforting."

"Mmm hmmm. Did you hear that interview, how he gloats over you. Girl even I never spoke of you with that much love."

Liv chuckled. "Actually, mom, I haven't seen the interview yet, but thanks for the spoiler."

"What do you mean?...Girl, you better get your ass back to Vermont, because knowing you, you ran away all the way to NY, and you know what I don't blame that man for not running after you. You need to learn your lesson."

Liv was out right laughing now; she just couldn't contain it. "Mom, we're fine."

"Oh, then where is Fitz? And why haven't you watched the interview?"

"Well, if you would give me a moment, geez, you better get your behind here, you are lonely. You need people to talk to."

Liv cleared her throat as her mother was giving her a death stare. "Anyway, mom, we had a falling out, but we're alright. He was up at the stadium for opening week, and I stayed behind in Rutland. It was a tough two weeks. He's in the shower now, we are at the cabin."

"Why aren't you in the shower with him, you do remember how babies are made right?"

"Yes, mother. Mom." Liv whispered. Liv felt her throat become tight. She got choked up, and began to cry. "Fuck." She said. "These emotions." She took a deep breath.

"Baby, what is it? Why are you cry…..Oh my God…..you're pregnant. YES! You're pregnant! YES! YES! YES!"

"Mom, how do you…never mind." Liv knew better than to ask her mother how she knew. How did she know anything? "Yes, mom, we're pregnant. I just found out. Mom, I am so scared."

"Well, of course you are, that's only normal. How did Fitz take the news?"

Liv grabbed a tissue. She took a deep sniffle. "Oh, mom, he's so happy. We're so happy. I go in two weeks for an ultrasound." She just looked now at Maya.

"You want me there, don't you?"

Liv nodded. "I would love to have you here, but I understand if it's too much to move so much sooner than you planned." Liv wiped another tear away.

"My baby girl wants me there, I'll be there." She smiled at Liv.

"I'm not going to lie mom, the scars, how do you think my stomach is going to look all stretched out with those scars?"

"Why in the world would that even be an iota of worry for you? Will you stop? You'll be fine."

Liv turned as Fitz came out of the shower. "HI MAYA" he yelled from the bedroom.

"Boy, it's about time you did something…."

"MOM!"

"Congratulations Fitz, Liv told me, well, I knew. If you don't mind, I'll be heading to Rutland a bit earlier than planned, is that ok with you?"

"Perfectly fine."

"Just like you, Mister." Liv smiled at Fitz.

"Ok, you two already made the baby, go cuddle, or whatever. Liv I'll call you in a few days with more details. Oh yeah, I'm gonna be a grandma, time to spoil a baby. Love you, Baby Girl."

They sat quietly together, with Daisy at their feet, listening to the water run in the pond. Watching the fish as they swam freely in their habitat, Liv rested her head on Fitz's chest.

"Tomorrow Monica and Sam are doing their gender reveal, what do you think they are having?"

"I don't know" Fitz answered. "For a strange reason I think they are having a boy."

"I'm getting boy vibes too." Liv said

"Maybe that's a hint?" Fitz rubbed her shoulder.

Liv took a deep breath. "How was opening weekend? Fitz, I'm sorry…"

"Stop apologizing, it's done with, ok." He took her chin and had her face him. "We're together now, that's what matters."

She agreed. "I heard the Lake Monsters went 6 and 0, that's impressive. But it wasn't against the Yankees, so it's not all that to brag about."

"Hmm…. looking at the standings, after opening weekend, Lake Monsters 9-3 and the Yankees 4-8, so I'll take it." Fitz gave her a poke.

"Still early in the season, just have the basement door opened for those Lake Monsters. It gets dark down there." She poked him back. "How have you been? Any episodes? Any nightmares?"

Fitz shrugged. Being away from her, it did take a toll on him. He woke up in his hotel two times after blacking out. He is sure more of it was the fear of losing her. He was able to bring himself back both times though. He didn't want to worry her now, knowing she is pregnant.

"I've been fine, it was just a rough two weeks. I just love you so much and not being near you…it's just." He grabbed her hand. "I just don't want that to ever happen again." He kissed her hand and they stood to walk in the blossoming garden now.

"Well, all I've been doing is crying if that's any consolation. These emotions are no joke. I went to the McClellan's for dinner. Chloe told me how beautiful the ring was and I started crying. It's crazy."

"I'll remember to carry tissues around wherever we go."

Fitz's arm was around Liv, his hand resting on her shoulder now. They continued to walk through the gorgeous flowers blooming in the spring air. "Are you telling your father, Fitz?"

"The Lake Monsters play the Giants next month. Do you feel up to traveling to California with me? We can tell him in person. Would you mind?"

Liv was happy he was making an effort to see Gerry. "I would love that."

"Yeah, Sparks will be there with the boys. We can make a little vacation out of it." Fitz looked up at the sky darkening.

"Uh, oh, looks like we are getting some…" Before Liv could finish, the rain came down. Fitz scooped her in his arms, and headed to the door, Liv laughing the whole way.

By the time they got to the cabin they were soaked. They stood on the small porch and just laughed. Daisy, running right behind them was shaking the wet off her coat, and that's why they waited a bit to open the door.

Settled down now for the night, after a delicious and filling and dinner, they sat comfortably on the couch in the darkened cabin.

Fitz turned on the television and went to the recording of the interview. Her legs up on the couch, and her head resting on Fitz, she watched as the interview began. She was glad he was there to watch it with her. She wouldn't have felt right watching it alone.

Young Jared Anderson was trying his best as not to look so nervous, but the poor kid couldn't help it. Fitz patted him on the shoulder told him to relax, they were just talking.

J: "So, you were a POW as you revealed while testifying in front of a panel in DC. Could you talk a bit about that?"

F: "After two tours in Iraq I was called for another deployment several years ago. It was a regular mission; one any Navy pilot wouldn't question. Within the battle, I was shot down and landed in enemy territory. I was held captive by the Iraqi Army for two years."

J: "So, all you had was what? Did you have any communication?"

F: Shaking his head. "I had no contact with the outside world. I would assume negotiations were ongoing, but I had no idea if I would ever get out."

J: "Were you tortured?"

F: "As I showed the world, in a sense, yes. I have scars on my back, but that's what happens in war."

J: "Only yours was caused by our own military, correct?"

F: "One man, with some allies, caused my capture and subsequent torture, I wouldn't demean the whole military because of that one man. I still am honored to have fought for my country and I am grateful for the men and women that continue to do so."

J: "How are you coping now, something like that, an experience like that, doesn't just leave your memory."

F: "No, Jared, you're right it doesn't. Hopefully by the time this airs, I'll be engaged to be married to Olivia, the absolute love of my life. It is because of her I can tell my story, to live in my truth, and to move on from this torture."

J: "Let's talk about the Lake Monsters."

F: "Total shot in the dark. I asked two Navy friends if they wanted to venture into baseball ownership and here, we are. My partners have been on the front lines the past few years, and now I'm ready to join them. I was more of a silent partner."

J: "The New Year's Eve gala here in Vermont, that was something."

F: "It was and it's where I introduced Olivia to the world too. Like I said, I'm not alone in this, she is my everything."

J: "Rutland, Vermont. What does that town mean to you?"

F: "It's home. I arrived there at a time in my life when I didn't know what I wanted. I saw a struggling small town, on the brink of bankruptcy, on the brink of losing small businesses, and I worked with the council to save it. I look forward to raising a family there one day, with Olivia of course."

J: "Of course." Jared smiled. "Any words? Anything you'd like to say about the military, Lake Monsters, Rutland, and Olivia, that you've haven't said already?"

F: "If you are in any kind of position to give to others without payback, do so. If you consider serving our country, just know so many respect you and your decision than you'll ever know, come out to a Lake Monster's game, whether in Vermont or on the road, visit Rutland on your way through Vermont, you won't be disappointed. Finally, Livvie, you are the love of my life and I look forward to what our forever brings."

Daisy had moved closer to the couch now. Liv was sobbing in Fitz's arms. She let out a big sob. "Don't worry, girl." She patted Daisy. "These are happy tears." Liv looked up at Fitz.

She cupped his face and brought him down for a kiss. "I love you so much Mister. I know that interview wasn't easy."

"You've given me more strength than you will ever imagine Liv, I mean that."

She nodded her head. Fitz clicked to the baseball game. Lake Monsters were in Chicago playing the White Sox. They were winning 1-0 in the bottom of the third.

With the game on as background noise now, Liv felt her eyes getting heavy. She sat up. "I'm going to head to bed. You staying up?"

"Yeah, I want to watch the game." He gave her kiss as she walked to the bed. Since Fitz wasn't occupying the other side, Daisy seemed it fine to take over. She cuddled next to Liv as Liv fell asleep.

At some point, Liv felt her hand being pushed and heard a small whimper. She woke up to darkness with just the glow of the pond shining into the cabin. Daisy was above her, pushing her hand, almost trying to wake her up.

"What is it girl?" She turned to see an empty bed. "Where's Fitz?" She looked towards the couch, but it was empty, the tv off. Liv tried to get her night vision going. She heard some heavy breathing and looked over towards the corner.

He was in the same corner the last time he was here, right before he told her his story. Liv jumped from the bed and went over to him. He was shaking, his head in his hands, and Liv could feel the sweat coming through his shirt.

She remembered what Janey had told them in therapy sessions. PTSD, especially in soldiers, does not just go away. The smallest trigger can wake the beast inside. Liv sat down, right next to Fitz, and Daisy joined not too far away, resting at Fitz's feet.

Liv took his hands from his face and his tear filled eyes looked at her. This wasn't going to go well, with Liv being a crying mess lately, she felt her eyes fill with tears. He seemed to be in so much pain.

"Fitz." Liv whispered. "It's ok, you're safe." She ran her hands through his hair, it was soaking with sweat. She cradled his head in her arms. "Fitz, are you hearing me?"

His arm wrapped around her waist. He began kissing her stomach, caressing it softly with his hand. His body was still trembling, not so much as it was, but Liv could feel it.

"What if I can't do it Liv, what if I can't be a dad?" He buried his face into her.

She held him tight. The only trigger she could think of was the interview. She made him watch it with her, did she bring this out in him? Liv took a hard swallow. "Fitz, look at me."

His head in her hands, he looked at her slowly. "We will do it. We will do this together. This baby is going to have the best father ever. Do you hear me?"

Fitz shook his head.

"I told you how scared I was, and you comforted me. You'll be fine, Fitz, I promise."

"I can't lose you Liv, I can't ever lose you."

"You won't. It's never going to be that easy, you know. I like your French toast too much."

He let out a small laugh. "Just my French toast?"

"Oh, so many other things, but food came to mind first." She shrugged. "Let me go get a cloth, let's get you up, into bed."

Daisy came over so Fitz could grab her collar, and Liv had her arm around him. She came over with a cool cloth, wiping him down and getting him into a new shirt and boxers.

"I'm sorry, Liv. I should have told you this happened when I was away for opening week, but I think it was because I was really missing you."

"And what did you tell me? Stop apologizing. This is one of the reasons we saw Janey, right, so we know how to cope through this."

Fitz nodded. He pulled her down into his arms and rested his head on hers. Liv's hand was caressing his face, and that's how he remembers falling asleep.

Liv watched him from the glow of the pond. The demons will always be there, inside both of them. She had no doubt the love they both had for each other, the love they will have for their baby would get them through the darkest of times in their lives.

Back in Rutland, Liv and Fitz stopped by to see Monica and Sam first. They were getting ready for the gender reveal at Sophie's in a few hours and Liv and Fitz wanted to see if they needed any help.

"No, we're good." Monica looked at Fitz. "So, you two are alright?"

"Yeah, we're alright." Fitz looked at Monica's stomach getting slightly bigger than a bump now. "You look good Monica, any idea what you think the baby is?"

"I'm thinking boy, but we'll know soon. The only other person that knows besides the doctor is Leo. He's making the cake with the reveal."

Liv wheeled Sam out from the house. "So, this guy thinks he's having a girl. I say boy, anyone want to break the tie?"

Monica and Fitz just laughed. "Let the gender reveal do that tonight." Liv walked away with Monica, leaving Fitz to talk to Two Shot.

"How's he doing?" Monica looked over to Fitz. "He came by the other day, concerned about you, so was I might I add."

"It's just what couples go through. I'm sure you've had it with Sam, sometimes you just need some space."

"I hear you." Monica rubbed her stomach. "I can't believe this is real."

"We're so happy for you, after what you two have been thorough, you deserve this."

"Sammy is so nervous. He wakes up at night, losing sleep. He is so determined to be walking before the baby is born, I just don't want him pushing himself to a setback."

"How is the outlook? Do the doctors think he'll walk again?"

"If you asked them two months ago, they would have said no, but now, they are optimistic. He's been working his ass off, and his muscles are only getting stronger."

"I know Fitz blames himself for what happened to him, I keep telling him not to, but you know."

"I know, and he shouldn't. Sam holds no grudge or anger about it. He still says what happened to Fitz is worse than what happened to him, losing two years of his life." Monica looked at Liv's ring.

"Excited to be wedding planning?"

"I don't think I'll do an ounce of planning between Abby, the girls, and my mother, I think it's covered. My mother is coming, she's going to live back here in the states."

"Liv, that's great. Oh, you need the house back, don't you?"

"Nonsense. She'll stay with us in Fitz's place and if she wants she can get a small place nearby. Soon we'll be groundbreaking on your place, so no rush." Fitz called over to Liv. "See you at Sophie's later."

"Boy, no girl, no girl, no boy. I'll give her the boo one, no I'll give her the pink one. Oh why is this so diffacwult." Chloe was talking to nobody.

"Will you stop? You're being annoying as usual." Brianna said, sitting next to her.

"Hey, I'm not annoying, you're a buwwy." Chloe crossed her arms. "What do you think the baby is, a boy or a girl?"

"I think that's why we're here, and I'm not a bully" Brianna said bothered.

Chloe's eyes lit up and she jumped from her seat when Liv and Fitz entered Sophie's. "Fiiiiiiiiitz," Chloe jumped into his arms. "I missed you so so much." She hugged him. "So did Wivvie." She whispered in his ear. "But don't let her know I towd you, ok, she was sad."

"I missed you too, munchkin. You ready for your summer classes at Huck's?"

Chloe nodded. "Mm hmm, I've been pwacticing in the basement. I'm getting stwonger you know." She put her arm around for Fitz to feel her muscle.

"You sure are." He put her down and she ran to Liv giving her a hug before going back to get bothered by Brianna.

Liv sat down between Lara and Abby. Lara looked at Liv. "Everything OK?"

"Yeah, thanks for everything, it happens."

"What happens?" Abby asked

"Arguing with men." Liv rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, tell me about it." Leo walked by, getting a dirty look from Abby. He smudged some whipped cream on her nose and continued walking. "Jerk." She said.

"I take it he wouldn't tell you the gender?" Liv asked.

"Not a word. So not fair."

They all laughed. Abby got up to wipe her nose and help Leo out in the back. Lara leaned in towards Liv. "So when is your reveal going to be?"

Liv head turned towards her with a shocked look in her eyes. She looked at Fitz who was talking with Bryce so she knew he didn't say anything to Lara. "How did you?"

"Honey, three times I was in your position. Crying for no reason, moody all the time, and exhausted from doing nothing. I knew the second you left the house you were pregnant."

Liv took a breath of relief. It was nice that someone else knew. She smiled. "I went to the doctor the next day and she confirmed it. After the incident with DJ, I didn't take the pill for a few days. Well, here's the result."

"How is he?" She nodded towards Fitz.

"Scared, nervous, the same as I'm feeling. We both have different fears."

"It's not unusual Liv. The two of you have been through so much, you certainly endured more pain than the average person, but no doubt you'll do fine through the pregnancy, I'm always here for you." Lara rubbed Liv's hand.

"MOM!" Alyssa yelled. "CHLOE WON'T STOP BEING ANNOYING!"

Lara smiled at Liv. "Motherhood. There's nothing like it."

"Wait, the boo neckwace, no the pink one, no the boo." Chloe kept switching the necklaces as Sam and Monica were about to cut the cake.

"Chloe, you need to make your decision." Lara said patiently.

Chloe took the pink one off and put it around Liv. "Can you howd this for me, pwease Wivvie? I'm weaving the boo one on Monica."

Liv looked up at Fitz. "She hasn't been wrong yet." Liv shrugged. "You think her sixth sense told her something?"

"Could be." He said as he kissed her temple and watched the cake get cut.

Monica placed the piece on the plate in front of Sam and Chloe ran and switched necklaces from Liv to Monica. She clapped. "I knew you were having a girl."

The room erupted in laughter as Liv looked down at the blue necklace. Could she be the one to add a boy to the Rutland clan?

Before everyone left for the night, plans were already being made for the baby shower. Now that the gender was revealed, Sophie and Abby would be getting things ready.

Fitz made the announcement that groundbreaking on Monica's and Sam's house would begin the following week and a time frame on completion would be set from there. "Welcome to the Rutland family."

Liv was already crying, as Sophie gave her a big hug. "You don't have to cry honey; this is a good thing."

Liv laughed between the tears. "I know it is Sophie, I'm just so happy everything is going well for them."

"After the baby shower, we'll be planning a wedding shower, then a wedding. Oh my, it's going to be a busy year." Sophie walked away.

"You have no idea" Liv whispered.

"Ok, then dad, we'll see you in about a month. We're looking forward to it. Are you sure you don't mind Sparks and the family coming out?"

"Not at all, it'll be good to have the company. The staff is growing bored, it'll give them something to earn their money for other than pampering me."

"Make sure they all know they'll be heading to the Lake Monster's game, ok."

"Out here, we call it the Giants game. Talk to you soon, Fitz. Give my love to Liv."

"You feeling better?" Liv joined Fitz in bed.

"Yeah, it was great tonight. Another little girl. Chloe will be happy; she won't be the youngest anymore."

Liv looked at the blue necklace she kept from Chloe. "So, what do you think?"

"I honestly don't know, Liv, I just want the baby to be happy, to be healthy, and to be surrounded by love."

"I agree with you, Mister." She gave him a kiss. "Good things are happening, ok, believe that in your heart Fitz."

"Things went wrong for so long, Liv, it's hard to believe, but I do. I mean what more is out there that life can throw at us?"

From a small one-bedroom apartment deep in the city of Harlem, the newly released former prisoner, Edison Davis clicked off his small television. The last vision he saw was Fitzgerald Grant on the screen.

He didn't get through the whole interview. He didn't really care the kind of life Fitz led before getting to Rutland. Grant took away something that belonged to Edison, and Edison was now scraping rock bottom.

It may take months, but Edison was determined to get back on his feet again. Grant has two things belonging to Edison. The town of Rutland, and Olivia Pope, and Edison was going to stop at nothing to get back what's rightfully his.

He turned in his small bed, the sounds of sirens and street gangs outside his window. He looked at the glaring lights from the stores shining into his window. "After all, the only way you can go when you're at the bottom is up."