Chapter 52

"Baby Girl, it is 4 a.m. Your eyes are all swollen and puffy, this is not how I am going to allow you to begin your much anticipated wedding day, I will not have it. You hear me?" Maya sat on the bed facing her daughter. Olivia was sitting up, the bedroom light, the only light on in the big house that would soon be bustling with her wedding party and all the hoopla that came with it.

Liv's forehead went directly to her mother's forehead, and she sobbed a bit more. She put her arms around her mom, just holding her for support. It was so difficult to imagine in a few hours she would be Mrs. Fitzgerald Grant. She was so happy, yet so sad.

The emotions that come from being pregnant mixed with the emotions that is your wedding day were in overdrive, and Maya was the one who would have to help her daughter through it.

Maya put both her hands on her daughter's cheeks. She pulled her head back and looked at her, directly in the eyes. "Come now, none of this, ok?" Her thumbs reached up and took away the tears her daughter was streaming down. It brought back so many memories of the months following Eli's death.

Liv nodded her head in agreement. She reached back and took a few tissues from the box. She wiped the remaining tears and took a deep breath in. She blinked at the ceiling and shook her head. "It was just a wild dream. Thank you for coming in. You must be so tired."

"I'm never tired for you, you know that. Although this could be quality time with Jumbo, but he's with the rest of Fitz's wedding party over at Sammy's new home."

Liv now gave a weak laugh. "I'm so glad you found happiness with him, mom. I never thought you could love again after dad. Did you have any interest when you were over in Paris?"

Maya sat back now against the headboard. "I dated here and there, never anything that gave me excitement. When I saw this gentleman in the room at the hospital, I could just tell he was special, different, you know?"

"Do I ever! I didn't come here at all looking for love. I came here looking for quiet, to put my crazy life behind me, but then he walked up that path and everything I knew about my heart was a lie."

Maya rubbed Liv's knee. "He made it pound, didn't he?"

"He did," Liv fell into a daydream, remembering. "I didn't think I would find the breath to speak and he hadn't even come within a 100 feet of me yet, but I could still feel this chill go up my spine." Her head shook now in disbelief. "I just don't think I could ever explain it in words."

Liv rested her head now on Maya's shoulder. Maya tilted hers to comfort her some more. "That's called love and it hits all of us in a different way. I was waiting for the subway, the R train in New York. I couldn't wait to get home. It was rainy, cold, and just an overall bad day. The doors slid open and the damn train car was packed with people smashing into each other. I didn't want to stand, but I did."

Liv smiled. Eli told her this story many times, but she never heard her mother's version of it. "Then," Maya continued, "someone poked my leg and I almost took my other leg and kicked him. I looked down first and there was this handsome fellow standing up and putting his hand towards the seat." Maya paused.

"Would you like to sit; you look like you had a long day. Eli stood up but only when he saw no one would jump in the seat before me. We got off at the same stop. I thanked him, and as he turned to walk away, I gently took his elbow and asked if he would like to walk with me."

"And that's history. That's how you got here, kid." Liv laughed finishing it the way Eli always would when telling her.

Maya lifted her head. "That's history." Maya felt herself getting emotional. "What he would give to walk you down the aisle today, Baby Girl." She took a deep breath. "But, other plans, God had other plans, and to be honest I never thought you would love again after Tyler. I never thought you would let yourself be loved again."

"When did you know, mom? When did you know I was in love?" Liv looked now at her mom. Her eyes had gone back to normal, no more tears, just questions.

"To be honest, when you called that night, you wanted to run back to New York. It was the incident he had with that cop after your day in the park."

"When DJ broke his leg and Fitz was taken in for questioning. I remember, I was ready to drive back."

"But you didn't, and I knew if you didn't run, you must be in love, or have deep feelings for that man. Was that when you realized you loved him?"

Liv shrugged. "I think so, but I had gotten into a little predicament with my car one of my first days here. He found me stranded on the grass. My heart was pounding, I was so afraid to drive, and he wrapped his arms around me and just let me rest. I never felt so safe in my life, Mom, ever, and I never wanted him to let me go."

"And he didn't. Today you begin your happy ever after." Maya rubbed Liv's belly now, tiny and round, yet so perfect. "You have two hours before everything gets started. Use it to get some sleep." Maya kissed her daughter gently on her forehead. "I love you with all my heart, and I will be smiling the proudest smile when this day is done."

Liv fell back down on the pillow, and as if the whole conversation was a dream, she fell back asleep ready to get through her much anticipated wedding day.

"What has you up this early son? Or is it this late? I'm going with early." Big Gerry sat on the couch next to Fitz. The new place faced the mountains and with the patio light on, Fitz was staring at them anticipating the sunrise.

Not even looking over at his father, Fitz took a sip of the water he had and put his head back. "Our first kiss was with the sunrise." Fitz sighed remembering the time out on Liv's patio as she waited for the sun to rise. "I had jolted out of a dream of my first lashing in Iraq. The blood was real, the pain was real, and I just jolted up." He looked now at his father.

"Liv was sitting outside; she didn't see me jump from sleep and I went out there. That's when she told me her father died in a car accident that she was with him but survived. That's all she said, nothing else really. We didn't reveal our scars until months later." He shrugged. "And today I begin the rest of my life with her."

Blowing out his bottom lip, Big Gerry gave a big sigh. "I know we talked and talked about all this and we can go around in circles until we're blue in the face, but when you came back and made the decision to leave, I thought it was it for you." He stopped.

"I didn't think anything could bring you back from the damage done to you over there. I've seen soldiers testify in Congress and go back to their hotel room and kill themselves. I was so afraid for you Fitz, but too much of a coward to say anything."

"You weren't a coward. You were just like anyone else. It's not the most comfortable topic to talk about."

"Yeah, but I knew the truth and that was killing me inside. What if you did something? I would only have myself to blame."

"This town gave me reason to keep going, Dad. The people embraced me, and no one knew my story. They let me have my peace."

"In a way I was jealous about that, also angry, but Mellie always said how content you were here. She also knew she would never have your heart. I just wanted someone to be with you who knew what had happened."

"I can understand that. When I saw Liv standing on her porch, from a distance, I could tell there was something there. It was a numbness I can't explain."

"Ahh, yes, that's called love."

"She gave me the feeling of being a man again. She loved being held in my arms, how she looked at me with such comfort, it just all came together."

"I knew I loved Lucia, but I would never make a move, especially not when her children were growing up in our house. I let it go, then you were captured. Her children off to college, and I was there at times for an hour, then back on a plane to DC. I needed her comfort, wanted her love, and when I knew she felt the same there was a feeling that made me realize I do have a heart."

Fitz laughed. "I knew you loved her when I was 10. The way you acted around her, I certainly saw it. You and her getting married, it gave me hope, that Liv and I would be ok. And here we are." Fitz gave a pat to his father's lap.

"You're going to be an amazing father, Fitz. He's one lucky little boy to have the love of two parents that are so in love and vested in each other." Big Gerry stood up. "Long day ahead. I am going to get some sleep. Good choice choosing the day off for the All-Star break so your team could be here too."

Fitz smiled. "The knowledge Liv has of baseball, she deserves the team here, even though she probably had Betty sew an interlocking NY on her dress. I think, if only for today, she'll settle for Lake Monster players being in attendance."

The ceremony was taking place in between Liv's (now her mom's) house and Fitz's (now their) house. It was the first walk they took together just a few minutes after they met, and he boldly invited her have dinner at his place.

"I couldn't think of a better place to get married than the view of the mountains that Liv loves so much. Then, off to the field to have the town there for the reception."

"It's going to be amazing, son, and I am so happy to be a part of it." Fitz stood up and Gerry put his hand on his son's shoulder. He pulled him in for a hug. "I am beyond happy for you, and you surviving that God forsaken torture was for a reason." He hugged his son a bit tighter.

"Thank you, Dad. In that dark dungeon what kept me alive was the hope of having a family to love one day. I just never thought, never could have a imagined it would be this strong, that I would gladly give my life, my everything for my Livvie." Fitz pulled back.

Gerry walked away and Fitz was left for his final thoughts before his day of getting ready began. He looked over to the right. It was Sam and Monica's darkened kitchen, but to Fitz it was a one room dirt floored hut. For a moment he felt the heat beating down his back, the sting of pain from his lashes, and he closed his eyes.

He thought of Livvie, erasing the dreaded memory of where he was held captive and she stepped up and joined him, waiting to be married, to say their vows and to begin their journey to forever. He opened his eyes back up, and there was the kitchen. He walked slowly back to the bedroom to get some rest.

Food delivered, dresses brought in, fittings, last minute make up changes, and family. Liv was surrounded by love, all the people she has loved or has grown to love in the past year. Monica was busting, hoping to make it through the wedding without her water breaking and giving birth.

Betty had flown from Florida, created all the dresses for Liv, including her beautiful wedding dress. Betty stood with Maya in the master bedroom. She was helping Liv to put the dress on. Once she uncovered it, Liv got emotional again.

"That's right, Baby Girl, go on, cry your eyes out, and have make up streaming all down. Will you put those emotions in check, Good Golly." Maya rubbed Liv's shoulder. "This beautiful, talented, Betty comes all the way here and you're crying. Calm down."

Liv took a deep breath. "I never told Betty why off shoulder was so scary for me."

"And seeing the reason now, Liv, you have nothing to fear. Those scars, though traumatizing, are beautiful. I am so glad the young girls designed this. It was my pleasure and an honor to make this for you." Betty carefully put the dress on Liv.

Liv looked in the full length mirror, Maya's back to her. After she fixed her posture just a bit she turned around. "Mom, you can look now."

Maya turned around and just stared. She took deep breaths and covered her mouth, forming tears in her eyes. Trying desperately to calm herself, she couldn't and her emotions from all the years of being strong for her daughter let out.

"Oh, my Olivia, you look beyond beautiful. You are just stunning, delicate, and gorgeous all in one." She walked closer and took Liv's shoulder to spin her around. "Betty, what a remarkable job you did with this dress, it truly is so elegant."

"I had tiny helpers to be honest." Betty was just as emotional as Maya was seeing Liv in the dress. Tulle, glitter, and beads adorned the dress, and the dropped sleeves were an elegant touch. Liv's shoulders and the top of the chest were exposed, elegantly, no cleavage to be shown.

The bottom was taken out slightly at the tummy, it didn't reveal much of Liv's pregnancy, and came out at the bottom forming a small round train. Liv turned now and looked back in the mirror, rubbing her scars and taking a deep breath.

"Your wedding dress should come off your shoulders, so everyone can see them. They are a part of you, and you shouldn't be ashamed ever of who you are." Liv whispered. She paused then said some more.

"For me to be able to love all of you, Livvie, you have to love all of yourself." Facing her mother now she looked at her. "That's what Alyssa said about the dress and Fitz said about my scars. He always gets upset when I am so aware of them, embarrassed by them."

"Well, I think you made an excellent choice." She put her crystal shining tiara on her daughters head, careful not to mess with the hair. "Come on." Maya looked at Betty, let's go get some pictures and get this one married to the man she loves."

In periwinkle dresses, all off shoulders like Liv's, the girls joined her. Liv had chosen Lara as her matron of honor, Abby a bridesmaid, Alyssa and Brianna were junior bridesmaids, and dressed in white, with a similar dress, was Liv's best little friend, Chloe.

Chloe ran to Liv and stopped short of her mother's "NO don't hug her, you'll ruin the dress." Chloe stopped as directed and looked up at Liv. "You are so so beeeutiful Wivvie."

"Thank you, Chloe, and thank you girls, for giving me the courage to wear this dress." Liv smiled.

"It's perfect, Olivia." Alyssa looked at Brianna. "We did good."

"Betty did better, though." Brianna smiled at Betty.

Once the pictures were finished, Liv had some alone time before making her entrance as Fitz's bride. She stood in the corner of the window, the one that had the view of the back and side. Chairs were set up, a white carpet-like trail was down heading towards the front where they would say their vows.

Liv rubbed her stomach. It was still small, but a cute little round. "Baby boy, today I marry your father, the only man I will ever truly love. Look at all these people who love us." Liv watched as the chairs were filling up quickly.

Some were faces she didn't recognize, but she did see several players from the team sitting together. Jordan Lewis, who Liv would never admit out loud, is one of her favorite players, was shaking hands as the hometown hero. He was dressed in a black and white tux and clinging to his arm was beautiful brown eyed brunette. Liv smiled, happy to see young love.

She watched as Sofie directed everyone to their seats. Bryce was giving orders to some staff members and checking invitations. The ceremony was by invitation only, the reception was open to the town. There was a small knock at the door and Liv saw Huck come in.

Not caring, she walked slowly to him and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him down to her shoulder. Her chin rested on his shoulder, and she tried to control all her emotions not to have the tears stream down her face.

"Today." She whispered shakily "is happening because you saved him." She pulled back, not able to look at Huck.

"Liv, you know." Huck stopped when he saw her raise her hand.

"Don't say I saved you. He wouldn't be here if you didn't give him the strength to get through that torture, those beatings, what those bastards did to him."

Huck nodded. He hooked his arm for Liv to take, handing her a gorgeous bouquet. "Come on, they're waiting. You look beautiful." Huck was honored and shocked when she chose him to give him away.

"No one saw Fitz in captivity, his survival strength. I can think of no one better to give me away to that man than the person who knows he his right for me." Liv had told Huck.

With Liv gripping to him now, Huck put his hand over hers and began her journey towards her happily ever after with the man he would swear was one of the strongest humans he had ever encountered.

Team member after team member entered Sammy's new digs. They congratulated him first, then turned to Fitz. He had just finished taking all the pictures for the photographer. Sammy, wheelchair decorated, and all was his best man, along with Sparks, Bryce, and Spark's two boys rounding out his wedding party.

"Hey, boss, you clean up well." Keith Michaels said, giving Fitz a big shake.

"Next up is your wedding. Don't think we forgot about our invite."

Keith nodded. "Absolutely, it's all Samiya talks about that you two are coming. Good luck today."

The others had left the room now and it was just Fitz with Sparks and Sammy. "All those years ago at the naval academy, did you ever think Fitz would get married?" Sparks laughed.

"Well, yeah, I never thought I would, but I'm still not, so there's that." Sammy chimed in. "You found yourself a soulmate Fitz."

"I sure did. Look, Sammy, I need to."

"No, not today, Fitz I will not have it. The guilt needs to be gone. I would have done it regardless if you told me not to. This is nothing, nothing, you hear me man. What you endured for two years, two fucking years man, beaten, tortured, starved, come on."

Fitz just looked at Sparks, who shrugged. "He's right, Fitz. We both couldn't get over it, we should have fought harder to be there with you when you were deployed."

Fitz put his head down, rubbed his eyes with his two fingers and pulled himself down to give Sammy a hug. "I love you, both of you like my brothers. You did get me through those two years. Thinking of all the great times we had at academy, the pranks on the base that we pulled, and knowing you were married, it got me through some pretty shitty days." Fitz sat back.

"As if they all weren't shitty. Hell, I would've found that camp and blew it up with one fucking missile drop." Sammy still had his anger over all of it.

"So, Liv picked Huck to give her away, that's pretty special, huh?" Sparks asked.

"Yeah, guys, he saved my life. I wanted it over, done, I couldn't take the pain anymore, and he did it, he helped me escape. His guilt is not doing it sooner. But look at us all now."

He looked at Sammy, "and you…daddy soon,"

After a long deep breath, Sammy said "yeah, and this new place thanks to you. We're ready. I think she's been pushing the baby back in just so she didn't miss this wedding." Sammy laughed.

They all turned as Fitz's father walked into the room. "Still the best of friends after all these years."

"Baseball team owners, Navy brothers, and friends for life. We are still here, not going anywhere." Sparks shook all their hands and turned to Fitz.

"Are you ready? You have quite the crowd waiting for you."

Fitz took a deep breath. "I've been ready since I met her for the first time." He looked down. "She's seen me at my worst, my most horrible PTSD episodes and she's still here."

Sparks walked over to him. "It's called true love my friend, embrace it."

"And your scare just a few months ago with the accident." Sammy reminded him.

"Oh my God for those few minutes I thought she was gone; I didn't think I could live in a world without her."

"See, that's what we mean, your soulmate. She's out there and she's coming to you." Big Gerry put his arm around his son. "I am so proud of you, what you have become, what you overcame, and what you will continue to be. I wish I could be half the man you are."

Fitz gave his dad one final hug before he became a married man. He looked at his two friends. "Are we ready?"

Sparks took the handles of Sammy's wheelchair. "Let's go get this done." Sparks leaned over to Sammy whispering in his ear. "You sure about this."

Sammy tapped his friend's hand. "I got this, for him, I'll do anything."

When he had to present the rings to Fitz, Sammy was going to stand and take his first two steps without assistance since the attack. He was nervous, not wanting to ruin the wedding, but he was determined to give Fitz a peace of mind before he left for their honeymoon.

"Ok, I'll be right behind you." Sparks tapped his shoulder.

"I know you will."

Fitz took one last look in the mirror. He ran his hand down through his curls and he smiled. The curls that Livvie loved so much. He loved feeling her hand go through his hair, and tonight they would make love as husband and wife.

He turned from the mirror and remembered although this would be a happy day in her life, one of the happiest he hoped, he knew she would still be missing her father. That is why at the front of the reception, he had a huge photo of her and Eli blown up for all to see.

Maya had given him the picture. It was from when Liv was 6 and he took her to the father daughter dance at school. Liv was dressed up as was Eli, and it was perfect to go with the day and the celebration. They would do their first dance in front of it, since Liv wouldn't get a father daughter dance.

Abby, the day before, had all the decorations ready for both the park and the backyard areas. The trellis under which Fitz and Liv would say their vows was uniquely decorated with a rounded arch. The guests would be facing the beautiful mountain view, and the trellis is wrapped in a white tulle curtain decorated with pink and periwinkle colored flowers.

Fitz was now in place standing under the trellis waiting with held breath to see his stunning bride. Sammy was behind him and Sparks just behind Sammy. Fitz looked at Maya smiling in the sunlight, Jumbo sitting next to her. He was happy Maya had someone here, but Fitz was sure she was hoping it would be Eli watching his daughter get married.

Reaching into his front pocket, he felt to make sure he had the handwritten vows he had made. Looking at the paper he took a deep breath, and he heard the faint sound of piano music begin to play.

One by one, her wedding party walked in. First the two girls, side by side, hair done nicely and curly, all smiles as they led the way for the bride.

Next came Abby, looking around a few moments, just making sure there was nothing wrong with setup and everything was in place. She stepped aside as Lara walked slowly down the aisle followed by the most precious flower girl in Chloe. Daisy walked slowly beside Chloe. Daisy was dressed with a pink bow tie and had a small dress on with a tutu.

Chole sprinkled tiny purple petals on the white trail making way for Liv. Daisy followed Chloe as she stood next to Lara, waiting for Liv to make her entrance.

Liv and Huck stepped up, everyone stood up and faced them. Liv saw Fitz standing from where she was and she remembered that driveway, that first night, and she blinked her tears away. Hidden in Huck's pocket was the vows Liv wrote and he would hand it to her after he gave her away.

The music began the wedding march and Liv and Huck walked slowly to the front, Liv ignoring her thoughts of what everyone must be thinking of her scars. Today wasn't the time. The love of her life was waiting and that is who she focused on.

Sammy handed Fitz a few tissues, as Fitz wiped away the tears that began to fall upon seeing his Livvie in her wedding dress. She was beyond beautiful, and he didn't see scars, he saw her, and her delicate face her gorgeous skin tone as Huck stopped and Olivia was announced.

She stepped up the tiny step, handing her bouquet to Lara and taking the paper from Huck. Immediately her eyes interlocked with Fitz's and from that moment until the vows were done, it was just her and him.

The sunlight bringing out the strong blue that dazzled Olivia from the moment she met him. He took her hand, the one without the paper, and then Liv did something. She knew the vows by heart, and she handed the paper to Lara so both her hands could hold Fitz's.

Liv began with her vows. "When you hold me, day or night, you become my comfort. For the rest of my life, I will seek comfort in you and your arms. The strength you have given me and continue to give me is everything. We will not be divided because being loved by you will make me stronger. I promise to always help you, guide you, and be your light. You will never know darkness again and I will be by your side for as long as I am breathing."

The deputy mayor performing the ceremony asked for the rings. Fitz felt movement behind him and looked at Liv then looked at Sammy taking two steps and holding his hand out for Fitz to take the rings. Fitz hugged him to give him support and Sammy whispered in his ear. "For you, and that strength you give her, you give everyone. Go make her yours." He took two back steps and sat back down.

Liv took the ring and put it on Fitz's finger. "With this ring, I thee wed."

Fitz cleared his throat. He too did not need the paper in his pocket. He looked into those brown doe eyes, the ones that were so sad the first time they met and saw them smiling now.

"My love, Livvie, you are my light. I plan to spend my lifetime loving you, as often as I breathe is as often as I will love you. From the moment we met I could feel our souls had a connection and in that moment, I would never let you go. You guide me, you light up my world, and you are the inspiration that keeps me motivated. From now and until I take my last breath, I will live and breathe love for you."

He took the ring and took her finger. "With this ring I thee wed."

"I now pronounce you husband and wife." The deputy mayor paused. "You may kiss the bride."

Wrapping his arms around her waist, gently he lifted her as their lips connected and they both entered a place no one else would ever come between. They kissed a beautiful kiss to the applause of all the guests. They stopped and faced the crowd holding up each other's hands and smiling with the happiness of the day.

Pictures were being taken by the dozens. Liv's mouth muscles were getting tired from smiling. Finally the bride and groom just looked around and everyone had seemed to clear out headed to the reception in the park.

Fitz faced her. "You make my heart stop beating, Livvie, you are the sunset, the sunrise, and a rainbow all in one." He took a deep breath and pulled her towards him. "I love you Mrs. Grant."

"What did you just say?" Liv asked smiling.

"I love you MRS. GRANT!"

"Mrs. Grant." Her head rested on Fitz's shoulder just beneath his neck. "Oh how I love the sound of that."

"How about we skip the park and go right to the cabin? No one will be the wiser." He rubbed his hands over her smooth back and massaged his way up to her shoulders. He put his lips on her neck. "I don't want to share you with anyone, I want to start our wedding night." He could feel his dick stirring in his pants.

She reached down, knowing he would be hard. She massaged it softly. Liv gave a low moan. "Down boy, we have to go celebrate us, we deserve it." Her hand was resting on the back of his neck, and she pulled him in for a long, tongue filled kiss. When she stopped, she said "I'll give you the best wedding night ever, remember five times Fitz, maybe we can replicate that, but add one more."

"Oh, what's the one more?"

"Married Fitz, because that's my biggest turn on."

"Hmm," Fitz mimicked as she walked towards the car. "Maybe I should tell my wife that."

When the car pulled up to the park, it was a celebration already in the making. Loud music, tons of food, and the amount of people there were endless. Most of them walked to the stage setup almost like when Fitz and Liv performed on it, just a bit smaller, a tad more decorated, and the image of Liv dancing with her father for all to see.

For a moment, Liv and Fitz stared at the picture before dancing. "Fitz," Liv whispered, "where did you get this?"

"Maya gave it to me, and I had it enlarged so he could be a part of our day."

Liv's head rested on his shoulder, and she heard her father's voice. "You did it Baby Girl. I see you, and I am smiling down. You made it, now go celebrate your husband."

The music began playing, their wedding song. It's a song sung by Peter Cetera and Cher, "After All" and it suited them perfectly. As they were dancing, Liv's arms hung behind Fitz's neck as her forehead fell to th bridge of his nose. "I just love you so much." She whispered almost crying.

Fitz squeezed her closer to him. "Are you alright Livvie? I didn't mean to upset you at all today."

Liv looked at him. "I'm fine, so in love with my husband." She kissed him, not realizing the crowd was watching and she heard squeals and applause.

"Wivvie!" They heard Chloe's voice when the dance was over. Liv picked her up.

"Thank you for being the best flower girl ever." Liv kissed her cheek.

"Oh, Wivvie, you were the most pwettiest bwide in the whole world." Chloe went down and joined her sisters in dance.

Using the dee jay's microphone to thank everyone for coming and to enjoy the ceremony, Fitz guided Liv off the stage as they began to dance, celebrate, eat, and share their love for a few hours.

They would head to their favorite love making stop in the cabin to celebrate two nights of wedded bliss. For now, they greeted the people from the town who had embraced them, protected them, and had cheered for them from day one.

A/N: The wedding nights will be their own chapter. Hope you enjoyed this one.