Epilogue
"Fitz, keep her hat on," Olivia chides playfully as she dangles her feet in and out of the shimmering water, seated gracefully on the pool's edge. The sun casts a golden glow, and the gentle ripple of the water mirrors the calm of the afternoon. She takes a long, refreshing sip of lemonade, her eyes following Fitz as he wades through the pool with their eleven-month-old daughter. Olivia's smile blooms as little Madison claps her tiny hands and splashes them in sparkling arcs. Adjusting the wide brim of her soft pink hat, Olivia savors another sip, lost in the idyllic scene she once only dreamed of—carefree and imbued with peace.
Fitz ambles over, every footstep light as he places Madison gently on the smooth, tiled ledge beside Olivia. In an instant, Madison leans toward her mother, nuzzling her head affectionately against Olivia's shoulder, her little gesture a tender signal for feeding. With tender care, Olivia scoops her daughter into her lap, turning her to face her, and lowers her bathing suit. Madison latches on quickly, her tiny mouth finding comfort as she suckles, the serene rhythm of the moment echoing the quiet intimacy between mother and child. A few minutes later, as if the lullaby of their connection has woven its magic, Madison unlatches and drifts into a deep, peaceful sleep. Cradling her over her shoulder, Olivia ensures that her hat still conceals her drowsy face, a gentle shield of warmth and comfort.
At that moment, Maya appears, gracefully stepping over to Olivia and bending down to lift the slumbering Madison into her arms. "I'll put her in her room," Maya offers with a warm smile, lightly patting Madison's back as if soothing a delicate blossom.
"Thank you, Mom," Olivia replies with genuine warmth, her smile reflecting both gratitude and contentment.
Fitz, ever the doting family man, steps between Olivia's legs and places a soft kiss on her rounded belly. "I think it's a boy," he teases gently, his eyes sparkling as he glances up at Olivia with a wide, hopeful smile.
"It's a girl," Olivia responds, her voice tender as she runs her fingers through his damp, tousled brown curls. "I feel the same as I did when I was pregnant with Maddy."
"Your cravings are different," Fitz observes with a chuckle, climbing out of the pool and settling next to her, droplets of water cascading down his skin.
"Yeah, I have to lay off the French fries, but they're so delicious," Olivia admits with a playful sigh.
Fitz rests his hand over her belly in a loving gesture. "Do you need anything?" he asks softly.
Olivia raises her empty glass in a delicate toast, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "More lemonade, please."
"Coming right up," Fitz promises, his smile as bright as the afternoon sun.
Attempting to rise, Olivia is gently assisted by Eli and Gregory who come to her side, their concern laced with affection. "I'm okay," she chuckles, her voice light as she gradually makes her way toward the table where her friends are gathered.
"How are you feeling?" Abby inquires, leaning her head on Turner's shoulder while watching Autumn frolic in the water, her tone warm and inquisitive.
"I'm fine," Olivia replies with a soft, reassuring tone.
"Damn, Fitzgerald wasted no time knocking you up again," Josh teases jovially, a shrimp caught between his teeth as he pops it into his mouth, the laughter in his voice echoing through the cheerful clamor.
"We want a big family. Well, at least I do," Olivia retorts, her eyes bright with reassurance.
"We've got a lot of deals on the table, Olivia. I need you to be present," Josh adds, his tone shifting to a more businesslike timbre beneath the friendly banter.
"I will be. I worked up until a week before Madison was born and I intend to do the same now. Plus, you're COO of Pope and Associates. You're more than capable," she retorts confidently, her determination and resilience radiating.
"True," Josh concedes with a smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling in understanding and respect.
"It's time," Fitz announces, his voice soft yet resolute, as he strides over to Olivia. His warm hand finds hers, and together they move toward the long, polished table where a large, round cake sits resplendent in delicate pastel hues and intricate swirls of frosting. With a confident grip on the gleaming knife, Fitz prepares to carve, and Olivia gently places her hand atop his, their fingers interlacing in shared anticipation. As the knife sinks into the cake, a perfectly measured slice is removed, and in that precise moment, a small piece of blue cake tumbles softly onto the table, a serendipitous sign. Olivia's eyes light up as she smiles at her husband. "It's a boy," she proclaims, her words filled with quiet joy.
In response, Fitz lifts the slice high for all to see and shouts exuberantly, "It's a boy!" The announcement reverberates among the gathered friends and family as he enfolds Olivia in a tight, affectionate hug, his whispered words floating into her ear, "I love you."
Olivia returns his sentiment with a sparkling smile, replying, "I love you more." With playful grace, she delicately swipes a piece of the icing and slips her finger into her mouth, savoring the sweet, buttery cream that melts blissfully on her tongue. Her gaze drifts around the sunlit backyard, where every corner brims with warmth and love. She observes Josh, Mona, Abby, and Gracie thriving at Pope and Associates—Josh expertly managing the day-to-day operations, Abby lending her creative flair to the designs, Mona conjuring mesmerizing graphics, and Gracie, ever-effervescent, adeptly overseeing the office as her personal assistant. In another corner of life, Gregory and Monica, despite their physical separation, are engaged in heartfelt therapy, working to forgive and mend the bonds of their relationship. Not far off, Chase and Natasha beam with pride at the arrival of their beautiful daughter, Lily, while Drew finds himself irresistibly charmed by Gracie, who forces him to keep pace with her sharp wit. Maya and Eli, though still rooted in Georgia, frequently grace New York with their presence, their visits infusing the booming bed and breakfast with renewed vitality. Monica's practical triumph is evident as she proudly notes that the mortgage is paid off, all while nurturing her thriving online business and lending her support to Maya's flourishing venture.
"You did good," Laura remarks, raising her wine glass to her lips as she admires the joyous scene unfolding before her. "Look how happy he is." Across the space, Huck watches with a mix of amusement and admiration as Fitz lifts little Madison high into the air, her laughter echoing like delicate bells.
"There were a few bumps in the road," Huck reflects, swirling the soda in his glass with a pensive air. He turns to Laura, his eyes questioning, "Having Chase change Gerry's will before his death was genius. But doesn't it trouble you?"
Laura's smile deepens with understanding and conviction. "That poor Gerry was merely a casualty in all of this. No—Fitz's happiness has always been my top priority. Gerry wanted to keep things equal between Fitz and Mellie, yet Mellie never deserved this life." With a tender gesture, she blows playful kisses toward little Madison before continuing, "Olivia was the perfect choice for Fitzgerald. I have the life I've always dreamed of—a son blessed with a beautiful family, with heirs destined to carry on the Grant legacy."
Huck takes a thoughtful sip before asking, "So, what are we going to do now?" He turns his gaze to Laura, anticipation mingled with curiosity.
"Enjoy the fruits of our labor!" she declares brightly, stepping gracefully toward Fitz and Olivia, gathering little Madison into her arms, cradling her as if holding a precious treasure close to her heart.